It has been a long and arduous climb up the narrow shaft, one which would be beyond the endurance and strength of most Eeee – but Alptraum's life as a gypsy in the harsh winters of Sylvania has made him more rugged than the average Babelite. Even so, it's taxing on his strength, especially with so few places to secure himself. Pressing your back against a wall is a lot tougher of a proposition when you have a pair of fragile wings back there. But at last, Alptraum makes it. The dumb waiter rumbles and squeaks as it makes its way up on the tracks that keep it from banging against the walls, but it should be several minutes before it gets up this high – perhaps more, depending on how long it stops at rooms on the way. For now, Alptraum is in darkness, with only a thin sliver of light showing the crack in the dumb-waiter door to what he presumes must be the room where Lady Cenesta is staying – based on Nara's best guesses.

He can hear the sound of a woman's voice, humming some melody he's unfamiliar with. The light is dim and flickering, from one of the gas-fed lamps mounted on the walls. (Alptraum can only presume that the layout of the guest rooms is roughly the same, but he hasn't had a chance to put that to the test yet.)

Alptraum takes in slow steady breaths and takes the moment to rest. His ears cant and he tries to focus on the dumbwaiter access door. "Is that her voice? Can I even tell?" he wonders.

It's the voice of a woman – that much he can tell – but, honestly, he's yet to be in so much as a conversation with Lady Aryadne Cenesta, even during his time working for House Cenesta. (The laborers, after all, don't typically get much personal contact with the family.) It might be someone of about the right age. Certainty does not enter this equation.

Alptraum takes a breath and shrugs slightly. "Got to risk it, then. After all, I have to rest. I don't know how much more I can climb and the dumbwaiter is coming.," Alptraum decides. He reaches out and raps a claw on the dumbwaiter access panel.

The humming stops. There's a very distinct silence for a moment, then the rustling of skirts … and a thump, as of something heavy lightly banging on the floor. Footsteps quietly approach the dumb-waiter. Alptraum can hear hushed, tense breathing.

"I'm sorry if I've startled you," Alptraum says in the darkness. "I've climbed a long distance up this shaft and I'm rather tired and can't go much further. Can I come in? I'm no threat."

There's a snapping sound, and then the hatch slides up. On the other side is Aryadne Cenesta, an elderly (but still able) Eeee, holding what looks like a table leg that must have been pried loose some time ago, and which looks sufficient for purposes of a makeshift bludgeon. "You," she gasps. "Come … come in! Hurry!" She drops the wooden leg to the floor with a thump, then moves forward to try to help.

Alptraum grips onto the framework of the dumbwaiter to steady himself, then goes about trying to work his way through the hatch. "Thanks," Alptraum replies. "That is one long climb."

"What … what in the world are you doing here?" Aryadne manages, as she closes the hatch behind Alptraum. "Do you realize just what sort of danger you're putting yourself into? Me, if you're discovered here?"

"I won't be here long. I have no intention of putting you in any danger, Lady Aryadne," Alptraum says as he crouches down to rest. "As for myself, avralie, I know what sort of danger I'm in. But, I couldn't just sit by and let Thath hatch whatever scheme he's up to. I had to do something, and the thing to do seemed to find out just what he's up to."

"And frankly, I was worried about you and Lord Cenesta," Alptraum adds.

"You were worried," Aryadne says with a sigh. She shakes her head. "May I get you some tea? Juice? You look positively exhausted. Please … sit down. The furniture is comfortable; I have to hand them that much."

Alptraum gets back up and heads to a nearby chair to sit. "Tea would be grand. Thank you," he says as he settles into the chair. "Do you anything of what the meetings are discussing or where they are at? I'm trying to figure out exactly what Thath is hoping to gain. He's already eliminated his main political opponent when he arranged the attack on the Tower of Babel. I'm certain he was behind that."

"If he wasn't behind it, I'm certain he didn't mind," Aryadne says, as she heads into the kitchenette and pours a cup from an already steaming pot, then a second one. Evidencing years of practice, she assembles a tea set and then brings it down to set down on the table. "Here you are. I recommend the honey." She puts a spoonful in her own tea, then sips it, contemplatively. "And, yes, I'm certain he's behind it. Thath, I fear, is behind a great many things."

