The patrol that night didn't turn up any leads on the identity of the so-called Night Hunter. In fact, Tulani and Alptraum found no activity at all within several miles of the roadhouse, as even the nocturnal wildlife was laying low or else just too stealthy for the aerial searchers. Luckily, Alptraum's hunt earlier in the day provided enough fresh meat that the innkeeper was willing to trade room and board for it. Most of it ended up in the dinner stew.

As night deepens, the innkeeper goes about the business of barricading the main door and shuttering the windows, while the stranded raccoon merchant helps out by hanging various charms and herb-packets on the walls to keep away evil spirits, the undead, and people who are allergic to garlic and onions.

Lady Veil's silent servant has gone upstairs to prepare her room, but for now the human shares the common room with Arkold, Tulani and Alptraum. She sits near the blazing hearth, perhaps to soak up some warmth before retiring to her bed.

"If you ask me, I don't think there is a 'Night Hunter'," Alptraum comments, folding his wings lightly about himself. "Probably some silly local superstition to keep kids in line."

Stretching her arms and shoulders with a loud pop, Tulani replies, "Yes, it's strange that we didn't find anything at all… but you never know."

Arkold lounges near the fire with his head propped up by his hands. "These stories, eh, they get exaggerated. First it's a blue hunter raiding the farm, then next you hear it's a giant blue beast with razor fangs, and so on, until it's a ten foot tall monstrosity to scare the kids," the wolf remarks.

"A flying creature would leave few visible traces, I imagine," whispers Lady Veil, who then leans in towards Arkold to ask, "A blue hunter?"

"Potentially," Alptraum says, "But, they have to land at some point, and I'd hear beating wings and the like." He taps an ear, commenting, "Big ears and all that."

"A krenn, a blue hunter." The wolf turns his head and smiles at the lady. "Ain't too common out this way. Pretty damn popular in Rephidim though. The guard beast de jour of the wealthy, eh, prolly 'cause the little mimic's are a pain and the spike-backs rip hemlines."

Suddenly the black and white Sphynx's ears perk up at an interesting thought. Turning to Alptraum she asks, "What if it lived and slept underground?"

Veil returns Arkold's smile, and says, "If we make good time on the road tomorrow, we should reach Worms by nightfall. Superstition or not, I would prefer to spend the night within sturdy walls."

"Then we'd find holes in the ground where it sucked victims under," Alptraum points out, then shrugs. He glances over at Lady Veil and says, "Then we ought to leave at daybreak, just in case."

Tulani shrugs and quietly responds, "It was just a thought."

Arkold nods approvingly. "Can't blame ya. Most of the time, eh, these rumors are just that – rumors. Prolly some story blown out of proportion, an' it sticks. But there's always that exception. Offworld I learned the exception is often the rule." His head shakes. "Never hurts to be cautious."

Standing up, the human gives a slight bow, then says, "Yes, early and cautious are the best ways to travel. So I think I will bid you all good night now."

Alptraum glances up at the human and smiles, saying with a tint of disappointment, "This soon? And here we were enjoying your company."

Arkold lifts a hand to wave, tail wagging. "Yell if you need anythin'," he offers, grinning.

Tulani smiles and rolls her eyes at Alptraum and Arkold before responding, "Good night, and sleep well," and adding in, "And like Arkold says, if you need anything just ask."

"I would not want to deprive you of a full night's sleep," Lady Veil says, and heads for the stairs. Halfway up, she turns around to add, "But we will have plenty of time to get to know one another during the journey," before vanishing up to the second floor.

"C'mon Barney," the innkeeper says to the Rath'ani, as the two of them head out through a door near the kitchen area.

Alptraum chuckles and says smiling, "Cute lady." He shrugs slightly, then stands up. He looks upward and yawns, "I think I'll 'hang' around for the rest of the evening."

Arkold rolls over to watch the fire and after a moment says, "A mystery worth findin' out, that woman. Well," he rolls the shoulder he's not leaning on, "time to call it a night I think. At least until horrible monsters break down the door an' we have to skewer 'em. I'll leave that to you bats. I'm old." He chuckles.

Tulani settles in near the lowering fire, wrapping herself in her white wings, lowering her head on the softness.

"Yes, you are," Alptraum comments, then snaps his wings once to get himself to the ceiling. His wings wrap around his body and he chuckles softly.

The next morning, after spending a few minutes stroking and speaking softly to the animals pulling the carriage and getting to know they're temperaments a bit better as she was taught to by her adoptive father, Tulani climbs carefully into the drivers seat, and once everyone is seated, starts the coach moving.

Before the sun has risen fully above the horizon, the small black coach has left the roadhouse and started east along the road. The vehicle is old, and it shows. The panel separating the driver's bench from the passenger compartment is missing, giving Alptraum and Lady Veil an uninterrupted view of Tulani and Arkold's backsides. The poodle servant rides on a small backward facing seat on the roof, behind the baggage rack.

Lady Veil is wearing her usual black cloak and hat, but has left off the veil for now as she gazes out of the wickerwork window. Every so often, the rear axle of the carriage lets out an ominous groaning sound.

"So, Lady Veil, how long have your family lived in Sylvania?" Alptraum inquires, shiftomh slightly to not sit as heavily on his wings. "Er … as old as this wagon is?" he then asks with a grin.

"At least a dozen generations, according to the portraits of ancestors we have," Veil replies, still watching the tree line to the south of the road. To the north is the same broken landscape as before; a wasteland of neglected and abandoned farmlands with the occasional hill or copse of trees to break it up.

"This sure beats walking," the wolf says to no one in particular. "I think I've walked most of this region by now. An' several others, come to think of it. Abaddon may not have, ah, trees … or water really … or non-toxic winds, friendly people, understandable languages, or non-lethal wildlife but I miss the machines."

Tulani spares a small smile at Arkold's sentimental attitude, but keeps her focus on the road ahead, looking for large bumps, potholes, and obstructions.

"Sylvania must seem a paradise to you then, Master Arkold," Lady Veil says, sounding quite sincere.

Alptraum peers at tree line to the south of the road. "Are you concerned about something from the south?" he asks.

There are several spots up ahead that Tulani would consider ideal to ambush travelers from, but so far they haven't seen anyone else on or alongside the road.

The wolf grins contentedly. "Come to think of that, too, Lady … it is. I really is." He looks back and gestures to the countryside. "You think some places are bad, right? Then you travel. Then you see how bad they can be. There's worse than this. A lot worse."

"The southern forest may hide dangers," Veil replies to Alptraum. "And besides, I'd have to be sitting in your lap to see out of the opposite window, Mr. Reisender."

"Amen to that," Alptraum comments to Arkold. "Things are at least less complicated here." He then flicks his ears and grins at Lady Veil. "You can call me Alptraum, Traum, or Hey You, you know. You make me feel so old with the Mr. Reisender title. And well, as for my lap, er, if you wanted to, I suppose. but it would be easier to just switch seats if you did want to look at the other, eh?"

