The sun has already dipped below the tops of the trees as two Sylvanians and their Jupani companion arrive at the town's sole inn. The two-story, stone-walled structure has undergone many repairs since winter – most noticeably the floor of the upper level no longer has large gaping holes in it. Much of the old woodwork has been replaced, with the new construction showing a distinctly Savanite sense of decorum. The tables, stools and benches have also been altered subtly to better accommodate folk with longer digitigrade legs.

A small group of musicians playing near the large hearth pause briefly at the sight of the strangers, but pick up their tune again quickly enough. Several other sets of golden-brown eyes turn to watch the newcomers. Some show surprise, but most are neutral and their owners quickly return to their silent conversations. All of the patrons tonight wear the practical garb of farmers, save for one older cheetah dressed in a faded blue robe and tiara-like headdress made of woven flower and grass stems. That one sits alone near the fireplace, and does not hide his interest in the visitors.

"Saints. I never could tell if spotties were havin' a party or bein' grim and quiet," remarks the lupine as he looks around. "I guess the music helps. Hey, look, that guy over there looks like he might know something. And he ain't turnin' away, so I guess that means he's as interested in us as we're about to be with him." The wolf begins towards the oddly dressed Savanite and then pauses to turn back and add, "Eh, you better do the talkin'. I'm no good at finger wiggling unless it's around a trigger."

The elder Savanite looks somewhat amused by Arkold's comments, while a few of the other patrons lower their ears at all of the noise.

Patting the Eeee lightly on the back, the Sylvanian Sphynx nods, saying a bit more quietly, "I think the quiet is nice. Well, let's head over."

"Avralie. Of course, you should tell me what you'd like me to ask," replies the bat as he walks forward. His attention shifts to the robed Savanite and he nods, then signs, "Good Evening. My companions here are in need of some information. As am I, but my query can wait."

"Few people visit our little village," the robed Cheetah signs back. "And even fewer seeking information. What is it they wish to know?"

"We're lookin' for a brown-haired brown-eyed spotty lass," Arkold informs the Eeee. "She's got a cheese-cutter-thingy the Titanians up at the castle gave her that we're lookin' for." The wolf sniffs the air and leans towards a group with alcohol. "Hey, I wonder what spotties drink? I think I'll broaden my horizons. Hey, waitress?"

Rummaging about in her pockets for a moment, Tulani pulls out one of the small metal puzzle pieces, saying, "We're looking for someone who had a puzzle piece kind of like this one," and holding it out in her hand.

"I've been here before, but it was some time ago now," Alptraum signs in reply. He glances toward Tulani and Arkold. He nods, then signs the inquiry to the elder Savanite, "They seek a brown-haired Savanite woman who is carrying a piece similar to the one the lady next to me holds."

The matron behind the bar jumps slightly at Arkold's call, then smiles and gives him a questioning – if slightly nervous – look.

"I want some ale. Spotty ale. If you have some," the Jupani tells the woman. He lifts his hands to make a vaguely mug-shaped sign with his two hands. "I've never had spotty ale before, and I feel the need to compare."

After leaning forward to glance at the piece of metal, the elder signs, "What do they seek it for, and where does your lady friend hail from? I have not seen a winged Khatta before."

"He'd like to know why you're seeking it, and where you're from, Tulani," Alptraum says to her. He then glances back to the elder and signs, "Out of curiosity, have a caravan of gypsies been this way anytime recently?"

The bartender nods to Arkold, and fetches a wooden mug. She fills it from an open barrel and sets it on the counter, holding up three fingers to the Jupani.

"Hey what does three fingers mean?" Arkold turns to ask his companions. "Uh, in regards to paying for ale. Oh and, heh, don't get me started on where Tulani might be from."

"A group did pass through when the thaw came, heading north," the man signs. "They caused no trouble."

Tulani smiles at Arkold for a moment, before standing patiently with an ear turned towards Alptraum and politely facing the Savanite. "Oh, I'm from Sylvania myself, grew up here. As for this puzzle piece, we've got the map they're supposed to fit to," she replies.

"Were there any Eeee with them?" Alptraum signs. "They are my adoptive family, and I'm trying to find them. Anyway, the lady is from Sylvania, and they're trying to complete a map, to which the piece they seek belongs."

