The dust has literally begun to settle in the dark, underground chamber. Like talcum, the white powder drifts down, visible in the single shaft of light that pours down from the center of the ceiling. The light defines a square patch of illumination on the central mound of crumbling debris that was once the plant-monster Smashangrab and the ambitious sorceress Hekatt. Atop the mound is a black Eeee wearing a robe, kneeling down and clutching a black-bladed dagger. He is already powdered in white.

The air is disturbed by the nervous pings of agitated Eeee – several of the Yodh had ventured down to the vaulted chamber to investigate, and were now more or less surrounding Alptraum, but not coming any closer than twenty feet. The spirit dagger was still putting out the oppressive, dark draconic aura.

"It's really just a temporary side effect of all that life force," explains the voice of Kaira in the Eeee's head. "It must have partially reanimated the blood that makes up the blade. I should have anticipated that, I know, but I couldn't be sure any of this would have worked at all. But it sure was spectacular – probably because I put so many dragons into the bolus. You aren't upset are you?"

"Heh, you used me to free your brothers and sisters, I see. You could have warned me it could get … dramatic, you know," Alptraum thinks, rather than says. He pulls himself up to his full height and starts descending the mound. His ears flick, tracking the various Yodh in the room, but tries to keep any outward appearance of concern hidden. "I did warn her about tampering with powers far beyond her control," he remarks, waving his free hand dismissively.

"Well, I didn't expect fireworks," Kaira claims. "I guess Smashangrab was a magically created being though, from the reaction. Illiaster doesn't usually retain a morphic signature for natural life forms. But it all worked out! You have the dagger back, the monster and priestess are gone, and no other harm was done.

A bit of charred wood drops through the opening above and bounces off of Alptraum's head.

"Except for probably pissing off the other Yodh." Alptraum notes mentally and rubs his head, "So, you owe me a backrub the next time I see you." He glances around the now battered room, and then upward, looking for who may be looking down at him.

Far above are the silhouettes of a few heads, and what is probably a torch. The glare and distance make it impossible to see clearly however. There is also some commotion behind Alptraum, back at the entrance to the chamber.

Alptraum slips the dagger into the robe and turns to the chamber entrance. "May I help you?" he asks calmly.

It takes some time before the approaching figure reaches the pool of light. When she does, Alptraum easily recognized the scarred countenance of Barba, unofficial leader of the surviving Yodhblakat. "I certainly hope you can, Barsunala," the warrior-woman rasps. "Would it be alright if we sat down?" she asks.

Alptraum looks around the room. "Well, there isn't much in the way of comforts of the room, but please, sit where you can," he says politely and motions to the floor. And then, Alptraum simply sits down near where he stood.

Barba sits down in the debris, cross-legged with her knees nearly touching Alptraum's. "Thank you. I must admit, Barsunala, that while I have no fear of death, pain or dismemberment I found it very difficult to approach you. It was if dread had filled my limbs with stone."

"Ah. You felt him, then. The creature I'm holding bound within the blade; the dragon Vorgulremik that my companions and I defeated not so long ago. He was a creature of utter evil and hatred of all life. He devoured the souls of others to take their power and sustain himself. To be consumed by him is a fate worse than any death or torture," Alptraum replies, slipping his hands into the sleeves of his robes. "And, he is nothing compared to what I have yet to face in these lands."

"I see," Barba says, digesting that information. "I should ask your reasons for destroying Smashangrab and leaving us vulnerable," she says. "But it would serve no purpose, I imagine. What I truly wish to know is: what are your intentions towards us now?"

"Well, that depends on what your intentions in these lands are. You are still, in essence, my sisters, and my responsibility," Alptraum replies, looking directly into Barba's eyes now. "What do you want for your future?"

"We are warriors," Barba says. "We have served as symbols of status in the houses of nobles, and as shock troops in battle. It is the only way we know. But these lands are foreign to us, and we don't know where to go from here." The Eeee is looking into Alptraum's silver eyes now, perhaps to see just how serious he is about the claim of responsibility.

