The fishing vessel comes to port at what at first appears to be but a ruin along the coast, but it is soon evident that a large community of diminutive furry big-eared creatures lives here, and Alptraum soon learns that these people are known as "Skeeks". Sylvanian is not a known tongue here, and the Osteranians seem to have a language of their own, but as seems to be the case most anywhere civilized, Rephidim Standard is still fairly widely used.

Nekara finishes the business with the fishermen, paying them an added gift at the end as her thanks for ferrying herself and her companions so far without any unpleasant encounters with Gallisians or bandits or pirates, and on top of that, the fishermen have a fresh catch of fish to sell to the Skeeks, so they part ways with considerable levity on the part of the seamen.

It is now many days past Candlemass. No more bizarre dreams have tormented Alptraum … so far … and the weather has warmed noticeably, no doubt thanks not only to the fact that they have journeyed far south along the coast now, but also that by now, it is well on to spring time.

Nekara leads the way into the city of Osterania – a city in a more modest sense, that is, and not on par with such metropolises as Justininople, or more distant Blitzheim, or Rephidim City, or what Nekara tells of Babel to be sure. There, she seems content to part ways with Alptraum and Autumn-Storm briefly, to meet some contacts, and make preparations for their journey across the ocean. "… though we shall have to wait for an airship to arrive," she tells them, "so we will be here at least a little while."

"Hold up just a moment, Nekara. What sort of people are you meeting here? More of the 'family'?" Alptraum asks quickly, his ears swiveling as he curiously picks up on all the goings-on in the city.

"There are none of the Yodh here," Nekara replies. "Indeed, I expect that I may be the only one of my sisterhood on this entire continent. But when I journeyed to Sylvania to find you, I made preparations for my return trip, and made certain there would be those expecting me to come this way again. I am simply going to find out when an airship will be coming this way, which can take us to a larger port, where we can find passage across the Stygian Sea."

Autumn-Storm glances about as well, watching some of the little mouse-people go about their business. Despite the grandeur hinted at by the ruins of statues and great stone architecture here and there, the lifestyle of these people seems not all that alien to what Alptraum or Autumn-Storm might be used to from Sylvania … although fish is a lot more of a staple in the diet here than in the Sylvanian heartland.

"There's that word again, 'Yodh,'" Alptraum comments, eyeing Nekara. "From what you've taught me, I know it means 'sister,' making the family all female, it seems. Rather odd, then, that you'd come looking for a male and proclaim him your brother. I think it's time you explained that a bit better. Anyway, go meet with your contacts; we can talk later." He then turns toward Autumn-Storm and signs, "Care to look around the city some? I've not gotten a chance to speak with you at length for awhile. The city may have a few interesting places, or perhaps I could find some short-term work here. We could use the money. Failing finding anything interesting, I'll probably go hunting. You're welcome to come along if I do."

Nekara gives Alptraum a less-than-friendly look at something he has said – perhaps at being shut off before she can respond to his question, but she does not waste any time after his dismissal, immediately heading down the street at a brisk pace.

Autumn-Storm signs, "Hunting has its appeal, after so long on the water, but I cannot hope to keep pace with you. I have no wings."

Alptraum signs in response, "No, you don't. But, I don't have to fly constantly to hunt. I'm willing to try to hunt without flying – I don't want us to get too split up in such a strange place." He shrugs and glances back toward Nekara briefly. "Let's at least see what's in this town first. Maybe someone here knows more about our companion, since airships do come here." he then signs.

By the time Alptraum glances back in Nekara's direction, she's already vanished. Autumn-Storm follows Alptraum's gaze regardless, then signs, "About your sister? In a town like this, I can't imagine someone such as she would be forgotten soon."

"Hail there!" a mouse in baggy trousers, leather vest and a cap shouts to the bat and cat standing in the street. "Fresh-baked wares!" He takes a deep and melodramatic sniff of the air. "Won't find any finer all along the coast!"

"Avralie," Alptraum says, then signs, "Yes, her. I don't know, but the more I think on her and this situation, the more I get uneasy about it. Like I said to her a moment ago, she makes it sound as if there are only females in the family. Rather odd she'd come looking for a male, then, isn't it?" He blinks, then turns toward the street hawker. "Hail there!" he calls out.

Autumn-Storm shrugs and starts to sign something back, but pauses as the street hawker intrudes into the conversation.

"You get many travelers in these parts?" Alptraum inquires and heads toward the merchant. "We're just passing through."

"A loaf of three-grain bread, for just two shekels!" the baker calls back, standing in the doorway of his store. "Or, if you're looking for trail rations, all sorts of crackers!" Really, he needn't shout, especially not with Alptraum's keen ears, and the lack of heavy traffic, but perhaps he supposes the visitors are hard of hearing. Or perhaps he's hard of hearing, since he shows no sign of catching Alptraum's question.

"Good sir," Alptraum says louder this time, "I am afraid I've allergic to breads, so I shan't be buying any. But, perhaps my friend here would like some. Can you tell me if many travelers pass this way? Some that look like me, perhaps?"

