Nobody challenges the travelers as they pass through the gate. A purring sort of snore from the shadows indicates the presence of an elderly napping Khatta guard, though, an unloaded and uncocked crossbow resting in his lap where he sits on a short stool.

"That's Old Phil," the Rath'ani trader, Barnabas, informs Tulani, Alptraum and Arkold, not bothering to lower his voice any. "He's practically deaf, but can still hit the side of a building three times out of five when he's sober." The smaller raccoon boy with him tries poking the Khatta in the ribs with his finger a few times, but elicits no response.

The Sylvanian Sphynx nods, saying, "Doesn't look like they have much defense set up against the raiders."

Alptraum folds his wings back, and the upper claws around his neck like a cape. "Hm, should he be sleeping now? I would think guards should be active, given the bandits in the area," he replies and nods to Tulani. He looks around the roadhouse, listening for sounds and movement.

"Well, anyone who attacks a roadhouse can expect Justininople to send the army out after them," Barnabas notes, with a hint of pride. In a quieter voice, though, he adds, "That is, if there was an army to send."

"Exactly," Alptraum says grimly.

"Reminds me of some people we had back in the Legion," the wolf remarks as he eyes Phil. "I guess, uh, lookin' … kind of … a little … ah … dangerous is about as good a deterrent as your goin' to get."

There are sounds of movement from within the main building, but they're muted… until the Rath'ani sets his load of supplies down next to the door and bangs on it. "Open up! It's Barnabas and… uh… some guests!" he bellows.

Alptraum flicks his ears to the side and winces. "Ugh, loud," he mutters.

"A JUPANI! JU-PA-NI," adds Arkold, who apparently doesn't want his species confused again.

Tulani watches the older raccoon's actions, cocking an eyebrow.

"Who's mostly housebroken!" Alptraum adds and grins.

The door is opened by a middle-aged brown Khatta man who blinks in the sunlight. "A jumpin' what?" he asks, confused, before focusing on the raccoon. "Ah, Barney! Where's your wagon?" he finally asks.

The Sylvanian Sphynx grins a little at Alptraum's comment, but does her best to hide it.

"Short story: we was robbed," Barnabas informs the Khatta. "I'll give you all the details later for the formal report. But this is all I could salvage of the supplies, sorry."

For that Alptraum gets a whack upside the ear. "Mind your elders, son." Then Arkold pushes the bat forward. "This is Alptraum," he informs the Khatta, "Master of the Invisible Blade, whose wit isn't much sharper."

Alptraum ows and grins. He nods to the Khatta. "Alptraum bar Reisender, at your service," he says and flicks his ears forward again.

"Oh? Well, better come on in then," the Khatta says, standing aside and opening the door the rest of the way. "Invisible, eh? Must be a devil to sharpen then."

Alptraum glances at the others, then heads into the building.

Arkold gives a mock-salute. "Arkold, mercenary, baby sitter." Then he steps inside.

Rolling her eyes at the end of Arkold's introduction, the Sphynx follows close behind, not quite managing to hold in her laughter this time while trying to introduce herself as well, "And I'm Tulani, nice to meet you."

The roadhouse's main room is too small to separate into kitchen and dining areas. A single long table takes up the center space, with a fireplace at one end and a stove and oven at the other where most of the food preparation appears to be done. The fireplace is dark, since it's only noon, and near it sit a rather gray, emaciated looking Gallisian poodle in black livery with a face that makes rocks seem more animated. Next to him is a tall figure wearing a black cloak over a black dress, black gloves and a black lace veil hanging from a broad-brimmed hat to hide her face.

"Welcome to The Last Roadhouse," the Khatta says. "I'm Jonesy, the innkeeper, cook, maid and pretty much everything else too."

Alptraum glances over at the pair, then whispers to the others, "Check out those two. Brrr." His ears flick around a bit, focusing in on the pair now and then. He's mildly curious if they're even breathing.

"Brr is right. And I'd know that thin poodle and creepy black-dressed lady anywhere. I think our "friend" is back stayin' with us," Arkold whispers aside to the others.

