By the time Alptraum and Phlagaea emerge from their hut the sun is already visible above the trees. The tiny abandoned village is still abandoned, save for Lucy sitting near the fountain while Mave packs her supplies. There is no immediate sign of Lilith or the demon-hunter Hexong.
Alptraum leans over and gives Phlagaea a peck on the cheek. "I'm going to ask Mave if she's seen Lilith this morning," he tells the green Eeee. The bat then lightly jogs over to the Yodhinala and says, "Good morning. You're up early after last night. Are the others already up and about, or are they still asleep?"
The white Eeee takes the pipe out of her mouth, blows a smoke ring, and then replies, "The big pale Rhian left very early, heading home. Lilith went off to scout ahead not long ago."
"Scouting? She shouldn't be going off alone. What time did she leave?" Alptraum inquires and quickly scans the horizon. "Have a good night?" he asks the Eeee absently.
"I always do," Mave replies. A series of excited squeaks heralds Lilith's return, before she becomes visible over the trees. She comes in fast, kicking up a cloud of dust as she lands nearby. "You're up! Hurry! I saw Tulani flying, maybe a mile away!" she chatters.
"You'll have to show me sometime," Alptraum remarks to Mave. His attention quickly shifts to Lilith and he waves for Phlagaea to come over quickly. "Really? Which direction? Her wings are working better already or, well, how long have we been gone?" he says quickly.
"Huh? A few days," Lilith remarks as Phlagaea approaches, still wrapping up her face in bandages. "Anyway… just follow me?" she suggests.
"What about Lucy? She can't fly," Alptraum points out.
"We'll come back for the others, but we need to catch Tulani first," Lilith says.
Alptraum nods. Quickly, he hugs Phlagaea and says, "Please, don't go anywhere. We'll be right back to get you. Or to get Tulani to lead Arkold here. I don't want to lose you again."
The green bat just nods, and says, "You'd better come back… "
Lilith launches into the air and starts climbing, not wanting to waste any more time.
"Of course I'd better. I still have to learn how to put your bandages back on you properly," Alptraum says teasingly and winks. His wings then snap wide and he launches after Lilith. "I'm coming."
Today is the big day! Ravenia removes the last of Tulani's bandages, and warns the Sphynx, "Take it easy on your first flight, okay?"
"Heh, like, eh, don't fall in any traps or the like," Arkold warns, jokingly. "No' tha' you would, our scout 'as eyes like a Vartan."
Reminded of that, Raven adds, "And don't go chasing after something just because it's shiny."
"Yes, yes you two, I've got it. I'm just going to be scanning the area. I'm not going to be doing any acrobatics or anything… " Tulani quips back to the other two, though still sounding a bit nervous about the flight… but she's still more worried about where Alptraum and Lilith had ended up.
Arkold extends his hand to help Tulani up. "Don't do anythin' I wouldn't do," the wolf adds. He gives Tulani a careful pat on the shoulder as he helps her rise, then waves vaguely to their cache of goods. "I'm goin' to see wha' we got from that storage, an' 'ave a cigar."
The Sphynx pauses to do some quick, light stretches just to make sure she doesn't have any knots and that her shoulder feels alright with the exercise. She then gives Arkold a little good-natured punch on the shoulder, and waves to Raven and before carefully taking off for the sky.
Arkold waves to Tulani, then walks over to their newfound supplies. "Want a cigar, Raven," he asks as he digs around.
The morning sun and the heat of the forest help Tulani gain altitude, and even soar for a bit. Her shoulder protests a bit at the heavy flapping of launch, but starts to calm down once it's warmed up. The sky is clear, letting Tulani see all the way to the eastern edge of the forest… until she catches some movement out of the corner of her eye, to the south.
Scanning the surrounding area carefully as she proceeds for any visual signs of her two missing friends, Tulani blinks, and tilts her wings to curve the angle of her flight towards the hint of movement towards the south.
Another flyer is about a mile distant, and Tulani can clearly make out black wings, black hair and a white face – so it could be either her evil negatively colored twin, or Lilith! The other flyer notices Tulani at about the same moment, but instead of coming closer it spins around and flies off in the opposite direction.
The black and white Sphynx blinks in slight confusion as what looked like Lilith abruptly turns around. Tulani circles where she is for a short while, watching to see if she can spot where the other flyer lands.
The apparent Eeee doesn't fly far before vanishing below the trees. But within a minute, it's back in the air, followed by a darker companion, and definitely heading towards the Sphynx now. By the time they've reached the halfway point, Tulani can tell they're Lilith and Alptraum, finally coming back.