Veil just smiles enigmatically to Alptraum, and goes back to watching through her window.

The Sylvanian Sphynx flicks her eyes briefly to the south, smiling and commenting, "Sylvania is a nice place to call home."

"And I'm glad you find me at least entertaining to try and tease," Alptraum replies to that enigmatic look, then grins.

The Dromodons pulling the coach begin to slow down, as if reluctant to go further.

Tulani flicks the reins slightly as the animals slow, and peers ahead and around to try and spot what might be disturbing them.

Arkold's nose twitches as he turns back around. "That's odd, heh, I smell somethin'. A … wha'cha-call-'em," he scratches his chin and his ears' perk, "… yeah, a rabbit. One of those Lapi-like-things. Can't tell you how creepy those are. Funny too. Seemed pretty sparse this way."

Alptraum glances forward, through the missing divider spot, and focuses between them. "Scoot to the side, you hulking thing," Alptraum tells Arkold. "Let me listen ahead."

Up ahead, there is a disturbance in a small stand of trees on the northern side of the road. With the sound of breaking branches, a large gray form lopes out and pauses in the middle of the road. Rearing up on its haunches, it swivels its canoe-sized ears and twitches its nose at the tiny coach.

"I'm movi- … what in Dagh's name is that!" The wolf stops mid-scoot and stares at the giant rabbit as he reaches for his sword.

"Like that were-poodle thing we saw, only Lapi, Arkold," Alptraum says quickly. He digs in his pack to pull out the bladeless dagger, and checks to make sure he has his regular one as well. "Does it seem angry or hostile? You have a better view."

Slowing the Dromodons a bit more with a light pull on the reins, the Sylvanian Sphynx's eyes widen and her ears flatten back at the creepy sight ahead, resisting the urge to jerk the nervous animals to a stop. She does however prepare to maneuver them around, or stop them if absolutely necessary.

The straps of a complicated harness crisscross the rabbit's chest, and when it lowers itself back down and scratches at one ear with a giant foot (dislodging a few tree branches) what might be a saddle can be seen on its back. It gives the coach another stare, then hops over the verge and disappears into the southern woods.

"Is anything the matter?" Lady Veil whispers from behind Alptraum.

The Jupani watches the creature depart and shakes his head in wonder. "It's someone's mount," he breathes. "It's some kind of … bunny charger." Then he perks up a bit. "I'm goin' to grab it."

Alptraum leans back to whisper closely in Veil's ear, "Some creature ahead." He then jerks his head around to face Arkold. "Don't be daft. We have a lady to protect here. We don't have time to chase after whatever weirdness crosses our path."

Tulani watches the rabbit go, but jerks her head at Arkold's idea, quickly agreeing with Alptraum, "You'll get plenty more weirdness traveling with us around!"

"Oh come on," the wolf says as he hops off the moving carriage. "Might belong to someone. Could be a reward, eh? If I can't get it before we pass I'll let it go." Then he's walking towards the forest with sword in hand.

Alptraum shakes his head and says to Lady Veil, "Sorry. We can't take him anywhere."

Just beyond the first row of trees, Arkold finds a patch of crushed underbrush and some plate-sized footprints, but no sign of where the giant rabbit went from there.

Something buried in the trampled bushes snags on the Jupani's boot, however.

Due to being the driver, Tulani can't really do anything about the wolf's sudden departure, so simply continues on while slowing down the coach a bit, to allow Arkold a little extra time.

Arkold waves a hand to avoid losing his balance and flicks his gaze to whatever caught his foot, unwilling to remove his attention from the woods lest he be pounced or set upon unawares. "Here, uh, bunny? Bunny, bunny … big… bunny?"

Alptraum puts the bladeless dagger away and sits back, waiting for the wolf to return.

The curved handle of a wicker basket appears to have caught onto Arkold's boot, and dragged itself free of the undergrowth.

With his free hand Arkold reaches down to pick up the basket. He grimaces at the thought of what else might be stomped in to the ground.

The basket comes free, and is filled with straw and several loose objects that Arkold can feel shift around as he lifts it.

"Eh?" The wolf shakes the basket a bit and peers inside curiously. "Guess the rider was foraging, eh."

Alptraum pulls out his handmade recorder and starts cleaning it idly as they travel slowly. "Did he often run off randomly when it was just you two, Tulani?" he asks absently.

Tucked into the straw are a half-dozen colorful Creen eggs (hard boiled), a Xocholatl figurine of Inala and a bottle of beer.

Replying back over her shoulder Tulani smirks, a smile creeping into her voice as she says, "Oh, all the time."

"Heh, you're forgiving," Alptraum replies with a grin, then blows a couple notes on the recorder. "Good, it still works."

"Hahaha, a fine treasure, indeed." The wolf taps a finger along the handle of the basket and looks around. "Bunny! Rabbit! What-ever-you-are? … eh, guess not." He takes a step backwards and prepares to head out of the woods.

Nothing else gets in the Jupani's way as he heads for the road.

"Perhaps you could play something for us, Mr. Reis… Alptraum," suggests the soft voice of Lady Veil from within the carriage.

Arkold returns to the carriage and after catching up hoists himself back into his seat. He dangles the wicker basket for the others to see. "Nose for treasure I tell ya," he explains. "You young folks don' know when to have an adventure."

Tulani grins, saying "Yes, play a silly song if you know any, it suits you."

"Oh, of course, Lady Veil. I've not gotten to play for anyone in ages. Do you have any preferences?" Alptraum asks her, looking genuinely pleased. He glances up at Arkold and comments, deadpan, "Oh yes, a basket, whicker. Priceless, those are."

"Do you know any traveling tunes?" Lady Veil asks, and tilts her head slightly to look out at Arkold's treasure basket.

Alptraum considers. "A few, yes. Learned them a long time ago; father taught them to me," he replies. "Broke the monotony of long wagon rides."

"No mere basket of whicker, eh? Xocholatl candy, beer, and some eggs. All for a bit o' footwork. 'Course if it ain't enough for you I'll jus' be givin' your part to Tulani and the Lady," the wolf remarks. He leans back to show Lady Veil the contents.

"My part? None of that sounds appetizing to me," Alptraum comments.

The Sphynx turns for a moment to examine the basket, looking closely at the Xocholatl figurine, before turning back to the road and replying to Arkold, "Well, at least you got the beer that you couldn't get at the roadhouse."

The human peers into the basket, and comments, "Oh my, quite a find indeed. That figure puts me in mind of Inala though. I would be careful with it, Master Arkold." To Alptraum, she smiles and says, "It seems we are in an appropriate venue for one of those, Alptraum."