"Travelers like you? Why, yes! I saw one walk down the street not but a few clicks ago!" the baker says with a smile. "But there's nothing to be afraid of, I assure you. My breads are perfectly healthy!"

"Well, yes, aside from her," Alptraum replies. "And I'm certain your breads are fine. I just could not eat them. My stomach reacts badly to grains, I'm afraid."

"Aside from her, eh?" the baker repeats. "Nope, nope, not recently, though I'm fairly saw someone like her passed by this way, oh … last autumn, I'm thinking!"

Alptraum sighs inwardly and nods. "I'm certain someone probably did back then. Thanks, good sir." He waves to Autumn-Storm, then signs, "Let's move on, unless you want to buy some bread."

"Somebody died?" the baker repeats. "That's terrible! My condolences to you!"

Autumn-Storm smiles forcedly to the baker, then signs, "Move on please."

Alptraum doesn't reply. He just smiles to the baker and walks on down the street – rather quickly.

Autumn-Storm is a little slower to respond, but, being a Savanite, quickly overtakes the bat. "You wanted to talk?" she signs.

"Yes. Remember what I said a bit ago? Seems rather odd, doesn't it?" Alptraum signs, looking toward Autumn-Storm as they walk.

"What does?" Autumn-Storm signs, looking confused.

"That it seems the entire family I supposedly come from is female," Alptraum signs back. "Nekara is reluctant to tell me too much about them, it seems. That's bothering me. What if they want to sacrifice me or something?"

"There have to be some males," Autumn-Storm signs, smirking. "Or were you raised thinking you sprouted in the cabbage patch?"

"Nekara won't tell me who my father was," Alptraum replies, not even a slight grin. "I'm the son of some priestess and my birth was special, that's all she would say. They may not normally include males as part of the family. Who's to say they don't enslave males or something to serve them? I have no desire to walk into some sort of trap."

Along the street, there are several stores, though a great many of them are closed, or show no signs of any great activity. There are multiple fish markets along the street, without obvious signs to label them as such, at least one pottery shop, a livery and tack shop, two more bakeries, and a shop specializing in cheese and sausage. This latter draws Autumn-Storm's attention momentarily, but she turns back to Alptraum. "Then maybe you'll be my slave!" she signs, ears wiggling.

The Eeee laughs and shakes his head slightly. "I'd be doomed, if that were the case. You're impossible to please! he signs back and smirks.

Autumn-Storm signs, "Perhaps slavery isn't such a bad idea after all. It just depends on who has to wear the collar."

Alptraum makes a face. "That almost sounds like marriage," he signs, grinning. "In all seriousness, I'm nervous about all of this. Although, I at least was able to surprise her for a change on Candlemass. She always acts like she knows what is going on. We'll, she doesn't know everything."

"Nobody knows everything," Autumn-Storms signs. "Anyone who claims otherwise is an idiot. But how did you surprise her?"

The Eeee pauses and takes a moment to eye the surrounding shops. "Well, turns out I might have some sort of bizarre gift. I can enter the realm of the dead when I want to, it seems. Last time was on Candlemass, when I told you to keep an eye on me. Even more surprising was that I brought her with me. She was shocked – and, I think a bit jealous or embarrassed, to be honest," he signs.

Autumn-Storm frowns slightly at this story. "You aren't some kind of witch, too, are you?"

"I have no clue what I am. Nekara apparently isn't going to enlighten me on it, either. I don't particularly want this gift. You have no idea how horrid a place it is there," Alptraum signs, then shudders. He blinks, realizing something and looks at Autumn-Storm intently, signing, "And it may be that I can't just bring people there, but I may be able to bring people out in certain cases. That's a frightening thought and I don't think I want to test that."

Autumn-Storm's frown deepens. "But you already have … haven't you?"

Alptraum taps Autumn-Storm's nose and nods. "You, perhaps," he signs. "Certain cases, like I said. Those on the edge, maybe."

Autumn-Storm signs, "Then what are you afraid of? That you might actually be able to help someone? What's so bad about that? Who knows? Maybe you'll help someone rich, and he'll be grateful. You could be set for life."

The Eeee shrugs and signs, "And what if I brought back some great evil? It's not right that I should be able to do such. I have not the wisdom to wield such a gift. It could be … abused. I'm not saying I shouldn't have helped you. I'm glad I helped you. I just think it's a double-edged sword and if Nekara and the family turn out to be evil, well – they might try to use me. Of course, I may be seeing shadows where none exist."

"Yes," Autumn-Storm signs, "I'm no 'great evil.' Merely a 'pathetic naughty.'" She looks away, feigning disinterest in the topic, though Alptraum's been around her long enough to tell she's agitated.

Alptraum doesn't let her drop the subject that easily, moving in front of her so he can sign. "I wouldn't call you pathetic. You shouldn't either. You're not. You're tougher than I am, by far."

Autumn-Storm rolls her eyes. "All right, all right. I'm mightily naughty."

Alptraum shrugs and signs, "I've known far worse people. But, if you want to continue to berate yourself, that's your choice." He then starts walking again and looking around, namely for any churches or temples. They might have some useful information.