"Eh? You'll have to explain that to me later," Alptraum comments to Arkold. "So, ah, how much will staying here cost?" he asks the innkeeper.

Tulani glances at the couple for a moment with a start before turning to Arkold, and saying, "You know, I think you're right," and adding at the end with a grin, "… For once."

Arkold snaps Tulani a toothy grin. "First time for everything? Heh, I tried to look under the hood. She didn't like that. Come to think of it," he scratches his head, "women in Abu Dhabi don't either. But they're more fun, heh, uh … Yeah." He clears his throat.

Barnabas and Timothy carry the surviving supplies through a small door near the kitchen area. "Well, that depends on how long you mean to stay," Jonesy answers the Eeee. "The next western coach isn't due for four more days, unless you're heading east."

"Ah, well, we're headed east," Alptraum says. He then focuses his ears in on the lady for a moment, listening intently. He even emits a single pulse to try and get a rough sounding off her.

The veiled woman turns her head to 'face' Alptraum, but all the Eeee gets is the impression of a fairly flat surface.

"Oh, well in that case, it's 15 shekels for a room, per night, or 3 if you bunk in the main room here," Jonesy says. "No coach service to the east, this being The Last Roadhouse and all, but you could talk to that pair sitting yonder. They're going east too, but have been sorta stuck here for awhile."

"Mmm, I think she heard that, interesting," Alptraum mutters, then shrugs. "So … " he says and looks at the other two, "How long do each of you want to stay? I vote we just keep moving and save the money."

Tulani looks around the for a nearby chair to sit down in, before replying, "Not sure," and then asking Jonesy, "Can you tell us anything about the bandits in the area by any chance?"

"I say we rest a night and head out in the morning. We can restock our supplies and be fresh off for whatever may await us," Arkold answers as he spares a glance at the room. "We don't need rooms in that case. 3 for the floor, grab your camping gear. As for going east with those two … ," he eyes them, " … I dunno, bats. She's unnerving, and I like honesty in my traveling companions. People don't hide themselves unless they have something to hide, you got me? If that's somethin' we should worry about, well," he shrugs, "I don' know."

The proprietor rubs his hands on his apron, which probably gets them more greasy as a result. "Well, missy, the bandits is… bandits. Slim pickings since most folk abandoned the region though, and likely as not would think twice before taking on a group like yours, what with the big feller there, even if he's lost his hammer. Thing to worry about is the Night Hunter."

Alptraum glances at Arkold, then asks, "Want me to talk to them? I can hear well, might get a few ideas about what's under the veil and such." Alptraum's ears flick, "Eh, Night Hunter?"

Tulani cocks an eyebrow, saying, "Night Hunter, who, or what is that?"

"Not safe to be about at night," the Khatta says. "People vanish. Folks tell of turning their back for a moment, and when they look around the person they were with is vanished, just like that," he goes on, snapping his fingers. "Could be a vampire, but I thinks it's a giant Rahktor or Vartan bandits."

Arkold rubs his chin. "Think I'd look good with a hammer?"

"Vampire, as the undead kind… ?" Alptraum inquires, eyebrow raised.

"Oh aye, not no run-of-the-mill natural vampire," Jonesy tells Alptraum. "They'd leave footprints or something, at least."

The Sphynx smirks and says, "Oh, yeah Arkold, make yourself look even more like a Titanian than you already do, and do you really want to add to your weight?"

Alptraum nods, considering. "Let us stay in the main room for free and I'll scout the area at nightfall and see if I can find what's haunting the area," Alptraum offers, then looks at the other two.

Tulani replies, "Sounds good, and I can give you a hand with the scouting, what do you think Arkold?"

"Don' think I've ever met a vampire who's "run of the mill," come to think of it." The wolf glances at the two other guests and then nods to Alptraum. "I think that may be best, eh? I don' think she'll remember me fondly." To Tulani he says, "Eh, why not? I don' think anyone knows what a Jupani is out this way anyway. An' go ahead. I'm goin' to look aroun' here."

