For Tulani's convenience, the base of operations for the remaining castle residents has been moved to the suites, so that the still-healing Sphynx doesn't have to travel far – despite her insistence that she's "feeling fine, just don't ask for any heavy lifting." Supplies from the hidden larder have also been brought in, and Lilith has moved a few of her own things into one of the empty bedrooms. The women are all ears when Arkold and Alptraum finally return from their exploration of the area beyond the secret caverns.
"This absolutely has to be one of the stupidest moments of my life," Alptraum remarks as he passes through the doorway. "Do we get demons? No. Do we get armies of darkness? No. We get trees trying to get us to kill ourselves and frogs that insult us."
"Eh, I have to agree. Now I know I've gone on about the many, many horrors of the universe but, eh, that one I think I'm goin' to leave out," agrees Arkold as he walks in behind the bat.
"Well, do we have an escape route, or did I get naked and drag a rope underwater for nothing?" Ravenia asks the men, smirking slightly.
Smiling slightly to herself in an attempt at humor as the pair walk in, Tulani says, "Well… I'd think the two of you would be used to having insults hurled at you."
"Well, getting naked is never wasted," Alptraum quips and smirks. "But, yes, we do have a way out. There's is, unfortunately a small snag. A Gallisian group has holed up in an abandoned town up the way. One of them sounds familiar, but I couldn't place the voice. They killed a lot of the escaped people from this place."
Arkold holds up a hand, "'Ey, 'ey, getting naked with rope is never for nothin'," he insists, grinning back. "And yeah the guy sounds like he might be familiar but I've probably met more – an' wanted to forget more – poodles than bats 'ere, an' I'm old, so I can' remember either."
"Well, can we bypass the village then?" Lilith asks. "Friends or foes, the less people that know we've left the castle the better. We can probably find a map that shows the area."
Tulani chuckles quietly at the comments about nakedness before replying, "I think I'll stay away from the naked portion of this conversation." looking a little more serious, she says, "So, you found a way out… and Lilith is right. And personally I'd rather avoid a group that kills people who are fleeing." She frowns at the end of the comment.
"I don't see any reason we couldn't bypass the village. Though, I was thinking we could use them to our favor by sending them after the necromancer somehow. Trick them, in other words. They still seemed to think the dragon was alive. Well, the black dragon, not you, Tulani," Alptraum notes with a grin, and then looks for a place to sit.
Tulani huffs a little uncomfortably and rubs the covered scars on her chest, saying, "I still don't know how that worked… "
"It did work though," Lilith says, and pats Tulani's uninjured shoulder. "I'd feel better about having a destination in mind before leaving though."
"I figure the poodles are smart, but prolly itchin' for a fight. They wouldn't be holed up this close to the castle with a small army unless they were here for somethin'. If we could give them a clue as to where the ol' necro is camped they may harass him, or else attack outright. 'Specially if he looks weak," suggests Arkold.
"Well, I figured we'd take you home, Lilith," Alptraum says as he decides on the bed edge and sits down. He then nods to Arkold, saying, "That's along the lines of what I was thinking too. Except we don't know where ol' catty is."
"Ah yes… one of the important traveling lessons, it's usually a good idea to have an idea of where you're going before you leave," The Sphynx comments, continuing, "I think it would be a good idea to get you home as well Lilith… Hmm… Do we really need to know exactly where he is? We just want to get the Gallisians to turn their attention elsewhere correct?"
"Well, you could just… tell them the castle is empty, and there are supplies," Raven suggests. "We know the sorcerer needs to come here eventually, after all."
"Hmm. Well, that is a possibility since we do have a way to collapse the passage to the Shadow," Alptraum says, considering.
Folding his arms and leaning against the doorway Arkold says, "Even if we don' know where he is we can be fairly sure that he knows of the poodles. Hard to hide a bonfire and a small army. If we cut near them on our way out it'll reduce the chance the necro will be able to detect us, but increases the chance the poodle will. Still, I'd rather take the poodle at this point. He may be willing to help or let us go, unlike the necro. " He nods to Raven. "Could. Guess that'd depend if he believed us. Me, I'd be suspicious, but I figure he has scouts for that."
"I have some old maps," Lilith says, getting up. "I'll go fetch them," she volunteers, and hurries out past Arkold, whispering, "Ropes, eh?" to him before dashing down the hall.
Alptraum snorks and shakes his head, as his ears caught the comment. "I don't know how you do it," he remarks to Arkold.
Tulani leans forward in her chair and rolls her shoulder slightly, stretching her good wing, and comments back, "Because he's a cute guy? Nahh." She rolls her eyes.
"Ropes," Arkold whispers back, grinning, before returning his attention to the others. He elbows Alptraum, explaining, "Wit an' charm my friend, wit an' charm."
Alptraum pffts and waves his hand dismissively. "Anyway, I did think that the plan was to collapse the tunnel, and make way towards Draco County so some folks can get out of this nightmare," he says. "We still need to move on, though. And frankly, we need to talk to ol' Dunky sometime, I think. And let him know what we found."
"Eeees tease," Raven says. "If we want to take Lilith home, we'd have to go due north from what I understand… which is back past the castle, then the no-longer-patrolled countryside, the ruined town of Crossroads, and into Draco County. If we go east or west to avoid Dack, we'd have a longer journey through unknown areas. Who is old Dunky?"