The wolf shrugs when he sees his companions are too busy with the map to answer him. He digs in his coin pouch and produces three coins of about what he'd expect to pay for a glass of ale. He puts these on the counter and watches the serving matron curiously.

"There may have been an Eeee driving one of the wagons," the oldster replies. "I only saw from a distance, and my eyes are not as sharp as in my youth. The inn-keeper may be able to help you find the brown-haired one, though." He gestures towards the woman at the bar, who is even now nodding her head to Arkold and sweeping his coins into her apron pocket.

Arkold gives the innkeeper a thumbs up before he takes his ale. Before taking a swig he turns to his companions and grins. "Eh, see, it ain't so hard. I guess if I'm goin' to be livin' in these parts I better pick up spotty-hand too. But, eh, I'll have time for that later."

"He says we'd probably do better to ask the innkeeper about the brown-haired girl," Alptraum tells Tulani. He then signs to the Cheetah, "Thank you for your time, sir. One more question, do you know a Savanite named Autumn-Storm?"

Smiling brightly to the elder the Sphynx nods briefly, "Thank you very much."

The ale is a bit weaker than Arkold is used to, with a distinct vanilla flavor.

The robed Savanite nods his head politely to Alptraum and Tulani.

Turning away from the elder, Tulani turns towards the innkeeper, pausing to tap Arkold on the shoulder, saying, "Can I try a sip of that?" and smiling.

In mid-swig the wolf's eyes turn to Tulani. He looks momentarily suspicious of her, as if she might steal his ale, then he nods and hands her the mug. "It's, ah, sweeter. An' not as strong as the stuff the Kampfzengruppe like. I think there's vanilla in it. Huh," he says.

With a sigh, the elder signs to Alptraum, "It has been a long time since I have seen her. She was often in trouble, that one."

Taking a small drink from the proffered mug, the Sphynx notes the vanilla flavor, licking a little extra liquid from her lips before handing back, commenting, "Hmm, The vanilla's kind of a nice touch."

To the Sphynx, the drink is easily recognizable as typical Sylvanian small-beer – a common beverage where the natural water supply isn't always safe to drink.

"Yes, well, she was at that. I'm an old friend of hers. She left with me when I headed north some time ago. Events lead to us going different ways, but I still hope she is well. Thank you again," Alptraum replies and bows slightly. He turns and walks over to the others. He nods to the innkeeper and signs, "Good evening. My friends here are looking for a brown-haired Savanite girl who has a piece that looks like the item the lady here carries. Have you perhaps seen her?"

Arkold takes his mug back after Tulani has a sip. "Right, it's not bad. But if you wan' more you're gettin' your own ale. I haven't had a drink since the last time I had a drink." And then he takes a swig. "Which was before we left the capitol."

Tulani grins at Arkold's comment, stating jokingly, "I swear, sometimes I think you don't trust me."

"I trust you," replies Arkold with a grin. "Just not with my alcohol."

The golden-furred woman seems momentarily taken aback by Alptraum's question, and signs back, "Is she in trouble?"

"I don't think so, I'll ask. It's just a piece to a puzzle these two are trying to solve," he replies. "She wants to know if the girl is in trouble. Fair question."

Looking momentarily startled, the Sphynx turns to the innkeeper. "No, she's not in any trouble I know of. Is there a problem?" she asks, smiling brightly.

The wolf blinks after his jibe and tilts his head as he turns to Alptraum. "Eh? Trouble? No' that I know of. At least not with us," he answers.

"And that would be two answers of, no, she's not," Alptraum signs and grins.

After relaxing slightly, a more thoughtful expression passes across the innkeeper's face. "Is there a reward then, for finding this thing they want?" she signs to Alptraum.

"She'd like to know if there's a reward for finding this thing you're looking for," Alptraum relays.

Frowning thoughtfully, Tulani replies, "We don't have a current reward for the object, is there something she'd like to trade for it?"

"The renewed glory of Sylvania, the answer to the walking dead, and a shining new future," replies the wolf with a hint of sarcasm. "What do we look like, a charity? Okay, okay, I suppose I could offer a small reward for the help and kindness. Bah, no one helps anyone for free these days."

"They don't have anything they currently could consider a reward, but the lady is willing to trade, if there are things you may need," Alptraum signs in reply, then casts a glance to Arkold.