"Well, you are in Sylvania, and these lands are at war," Alptraum replies, gaze unwavering. "A war, which is slowly being lost. I cannot offer you an easy vision of a future, but I can offer suggestions. Join us in defending these lands from the Gallee. You should remember them, I imagine; they are also the ones, which invaded Babel. I know there aren't that many of you here, but your knowledge of battle would be helpful to train and teach others. For example, you could go to Justantinople and offer service to the current ruler. Or, you could go to Draco County and aid the Countess in defending her lands. Though, with her, realize she is a blood-drinker as are most Eeee here, and you may find a cold welcome there, depending on how you act. Or, there's even the temple of the Shrine Maidens, which train monster hunters, which go out and hunt and defeat incredible dangers."

Barba rubs her chin in thought. "You offer more choices than I would have considered. Being what we are, the Slakash need to be more aware of politics than the typical Yodhblakat. I doubt that your first choice, of offering service to the lords of Justininople, would be practical. We are outlawed by the Temple of Rephidim, and Justininople seeks a return of recognition of their sovereignty from the sky island – they would not be seen to use criminals. If your Countess Draco accepts such as us, then perhaps some will seek her out. For the youngest and oldest of us though, perhaps this Temple you mention is best. We are, after all, the Shrine Maidens of Blakat."

"I cannot make any promises that Countess Draco would, but it would at least be worth the attempt. What I would advise is have someone go to her with a message, asking her if she could use your services and wish to enter her lands; I would not just go in there unannounced. She is powerful and wields the powers of one of the local land spirits, I believe. I, ah, had to deal with some aftermath of her using her powers. As for the shrine, I rather imagine they would accept you fairly easily; this land needs good hunters," Alptraum says, then nods his head. "There is also the option of you helping me defeat the Necromancer who seeks to resurrect Dagh through the use of the Shadow of Amena, as well."

"To fight against an enemy of Sunala is… unheard of," Barba says. "We are not trained to battle creatures of darkness. We are trained to be creatures of darkness, instilling fear and panic in those we attack. I assume the former is what your Temple would teach us to do?"

"The Temple would teach you to fight many things, from mutations, to the undead," Alptraum replies. "As for instilling fear, well, that ability would serve well against the Gallee, for certain."

"Who leads the armies of this land?" Barba asks.

"They are fragmented. Some lands are just defended by common thugs and brigands. Only the counties of Blackshire and Draco have armies that are active in defense of their lands. The strongest of them is Draco County," Alptraum says.

Barba actually winces at this information. "Common thugs and brigands? Truly, this must be Blakat's promised land, where thieves go to war. Is Blakat known here as the Goddess of Thieves or of Conflict?"

"Blakat in these lands would be most likely considered the Goddess of Conflict Resolution; the bringing of Harmony. Something these lands sorely lack." Alptraum admits.

This revelation causes a certain amount of conflict in Barba's own expression. "We… can work with that, perhaps," she says, guardedly. "We do prevent conflicts, in a sense, and also bring them to very decisive endings."

Alptraum nods. "That I have no fear about. Your battle prowess is legendary," he says and actually offers a small and an attempt at comforting, smile. "The world is changing, and in a way, we have to as well. Perhaps the fall in Babel was to push us back on the correct path, that we wandered too far and became lost in our own power, instead of who we were to serve."

Barba frowns slightly. "I really had hoped we could raid the Coalition Tower by being the spearhead of the General's counterattack. But you may be right, and we have still a role to fill in Blakat's plan for this land."

"And consider this; if this land regains its strength, it gets allies that may help retake Babel in the future, and bring what is learned from these lands as well" Alptraum points out.

"The future is not something we think much on," Barba notes. "For us, that would mean building a new Temple here in Sylvania, and recreating the Yodhblakat. Or at least the Slakash, which are better."

"Having a goal gives guidance," Alptraum comments, then shrugs slightly. "In any event, do you think the options I proposed may be workable in some manner, then?" he asks.

"I will discuss them with the others, Brother Death," Barba says. "Some will likely come to you for advice, or to pledge themselves to your service. They crave someone to restore their faith, and your demonstration of power will draw them to you. I do not know what is to be done with the Yodhbarada or the Blessed One. Mave… well, Mave can make herself welcome anywhere."

