There are an inordinate number of hills in Sylvania that resemble overgrown piles of giant, tumbled stone blocks. The one that the giant Lapi warrioress brings Tulani, Lilith, Raven, 'Nicora' and 'Cari' to is no exception, save that it has a tunnel entrance hidden by a counterweighted boulder. Beyond this is a maze of sorts, with turns and backtracks and other twists that make it hard to remember the path being taken. Finally though, the group is brought into a central chamber.

Robed figures surround the central pit, but turn away to watch the arrival of the strangers.

Nicora says nothing during the journey. Her eyes remain focused ahead, her expression impassive. When they enter the circular chamber, she looks around with mild curiosity. "A well hidden temple you have here. I am impressed," she remarks.

"Urgh, Cari dizzy. Think road designed by drunken madman that need smashing," grumbles 'Cari,' AKA Arkold. Arkold in drag anyway, with a bad feminine voice. Luckily most Titanian women also have a bad feminine voice.

Tulani remains quiet as well she follows behind 'Nicora', taking everything in with her eyes while continually reminding herself not to do anything stupid to give them away.

Ravenia tries to keep behind Cari's bulk and out of sight, while Lilith and the Lapi go to speak quietly with one of the robed figures. "Well, we'll deal with them in a moment," the figure says, in the often too-loud voice of the elderly. "We're about to start Lizbet's endurance trial."

The armored woman shrugs to Lilith, and heads off through one of the passages. Lilith turns her companions… and also shrugs. The other robed onlookers turn their attention back into the pit.

Nicora's ears sweep around, listening to the robed figures and trying to get a glance at their species. She folds her arms, brow raised with a bit of curiosity.

"Should we just… go join them?" Ravenia asks in a whisper.

When shrugged at, Cari shrugs right back. Then she turns to Ravenia and gruffs, "You okay bait? No tail pinchy now."

"We may as well observe their methods. Perhaps we could learn something," Nicora remarks absently, then strides up to look into the pit.

The black and white Sphynx gives Ravenia a light pat on the shoulder before following over to the edge of the pit, looking in.

The robed figures make room for the newcomers. The pit is about eight feet deep and twelve across. A rope ladder descends on one side, and on the opposite is a top-hinged door with a rope attached. In the very center is a small flat stone, and standing on that is a young Cervani doe in a loincloth, looking nervous.

The figure Lilith spoke to earlier pulls back her hood to reveal an elderly Khatta woman. "Today is Lizbet's first trial as a Trapper. Let us take a moment to pray for her successful completion," she intones, and then bows her head. The other figures bow there's as well.

The Yodhsunala watches with mild curiosity. Her ears flick and focus on the hinged door, trying to make out any sounds behind it. Then, at the request for prayer, she bows her head.

The 'Titanian woman' Cari blinks at the doe, then suddenly follows suite with the bowing and keeps 'her' eyes down.

After several moments of silence, the old woman lifts her head, and nods to someone holding the rope for the door. With a muffled creaking sound, the door is pulled open, and something sharp and beak-like protrudes into the pit. The beak splits into three parts, and three sticky-looking tongues waggle about, as if tasting the air. A few of the onlookers take an involuntary step back from the edge of the pit.

Nicora doesn't move from where she observes. Her ears flick and her eyes narrow slightly.

Tulani examines the creature with her eyes momentarily before turning her attention back to the doe to see what happens.

Cari lifts her head high enough to watch the gate open, then reaches to scratch her head thoughtfully. "Seen one of those before," she whispers, then adds, "yuh," to make sure it sounds dumbed down enough, apparently.

The tongues retract and the beak clicks open and closed while the beast makes a sort of gobbling sound, and begins to lurch forward. The head bears some resemblance to a Gooshurm's, but with more of the bony plates associated with the much larger, carnivorous Shriken of the Sea of Sand. As more of it emerges though, the differences become clearer: the tubular body is covered in writhing limbs like tentacles. Some even have toothy suckers on them, while others end in claws or faceted bulbs that might serve as eyes. Despite their thrashing about, they don't seem to be used for locomotion, as the creature moves by humping its body forward. It builds up quite a bit of speed before being caught short by a thick chain, its limbs and tongues reaching to within an inch of the unmoving doe. Lizbet stands perfectly still, without flinching once.