"What?" the wolf wufs as Alptraum turns to look at him. "Okay, maybe a shining new future. But that's not exactly tangible profit for most people," he says.

"Wait here," the woman signs, and goes into the kitchen. After a few moments, she returns, leading a brown-haired girl of about eight years who is clutching something that hangs from a thong around her neck. Upon seeing the visitors, she tries to hide behind the woman's skirts - but is shooed out to face them. She holds up a little triangular piece of metal that she was clutching, and with her other hand signs out, "Trade?"

"She signed a one word question, Trade?" Alptraum tells Tulani.

Tulani smiles to the nervous girl. Crouching down to her eye level, she says, "Yes, we'd like to trade. Is there anything specific you want?" while rummaging through her pockets and pouch.

Arkold gives Alptraum a grin and what might be a wink before he turns to face the little girl and gives her a grin too. He hunkers down on his haunches so that he's not towering over her. "Trade huh? Well, what do you want kiddo? You look like a hard bargainer, so don't squeeze us too hard," he asks her in a friendly voice.

Alptraum kneels down so he's more eye level with the child and smiles. "No need to be frightened. No one is here to hurt you. They're just trying to solve a puzzle, and you found one of the pieces. She'd like to know what you would like in trade for it?" he signs to her.

Some of the girl's shyness fades, and she chews on her lower lip. Finally, she makes a slicing motion in the air with the piece of metal, and signs, "Metal blade!"

"She wants a metal blade," Alptraum says and looks at the others. "Don't look at me. I don't have one."

"Saints alive we've got an aspiring warrior on our hands," remarks Arkold with obvious appreciation. Then his expression wavers and he adds, "Hey, you don't think she's serious? I can't give my sword to a kid. For one I'll need it soon and another it ain't exactly responsible."

"Well, do you have a small knife? Or could you just buy her one?" Alptraum asks with a grin. "Sure, it may keep you from having ale for awhile, but it's worth it, right?"

Alptraum takes a moment to peer closer at the object the girl holds, trying to see if there is any writing.

"Branch-Runner would like a metal kitchen knife to replace the chopper," the innkeeper signs, trying to express the girl's request a little more clearly.

"Ah, they want a better knife for the kitchen," Alptraum clarifies to the others.

The little piece of metal is more of a trapezoid shape on closer inspection, with many small holes perforating it and oddly shaped extensions around its perimeter.

Tulani pauses for a moment at Alptraum's translation before pulling out a chitin dagger, asking, "Can they use chitin instead? If its just for the kitchen?"

"Tulani here has a chitin one," Alptraum signs, then looks over to Arkold, "Do you have something small, perhaps?"

"I'm workin' on it," replies Arkold as he goes through his knives.

The child looks at the chitin dagger, then shakes her head slightly while clutching the bit of metal. Apparently she thinks it's more useful than a chitin blade, which wouldn't last as long under frequent use.

Blinking momentarily, Tulani replaces her knife in her belt, nodding to the young girl. "Ok, maybe my friend will have something," she says, looking to Arkold.

The wolf finally seems to find what he's looking for as he pulls out a long combat knife and shows it to the child. "How about this?" Given its size compared to the eight-year-old girl it would look more like a short sword in her hands than a kitchen knife. "Abaddonian metal. Offworld design. Kampfzengruppe issue combat knife. And I want you to know I feel bad about giving a little girl a knife. Your mother better be careful with you."

Alptraum blinks. "What else are you carrying in there? Yow," he comments.

"Eh, I get around," the wolf offers by way of explanation.

The girl's jaw hangs open at the sight of the long knife, and she quickly pulls the thong holding the puzzle-piece off and holds it out to Arkold. Even the innkeeper is staring wide-eyed at the blade.

"And that would translate to 'Gimme!'," Alptraum says with a smirk.

Rising to her feet and patting the young girl on the head, Tulani grins at Alptraum's comment, before patting Arkold on the shoulder and saying, "You're great, did you know that?"

"Again, I'm goin' to say I feel bad about this. I don' want any guilt trips if anythin' happens. On the other hand, if she grows up and becomes a famous warrior I want some credit," the wolf says before he hands the girl the knife and takes the puzzle piece in return. Then he stands up and pats the child on the head. "Like I said. Hard bargainer."