Tulani immediately begins winging her way excitedly towards the two, though trying not to strain herself… which was a rather difficult balance point. After all, if they were both in the air, neither Alptraum, nor Lilith was likely hurt.
"Careful! Should you even be flying?" Alptraum calls out. "I know we're beautiful and irresistible, but don't kill yourself to reach us! We're not going anywhere this time. There's no one here to bushwhack us."
"Is Ravenia okay?" Lilith calls to the Sphynx. "Oh, and Arkold?"
The Sphynx chuckles at Alptraum's humor though at that distance it would be very faint, but then, he is an Eeee, before she slows herself down a bit to call back, "We're all doing ok. We were just really starting to get worried about the two of you."
"You should have been. We were, for a short time, slaves to some crazy women," Alptraum calls back to Tulani. Grinning, he adds as he banks slightly, "Speaking of which, some of them came with us. Want to head back to them and we'll all go on foot back to Arkold and Ravenia?"
Tulani grins herself, just very happy to see the two of them and nods as she gets closer, calling, "Crazy women? Sounds just like your type Alptraum! And that sounds like a good plan to me! Lead the way."
Alptraum arches his wings and banks hard, turning himself. "Well, technically, only some of them were crazy! The sane two came with us. One's a dear friend from Babel," Alptraum yells, trying to explain. "Lilith has been amazing in all of this. She's put up with a lot."
It may only be a mile, but Tulani's back is aching by the time they reach the abandoned village, where she comes to face to face with a Fnerf, an green-furred Eeee wrapped head to toe (mostly) in decorated bandages, and a woman who could be the model for a statue of Inala (except for the pipe she's smoking).
The first thing Tulani does once her feet hit the ground – to the exclusion of all else around her – is to almost tackle Alptraum into a tight warm hug, before turning her attention to Lilith and doing the same. Smiling widely she exclaims, "I'm so glad you two are alright."
Alptraum hugs Tulani and grins. "We're doing fine. Well, except for being slaves for a bit. They kept stealing our clothing, too. In any event, Tulani, may I introduce you to Phlagaea, Mave, and Lucy," Alptraum introduces the Sphynx and indicates the respective women in kind. "Or, I should say Yodhgorphat Phlagaea, and Yodhinala Mave." He grins sheepishly and adds, "I'm sort of Phlagaea's consort. Everyone, this is Tulani, a good friend and ally on the quest to find the Light of Nala."
The three Babelites smile and nod to Tulani, and Phlagaea says to Alptraum, "What language is that you are speaking?"
"Sylvanian," Alptraum explains to Phlagaea. "If you're up to it, I can try to teach all of you the basics while we travel."
"That might be best," Mave says. "Where are we going?"
After pausing and letting the two get a breath, the Sphynx finally takes note of the 3 other people there, giving a polite smile to each of them and a 'pleased to meet you all' in Standard, but pausing to look a bit oddly at Phalagea. Then looking to Alptraum and chattering quickly at him in Sylvanian… "Um… is your friend alright? She's well… green? And all those bandages, fancy bandages, but bandages still… "
"Oh, she's fine. That's their traditional garb. Yodhgorphat are the priestesses of disease. And no, she's not ill. She's perfectly healthy. I should know, trust me," Alptraum quickly explains to Tulani in Sylvanian. Then to the Babelites, "We're going to meet up with our other two companions. After that, we have to make a hard press to the tomb of the Necromancer King."
"Well, I'm ready to go," Phlagaea says, then whispers to Alptraum, "Is your friend Tulani also a priestess of Sunala?"
"Tulani? No. She's an airship scout I met some months back. She carries an enchanted map that has some ties to the Sisters, so I joined up with them," Alptraum whispers back.
Tulani blinks at the whole mention of a goddess of disease, but doesn't comment, simply giving a quiet "ahh" and nodding her head. "Well, it is a rather pretty shade of green," the Sphynx says with a wide grin, still in Sylvanian, and chuckling to herself.
Alptraum elbows Tulani lightly. "Behave. She's my girlfriend," he hisses at Tulani playfully. "You're one to talk after that night with the wood nymphs!"
Lucy is all packed, her broad back easily carrying the Eeees' supplies. The Fnerf has remained quiet as usual, but seems ready to get going.
"If we're ready, we should leave," Lilith comments. "Before Raven and Arkold think Tulani has disappeared now as well… "
"You're one to talk, seeing as you seem to surround yourself with women… but alright, alright, I wont say anymore. I'll be good" Tulani whispers in reply to Alptraum's own, earlier whisper, heckling him with friendly humor… before quieting to let Alptraum explain about their other companions.