"Eh?" the Khatta asks the Eeee. "What good would that do me? Can't do nothing about it from knowing what it is. You could fly around and come back saying it's a giant butterfly or something. No way for me to confirm it."

"Oh, I don't need any help. Besides, do you see well at night?" Alptraum inquires, trying to find some way be alone so he can hunt. He then glances back at the Khatta and says, "Okay, I'll try to kill it, then. If not, at least evidence of what, and where, it is."

The Sphynx frowns at the Khatta and replies to Alptraum, "Yes, I have good night vision, and you really should have someone go with you for something like this, especially if you're gonna try and kill it."

Frowning, the Khatta offers, "If you bring back some hard evidence, I'll waive the fee then. But you'll pay regular if you come back empty-handed, right?"

"Of course, 3 shekels for the main room," Alptraum replies and nods. He sighs and shakes his head, "All right, Tulani."

Tulani simply smiles and replies, "Alright then."

"I'll pay, an' I'll be here. Don' have to worry about anyone runnin' off. And if it comes here I'll deal with it myself," Arkold confirms. Then he smiles at Tulani. "She's right, bats. Bu' she won't look if you have to use the bush, y'know?" He grins slightly at the bat.

"But! I want to go talk to those two, first," Alptraum says, then starts heading toward the odd couple in the corner.

The dull-looking poodle watches Alptraum's approach without showing any actual interest, much like a flower will turn to follow the movement of the sun. The veiled figure next to him, despite being completely hidden, seems to show more active interest.

Preferring to stay away from the odd couple, the Sylvanian Sphynx finds a seat as Alptraum walk towards the table, watching closely, in case anything really interesting happens.

Arkold takes a seat across from Tulani and gets out his sword for sharpening. The soft shink, shink of the whetstone grinding away soon follows. Like Tulani he watches Alptraum's attempt at diplomacy with idle interest.

"Good day to you two," Alptraum says cheerily. "Looks like we're all going to be guests at this inn, so figured I'd introduce myself. Alptraum bar Reisender, world traveler and adventurer extraordinare!" he says, then bows with a flourish. He smiles widely, and a bit fangily, while asking, "May I inquire as to your names?"

"You two want anything to eat?" Jonesy asks Tulani and Arkold. "I could heat up the leftover porridge from breakfast if you like."

"Sounds great," answers Arkold.

Smiling to Jonesy, Tulani agrees with Arkold, saying, "Porridge sounds good, and you wouldn't have any tea by any chance?"

"Or beer?" The wolf's ears perk hopefully.

In a soft, whispering voice the veiled woman answers, "I am known as Lady Veil, and this is my servant." The barest gesture of a gloved hand indicates the gray poodle. To the Eeee's senses, both people appear to be alive. At least, they're breathing and have heartbeats.

"We got bark tea," Jonesy tells Tulani. "It's okay with a bit of butter in it. We're out of beer though, unless Barney's brought some."

"Lady Veil? What an unusual name," Alptraum comments as he grabs a chair and sits down. He kicks his feet up onto a nearby table. "So, what brings you out this way? Us, we're just traveling around, looking for work, really."

Brightening up, the Sphynx smiles to Jonesy and says, "Bark tea sounds fine, thank you.'"

"Heh, I'll take that as no. Were I a bandit the beer would be high on my list of valuables. Nothin' quite makes a haul like celebratory liquids." Arkold breathes a sigh and turns to watch his sword as he sharpens it. shink, shink

"We are heading home," Lady Veil whispers. "But we are lacking a driver, and my servant does not know how to handle Dromodons."

The Khatta hurries off to the fireplace to start a blaze, and then sets out a ceramic kettle and some bowls of porridge to heat up.

"Home, eh? Draco County, perhaps? That's all I know of out this way," Alptraum comments idly, watching the pair out of the corners of his eyes. "Not sure you'll find any Dromodons out here, it seems the bandits kill or steal them."