"The Blessed one expressed interest in traveling with me against the Shadow, and she would be most welcome," Alptraum says. "The Yodhbarada would be of help to the Temple, if she wished to go there. They have training for spies and such," he adds. He pauses, then considers, asking, "And, ah, what of your desire to have me attempt to help procreate?"

"If we are no longer isolated here, it matters not," Barba tells Alptraum. "Besides, those who make such an attempt can no longer be considered Shrine Maidens… except for Mave, of course."

Alptraum actually laughs at that. "Now, that is quite true," he admits. He slips his hands out of his robes and extends them towards Barba, palms up.

"What is this?" Barba asks, not moving her own hands.

Alptraum chuckles. "I was just going to wish you well," he says and lowers his hands with a shrug. "I should have remembered you are probably not used to gestures without ulterior motives."

"One does not give anything to a Yodhbarada," Barba points out, trying not to look insulted.

"I wasn't giving, I was wishing," Alptraum points out. "I meant no offense."

"I would greatly prefer that you not wish anything upon me, Barsunala," Barba says, standing up again. "While I am sure your intentions are fair, I cannot so easily trust your Mother."

"Fair enough," Alptraum agrees and stands as well. "Ah, one question for you. What should I do about Roogi? She laid claim to me, and I do not wish to offend her. So, what would be an effective manner to break that claim and her not lose face?"

"If she does not enforce it, then she has no claim," Barba says. "Given that your pillar of howling flame singed her backside, I do not foresee her imposing her will on you."

"Well, that solves that concern, then," Alptraum notes, trying very hard not to smirk. "Shall we head up to the others, then?"

"Of course," Barba says, then looks up to the shaft above and makes a strange gesture. The silhouettes move only slightly, but the torch is moved out of the way. "It will be safe for us to return now," the Yodhblakat claims.

Barba turns again, and heads for the stairway.

"Thank you," Alptraum says, then follows after Barba. He idly wonders what they had set up, but it's probably better off not knowing.

"It's the dust," whispers the distant voice of Kaira. Alptraum can feel the aura diminishing as well, as the residual magic is used up. "The air was saturated. If they dropped the torch, it might have ignited and incinerated everyone in the chamber. But you're probably better off not knowing that."

"Yes, I was. You have the knack for telling me more that I wanted to know. And, were you eavesdropping?" Alptraum thinks.

"What made you think I wouldn't be, while the magic was still available?" the dragoness asks, sounding perfectly reasonable.

"You remind me of either a mother, or a jealous girlfriend," Alptraum thinks, rather amused.

"Nonsense," the dragon claims. "Either of those would have warned you about the danger."

"You know little about my mother, apparently," Alptraum thinks, then shakes his head.

---

The main chamber of the tower is still full of debris, although some of it clearly charred. The trapdoor next to Barba's seat is missing completely, save for some scraps attached to the hinges. Directly above it, a hole is burned cleanly through the rafters and mishmash of planking that made up the partial roof. No Eeee perch on the rafters now, and a few of the ancient wooden supports creak loudly.

Nearly every inhabitant of the tower is present, pressed up against the walls for the most part. Lilith and Mave sit slightly behind Barba's place, with the young Yodhbarada who previously sat on the trap door itself. The fires have been extinguished, and the only smoke now comes from the ornate ivory pipe being smoked by the Yodhinala as Barba lays out the options she had discussed with Alptraum.

Alptraum surveys the damage critically. "You could have brought the place down," he thinks as Barba explains the options he gave to Barba. Then, with a quick glance to Lilith he smiles briefly, then shrugs.

Lilith seems to be in a slight state of shock. Perhaps she actually witnessed the explosion of souls herself.

Alptraum heads over to a spot near Mave and Lilith, then sits down. Once seated, he looks around the room for Phlagaea too.

There aren't any flashes of green fur, or any Fnerfs to be seen. The Yodhgorphat may still be in her quarters. Lilith leans in close to whisper to Alptraum, "Did everything go as planned?"