Alptraum taps his chin. "Let me explain before we get to them. There are two other people," Alptraum says in standard now. "Arkold, a blonde-haired Jupani. Watch your butt around him, he pinches. And Ravenia, a female human, but colored like Tulani and myself. Both are good friends."
"Does Ravenia pinch?" Mave asks.
"Why do you ask?" Alptraum asks Mave.
"Just curious," the Yodhinala says, albeit with a sly smile. She extinguishes her pipe and puts it away in her belt pouch. "Ready to go," she reports.
"You prefer women, do you?" Alptraum comments and nods her head towards Lilith while looking right at Mave. He grins.
"All are equally welcome to the blessings of Inala," Mave recites.
Tulani looks equally ready to go now and is already looking back in the direction she had landed from, albeit between the trees now. "Well then, shall we be off?"
"Ah, I asked because I wanted to know if I was safe from being taken to your bed. You did mention something about siring children, after all," Alptraum comments. He then puts an arm around Phlagaea and says to Tulani, "Lead on, master scout. If you get us lost, we'll just poke you with a stick."
While Tulani is nominally giving the directions, the Sphynx finds herself behind the Fnerf more often than not, as Lucy's bulk is needed to push aside, break and otherwise trample down the undergrowth of the forest. Along the way, the general consensus seems to be to use Standard for communication, even though Lucy doesn't understand a word of it, Phlagaea can get by, and Mave claims to understand it while not being fluent in using it. It takes nearly an hour to travel the mile to the campsite where Raven and Arkold wait.
"Well, they're comin'. Or monsters are comin'. Raven, might want an' get ready for anythin' – course of it's them they'll hear this, an' announce themselves, if they don' wan' any trouble," Arkold says as he stands up. He takes the cigar in his hand and dabs it with a finger, then reaches to rest a hand on his sword.
"You had better not be doing anything uncivilized with Ravenia!" comes Alptraum's voice from the bushes. He heard Arkold, obviously.
Ravenia hides her own cigar and fans the air to try and dispel the scent. "What, there are civilized things we could be doing out here?" she retorts, feeling in good humor again.
Lucy crashes through the underbrush into the camp, then gives a bow to Raven and Arkold before stepping aside for the others.
Tulani chuckles, saying as she follows the path of Lucy's destruction, "Well, I obviously found them. And some new friends to boot as you can see!"
"We're perfectly civilized, we even 'ave these civilized cigars," Arkold insists. He lowers his hand from his sword hilt, then gives Lucy a grin – which he slides to Ravenia with a wink. "Interested in anythin' uncivilized?"
"Of course! You could be discussing great literature!" Alptraum claims. "And good grief, what is that smell?" Still, he does heads toward Ravenia and offers her a hug. After he releases her, he takes a bit of time to introduce everyone. "And yes, she's green. I like green. I don't want to hear comments," he ends with.
Raven is too busy hugging Lilith to reply to Arkold. "Don't disappear like that again," she tells the bat.
The Sphynx takes a moment to hug Arkold, saying with a grin, "Just in case your feeling left out… but don't you dare pinch me."
Phlagaea keeps to the edge of the camp, close to where they emerged, and doesn't take her eyes off of Arkold's sword. Mave just sits down next to the campfire and takes out her pipe.
"Where's my 'ug, eh," Arkold asks, until Tulani gives him one. He offers to hug others – then quickly extends his hand to Phlagaea instead, when he sees her.
The green bat seems to freeze at first, then very slowly extends her hand for quick shake with the Jupani.
Alptraum motions to Phlagaea. "He's mostly safe. He's more annoying than dangerous," the bat explains with a grin. "Really. He's a good guy. I've trusted my life to him at times."
"Sorry," Phlagaea apologizes in Babelite. "It's just… when the Templars wiped out the others… they were all wolves like him."
"I know. He's not like them. He's more like us; an outcast," Alptraum says.
"Look at what we found," Ravenia says excitedly, and holds up the bag of soap for Lilith. "And there's wine and candy and fruit too."
Arkold grins – up until Alptraum calls him annoying. Then he eyes the bat, before punching him in the arm a bit more than lightly. "Aye, I've saved Bats 'ere more times than I can count. I think he owes me. A drink. Probably several." He winks, then frowns at the revelation. "Don' look at me, I'm no Templar. 'Avn't been in Rephidim in years. The stories I can tell you! Eh?"
Phlagaea forces a smile and nods to Arkold. "I am sure you are tasty," she says in somewhat stilted Standard.