"Let us give thanks to the mysterious Treasure Bunny. There's a rumor, eh?" The wolf makes a half-hearted bunny ears "holy" gesture. "When I write my book I'm throwin' that in. Arkold and the Treasure Bunny. For the kids, eh?" He sniffs at the chocolate statue. "You're a suspicious lot. Well, more cute goddess candy for me."

"A figure of Inala?" Alptraum inquires. "Er, please don't eat images of my Aunt when I'm around. That's just gross," he comments idly, then nods to the human. He then sits back and plays a few bars of a song, checking the notes. Satisfied, he starts playing a light, medium-paced tune.

Tulani flicks the reins to speed up the coach a bit, smiling, and saying to Arkold, "I'd love to read your book when you're done with it. I'm sure it'll be just as interesting as you are."

Music does indeed make the trip go faster. Aside from passing a collapsed windmill that someone had surrounded with scarecrow figures to make it look like it had been attacked by an angry mob, the rest of the day passed without event. The land to the north grew progressively more wild, until the road wove its way between two forests. As the day began to wane, the coach came upon a fork in the road, with a sign labeled 'Worms' pointing along the northern path.

Alptraum twirls the recorder between the fingers on his left hand. "Nice to know I haven't lost the ability. It seemed a lifetime ago since I've played," he comments, looking wistful.

"Seems a lifetime ago since I had a good beer. Ahh." The wolf puts the empty bottle aside and smiles. "'Ey, look, 'Worms.' Northward. How close are we at this point, Lady?"

"Worms should be just a mile or so along the northern road," Lady Veil replies. "We should have no trouble reaching it before dark."

Alptraum puts the recorder away and says, "Good. I'd like to stretch my legs and wings soon. I'm tired of riding."

"Your tune was beautiful Alptraum." Tulani flicks an ear towards Lady veil before speaking again, "Me, too."

Arkold sticks the bottle back in his basket and puts the basket aside. Idly he reaches for the candy to bite its head off. "We're not out of the woods yet, eh? Keep your eyes peeled."

By the time the sun has started to dip below the tops of the trees, the coach passes into a clearing between the woods and the high marble walls of a city. The road passes beneath an arched gateway, which is inscribed with 'Worms. No Rest for the Wicked' in deep letters. There doesn't appear to be any kind of guard, or even doors that can be closed to seal off the city.

"Well, in here it'll have to be my ears," Alptraum quips. He leans toward Lady Veil and smiles, asking, "So, how far are we from your home once we reach Worms?"

"Only a few more days journey," Veil replies, and her face seems to light up slightly as she spots the archway between Arkold and Tulani. "You should enjoy this place. It is… unique."

"How so?" Alptraum asks, just now noticing the archway.

Arkold's expression quirks when he glances up at the sign. He gives Tulani a nudge with his elbow and points at it. "Cheery, isn't it," he whispers to her. "An' marble walls. Don' often see marble walls for a city. Jus' a … cemetery."

As the couch passes under the arch, the true nature of the city becomes apparent…

The wagon rattles as it rolls over cobblestones. "Just head for that large building with the stable," Veil tells Tulani.

"Oh no," Alptraum replies and sinks down. "It would have to be a place like this. Do we have to stay here?"

Looking slowly around at the marble walls and crypts, Tulani nods to the Lady Veil and turns the coach towards the large building she pointed out.

"What," the wolf says deadpan. "C'mon bats. People are probably dyin' to stay here."

"You don't have the connection I do, Arkold," Alptraum replies, sounding worried. "I'm worried my presence may trigger something."

The Sphynx also deadpans, "It's not so bad, the marble gives it an elegant touch."

"There is nothing to be afraid of here," Lady Veil says to Alptraum, sounding just a little disappointed in his reaction. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

"I've had a lot of experiences with the dead and undead, Lady Veil," Alptraum says, looking down at the floor of the wagon. "Some bad ones."

Nothing moves except for the coach and its passengers. Once Tulani stops the coach in the courtyard of the mansion, the gray poodle hops down and begins the process of unhitching the Dromodons. "I will stable them, miss," he tells Tulani.

Tulani blinks as the poodle speaks, replying, "A-alright," and helping herself down from the coach.

"Gray will see to the coach and our belongings," Lady Veil says, removing her hat and leaving it on her seat as she steps down from the coach. "I don't see any other carriages, so there shouldn't be any problem finding enough rooms for us."

"Well. What the hell." The wolf hops down with basket in hand and turns to give the town a once over. "I'm willin' to give it a shot." He gives the poodle a curious glance but doesn't comment on his remark.

Alptraum steps out of the wagon behind Lady Veil. His wings pull in close to his body and he looks around slowly. His ears flick about, listening for any movement within the 'city'.

Lady Veil leads them through the large open doors of the manse into a room that may have once been a chapel, but now is something of a grand ballroom. At the far end, a life-sized statue of Inala (in the Babelite style) stands over a small stage. Hundred-candle chandeliers wash away the shadows, illuminating the rich tapestries and small dining tables that decorate the room. Along one wall is a mahogany-topped bar, and behind that is a creature resembling a seven-foot tall Lapi with antlers, black orbs for eyes and curly bright red fur. "Raven!" it booms, and leaps over the bar to land on cloven hooves. Aside from the wooly fur, its only garment is a clean white bar apron.

"Hello, Cryptopher," Lady Veil replies to the creature. "It's been some time, hasn't it?"

Alptraum moves into the building slowly, his wings curled around his body defensively. He pauses to look at the statue of Inala, blinking. Trying not to pay too much attention to it, he walks further into the room, unfurling his wings slowly.

Once inside, Arkold whistles in appreciation of the decor. When he spots the giant statue he blinks, then instinctively rubs his hands against his pants to remove Xocholatl he had long since cleaned off. He looks startled when Cryptopher responds – and more so when he moves. "Er, hey," he greets the other man reflexively. "Hope eating a Xocholatl Inala head isn't blasphemy, heh heh … "

Tulani reels backward a bit, blinking as the strange creature leaps forward, but moving towards it and the Lady Veil as it doesn't appear to, ahem, bite.

The demonic-looking Lapi creature bows and kisses the back of Lady Veil's hand, then looks to the others. "I see you've brought an entourage with you this time, Raven." He even winks at Tulani.

"Evening," Alptraum comments to the creature, still looking around warily.

Tulani blinks again, smiling, and wiggling an ear in response to Cryptopher's wink.

"Nice place," Arkold comments in a friendly fashion.

"Oh, my manners," Lady Veil says, retrieving her hand to gesture towards her companions. "Allow me to introduce Master Arkold, an explorer and adventurer who has seen many worlds. And this fair maiden is Tulani, a flower of Sylvania. Finally, this rogue is Alptraum the Gypsy, a skilled performer."

"Oh ho, I can tell that you'll all be popular tonight!" the bartender guffaws, and then bows. "I am Cryptopher, your humble host for your stay in our small city."

Alptraum lets his wings fold back finally. "Ah, what do you mean popular tonight?" he inquires warily.