" – and proud of it!" Autumn-Storm quickly signs, then picks up her pace again to catch up with Alptraum. As for temples, it looks like there is a church of some sort, with tall stained glass windows depicting several figures – elongated in an unnatural fashion reminiscent of the statues in the shrine in Sylvania – of various though sometimes indistinct species, with halos about their heads. A symbol of a four-pointed star with an upturned crescent bisecting the bottom spoke is prevalent.

"Mind if we check that place out? I want to see if they know of the family," Alptraum signs, realizing he has no way to sign "Yodhsunala." He then points toward the temple.

Autumn-Storm nods, and takes the initiative by heading over toward it. Standing in the doorway is a little gray-furred mouse-man in robes of white and red, prominently adorned with the "star-and-crescent" symbol, clutching a thick book under one arm.

Alptraum follows along, looking this way and that occasionally. He's seen many more cities in the past few months that he saw in most of his lifetime. He wants toward this figure and calls out, "Good day to you, sir."

The mouse priest smiles. "May the First Ones guide your way, young man, young lady," he says.

"Would you be so kind as to tell me what the name of this temple is? My friend, Autumn-Storm, and I have traveled far with another whom belongs to a religious order out of Babel. Do you know much of what is worshipped there?" Alptraum asks.

The mouse starts at this. "A religious order … out of Babel?" He blinks a bit, then says, "Well! Please, do come in. I would be very happy to enlighten you about the worship of the First Ones. This is but a humble shrine, a mere shadow of the great Temple of Rephidim, but we have services every night, and mass every holiday."

"Oh, I don't want to be a bother to you, sir. I was just curious if you knew anything about a group called the Yodhsunala? I want to make sure it's safe to travel to Babel with this person," Alptraum says, stepping into the temple.

"Safe? A Yodhsunala?" the priest echoes. He chuckles weakly, then says, "Well, I have heard of them, yes, though you must understand, my knowledge is limited, as I am not a follower of such a … ah … faith as that, and this place is a peaceful, remote city. We do not have direct dealings with the likes of Babel. But my short answer would be – no, I do not think it would be safe to travel to Babel, nor do I think it would be safe to travel with a 'Yodhsunala'."

Autumn-Storm nods faintly, as her own opinions are largely confirmed (even if she never put up very strong objections when given a chance).

"Well, what do you know of them?" Alptraum asks.

The priest lets out a sigh, then says, "You must pardon me, as I am a bit weak on Babelite theology – I may well get the 'Sisters' mixed up, one from the other – but I do believe that Sunala is a 'goddess' of death. Mortal sacrifices are offered up in her name, and all of her priestesses are assassins who deal death for the highest bidder – or, that is, those who 'donate' most generously to their temple."

Alptraum's brow goes up at this. "I see. I was worried it may be something darker, but … are there any male followers of Sunala that you know of?"

"Oh, many, I'm sure," the priest says. "Mercenaries and assassins, the whole of them, but the women hold all the authority. There is no sense of equality among the genders such as you will find in the Rephidim Temple. In the priesthoods of male gods, the men are dominant, and in the priesthoods of the goddesses, the females are in charge, and there are forever clashes between the followers of one god or goddess and another in Babel – or so I hear."

"That wouldn't surprise me, from what I've heard of Babel," Alptraum agrees. "Lovely. My mother was a killer, it seems. Better to know now, I guess. I was told my mother was one of the Yodhsunala, you see." He sighs softly. "So much for my childhood fantasy of my parents being good people."

"I'm terribly sorry to hear that," the priest says, sounding genuinely sympathetic. "I did not realize … " He takes in a quick breath. "Please, do not think that you are responsible for the sins of your elders. You are your own person. The path you walk is your own."

"Tell them that," Alptraum says. "They came for me, the Yodhsunala. Told me it was my duty to return with them. Now, hearing that they are assassins as well, I'm not sure I can just run. They found me once, they probably could again."

"That's terrible!" the priest says. "Do you seek sanctuary? I'll tell you right now, we haven't any warriors among us, but I could hide you."

Alptraum sighs. "That would just endanger you and pull you into my fight," Alptraum says. "I have no right to do that. Perhaps if we just ran, maybe faked getting killedor some such, they'd leave me be." He looks toward Autumn-Storm.

Autumn-Storm signs, "Running sounds good."

The priest just nods. "I would force nothing upon you, rest assured. But if it is sanctuary you seek, I will do my best to assist you. Rephidim well knows the dangers posed by Babel's misguided 'faith.'"

Alptraum nods at that. "Well, it's not misguided to them, though. I don't see we have a right to tell them they're wrong. They just chose that path; it's their path. Like you said, we all walk our own path," Alptraum says with a shrug.

The priest shakes his head. "We can't all be so relativist. They say that they are right, and we are wrong. We say that we are right, and they are wrong. We cannot both be right. Truth is absolute, and the Temple is devoted to finding out the truth. The trouble is, the 'truth' of the Yodhsunala may well dictate that some poor fellow must die – because he has a wealthy enemy who generously donated to the temple's coffers. I dare say, that poor fellow would have a vested interest in thinking that the Yodhsunala are a bit on the wrong side, where his life is concerned."