"Avralie," Alptraum agrees and picks up his teacup. He takes a sip and says, "Several reasons I suspect he was behind it. One, the invader had detailed diagrams of the Tower of Babel, along with several hidden entrances. That wouldn't had access to such. Two, after the Tower was attacked, the meeting was called. And it's very interesting how the real Templars were laying in wait for when the Yodh came to the call. How'd they get there that fast, unless they knew ahead of time there would be such a meeting. So, it gets rid of one more threat to his power."

Aryadne nods solemnly, looking down, and putting a hand to the amulet of Breklea that hangs from her neck. "'It's for the best,' he told Bram. 'If even the Kindly Ones are real, then the Yodh were not their representatives, or else they would not have collaborated with the mages who invented dream-versions of them to fool the masses.'" Aryadne shakes her head. "I never had any love for the Yodh. Few do. But … neither have I love for such bloodshed."

"Some are not that bad. Never thought I'd say that, but it's true. I guess that comes from being around a great many of them and getting to know some of them," Alptraum says and taps his teacup with a claw.

"Oh, they can be pleasant at parties, I know," Aryadne says, "but never for a moment doubt that they're bad. The question is whether they'd bad enough that they should be slain to the last one. Of course, the Temple Executors had charges against their primary targets … They weren't officially on a mission to wipe out all of the Yodh … but, of course, if you are a faithful Yodh, and an Executor is about to kill your high priestess, mightn't you be inclined to intervene? And resisting the judgment of an Executor is punishable by death. So there you have it."

"They can be pleasant outside of parties as well, but I'm not going to argue. I'm probably a target of the Executors as well, considering I was the child of a Srinala and thus believed to be the son of Sunala herself," Alptraum says.

"Mmmm? And what crimes against the Temple have you committed then?" Aryadne asks. "Or should I not ask?"

"Aside from saving one of the Yodhgorphat, a friend of mine, none that I can think of," Alptraum replies.

"Well, that's bad enough to be struck down at the moment," Aryadne says, "but I sincerely doubt that would be grounds to have an Executor hunting you down. All the same, far be it from me to suggest they wouldn't think about it, especially if you advertise your status as a godling too much."

Alptraum takes a drink from his tea then looks at Lady Aryadne. "I don't know what I am, Lady Cenesta. My life is such a mess," he says with a sigh. "I'm not even sure it really matters in the end. I'm just trying to help people. That's all I want to do here; that's why I've stayed here for as long as I have.

Aryadne takes a sip from her own cup as well, then says, "Well, what sort of help do you think they need? What sort of help would you like to provide them? And which people are worthy of your help?"

"My concern is for the general people of Babel. The ones just trying to make it through the day and live their lives. As for the help I can provide, I don't know. My considered 'status' gives me some authority to protect them, in a way. Some groups listen to me and I can shield others from them because of that. I've done that a few times now. I'd like to find a way to give the ordinary citizens some peace for a change and perhaps a bit more pride in who they are and that they are worth something," Alptraum says.

Aryadne nods. "Then maybe you need to speak to the people. Do they really know you? Do they know what you stand for? Do you have any solutions for their condition? Honestly, I think that anyone brave enough to stand up and be heard is going to find some sort of a following; people are just that desperate. But at the same time, anyone who stands up is going to be tested. Someone will throw things at you. Someone will want to know what you're made of. That is Babel."

"Yes, it is. But, I'd like to be able to back myself with something. Proof. Not just my own deductions based on what I've seen and heard. It's all just conjecture on circumstantial evidence. Like you said, who knows me? They know Thath and an evil you know is better than an unknown in a lot of minds," Alptraum says. "I need proof, reasons, to get people to listen to me. That's why I'm here. To find out just what he's up to."

"Well, what he's up to," Aryadne says, "is to establish a new order of things – a new order which, I suppose, he will be able to manipulate to his own liking. He's always been the power behind the throne, so to speak – from the Sabaoth, to Boghaz to Saraizadze. I suppose he needs a new throne to get behind. Power. It's a time-honored pursuit of great Babelites. No one can begrudge him that. Now, what is this about proof? Proof that you are someone special? Good breeding – or evil breeding, for that matter – may get you the attention of the commoners, but only because they expect that your pedigree forebodes great things. If you can conjure a storm, raise the dead, or command a thousand warriors, it ultimately matters not whether it's due to divinity, magic, or the force of your personality. What matters is the result."