"An obnoxious dead guy, or so I'm told. I've never spoken to him," Alptraum notes.
"That about sums it up," answers Arkold.
Ravenia thinks about this. "Wait… it isn't someone from the knife then? I don't remember you carting around a corpse either."
"Yeah… pretty much… 'obnoxious old dead guy' works quite well." Tulani agrees, grinning before continuing, "He's also a map that we've been following."
"It's a long story, really. I hope I didn't break him while we were in Worms," Alptraum adds as an afterthought.
"I vaguely recall you mentioning a map… " Ravenia says, her brow furrowing. "But… what does it lead to?"
Alptraum looks between Arkold and Tulani, asking, "Should we tell her everything?"
Reaching over to give Raven a short hug the Sphynx nods, replying, "Yes, I think we should, she's been involved as well and there's no reason right now not to tell." She smiles at Raven and sits back in her chair.
"Um, is this something I have to keep secret then?" Raven asks, a little nervously.
"Oh sure, why not? S'not like we don't have enough creepy horrors an' ancient mysteries here," Arkold says, smiling a bit. "Maybe we ought an' wait for Lil' to return first though."
"Should we, Arkold? Lilith has already stated she won't allow a change of status quo in Sylvania. And really, that's what we're trying to do," Alptraum points out.
"Ehhh, I have faith Lil' won't betray us. Besides it's not like she has to change anythin'. That's our job, and the thing was already here," answers Arkold. He shrugs. "If you think abou' it the item is foreign anyway."
Alptraum nods, "All right. Then I'll explain when Lilith gets back."
"Ahem," Lilith says, clearing her throat while still several paces down the hall to let everyone know she's returning (and has probably overheard them).
Tulani blinks at the sudden noise in the hall and smiles slightly, waiting for the Eeee to come in.
Arkold twists towards the open door, "Bring any robes," he asks as if nothing were amiss.
The white Eeee brushes in past Arkold, her arms laden with several large rolled-up maps. "My ears were burning," she notes, as she dumps them onto the bed.
"Right, well, about the map and why we're out this way. The whole story. The map leads to the Tomb of the Necromancer King and the supposed resting-place of the Light of Nala," Alptraum explains and leans forward a bit, looking between those gathered. "Sylvania is dying. We were hoping to find an artifact, treasure, anything that could be used to help restore this dying land. To give it a chance and make it home for those that the world shuns. We're not in this to get ourselves rich. But you can also see why we're not just telling everyone about it. Plus, Arkold and I have personal reasons for doing this."
"I just like to stick my nose in everythin', see," Arkold quips.
"There was no intention to insult you or anything of the sort while we were deciding whether or not to spill the story Lilith." The Sphynx notes once Alptraum has finished.
Lilith opens and closes her mouth several times, as if starting to say something and then changing her mind. Raven just looks a bit baffled.
"We're a little afraid it might conflict with your, ah, duties Lil," Arkold adds.
Tulani just smiles in a friendly manner and waits for the two other women to collect their thoughts.
The Eeee blinks, causing her glowing eyes to flash. "Oh… well… my duty in this case is clear. I have to come along and see it all for myself, so that I can report back to the Countess," she finally says.
"I still don't understand about the map being a dead person," Ravenia notes.
Alptraum leans back. "So, there you have it," he says. His eyebrows then arch up at that. "Lilith, where we're going could very well be a one way trip, you realize," he says. "As for the map, a spirit is bound to it, one they call Dunky. He's supposedly an old warder from the past, or some such."
"Yes, on certain days he 'wakes up' so to speak and can talk to us," Tulani adds politely.
"You think she'll, y'know, mind Lil? From what I understand the Countess is a powerful person around these parts. If she takes offence to what we're doin' between her an' our other enemies, well, that'd be a serious problem," the wolf asks. He nods to Alptraum then, and adds, "I doubt we need to be saying it's extremely dangerous too."
Lilith waves off the concerns. "Either way, I need to go. The Countess can't make a decision on this unless you actually find it, and even then she'll need to know what it is and whether it's in her territory or not."
Arkold rubs his chin. "I guess if it turns out bad we'd have to keep you Lil," he says with mock seriousness. "Can't have you runnin' back."
Alptraum rubs his eyelids lightly, then looks over towards Ravenia. "What about you? Do you also wish to go?" he asks. He then chuckles at Arkold, though his expression looks rather serious for a moment.
The Sphynx looks concerned at Lilith's insistence on joining them while they travel, but at the same time rather accepting of her decision. Smiling and chuckling at Arkold's joke, she notes, "Gives us yet another reason to be careful," before turning to look towards Raven herself.
"I've been held hostage by worse," Lilith points out with a smile. "And I honestly don't think you'd hold me against my will anyway." She starts rolling out some of the maps, which really are quite old, given that they portray a Sylvania whose borders are more extensive than those of the current day.
Ravenia doesn't seem particular alarmed or upset by the revelations. "It will be nice to have a goal for once," she comments to Tulani.
"Well, then let's get out the map and compare, then. Let's see what routes we have," Alptraum comments. "Arkold, Tul, which one of you currently has it?"
Arkold opens his mouth to say something, pauses, then lets it shut and grins widely for a moment. "Huh. I guess Gallis has been gnawin' on Sylvania for a long time eh? Like an' old bone."