"I'm not saying either of you are right. I'm a nobody, and do not have the wisdom to say one way or the other," Alptraum says quietly. "I think we've taken up enough of your time and will move on. I need time to clear my head and think." He turns and walks toward the doorway, saying, "Come on, Autumn-Storm. I think we should go hunting now."

The priest nods sadly. "May the First Ones grant you the clearness of thought to find the truth," he says, raising his hand in a blessing as the bat and cheetah leave.

Alptraum doesn't look back. He just walks through the doorway and back onto the street.

Autumn-Storm resumes her habit of alternately jogging ahead, being distracted by one sight or another (also being new to cities), falling behind, then jogging to catch up again. "Wonder what the hunting's like here?"

Alptraum shrugs and signs, "Not really sure. Going to find out, though. I need to get out of the cities and back into the wilderness for a bit. It's calming to hunt, for me anyway. I hope the wildlife isn't too big." He continues on, towards the outskirts of town. He looks around some, but doesn't seem nearly as interested in the town as he was earlier.

The city is not all that large, and it hardly takes long for the twosome to find their way to the edge, though it is not strictly defined as such. The city consists of a tight cluster of central stores, with a gradually lightening dispersal of cottages, getting lighter in each direction along the shore, and fading off quickly to rolling hills and small cultivated lands interspersed with clusters of trees further inland.

Alptraum heads a decent ways past the houses on outskirts and crouches down, flicking his ears and listening. "Let's see if there's anything out here I might recognize," he thinks to himself. Might as well eat decently for a change, anyway, he thinks. The food I found while riding on the boat had to be rushed.

There's a brief false start as it seems that Alptraum has found a nice juicy creature of a type he's not seen before out in the wilderness … but just as he's about to close in on it … he hears one of the locals calling out. Alptraum and Autumn-Storm manage to keep out of sight, as a local Skeek farmer comes and gathers up the beast. Seems this creature was domesticated. Being caught sucking its blood could have been a very bad thing, but Alptraum manages to avoid such a close call. He has far better luck on his next attempt, finding a plump lazy tree-lizard.

"Nice catch," Autumn-Storm appraises, as she holds up her own prizes – a couple of lanky rabbits that look like a slightly different variety than those found in Sylvania.

Alptraum doesn't waste any time with snapping his jaws forward, sinking his fangs into the lizard. He tilts his head back as he usually does and drinks, not as rushed has he had on the boat ride over. At last, he pulls his fangs free from the now limp lizard. "Doesn't taste too bad, either. Though, I think you certainly had a better catch," he says.

Autumn-Storm shrugs noncommittally. "Probably stringy, but it'll do," she signs, then looks around. "Wonder if a fire draws attention around here?"

Alptraum looks around, canting his ears to listen. "You're welcome to the lizard, too. Lemme see if I hear anyone close by. If not, then it's probably pretty safe to start one, as long as we find a semi-sheltered place to do so," he signs.

It doesn't sound like there's anyone very close by. After that close call with the farmer, after all, they'd moved along an appreciable distance.

"Sounds clear," the Eeee signs, then looks around for a tight grove of trees to settle down in so Autumn-Storm can cook.

Autumn-Storm wastes little time in setting up a fire, as her time trekking across Sylvania has made the both of them fairly familiar with the task. Soon she has the drained lizard and the two lanky rabbits roasting over makeshift spits over the fire, while the sun indicates that it's getting toward evening now.

Alptraum settles down near the fire and remains quiet while she eats. He fingers the old pendant he wears, then slips it off his neck and looks at it. "Should I get rid of this? Or maybe I could sell it. It might be worth some money," he says softly. "So, think we should go off on our own? We seem to make a decent enough team. I bet we could survive out here."

Autumn-Storm chews on her lower lip, then signs, "I wish we'd come to this revelation before coming out here to who-knows-where. It's going to be a long walk back to Sylvania."

"Do you want to go back to Sylvania?" Alptraum signs. "Seems nice enough here. We could take our time and maybe see what lies down here. Who knows, maybe we could find a place where you'd be happy to live."

Autumn-Storm's eyes flash, as her expression turns suddenly angry. "Since when did you forget all about that sorcerer that nearly got me killed several times over? Aren't we going to do something about him?"

"Do what? I'm not sure we could fight him one-on-one, Autumn-Storm. I still want to get that pendant back, because I promised I would try. I just… ," he signs, then sighs. "Nevermind. I'm sure we could get back to Sylvania. It'll just take time. Perhaps we could get work on a sailing ship that's bound back north and we could make our way toward Castle Draco."

Autumn-Storm nods. "Perhaps we could, though I wonder at the sort of work I would find on a sailing ship. I don't have big ears."

"You could pull nets, couldn't you?" Alptraum signs, looking just a bit annoyed at being told he has big ears.

Autumn-Storm cocks her head. "What's wrong now?"

"My ears aren't that big," he signs in reply.

Autumn-Storm's face breaks into a smirk. She lifts her fingers above her head and traces out two big imaginary triangles, as she grins impishly.

