Arkold and Ravenia return from their shopping spree to find that lunch has already been served (although cold meat is still available for sandwiches if they want). Agatha and Clancy sit at one of the tables, drinking ale, while Squeaky dozes on Lucy's back as she lies in front of the fireplace.

"You wan' an' grab a bite to eat, Raven?" Arkold inquires as he steps inside. "Looks like lunch is done, but I'm sure they'll 'ave somethin'." His thumb tabs the plain box in his hands, and he adds, "Looks like the others are busy, so, eh, wan' an' help me sort these supplies, when you're ready?"

"I'm still a bit stuffed from last night," Ravenia admits, and rubs her tummy. "These new clothes will probably be looser on me once I've finished digesting it all!" she jokes.

Arkold just grins, patting Ravenia's shoulder. "Well, let's get upstairs an' get these bits away, then." Casually, he offers the human woman his hand.

Raven smiles and takes the offered hand, before asking, "Do we have room assignments yet? Agatha arranged everything."

"Oh, yeah. That's all taken care of," Arkold replies, smiling. He leads the human woman upstairs, attempting to locate their room. "So, 'ow 'ave you enjoyed our break, eh?"

"It's been great," the woman replies, then sighs. "Of course, it's back on the road again in the morning, but at least we won't have to walk."

"There's that," the man agrees. He finds the door Agatha indicated, then pushes it open. "Go ahead an' put your stuff up 'ere; this is the room. I'll jus' use the bed 'ere to sort these bits."

Ravenia sets down her purchases on the room's table, and looks at her travel pack leaning in the corner. "I should have gotten better luggage. But I think I can get everything to fit… "

"I'll 'elp you pack. I've learned a few things about travelin', over the years," the wolf offers. He glances at the door a moment, then walks over to close it. "Goin' to close this. No need to be sharin' our goods with who-ever walks by, eh? Could you open the package, Raven?"

"This box here?" Raven asks, opening it up. "Hey, are these chocolates?"

"Might be," Arkold replies, turning to grin over his shoulder. "Might be, indeed. Better see what else is in there – an' better try one, to see if they're good." His tail wags a bit.

Raven gives Arkold a look, the bites into one of the chocolates. "Mmmm, it's rum and… whipped strawberry I think," she reports, her face lighting up. "Delicious!"

"Not as delicious as you, my dear," the wolf insists, trying his best to sound like a neutral observer. "I thought you'd appreciate those. Might want to check under 'em, eh, for … other delights."

The woman piles the chocolates onto the table, then lifts the paper liner to reveal the wrapped pack of cigars and folded fairy lace nightie. "Fancy cigars and … hmmm. Are you planning some sort of party with all this?" she asks with a smirk.

"I wouldn't mind a party, but that depends on you," Arkold answers, honestly. He drops feigning surprise, smiling as he walks over to Raven. "Y'know, I've been thinkin' about what you said. See, I listen, eh?" He stops next to Raven, then reaches to take her hand. "Am I worshippin' right?"

With a blink, Ravenia blushes and asks, "So, all of this if for me, is it?"

"It is," Arkold replies. "Me, too, if you want me, eh?" His ears perk, he smiles, and his tail wags again.

Leaning back against the table, Raven smiles. "But, don't we have to share the room with somebody else?" she asks coyly.

"Oh, Agatha? Eh, I gave her some money for drinks, if she's like me – an' I think she is, after a fashion – she'll be there for a while. Plus, she's a merc, an' isn't likely to mind, eh?" The wolf lifts Raven's hand to his muzzle, and gives it a kiss.

"Hmmm," Raven goes, and lifts out the chocolate-flavored negligee. "This is nearly as dark as I am. I'll need help putting it on," she notes, and then gives Arkold a wink.

"It'd be my pleasure … And yours," the wolf insists. "Unpacking tricks aren't the only tricks I know, eh?" He takes another step forward, and leans in to kiss the human woman …

"These dessert smokes are nice," Ravenia comments some time later, passing the cigarillo over to Arkold next to her in the bed.

"Some things are nicer still," the wolf replies. He lies back with his arm around Raven's shoulders, taking the cigar and puffing on it.

The door handle rattles, but the privacy bolt keeps it closed. "Hey, you in there Arkold? I need the moneypurse back," Agatha declares from the other side.

"And, there's our disturbance. Ahh, once this is all over, Raven, we can settle down somewhere an' not have to deal with the call of adventure," the wolf tells the human, languidly. "Eh, I'm comin'," the wolf calls to Agatha. Standing up, he doesn't bother to get dressed, instead pausing to smile at Raven before he unbolts the door and peeks out. "'Ere's the purse," he says, passing it out, "Don' s'pose you'd mind lettin' Raven an' I have a bit more alone time?"