Tulani nods and smiles faintly, reaching to pull the folded leather map out of a pocket in her shirt, "I have the map." She unfolds it onto the table next to the one Lilith unrolled.
Alptraum pushes himself from his sitting spot and goes over to the maps.
"That's made from human skin," Ravenia states as she looks at Tulani's map. The woman then looks surprised at her own words.
"I imagine it was made from Dunky," Alptraum notes flatly. "But, that's not the most gruesome thing any of us has seen, so- eh."
"Apparently Dunky put himself into it," Arkold says. It doesn't sound like a question really.
The Sphynx frowns seriously in acknowledgement of the others words, "Or so Dunky has told us."
Lilith looks from one map to the other, and finally points to a location on the old one she brought. "We're here, at Twilight Keep. Or what used to be Twilight Keep," she notes. "Your destination is in what are now the borderlands, close to but still south a bit from Draco's eastern border."
Tracing her finger south from the Keep, Lilith says, "There's a village here named Gormless, near Lake Gorm. That could be the one you spotted."
Arkold nods, saying, "Guess that means we're outside the rule of any lord. Not that lords don' like to throw their influence aroun' even then, but it's not solidly on anyone's land at least."
"So, out of Draco territory and jurisdiction, then," Alptraum comments as he peers between the two maps. He reaches out to tap the Dunky-Map lightly with a finger. "Say, do you still have the trinkets? Perhaps we can get the runes to alight again. Lake Gorm? What a name."
"Gormless," Arkold chuckles.
"Hm, yes, I have them. Wouldn't want to lose them," the Sphynx replies to Alptraum, pulling out the series of three metal puzzle-pieces that go with the map, putting them back together and setting them down on 'Dunky' or what's left of him.
"There's another village a few days to the east of Gormless, called Vagrant, that might be outside of Dack's 'territory'," Lilith says, then pauses to look at the odd pointer Tulani assembles.
Arkold leans forward to peer at the map, searching for a "Pleasant Valley" or, really, any pleasant sounding town.
"Vagrant, heh. We'd fit right in," Alptraum remarks.
With the pieces in place, the map… changes. The route marked in red shifts slightly, showing a new path that takes into account the planned escape route.
"He's not this helpful awake," Arkold remarks.
"Woah. Heh, the map is self-adjusting. That's rather handy," Alptraum remarks, looking pleased for a change.
Tulani blinks at the sudden change to the map, mumbling to herself, "Now that's interesting… I wonder if Dunky was listening?"
"I'm half tempted to kiss the map, just to see if he was listening. I'm sure he'd comment on it next time he can speak," Alptraum muses, then shakes his head. "I really should learn to resist such temptations."
When no spirit springs forth from the map, Raven look closer as well. "That's quite a journey still. Do you really trust this map?" she asks.
"It's not like we have a lot of choice. I don't think it's steered us wrong yet," Alptraum notes.
The insides of Tulani's ears suddenly redden at a thought before pushing the thought down and turning her attention to Raven's question. She nods when Alptraum speaks.
"Well he says he's the dead an' object form of an ancient nambly-pambly advisor to a dead Sylvanian Czar. Considerin' he's from the time when Sylvania was more rather than less unified he's probably got Sylvania's interest in mind. I think he said 'e used to guard these sorts of treasures. If I'm bein' senile then maybe, eh, maybe we should wonder how he knows an' why he sacrificed his life to make a map to this location. Still, not like we have a better option. Or map," says Arkold.
"I suppose now we just need to decide when to leave, and what to do about the people stationed at… Gormless," Ravenia says.
"I'd really like to know who they are. That would help with planning," Alptraum points out and rubs his muzzle. "I could scout the place when night falls and try to find out who they are."
"Careful. Their leader sounds like he knows 'is business bats. He's made it this far into Sylvania an' he's not shaken at all. He's burnin' bodies an' bein' careful. Chances are he may know about Eeee an' night flights too. Don't take him too lightly. Some poodles – a few – know what they're about an' have the money to afford the best trainin' short of the real life experience," advises the gray wolf man.
"I'm not sure you should go alone, Alptraum," Lilith says. "The more trips we make using the secret passage, the more likely it will be found. I think we should all go. Once we're at the lake, we can see about contacting the soldiers, or decide to move on from there."
"All right, all right," Alptraum gives in.
Getting ready to pick up the map, Tulani gives it a long, appraising look through narrowed eyes, the red tint still fading from her ears before she shrugs to herself. Folding it quickly, she places it back in the inner pocket of her shirt, commenting, "I think Lilith is right on this."
Raven points to the large map, noting, "You'd have to circle around and come from the north, too. That could give the rest of us a chance to move on along the road and into the forest without being noticed."
"Then I suppose the question is, are you ready to move yet, Tulani? As soon as you are, we can head down, collapse the passage, and be on our way," Alptraum says. He then looks at Raven and asks, "Do you mean splitting up, where one of us goes to the town, while the others sneak past?"
"Well, you and Lilith go to the town," Raven notes. "You can both fly, while the rest of us can't. If we have to run, it'll be easier for you to catch up to us."
"As a foreigner an' the closest thing to a Gallee or Gallah in our group maybe I should approach the soldiers, eh? I can tell them I was a mercenary lookin' for work, but am leavin' now, because this place gives me the creeps," suggests Arkold.