"We would also need to hire protection from bandits then," the veiled woman replies. "My home does not lie in Draco County though, but to the east. A modest manor."

"Ah, forgive me. I'm not familiar with this part of Sylvania," Alptraum comments and cants his head. "Normally, I'd offer, but I'm not sure my companions would approve. I think you make them nervous."

Tulani flicks an ear towards Alptraum and the two others at the table, stifling a sneeze as she waits for her tea and Porridge.

"We have met before," Lady Veil says. "Miss Tulani and Master Arkold, I believe? I can't imagine why I would make them nervous, though," she claims.

shink, shink "Can't imagine," Arkold echoes.

"That would be them. Ol' Arkie said you were upset with him over something. Not quite sure what," Alptraum says, shrugging slightly. "Personally, I don't find you creepy. I've been around more unusual than you; I lived in Babel for a year or so."

"He did not offend me, I assure you," Lady Veil says, with a bit of humor creeping into her voice. "We shared a coach before, and he merely… intruded on my privacy a bit. I understand that Babel is experiencing some Interesting Times."

Arkold's muzzle twitches in to a smile as he examines his blade curiously.

"Here you go," Jonesy announces, setting two bowls of porridge before Tulani and Arkold. To these he quickly adds two mugs, spoons, a plate of butter and the kettle of bark tea.

Alptraum laughs. "That, dear lady, is an understatement," he replies and waves his hands. He glances back toward the other two, then towards the lady and Mr. Not-So-Happy. "Well, if you're paying decently, and can get Mr. Grumpy back there to agree, we might be able to help you travel for a ways. Truth be told, we could use the cash."

"So Master Arkold is the one to convince?" the woman asks, her head turning towards the Jupani.

Quickly thanking Jonesy, Tulani adds a dollop of butter to her mug, and porridge, and then, more surprisingly adds a bit of the tea to the porridge as well before pouring herself a mug.

Taking a spoon full of porridge to hide his whisper, Arkold tells Tulani, "I think I'm in trouble here." He sips, grins uncomfortably, and then turns to wave at Alptraum and Lady Veil.

"Both of them, really," Alptraum says absently. "We're sort of on an equal vote agreement, right now, on what we do." Alptraum shrugs, "But, that may be difficult. I get the feeling he doesn't feel you're safe, or can be trusted."

Tulani cocks an eyebrow slightly, swiveling one ear a bit more towards Alptraum's conversation, and sipping at her tea.

"Because of my attire, I imagine," the Lady replies, "But that is easily remedied." She removes her gloves to reveal delicate, well manicured hands – human hands, although with skin so black as to be almost blue. She then reaches up and begins to remove her hat and veil.

The Sylvanian Sphynx almost drops her cup as the Lady begins to remove her apparel. She watches with rapt attention, eyes wide, looking over the color of the lady's skin.

Arkold lowers the spoon from his lips when the lady begins removing her veil. So interested is he in the affair he completely forgets his spoonful and lets it fall back into his bowl. "I never imagined she'd take it off," he whispers aside to Tulani.

"Ah … yes, your attire," Alptraum replies, trying not to look surprised at the fact she removed the gloves … or her skin color. "You have to agree, with attire like that, you could be fine … or something dangerous, like a servant of Sunala, or some such." He tries to smile and look completely comfortable. "And in these times, one can't be too careful."

The visage revealed is that of a delicately featured human, looking young but not too young. Eyes of the palest blue practically glow against the blackness of her skin, and once a hairpin is removed her long, snow-white hair flows down past her shoulders. The tips of her ears protrude, looking more pointed than is usual for a human. "A servant of Sunala, you say?" she asks Alptraum, with just a trace of irony.

Alptraum raises an eyebrow. "Aye, a servant of Sunala," he says, quirking a grin. "You know, I always had a liking for such coloration; can't for the life of me understand why," he then adds and laughs lightly, before curling some strands of his own white hair around a fingertip.