Alptraum nods his head. "More or less, yes. I wasn't expecting the level of destruction incurred," he whispers back. "But, I think we can leave here when we wish."

The rafters and walls groan once more, bringing a hush to the general discussion, until Barba wraps up with, "This land is our new home now, and the Barsunala bids us each to defend it in whichever way we choose. Make your decisions, for we must abandon this place before it crumbles."

"The sooner the better," Lilith whispers back. "We don't know where we are. It will be difficult to find Ravenia and the others."

Alptraum stands up. "I shall go see to the Blessed one, and make sure her, and her servant, are ready to leave," he says, bowing slightly. "Excuse me. I will learn of your decision when I return."

The milling priestesses quickly clear a path for Alptraum to the stairs.

Alptraum heads towards the stairs, casting a glance to Roogi as he goes.

The singed Eeee in question quickly looks away, not wanting to meet Alptraum's eyes. The expressions on the Yodhs' faces as they regard him are split between those of awe and fear.

Alptraum heads up the stairs, folding his wings lightly around himself to keep them out of the way.

The hallway is empty, and after a bit of searching Alptraum finds the door to Phlagaea's quarters.

Alptraum knocks on the door. "Are you in there?" he asks.

The door is opened by Lucy, the Fnerf, who quickly steps back and returns to Phlagaea's side. The priestess herself is sitting on a stool, wrapped once more in the bejeweled gauze bandages Alptraum first met her in, save for her right forearm, which Lucy goes back to wrapping. "Alptraum, you… " Phlagaea begins to say, then pauses. "You look so impressive," she finally says, in a slightly more subdued tone than she normally uses. The comment is odd, given that Alptraum is half-dusted with white powder and is wearing a rather plain robe.

"I thought you didn't wear the bandages anymore?" Alptraum inquires as he comes in, looking at her strangely. "And what do you mean I look impressive? I'm, well, dusty."

"You just seem… larger," Phlagaea says, sounding a bit confused herself. "Did Mave put a Glamour of Inala on you?"

"Ah, no, it's theaftereffects from the destruction of Hekatt," Alptraum says and goes over to her side, then kneels down beside her. "You look as beautiful as ever. Are you going to travel dressed like this, then? And will you be ready to leave soon? The building is unstable now."

"I feel most comfortable wearing this while traveling," Phlagaea admits. "Everything I have is in this trunk, and Lucy can carry it. Is Smashangrab gone now?"

"And oh, I didn't have to get intimate with her. I was able to get her to go with the alternate option," Alptraum says, grinning slightly. "And yes, it's quite gone."

The green woman smiles. "Oh good. I didn't think she would be interested in you anyway, but it's good to hear."

Alptraum reaches up and takes her hand. "Are you still wanting to go with us?" he asks. "You would be most welcome. And are you all right? You seem a bit … distant."

Phlagaea blushes, a few spots visible through the bandages. "It's just very overwhelming right now. You still want me to come with you, don't you?" she asks, sounding almost shy.

"Of course I do. I was worried you changed your mind," Alptraum says, sounding relieved. "I really didn't want to have to hunt you down and drag you with me. It's very unbecoming."

Phlagaea actually giggles and rubs her knees together, then stops and pinches her cheek hard! "Ow! Whatever this glamour of yours is, I hope it wears off soon! It makes me feel like a child around you."

"It's cute, but I prefer the headstrong you more," Alptraum agrees. "I'll head back down to all the others. He stands and laments, "It's a pity we wouldn't have one more night alone, really. Not sure when we'll get the chance again. But, such are the ways of rough living. You'll get to meet the other oddballs I travel with soon. If Arkold pinches your butt, just slap him."

"Goodness yes," Phlagaea says, standing up. "You're the one who is supposed to be charmingly trusting and naive, after all! I'll get Lucy down to a spot she can swim from, and just look for wherever the others are setting up camp… or did you kill them all too?"

"No. They seem to be willing to help defend Sylvania. We'll have to see how well that goes," Alptraum says and heads to the door. "I rather imagine it'll just be Lilith, you, Lucy, and I, making our way to Arkold and the others in the end. Hopefully, we can find them. We're not exactly sure where we are. And, I'll start on language lessons tonight so you can get around functionally in most of the towns."