The wolf turns to grin at Tulani as he hands her the piece. "I did know that, but I never get tired of being reminded of it," he answers.

Alptraum doesn't get up quite yet. He looks up to the innkeeper and signs, "Did you perhaps see the gypsies that passed this way after the thaw? Or perhaps have you seen a Savanite named Autumn-Storm recently at all?"

Holding the knife almost reverently, the girl hurries back into the kitchen. The sounds of chopping can be heard soon after, amid a few happy childlike barks. "Free meals and rooms for you all tonight," the innkeeper signs, beaming proudly. "I sold some meat to the colorful people, perhaps twenty days past, when they came through. The troublemaker has been gone for a long time now. Most would think she came to a bad end after being caught with her hands where they should not have been."

Placing the new puzzle-piece in her pocket with the other two, the Sphynx watches Alptraum's final exchange with the innkeeper.

Arkold twists to lean against the counter as he sips his ale and watches the silent conversation.

"So, you haven't seen her since she left ages ago? I guess that means she didn't come back this way when we were separated. Probably wise. With the gypsies, were there any Eeee with them?" Alptraum inquires next.

The woman nods, and signs, "A man and woman that I saw, with their own wagon. They were all going north, towards the sea towns."

"Thank you. They were my adoptive parents, most likely. I've been trying to find them since I got back," Alptraum signs, then stands back up. "Well, it looks like we've both gotten what we were looking for. I've got a lead on my family to follow now," he says.

Tulani smiles to the Eeee. "Great! Thanks for the help!

"Eh, back north I go, I suppose," Alptraum grumbles. "I missed them by less than a Sphere."

The wolf nods. "Guess you'll be partin' ways in the mornin' then? I'm not sure where we're headed next, so if we're goin' your way we'd be glad to travel with you. Probably know where we're headed soon. In fact… " He glances at Tulani, saying, "We should hit one of the rooms and clean the cheese cutter off and get a look at it."

"Ah, are the ruins still around on the outskirts of town?" Alptraum signs to the innkeeper.

Nodding to Arkold, the Sphynx thanks Alptraum on more time, before pulling out the puzzle piece and wiping it on a bottom corner of her shirt, and looking for sleeping quarters.

"No problem," Alptraum tells Tulani and Arkold, "Glad to be of help. Well, if you do end up heading north for a bit, sure. It's generally safer to travel in a group around here."

"They have not been settled yet, but still stand," the innkeeper answers. She catches Tulani's look, and points towards a staircase (although really it's more of a heavily built ladder) that leads up to the second floor. "We have Rughrat broth tonight, and fresh bread," she signs, even if the Sphynx can't understand her.

Arkold turns to look for the sleeping quarters as well. When he spots what he thinks is the right way he glances at the bartender and says, "Goin' to need some water up in the rooms. Probably a towel too if you can spare it. Need to clean this thing off." Then he turns to Alptraum and gives him a nod. "Like I said we'll know soonish I'm thinkin'. We follow the puzzle."

Alptraum nods and says to the two, "The ladder leads up to the rooms. And they have Rughrat broth and bread for dinner. That's what she signed, just so you know."

Arkold pauses to hold out his hand for the map and puzzle bits. "I'll set this up if you want to grab some food Tulani," he offers.

Tulani hmms, turning to the innkeeper, she asks, "Can we bring food upstairs?" Turning to Arkold, she notes, "I'd rather be there when you put it together if that's okay?"

The wolf nods. "Yeah, guess that's best. I'll head upstairs and get things ready then. Besides I could use some sitting down. My feet are killing me." He gives a wave and then he's off.

The innkeeper hurries to cut off Arkold, only to make 'follow-me' gestures as she leads him up the ladder.

"So, what's the puzzle you and your boyfriend are trying to solve?" Alptraum asks Tulani.

"Oh, right, thanks," wuffs Arkold. He steers his course to follow the Savanite woman instead. "I haven't had enough ale yet. Not thinkin' straight."

The Sylvanian Sphynx chews her lip thoughtfully for a moment, not sure how much to tell, before coming to an abrupt decision, smiling, and replying, "Do you want to come up and see?"

"The night is still young. I suppose I could. I can still make camp up in the ruins later tonight," Alptraum replies with a shrug, then glances around the inn.