"She reminds me of, what, I read it when I was a kid. Human stories. Um, what'dya call 'em. Elbs. Kids' stories," Arkold remarks aside to Tulani in a tone of faint awe. "Most of the humans back on Rephidim are white-colored, an', brown-ish. Dark hair, light skin. Kind odd. But she's, ah, … interesting lookin', don'cha think?"

Tulani mouths a startled 'Wow', not having seen anything like that before, before quickly shutting her mouth, only to open it again and reply a bit more calmly, "Yes, very interesting."

"I must admit that you are the first person of like coloration I have met," the woman says to Alptraum, and even smiles to the Eeee. "But as I'm sure you've found in your travels, it is sometimes not the best for blending in."

Alptraum nods, and says, "That it is not. It's very rare coloration, indeed. I've seen close, but often it's pale blonde and dark red." He grins slightly, then says, "I suppose you know the significance of the coloring, then."

"I wonder if Lady Veil is her real name, an' the veils are just a play on words, so to speak. I ought to ask." Arkold puts his sword and whetstone away before retaking his spoon. "I don' have any problems with her, how about you Tulani?"

Tulani says, "I don't think I have any problems I could think of," before taking another sip of tea."

"The colors of the Angel of Death," Lady Veil answers. "Although I suppose you are more likely to be connected with that than your like-colored feline companion, Master Reisender. Nor do I imagine your large friend with the sword being mistaken for a disciple of the Angel of Love."

Alptraum can distinctly hear Arkold sigh.

"Ah, yes. I have been, and part of that is because my mother was … part of that belief, you could say," Alptraum replies and smiles. "Would you indulge me in a small experiment, Lady Veil?" He digs in his sidebag and finds the case with the dagger in it and starts to pull it out.

Tulani watches Alptraum closely from her seat, waiting to see if anything interesting happens with the dagger.

Thin white eyebrows rise at the sight of the long case. "What sort of experiment is this?" the elfin woman asks with a hint of concern.

"I want to see if you recognize, or feel, anything from this," Alptraum says and sets the case on the table, then opens it slowly to reveal a bladeless dagger. "It shouldn't harm you, I don't think."

"I'd better get over there – just in case." The wolf picks up his bowl and drink and begins walking towards the others. On his way he says, "Lady Veil, ah, I don' have any problem with you now. You've got my vote. But I'll let you deal with Alptraum's weirdness a bit first before I'm sure you want us, heh."

Tulani quickly packs away her porridge, drinking it down, and gets up to follow Arkold over.

"That is most heartening, Master Arkold," the elfin woman says, smiling brightly for the Jupani. "I don't see how a knife without a blade can make me feel anything though. Is it magic?" she asks Alptraum.

"That I'm not sure about," Alptraum says and lifts the hilt fron the case and holds it up. "Slowly wave your hand over it. Tell me if you feel anything at all."

Arkold sits down, returns the lady's smile, and adds, "Next he'll pull a coin from behind your ear."

A bit nervously, Lady Veil extends her hand out over the hilt. When nothing happens, she relaxes and even moves her hand back and forth a bit. "I am afraid that all I feel is a bit foolish, Master Reisender," she says, smiling.

"So, you felt nothing, then," Alptraum says, looking a bit disheartened. He holds his hand out, palm down. The Eeee then raises the hilt to press the place where the blade should be firmly against his palm, watching the back of his hand for movement in the fur.

Grinning and rolling her eyes at Arkold, the Sphynx finds a seat next to him.

"He's really a lot more useful in a fight than you'd imagine," Arkold insists. "He has real weapons." He winks at Tulani.

As the Eeee's fur ripples, Lady Veil's eyes widen. "Is it a parlor trick?" she asks, while Alptraum's hand starts to get numb. "Gray, you try it," she adds, speaking to her servant.

The mute poodle thrusts his hand out over the table, his expression unchanging.

Alptraum pulls his hand away and holds it to the lady, then asks, "Feel my palm, does it feel cold to you?" He glances to the Gallee, then runs the hilt over his hand.