There's some loud sniffing through the crack. "What are you smoking in there? Save me some!" the pony comments. "And how much more 'alone time' do you need, anyway?" she asks.

"All the time in the world," Arkold replies, " … but I'll take an' hour. I'll see we can spare a cigar, bu' no promises there."

"Okay then, but you'll owe me later tonight," the mercenary notes, then turns and clip-clops away.

"I wonder what that means?" Arkold glances over his shoulder, shrugging bemusedly before grinning. "Now, where were we … ?"

"You were talking about settling down, I think?" Raven replies, with the blankets pulled up to her chin and still grinning.

"An intimate discussion, I think." He grins even wider, then walks over and sits beside Raven. "In fact, I think there's some nightie left. Wouldn't want it to go to waste, eh?" He leans over to kiss the woman again …

Down in the tavern, the Eeee group returns from shopping (although Tulani broke off to do some extra looking around – namely for footwear). Clancy the Rhian raises his mug to them from his table, while Lucy and Squeaky continue to doze by the fire. Agatha is nowhere to be seen.

"I think I've had more than enough shopping for a long while," Alptraum comments and finds himself a chair, which he sits in with a dull thud. "How about the rest of you?" he asks the other Eeee.

"Men have no stamina," Lilith comments, while the two Yodh seem a bit tired as well. The priestesses are not known for shopping in Babel, after all.

"Shopping sucks our energy away. It's a secret plot by women. I think they put something on all the stuff," Alptraum retorts to Lilith, then grins. Then remembering something, he asks Lilith, "Will we be passing a hospice or the like along the way, or at our destination?"

"A hospice?" Lilith asks. "I don't think so. There may be a hospital in part of the castle though. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I need to deliver this gourd somewhere. I feel creepy just holding onto it," Alptraum comments with a shrug.

"You deliver it at the castle, then it goes to the sorting room I believe," Lilith says, sitting down as well. Agatha appears, coming down the stairs from the rooms on the second floor.

"We could offer them up to Gorphat," Phlagaea suggests, quietly.

"The sorting room? As innocent as that sounds, why do I think it's not all that innocent?" Alptraum inquires next, then just shakes his head. With an odd look to Phlagaea, he asks, "What would she do with souls?"

Phlagaea just shrugs. "What do gods do with anything that you sacrifice to them? It's the sacrifice itself that matters."

"The sorting room is… like the mail room," Lilith explains. "The spirits are identified and sent back to their families."

"Well, I have to deliver them to Draco County. It's part of my arrangement that got us across the swamp," Alptraum notes. "In reality, none of you have to go with me to the castle. I could just fly ahead and deliver it, if you want."

"The Countess will want to interview all of us," Lilith says, with conviction. "It's not just about the gourd, it's about everything."

Alptraum rubs his forehead. "I have an amazing ability to get all of you in trouble, it seems," he says.

"I don't see how you got me into trouble," Mave comments. "Me either," Lilith notes. "I'm glad to be away from the Yodhblakat," Phlagaea adds.

"Heh, just wait, then. I either attract danger, or just plain oddness," Alptraum says. "I wish there was a book on how to be me, so I avoid all the mistakes I tend to make," he adds with a small smirk. Looking to Lilith, he asks, "So what is the Countess like and what are her general interests?"

"Speaking of trouble," Agatha comments, as she steps up to the table, "I'll need your shopping receipts."

Alptraum has to dig around in his vest for a bit before he finds the receipt. "We needed to actually get decent clothing given where we're going. Contrary to all the romance novels in the world, being an 'adventurer' means being poor," he comments as he offers over the paper.

Agatha's scar twitches as she looks at the receipts, but she doesn't seem alarmed. "This isn't too bad," she mutters, then smiles and stuffs the papers into a pouch. "There's only one room that is set up for Eeees, so I hope you don't all mind sharing it for tonight?" she asks.

"I'm used to sharing a room with people, so I don't mind. What about you, Phlagaea, Mave, Lilith?" he asks, looking between the three. "Or, hm, you're all women. Perhaps I should just sleep down here by the fire so you have privacy."

"Oh no, I want you sleeping where I can keep an eye on you," Phlagaea comments. "We've all seen everything you have anyway, Alptraum," Lilith notes. "And vice-versa."

"You don't trust me?" Alptraum asks Phlagaea. "What would I do down here anyway other than sleep?"

"You'd look like a vagrant," Phlagaea notes. "Or you could try to sneak off to the Castle without us."

"You think I'd do that?" Alptraum asks, brow raised.

"I just don't see any point in taking chances," the green bat answers, grinning through her bandages.

