Alptraum can't help but feel a bit rushed. Mave has taken him and Lilith into her custody, which resulted in Alptraum losing his clothes again so that he could be scrubbed clean. Having this performed by a Yodhblakat was bad enough, but the woman's comments while she worked were even more embarrassing. Finally, the Eeee was pushed into this room while still feeling literally wet behind the ears.

An elderly looking black Fnerf woman has just finished setting two small bowls on the single table, while the other occupant of the room looks up at Alptraum in surprise. She is a young Eeee, with startling green fur, dressed in a somewhat plain looking robe. "Alptraum?" she squeaks.

Alptraum's wings snap around his body instinctively. He then blinks, pauses, then rubs his eyes. "Gods, it can't be," he says in Sylvanian, and in obvious shock. "Ah, sorry," he then says in Babelite and smiles a sheepish but genuine smile. "I … never expected to see you in Sylvania," he adds and rubs at his ear absently, then heads towards the other Eeee. "It's good to see you Phlagaea. The circumstances are … odd, I must admit, I er … I'm babbling."

The large Fnerf gently nudges Alptraum aside as she leaves the room, giving the Eeee a wink before closing the door on him and the Yodhgorphat. "Please, come and sit down!" Phlagaea says, practically hopping to her feet. "You can't imagine how good it is to see you again after all I've been through!"

Alptraum wastes no time to go over to her, and even hugs her before sitting down. "I was going to ask. Of all the places to find … all of you. Here. In probably one of the least safe countries in the world," he says.

"Well, that depends on what you consider 'safe', I suppose," Phlagaea says, and sits down on the opposite side of the table, then props her elbows on it so she can rest her chin on her intertwined fingers. "Ur isn't safe for the less popular Yogh anymore. And Gorphat has never been exactly respected outside of Babel itself," she laments.

"No, well, I can see why if both aspects of Gorphat aren't known," Alptraum says, then glances at the cup. "But, Sylvania could very soon become less safe for everyone. But, I can tell you about that later. Please, tell me how you've been? I've been really worried about you. But, I never knew where you went to, and I had an … urge to return here."

The green girl sighs, then says, "Well, I started traveling to various old shrines to see what was left of the Yodhgorphat, but… it didn't work out very well. The ones I found didn't really care what happened in Babel, and didn't accept me as the new High Priestess. I tried stirring up followers in a few other places, by blessing wells and fields… but half the time it didn't work, and things got worse when the new government put a bounty on my head. I didn't have anyplace to go, and Barb's troupe found me. They wanted to go join the General in the Valley of the Mists, and were going to steal an airship. They managed half the plan, anyway."

"And Barb's group got lost with the ship? A storm hit? They decided to tour scenic Sylvania, complete with ghouls and creatures that go bump in the night?" Alptraum prompts, trying to smile.

"They killed the pilot and navigator when they captured the ship," Phlagaea moans, covering her face with her hands for a moment. "I mean… the Yodhblakat just aren't good at planning things. When we were over the ocean Barba decided it was a sign that Blakat had abandoned them. I'm not really sure where they picked up the old Yodhinala or the Yodhbarada, but probably grabbed them while leaving Babel. I know the Yodhbarada are still active there, even though they abandoned their temple."

"That's no surprise. I'm certain the government employs them under the table and protects them," Alptraum remarks and skews his muzzle slightly. He reaches over and brushes his hand against Phlagaea's face lightly, saying, "I can't begin to imagine how it's been for all of you here. You're all from the city. Survival out here is not easy. I grew up here, I know."

Phlagaea smiles at the gesture, and puts her hand over Alptraum's. "That's why they won't leave this ruin. The airship crashed practically on top of it, we had to hide the very next day because a troupe of soldiers set up camp on the shore of the lake. Did you know we're on a lake?"

"No, I didn't," Alptraum notes and curls his fingers lightly. "Gallesian soldiers? Or worse?"

"Gallisians… I suppose," Phlagaea says. "I thought they were from the Temple, hunting us down, but they didn't have the anchor symbol showing anywhere."

"Any symbols at all?" Alptraum inquires, brow raised. "What species were they, could you ever tell?"

"They looked like the ones from the Temple," Phlagaea says. "Sort of like two-legged Fnerfs or small Jupani."

"Gallisians," Alptraum growls. "They're from the country to our south. They've been trying to take over Sylvania for years." He sighs and slumps in his chair, adding, "They've been winning, too. They'll slaughter Eeee, for certain. The vampiric Eeee especially and with much malice … under pretext they're monsters."

