The Echo of Molreyekar
There is desolation, and then there is the world of the Steel Dragons. Perpetual cloud cover dims the sun, while providing stroboscopic burst of continuous lightning. Arcs of electricity leap between the jagged iron peaks of the mountains, which take the thunder and magnify it through metallic echoes. Nothing living seems to grow in the gravelly soil, but the metal skeletons of long dead trees shine and rust, creating a forest of razors below the peaks.

The cave where Vorgulremik was once held prisoner is gone; the former opening now a cooling, molten mass. The ledge still exists, however, and it is there that Alptraum finds himself. The cry of some no-doubt horrible monster pierces the gloom, momentarily drowning out the background barrage of thunder.

"This place gives me about the same creeps as Babel does. I always feel like I'm about to die," Alptraum thinks grimly. His ears flick about rapidly as he listens for heartbeats, breathing, or any such indications of a dragon nearby. He also can't help but absently rub his right hand, given its usual casing was part of the steel dragon once.

Lightning flashes, coming in a sheet this time. Strangely, Alptraum is able to see his reflection in the light, as if he were looking into a full-length dressing mirror right at the drop of the ledge.

Alptraum blinks a few times. Hesitantly, he approaches the ledge drop and reaches out to touch whatever may be there…

The reflection vanishes for a moment, and Alptraum can feel the air stir before his hand. "Why are you trying to touch my eye, Alptraum?" rumbles a loud, hollow, and above all familiar voice. It also lets the Eeee realize what he's looking at: an eye, as tall as he is. The reflection was from the dark, vertical slit of the pupil, but now he can make out the golden color surrounding it to the sides.

"Ah, well, because I didn't realize it was an eye," Alptraum says as he steps back slowly and tries to not sound afraid at all. "I see you're up and about now," he adds, realizing he's probably standing on the dragons snout, "I suppose its obvious I arranged it so you would no longer be tormented in the cave."

"Yes, thank you for that," Vorgulremik says. He pulls back, while raising up his wings to block out most of the flash and bluster of the landscape. His eyes glow next, providing some actual light, so that Alptraum can see that he's… well… much bigger than before, but not as big as he was in the memory of his defeat. "It's like being young again… which I was, when I destroyed my birth world."

"Well, at least you are honest about that," Alptraum says as he looks out over the world, then dips his head, "And you're welcome. I have to admit, you were right in that you have been helpful so … consider it a small reward for good behavior, or whatever it is jailers claim when they reward a prisoner."

"It's not quite being given trustee status, since I'm still confined to this world," Vorgulremik notes, dipping his monstrous head down lower. "But I am hardly in a position to complain. What can I do for you now, Alptraum, so that I might continue to be helpful to you?"

Alptraum crosses his arms and holds his ground, though the urge to run like hell is quite strong right now. "There are several things, possibly … and something that isn't even directly helpful to me. So, to start, I would like to know what you know about Shadow Dragons." And as for why he asks this, the Eeee takes a moment to describe the dream of dying and being reshaped and reborn under Muriavan's 'hand' as it were, and about the heart.

There's a ledge-shaking thump as Vorgulremik rests his claws along the edge of the platform. "Very interesting," the dragon rumbles. "Muriavan was, I believe, third generation. Are you interested in all of the politics behind the creation of the Shadow Dragons?" he asks.

"The politics yes, what they are, and how to heal them. It's minorly important to me since I'm fused with one outside of this world," Alptraum comments, then even smirks slightly, "And if they came from you, I suppose we're then partially related now."

The dragon rumbles in… amusement? "From me… yes. You know about the eternal war among the fey, between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, yes?" he asks.

"Actually, no," Alptraum comments. "But, I'm hoping you can fix that."

"Well, there is an eternal war between them," Vorgulremik states. "I neither know how it started nor care why it persists. The fey are beyond reasoning in many ways. The only important thing about the war is that no dragons are involved. We do not stoop to take sides in such silliness. But the Unseelie believed they could tip the balance in their favor if they had dragons, and since none would join them, they thought it would be more expedient to create some of their own. And so, they came to me."