"So … uh, I guess you found this cemetery and appropriated it, eh? Dead get a caretaker an' you get some land," the wolf inquires of Lady Raven.

Smirking a bit at Ravens introduction, the Sylvanian Sphynx replies to Cryptopher, "Nice to meet you, interesting place you have here,."

"We are a small community here," Cryptopher replies to Alptraum. "And as such, we appreciate new things above all else. Stories, songs, and news of the outside world are more valuable here than any mere coins."

"Ah, well, that we can offer," Alptraum replies, finally relaxing some. "Forgive my wariness, but I've had many bad experiences in places similar in appearance to this."

"This place has been here for centuries, Arkold," Lady Veil whispers. "It is a safe haven for all, although the price for some is that they can never leave."

"Been thrown out of a few nightclubs before, eh?" Cryptopher says, winking at Alptraum and nudging his elbow towards the Eeee.

Arkold gives the Lady a shrewd look. "I'll have to remember to be more ominous, eh, whenever I settle in Sylvania." He leans closer and asks, "I guess you get some … exotics here? Or, is there some reason they can't leave? An' I hope that doesn't include us."

"Been in the darkness of tombs and decay too much," Alptraum replies, arching his eyebrow slightly. "This place reminds me a bit too much of them, including that." He points at the statue.

"Why, there is nothing to fear from Our Lady," Cryptopher laughs. "She keeps us safe here, clutching us to her bosom even. It is a far better existence than those such as us would have beyond the walls of Worms."

The black and white Sphynx moves to sit on a stool by the bar, eyes roaming over the room, before smiling and saying, "It's wonderful that you have someplace to stay."

"You tell me that sometime after you've actually talked to her," Alptraum comments oddly to Cryptopher. "I may be a problem being here. Inala and I … have differences. Last I saw her, she … eh, nevermind." He shrugs and heads to a stool.

"And you will all be needing separate rooms tonight?" Cryptopher asks, solicitously. "And of course I'll have your usual accommodations prepared, Raven," he adds, winking at Lady Veil.

"Depends on the price," Alptraum replies. "We're not wealthy."

Grinning widely, Tulani pipes in, "You said stories are valuable, I know we could tell you some of those?"

"I guess I'll be takin' a room if bats says the price isn't too much. Think I'll look around before restin', too. You're right. It's, ah, interestin'," Arkold answers.

"As I said, it is the intangible things you bring that we value," Cryptopher explains, smiling widely. "If you will perform for us, and share the tales of your adventures, then we will be more than repaid for our hospitality."

"Stories and music I can do," Alptraum replies and even grins some. "And would do willingly, do be honest."

"I'm no bard but I've got a tale to tell, sure thing." The wolf bobs his head. "An' 'course I do better with a wet throat."

"I'll have someone show you to your rooms then, so you can change for dinner," Cryptopher says, and raises his hands to clap them three times. From a side hall, three identical women appear, dressed as maids. At first glance, they appear to be human, if humans had blue skin, stood four feet tall, and had spade-tipped tails.

"Change? I don't really have another set of clothing," Alptraum replies. "I hope what I'm wearing is satisfactory."

Tulani says, "I'm happy with what I'm wearing now, unless there's a problem with that."

Arkold shakes his head. "Hate to say it but this is as fine as I get for dinner. My noble days are long past, heh." He gives the maids a curious once over. "Like my companions here I'm not often called to dress for dinner. We're a travelin' folk."

"That won't be a problem, sir," says one of the blue imp-girls to Alptraum. "If you'll just follow me please?" The other two likewise approach Tulani and Arkold.

"Sure thing short and blue," Arkold responds as he turns to follow his imp-girl.

"You can dress how you like, of course," Cryptopher says, then holds out his arm towards Lady Veil. "And shall I show you to your room, Raven, or do you remember the way?"

"Lead on," Alptraum tells the small girl, then bows to her.

Smiling curiously, Tulani likewise follows her imp, politely asking, "I'm Tulani, what's your name?"

"Devi," the little imp answers Tulani with a giggle. Her and her twins lead the group down the hall, each to a separate room. The rooms themselves are opulent beyond belief. Arkold is brought to one done in the style of an Abu Dhabian prince, with zolk cushions, a fire pit and an ornate statue of a Khatta harem girl pouring water from a jug, which fills the giant bath.

Tulani's room is in more of a Sylvanian style, with wooden panel walls and cushy furniture, including chairs made to accommodate those with wings. Paintings of pastoral scenes cover the walls, and an ornately decorated fireplace keeps the room warm. It also sports an attached bathroom with a large sunken tub, and a huge four-poster bed.

The last imp leads Alptraum to his room. It is similar to, but not quite like that of a Babelite noble. It is high-ceilinged, with various perches for sleeping or reclining, along with Eeee style furnishings. It's bathing area sports a smaller tub, but includes a shower, and the artwork on the walls depicts the fields and vineyards of Saskanar. Surprisingly, there are none of the religious motifs or statuary one might find in a Babelite manor.

Opening a box that is set on Tulani's bed, Devi takes out a golden zolk evening gown to show to the Sphynx. "If you'd like, you may wear this to dinner tonight, and we will wash your traveling clothes for you."

Arkold raises an eyebrow so far it threatens to tear off his head. "Urm, well, didn't expect, ah, Abu Dhabian architecture in … the middle of Sylvani, in a graveyard. Quite a surprise, heh," he rubs his chin thoughtfully, " … quite a surprise."

"Heh, wow," Alptraum comments to the imp. "Are all the rooms this lavish? I've … never really stayed in such before." He scratches lightly at the back of his neck.

"Oh yes, there is no reason to have plain rooms here," Alptraum's imp replies, and presents him with a colorful costume not too different than the one he would have worm during his aerial ballet routine. "If you like, this should fit you, and we'll see to cleaning your regular clothing."

Tulani's jaw drops open as she enters the room, mouthing a large WOW, as she glances over the plush surroundings and the dress being held up, but manages to thank Devi without stuttering. Then on noticing the large tub and fireplace almost sings, " Baath Time!"

"If you'd like to bathe before dinner, I can attend to you," Arkold's imp offers. "There are many outfits here that you can choose from to wear to dinner, if you wish, while we clean your current garb."

Alptraum's eyebrow goes up. "Yes, that should do quite well," Alptraum replies, surprised. "So, where should I leave my travelling clothing to be washed?" he asks.

"On this chair is fine," Alptraum's imp replies. "Do you need any help bathing or dressing?"

"Well … ," the wolf casts an uncertain glance at the room, then shrugs a little, "why not, eh? I'll take a bath, an' I'll take up that offer of an' outfit too. The ol' travel clothes could use a wash."

Alptraum looks at the imp for a moment, considering. He rubs at one of his ears, but actually tells the imp, "Sure, I don't mind the company with both." He quirks a small grin and adds, "Not like it'll be seeing anything new for you, eh?"