The upper level of the inn consists of a single hallway, with small rooms spaced along both sides. Another room sits at the end of the hall, and is notably different from the others in that it has an actual door, rather than just a heavy cloth curtain. This is the one the inn-keeper leads Arkold to, showing him to a relatively large room with actual wooden beds, a table and a washstand. After leading him inside, she offers up a wooden key to him, smiling brightly.

Arkold returns the smile with a wag and a grin. He accepts the key and bows slightly. "Thank you missus. Don' mind us if we make some noise, or cause some strange lights or whatnot," he says.

Tulani stops to pick up some fresh bread for everyone, before following Arkold's previous path up the ladder to the upper hallway, glancing back occasionally at Alptraum.

The woman just bobs her head politely, and dashes back down the hall to return to the guests downstairs.

"I will bring up food for you and your friends," the innkeeper signs to Alptraum as she dashes past him and Tulani.

Alptraum just shifts the pack on his shoulder and follows along. "This place is still strange," he comments.

Tulani holds back any reply to Alptraum's comment, not knowing if he refers too the Savanite village or Sylvania in general.

Arkold stands at the entrance to their room with the door opened. "C'mon in. I moved the basin near the table and grabbed some chairs," he calls out to the two down the hall. "Have a seat and we'll get started."

"You two aren't going to blow up anything, summon ghosts, or have some sort of weird slumber party, are you?" Alptraum asks warily. "I've had more than enough of dealing with the supernatural, believe me."

Nodding to Arkold, the Sphynx pulls out chairs for both her and Alptraum, sitting down and glancing at Arkold before replying, "Not sure. Ghosts maybe, but hopefully nothing will blow up."

Alptraum flinches at the ghosts comment, then nods. "All right," he says and spreads his wings slightly so he can sit down.

"Eh, you're not some kind of necromancer are you?" asks Arkold of Alptraum with an equally wary tone. "That outfit has evil written all over it. But, ah, like the lady says, ghosts maybe. Hopefully nothing will blow up – but don't be too surprised if it does. And don't mind the flayed guy if he gets sarcastic. Now come in and sit down." When Alptraum enters the wolf lets the door close before he locks the door and takes a seat at the table.

A tapping at the door heralds the return of the innkeeper, holding up a platter in one hand that contains a pitcher and several mugs and wooden bowls. Behind her is the girl, carrying a large stewpot and a fresh loaf of black bread.

"No, I'm not some sort of necromancer. I've just had more than enough dealings with them, among other things," Alptraum comments, then looks to the door. "I believe your dinner has arrived," he says.

Arkold retakes his seat after letting the Savanites in. "Well guess you've been around too. Can't say I've had much of a run in with magic, myself. They don't have magic like we know it on Abaddon or Ashtoreth and we didn't make much of a use of it in Rephidim except for the healin'. This affair is rather out of my experience, but that's what makes it an adventure, eh?"

The two Cheetahs quickly pour more ale and serve out the stew – even setting a bowl in front of Alptraum, before bowing and retreating back down the hallway.

"I lived a year in Babel. I've had more than enough experience from that to last a lifetime, believe me," Alptraum says, watching the others. He then looks down at the bowl.

The Jupani nods to Alptraum's words before he cuts himself a slice of bread and dips it in the stew. "Babel. I've met airship hands who speak well of the Yodhinala," he comments with a bit of a grin. Then he stuffs the bread in his mouth and grabs his spoon.

The stew is a bit thin looking, more like soup, with chunks of meat in it and several types of wild grains and vegetables. There is also cheese and butter for the dark bread.

Tulani quickly digs into her stew, muttering between mouthfuls, "We should probably finish the food off before we start." Noticing Alptraum watching his bowl she asks, a bit concernedly, "Are you alright?"

Alptraum sniffs the broth and says, "I have a wide variety of allergies. I have to be careful." He then comments to Arkold, "Oddly, I didn't really meet any of them during my year there."

"Shame," says Arkold between sips of stew. "I was hopin' you'd tell me how they were. And hey, are you goin' to eat that?" He points his fork at Alptraum's bowl.

Alptraum hmms, then slides the bowl toward Arkold. "I should probably pass. If I don't make it, I can't be certain it won't disagree with me. Enjoy," he says.

Arkold shoots Alptraum a thankful grin before engaging in double bowl eating. He uses one bowl to dip his buttered bread in and the other he eats out of – at least until it's empty.