"No, not proof about me. Proof that I'm not making up garbage to further myself; that I'm honestly concerned about the people," Alptraum replies with a sigh. "Though, honestly, I would almost expect Thath to suddenly side with me. He's taken a great interest in me."

Aryadne nods, sipping again. "Well … let's look at what you've got going for you. I can suppose you have some pull with the Yodhsunala, and they didn't get wiped out by the Executors, last I heard. But what exactly can the Yodhsunala do? And, while I'm at it, who else owes you favors, or thinks highly enough of you to help you out? What enemies do you have that you could blackmail, bribe or manipulate into helping you out for a time? It can't hurt to take a moment to try to figure out what your resources are. It might help you take a more realistic assessment of what you can do – if you know what you have."

"I do have pull with the Yodhsunala, possibly the Yodhrepath. I may have allies within the Yodhrinala because I protected them. Oddly, the General owes me because his ship made it out because I cut it free. I could even possibly get help from some of the Savanites. Perhaps even the College mages; I've two friends there, one of which is Mage Ariel," Alptraum says as he thinks it over. "Heh, I could probably even bribe Thath, scary as that sounds. I have a few things on him. That would be risky, though, as it might also take me with him."

Aryadne raises an eyebrow. "That's a much more impressive list than I had imagined. And you did say something about saving a Yodhgorphat, hmm? I'd heard they'd been wiped out."

"All but one. She's a bit strange and not what I would have ever guessed of a Yodhgorphat," Alptraum answers.

"A Yodhgorphat who is 'a bit strange'?" Aryadne replies. "Do tell."

"Would you ever expect a Yodhgorphat to be energetic? Or would you ever expect one to try and be 'cuddly'? She is both and it's very … odd," Alptraum admits. "I've never been quite sure what to make of it. She, ah, likes me.

"Really." Aryadne smirks. "I'm not surprised. Ever since you actually walked right up to her and started chatting her up at the party, well, anytime you two have been seen together, it's been grist for the rumor mill."

Alptraum rubs his temples and groans, "I can imagine. I fear what's likely rumored about me. Dare I ask?"

"Oh, nothing to take seriously," Aryadne says, waving her hand. "We have far more important things to consider than what idle nobility thinks of your love life. I suppose, in a way, it could be a good career move. After all, if you saved her, she could very well be the last surviving priestess of Gorphat in Babel. You do realize, surely, that it would make her the most prime contender to become the new High Priestess of the entire religion. Sure, there are the outlying shrines … but I doubt any of the priestesses there would be serious contenders."

"Avralie, I realize that. I would prefer it if I could get her to use her knowledge to help cure diseases and such that are in the streets. I don't know if she'd be willing, but it would be real help," Alptraum replies. "And as for the General, I'd have to go after him and into a dangerous place, possibly more so than where I'm at now. Weird enough things happen around me now, I dread what a forbidden zone may trigger."

"Curing diseases. Now, isn't that something that would be worthwhile? I think that would in the long run be far more beneficial than just setting fires to the Streets Below. And, really, I'm sure that the Yodhsunala would be just as popular as the Yodhrinala – oh, how they would hate me to say that! – if they would venture out from their temple and set up some hospices, and actually heal people. Euthanasia may draw in some money from young heirs, but it doesn't win the hearts of the people." Aryadne pauses, letting that thought slide, and then she says, "A Forbidden Zone? Are you talking about the Valley of Mists?"

Alptraum tenses at the comment, then says, "Please don't mention about young heirs. I almost got into a fight over that with them. It got … ugly." He then shrugs and says, "I was told the General went where others were forbidden to go. Infer from that what you will."

"Well, I suppose anywhere the General can have gone, it would be hazardous to follow," Aryadne says, looking reserved, "But the Valley of Mists is a strange place, full of wild magic. Did you know, the Kavi Exile Charoskuros, the one who slays Nagai, and who started the cult of Naga-Eaters, came from that place? It is a strange place, and it changes people. Men go there, and come back prophets or madmen … or they come back not at all."

"I know. But, I'll do what I have to, to try and help Babel survive. Hopefully I'll survive," Alptraum says slowly.

"Mind you, I'm not looking for a way to die. I'm terrified of dying," Alptraum adds.