Standing next to Cari, Ravenia grasps the lupine's arm and digs her nails in with fright.

"The child is brave," Nicora says approvingly, nodding her head only once.

Putting a hand on Ravenia's shoulder in an intended comforting manner, Tulani does not turn her head from where she watches, examining the creatures various features, and nodding as well in agreement with Nicora.

The monster continues to struggle to get at the doe for several minutes, before tiring or losing interest. Its chain is tugged on from inside the door, and it begins to slump backwards into the hole. When the door drops back down, a small cheer goes up from the onlookers, and the old woman nods in approval. "Well done, Lizbet, you can come up now."

The doe doesn't seem to hear, and is still standing in place. Finally, two of the robed watchers climb into the pit and carry her out, stiff as a board. "She's frozen up again, priestess Winn," one of them reports. "Oh well, take her to the infirmary then," the old woman instructs.

"Reminds me of an instructor I, er, me once had," remarks Cari. She coughs, shrugs, then looks around at nothing in particular.

Nicora turns from the pit and looks at the Tulani and the others. For the briefest moment, her expression flashes to a 'oh my god, what have we walked into?' look, then falls back to the impassive and distant gaze.

At the brief flash of emotion across the Eeee's face, Tulani tilts her head slightly, in what could undoubtedly be taken as agreement. The Sphynx still has a hand on Raven's shoulder, gripping it gently.

Ravenia finally lets go of Cari's arm, and tries not to shudder. She's the 'trapper' of the group, after all…

As the crowd begins to disperse, the old woman totters over and manages a small bow to the partially disguised group. "Ah, so we have fellow practitioners visiting us, how novel," she cackles. "I am Head Priestess Winn, follower of Ashtoreth."

"Ah, Priestess Winn of Ashtoreth? I am Yodhsunala Nicora. We do not wish to cause interruption in your training. My apprentice, Tulani, was recently injured in a battle," Nicora says and turns towards the Khatta and nods slightly out of respect. "May she also go to the infirmary for treatment?"

Tulani gives the Head Priestess a respectful bow as she is mentioned.

"Oh, the poor dear," Winn clucks, and mistakenly looks to Cari. "Where does it hurt, child?"

"Not her," Nicora corrects, then motions to Tulani. "Her."

"Oh, pardon me… my eyesight isn't so good anymore," the priestess mutters, and steps forward to get a closer look at Tulani and her bandages. "Oh, yes, you look much worse off than the big one," Winn agrees. "I'll have someone take you to our healer. We also have a few unused dormitories at the moment, since we only have a few students this year."

The Sphynx smiles just slightly at the Head Priestess' mistake, speaking quietly as the Eeee re-directs the Priestess' attention onto herself, "Thank you Priestess Winn, I am very grateful."

Nicora dips her head. "Thank you, Priestess Winn. May I inquire as to what deities you commonly serve here? What are those that your current students follow?" she asks.

"Eh, I don't keep track of that stuff," Winn says, waving a hand that crackles like dried paper. "Widgery keeps the records," she notes, then bellows, "WIDGE! SEE TO THESE PEOPLE!"

A smallish Eeee girl who couldn't have been more than a dozen feet away winces and steps over. "I'm right here Priestess Winn. You don't have to shout all the time… " she says in a quiet voice, to which Winn replies with, "WHAT? Speak UP child! I can't have with all this whispering."

Nicora steps back and winces. People who yell near Eeee have no sense whatsoever. "And oh, Priestess Winn, I should offer a warning. There is a Necromancer in the woods some distance from here. The rumors are he seeks to resurrect Dagh, using himself as the vessel. If you know of any warriors in the area, alert them," she says, then turns and looks down at the Eeee. She eyes the girl with a cold, intense, look.

Widgery looks down to avoid Nicora's gaze, and mutters, "Follow me please, and I'll take you to the infirmary… "

Cari covers her muzzle at the old woman's antics, and wags as she moves to follow Widgery.

"Then please lead on, child," Yodhsunala Nicora says. "On the way, you can tell me about the others here, perhaps. And why you are here."