Finishing off the soup and her mug of ale, the Sphynx rolls her eyes at Arkold, before sitting back for the moment contented.

"You should check out the Yodhgorphat sometime. They can really get under your skin," Alptraum says with a smirk.

"Eh, never heard of 'em," says Arkold. Finishing one bowl, he pushes it away and starts on the next one. "Anyway what we're doin' here is completin' the puzzle. We went all over getting the pieces and now we have 'em. Then we'll know where we're goin'."

"How many more are you still missing?" Alptraum inquires.

"None, this is it," replies Arkold after a sip of ale.

Tulani nods and begins moving the empty mugs and dishes out of the way to make room for the map and puzzle pieces.

Alptraum leans back in his chair. "Are you sure it's not some sort of gag puzzle that'll explode or turn you into an Eep, or even worse, a poodle?" Alptraum asks. "How did you start on this oddity of a quest, anyway?"

"Eh, it's not a gag, it talks," Arkold answers after finishing up his soup. He pushes the bowl out of the way and grabs the remaining loaf of bread to chew on as he discusses things. "As for starters, well, I just saw an opportunity an' talked myself in to going along for the ride. You'd have to ask Tulani how it started."

Stretching briefly, the Sphynx replies, "I found it on a small sky island when I was working as a scout, and um… the ghost of a mister Dunkelstein inhabits the map, and told us where to look for the puzzle pieces. Some mages looked at it as well, one of them seems to know 'Dunky' as we affectionately call him."

Alptraum hmms. "All right. This'll at least be interesting. We'll see what happens," the bat comments.

The wolf chuckles. "Yeah, Dunky is a riot. The most sarcastic animated object I've ever met. You might meet him if he wakes up. But anyway looks like we can begin," says Arkold.

Making sure the table is clear, Tulani begins unrolling the map and sets out the puzzle-pieces in a small pile before picking one up and looking for the spot it fits to.

Likewise Arkold picks up a piece. He selects the cheese-covered one and begins cleaning it off with a towel and some water. "Nothin' like seein' a plan come together," he says.

The pale leather of the map is covered with the outline of Sylvania and its counties, with their capitols and larger towns labeled. It is also covered with scattered black dots that don't appear to coincide with any features or known places. The three metal pieces consist of a triangle and two trapezoids, riddled with holes and with puzzle-piece edges.

"I guess they correspond to the holes and each other. So without all of them you can' guess where the map points to," suggests Arkold. He places the newly cleaned third and final piece on the map and begins sliding it around to try and see how it'll link up with Tulani's. "Grab the last piece and help us out, bats."

Alptraum picks up the third piece warily and mutters, "Okay. Not sure this is wise, but okay." He looks at the map and says, "Do perhaps the puzzle protrusions line up with the black dots?"

Tulani nods at Alptraum's question, uttering a short, "Yep."

"I think the holes do," answers Arkold. "Er, and the edges line up with the other pieces. I think. Eh, listen to Tulani. She's the Mistress of the Map."

With a bit of turning, flipping and shuffling, the three pieces are eventually connected together to form an arrowhead shape with a small round notch at the tip.

"Hmm, I wonder if that's supposed to mean 'thataway'," Alptraum quips. "Is a piece still missing?"

Arkold leans forward to peer at the location pointed to. "Well, I was expectin' some kind of glow or something," he comments. He taps his finger on the edge of the notch. "Maybe it's here."

Alptraum looks at the location pointed to and hmms, trying to remember if he's been up that way or not.

Taking a closer look at the map, Tulani searches for any cities or landmarks in the vicinity of the arrow-notch.

There does seem to be a bit of color under the notch now, growing deeper with each passing moment. The notch is resting at the base of the hills south of Castle Draco, and a symbol seems to be fading in next to it as well.

"Ut oh, it's glowing," Alptraum says and leans back.

"Hey! It's glowing. Now we're talkin'," remarks Arkold. He moves his finger so he can see it better.

Before it's fully visible, it's clear to both Tulani and Alptraum that the symbol is "The Grave" – the traditional symbol of necromancy. The pointer itself obscures a large portion of the map though, still.

Alptraum's eyes narrow. "This deals with necromancy," he says grimly. "Why are you following this? What are you two up to?"