Alptraum ows and rubs his shoulder. "Hey, we're even on the saving front," he retorts. Alptraum then goes back over to Phlagaea and stands near her to be more reassuring. "I will also say this now, no pinching her. She's mine. Or well, I'm hers. Or, something like that," he says.
Ravenia whispers to Arkold, "Best not pinch Alptraum either, that girl of his looks like the jealous type."
Arkold grins more at that. "Found yourself a woman, 'ave you Bats? Y'know, I was beginnin' to wonder abou' you, wha' with that dress back in the castle, an' ignorin' the trees – but I guess you sorted it out." He then gives Phlagaea a considering look, seems to decide something, and shakes his head. "Tasty? Need to work on your standard, there, greenbat."
Not missing a beat, Arkold reaches back to pinch Ravenia instead.
"The women found me," Alptraum admits sheepishly. "You should have met Roogi. She was crazy and claimed she owned me. Yodhblakat are odd."
"I mean, friendly," Phlagaea corrects. Mave stands up then and steps closer to Arkold, looking him up and down before reaching behind and pinching him.
"Crazy women, eh? I see I'm rubbing off on you – good. Every young man needs a responsible teacher, a mentor, such as myself. Why-" his ears flicker when he's pinched, then he turns his head to give Mave the once over in return. "'O 'ave we 'ere? You want a hug too? Cigar? Uncivilized behavior," he asks Mave.
Alptraum nods at that. "Very crazy. They kept us nude. Can you imagine?" he says. "Though, admittedly, serving a bunch of women wasn't all bad."
The Yodhinala holds up her pipe, and nods at the cigar. She's only slightly younger than Arkold, but very 'well preserved'.
Shrugging, Arkold offers Mave his cigar. "We 'ave some wine too – an' some chocolate bats," he tells her.
Ravenia catches Alptraum's tone, and asks, "What sort of serving are you talking about?" she asks, glancing at Mave.
The white-and-blonde Eeee accepts the cigar and offers Arkold her pipe in exchange. "Bats?" she asks.
Lilith taps Tulani's arm, and asks, "Have you been checking the map? We only have a few days to get to the Tomb. Are we even close?"
"Say, you two have something in common. Both of you have worshipped Inala!" Alptraum says with a grin and gets his chance to punch Arkold's shoulder this time. He then glances to Ravenia and says, "Well, the Yodhblakat wanted to sacrifice me, or breed me. They couldn't decide. Phlagaea here, well, lots of stuff. The Yodhzakaro … she wanted me to give her power."
"And where are all these Yodh?" Ravenia asks, looking skyward nervously now. "Are they going to come after you?"
Arkold takes the pipe, then puffs it testingly before letting it settle between his teeth while he talks. Given his tales of naval daring-do, it's not hard to picture him as some questionable sea captain when he has a pipe in his mouth. "Bats. Eeee. Chocolate. I'll show you, if you're interested." The wolf's ears flick when he's punched, and he winks at Alptraum, then offers Mave his hand. "I 'ave worshipped your Inala, s'true. Tell you all about it."
"No. They've gone to join the secret temple and fight monsters. Roogi might come after me at some point. If she even remembers me in a sphere," Alptraum notes.
Tulani seems to simply be listening with amusement for the moment to the conversation going around her. Taking a seat, and rubbing her sore wings, she blinks at the tap from Lilith and quietly replies to her, "I think were getting close, should we have a look?"
"Sure, just in case we're off course," Lilith notes, not coincidentally standing where she can easily cover Tulani's actions with her wings.
The Yodhinala takes Arkold's hand, and blows a smoke ring without removing the cigar from her mouth.
Stepping closer to Alptraum, Ravenia whispers, "Are any of them… uh… like you? Will we need more meat, and what sort of supplies is the Fnerf carrying?"
Searching through a pocket the black and white Sphynx pulls out the folded map where Lilith's form and wings easily keep it from view for the moment and slowly unfolds it.
Alptraum whispers back to Ravenia, "No, none of them are vampires. And the Fnerf is carrying lots of supplies. A collapsible tent, dried meats and fruits, some dishes and blankets… "
The map looks the same as before, showing the route they've been following and where it ends in the eastern mountains. From what she'd seen from the air earlier, Tulani figures they are about three days away from their goal, which gives them some extra leeway, since Unity Day is still five days off.
Tulani shows the map to Lilith and murmurs, "It looks like we're about three days away, but we should still press on quickly, you never know what might come up between here and there and a couple days isn't much."
"So, have things been okay for all of you?" Alptraum asks Ravenia. "I hope our vanishing didn't cause you too much worry?"