"And, heh, I do suppose we can talk to each other in a sound range beyond their hearing, which is a bonus too," Alptraum says, considering. "We could do that. If anything, be a diversion. And Arkold, remember what happened to the people fleeing the castle? I don't know if you've have the time to say anything."
"I'd have to stay in the air," Lilith notes. "I'm an obvious vampire, and Gallisian soldiers aren't likely to hold their fire."
"I can move anytime," the Sphynx interjects confidently, brushing a hand against her damaged wing, which is still shedding blackened feathers and growing in new white ones. She adds in, "I just don't know when I'll be able to fly." Looking a little sad at that point, she listens to the debate on how to proceed.
"Heh, I suppose I have an advantage there, in that I'm not obviously one. And, I can speak several languages, so given the right clothing don't look Sylvanian. But then, there's also the problem where Eeee are pretty much distrusted, regardless," Alptraum says.
"Someone will need to help Tulani make the swim too, so she doesn't have to use her arms," Ravenia says. "Maybe we should just try to go around the soldiers altogether then? It doesn't sound like any approach to them is very safe, and eventually they'll check out the castle anyway."
Tulani says, "Well, if we do approach the soldiers we should at least circle around and not approach from the direction of the castle at the very least, seeing what has already happened to others coming from this direction."
Arkold nods. "That works too. Either way is a gamble. One rolls our health against benefits to our plan, the other wagers our plan's effectiveness," he states.
"Honestly, Arkold would be the best to help Tulani. He's the strongest and doesn't have wings of his own to contend with. She could be tied to his back," Alptraum suggests.
"Sounds good to me," Arkold agrees.
The Sphynx looks slightly disgruntled at the ideas to deal with her current state, but doesn't disagree, sighing and shrugging. "I guess that works."
"If his hands roam too much, Tulani, you can just smack the back of his head, too," Alptraum says to Tulani, then grins fangily.
"Loosely tied," Ravenia adds, "so you don't aggravate her injuries. Or she could just hold on and kick with her legs."
"My head's pretty solid I'm told," says Arkold with a grin.
"I'd call it dense… " Alptraum offers.
Snickering slightly at Alptraum's comment, Tulani looks over to Arkold and then back to Alptraum again before bursting into laughter.
"It's saved your skinny butt a number of times, eh," Arkold teases Alptraum back.
"I don't know if I'd go that far," Alptraum retorts, still grinning. "You really shouldn't set yourself up like that."
"Anyway, we should get moving, then. I'm tired of being trapped in here," Alptraum adds a moment later.
Tulani quickly gathers herself, still chuckling, and says, "It's nice to know two guys with a sense of humor at a time like this… " She shakes her head amusedly before continuing, "Yes, let's get going."
Arkold rubs his head. "I thought I was already makin' fun of myself an' you were jus' being redundant," the wolf insists. He grins, shrugs then turns and walks out the door. "Someone bring rope."
Alptraum tilts his head towards Ravenia and asks, "Looks like we both have something to do soon. Are you ready?"
"We'll need to get some pots and jars and sealing wax for the stuff that we don't want to get wet," Raven notes. "And… oh, Alptraum… you mean that thing to take care of the passage, don't you?"
Alptraum nods "That, yes," he says.
Tulani blinks and tilts an eyebrow, "Thing?"
"I guess I'm as ready as ever… but let's save it for after we've gotten all our supplies to the secret door," Raven says.
"Of course," Alptraum says and reaches over to pat Ravenia's shoulder lightly. "I want it to be as brief as possible," he says. He now stands too. "Let's get supplies together, then."
Standing slowly to help with gathering supplies and whatever else she can, Tulani opens her mouth as though to say something, then closes it, deciding not to.
On the way out of the room, Ravenia smiles to Tulani and says, "It's nothing to worry about, Alptraum just has to give me a little poke so we can collapse the tunnel."
A little reluctantly the Sphynx replies to Raven, "Ok, I'll take your word on that," but smiles and hugs the other woman briefly.
Food, clothing and anything else that needs to be kept dry have been packed into whatever surviving clay jars, pots and vases the group could salvage, and sealed tightly with wax. Tied to makeshift rope harnesses for easy carrying, they wait at the entrance to the secret escape tunnel.
For the most critical part of the escape plan – the sealing of the main passage back towards the vaults – the group has assembled just past the 'melted' portion of the tunnel, where Ravenia tries to look calm as she watches Alptraum. "Okay, I'm ready," she says, and holds out a palm.
"As delightful as your hand is Ravenia I'm not sure how that's goin' to close the tunnel," Arkold remarks. He scratches his head and, to apparently be a pain, scratches Tulani's head for her too.
Alptraum draws the dagger from a makeshift sheath at his side. He reaches out and cups his hand under hers. "I'll be here the entire time, and be ready to extract him the moment it's complete. I wish there was another way, but … " he says, then shakes his head. "All right, here goes," the Eeee says and brings the dagger down carefully, He presses the tip against one of her fingertips, slowly, until a drop of blood appears. During this, he tries to think back to how it felt when the dragon killed that man, and tries to find the similar feeling now, a single spirit in the 'waiting room'.
Tulani lets out a mock growl as Arkold scratches her head, and turns her head to blow a short huff of breath into his ear before turning back to watch Raven, looking a little worried at her nervous look, and watching carefully as Alptraum pricks the woman's finger.