"And you actually agreed to help them?" Alptraum asks, brow arched. "Or is it more they slew you to obtain your current body to use?"

"They offered me sacrifices, of course," Vorgulremik notes. "In return, I showed them how the hearts of dragons – in this case, Steel Dragons, since I plenty of those to use – could be crystallized and used to house and empower a spirit. Since we Steel Dragons draw much of our strength from consuming magic, the new Shadow Dragons were able to do similar, albeit in a more narrowly defined way. They drew their strength from the magic inherent in light."

"Delightful," Alptraum remarks as his lips skew in distaste. "Who was the first, Melusine? And did she truly come from one of your hearts?"

"No, the first ones… hmmm, how do I put it?" Vorgulremik says, raising a claw to tap thoughtfully at his chin. "They were inadequate, but tasty. The quality of the heart made all the difference, and so it was necessary for the Unseelie to seek out more powerful dragons to harvest them from. I had moved on by then, but fell later to the claws of a slightly stronger dragon. That is how my original heart was harvested to be the seed of Melusine, the first of the successful Shadow Dragons. She was an impressive weapon, I must admit. I'd almost think of her as a daughter, if I was sentimental about such things… "

"And then she helped create the others?" Alptraum asks as he starts to pace, his ears flicking in indication of thought. "If the heart is fractured, the contained spirit leaks out, doesn't it? They lose their power, then die, correct?"

"The magic that sustains them will leak out, yes," the dragon says. "They can only absorb so much through their own abilities, and if the 'leak' is too big, then they will not be able to keep ahead of it. I take it you wish to repair such a leak, without standing there with your finger poked into the hole?"

"Repair or temporary bandage. And to explain why, I'll put it in dragon terms; I'm selfish. Melusine, for all her bluster, needs someone I care about very much to live, because it provides her a link to considerable spirit power. What the other gets from this, well … a vastly extended lifespan and use of Melusine's power. A symbiotic agreement, I think its called. Well, that link has to be closed for a time … and that cuts Melusine off. I do not wish her to die, because if she goes, the person I care about will no longer have her extended lifespan … and I have no desire to live alone for hundreds of years," Alptraum says quite honestly. "So, this isn't an act for the sake of doing good. Strictly speaking, it would probably be safer to let Melusine die. But … such is what it is. I need her to live."

"Well, all you need to do is bring me back to life," Vorgulremik suggests. "Then you'd have a new heart you can use to repair her with."

"Not an option," Alptraum remarks, "But that was a rather nice try." The Eeee even grins.

The giant dragon actually shrugs. "You can't blame me for trying, and it is a solution, after all," he notes. "Any bandage you apply will still require some of my blood. Now, the blood in your arm is no longer pure, as it is fused with Muriavan's essence. That makes the dagger your only pure source."

"That still sounds risky, in what prevents you from trying to sneak out the dagger when some blood is drawn from the blade?" Alptraum remarks. "And no, I can't blame you. I expect it. I would be more worried if you weren't trying."

"You and Kaira control the flow of souls," Vorgulremik points out. "But can you trust her? And more importantly, would Melusine? After all, a Shadow Dragon – even a weakened one – could hold quite a number of souls before being destroyed."

"I can trust Kaira well enough, in that she knows she needs to keep me happy and she knows how important the person in question is to me," Alptraum comments. "And as for Melusine, well … there's an easy solution to ensure she would be willing. Can you guess what it is? Let's see how well you know me."

"Really, Alptraum, if I guessed correctly you might be worried about just how well I do know you," the dragon suggests. "But to suggest that there is an easy solution when gaining the trust of a dragon – especially an injured one – is a bit nave. There are many things you could try to appeal to; her vanity, her greed, her selfishness. But fear is something that you would need to overcome, and that is not so easy."

"The approach I have in mind may do just that. I intend to leave myself exposed. So any action on my part that endangers her and she could simply eliminate or absorb me," Alptraum explains with a shrug. "Would you fear someone you could simply destroy within a few seconds?"