"So, we are in Sylvania," the green Eeee says, perking up slightly. "At least we know were we are now. In any case, there was a horrible disturbance during the night, and in them morning the camp was nothing but churned up earth and crushed tents. That's when we found Smashangrab."

"Yes, you are in Sylvania," Alptraum agrees and nods. "So, what's this 'Smashangrab'?"

"It's a big carnivorous plant that lives under the castle, down in the lake. It doesn't bother us here, but anyone on shore is doomed if they light a campfire," the priestess explains. "Some of the Forsaken ones are starting to worship it."

"That's probably not a good idea," Alptraum remarks and shakes his head. "It's just another artifact created by the Shadow of Amena, most likely. Has anyone gone into the lower levels of the castle to look for its center?"

"Well, that's how they found it," Phlagaea says. "Only one came back though. I don't suppose there is an actual city close by we could settle in?"

Alptraum considers that. "Well, maybe. But I'm not sure the Blakat would fit in there. It's an old city, with a spirit of its own. It protects the last remaining people who live there, but is slowly dying too. We stayed there a night. It treated us well," he answers, then shrugs. "What exactly are you looking for in a town to settle in? Just a place to live quietly? More?"

Phlagaea sighs again, and just shrugs. "I don't know anymore. The Forsaken ones just want to go back to being Yodhblakat again if they had the chance. I don't know what I could do though. Is Gorphat worshipped here as an… what do you call them? Angles?"

"There isn't much worshipped here anymore," Alptraum admits, pausing to think. "Honestly, I could see the Yodhblakat becoming soldiers. Gods know we need those to fight back the Gallasians. As for you … well, if you were willing to help protect against disease and such, you could definitely find a place in towns near the swamps and such. Though, it seems like the Blakat want you to, er, have a child. Er, ah, with me." The Eeee then starts studying the bowl on the table rather intently.

Phlagaea grins at Alptraum's discomfort, and reaches over to scratch his chin. "You can ignore the potions, they wouldn't make a difference. I've been 'Blessed by Gorphat'. And while that grants me protection against disease, it also means I can't have children."

"They seem to think differently," Alptraum notes and smiles weakly. "Not that I'd really, ah, complain since it's you, but, ah. Well, honestly, I was more worried about catching something." He then shrugs and comments, "I don't even know if I can sire children, either, really. Never really tried."

"Well, I suppose that technically you're Blessed by Sunala," Phlagaea says. "So… I wouldn't think you could. Really, the ones Blessed that can have children are the Blessed of Inala. And they have LOTS."

"Well, I guess that means both of us can just enjoy the process without worrying about the results, eh?" Alptraum notes, then laughs still a bit nervously.

Phlagaea covers her mouth to stifle a giggle, then winks, asking, "So, you like me that much?" Clearing her throat and becoming serious again, she asks, "Do you really think Yodhblakat can become soldiers? They're barely able to cooperate enough to play Blakatball."

The wink causes Alptraum to cough and look away for a moment. "I always liked you, you know. I've just … well … I'm a bit complicated to explain and there are things you might not like if you knew them," he admits, then sighs.

"Things I might not like?" Phlagaea presses. "Well… if it's that sort of problem, maybe you could take the potion… "

"No, it's not that sort of problem," Alptraum insists! He then rubs his temples and asks, "You remember me saying I had food allergies, yes?"

"Yes, I thought they were cute!" Phlagaea says, sounding younger for a moment.

"I'm allergic to anything solid. I'm … a vampire," Alptraum admits, finding himself unable to even look at Phlagaea now. "I feed off life, in a sense. It's fitting for what I am … but. I … I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I didn't want to lose one of the very few friends I had in Babel."

There's no hiding the shock on Phlagaea's face, but it doesn't last long. "A vampire… but, not a Bardiphath?" she asks carefully.

"I'm not an undead vampire; I'm just a natural one. I am not a follower of Dipath. Not in the least," Alptraum asserts. "Nor is any vampire Eeee in Sylvania I've ever met."

"Of course not," Phlagaea says, if a bit uncertainly. "You couldn't be the Barsunala otherwise… uh. Did the Yodhsunala know about this though?"

"Some did, yes. I know the child form of Sunala did for certain," Alptraum notes. "It's not something I generally advertise unless someone is a close friend and I hope won't … " He then laughs a bit ruefully and glances over, adding, "I'm not … not so attractive anymore, am I?"

Phlagaea looks torn, and asks, "You've never fed off of a person have you?"

"Gods no! I don't feed off people," Alptraum says quickly! "Well, except for that weird old scientist lady, but she wanted me to. She was … freaky and read too many romance novels. We owed her for her help so, er." He sighs and says, "That wasn't feeding, that was just, erg. Biting someone who enjoyed being bitten. Wow, is this hard to explain."