"I think you know me too well. There goes my dark and mysterious image," Alptraum says with an equal grin and reaches over to poke the green bat in the stomach. "I guess sharing a room wouldn't be all bad. Yodhinala Mave could lead us all in a group worship of Inala," he suggests. After a moment, he appends to that statement, "Which would likely wake up the entire hotel and get us kicked out. So … bad idea. Forget I suggested it."

Lilith covers a giggle, and says, "To answer your last question: the Countess is very impressive, and lovely. Try to stay on her good side, and she can probably help you find your Gypsies."

Alptraum rubs his temples. "I tend to have bad luck staying on anyone's good side," he admits, "I speak before I think sometimes."

"Well, I'll try to warn you if it looks like she's in a foul mood to begin with," Lilith promises. "With the invasions and neighbor issues, you never know when she's near her limit."

"What do you think she'll make of us, honestly?" Alptraum asks Lilith. "Two priestesses and a man bound with the spirit of the son of the Babel Goddess of Death? That boatman could tell I was different. I'm under no illusions that she won't notice."

"She's a bit different herself," Lilith says, and shrugs. "Maybe you all have more in common with her than I do, really."

"You're related by blood to her, though. That's fairly major," Alptraum notes.

"Well, yes, but my family offshoot isn't the royal one," Lilith explains. "I could never be the Countess."

"Would you want to be, really? Having to lead people is extremely difficult," Alptraum says. "And speaking of you. What will you do when we get there? Go home to your family? Continue with us?"

"That will depend," Lilith says. "I'm sure the Countess will want to know what happens with the sorcerer."

"Aside from what she may want you to do. What do you want to do?" Alptraum asks. "If you had a choice, what would you want to do?"

Lilith just smiles, and puts a finger to her lips. "That's a secret. And telling you might bias your report to the Countess."

"Of course it would. That is why I'm asking," Alptraum says with a smirk. "I'm also considering asking her if she would like to employ me to help her county."

Lilith's eyebrows rise up. "Really?" she says, drawing the word out a bit. Phlagaea blinks and seems surprised as well.

The heavy thump-thump of feet coming down the stairs heralds the arrival of Arkold, who's smiling a pleasant smile. His shirt's undone, and his hair is a bit ruffled, but he seems otherwise in good spirits despite looking a bit disheveled. "'Ey, folks. Plotting somethin' batty?"

Mave smirks slightly at Arkold's appearance, while Lilith says, "Hello Arkold. Did you and Ravenia find new clothes?"

"Yes. I have to be realistic. If I really want to make an impact on Sylvania and make a safe home for everyone, we'll need real backing. When it comes down to it, I'm one person. As great as I am, one person can't win a war," Alptraum says, then tilts his head to look at Arkold.

Arkold grins at the table, then pulls himself a seat. "Raven definitely got some new clothes," he responds. "As for me, well, I've been busy with other things. I'll 'ave to sneak out later an' see what can be done. Good thing I already know 'ow to dress like a noble, eh?" He laughs.

"And yet you have lost your table manners. You still have some chocolate on your lips," Alptraum says drolly.

"Well, you'd better comb your hair before you go out," Lilith advises. "And brush your teeth as well, you've got dark bits of… stuff… stuck in a few of them."

Arkold licks his lips, then shrugs. "I'm only really 'ere to grab some food. Raven's hungry, an' we're sortin' out what we still need to do," he insists.

"Well, supper will be served soon," Agatha notes. "Do you want me to have something sent up to the room?"

"Well, dinner should be soon. Once Tulani gets back from looking for shoes, anyway," Alptraum says.

"Might be best," the wolf replies. "So! You all ready to go? I s'pose I jus' need to grab some clothes an' 'ave at the road, eh?"

"The carriage leaves in the morning," Agatha says, nodding. "I think we can all fit into one."

"If not, Arkold can run behind it. He's all strong and virile," Alptraum suggests.

"While that's true, I could also ride up top with the driver, in case of bandits," Arkold remarks.

"May have to rig up a hay wagon or something behind it," the war pony mutters, scratching at her cheek.

"Arkold, rolling around in the hay? Bad idea," Alptraum says with a mild grin. "I think he's had enough hay-rolling already… "

Arkold laughs, then pats Alptraum on the back heavily. "Can't have enough hay-rollin', my boy," he insists.

"I was thinking more along the lines of having the Fnerf ride in it," Agatha points out.

"Is that true?" Alptraum asks Mave, "That you can't?"

Phlagaea looks confused, and asks, "What is hay and do you make wagon wheels out of it?"

Mave just looks quizzical, rather than admit that she doesn't understand that particular phrase. "Sometimes," she responds neutrally.

"Hay is dried long grass. Rolling in the hay is an old phrase that means, well … we did it in that one hut," Alptraum explains to Phlagaea. "Anyway, hay is often carried in wagons and is used for roofing and feeding livestock."