"She is a dragon, Alptraum," Vorgulremik points out. "Most of those who try to slay a dragon are doing so in a suicidal attempt. The problem is that she could destroy you on accident simply from the pain."

"If she dies, then my living doesn't exactly matter that much to me," Alptraum remarks a bit grimly, "But such is what it is. I intend to simply ask her what it would take. I'll reserve the most dangerous options as a last resort. A simpler solution may exist if there is any way I can help her absorb enough to outrun the leak. Then bandaging wouldn't matter so long as she could absorb enough to replenish now and then."

"You could march a stream of sacrificial victims into her cave," Vorgulremik suggests, sounding cheerful. "Or feed her another dragon. But those would be temporary measures. Then again, you only need her to survive until the link between her and your lady friend can be renewed. In which case, such things could be left until the last minute." One of those massive claws rises up, and very gently taps Alptraum on the chest. "She gave you this scar, did she not? Did it hurt?"

"Not as much as I might have thought it would. It was … strange," Alptraum admits as he thinks back to that particular experience. "Why do you ask?"

The head dips lower again, so that Vorgulremik can be more 'eye to eye' with Alptraum. "Because, you will have to return the favor," he says. "Do you really want to know how to bandage her and reduce the amount of life force that she is hemorrhaging?"

"Yes, I do," Alptraum says, sounding far braver than he actually feels staring Vorgulremik in the eye. "I like having as many options as possible. When we came after you I believe I had planned out at least four possible methods. I like a strong hand. I'm sure you can appreciate that."

"Hmmm, and this information will be helpful to you, yesss?" the dragon whispers. "And valuable?"

"Yes. So now comes the part you ask for something?" Alptraum asks, brow arching.

"Hmmm, merely consideration," Vorgulremik says. "I've nothing to ask for yet. It seems you are more generous to me after my advice has proven useful, after all."

"It's not worth rewarding false information, now is it?" Alptraum points out, "Though, granted I think you have a vested interest in keeping me alive … since if I go, Kaira will likely undo this place, and you."

"Here is my suggestion, then," the dragon whispers. "Absorb ten lives into the gauntlet. You will then have to restrain Melusine, and use your cloak for protection as well. Grip the dagger, and channel the stored energy into it. It should be enough to revivify the blood at the very tip. You must then draw that blood over the cracks in Melusine's crystal heart. The pain she experiences will be… well, there is nothing to compare within a mortal's existence. Dragons can take pain that would destroy a lesser creature. You must then survive her inevitable convulsions."

"Mmmm," Alptraum goes, then nods at that. "Risky, yes. Not to mention a lot of life force to absorb. That does sound like something to try only at her weakest. A last minute effort if necessary. Thank you." He pauses for a moment, then says, "You tapped my scar. What does it look like to you? To me, just a starburst patch of white fur, but I know there is more to it, for if I absorb a lot, it glows."

"It is the focal point of your inner spiritual conflict," Vorgulremik claims. "So long as that conflict exists, so too will the scar."

"And what will happen if the conflict is ended? It will return to simple black?" Alptraum asks.

"It will no longer be a scar," the dragon insists. "I cannot say how its appearance will be affected."

Alptraum nods slightly. "You wouldn't happen to know what any long term effects I should look out for since I fused with an undead shadow dragon?" he asks, though not expecting any useful information.

"Frankly, if you have a 'long term' to worry about, you are ahead of the game," Vorgulremik notes.

"Live for the moment, eh?" Alptraum asks, "Me, I like to plan a little."

"You could construct a nice mausoleum," the dragon suggests. "That is planning ahead, and at least you know it will be useful someday."

"Ha ha, you're a real jokester. Oh, another question. I still have Muriavan's circlet with his true name. Is it still valuable to hold onto?" Alptraum asks.

"Yes," the dragon says. "You should attempt to translate it. Doing so will make it easier to read Melusine's true name from her circlet, which you can use to restrain her."

"I also intend to try to repair Muriavan's heart. I have a lead ona mage who may be able to help. Well, a cranky Reaper, but still," Alptraum notes, "Any suggestions on how to learn to read it?"