The priestess' eyes go wide now. "That's not part of mating for you, is it?" she asks squeakily.

Alptraum shakes his head! "No, no, no, no," Alptraum says frantically. "I'd rather not do stuff like that. It's … too creepy."

Phlagaea relaxes a bit at Alptraum's reassurance. "Well that's… wait, you don't think I'm too creepy do you? I mean, I don't wear the bandages anymore… "

Alptraum looks at her, brow arched. "You look normal, except for the green fur. I don't find you creepy at all. Is there, er, something I should know?" he asks hesitantly and glances at the robe she wears.

The girl clutches at her robe, and squeaks. "No! Everything is normal. It's just that you said you were worried about becoming infected by me."

"Well, I've heard the Yodhgorphat carry diseases too. I just didn't know what your current status, er, disease-wise is," Alptraum remarks, looking apologetic about it too. "I … I'm just careful. I mean, I'd, er, like, uhm, argh. I'm not very good at this."

"I'm Blessed, not Cursed," Phlagaea says. "You wouldn't get sick unless I cursed you to."

"Oh, well, that answers a lot," Alptraum says and sighs, looking rather relieved. "Well, then I see no problems if we decide to, well, mate." He coughs, then switches topics, "You were talking about the Yodhblakat a bit ago. Well, Barda seems relatively sane for a Yodhblakat, and they're listening to her. With some effort, I could see them as an effective strike force, given the size of their numbers. The Yodhbarada would be helpful in determining enemy weaknesses and so forth. The Yodhinala, er, moral."

"Mave is a bit old though, isn't she?" Phlagaea asks. "Frankly, if it were up to me, I'd curse the Forsaken ones and Hekatt and then flee. But without a boat, there's no way to get Lucy to shore safely."

"Mave … hm … well, actually, I know something she could do. Tour guide to the City of Worms, heh." Alptraum comments after a moment. His ears then perk and he asks, "Lucy? Who is Lucy? The fnerf?"

Phlagaea nods. "Lucy is the only retainer who agreed to follow me from all of the temples and shrines I visited. She's old, but I can't just abandon her."

"And the problem is the plant, yes?" Alptraum asks, a smirk playing on his face.

"Well, yes," the priestess says. "Lucy can swim just fine, but nobody has seen anything swimming in the lake at all so far. Why are you grinning?"

"I'm having one of those moments where you think of a dangerous plan, that might work," Alptraum notes and leans forward, taking Phlagaea's hands in his. "Hekatt took something from me that might be useful here. Namely, she to a spirit blade that I used to imprison the soul of a terrible immortal dragon who has destroyed worlds. It also happens to have in it the souls of millions of other immortals that were his victims. To release them, I can use the blade to transfer them to another host. It will, well, kill the host usually. If I could get her to stab the plant and somehow trigger the transfer from a distance … well, let's say the explosion would be pretty impressive."

"Explosion?" Phlagaea squeaks. "You'd… blow up the castle?"

"Probably not the whole castle, no. Depends on the size of the plant," Alptraum notes. "If it goes out into the water, it would probably send water all over the place. Anything close to it would get hurt though. I nearly broke my arm when I experimented with a wild pig."

"So Hekatt would be killed in the explosion?" Phlagaea asks, leaning forward and sounding excited at the prospect. "I really hate the Yodhzakaro."

"Quite likely, yes. At least, if my understanding is correct. I'd need to consult Kaira," Alptraum says, then reaches over and taps Phlagaea's nose. "Do you know if this site happens to be highly magical?"

Phlagaea squeaks and rubs her nose, leaning back a bit. "Well… my rituals do seem to work better here. Who is Kaira, the woman you were with?"

"No, that's Lilith. She's helping guide us out here and is a representative of Draco County. Draco has held well against the Gallisians and is a stronghold of Eeee in Sylvania. Smart girl; knows how to survive," Alptraum says, then just reaches over and takes Phlagaea's hand. "Kaira is … well, a spell-spirit of some sort. Her form is of a dragon, and she acts as the bind and seal on the evil dragon in the blade. She and I can communicate usually if I allow a drop of my blood to touch the blade. Or, if an area is highly magical, it becomes a lot easier. I'm wondering if I can reach her without having the dagger. I could try to introduce you two."

"You have a daemon servant?" Phlagaea asks, sounding impressed.

"Er, well, if you asked her, she'd say I was her servant," Alptraum admits. "She's a bit opinionated. But, she means well … I think."