There's a feeling of connection within Alptraum, and of something flowing through him and into Raven… and then the woman's face goes slack for a moment, just before she crouches down and tries to rise up onto her toes at the same time, resulting in her sitting down hard on her rear end. "Wot the 'ell," she mutters, and uses her free hand to feel her face… "Oh no… my NOSE! What did you do with my NOSE!"
"Heh," Alptraum says and returns the dagger to the sheath. "You're in the body of a human woman. You don't have a muzzle in that form. I did warn you earlier," he points out. "Don't worry, you don't need to be in there long. Just long enough to trigger the trap."
The Sphynx blinks but doesn't seem too surprised at the occurrence, wondering how the person inhabiting Raven now is going to 'trigger' the trap.
"And no tail!" Ravenia whimpers, feeling around her bum. "And no… eh… right, let's get this over with." Without standing, Raven turns to face the tunnel, and manages to kneel. The woman then begins to chant and wave her arms about.
Alptraum moves to crouch beside Ravenia. He smirks slightly, but doesn't say anything on the lack of certain body parts.
"I can't imagine how disturbing that must be," Arkold murmurs to Tulani idly. He shifts uncomfortably at the "and no … eh … right," bit, too.
Nodding seriously Tulani whispers back to Arkold, "I'm in complete agreement with you on that."
In fits and starts, an orb of glowing light begins to form in Ravenia's lap, which she finally picks up and lobs into the passage. "There, it's activated now," she reports in a gravelly voice. "Just toss sometin' into it to set it off." She then feels her own chest curiously. "Always wondered what these would feel like."
Alptraum looks around for a rock, some debris, anything. He tries not to listen to Ravenia and the current inhabitant feeling up her body … and realizes he's rather glad he didn't do something like switch bodies. That would have been bad.
The insides of Tulani's ears immediately turn red as the other woman feels about her chest, mumbling something odd to herself.
Arkold, on the other hand, watches with great interest.
Tulani reaches a hand up and immediately slaps it over Arkold's eyes.
Ravenia's inspection is brief. "Eh, not the same when you're the one wearing them," she grumbles.
Behind Tulani and Arkold, Lilith stands with her hands clasped to her muzzle, shaking in silent laughter.
"Hey, can any of you go grab a piece of junk from the lair? I can't leave Ravenia's side," Alptraum calls back.
"Try a feather," Raven's occupant finally says to Alptraum. "Something alive or formerly alive is best."
"What! Hey! Not fair," grumbles Arkold as he suddenly finds himself blinded. Perhaps strangely, he doesn't remove the blinding hand. Perhaps he does have a sense of decency. And it's called Tulani.
"Tulani, any feathers you can offer?" Alptraum says after the suggestion. "If so, get your steed to bring you over."
Tulani shifts her damaged wing just slightly dislodging a blackened feather, "I'm still shedding them over here, feel free."
The Sphynx finally removes her hand from Arkold's eyes and gives him a little prod on the shoulder. "You heard him, onward my faithful steed!" she commands while chuckling softly to herself.
The wolf sighs dramatically before heading on. "Ruining my show before the journey could make for a bumpy ride, eh," he warns in a teasing voice. To Alptraum he suggests, "She's got a lot of them, go ahead an' pluck her."
Alptraum reaches up and retrieves the blackened feather Tulani plucked a moment ago. He holds it out in his palm, then blows on it, trying to send it into the hallway.
The damaged feather flutters forth on Alptraum's breath, and manages to go several paces before finally landing on the floor of the passage. The ground and ceiling immediately erupt with spiky stone teeth, and the entire length of it begins to gnash up and down… actually chewing… before closing off entirely, leaving behind a flat featureless wall.
Tulani eyes widen slightly at the violent movements of the tunnel as it forms a mouth, mumbling, "I reeealy wouldn't want to walk into that… "
"Vorg always was creative in his traps," Arkold remarks after the trap stops munching the air.
"There, now get me out o' this body!" Raven says. "Before I start getting the urge to grow flowers or sometin'."
Alptraum's brow goes up. "Wow, okay, I wasn't expecting the tunnel to chew. Heh," he says. The Eeee then reaches over and places his hand on Ravenia's shoulder. "All right, I guess your time is up for being a woman, eh? Thanks for the help."
Raven shudders, then blinks and says, in her normal voice, "Oh… I have never wanted a bath more strongly than now… "
"Er, could you actually feel any of that?" Alptraum asks, then reaches over and lifts up her hand so he can inspect how much of a cut he made.
The wolf clears his throat at Raven's comment, then says, "We'll all be gettin' a bath soon. A bit of swimmin'."
The tiny cut is healed over already, as Ravenia says, "Yes, I was aware of everything that time. What a dirty mind the mage had… and I mean that literally. Dirt this, dirt that… ugh."
Alptraum pats Ravenia's hand, then stands up. "He was an earth mage, that's not surprising," he comments and stretches. "So, shall we get moving, then?"
Tulani looks sympathetically at Ravenia and nods to Alptraum, saying "Yes, let's get going."
The human woman nods. Lilith remains silent, but is grinning like an idiot.
Alptraum slinks over and elbows Lilith lightly. "You'll host the next one. I don't want you to feel left out," he remarks, then winks at her.
Lilith eeks, and remarks, "If I want a man inside me, there are more mundane methods."
Alptraum just grins at that. "You're terrible," he comments.
Arkold trips as he walks, almost falling over before he braces himself against a wall. Clearing his throat he continues on.