Heading immediately towards the large bath with wings twitching, Tulani pauses to ask Devi, "Will you help me wash my wings please?"

"Well, no," the imp admits to Alptraum. Devi runs the bath for Tulani, and disrobes so she can help as requested. "Of course, Mistress Tulani." Arkold's imp gets his bath started as well, and then starts to show him various outfits – some are Abu Dhabian in style, others more Rephidimite. There are uniform-like designs from Chronotopia as well. All of them are suited to nobles.

Alptraum shrugs and comments, "Figured as much." He starts to disrobe and says, "Shower would probably be simpler for me. Wings tend to get in the way in a bath, really. And I could certainly use help getting my back, near the wing joints and the like washed; they're hard for me to reach." After a few minutes, he tosses his dusty travel clothes onto the chair. "Is everyone who lives here a bit … different?" he asks the imp.

"Got anythin', eh, plain? I'm no' so much for the noble stuff anymore. S'a bit pretentious of me these days, eh." The wolf nods to the outfits as he begins to disrobe for a bath. "Not unless dressin' up is required for dinner. Then it's no issue." He tosses his jacket across a chair and frowns briefly. "It ain't real, is it?"

Tulani folds her clothes at the edge of the bath, before settling into the warm water, sighing happily.

"It is real in this place," the imp tells Arkold, and then offers to scrub his back.

Arkold slides into the tub and nods consideringly. "And it ain't outside, you mean? The price to stay?"

"To wear the clothes, or eat the food, for more than a single night is to belong here forever," the imp tells the wolf. "It is why you will be leaving tomorrow. This city is not meant for mortals."

After a long pause the wolf remarks quietly, "Understood."

"We are all quite different," Alptraum's imp informs him, and even begins to pick out a soothing tune on a dulcimer while he bathes. "There is no place for us in the outside world."

In another room, Devi brushes and preens Tulani's feathers.

"Hey… " The wolf peers back over his shoulder as he fights to push back the unnerved expression on his face, asking. "Happy here?"

"Not much of one for me in that world either," Alptraum admits to the imp and sighs. He runs his hands through his wet hair and looks back at the imp. "Don't tell anyone, but I'm the child of a Srinala, and touched by the magic of Sunala. I'm not quite sure … what I am."

Smiling happily, Tulani asks Devi thoughtfully, "Do you like it here?"

"Oh yes," the imp replies to Arkold, smiling brightly, just as Devi echoes the sentiment to Tulani. "We belong here."

Tulani quietly, but happily replies, "Yes, it's nice to belong somewhere."

Alptraum's imp smiles to him, and says, "Your heart still beats though. Despite your heritage, you may only stay here for a single night, for your place is in the world of the living."

"That's comforting," Alptraum comments and rinses off his hair. "Anyway, it's not important. If you'll help me with my wings, I can get ready for dinner… " he tells the imp.

"Riiight. Okay. Hm." The wolf turns his head back around and chews his lip a moment before asking, "I guess you see all kinds here? Maybe you could help me, an' in turn I'll try an' help you here."

"Help me?" Arkold's imp asks. "I will do whatever you ask of me, Master Arkold, for that is my pleasure."

Arkold grins at that, but asks, "See, I have this friend … " And he leans in to whisper to her his problem.

After cleaning up and dressing in their borrowed finery, Alptraum, Tulani and Arkold are led back to the main ballroom. In their absence, it has filled up. Around the tables sit, squat or lounge people of various races, along with a few strange beings of beautiful or terrifying countenance. Some are dancing before the stage, to music that plays without any obvious source. Wine and spirits flow freely, and every table is set with a veritable feast. From a nearly empty table near the stage, Lady Veil waits, dressed in a shear blue gown and gloves that give her the same otherworldly elegance as the rest of the guests.

As Cryptopher introduces the trio, all eyes turn towards them.

They are all the glowing eyes of vampires.

Tulani looks around in veritable awe, heading toward Lady Veil with an enormous smile on her face and thinking, "This certainly is interesting."

Alptraum forces a fangy smile, but is inwardly cringing more and more. "Just … don't touch me. Don't want anything bad to happen", the Eeee thinks. He bows to the group, then waves to Lady Veil.

Arkold shifts uncomfortably under the eyes of more vampires than he can count. Having met his first vampire only weeks previous their eyes are still fresh in his mind, as is that unnatural fear. The hairs on his neck rise in response though he gives an uncertain grin and a somewhat forced polite nod. "Well," he says casting a glance at the group, "you're friendlier than the last vampires anyway. I hope you aren't in to the same entertainment as the last ones either, eh?"

"Oh, we aren't like common vampires," whispers a somewhat husky voice into Arkold's ear, as a female collie Gallah slips her arm into Arkold's. "Not here. Here… we're alive again."

At the table, Cryptopher politely holds out Tulani's seat for the Sphynx.

"Oh." The wolf seems to think on that, then simply shrugs as if there's not much he could do about it if they were lying. "Right-o then, miss. Lead on." He smiles more genuinely now.

The Sylvanian Sphynx looks around at the crowd, with more than a little fear, but still interested, smiling at Cryptopher and taking the proffered seat.

Alptraum's wings start creeping around his body again as he tries to head towards Lady Veil. He smiles politely and nods to the vampires he passes, but he tries not to bump into any of them.

"That's a lovely gown, Tulani," Lady Veil (or Raven, as she's known in town) says, smiling to the Sphynx and taking a sip of wine.

"Yours is beautiful as well Raven, it contrasts beautifully with your skin." Tulani replies, smiling.

As Alptraum takes his seat at the table, a blue imp appears at his side and whispers to him, "The normal rules don't apply here, Master. Try the food, you will not become ill. The undead will not die from your touch, for death is unknown here."

The Gallah woman accompanies Arkold to the table, then asks, "I must return to my own group, but will you save a dance for me later?"

Alptraum looks … stunned as the imp whispers to him. He looks at her long and hard, then nods once, "Thank you. I was … concerned for what would happen."

The imp smiles and gives a little bow to Alptraum, then begins to circle the table, pouring wine for everyone into delicate looking crystal goblets.

Arkold bows over the woman's hand and kisses it lightly. "Of course," he agrees, warming up to the occasion. Then he releases her hand and takes a seat whereupon he gives several vampires a calculating glance. "I imagine news from outside is rare. Is Lady Veil your only source?"

"Alas, of late there have been few travelers," a Cervani man with glowing green eyes tells Arkold from the next table. "We have heard little since… ah… well, a long while. Time is hard to keep track of here."

Alptraum picks up his glass carefully, then takes a sip. Eating solid food … heh, that's going to be strange, the Eeee thinks. "This is quite the unusual place," Alptraum says to Lady Veil. "I … ah … I'm sorry I'm so jumpy here. If you like, I can explain why later… ?"