"Surviving is good!" Aryadne says, smiling. "Now then … the last surviving priestess of Gorphat – probably not overly popular, but potentially powerful, if she plays her cards right. Darling of the Yodhsunala, who could do a great load of good for Babel if they had a mind to. In with the Yodhrinala, who are doing a considerable good for Babel, 'blasphemers' or not – Do you have enough of their favor to earn an endorsement, perhaps? Possible favor from the General … if your intention is to make Babel into a military power to rival that of the Temple, and perhaps to even overthrow it. (If you just want peace, I doubt he'll take you seriously.)"

"But bribing Thath?" Aryadne notes with a shake of her head. "That … that would be a gamble. It had better be a very good one, and you'd better have insurance. If you have a deep and dark secret of his, and you're the only one who knows it … well, then the solution is simple! He'll just have you killed, and that's the end of it. And, please, don't think you can solve this by telling me what blackmail material you have on him. I'd rather not know, thank you."

"The General hasn't a prayer to overthrow the Temple anytime soon. I would like to Babel at least an equal to keep us from being taken over. I'd love to see the Yodhsunala do some real good and help people. The little girl whom leads them … I think she'd want to help. The Yodhrinala, I don't know. I did protect their hospice and save one of them. I think they'd be willing to help. Couldn't hurt to ask … and maybe I could get the little Sunala to work with them. Maybe. As for that, well, the secret is a rather dark one, and I'm not the only one who knows it. But, using it would likely mean the end of me regardless. If my death was certain, at least I know a way I can probably take him down too," Alptraum says and looks into his teacup.

Aryadne frowns. "Well … please don't brood so over such a possibility. I'm sure you're very resourceful. I suspect you'll outlive a great many people involved in this whole messy affair. And … oh my … please, don't go talking about 'Little Sunala'. You make her sound like … like … well, whatever you make her sound like, I'm sure someone would take offense!" She covers her mouth, trying to stifle a small giggle. "'Little Sunala!' I … I would have never believed I'd hear someone say that."

Alptraum holds up a hand right about the height of the girl believed Sunala and says, "She's about this tall. And, I knew her long before the Yodh proclaimed her Sunala. I can't help but think of her as just a little girl sometimes." He them blinks and says, "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Oh dear! You'll make me nose my tea!" Aryadne sets down her cup, and clamps a hand down over her mouth, shaking with giggles.

"I'm honestly still trying to figure her out. She acts so differently when she's just around me. It's like, well, having a little sister," Alptraum says.

Aryadne calms herself abruptly, wiping at her face. She looks up at Alptraum, searching his eyes. "You really mean that, don't you?" she says in a near-whisper.

Alptraum nods. "I stayed at their temple because I fear for her safety," he replies.

Lady Cenesta leans back, nodding soberly. "That's … well, that's very sweet of you. It seems like it should be so hard to imagine, but … " She sighs, and wipes at her eyes again. "Well, if the feeling is mutual, and she sees you as a big brother, then I'd think you're in a very powerful position indeed. Dangerously so."

"Avralie," Alptraum says. "And I won't say anything more on it. I know that you … had a daughter once. I should have thought more before speaking of Sunala."

Aryadne's gaze is more intent now. "And how much do you know about that?"

"If it was the one Mariamara tended, then she was the one whom gave birth to me," Alptraum says and looks back down at his cup. "Twenty-three years ago, Landing 6."

Aryadne's gaze falters as well, and the edges of her eyes moisten again. "So you know. I … You don't know just how much … when I saw you … at the Coalition party … but I couldn't say anything … do anything. When a child is given over to the Yodh, her birth parents have no rights … there is no connection of blood … and to suggest otherwise is blasphemy, and to invite the wrath of the Yodh. But … a grandson… "

"I learned some time later. I suspected you lost a child at the time at the party and my appearance, well … I didn't realize it was more. Later when I found out, I didn't say anything for fear of the danger it would put you in or the pain it might have brought back. But, now with everything that's going on and not knowing what the next day will bring or if there even will be a next day … I … you deserved to know," Alptraum says and finally looks back at Lady Cenesta. "I've been trying to learn about you," he then admits with a small sad smile, "To learn about those that are my living family."

"I … I wish there was more time," Aryadne says. "I hardly know where to start. Our family has a long and noble history – not free of taint, far from it, but we still have much to be proud of."