"Laugh it up, spotty. See if I rescue your butt again!" he replies. then grins himself. "Okay, okay. I get the idea. They look pretty silly, don't they?"

"I like them," Autumn-Storm signs, still grinning. "You'd look silly with small ears." Her own ears wiggle.

Alptraum taps his chin and considers that. "You're right, I would," he signs in agreement. "Just like you'd look silly with big ones. Especially when you wiggle your ears like that." He grins.

"I don't think you can wiggle yours!" Autumn-Storm signs, then suddenly lurches up and pinches Alptraum's ears, trying to wiggle them.

Alptraum squeaks loudly, surprised. A wing flicks out and drapes over Autumn-Storm trying to distract her so he can liberate his ears.

Autumn-Storm goes rolling at the wing-buffet, and when she comes up, she has weeds and leaves in her hair, and spits out a few blades of grass. "No fair!" she protests in sign. "You have extra limbs!"

Alptraum grins. "I'm a gypsy, who says we play fair? And besides, I happen to remember a time when you beat the crud out of me. They didn't help me back then, now did they?" he replies in sign and reaches over to pick some weeds out of Autumn-Storms hair. His grin turns sheepish and he says, "Sorry. I got a bit carried away, I think." He then actually tries to wiggle his ears.

Alas, he simply hasn't got it in him. It must be one of those special Savanite talents.

"Careful," Autumn-Storm signs, "you'll strain something."

Alptraum grins and quits trying. "Figured I'd try anyway," he signs. "Anyway, back to the topic. What to do? We could continue on with Nekara, you know. Maybe they would teach us something of how to stop the sorcerer. You never know."

"Yes," Autumn-Storm signs, "like how to properly slip a dagger between his ribs, or something potent into his drink. If they're all assassins, I guess they should be good for that." She then shakes her head. "I don't really know. I guess neither of us does. You've got some pretty scary family. But they might be powerful, too."

Alptraum winces at the thought, then nods. "I agree. The more I learn of them, the less I like them. But, I should be fair and hear Nekara's side too. Each will, of course, attack the other. Truth be told, I've got more in common with you, than with them."

"We might as well continue on, since we're here," he then admits.

Autumn-Storm sighs. "Continue on which way, then? On with the witch-bat? Or strike out on our own to Sylvania?"

Alptraum sighs. "I may live to regret it, but continue on with her. We'll just be careful, right?"

"Better to live to regret it than … well … not to," Autumn-Storm signs. "Anyway, I'm sticking on with you. You're the closest thing to good luck I have right now."

Alptraum grins and signs, "And here I thought it was my charming personality and good looks!" He reaches over and musses up Autumn-Storm's hair, laughing.

Autumn-Storm's hands flail in a vain attempt to protect her hair from getting any more messed up. When she finally can see again, she signs, "Well, my stomach's full, and it's getting dark. Your sister's still good for getting us rooms to stay in, right?"

"I'd assume so. She's probably wondering where we are right now. We'd better get back. I need to talk to her, anyway," he signs, then stands and stretches. "Race you back?" he signs and smirks.

"Oh, you think that's going to be an easy race, do you?" Autumn-Storm signs … but then starts running, without stopping for a fair count to start things off.

Alptraum laughs and flicks his wings out. After a very short run, he gets himself airborne and flies after Autumn-Storm, keeping himself low so he can keep her in view.

Although Autumn-Storm is a "sprinter" with remarkable endurance, it's still a longer run back to town than the time he chased her through the forest on their first visit – her pace drops visibly a good distance outside of town, such that he could easily outpace her by wing if he cared to. (Now, if there were a headwind blowing off the ocean, it'd be another story.)

Alptraum wings along, trying to just match her speed, not really outdo her. He grins and looks down toward her, then flies along, using his ears to navigate more than his eyes.

At last, they reach the outskirts of town, and the cheetah draws more than a few odd looks as she goes shooting down the street. Alptraum sees it a bit before Autumn-Storm does, but there's hardly time to do anything about it … as Autumn-Storm rushes around a corner and quite nearly bowls into Nekara, who is standing out in the street, looking the wrong way at the time. The cheetah flails her arms and comes to a graceless stop, then rests her hands on her knees, panting heavily.

Alptraum glides in after Autumn-Storm and grins. "You can really move," he comments, landing nearby. "I'd never be able to come close to keeping up on foot." He then waves to Nekara and asks, "Hello, Nekara. Everything arranged?"

Nekara looks disapprovingly at the two, then says, "Yes, though … is there some sort of trouble?"

Alptraum gives Nekara a really strange look. "Have you ever heard of having fun, Nekara? Autumn-Storm and I were just enjoying ourselves," he replies with a shrug. "I bet you've never danced, played music, or sung, have you?"

"Yes, I do dance," Nekara says, "and I am familiar with the concept of 'having fun.' You two just look as if you're running away from some monster you've discovered in the woods, and I wanted to make certain there was no trouble."

"Now, that surprises me," Alptraum comments with a shrug. "No, there's no danger. I just told her I'd race her back, is all."