"Really, Alptraum, you are just too gentle with people," Phlagaea says, sighing. "You let them take advantage of you."

"What? We actually have a mutually beneficial relationship. She's just got a dragon's ego and thinks she's always right," Alptraum notes and shrugs. "With her help, we stopped a great evil, and in trade, I have to help release those lives he took. It's fair."

"She sounds like one of the Kindly Ones," Phlagaea says, grinning.

"Anyway, if I can manage it, would you like to meet her?" Alptraum inquires, grinning back.

"I don't know," Phlagaea says. "What if she doesn't like me?"

"I'll kick her butt," Alptraum says flatly, then grins. "What if she doesn't? Why does that matter? I like you and my opinion matters more."

"Flatterer," Phlagaea accuses, turning her head a bit. "I suppose you're wondering about the Yodhsunala?"

"If I remember, some were actually going to help the Yodhrinala, others going off to recover. But, I don't know how much of that came to be," Alptraum admits. "What has happened to them?"

"When I last visited, the Avatar and most of the priestesses had left, taking the Srinalas with them," Phlagaea says. "Those that remained behind have some restrictions on them, but they are providing funeral services and some healing. Like the Yodhrinala though, they are forbidden to invoke Sunala's power outside of their Temple. The same rule applies to the Yodhrephath, in principle, but in practice the parliament is afraid of confrontation with them. The last thing they want is to have the Yodhrephath support the General, should he ever return and attempt a coup."

Alptraum nods quietly at this, expression both sad and expected. "It could be worse. Some survive, and they are bringing aid to the people of Babel," he says.

"Well, it isn't as if they could just outlaw the Yodhsunala, like they did with the other orders," Phlagaea says. "There would have been riots if the dead could not receive proper services. Who would want angry ghosts haunting the city?"

"No one, that's for certain. But then the Yodhgorphat could have helped keep disease down, but you see what happened there," Alptraum remarks. "It's a matter of visibility, it's politics."

"They believe in other ways to handle things," Phlagaea says, a little morosely. "The Yodhrinala do not help matters, since they accept support from anyone willing to keep the hospices going. And the nobles make sure that their districts have well-funded hospices. The Yodhrinala even allow healers from the Mage's Guild to donate their skills."

Alptraum nods at that. "Well, I'm pretty certain no Mage's from the guild are welcome in Sylvania," he notes. "A lot of the oppressed have flocked here … but that may have been futile. There's a battle going on in the shadows right now that I'm a part of … that will have great impact on this land."

"Maybe I can help you with that, if you manage to free me from the Forsaken Ones?" Phlagaea suggests. "How is it that you came to be here, in this wilderness?"

"I would love if you could help us. As for how I came here … I think the will of Sunala, to be honest. I felt that I needed to return here, to find those who raised me. Instead, I met a couple that were fighting through the wilds trying to find a 'treasure' to help unite and inspire the people of Sylvania. It has links to the Ancients and the Goddesses, as it has a link to the mystery of Napa and Amena. Did you know this land was one of the final battlegrounds for the forces of Necropolis. Well, close by here anyway. The nearby forbidden zone was their battleground. That battle tore the earth and heavens asunder."

Phlagaea's eyes go wide again, and she shudders. "Oh… you mention such frightful names, Alptraum. But… perhaps it is Gorphat's will for me to be here as well. The Goddesses could not save Babel, but maybe they can help here."

"Well, it gets worse," Alptraum admits. "There's a necromancer involved, who is trying to resurrect himself as Dagh Incarnate. He needs the Shadow of Amena to do it. And … if we don't hurry, he'll have that. I know where it is, as does he."

"So, I suppose your escape plan will have to be implemented quickly," Phlagaea says, looking both hopeful and nervous at once. "And then… well, at least you can teach me Sylvanian before we all sacrifice ourselves, right?"

"Certainly. I could try and teach you Khattan too, if you're interested,," Alptraum says and nods. He then actually picks up the bowl and sniffs it. "But, well, er, we may want to at least put on the impression we're trying to follow what Barda and them want while we prepare," he basically squeaks, sounding nervous. "So, uh … should we, uhm… "

Phlagaea giggles, and says, "Lucy won't be back until morning, and we can use her mattress if you like. I've never done this before, so… you'd better not hurt me!"

"Right," Alptraum remarks, grinning sheepishly, then tentatively takes a sip, then nudges the other bowl towards Phlagaea "You always walk into trouble, don't you, Traum?" he thinks, chiding himself as well as justifying it with himself, "Got to make the appearance of complying, right, right. Only reason. Yes. It's all appearances, yes."