Another symbol begins to appear, but is mostly covered by the pointer. Where the other one is red, this new one seems to be blue.

"Guess we can't hide it now. We're tomb robbers. Sanctioned tomb robbers," explains Arkold. "And not just any tomb. This," he taps the point on the map, "is the tomb of the Necromancer King. We're hoping besides the usual fame and fortune we can find something here to help Sylvania out."

Tulani leans back along with Alptraum, looking startled for a moment, before replying in a serious tone, "This map is supposed to lead to the tomb of the Necromancer King, and something the Gigi call the Light of Inala.

The lupine coughs a laugh before correcting, saying, "Heh. Light of Nala. Sorry. I'd have mentioned it sooner but it always makes me laugh to hear it. Sorry Tulani." He gives her a good-natured nudge.

"The Light of Inala? The Goddess of pleasure? Are you sure that's right?" Alptraum inquires and looks deadly serious. "Look, I've had my dealings with Necromancers … you don't mess with them. I've seen a good many people die at the hands of their creations. I've seen their servants sacrifice themselves to become these nasty blood demon-spider things that crush, then suck the life out of you."

Tulani blinks, before leaning forward to set her chin in her hand and muttering to herself, "Not much I can say to that, but what about Dunky?"

"And I've served merchant princes who haven't an ounce of idea how to handle a boat or a crew, lived through jungles with diseases that eat your flesh, and seen wonders of the ancients left alone at the bottom of an ocean for untold centuries. It's all dangerous. If I wanted to be safe I wouldn't be an adventurer," Arkold explains with a bit of a laugh. "And there are so many horrible ways to die, I've lost count. Doesn't stop me. It's what makes life worth livin' and frankly I think Sylvania needs this. So I'm doin' it for them, too."

Arkold's nudge causes Tulani's hand to slip a little, moving the pointer. The blue symbol is clearer now, and is not the one associated with Inala that Alptraum knows – but rather the older symbol for Rinala. There is also a red tracery hinting at a route, and more symbols to the west, although still mostly covered by the pointer.

Noticing the writing on the map, the Sphynx tries simply lifting the pointer to see whether or not it remains.

"Needs what? More undead? Hardl… " Alptraum starts to say, then stops. "Wait a moment, that reads Rinala, the Goddess of Life. That symbol I know well."

"Eh?" The wolf blinks as he notices the pointer move. "Hey don't move it you might stop the- … oh. Hey." And he lowers himself to try and get a look at what's under the pointer too. "Yeah. Nala. Or whatever you bats call her," he confirms.

A route is clearly outlined in red now, showing the way from Blackshire. It moves northeast towards Draco County, then abruptly turns due east where it's marked by a tiny picture of a chapel, surrounded by seven runes that are also familiar to Alptraum.

Alptraum taps the chapel and says, "You know, I think I've been there."

Turning to Alptraum, the Sphynx asks, "Really? Do you remember what was there?"

"I definitely know that place. I slept there. It's an old ruined chapel out in the forest. A forgotten place. Statues of Goddesses long forgotten here remain there. It's where … nevermind. Not important," Alptraum replies and shrugs lightly. He reaches up and rubs something under his shirt that hangs from a cord around his neck.

"Besides," continues Arkold as he studies the trail, "Sylvania won't be here much longer. You can't fight a war with hope alone. You need shekels, and manpower, and … this crypt."

"Why? What is in there?" Alptraum asks.

"Treasures, and the Light of Nala," Arkold answers.

"What is the light of Rinala?" Alptraum asks quietly.

Tulani blinks, saying, "Supposed to be a sword that took down the Necromancer King. Well, we should probably look into that chapel place first. A lot safer looking than the other place for one."

"How much do you know about the Seven Sisters and the stories of the like?" Alptraum asks the two.

The black and white Sphynx stretches before replying, "For me? Not much." She turns to the Jupani and asks, "Arkold?"

Arkold sits up and turns to face Alptraum as he explains, "The Light of Nala is a sword like Tulani says. It's not the sword that's important. It's what we could do with it. A holy sword like that could make a big difference in dealing with the local undead. Not just that but it can be used as a symbol to rally behind. Long ago a Sylvanian hero used the sword to drive out an evil. Well, why not now? What's needed here is unity, wealth, and hope. That's what I think the Light of Nala could be. But it doesn't exactly belong to us, either. I'm wondering if it could be borrowed though … Huh?" The wolf glances at Tulani with a misty look in his eyes. He shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair, saying, "Oh, not much. I know Nala since I was thinkin' of living on the Gigi Coast with Raneah."