Tulani's ears flatten back slightly as well at the sudden unexpected yell, but quickly right themselves at the new whispery voice. Seeing the smallish Eeee girl the Sphynx smiles at her from her position standing just to the side of Nicora in a warmer, friendlier manner.

The small bat leads them into a passage flanked on one side by the statue of Arcadia, and on the other by the slightly smaller statue of Inala. "There are ten maidens in advanced training here right now," the girl explains. "I am an acolyte of the temple of Logos, so was sent here to… organize things better."

"I imagine that is a difficult task," Yodhsunala Nicora remarks, glancing at the statue of Inala as they pass. "I am Yodhsunala Nicora. Tulani here is my assistant, and Cari here is … well, muscle. Ravenia is our trapper, but do not be fooled by her innocent looks. She is quite capable of defending herself and others."

To prove she's muscle, Cari flexes. "Smash!"

As Tulani is introduced to the young Eeee she murmurs politely, "Pleased to meet you Widgery."

The passage is fairly short, ending in a cluster of lamp-lit chambers. "You must be from a long way off, I've never seen hunters like you before," Widgery says, as she pulls aside a curtain at the one of the chamber entrances. Inside is a small clinic, of sorts, with shelves covered in jars and bottles, basins full of water, and a few beds. The doe Lizbet is laying on one of them now, while a middle-aged Lapi woman in white robes leans over her and waves various odiferous substances under her nose.

"We are. I come from the Ashdod continent. The undead which roam these lands are an affront to my Mother," Nicora notes, then glances around the infirmary. "Have there been many travelers through these parts as of late? Gypsy caravans, or the like?"

Widgery looks up at Nicora in confusion. "I don't think any travelers have been reported. But Hilda isn't very good about reporting everything she finds," the girl says.

The Sphynx looks sympathetically at the Cervani doe lying on a nearby bed, before trying to catch the attention of the white-robed Lapi.

Nicora looks down at the bat again, trying to catch her eyes and see if she may be a vampire. "Understood. I am following up on legends and rumors. Odd things follow the wanderers known as Gypsies. Perhaps you can introduce us to Hilda lat… " And is cut off by Lilith … and looks rather displeased by that.

Lilith steps forward, and gasps! "Healer Mackee! I thought you were going to retire?" she asks the Lapi, who turns to look, finally noticing everyone. "Oh, I think I did for a few days… but, duty calls and all. Lilith wasn't it? Come over here and try to revive Lizbet, would you? I see some bandages on your friend there."

"Hilda is the one who brought you in," Widgery reports to Nicora, while the healer pushes a bunch of vials into Lilith's arms and comes over to look at Tulani, hmming and clicking her tongue.

"Ah. She did not offer her name that I remember," Nicora says. Her attention turns to the Lapi healer.

Once the Lapi has noticed her bandages Tulani steps forward and nods, saying, "Yes, I'm afraid I took a rather nasty bite to my shoulder."

"Well then, come sit on the other bed and take your shirt off," Healer Mackee instructs. "Have you been feverish? Chilly? Having any trouble with your vision?" she asks the Sphynx.

Nicora steps away from Tulani and quietly moves over to watch Lilith with the frozen doe.

Tulani blinks and wanders over to the indicated bed, sitting down and starting to undo the laces on her shirt. When neither the healer nor Widgery are looking in the direction of her face she gives both 'Nicora' and 'Cari' a look before quickly removing her shirt, not wanting to give them away.

Unsure of what to do, Lilith takes the course of unstoppering all of the vials and waving the bunch under the doe's nose. The miasma is enough to break the Cervani's trance, and she immediately starts screaming! "Get it away! Get it AWAAAAY!" and nearly kicks Lilith in the head as she panics.

Cari grins at Tulani for a moment, then suddenly turns away before her shirt comes off. "Oh look goddess statue," she exclaims, then walks away and pretends to stare at it.

Raven prods Cari from behind, suggesting, "Maybe you should hold her down."

Nicora takes a step back. "Calm yourself, child!" she snaps harshly at the doe. "The creature has long since retreated to its lair."

The Sphynx replies quietly to the Lapi, "No, thankfully I have not experienced any of those things, its just-" her voice cuts of at the sudden scream and she immediately turns to face the other bed and the yelling Cervani.