"Alright, I'll meet up with you on the shore then," Phlagaea promises, then crosses the room to start packing the remaining trinkets. "And don't forget to get your clothes back," she adds.

"Right. I really don't want to wander around naked," Alptraum remarks, then slips out the door. And back down he goes.

Before reaching the main chamber, Alptraum must pass by Mave's quarters, and there he hears the sounds of packing along with Lilith's hushed voice.

Alptraum pauses to listen at the door, wondering what Lilith is talking about.

The door opens as Alptraum pauses in front of it, and the small brown bat that comes out nearly crashes into him. "My pardon, Barsunala!" chirps the girl, dressed in the robes of a Yodhbarada acolyte, before she dashes off down the hall.

Alptraum watches the girl with mild interest, then steps into the now open room. "My ears are burning, are you plotting against me?" he asks, then looks around the room for his clothing, assuming Mave had them last, anyway.

There is a familiar pile of clothing on the oversized bed. "Oh, there you are!" Lilith says, and comes over to Alptraum. "Kiri's going to find Roogi and get directions on which way she flew to find us, so we have an idea of where we are. And I also needed to know… " she says, then takes Alptraum's arm and pulls him into the relative privacy of the net-shrouded bed. "Did that potion of Mave's really work on you?"

Alptraum looks at Lilith funny. "Well, ah, it certainly made things last longer and made for an enjoyable evening," Alptraum remarks, sounding a bit embarrassed. "Why do you ask? Do you know something I don't?" he then asks, sounding worried.

"Something like that could be really valuable in Draco County," Lilith implies. "And it worked on the Yodhgorphat too? I mean, for it to work on a priestess is pretty impressive."

"Worked in that it made us both, well, heh," Alptraum stammers, grinning. "If it made us any more potent, well, I don't know. I'm not even sure I can have children."

"And why would Draco county need it?" Alptraum then asks.

"I don't care about that part," Lilith says. "Did it make her more aggressive?"

Alptraum grins weakly. "Well, yeah, it did," he admits.

Lilith smiles triumphantly. "Okay, that's what I was hoping to hear," she says, then gets out of the bed, saying, "I'll let you get dressed now with a little privacy."

"Woah, wait. Explain why you needed to know that," Alptraum says, reaching after her to grab her arm.

The raven-haired Eeee squeaks and comes to an abrupt stop. "What? Oh, it isn't anything important," Lilith claims. "I just thought there could be a connection with some other potions. The Slakash take one that makes them super aggressive and insanely violent, and the Amazonians have one they take to enhance arousal for both sex and for battle. I'm thinking they're all related, and that's why Barba had Mave keep working on it."

"Ah, right, okay. It's probably all the same herbs, just at different mixtures," Alptraum says and lets go. "It was fun stuff, admittedly." He then starts removing the robe, saying, "I'll be ready pretty quickly."

Lilith blinks at this, and then smirks and asks, "Ready quickly? You mean the potion is still working, or… you're just ready to leave?"

Alptraum throws the robe at Lilith. "I didn't think you were interested in me in that way," he retorts, smirking. "I meant, I'll be dressed quickly and ready to go."

Lilith staggers back comically as the robe falls over her, giving Alptraum some privacy. She then goes back to helping Mave pack her various jars into sturdy, padded sacks.

Alptraum goes about dressing, glad to be fully clothed again, after what seemed forever. He slips out of the bed now and looks at the other two, asking, "Need me to help with anything?"

Mave turns to Alptraum, and holds up a bit of cloth in each hand. One is a flimsy bit of gauze and strings, and the other a sort of bikini made from mismatched pieces, like a Yodhblakat would wear. "Which should I take?" she asks Alptraum.

Alptraum rubs his chin. "I think the gauzy look would suit you better. You seem like someone who would have streamlined and revealing, not patchwork like," he answers. He then grins and asks, "Are you coming along with us for any distance? I know a friend of mine who would really appreciate you."