"Devour the soul of a fey who knows the language," Vorgulremik suggests, grinning slightly. "Or I could translate it for you."

"And given he's fused to me, that could give you power over me, could it not?" Alptraum has to ask and smirks slightly.

"There is that slight possibility," Vorgulremik admits. "You could, of course, simply show me Melusine's instead."

"Wow, you're on fire today in your attempts," Alptraum observes. "I could also simply ask Melusine to read it to me."

"Oh, she can't do that," Vorgulremik notes. "The Shadow Dragons were made so that they could not take control of themselves or others of their kind. The Unseelie did not want their weapons turning on them, after all."

"Well, then I'll look for another immortal who can and would without being devoured. You are helpful, Vorgulremik, but it doesn't mean I trust you," Alptraum has to point out. He smirks slightly, then even suggests, "I could even ask Ravenia if she could, for that matter."

"And if she can, how will you explain to her why she can?" the dragon asks, curious.

"I may know her actual name," Alptraum remarks with a small shrug. "And where she came from."

"Yet, you choose not to tell her?" Vorgulremik comments. "Does she wish to know?"

"If she wants to know I will tell her. If she doesn't, I won't," Alptraum notes, "Her choice."

"Is she happy now, with her new life and husband?" the dragon asks.

"At the moment, so I doubt she would really care to know," Alptraum says.

"I suggest you do not offer her the choice, if you care about her," Vorgulremik suggests.

Alptraum's brow goes up. "That's the first I think I have ever seen you concerned about someone," he notes.

"I went to a great deal of trouble to erase her past," the dragon says. "I would not like for you to undo it all in the hope of gaining some new information."

"Mmm. Still, the fact you seem to care about someone is … interesting," Alptraum remarks and shrugs slightly. "Which leads me to a request, actually."

"You are so eager to wrack up favors today, so how could I resist?" the dragon notes. "What is this new request?"

"This isn't a favor for me," Alptraum points out, "So don't get so excited. You have often said I should not judge you for following your nature. Here we stand in your home world and much is possible within the dagger. My request was for you to teach me about the Steel Dragon nature, to show me if possible. I'm not even sure such a request could be done, but there it is. I want to know what is like to be one of your kind so I can better understand you."

"Hm, well I guess I should clarify it's the sort of request you might even find helpful to you. So, not directly a favor just for me," Alptraum corrects. "A strange request, I admit." He shrugs.

The glow in Vorgulremik's eyes brightens momentarily. "An unusual request," he comments. "Has Kaira been letting you into the minds of others here, to give you such a notion?"

"No, but what Muriavan did to me showed me I could see parts of others to try and understand them and what happened better," Alptraum says and shrugs. "But perhaps I should keep such thoughts to myself. I have probably taken up enough of your time."

"Nonsense!" the dragon insists. "To expand your worldview is a noble goal. I will see what I can do, provided you can promise that Kaira will not punish me for helping you."

"You believe I have that much control over her?" Alptraum asks. "I'm never sure I can make her do anything."

"Well, I will see what I can arrange, despite that," Vorgulremik notes. "Having your empathy is worth the risk."

"I reserve the right to change my mind about it," Alptraum says and raises his finger. There he pauses, then asks, "But you seem to think that it is possible for me to better understand your kind's nature?"

"Oh, we are already so much alike, Alptraum," Vorgulremik notes. "It will not be a great leap, but it will… open your eyes."

"Hm. The way you say that worries me," Alptraum admits.

"And I don't see how we're alike at all," Alptraum adds.

"Well, if you decide to find out, I'm sure you'll understand," the dragon offers.

Alptraum nods slightly. "Well, what are your thoughts on how you would do this?" he asks.

"Ah, I cannot tell you just yet," the dragon insists. "It is better that you do not know or suspect, as it may color your decision. Best to decide first."

"Not that really worries me," Alptraum comments and actually takes a step back. "Not even a hint?"

"No hints," Vorgulremik insists. "What you ask for is no small thing, so… you will just have to trust me."

"Er," Alptraum says, "I will come to no harm?"

"It would serve no purpose if you were traumatized," Vorgulremik claims. "You will not be harmed."