Tulani just rolls her eyes and puts on an 'I'm not listening' face.
The calm surface of Lake Gorm is disturbed as several bundles of pottery burst through and bob upon the surface, followed soon after by various heads of people gasping for air.
Alptraum spits some water. "I hate swimming," he mutters. "Wings make it such a pain," he adds, then looks around at the others. "Everyone present?"
Lilith flounders about in the water, clinging to one of the pottery bundles to stay afloat. "That was awful," she complains.
Tulani's head hits the surface first before Arkold's follows. "It gets worse," Arkold tells Lilith. "Remember, don' give them any material."
"Are you still sure you want to go with us? We'll probably have to do worse later … other than the trees, which is what Arkold means," Alptraum says and swims his way towards Lilith to help out with the pots.
Coughing up a little water herself, Tulani's eyes are very wide when she opens them as she and Arkold surface. Shaking slightly and not just because she's wet. She mumbles in a small voice, "I hope I never have to do that again… " her voice trailing off.
Already having quite a load Arkold begins for the shore immediately. "I'll get you out of this contraption jus' as soon as I get me out of Gorm. Ungorm, to Gormless," he tells the Sphynx.
The steep sides of the lakeshore are beginning to cast long shadows as evening approaches, with only the northern shore providing an easier slope, along with plenty of cover from its forested banks.
"Need help swimming to shore?" Alptraum asks Lilith. He also glances around, looking for Ravenia.
Raven has already moved on ahead, having the least trouble swimming. On the mossy banks, she's hauling up one of the bundles out of the water, unbothered by how her soaked clothing clings to her.
"Thanks Arkold… " Tulani replies when he speaks to her, hugging him around the shoulders, and looking around to make sure she can see everyone.
Lilith just hugs her own bundle of floating pots, and kicks with her legs towards the shore. "I can make it from this point," she assures Alptraum.
"Now don't cover my eyes again Tulani, I gotta climb out, an' Raven is distractin' me again. 'Course if you cover my eyes I'll jus' fall back in the water an' this'll take longer," the wolf insists as he starts to climb out.
"All right," Alptraum remarks and grabs a bundle as well. He also heads towards shore now, his ears flicking and listening for movement in the woods.
Tulani just nods her head against Arkold's shoulder, remaining quiet and taking deep breaths.
When everyone is ashore, Ravenia asks, "Should we start a fire?"
"We should find a cave first. A fire in the open will broadcast our position," Alptraum replies as he gets ashore. He strips off his wet shirt and proceeds to wring it out.
"Normally I'd say yes, then add 'let it burn out of control' as well, bu' here we best not. As bats says a fire will stand out for miles an' let the army know we're here. If caught together we look a little too suspicious for safety," the wolf agrees as he helps Tulani get free of the harness.
"Not to mention the trees would whine," Alptraum notes.
From the edge of the forest, a brown rabbit sits up on its haunches and watches the group curiously. Spotting it, Lilith comments, "Something fresh to eat besides cave lizard would sure be nice."
"Careful, not sure what sarcasm tastes like. Probably sharp an' bitter, like this forest," Arkold tells Lilith.
Leaning on Arkold as she gets her feet solidly on the ground Tulani nods and replies, "Yes, we should find some form of shelter first… " Then she gently wrings out both wings, dislodging several more black feathers on the ground, before twisting the edge of her shirt to wring it out as best as possible.
"Er, if you can get past its insults. Watch," Alptraum reminds Lilith. He heads slowly towards the rabbit, just waiting for the comments to begin.
"Didn't think you losers would come back," the bunny announces. "But, oh, I see you brought your mommies with you for protection this time!" Snickers and sneers echo from the surrounding flora.
And at that, Alptraum waves his hand. "See what I mean?" he says.
Tulani nods, noting the rudeness of the forest. "Ah, I definitely see your point," she says, looking between Arkold and Alptraum.
The wolf rolls his shoulders as he works out a kink from swimming. "The forest is just jealous because we have such good company," he says.
Lilith comes closer, and even bends down until she's nearly nose to nose with the bunny. "It's not even afraid?" she asks. The bunny just blows a raspberry, and starts to say, "Bite me, you bi-" before it is cut off by Lilith quickly breaking its neck. "I guess not! Easy hunting then," she proclaims, holding up her catch.
Alptraum chuckles. "Easy, yes. But … keep in mind the forest could theoretically call for help," he says, eyeing the now dead rabbit briefly. "Of course, it's so disenchanted maybe it doesn't care." He looks off into the forest and rubs his neck in thought. "We need to find shelter soon."
"How rude," comment the nearby trees. "No class at all," agree the rocks. One closer sapling whispers, "Hey, can you bury the carcass at my base when you're done?"
"I'd be more worried the disenchantment might rub off on you Lil, who knows what sort of dismagic is on disforest," comments Arkold as he follows along.
"Tell us where to find shelter and I'll let you have the entrails," Lilith replies to the sapling. To the others she comments, "I'd be disenchanted anyway if I had to go hungry."
The Sphynx shrugs at the comments, tilting her head to look around before following as well.
"Heh, good point," Alptraum notes. "I guess I'll go find myself something too."
"There's always the Cabin of Doom," the young tree offers. "It's a bit east from the Cairn of Self Loathing, and just past the Creek of Corruption. Be sure to squeeze out the intestines for me."