"I'm not the type to fight monsters," Mave replies, and puts the bit of gauze into her travel sack. "I'm not too old yet to have more children. It is my duty to maintain the bloodline of Inala, and for that I need men. So I will come with you."

"Well, the man I'm thinking of is a Jupani, but… " Alptraum says then looks to Lilith. "Were you wanting to take her to Draco County?" He then blinks and looks back to Mave, asking, "And, er, you weren't meaning having me try to help the bloodline, were you?"

The older Yodhinala just smirks at Alptraum. "That depends on the timing," she claims. "You won't resist, will you?"

Alptraum grins weakly. "You'd have to negotiate with The Blessed One," he claims. "I wouldn't resist, but she might."

Mave nods, and says, "I have precedence, since Sunala and Inala have often been lovers, while Gorphat gets the leftovers."

Alptraum crosses his arms, looking slightly offended. "Well, discuss it with her. She makes the decision on it," he notes, then looks at Lilith with a 'help me', look.

Lilith looks up while folding things, and can only shrug to Alptraum. "She's Yodhinala… she can probably seduce Phlagaea if she wants to," is all she has to offer.

"That would be … weird," is all Alptraum responds with, looking rather shocked at that thought.

"I will let you have the ugly children," Mave promises Alptraum, as a gesture of goodwill. After all, offspring of the Yodhinala that weren't 'up to standards' were usually sold off or left to die.

Alptraum almost replies, then just shrugs, deciding to let the topic drop. "I'll be outside. I'm ready to go whenever. If you need my help with anything else, then please ask," he says, then heads quickly to the door.

"Take this," Mave commands, holding out a stuffed sack to the retreating Eeee.

Alptraum takes the sack, then can't resist and looks in it. "Sure," he says.

It's full of jars individually wrapped in bundles of cloth.

Alptraum heads out the door, muttering something about feeling like a slave to a bunch of women.

It isn't hard to mix into the flow of Eeee flying from the tower. A camp is being set up on the shore opposite the remains of the one destroyed by Smashangrab. Fires are lit, and shelters made of sailcloth quickly erected. Alptraum can even see the bulky form of Lucy paddling furiously towards the camp.

Alptraum whistles and waves to Lucy. Once on land, he's thankful to be out of that tower and once again relatively free. "Nothing is ever easy," he mutters to himself, then goes looking for Phlagaea. As he's looking, he thinks of something, and tells the other Eeee as he passes that he'll give anyone who wishes it, a very quick primer on Sylvanian tonight, to help get them started with the language.

Phlagaea isn't difficult to spot. The priestess is sitting on her travel chest near one of the fires, clearly out of breath.

Alptraum goes over to her and kneels beside her again and looks up. "It'll get easier quickly," he assures her. "We'll be walking a lot too, as not everyone can fly, anyway." He then rests his head on her lap and says, "When you recover, I'll begin the language lessons."

"I'm not lazy you know, or out of shape," Phlagaea protests. "I haven't gone soft like the others did. It's just that this chest is heavy, and Lucy always carried it before."

"No, you're not soft. This land is just really hard. So, you'll just become harder, quicker, is all," Alptraum replies, grinning up at her and blinking cutely. He then realizes something and adds, "And actually, I think I'll hunt down some dinner Lucy can help prepare for you. Not to mention, er, find myself food."

"Oh my, that's right," Phlagaea says, covering her mouth in worry. "You must be starving. I'd offer Lucy, since she would hardly notice a little blood missing, but you said you wouldn't feed on people."

"And I won't," Alptraum notes, getting up again and stretching. "I'm doing okay, really. I've gone longer before. Anyway, I'd best go hunting before it gets much later." He then looks over the camp of mismatched Eeee and is amazed how he tends to attract the weird people. He then just shrugs, spreads his wings, and launches back into the air. The forest awaits, and food would be welcome.

Phlagaea watches Alptraum fly off, and lets out a sigh, then throws up her arms and wings and screeches as Lucy comes over shakes the water out of her fur. "Gah! Next time you have to go for a swim, remind me to give you mange first!"