"This is your first visit," Lady Veil says, going so far as to pat the back of Alptraum's hand. "Everyone is overwhelmed at first, I imagine. I certainly was."

"It's more than that. Because of who I am," Alptraum says quietly and takes a sip. "It's because of a lot of bad things could have happened. I … undead react to me, violently. They could have … " He pauses and shakes his head, "I don't even understand all of it."

"I see, heh, hmm." Arkold peers at his glass as if half expecting it to be filled with blood. "In time I could prolly offer you all a link to the outside. I guess time might be hard to measure, here, but maybe we can come to an arrangement." He looks up and glances at Lady Veil. "When I'm settled I can offer connections around the world – an' beyond."

Tulani takes a sip of wine before asking Lady Veil, "I wonder who built this place?"

"No one here knows," Veil says to Tulani. "Cryptopher thinks it was created by the Necromancer King himself, others say it was the doing of the Gods or powerful mages."

Imps begin to bring platter after platter of food to the table. There are whole roast birds, a suckling pig, fish prepared in a dozen different ways and other meats and delicacies.

Tulani looks serious and replies to Veil, "It's nice that these people have somewhere to go." She flicks an ear towards Alptraum at his attempted explanation.

"Outside the city walls, I believe the undead react to everyone violently," quips a Rhian at a nearby table, causing that section of the room to break into laughter.

"They don't burst into green flame when they touch most people, though," Alptraum comments, tapping a claw on the side of his glass.

Arkold laughs too. "Don' we know it." He shakes his head. "Then again, eh, so do half the living. I'm sure you're aware of the Gallisian invasion. I doubt they'd be pleased to find this place. That worry you?"

"I don't see what the Gallisians could do," a rather plump poodle woman says. "I suppose they'd try to stay though, if they could. Perhaps we can encourage them to attempt mass suicide then?" More laughter.

Tulani for her part sits rather quietly, looking rather uncomfortable at the closeness of so many strange people.

"Eh, don't underestimate them," Arkold insists. "Some of them can put two-and-two together." The wolf looks concerned and vaguely annoyed as he lifts his drink and stares in to it thoughtfully.

Alptraum prods at a slice from one of the pigs. Carefully, he cuts a small bite from it and chews on it slowly, then swallows. He tenses slightly, waiting to see if it does, or doesn't react.

The pork tastes wonderful to the Eeee, and doesn't seem to affect his stomach in the slightest.

Chewing on a piece of fish from one tray, Tulani looks down the table at the various guests, replying after Arkold, "What would you do if they came here?"

"That's definitely a first," Alptraum comments to no one in particular. He slowly eats a bit more. Considering something, he looks over at Tulani and says, "Hey, think Dunky could 'come out' here?"

The Sylvanian Sphynx brightens up considerably at the idea, saying "I'm not sure, but we'll find out!" before politely excusing herself to return to her room and find the map, or if anything has happened to the map.

A pair of slender, white-furred arms drapes over Arkold's shoulders and onto his chest. "Really, this isn't the place for such gloomy musings," whispers an incredibly sultry voice into the wolf's ear, belonging to a blue eyed, blond-haired Eeee woman dressed in a nearly transparent gauze toga. From across the table, she looks up to meet Alptraum's eyes and gives him a slow, knowing wink.

"Say, Raven … would you like to dance a little later… ?" Alptraum asks Raven, then blinks at the Eeee draped over Arkold. "… Aunt?" he says to the lady Eeee, in voice range only Eeee can hear.

In a voice that Alptraum hears directly in his head, Inala says, "Now, this is our little secret, alright? No need to let your Mother know about this place, should you speak to Her again."

Arkold glances at Tulani and nods. "A few might die, but they're stubborn. An' you guys can't exactly relocate I'm guessin'. Anyway I guess I'm jus' sayin' in time there may be a war effort, an- … er … " Arkold's train of thought suddenly derails like the Trans-Nordikan railway under a pile of gremlins. He blinks, then looks behind him, reaching back to pat the Eeee woman's arm. "I guess it isn't. No time for it here, eh?"

The lovely Eeee gives Arkold a kiss on the cheek, and says, "Time only for pleasure and fun, and stories and music and dancing."

"Why, of course I'd be honored to dance with you, Alptraum," Ravenia says, sparing a quick glance between Alptraum and the Goddess. "Do you two know each other?" she asks.

"Ah, no worries," Alptraum thinks, figuring she can hear him, "Well, as long as you don't intend to toss me out, like you did last time we met." He grins amusedly. "But, if you do speak to her again before I do, tell her I miss her and wish her well," he adds in thought.

Alptraum nods to Raven. "We do," he says, "Long story."

"Yeah," Arkold breathes understandingly, though he gives the woman a faintly haunted look. "Yeah, heh, I guess so. A taste of the here-after then." He tilts his head, "A dance later, miss?"

"Now that is something she would not be expecting to hear," Inala replies to Alptraum, along with the psychic equivalent of a belly laugh.

Tulani reenters the room holding 'Dunky' the map in her hand and heading back towards the table.

"Oh, certainly," The Eeee woman says to Arkold. "We make such a matched pair, after all. I wouldn't miss it."

Alptraum laughs at something and shakes his head at the Goddess. "You're incorrigible," he says to her, amused.

Arkold grins lopsidedly. "We do, don' we?" He squints at her with sudden recognition. "Do you … make Xocholatl figures?"

Approaching Lady Veil at the table, Tulani shows her the map saying, "Seeing what this place is, Alptraum thought maybe our friend could join us."

"I am the definition of incorrigible, dear Alptraum," the Eeee replies, and then smiles to Arkold. "Only if they're cast from life, Arkold." She gives the Jupani a nip on his ear, and then vanishes back into the crowd.

Alptraum leans over to Raven, whispers and points to the Goddess and comments, "We're related, literally … she's my Aunt. Long, long, story. Anyway, keep that to yourself."

"Your friend?" Ravenia asks, looking curiously at the map. It doesn't seem to be reacting, however. Dunky just lies there.

Arkold looks stunned after the nip, and blinks like he was clearing his head of a fog. Then he looks down at the hands that had held the chocolate statue. "Wow," he remarks dazedly.

Tulani hmms, saying, "The soul of our friend 'Dunky' as we call him inhabits this map." With a grimace she finishes, "It's made of his skin… "

"What she said," Alptraum replies. "I've never seen him, so it may just be a drunken dream of these two." He motions to Arkold and Tulani.

Ravenia runs her finger over the surface of the map, and asks, "What is it showing the route to? I don't recognize some of these symbols."

"What?" The Jupani blinks more, looking around.

Alptraum taps one of the symbols. "Rinala," he says. "Goddess of life."

There is a spark of light as Alptraum touches the symbol on the map, and for that brief moment it seems that all other activity in the room freezes.

Alptraum freezes too. "Ut oh," he says.