Lilith moves away quickly, trying desperately not to spill any of the foul-smelling vials. The doe responds slightly to Nicora's command and curls up into a shivering ball.

Tulani takes hold of Lizbet's shoulder, saying in a warmer, more comforting, but still firm tone, "Yes, take a deep breath and calm down."

"I'll give her a sedative later," Mackee says, shaking her head at the shivering Cervani. "May have to send the girl home though. I don't think she really has what it takes for Trapping."

Nicora now steps up closer to the bed. She nods to Tulani and adds, "Listen to my apprentice. Breathe slowly. Clear your mind. Think of something simple, like the flame of a candle. Focus on it and drive the creature from your mind," she says in a firm voice. "Fear will only hold you if you allow it to."

The doe begins to calm down, muttering some sort of prayer or mantra under her breath. She stays curled up though.

Nicora shakes her head slowly. "Uncurl yourself, child," she says, "nothing will harm you in here." And with that, the Eeee steps away from the bed and takes up a position in the corner, simply observing the room.

"Widge, take them… ah, someplace, would you?" the healer asks, making shooing motions with her hands now. "They are too distracting. I'll send Tulani to them once I have her wounds cleaned properly and seen to."

The Eeee girl ducks back through the doorway, and holds the curtain open for the others.

Nicora goes through the curtain opening. "Thank you for attending to my apprentice," she says as she leaves.

With the doe calming down, Tulani turns back to the healer to finish her earlier sentence. "Yes, um, the wound just seems unusually tender for how it's healing; there's some joint pain too. The creature that did the biting was necromantic… but then not much isn't out here, is it?" She nods to the others as they leave.

Lilith puts the vials aside and hurries to follow, nearly bumping into Raven in her haste. Mackee fills a bowl with alcohol and adds a few other things from various bottles, then brandishes a pair of scissors as she starts to cut away Tulani's old bandages. Outside, Widgery seems to give the visitors a more thorough looking-over than before.

Looking, or well almost looking, from one shirtless woman to another Cari finally says, "Rrr, me going to … walk around now and … work off headache," then retreats out the door.

Nicora frowns as Widgery looks over them. "Is there something I can help you with?" she asks suddenly.

"Do you wish to stay in your associated dorms, or share one together?" the administrative acolyte finally asks, while Tulani's wounds are cleaned. "Otherwise, I'd assign Yodhsunala Nicora and her trapper to the dorm of Sunala, Hunter Cari to Behemoth with Hilda, and Lilith to Kasaris-Barada."

"Whichever is simplest to manage," Nicora says and waves her hand dismissively. "Though, I would not mind to take residence in the dorm of Sunala, if it much like one of Her Temples. I have much to meditate on and consider."

"I like see armory and learn 'bout big bunny," Cari notes. Widgery says, "I'll set you up first then," and takes Cari by the hand. The big wolf turns and winks to the others as 'she' is led off.

"I'll probably go to my old dorm too," Lilith says to Raven and Nicora. "Odd how that girl could tell by looking at me," she notes, then heads off down the passage, since she already knows the way. Raven and Nicora are left alone outside the clinic for the time being, listening to the hisses and muffled noises of Tulani's wounds being painfully cleaned out and sterilized.

"Odd, indeed," Nicora notes, eyes narrowed. She glances at Ravenia, her expression furrowed with concern.

Raven just looks… cold. "I wouldn't mind one of those robes to wear," she comments, wrapping her arms around herself. Inside the clinic, Mackee applies a pasty poultice to Tulani's wounds, and tells her, "I'll re-bandage this for tonight, but you come back in the morning for a proper healing ritual."

"I am sure the dorms should have robes you can wear," Nicora says to Ravenia. "It is a bit damp and cold in here. We do not need you getting sick." She looks as if she wants to say more, but with a Lapi nearby, and an unknown number of Eeee, she doesn't risk it.

The Sphynx, who had been gritting her teeth through much of the Lapi's ministrations to her shoulder nods to the healer, taking a deep breath through her nose and letting it out slowly before replying, "I most certainly will, thank you for your assistance Healer Mackee."

The poultice begins to numb Tulani's shoulder, which goes a long way towards relieving the pain as the Lapi applies fresh bandages. In a few moments, the Sphynx is ready to rejoin her companions outside.