"Knowing this forest as I unfortunately do, eh, the cabin is probably fine. If by fine you accept cranky an' rude, heh," advises the wolf.
"Cabin of Doom? That sounds like a place perfect for us," Alptraum remarks, then rolls his eyes. His attention returns to the forest, his ears listening again. "I agree with Arkold. We should try and find that before the light is completely gone. For the non-sight or hearing enhanced members, at least."
Somewhere not too far into the forest, Alptraum can hear something large moving around… possibly a boar. If there are any more rabbits nearby, however, they seem to have learned the meaning of 'fear' and aren't making any sounds.
"You can share my bunny, Alptraum," Lilith offers.
"There are some large creatures nearby," Alptraum notes absently. He then smiles to Lilith and says, "Thanks. You first. I'll make do on what's left."
Blinking, Tulani pauses to look over at Alptraum. Picking up one of the bundles and getting ready to move as soon as possible, not feeling at all hungry herself she looks forward as far into the forest as she can see.
Lilith hands over the rabbit after sucking on it for a bit. "Mmm, refreshing. I don't feel any different," she comments, then picks up a bundle of supplies to carry as well.
The movements of small animals through the thick underbrush catches Tulani's eye, but nothing large enough to be considered dangerous.
Alptraum hehs and bites down onto the rabbit now. He doesn't move quite yet, as he remembers they're supposed to leave the carcass for the sapling, anyway.
Arkold pauses. "Large creatures eh? In Sylvania anythin' that big makes me wary. 'Course if the poodle had sent his scouts this way I'm sure they'd be in for a verbal beating, an' we'd hear them before they even got close," he says.
The Sphynx grins widely at the thought, "Oh I'm sure you're quite right Arkold."
After burying the drained rabbit for the helpful sapling, the group move on through the forest, braving the various insults and lewd comments. Managing to retrace Alptraum and Arkold's previous route, they come across the disassembled Cairn, which still exhorts them to commit suicide, and from there moved east, crossing a clear, swift creek which swore like a sailor. Eventually they arrive at a small clearing, with a cottage-sized log cabin set in the middle. The word 'DOOM' is carved into the door.
Below the carving is a sign, which reads, "The wrath of Doom shall fall upon all solicitors who dare disturb his peace."
"Good thing we're not solicitors," Alptraum remarks and heads towards the door. His ears focus forward, listening for movement inside the cabin. "This forest borders on the ridiculous."
"I usually take stuff, I don' sell it," Arkold remarks as he stares at the door. "'Course that's a good idea for keepin' them away. I'll have to remember that for when I retire."
Tulani arches an eyebrow, and jerks her thumb towards the sign proclaiming 'DOOM'. An almost humorous look is on her face as she says, "Well… this must be it." Following Alptraum up towards the door, she notes, "Yes, quite ridiculous. Somehow I expected something more foreboding for a dwelling of DOOM"
There are no discernible sounds coming from the cabin, and the timber remains mercifully silent as people approach.
Arkold blinks at something Alptraum says. "Careful Bats, it may actually border on Ridiculous. You've 'eard he names used around here."
Alptraum reaches out and raps lightly on the door. "Hello? Is anyone in there?" he asks.
There is a sudden creaking noise from the other side of the door, and heavy footsteps approach. The door opens inward a crack, and a husky voice says, "Nobody's home, what do you want?"
"We just need a place to stay for the night. We're not here selling anything," Alptraum replies and smiles, facing the crack.
Arkold leans forward to try and peer past the crack at the speaker.
Standing behind Alptraum the Sphynx nods and smiles politely, also trying to see past the crack, but not leaning forward herself.
The door opens further, and a face pokes out. It belongs to a human woman, and is carved from polished oak. Leafy green tresses spill down to its shoulders, and vines and ivy wrap around to provide whatever modesty a wooden woman might need. "You sure you aren't selling anything?" she asks again.
Alptraum blinks. He wasn't expecting a plant woman. "Quite certain. We're passing through the area and just need a place to stay. It's been a very long few days," Alptraum says with a smile. "My name is Alptraum, the other Eeee is Lilith, the wolf is Arkold, the Sphynx is Tulani, and the human is Ravenia."
The woman's expression is, of course, unchanging. "Alright then, I suppose a little company will cheer me up," she claims, and steps aside while opening the door the rest of the way. "I am Mrs. Doom. My husband is busy decomposing, the lazy bastard, or I'd introduce you all to him."
Arkold bows – well he just bends over more since he was already leaning forward.
Tulani smiles and nods her head politely to the wooden woman, "Nice to meet you Mrs. Doom." Mumbling more quietly to herself, she asks, "Erm… decomposing?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Have you been a resident of this forest long? It seems quite a strange place," Alptraum remarks and walks into the house now.
"Idiot died last winter," Mrs. Doom complains. "And did he give a thought to me? No. Could have set the spell to expire or something, the jerk. But all he leaves me is fodder for the compost heap."
The inside of the cottage is spotlessly clean, and features a stone fireplace, some comfortable looking furniture and an overstuffed bed, along with a bookshelf full of thick tomes.
"Was your husband the one who enchanted this forest?" Alptraum asks as he looks around the cabin. His eyes lock on the bookcase and he tries to make out if the books have titles on the spines.