"Well, when all this is over, perhaps then. I fall outside many of the Yodh rules and I contacted you. There is no breach that I think they can claim," Alptraum says. "But, until this is over, I don't think anyone should know I've told you anything of what I know. I don't want you hurt any further."

Aryadne smiles faintly. "I won't be passing it along on the grapevine, trust me."

"Can I ask, ah … did you ever see me as a child? How did you learn of me?" Alptraum asks. "I'm, well, curious."

Aryadne shakes her head. "I never saw you, no … but my husband has his contacts – and everyone has the Yodhbarada, if the price is right."

Alptraum nods and says, "Ah, what is your husband's take on this? Or should I not ask that?"

"'This' being … ?" Aryadne looks to Alptraum with a quizzical look. "We've discussed a great many controversial things tonight, dear."

"Me," Alptraum says simply.

"His take? Well, I suppose it might have influenced his decision to give you a job, with, well, as little by way of credentials as you had. 'Son of the Goddess of Death' doesn't quite qualify one for construction work, I dare say," Aryadne says. "He wants to know more about you … but he's not about to cross the Yodhsunala to do so."

"Avralie," Alptraum agrees. "It was twofold for me, to learn about you and about the regular people of Babel, not the various Yodh." He then taps his chin and asks, "Sorry for the topic change, but have you been outside your room? I need to work out a route out of this tower. I have some ideas, but more options are always good."

"Since I was placed here? No, I have not been outside it … and, as delicately as they treated me, they hooded me when they put me in here. I wouldn't know my way around, and I can only guess at where we are in the Tower. Obviously, it's not as impenetrable as I supposed, if you are here." Aryadne ventures a small grin. "Unless, that is, you've developed the power to walk through solid walls."

"Unfortunately not. I can only think of one thing I might've been able to do that seems unusual, and that is still uncertain," Alptraum admits with a grin.

"Well, since you're being mysterious, I won't pry," Aryadne says. "Now then … I suppose you must be here to rescue me? Well … I'm afraid I'll have to decline. I don't know just what my dear Bram would do if I turned up missing … or what they might do to Bram. It's all or nothing, I'm afraid, and since Bram isn't here, there's no rescuing him just yet."

"I know. I'm satisfied you're alive and well," Alptraum says. "And as for being mysterious, it's just that I'm not certain. All I can say is that three times people who should have died, didn't … and at those times, I didn't want them to die. The last time was particularly strange. I don't know if it's coincidence, or what. I wish I could understand it. Anyway, right now I'm just getting information. I was hoping to see what Thath's grand plan was so I could start determining what I should do about it. I suppose I should work on trying to unite the people myself, while Thath is distracted with all this. Then Babel as a whole could perhaps confront him."

"Well, if you wish to unite Babel, you'll need to provide some compelling evidence that you're a leader. Babel wants someone strong and confident. And, sad to say it, but one needn't be necessarily right in order to meet those criteria. You're a very nice boy. That can get you far … but it won't beat Thath. Not by itself." Aryadne shakes her head. "You'll win my support, at least … but I confess to being very, very biased." She smiles.

"Avralie. Well, my life among the gypsies taught me how to survive. Perhaps I can make some use of that. I may have to make promises that I don't necessarily agree with, but sometimes you have to compromise. And sometimes you have to skulk about and break into places," Alptraum says with a grin.

"Oh, you're good at that," Aryadne says with her own grin.

"Not sure I should be proud of it, but yes," Alptraum agrees, then asks, "So, to be certain, all along this shaft are just 'guests' correct? If so, I doubt I'll find an exit into the main parts of the tower and going back the way I came in or thereabouts is my best bet."

"Well, I think that somewhere down below is where they have the boilers, the kitchens and the laundry room," Aryadne ventures, "though I can't be very helpful in that regard. But, yes, I believe that the rooms along here are all 'guest suites.'"

"Well, I'd rather not encounter the boilers … but the laundry room, that could prove useful. And going down is much easier than up. I can ride the dumbwaiter," Alptraum says, planning…

"They might notice if the dumbwaiter is heavier than usual," Aryadne warns.

"Good point," Alptraum concedes, "Still, going down is easier. I don't have to heave my weight up. I just have to, well, slide."