Nekara sighs. "If you're going to race, do it where you'll draw a little less attention. We're conspicuous enough here as it is. We face little danger here with all these little folk, but we are going to a more dangerous place, where it doesn't pay to draw undue attention."

Autumn-Storm rolls her eyes. "She definitely cannot wiggle her ears," she signs.

Alptraum nods to Autumn-Storm and signs, "No, she sure can't." He then sighs and says, "Look, Nekara. I've been through a heck of a lot, okay? I've nearly died several times, had to fight zombies and blood monsters, and narrowly avoided having a Gallee find out about me. I want a chance to enjoy life, okay? The opportunity presented itself here, so I took it. I'm a gypsy, it's how we are. We enjoy life one day at a time."

Nekara holds up her hands. "Suit yourselves. If it's fun you're having, you needn't get mad about it so quickly."

"I'm not mad about just that. I'm mad about the fact everything I seem to do displeases you. If I'm so annoying, leave me behind and move on," Alptraum snaps.

"Tch," Nekara says. "I'm just looking to keep your hide intact. Before you storm off, you have the Red Room. Your Savanite has the Brown Room. And I have the Grey Room." She gestures to the inn behind her, the Mystic House, which sports a number of squiggly, arcane-looking sigils around the titling in Rephidim Standard.

"My hide intact? What, were you perhaps paid enough to keep me alive? You are assassins for hire, or so I've now been told. When were you ever going to fill me in on that little aspect?" Alptraum says, silver eyes narrowed.

"I was paid nothing to bring you back," Nekara hisses. "I do so for the service of Sunala."

"What about service to yourself? The people of Babel?" Alptraum asks.

"I have my own interests in mind, and those of Babel as well," Nekara says. "I thought I had already explained that much to you. It is my sincere hope that Sunala has some purpose for you to help Babel in its time of need."

"Well, so do I. But, I'm just one person. One person cannot change an entire city, or save a culture. The people of that city will have to want to survive. And from what little you've told me, it doesn't seem they want to. You once called Sylvania doomed, but at least they're going down fighting. Babel is just – crumbling," Alptraum says softly. "Do you really think I can make a difference? The people of Babel, you, hate what I am."

"If Sunala believes you can make a difference, then I believe you can make a difference," Nekara says. "I have no idea how. That is not for me to know. Babel is your birthplace, your home, your people, and they need you. If that is not enough for you … then perhaps the bloodline of my people runs too thinly in you."

"It's not that simple, Nekara. I could make things worse," Alptraum says. "I have some sort of gift. You've seen it – experienced it. I can walk into Sunala's realm when I want to! That's unnerving, to say the least. But, I've done more than that. I've pulled one person out. I hardly believe it when I think on it – that it happened. But, it did. I fear I could destroy our people, Nekara – my sister. I need you to be understanding of my feelings. Even if they're wrong, it's what I feel. If they're wrong, then I need you to show me that. I can't just follow on blind faith. I'm sorry."

Nekara closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them again to look at Alptraum. "I cannot give you answers, my brother. I was given the authority to promise you a great many things to encourage you to come with me, but I decided not to resort to such means, for I thought you would be suspicious of such offers, if my intent were truly in your best interests. I cannot answer your questions, but at the Temple, there are those older and wiser than me who will take the time to explain everything to you that can be explained. You cannot escape Sunala's realm by staying here. Surely you know that. You will surely dream of the Sea of Souls again. It is not a place in Babel. It is not a place anywhere in the physical realm at all. It is a place of the spirit … and so long as you have a spirit, you are tied to it."

Autumn-Storm just stands to one side, crossing her arms, trying to ignore the various mouse people standing around and gawking at the bizarre exchange going on between the bats.

"You cannot answer those – that I can accept. I can accept what I am, your brother. What I want from you is simpler than those answers. You once said you did know my mother once, long ago. I know you said she was a priestess, but can you tell me what she looked like? At least let me finally have a face to go with the voice I remember?" Alptraum asks quietly, silver eyes focused on the other Eeee. "I want to know of the people there. Of the family there, good and bad. I don't like hearing things from others, because it then seems as though you're trying to hide it."

"What did she look like?" Nekara repeats, then says, "She looked like the rest of us. Black fur, white hair. In the outlying temples, there are some who don't fit that scheme – even a few males pressed into priesthood – but by and large, we bear the likeness of Sunala, whether by birth, by ritual and prayer, or by something as simple as bleach and dye."

This time, Alptraum crosses his arms. "Is there something wrong with being male?" he asks.

Nekara says, "There is nothing wrong with being male, but a man does not a Daughter make. It is a matter of tradition among us that women lead in the worship of Sunala."

"And had I been born female, would I still have been sent away?" Alptraum inquires next.

Nekara pauses at this. "I do not know. Perhaps you wouldn't have. If you were in some sort of danger, it would have been far easier to hide you among our number if you had been born a girl."

"Sorry, but it almost makes me feel like I was cast out because I was male," Alptraum says with a shrug. "I suppose if they wanted me gone, they would have just killed me."

"You were wanted safe," Nekara says.