Once the Healer is finished Tulani stands, nodding appreciatively before stepping outside with one more look back at the Cervani doe, still lying on one of the beds.

Lizbet seems to be either asleep, or in some sort of self-induced trance. Either way, she isn't curled up and shaking any longer. Outside, Widgery returns as well, and asks if they need anything before being shown to the dorm.

"The cold of this place is bothering my Trapper. If there are no robes in the dorm, could some be brought?" Nicora asks Widgery.

"Oh, there should be plenty of clothing in the dorm," Widgery notes, and starts to lead them back to the central chamber. "We've already served dinner, but if you are hungry I can get some stew heated up for you."

"I am fine, but Ravenia may wish food, as may Tulani," Nicora notes and glances to Ravenia. "Are there others in that dorm, or will it just be us?"

Tulani smiles and nods pleasantly, "Yes, some food would be very much appreciated, Widgery."

Once they reach the main chamber, Widgery collects some torches from a bin and lights them from a brazier. "I'll have something brought to you then. Right now, the dorm of Sunala is empty, as we don't have any exorcist candidates now… or an instructor, even. You'll need these torches too, as that section isn't kept lit."

Nicora doesn't look pleased at this revelation. "Ah, I was hoping others that serve my Mother would be present. But, we are a fading sect. All things come to an end, as will we someday," she notes, tone still sounding well, flat. She then takes one of the torches.

The Sphynx takes a torch as well, curious now as to the condition of the dormitory of Sunala.

The statue of Sunala is in an older Sylvanian style, depicted the traditional tattered wings but having the Angel's arms crossed against her chest, one hand holding a reaping hook and the other a ceremonial dagger. Widgery leads them into the passage behind it, which from the dust on the floor hasn't seen use in awhile. The hall branches in a T-junction, with a closed, ornately carved door opposite the entry hall, a small shrine chamber to the right, and the dormitory to the left. There is less dust in the dormitory, which shows signs of having been cleaned somewhat recently. The beds are narrow but padded, and there is an open wardrobe with robes and other clothing in it.

Nicora pauses to look at the statue. She nods in approval, then follows on into the dormitory behind Widgery. "It is in better shape than I expected," she admits. "What is through the central door?"

Widge lights some of the oil lamps in the dorm with her torch, and says, "That's where the Mirror of Sunala is kept. It's used in the training of exorcists and I think in some other rituals. I've not seen it used though, so I can't tell you more."

"I will examine it, then," Nicora notes. She turns to Widge and walks close to her. Then, without asking, she brings her hand up and touches a fingertip to the smaller Eeee's forehead briefly. "May my Mother bless you, child, and protect you from those who corrupt nature and the natural flow of life," she says quietly.

Widge looks momentarily frightened by the gesture, but recovers and hurries out of the room, pausing to say, "Thank you, Yodh Nicora… I'll have the food brought up immediately."

After the girl has left, Ravenia whispers to Nicora, "Are you sure you want to examine something called the Mirror of Sunala? It sounds like it will show you your own death or something."

Tulani looks like she wondering something along the line of Ravenia's thoughts, although with more curiosity in her look.

"Jumpy child," Nicora notes. And for the moment, 'her' expression softens. The response is pure Alptraum for the moment, "I think it is worth examining briefly. I … I want to see if it reacts to me." He then turns and goes to the door … then opens it.

"I think I'll just stay here and try on robes," Ravenia remarks, retreating to the wardrobe.

"Probably a good idea," 'Nicora' agrees. "Only one of us should do something stupid, eh?"

The door opens on a small, unlit room. In the center, casting a long shadow in the torchlight is a tall object covered in a dusty cloth.

Nicora glances back, "Coming, Tulani? I'm going to close the door to be safe … so."

The black Sphynx looks about to argue with "Nicora's" original comment, before abruptly stalking up after him, nodding and smiling slightly. "Oh, I'm coming alright, think I'd let you leave me out here?"

"I have no idea, you might," Nicora notes. Once they're both inside, she shuts the door. She then goes up to the object and places her hand on the cloth. She draws in a slow breath, looking a bit nervous. Then, slowly, she draws the cloth away.

Tulani stands ready, watching curiously as Nicora strips away the dusty cloth.