"You do have gloves, I trust? Can't have you getting splinters, or rubbing your hands raw," Aryadne frets.

"I do," Alptraum says, then asks, "This is a long shot to ask, but do you know if there are air vents above? Probably doesn't matter if they're grated and I don't want to use acid on anything above me."

"Air vents above?" Aryadne looks confused. "I suppose they go everywhere. It's a necessity, in a tower this large and advanced. They use steam to heat the rooms, and they even have gas lines for lighting, and indoor plumbing. It's all very sophisticated, really."

"I was wondering if there were vents out to the roof accessible via the dumbwaiter shaft. But, there are surely guards on the roof too. Still, if I could get airborne, I'd have a better chance. I do happen to be a superb flyer. Still going low and disappearing in the jungle of the city would probably be safer."

Aryadne sighs. "Well, if only Bram had his blueprints. He's got blueprints of … oh, I don't know how many buildings in the city. Certainly, they're old and outdated, but, well, I'm sure if there were a way out, he could help you find it. He probably knows this tower better than Thath does."

Alptraum pulls out a rough hand copy of the blueprints he saw at Lord Cenesta's house and holds them up. "How do you think I got in?" Alptraum asks with a grin. "I copied down the blueprints and used them to locate ways in."

"Well, goodness! You have been busy! Here, let me have a look at them," Aryadne says, reaching out for the papers.

Alptraum offers the papers, canting his ears to listen toward the doorway, just in case someone might be coming. He has been in here for some time.

Aryadne leans forward, peering intently at the diagrams, shuffling between the pages, and comparing them to each other, sorting them by level. "Let us see … well … I'm not exactly certain how high we are … but this level design is repeated … Ah, this is probably the shaft … Here we are! … Yes, here is where the ORIGINAL boiler would have been, though by now they would have expanded … hmm … no, you could never squeeze through those vents … " She looks up. "Now, tell me, just where are you trying to get to? Further in, or back out?"

"Well, if you knew where the meeting room was, near there to spy would have been grand. But, I imagine you don't know where that is? Or, hm, Thath's office. I imagine I could find things of interest there. So, can we plot a couple routes? One out, using the dumbwaiter shaft, then one to a likely meeting room and one near Thath's office?" Alptraum offers.

"Well," Aryadne offers, "I may not know exactly … but I can work out some pretty good guesses. This building was built this way for a reason … and there are just some places more suited to certain purposes than others… " Aryadne sets to work, familiarizing herself with the maps, and occasionally making marks with a charcoal pencil she must have smuggled in with her for passing notes (or perhaps got from someone else via the dumb-waiter), and interrogates Alptraum for what he can remember of his route into the Tower from outside. A few paths emerge … as Aryadne finds a few flaws in the security – some open spaces between floors, some vent hubs very unlikely to have barricades over them … some old maintenance accesses for the old boiler system that at present wouldn't be in use. "There. Barring unforeseen difficulties," Aryadne proclaims, "I think you should have a few choices."

Alptraum looks over the maps and nods. "Would seem that way," Alptraum says and hmms softly.

Aryadne continues to spell out a few of the options – It looks like, as ironic as it may seem, escape is the easiest of the options. (Alas for Aryadne, that's not an option for her, without Bram to join her in the escape.) Thath's office could be reached through some gaps between floors … and while the meeting room itself seems virtually impenetrable, there's a shallow, cramped area above it that might allow for eavesdropping.

Alptraum rolls up the maps and nods, making a decision. "I think I know exactly what I'm going to do. And to protect you, I'm not going to say which way I'm going," Alptraum says with a smile. Alptraum stands and stretches, preparing to go back into the shaft "I do hope I'll see you again soon – and that this nightmare will be over soon. Be safe, Lady Aryadne," he says quietly.

"And you, my grandson," Aryadne says, putting a hand to her mouth as she stands. "Oh, do be careful. I have so long wanted to be able to call you that. Please promise me that I'll be able to do so again."

"When this is over, you will. We'll find the time for all of us to get to know each other, that I promise," Alptraum says with a nod and a smile. The ebon Eeee then slips back over to the dumb-waiter hatch. He eases it open and peers into the shaft and listens for the dumb-waiter. Once he gets a good estimate of where it's at, he slips back into the shaft and out of sight. "And now – into the demon's den," Alptraum decides.