Alptraum nods, then asks, "Did you know my father at all? Was he also of the family?"

"I do not know who your father was," Nekara says. "In fact … I am not certain that you had a father."

"Come again?" Alptraum asks, blinking.

Nekara frowns. "I do not want to say too much that I do not fully understand, but I had heard a rumor about a miraculous birth. A child born to a Yodhsunala who had never been with a man. But it was only a rumor."

Alptraum blinks. He looks to Autumn-Storm, then back to Nekara. "Surely that's just a story. It's not possible for a child to just come into being without a father. That … that… ," he stammers. "Is that what you think was meant when you said I was a special birth?"

Nekara says, "I told you, it was a rumor. Do not get frighten so easily. There are many ways in which a birth could be miraculous. It could be just that you were born with white hair and black fur, without benefit of intercessory prayer and ritual to Sunala. Your markings are exceedingly rare among my people. For a man to be born as you are marks him as chosen of Sunala, and almost certain to become a warrior or a lord's striking hand."

"But I'm also a Bardiphath, which isn't terribly common either as far as I know. Plus … this explains something, maybe," Alptraum replies. "Something that happened the first time I went to the Sea."

Nekara blinks, then looks around. "We are speaking out on the street. Let us go inside, and then you may tell me. I hate to think how many tongues will be wagging after this."

Alptraum nods. "As you wish." He glances over to Autumn-Storm and shrugs. "Lead on, Nekara."

Nekara pushes open the door and leads the way in. Autumn-Storm blows out a breath and follows.

Up the stairs, Nekara leads Alptraum and Autumn-Storm to the "Grey Room". The furnishings are not exceptional, except that someone has taken the time to paint them with a fairly extravagant style. The room is painted in various tones of gray, though leaning toward blue-grey in places, and a seashell mosaic runs in a band around the perimeter of the room, and similar mosaics decorate the seats of chairs, and the tops of a dresser and table. There is not a private tub, as it seems the local custom is to have a common bathhouse – much as one might have a shared laundry house in some cities.

Nekara closes the door, then pulls a chair away from a writing desk, and turns it to face the others as she sits down. The chair is a bit small for her – as all of the furniture is scaled to be more appropriate for Skeeks – but is sturdy enough to support her light Eeee frame. "Now then … you had a tale to tell?"

"Well, I didn't mention this before because I didn't think it was important," Alptraum says, nodding. He starts to pace the floor and look down. "First time I arrived at the Sea of Souls, I was terrified. But, I discovered I could 'summon' people. You've seen me do it, in fact. Well, I tried to find my parents," he says, taking a moment to pause and look over at Nekara.

Nekara's ears swivel fully forward. "And what happened?"

"No one came. Nothing," Alptraum says. "But, even when I've botched it … " He looks towards Autumn-Storm. "… Something always happened. But, in this case, I had the strangest sensation. I couldn't place it then, and it may mean nothing now, but nothing was there. Hard to explain that, a sensation of something being missing. If that makes any sense."

"Don't make too much of it," Nekara says, breathing in through her nose. "One must be careful in how one interprets dreams and visions."

"Would you call when I brought you to the Sea just a dream, Nekara?" Alptraum asks.

"I did not say it was 'just a dream'. I only caution you to be careful what conclusions you draw from this," Nekara says.

"Well, that's why I said it may mean nothing. But now, I want to try it again. Last time I tried any sort of contact, all I ended up seeing was being held in Sunala's arms. That was strange. I was full grown – she was huge," he replies with a shrug.

"It may be a vision meant to confirm your place as a child of Sunala," Nekara says, matter-of-factly, "and that She is strong, yet we, mortals, are but babes compared to Her."

Alptraum chuckles at that explanation. "Perhaps that's all it was. Doesn't it strike you as odd, though, that I can't seem to get any sort contact or vision of my parents? I could bring people I've never met, yet my own parents are hidden from me."

Nekara only shakes her head. "You already have me at a disadvantage, with your power concerning the Sea of Souls. I cannot explain beyond what you have surely learned for yourself already about that place."

"I've been to more than just the Sea of Souls," Alptraum admits. "I've stood in a crossroads, gateways to seven realms. The Sea was the only one open to me. I've met Inala once. She was the first I ever met, and she cast me to the Sea."

Nekara laughs unpleasantly. "She would do that, I am sure."

"Second time I saw Inala, my very presence seemed to cause her great pain," Alptraum admits quietly.

"That is even more amusing," Nekara says. "Though you should not be surprised. The Sisters fight with each other as oft as they cooperate. Gods and goddesses do not get along any better than mortals do."

"Amusing to you. Her expression hurt me, Nekara," Alptraum says.

"I am sorry to hear that," Nekara says, "but you must understand: Inala is the Goddess of Pleasure. As Sunala is the Goddess of Death, and so can deal it out – or withhold it, granting life instead – so too can Inala give out great pleasure … or withhold it, resulting in agony."

Alptraum nods, then asks, "Is … is that what I may have done with Autumn-Storm? Withhold death?"