The cloth pulls away to reveal a tall rectangle of carved and polished stone. The frame is made to look like twisting skeletal serpents, with two skulls facing each other at the top and holding a glowing, molten-looking jewel in their mouths. The polished 'mirror' section itself does not appear to reflect anything at all, save for the glow of the torches.

"Heh. Not exactly what I expected, but interesting nonetheless," Nicora notes. She peers intently at the 'mirror' surface. "Perhaps it's more of a gateway."

Walking up behind the Eeee, the black Sphynx examines the polished surface as well before her eyes roam over the decorating serpents. "Maybe… I wonder what that stone is… " she says, pointing to the glowing rock in the serpents' mouths.

The surface of the mirror seems to bulge as Nicora leans in, and a clawed hand rises out of the stone to make a grab at her!

Nicora hisses and steps back. As she steps back, she takes a swipe at the clawed hand that extends towards her with her own claws. "I don't think so," she growls.

The Eeee's claws pass harmlessly through the extruded hand, which then curls into a fist. The thumb begins to move up and down, like a miniature mouth, and a voice with a funny accent says, "You have no sense of humor, do you Alptraum?"

"Depends on the joke, really," Ni … Alptraum remarks and waves his hand, trying to look dismissive. "And apparently, you know who I am. So, who are you?"

Now Tulani, after recovering from the sudden appearance of a giant hand has to laugh at that comment by the hand, and Alptraum's response, or at least snicker.

The mirror bulges again, disgorging a grinning draconic head. "It's just me," Kaira says. "Geeze, let your hair down and you grow all serious."

Alptraum laughs this time. "What did you expect? I have to pretend to be a priestess. And well, they're not exactly pleasant people," he notes and rolls his eyes. "I guess this is a magic gate or at least a powerful enough source you can speak through it."

The dragoness oozes the rest of the way out of the mirror, although her body appears a bit translucent. "Some sort of dream or illusion magic, I think. Anyway, I wanted to tell you not to stick the dagger into any more pigs. You were lucky that those first few souls were of mortals, otherwise you might have been hurt."

"I was going to ask, actually. What would have happened?" Alptraum asks, his hand absently dropping down to the dagger hilt. "And, well, I appreciate the concern too. I didn't expect you'd be worried if I got hurt."

Tulani seemed to have retreated back, leaning against a wall, content to listen for the moment.

The dragon pokes her head up higher to look over Alptraum's shoulder, and says, "Oh, you're looking better, Tulani. Are you pretending to be a priest or something too?" To the Eeee, she says, "Well, pushing an immortal soul through an animal would have been… like getting an elephant through the eye of a needle. The back-pressure could have broken your arm."

"Wait. If it's that dangerous to do it … er, I'm not sure I like being the conduit even if it was a pig," Alptraum says and steps to the side. "And I take it I have to have a real person to deal with immortals, then? Lovely. I'm not going to go around stabbing people unless they're evil."

"Well, finding bad people shouldn't be hard," the dragon says, brushing back her mane. She raises a hand and ticks off on fingers as she says, "Just no animals, golems, homunculi or undead."

Alptraum decides to see if he can touch the translucent dragon. "I think you're just trying to make this more difficult than it needs to be. Maybe you're just trying to keep me around longer … hmm?" he teases, then grins.

The Sphynx smiled lightly and nods as Kaira acknowledged her. "Well… not exactly a priestess… I'm supposed to be Alptraum's apprentice." She looks up curiously as the dragon gives a list of don'ts and asks curiously, "Homunculi? What's that?"

Before Alptraum can touch her, Kaira leans in slurps him across the face with her transparent tongue, leaving behind a trail of… ectoplasm or something. "Ah, a homunculus is a bit like a golem, but it is animated by an inhabiting spirit instead of being controlled by a mage. But it can't host a soul. And I thought I was being pretty generous with that list. It's not like I excluded lawyers, politicians or popular entertainers, was it?"

Alptraum makes a face and wipes away the slime with his hand muttering something about dragon slobber. "I take offense at that. I'm an entertainer," Alptraum retorts, then grins and shrugs. "How are things going in there, anyway?"

"Well, politicians and lawyers seem evil enough anyway so they would be good options to keep open," the Sphynx comments humorously.