Alptraum nods slowly. "Would you need time to prepare?" he asks.

"Yes," the dragon says. "Besides, you have other concerns to deal with first."

"You realize I could discuss this with Kaira, then," Alptraum comments. "And she'll tell me not to do it."

"Is that not her answer to everything you wish to try?" the steel dragon asks, with a toothy smirk.

"Of that you have a point," Alptraum has to agree and even laugh slightly. "She thinks I take too many risks. She would be right, really."

"That is the way with female dragons," Vorgulremik insists. "They have a tendency to be… overly protective and bossy. It is a blessing that within my breed, they die during childbirth. Otherwise we might have grown up… confused."

"I'm not sure dying during childbirth is a great thing," Alptraum remarks and looks a bit ill. "But then so did the woman who gave birth to me. Thank you for that lovely reminder."

"You will have children of your own soon enough," Vorgulremik notes. "Tell me then that you do not wish you were dead at some points."

Alptraum blinks. "How did you know that?" he asks.

"The link between your Countess Draco and Melusine is 'shut down', as you say," the dragon points out. "Since both of them still live, there can only be one logical reason."

"Remind me to never even try to be vague with you," Alptraum remarks and shakes his head. "Go ahead and make the preparations. For now, I agree to be … taught. I do, however, reserve the right to change my mind."

"Of course," Vorgulremik says, and bows his head. "You are the one in charge, after all."

"Whenever you say it that way, it makes me wonder," Alptraum says and scowls. "You're as bad as a certain Eeee I know in Babel."

"Well, I like to think of myself as your mentor, Alptraum," the dragon claims. "I do take a great interest in your education."

"Ever spend any time in Babel? You would fir right in with the politicians there. Well, until you and the Vizier went after each other," Alptraum grumbles.

"It does sound like an entertaining town," the dragon admits.

"Where children backstab their parents, betrayal is common, and death occurs every minute," Alptraum says with a shrug. "But even you would find yourself challenged there. After all, one Eeee killed the Sabbaoth, an Eeee who ruled for centuries by stealing others bodies. One Eeee destroyed their religions, and numerous other events of horror. One Eeee. The town wouldn't be big enough for the both of you," Alptraum notes with a smirk.

"Is that Eeee worshipped as a god?" Vorgulremik asks.

"The one who killed the Sabbaoth and the like, no," Alptraum notes. "He prefers to keep, how do you put it, a low profile for the most part. Operates from the shadows."

"Hmm, clearly he needs a better coach," the dragon insists. "Sentimental, I imagine, since he didn't raze the city as well. But non-dragons cannot expect to be perfect."

"He only destroyed half of it," Alptraum says with a shrug, "But like you, he can smile and say 'trust me', and people seem to listen to him. Frankly you remind me of him to a scary degree."

"Hmmm," Vorgulremik goes, turning to give Altpraum a good look with his giant golden eye. "Is this your father you speak of, Alptraum?"

"Ah, a new rule for the book. Never play cards with a dragon," Alptraum comments as he finally spreads his wings to take to the air. He looks aside towards Vorgulremik and draws one corner of his lips up into a smirk, "Why do you think that, if I may ask?"

"You are Sylvanian, so it seems odd to be so knowledgeable about a man who – as you say – prefers to run things from the shadows," Vorgulremik notes, "unless you were intimately familiar with him. So, most likely your father. I really suggest you keep him and Kaira separated, should the chance for them meeting arise. Otherwise you may have to suffer having her as your step-mother."

"Ah, but I lived in Babel for over a year, through one of its worst times. I dealt with many things and operated in the shadows myself," Alptraum points out, then shrugs, "But your guess is correct. I was sired by one of the most dangerous persons in my world. A child born of evil and birthed from the body of a living corpse! Sustained through death magic of all things. Yes, I'm just a delightful creation, eh? The hour grows late, so … enjoy your limited freedom. I'm sure we will speak again." And with that the Eeee takes to the air.

Vorgulremik chuckles as Alptraum leaves, and mutters, "And he thinks we are nothing alike… "