The fur on the poodle's hand remains undisturbed, while Veil's furless fingers gently feel Alptraum's hand. "You are quite warm, Master Reisender. That is normal for an Eeee, is it not?" she says.

Alptraum puts the dagger back in the case and closes it. "It is. It's just … I was hoping … well, it wasn't just me that reacted to the dagger," Alptraum explains and sighs. He puts the case away and adds, "It feels like a shard of ice going through my hand."

Arkold extends his hand. "You'll see that my hand, too, is warm." He wiggles his fingers and grins.

"Is it a family heirloom?" the lady asks, as her servant retracts his hand in silence.

"Don't really know. We found it," Alptraum replies and smiles to the lady. "I'm sorry, I, er. Anyway, looks like you won't have to convince Arkold here. He's putty to a beautiful face."

"You'll note I'm like putty." The wolf wiggles his fingers again.

Since a blush would be invisible on such a dark face, Veil simply lowers her eyelids and tilts her face forward slightly to accept the compliment.

Smiling at the unveiled Lady Veil, the Sylvanian Sphynx laughs a little before asking, "Where exactly are you headed Ms. Veil?"

"A few days ride to the east, and a bit to the south, is my home, Miss Tulani," Veil answers. "A modest manor belonging to my family."

Arkold retracts his hand so he can prop his head up and watch Miss Veil with considerable curiosity. "I'm curious," he confirms, is Lady Veil your real name, an' the veils are a play on that? Or is it just a travelin' name?"

"It is often best to travel incognito," the woman says to Arkold. "Especially in such times as these, when the mention of a family name brings up thoughts of ransom as often as not. But as a show of trust, I will tell you that my given name is Ravenia Soldatenmangel." With a smile, she adds, "But Raven is usually sufficient."

"Anyway, I think you're welcome to travel with us. We'll be leaving early in the morning, though. And, I've got to go out for a bit and hunt for whatever the Night Hunter is," Alptraum says, then glances at Tulani. "And forgive the question, but … does all your family look like you do… ?"

"Oh no, my appearance is due to having an Exile in my ancestry," Raven says. "And we have a coach and Dromodons available, if one of you can drive it."

"Very appropriate. Can't think of a name more fitting," the wolf offers pleasantly. "I'll be callin' you Lady Veil till we get where we're goin' though, for your sake. I'm satisfied, an' I don' like sharing a pretty face with bandits."

Tulani snickers and mutters to herself, "Definetly putty."

"Ah, well, if I may be so bold, you are lucky for such an ancestor. The distinctiveness of your appearance matches well to your name and your demeanor, Lady Ravenia," Alptraum says with a smile. He then glances at Arkold and just shakes his head.

Looking to Tulani, Ravenia smirks and asks, "How do you ever get used to such a showering of compliments from these two, Miss Tulani?"

"Eh? What?" Arkold turns and looks at Tulani as if just noticing her. "Oh, hey Tulani."

"Well, I think I may get a short nap before going out tonight. I'm going to want to be alert," Alptraum says and stands up to stretch briefly.

Still snickering a bit, Tulani replies, "Somehow… they're never actually aimed in my direction." She chuckles and smiles widely. "I'm just not putty-making material apparently."

"And oh, I can drive a cart. I spent many years with the Gypsies of these lands. I learned a few things," Alptraum says. "Can't speak for the others, though."

"I suppose it is your air of self-confidence that makes you immune," Ravenia says to Tulani, grinning.

The Sphynx grins, saying, "I suppose, and I've had some experience with driving animals as well, from my parents business."

"Tulani's … like a daughter to me, I guess. Mmm." The wolf rubs his chin as he eyes the Sphynx. "Yup. As for carts, eh, I can drive hogs. Eh, maybe. These two are better at it."

"Then it is indeed good fortune that has brought us together once more," Ravenia states. "And with Master Arkold prominently displayed, I'm sure that any seeking trouble will choose to seek it elsewhere."

"Unless he's drunk and puking off the back of the cart," Alptraum comments flatly, then grins. "Guess I just don't have that intimidating air, eh?"