"Whatever just happened, I don't think the locals noticed it," Ravenia says, looking around with wide eyes. "Maybe you shouldn't have this out… "

Arkold seems to snap out of his daze when the room goes on pause. "Hey, uh, what," he looks across the table to the others questioningly and spots the map. "Maybe you shouldn't share some things, Alp."

Tulani's eyes widen and she looks confused at the sudden cease of motion.

"Put it away," Alptraum says, agreeing. "Quickly."

Tulani quickly takes the map and removes it to her room, before returning to her seat.

Alptraum rubs the bridge of his nose worriedly. "And that is why I was worried about people touching me in here too," he says absently.

"You're following that map," Ravenia states. "Where does it lead?"

"Why do you want to know?" Alptraum asks, looking over at Ravenia.

"Curiosity?" the elfin woman says, smiling. "It must be something special, to require such an unusual map."

"This isn't the place to discuss such," Alptraum replies and looks at his glass. "Maybe another day."

"Lady Ravenia, you say you weren't always here?" The wolf asks in an effort to change the topic.

"Very well," Ravenia says, then turns to Arkold. "Me? I've only visited here a few times, on my travels to and from home. I'm probably the closest this place has to a 'regular'."

"Sorry," Alptraum says to Raven. He gets up to walk around a bit and listen to the various chatting.

Arkold nods slowly. "I thought this might be your ancestral home, I guess I was confused. Heh. I'll have to remember this place, I think. Do they mind other visitors?"

"Oh no, they welcome everyone," Ravenia answers, picking at her food. "But mortals like us can only spend one night here."

Tulani finishes eating, and excusing herself to Arkold and Ravenia, heads towards the stage and the area she hears music coming from.

"I heard," says Arkold. "Leave, or join the fun, eh? S'like the old stories. I'll have to toss this in my book too – if not exactly the same as it is in life. No need to give the wrong sorts any ideas."

The chatter around the other tables seems to be centered on the visitors – the locals having long ago exhausted all other topics of conversation, apparently. There are speculations about where they've come from, where they're going, and which one of the men is Raven's lover and which is Tulani's.

Around the edges of the stage, Tulani finds engravings of musicians. It seems that music emanates from them directly.

Alptraum smirks and mutters to himself. He shakes his head and just idly wanders, looking over the various species.

"Well, I wouldn't say it's a choice of leaving or staying," Raven tells Arkold. "There is no choice, really. Tomorrow, we will be compelled to leave. Only the undead have the choice of staying."

Looking on in interest, the Sphynx runs a finger over one of the carvings, listening to the particular tones emanating from it.

Sitting alone at one table is a cloaked figure, which catches Alptraum's attention. A single glass of untouched whine is set before it, and its back is to the wall.

"Eh? That's new. Usually these tales offer a choice. 'Immortality for your soul,' – you've probably read the stories as much as I have." The wolf smiles slightly, then nods to the blonde Eeee woman. "She's familiar. You know her, yeah?"

Alptraum heads toward that figure slowly. "Not joining into the party?" he asks the figure as he gets close, ears flicking and listening.

The music changes at Tulani's touch, becoming less ambient dinner music and more ballroom dance in style. A few couples even get up and head for the dance floor.

Ravenia just smirks at Arkold, and looks towards the statue over the stage in answer.

Tulani smiles at the change, saying to herself, "I guess it's telling me to go find someone and dance, huh?"

The cloaked figure doesn't respond immediately to Alptraum, but eventually turns its head to face him. Or it would, if it had a face. The hood is empty.

Arkold follows Ravenia's gaze and stares at the statue for a moment. "Oh." Then he blinks and looks back to the woman. "Ohhh." His jaw unhinges slightly as the realization sets in. "Ohhhh." Then he clears his throat. "I suddenly understand Alptraum better, I think. Ah. Excuse me, I think I have a dance coming on."

The collie woman with the golden eyes is waiting for Arkold, her tail swishing. "I get the first dance, remember?"

Any number of handsome gentlemen smile to Tulani, including Cryptopher, as she scans the crowd.

"Have we met before?" Alptraum asks the hooded man. "Just nod if you can't speak."

The Sylvanian Sphynx spots Cryptopher and heads over to see if maybe he'd like to have a dance?

Arkold smiles to the collie. "Yeah, so you do. It's been a while … let's see if I remember the style." And he offers the collie his arm.

The red-furred Lapi-satyr gives the other men a triumphant look, and accompanies Tulani to the dance floor. "I'll try not to step on your toes," he promises.

Grinning, Tulani takes his hand and politely comments, "Thanks, I'll try not to step on yours either."

The collie takes Arkold's arm, and follows him to the dance floor. "I'm sure it will all come back to you," she says.

"If not, well, I apologize in advance Miss." When Arkold reaches the dance floor he puts one hand on the woman's waist, then takes her hand with his other. "I see why Lady Ravenia likes to stop by."

Something about the place makes dancing effortless. Even steps that are unfamiliar seem well practiced.

The cloak shakes its hood from side to side slowly to the Eeee.

Tulani giggles slightly as the dance seems to flow about her, even though she's sure she doesn't know all the steps.

"Ah, well, I'm sorry for bothering you, then," Alptraum says, and reaches over to pat the figure's shoulder. "I should probably go back and see if Ravenia wants to dance. I need to relax."

Ravenia stands up, and smiles as Alptraum returns.

Alptraum extends his clawed fingertips to Ravenia. "May I have the honor of your first dance of the evening?" he asks her and smiles. "Sorry if I seem … nervous. Never expected to find a place run by my Aunt out here."

"Family can be embarrassing, I know," Ravenia says, then tilts her head and smiles at the Eeee. "You are a Gypsy, and there is a dance I have heard of, but never seen. Will you dance the Tarantella with me, on the stage?"

Smiling contentedly, the black and white Sphynx leans her head against Cryptopher's curly red shoulder fur, as their dance finishes up.

Arkold glances at his feet before shooting the Gallah a winning smile. "Nothing to it, I guess," he tells her.

"Ah … that one? Isn't that a bit, ah … intimate? And in front of all these people?" Alptraum replies, smiling a bit nervously. "But … if you want, certainly. I just have to say up front that I know of it, but I've never danced it myself."

"You can't misstep here," Ravenia says, stepping up onto the stage. "And besides, it is my way of payment for my stay here."

After finishing up his own dance Arkold bows over the hand of the Gallah woman. "T'was a pleasure certainly, miss," he tells her. Then he glances around for his other dancing partner, and looks surprisingly nervous.

Tulani finishes up her dance with Cryptopher as Ravenia and Alptraum take to the stage, saying, "Thank you, that was a lovely dance… and now I think there's going to b a little show."

"Good, then I won't look silly," Alptraum says with a grin and joins Ravenia on the stage. He pulls his wings back in, tightening them to his back and folding his wing-claws around his neck. "So, I presume I should lead, then?" Alptraum says, extending his hand to Ravenia once again.