"I said popular entertainers, there's a difference," Kaira points out. "And things are going… fine. It's not like folks are getting impatient, or jokingly calling you Pig Sticker or questioning your reliability or anything. And we've got the gaki and other nasty types fairly bottled up now as well."

"Gaki?" Tulani pipes up again, questioningly.

Waving a hand, Kaira says, somewhat quickly, "Oh, just some soul-sucking spirits that were wiped out a long time ago, except for the ones Vorgy had."

"I take offense at that, too," Alptraum remarks on it being implied he's not popular. Still, he's grinning anyway. "In all seriousness, I'm in the wilderness. It's not like I've had much chance to do anything"

Tulani makes an unpleasant face at the thought of being inhabited by soul-eating spirits.

"So, why is it you're pretending to be a priestess, Alptraum?" the dragon asks, cocking an eyeridge. "And more importantly, is Arkold doing it as well?"

"Yes, Arkold is. And it's because we're in a temple of shrine maidens. They only let in women. And we had to come here because Tulani's wound isn't healing," Alptraum notes.

Nodding once Alptraum has finished explaining, the Sphynx pauses to appreciate the soothing numbness now in her freshly bandaged shoulder, instead of the pain she had been experiencing before.

"Mmm-hmmm," Kaira says, looking skeptical. "So, you and Arkold are the only men in a temple full of young virgins, is that it?"

"Well, it's mainly a bunch of old women and kids," Alptraum admits. "And I have some principles. I'm not going to break into a temple of virgins. Besides, they all just fawn over Arkold, anyway."

Tulani bursts out into immediate laughter at the indication of where the conversation was going when Kaira spoke, laughing even more at Alptraum's reply, then pausing to catch her breath.

"Well, be on guard," Kaira warns. "I… that is, my creator… used to teach shrine-maidens how to slay dragons. Watch your backs."

"I know. We're staying here as shortly as possible. Holding the disguise isn't easy," Alptraum notes and nods. "Seriously, we came because Tulani's wound wouldn't heal. Otherwise, we would not be here."

"Well, I'll let you get back to being girly then," Kaira says, "unless there's anything you need to talk to me about?"

"I am not girly," Alptraum argues briefly. "And yes, will things always explode when I stab them? Is there a way to tell when it's about to happen?"

"Well, no, they shouldn't always explode," Kaira assures. "Depending on the… ah… vessel the results could be anything from a nosebleed to organs bursting out like party favors. So, I recommend stabbing from the back if at all possible."

Alptraum makes a face. "That's nasty," he remarks, then shrugs. "Anyway, I'm sure I will see you again. In fact, I know I will. I'm going to pop in there one of these days and demand you give me a tour and introduce me to some more of the races," he then adds and winks. "Take care of yourself, Kaira."

Tulani nods politely to Kaira after making a 'yuck' face of her own at the thought of bursting entrails, then steps over to the door and waiting for Alptraum.

Kaira nods, then starts to merge back into the mirror. Before her tail finally vanishes, she can be heard to mutter, "What's wrong with bursting entrails? This place could do with a bit of color… "

Alptraum shakes his head. He coughs and draws a breath. The impassive posture of Nicora returns, as does the higher octave voice when she says, "Let's go, apprentice, please open the door."

Tulani returns to her quiet role of 'apprentice' as well, nodding and opening the door while standing to the side to allow Nicora to pass through ahead of her.

Back in the dormitory, Ravenia sits at the small table wearing a robe and more substantial clothing, and lifts the lid off of a covered pot of steaming stew. "Looks like veggies tonight. Oh, and you should check out the wardrobe for anything that fits, Tulani," she comments.

Nicora strides back out. "Did Widgery stay long, or did someone else bring food?" she asks quietly, curious … and a bit worried, that they may have been overheard in the other room.

Taking Raven's advise Tulani heads over to the wardrobe and begins to look through it.

"No, it was an old Rhian who brought it," Ravenia says. "She seemed a bit deaf."

Nicora smiles slightly. "Good. You two enjoy your repast. I think I'll go put the blanket over the mirror, then find a cot to sleep on. I'm tired." She draws in a breath, adding, "It's been a long day. I'll be glad when we are out of here. Good night."