"Give me a hammer and apparently I'll be extra intimidatin'," adds Arkold.

With a tilt of her head and an appraising glance at the Eeee, Ravenia says, "You seem far too exotic and sensual, Master Reisender. Although your hands felt impressively strong."

Alptraum's expression is … a bit odd. Crossed between embarrassed and confused. "Ah, er, well," he says and rubs the back of his neck. "Life on the road and all that. Keeps me in shape."

Arkold gives Alptraum a decidedly suspicious look before nudging him. "Sleep. Scout later."

"I envy you, Miss Tulani," Ravenia whispers conspiratorially. "Which one is best to cuddle up to before a roaring fire, if you don't mind choosing?"

"What?" Alptraum asks Arkold. "There's still some time, you know."

Tulani grins at Lady Veil, saying, "Well, I wouldn't really know, with wings like these, I'm usually pretty cuddly and warm enough by myself, but… " Leaning in to whisper in the same tone, she says, "Arkold is fuzzier and probably warmer," before dissolving into helpless bubbling laughter.

"It's good for you," Arkold insists, nudging harder. Painfully.

Alptraum glares at Arkold. "Oh for goodness … this isn't some sort of competition," he says. "It's a job, she's a client."

"Then you'll concede I'm better suited and hurry along so you can fight the Night … Whatever. I, being flightless, will remain behind and protect our guests," argues Arkold.

The human woman responds with a slight giggle of her own, making her seem as young as Tulani. "Perhaps we'll have to find out then," she whispers back, adding a wink. Louder (but still in her usual soft whisper of a voice) she says, "Since we will be leaving early, I think Gray and I will see to preparing our belongings for travel. I hope to see you all again tonight at dinner? Gray is an adequate chef."

"Concede you're better suited for what?" Alptraum asks, flustered.

Tulani just shakes her head and laughs harder at Arkold's antics, holding her sides and leaning back, almost falling out of her chair.

Alptraum pauses, then says to Ravenia, "I won't impose on your chef, Lady Veil. I'll find something while scouting. That'll preserve supplies and all."

"Guarding. The. Roadhouse. Of course, don't be daft boy." Arkold turns to beam at Miss Veil, explaining, "The boy's a bit of a hassle some times." He gives the bat a good-natured punch in the shoulder… which ends up making Alptraum's shoulder sore.

Handing her gloves and hat to Gray, Lady Veil stands up, and says, "Well then, I look forward to our journeying together. Oh, by the way, Tulani, I will be taking a final bath tonight if you'd care to join me? It takes some time to heat enough water, so it would be impolite not to offer to share."

Alptraum rubs his shoulder, glaring at Arkold. He turns and says to the lady, "I apologize, Miss. Arkold is … over eager and rather presumptuous. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I'm sure we'll talk again, perhaps before we head out to scout for the night." He smiles and bows slightly to her.

Smiling, the Sphynx replies, "That would be lovely. When traveling you never know when you'll get the next chance for a good hot, bath.

"Eager, yes, eager to serve my lady. Eager to help you … in any way I can!" Arkold smiles a little too widely. Wolves sure have a lot of a teeth. Then he suddenly blanks. "Bath? Er, right. You … handle that Tulani. I'll … uh … yeah."

"Or someone to scrub your back," Ravenia replies to Tulani, and then returns Alptraum's bow. "I wish you both luck and safety on your search tonight."

"Well, if something happens to either of us, you'll still have a guard," Alptraum says and nods toward Arkold. He turns, then walks away to find a place to take a brief nap.

Tulani calls after, "I'll try to be out in time to back you up on the search for the Night Hunter, Alptraum."

"I'll be here. Doing something. Useful." The wolf props his head on a hand and smiles a bit forcedly. "This is me, eh, being useful."

Alptraum snaps his wings out wide and thrusts down once, kicking and flipping himself in the air … and knocking over a few chairs in the process. Moments later, he's hanging from the rafters, wings wrapped about himself and obscuring his form from view.