A slender white hand touches Arkold's shoulder. "They are going to do my dance. Let us join them on the stage," Inala suggests, and also glances towards Tulani. "Will you join us as well?"

"That may be best," Ravenia says, as the music changes to mandolins, castanets and tambourines.

Tulani looks surprised, replying questioningly, "Me? I've never done it before, but all right."

Arkold straightens suddenly when the white hand returns to his shoulder. For a moment he opens his mouth and nothing comes out, then he grins suddenly and nods. "Let's show them how it's done, Goddess." He offers her his hand.

Once the dancers are all on stage, the crowd goes still and quiet to watch. As Alptraum leads, it becomes apparent that this dance is all about love and pleasure, with every motion and gesture voluptuously graceful. By her rapidity and liveliness, Ravenia tries to excite Alptraum – who in turn endeavors to charm her with his agility, elegance and demonstrations of tenderness. Soon, Arkold and Tulani are caught in the spell of the dance, with Inala playing partner to them both.

As the music drives them, the dancers unite, separate, return, fly into each other's arms, again bound away, and in their unlike gestures alternately express love, coquetry and inconstancy. Unlike the dances before, this one actually takes it toll, causing the dancers to sweat from their exertions, and keeps their hearts (along with some of those in the audience) racing.

Finally, the music crescendos, and the dance ends. Ravenia clings to Alptraum and tries to catch her breath, and Inala holds onto both Tulani and Arkold, looking the least spent of them all. The crowd itself is on its collective feet, applauding and cheering.

Grinning, Tulani leans against the arm Inala caught her with, exhaling out a loud Whoo and saying, "My, that was fun!."

Alptraum unfurls his wings, lightly wrapping them around Ravenia, his arms holding much of her weight. He looks down at her, his breath labored. A few strands of his white hair fall across one of his silvery eyes and his muzzle. "Well, that was … an experience," he says in a whisper to Ravenia. Absently, he brushes a fingertip along her cheek, then just grins.

Arkold clings to Inala's arm as sweat carves little ravines in his fur. "You've really got it Inala," he breathes exhaustedly. "The stories don't do you justice."

Members of the crowd are surrounding the stage now, calling for the visitors to join their various groups and tell their stories.

Alptraum looks quite reluctant to let go of Ravenia. "May I join you later?" he asks her quietly. "Looks like we've become quite popular."

"You won't be able to avoid me," Raven promises, with a wink.

The Jupani hesitantly lets Inala's arm go. "Um, well," he gestures towards the waiting people as if that explained everything. "And, er," he gestures a bit more. Then he smiles at her awkwardly.

Looking a bit nervously at the crowd, Tulani mutters a quiet reply in general, almost to herself, "I don't really have many stories, but I do know a nice poem?"

Alptraum trails a fingertip over one of Raven's pointed ears. "Good," he says with a sly grin and finally lets her go. He walks towards the crowds, then pauses to look to Tulani.

"The night is young, Arkold," notes Inala, with a hint of promise in her voice, before she melts away into the crowds. A group of burly, adventurer types are trying to get Arkold's attention now. They all have very large flagons of beer.

A slightly more refined group approach Alptraum, their spokeswoman asking, "Please, will you play for us? It has been ages since we've had a live performance."

"Why, certainly," Alptraum replies to them. He motions to a section away from the stage. "Let's move away from here in case others want to dance. We shouldn't hog the stage, afterall." He combs his hair back, then pulls out his recorder, and then tells them, "I've traveled quite a few places in the world, From Sylvania, to Rephidim, to Ashdod, and picked up a few songs from each place. I'll start with some you should recognize from Sylvania… "

Arkold's ears perk up at Inala's comment. He stares at her as she wanders off … until some beer is waved in his face. Thinking out loud he comments, "I could really use a beer." Then he turns to the adventurers and adds, "In fact, reminds me of a time I was offered a beer in Abu Dhabi … "

A group of younger looking folk (although, with the undead you can never tell) made up mostly of girls converge on Tulani. "We like poetry!" "Tell us about all the cities you've seen!" "And the fashions, and music, and everything!"

They say time flies when you're having fun – but the rules here are different. The night passes slowly, filled with good spirits and laughter. Eventually though, the groups begin to break up, and people drift off.

Inala seems to have vanished, but Ravenia waits for Alptraum at the entrance to the hall. While the imps happily clean up the remains of the banquet, Cryptopher hovers close to Tulani with a hopeful air about him.

Alptraum makes his way over to Ravenia and smiles to her. "Well, hello there, tall, dark, and beautiful," he says to her playfully. "You knew of quite the … unique place, indeed."

Arkold finishes his good-byes and turns to walk slowly away from the scattering group of adventurers. He swishes his mug and peers into it, thinking, enjoying the memories of the night. When he looks up he smiles at Alptraum, Tulani, Ravenia, and Cryptopher. "Fun night, eh?"

"It is hard to forget, but also hard to remember," Ravenia says. "The further you get from this place, the more like a dream it all seems, but dreams are good to have too."

Tulani smiles, takes Cryptopher's hand and walks towards one of the more open areas of the room, talking about Sylvania, and traveling, and some of the poetry she learned in her home.

"Some are," Alptraum replies quietly and nods. "I like this place. I don't feel … freakish, here," he says happily. He then nods to Arkold and says, "A very fun night, indeed."

A blue imp-maid tugs politely on Arkold's sleeve.

"I'll leave you two to your conversati-" The wolf breaks off whatever he was about to say to look down, curious. "Yeah, short and blue?"

"There is something waiting for you in your room, sir," the imp tells the wolf. "Along with your clean clothes."

"Oh." The wolf looks up and glances between Alptraum and Tulani. "I … " he looks past them towards the hall, " … think I'll be indisposed for a while. Ah, have fun kids." He hands the imp his drink, grins at her, and then begins off towards his room. On his way he snatches a bottle of wine.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Alptraum calls after Arkold.

"And what would you do, Alptraum," Ravenia asks slyly.

Not too surprisingly, Arkold finds Inala waiting for him, lounging about on some cushions – along with a Lapi, a Khatta and a familiar Collie. "Just one bottle?" the Goddess asks. "Well, I suppose we can all share… "

"There's enough to go around," remarks the wolf with a wide grin and a wink. Then he shuts the door behind him.

In the ballroom, Cryptopher produces a set of panpipes from his apron, and begins to serenade Tulani.

"Well, that's quite secret," Alptraum tells Ravenia and offers his hand to her. "But, I could be persuaded to show you," he whispers to her, then slightly nips the tip of her pointed ear. "Shall we retire to where we can discuss it without prying eyes or ears?"

"I can't resist a secret," Ravenia says, shivering at the nip. "Lead on… "

Tulani settles herself in a chair next to Cryptoper, listening entranced to his music, blushing a little inside her ears and smiling brightly while giggling occasionally.