"Yes," Nekara says, slowly. "That is a way that you can look at it, just as Sunala grants a measure of such power to her Daughters."

"It seems in some ways I've been granted a great deal of power, doesn't it?" Alptraum inquires. "You seemed surprised at how I could just bring you to the Sea. Maybe I'm just misinterpreting what I've been seeing."

"Yes, it does seem that way," Nekara says, "and I was surprised. I respect the power you may indeed hold."

Autumn-Storm just fidgets as she stands, not taking a seat for herself, looking awkwardly over to Alptraum now and then.

"At one point, I thought you might be jealous of it," Alptraum responds, glancing back toward Autumn-Storm. "If I could give it to you and be free of it, I would, Nekara. Do you know what it's like to be able to see moments in people's lives? To sometimes even live them?"

"That I do not, my brother," Nekara says. "And, yes, I am jealous of your power. If I had such sway over the Sea of Souls, if I had such communion with Sunala Herself, I should think I would rise to be the High Priestess of Sunala's temple in Babel. But Sunala has not granted such a thing to me – She has given me other powers, in Her wisdom."

Alptraum chuckles. "You know the reason that may be? As a male, I could never rise to such a position. I would imagine someone could easily lose sight of themselves in that role. So, perhaps bestow the gift on someone who cannot reach that position – to better insure that it would be used responsibly."

Nekara shakes her head. "You may very well have touched upon the truth, my brother, for it is true that a man could never ascend to such a position."

"It's just a guess, anyway. Why else would I be given a gift so dangerous? I'm afraid of what could be doneif the power was misused," Alptraum says. "I am honestlyscared of what I may be capable of. I had to learn pretty much all of it on my own. Maybe that too was on purpose. Experience the mistakes, to understandwhat could happen if misused."

"Perhaps," Nekara says. "In any case, although I have warned you not to judge too quickly from your dreams, you would do well to remember them. Perhaps Sunala is using them to instruct you."

"I wish her lessons were more clear, then. I also wish she'd send back that one Eeee I met," he replies. "I do wonder what became of her. She and I did talk some. Plus, she saved my life."

"Perhaps you are meant to miss her," Nekara says. "You have the power to draw people from the Sea of Souls, but perhaps your power is not yet strong enough, if you cannot conjure up the shade of your departed mother. Maybe, not knowing your mother, you haven't a strong enough grasp on her image to bring her to you – but having met this girl and desiring to see her again, you have a reason to summon her … and once you are strong enough to summon her, you will be strong enough for some other purpose Sunala has in mind."

Alptraum once again shrugs, saying, "Who knows at this point? She did claim to be no one of importance, yet part of me believed she was someone important. She seemed familiar to me, not just in the appearance sense. She was not a nameless person."

Nekara shakes her head. "Perhaps a test. A challenge, for you to find out what is so important about her."

"How common are eyes like mine?" Alptraum asks.

Nekara looks at Alptraum's eyes. "Not common at all. Pale blue, perhaps … but yours have no color at all. I have never seen eyes like yours before. Not even among the Yodhsunala."

"Hers were the same as mine, and you've never seen such before? On any Yodhsunala?" Alptraum asks, disbelieving. "Her wings were torn. Do some Yodhsunala do that to themselves?"

Nekara does not reply immediately, still looking at Alptraum, as if trying to see more in his eyes. "The tearing of the wings is a sign of self-sacrifice. It is dishonorable for a Yodhsunala to leave this world by natural means – Either we die in conflict, at the hands of enemies, or else by our own hands, when we sense our time is near. It is the way of some to shred their wings, then to fall from a high place, to 'fly' directly to the Sea of Souls."

"I see," Alptraum responds, his eyes not blinking. "She was so young, though. She didn't die of old age, so she'd have no reason to do that, I don't think. Maybe she wasn't a ghost, but something more."

"It is also a way for those who are disgraced among us to die," Nekara says. "Those who have violated some great trust are given a chance to leave this life by their own hand, rather than face expulsion."

Alptraum winces and says, "Oh. I'd rather face expulsion."

"Be that as it may," Nekara says, "I am merely offering observations and guesses. Even Sunala Herself is depicted with shredded wings … though she is not depicted with silver eyes. Rather, her eyes are totally white, without pupils. Though, granted, your eyes are as close to that image as one might get, without being blind."

Alptraum cringes. "I hadn't thought of that," he says softly, shaking his head. "I must almost look a male Sunala. Well, aside from the wings, anyway."

Nekara nods, then looks to the window. "An interesting observation, yes. Another observation I have to make is that it is getting late. If there is nothing else … perhaps we should retire for the night."

Alptraum nods and says, "That, and I really think I've scared myself enough for one night. I'm tired. I'm sure Autumn is tired. If we're going to be in town long, I'm going to try and find a job. I could use a bit of cash."

Nekara nods again. "I suppose you could. May Sunala grant you dreamless sleep," she says.

Autumn-Storm is already walking toward the door. "Dreams or no, sleep is fine by me," she signs.

"Goodnight then, Nekara. Goodnight Autumn-Storm. I'll see you both tomorrow," Alptraum says and stifles a yawn.