"Isn't there a danger of falling through the roof or being bitten then?" Phlagaea asks.

"Alp's a scholar; he's right," the wolf says. He licks his teeth again, then settles back with his arms folded under his head. "Bats, you need to inform your people, eh?"

"You don't engage in such activities while the hay is being used to feed livestock or on a roof. Er, nevermind, it's hard to explain to people who grew up in a city," Alptraum admits, then shrugs.

"'Ey, I grew up in the city," Arkold mentions.

"Perhaps, but you clearly have led the life of a man who is used to employing euphemisms to obscure his activities," Agatha says to Arkold, giving him a wink.

Arkold nods solemnly to that. "Guilty as charged," he admits.

"I grew up around people who did stuff like that. My old best friend was notorious for it," Alptraum admits.

"We Yodh are much more upfront and honest about such things," Mave notes. Phlagaea still seems a bit confused though. "Will vermites eat hay?" she whispers to Alptraum.

Alptraum has to actually think on that for a bit. "I have no idea," comes his answer, "Sorry."

"Upfront?" Arkold gives Mave a curious look. "Really. Huh."

"Mave, if you don't mind me asking, what was the Yodhinala temple like? I never got a chance to see it," Alptraum comments to the Yodh. "I saw the Yodhsunala temple, of course, and the Yodhgorphat one."

"Sometimes from behind too," Mave notes.

Arkold just winks at Mave, grinning.

"You asked before," Mave points out to Alptraum. "It was beautiful, and elegant. The shining heart of Babel, as it will be once again."

"So, you're headin' back then? I got the impression you were plannin' a Temple out 'ere," the wolf inquires.

"Did I? I guess my memory is failing, then," Alptraum sighs. The Eeee leans forward, then unceremoniously just drops his forehead down onto the tabletop with a thud.

"I can pursue both ends," Mave says.

"Are you tired, Alptraum?" Phlagaea asks, stroking Alptraum's long white hair.

"He's jus' jigglin' the works, Phlagy," the wolf informs the green bat.

"I must be. I seem to just be rambling. I apparently can't even remember what I've talked about before," Alptraum grumbles.

"Mave is not as memorable as I am," Phlagaea claims. "So it is not unusual for you to forget such things related to her."

"We cannot all be bright green," Mave replies. "And of course the constant fear of contamination makes it necessary to take account of where a Yodhgorphat sits, what she touches, and where she bathes."

Alptraum rolls his head to the side so that one eye is looking up at Phlagaea. "There may be some truth to that. I still distinctly remember you taking me to that temple in the city ruins of Babel. The one where we had to squeeze close together in that alcove," he says.

Arkold has suddenly taken a distinct interest in the floor, staring at it while trying to avoid Mave and Phlagaea's gazes. "I think I 'ere Raven callin," he murmurs.

Phlagaea's angry look at Mave vanishes when Alptraum reminds her of good times. "That was fun, wasn't it? I miss the city temple and its deathtraps… "

Agatha pokes Arkold, and says, "Don't mess up the sheets too much. I'm really looking forward to sleeping in a genuine bed for a change."

"Uh, well, I'm sure they're … uh." The wolf coughs, then shrugs. "We'll discuss it later, eh, Agatha?"

"Things were simpler then, scary as that is," Alptraum has to admit as he sits up. He then has to look at Arkold oddly. Down goes the bat's head again to the table thud. Well, that was a fast recovery and fast reoccurrence of whatever is bothering the bat.

Arkold's head turns, and he regards the male bat for a few seconds. "Don' think you can get out of savin' the world by claimin' brain damage, Bats," he chides.

"You know, I think I'm going to go find a bar," Alptraum says flatly. "It's been a long time since I've been drunk."

"I'm sleeping on something warm and dry and soft tonight," Agatha warns Arkold, before letting him free of her gimlet gaze.

"Okay, okay – but you better take it up with Raven," the wolf insists, still peering at Alptraum.

"You can take me out for a drink," Phlagaea says to Alptraum, smiling (probably) under her bandages. "No one has ever done that before."

"Better warn the bar," Arkold remarks. Quickly, he adds, "Jus' in case, disease priestess an' all."

"Alcohol is a well-known disinfectant," Agatha says.

"Okay," Alptraum says as he sits back up again, "No telling when Tulani will be back anyway." Alptraum looks to Arkold and almost says something, then just shakes his head and doesn't bother. So, he stands and offers Phlagaea a hand, "Let's go see a bit more of the city, then."

Phlagaea stands up and takes Alptraum's hand, saying, "Lead on, my brave hero."

"'Ave fun," Arkold says, waving.