Wrinkling her nose to herself the Sphynx blinks at the wooden woman's complaints. Ss she steps inside and takes a look around, then back to the woman, she continues after Alptraum, asking, "Yes, what kind of spell do you mean?"
The wolf steps inside and looks around, ears perked. "I have to say I wasn't expecting this, but that I was expecting the unexpected," he tells no one in particular.
"Yes, he was always doing silly things like that," Mrs. Doom notes, crossing her arms under her wooden breasts and looking everyone up and down. "I don't have food for you," she announces. "And I soaked up all the booze too. Thought it'd make me burn, but no such luck."
"Oh, we have supplies with us. Nothing to worry about regarding food," Alptraum remarks and waves his hand dismissively.
"Hey, Tulani, can you read Olympian?" Alptraum asks and glances towards the Sphynx.
The Sphynx walks over to the Eeee, glancing at the bookshelves as well but replying apologetically, "Sorry Alptraum, but I don't know how to read Olympian."
Alptraum nods and shrugs, "No worries, Tulani." The Eeee pauses. "So, I gather your husband must not have liked visitors, given how the forest treats people," Alptraum remarks, his attention returning to the strange wooden woman.
"No, as a matter of fact, he didn't," the woman says sarcastically. "He was a 'nature lover' and didn't want the place disturbed. Until he got lonely and decided to trick a poor naive wood nymph into being his wife."
"No booze?" Arkold's ears wilt. "Ah well, wouldn't be the first dry spell. Or the first dry spell in a forest that makes me want to drink, eh. I remember that time on Abaddon … "
"Ah, well … I'm sorry to hear that," Alptraum says and goes to sit near the fireplace. "I'm a musician of a sorts, so I can offer some entertainment if it would please you? And oh, do you have a shed or anything behind the place we could set up camp in, perhaps? I certainly wouldn't want us to crowd out your cabin." He then looks to the others in the group to see what they may wish in terms of accommodations.
"Bah, stay in here," Mrs. Doom says, waving a hand. "I sleep out in the compost nowadays. Used to be I had flesh and blood like your dark friend here, but over the years I've been reverting. A few more seasons, and I'll just take root and be a tree again."
Ravenia actually blushes at being referred to as flesh and blood. Lilith, meanwhile, test the firmness of the bed mattress, her hand sinking in nearly up to the elbow.
Alptraum nods. "All right. Thank you again," he replies and then tilts his head. "Do you want to revert? Or would you prefer to be flesh and blood?"
"What's the point of being flesh and blood when you're all alone, eh?" the tree-woman remarks. "A few centuries as a tree, and I'll be able to manifest a human body again. Although I think I'll find another forest to take root in."
"Well, couldn't you leave the forest and find someone else to be with?" Alptraum asks.
Tulani finds herself a seat, leans back quietly and says to the wooden woman, "I'm sorry to hear you've been stuck here like this."
The wolf walks over to test the mattress too, pausing only to look over his shoulder when the tree woman mentions becoming flesh and blood. "Yeah, that's a real shame. You ought an' get out of here. This forest would depress anyone, no matter how your life's been," he says.
"At least I don't have beetles under my bark," Mrs. Doom says, then turns and starts towards the rear door. "I have to go turn the compost, otherwise the bones will poke me. Goodnight to you all."
"Hm, she's very firm," Arkold whispers to the closet person, which turns out to be Raven. "A know a lot of women who'd kill to age like that, heh."
Alptraum bows his head politely to the wood-woman as she heads towards the door. "We'll see you in the morning, then. Thank you for letting us stay," he replies. The bat then draws in a breath and looks towards the others, saying, "I can sleep on the floor. Whoever wants the bed is welcome to it. Though, I'd recommend Tulani gets it since she's still hurt."
Raven just blinks at Arkold. "You could always go keep her company," she remarks.
"The rafters look sturdy enough for me," Lilith comments.
The wolf seems to think on that, shrugs, then starts for the door.
Alptraum looks like he's going to say something to Arkold, then just shrugs. "Well, they do," he says to Lilith, "But I was concerned about leaving claw marks on her house."
"That was meant to be a joke," Ravenia says to Arkold, looking shocked. "I'm not going to pull out any splinters!"
Tulani slowly walks over and sits down on the edge of the bed, looks around at everyone else and arches an eyebrow at Arkold… "Well, if no one else minds I will follow Alptraum's advice and take the bed."
Arkold stops at the door, grinning back. "Ehh, but if I stay I won't have any company," he insists.
"It's one room with all of us in it," Raven points out. "How could you not have company?"
Alptraum shakes his head slowly. "You're impossible," he remarks. He then looks at Raven and says, "He means company company. Not just regular company."
Feigning innocence, the wolf says, "I'll take regular company."
Lilith giggles, and Raven still looks shocked, asking, "But if he goes out, I won't have anything fluffy and warm to sleep against… "
"You can sleep against me," Alptraum points out. "Not that I'm extremely fluffy."
"Well clearly Ms. Doom can take care of herself. You need my protection anyway," Arkold insists as he heads back inside. On the way he pushes Alptraum aside.
Lilith grins fangily at Alptraum, and says, "You're welcome to hang with me tonight."
Alptraum glares at Arkold, then rolls his eyes. "You are impossible," he repeats. He then smiles to Lilith and teases, "All right. Just no nibbling on me, eh? Well, unless you mean it."
"You can nibble on me too," Arkold tells Raven as he sits down beside the bed.