"I agree, the object isn't important, but what it represents is. This… well… I'm not sure how to explain about me, and why this matters to me," Alptraum says with a sigh and sits back. "There is a long and confusing history and pantheon of Gods. Rinala is one, the Goddess of life. Sunala is another, the Goddess of death. Some believe they are two sides of the same person. There exists today someone who may be an incarnation of her, in a sense. The fallout of some magic that happened a few years ago. Or maybe more. Hard to really say what."

The wolf props his head on a hand and settles in to listen to Alptraum.

Tulani ears twitch forward towards Alptraum, as she leans in, interested. She always did like stories.

"I don't even pretend to understand it, or what she is. She's definitely not quite natural. I've met her, and she's saved my life a few times. Even here, in Sylvania. But how does that relate to me? Right," Alptraum says carefully. "I'm not sure what faith I even put into such beliefs. But, some entities do exist today that have taken up the identities of the deities of legend. But, in any event, I… well… This will sound strange, but in their belief system, I am the Son of Sunala (And Rinala if you consider her really both). My birth was on the unusual side, as I was born from someone who was in between life and death. So, part of me feels I should ask to join you in this, to answer the question of what I am. And that's outside my desire to help Sylvania." He pauses and looks at the two, then comments, "And you probably think I'm crazy."

Looking confused for a moment, the Sylvanian Sphynx smiles widely and shakes her head saying, "Nope, not at all! Well, we're all a little crazy, but I would think Arkold's a bit crazier than you." Grinning at her last comment, she adds, "Even though he's great."

Tulani says, more seriously, "In other words, everyone's got their own backgrounds and beliefs, but I'm more than a wee bit more accepting than others."

Arkold's brow shoots up at the comment about being the Son of Sunala. He seems to fight down a remark, frowns, and then adds, "Since we're sharin' stories, I'll share mine, an' I can get it off my chest and you can feel like you're not exactly alone here. Me, I'm Arkold Volkenheld – of the Rephidim Volkenhelds. Or was, anyway. But tha-" he pauses to eye Tulani for the crazy comment before grinning and continuing, "-that's in the past. I'm sure you can guess this, an' I'm not going to make it sound better than it was, but I haven't lead a good life. I met Raneah because I was a slave to the Emirate. Before that I was a noble … and a thief. Because I could be. Because I was bored. That's how I know Eve. We had a, ah, run in a long time ago but she doesn't seem to remember. But anyway I'm here to try and make up for some of what I've done before I'm too old to change anythin'. If I go on about helpin' Sylvani, well, it's because this feels like my chance – my last chance, probably. And if I die to make it happen then that's what I'm willin' to pay."

"So I agree with Tulani when I say we've got our reasons. Maybe this is fate, eh? This can't just be a coincidence," finishes Arkold.

The Sphynx drums her fingers on the table, mock-frowning before commenting, "Man, I'm starting to feel left out. Just an orphan raised by Rhians here." She breaks into a grin.

The wolf chuckles and gives Tulani a light punch in the arm. "You're young. You'll get yours. You've already started," he tells her.

"I guess my whole point was, I might be of help to you, or I might not. I do tend to attract the supernatural, and I do know some of these landmarks. I remember the chapel well because it was the dead of winter and it was the first semi-warm place I slept in ages. And it's where I met my past. Funny how things go full circle," Alptraum muses. "But, if I can somehow help, I will. Besides, the direction we have to go is along the way I believe my adoptive parents' went anyway. Plus, I can make use of all the bizarre Babelite mythology I ended up learning along the way. Might as well get some use out of that experience, eh? So, care to have the 'Son of Death' help you find the Sword of Life?"

Tulani gives the Eeee a light smack on the back before smiling and saying brightly, "Welcome aboard!"

"If you'll have an old ex-too-many-things mercenary," replies Arkold as he extends his hand to Alptraum. "Yeah, welcome aboard."

"All right, but if we end up surrounded by zombies, it's not my fault!" Alptraum says with a smirk and takes the offered hand.