Lilith nods, and glances at the pile of goods Tulani and Arkold dug up. "I think we have enough supplies to travel at least two days before we'd have to hunt up enough for everyone. No telling what we'll find at the end or how long we'll be there though."
"Well, it was hard at first," Ravenia admits. "I still miss fresh water, since all we have is the wine and preserves the other two 'stumbled' onto. I hope we cross a river or spring soon."
Lucy, silent up until now, asks Alptraum in her pidgin-Eeee dialect, "Set up tent?"
The Sphynx nods to Lilith before folding the map away and calling out to Alptraum with a small smile, "I was definitely worried, but I tried to be good about it. And I guess I didn't really need to since you came out of it fine, and with a consort no less!"
Arkold's brow shoots up at the blowing of smoke rings without removing the cigar, something he's apparently never seen before. "S'quite a trick. Got a few of my own, eh? I'll show you 'em, if you like." He takes Mave by the hand and leads her back to the stash of supplies, then rummages around before handing her a chocolate bat.
"Well, I can go scouting again if you need?" Alptraum offers. "I actually hope we find a town soonish, because I'd like to be able to let those who want to wait behind have a decent place to stay while we head into the tomb." His ears flick towards Lucy, then looks at Tulani, asking, "Should we press on a little further, or shall we make camp here? Lucy wants to know if she should set up the tent."
Mave holds the wrapped candy statue in her hand, staring at it in surprise. She peels back part of the wrapping and sniffs it, then bursts out laughing!
"Personally, I think we should head on a little further, every step we can get closer to our destination before pausing is of benefit to us." Tulani replies to Alptraum before looking curiously in the direction of the laughter.
Arkold chuckles too, ears flicking. "They are rather odd, aye," he says with a nod. While Mave's laughing, he darts his eyes for a chance look at her bum.
"I'm her consort, not the other way around. In Babel, women are the heads," Alptraum tells Tulani and winks. He then blinks and peers at Mave oddly.
The Yodhinala holds up the chocolate statue and says, "Offering." Patting her belly next, she adds, "For get pregnant."
"I doubt Arkold can get you pregnant," Alptraum tells Mave with a grin.
"I can try," Arkold offers.
"You try a lot," Alptraum notes.
The priestess shakes her head, still smirking. "No, statue is offering. Not for eating. Other end."
"Practice makes perfect – an' I'm perfect," Arkold insists.
"Er, wait, you don't tell me you put the chocolate, er," Alptraum says, looking mildly embarrassed.
At the mention of 'other end,' Arkold leans over and eyes the chocolate. "Huh," he says, thoughtfully.
"All women have altar to Inala," Mave notes, her eyes twinkling. "You not eaten this?" she asks Arkold, Ravenia and Tulani.
"Do you know what she's talking about?" Alptraum asks Phlagaea.
"Uh," is Arkold's answer. He pointedly looks to Tulani, perking his ears questioningly – and obviously trying to shift the focus elsewhere.
Tulani looks pointedly back at Arkold in a way that says, Don't you look at me, you're the one who found it originally… "Baskets left by giant rabbits… " the Sphynx mutters to herself.
"Fertility blessings," Phlagaea explains, reverting to Babelite once more. "You place them in the womb during a certain time… uh, or so I've heard."
"Does it actually work? What happens if you eat it?" Alptraum asks next.
Phlagaea just shrugs to Alptraum.
"Should we save you a couple?" Alptraum teases Phlagaea and grins playfully.
Still chuckling, Mave unwraps the statue completely, then takes the cigar out of her mouth and bites the head off of the miniature Goddess. "Mmm, tasty. Good blessing on these," she says after a bit of chewing, then offers the decapitated candy to Arkold.
Shrugging again, Arkold takes a bite while it's still in Mave's hand. "I do like a tasty blessin'," he remarks.
Alptraum clasps his hands together. "Well, Tulani has expressed her opinion we should cover more ground before we set up camp. I agree. So, while we talk, why don't we get walking again?" he asks.
Lilith whispers to Alptraum, "Looks like Mave will have someone other than Lucy to carry her stuff now, too." She nods towards Arkold and waggles her eyebrows.
Alptraum stifles a snorting laugh. "That she does. Mave can get anyone to do anything, can't she?" he asks Lilith and waggles his eyebrows at her.
Ravenia starts packing up their regular stuff, and asks, "Can the Fnerf… uh… Lucy… carry the extra stuff Arkold and Tulani collected?"
Lucy recognizes her name, if nothing else, and swishes her big poofy tail.
Alptraum quickly translates the question to Babelite and poses it to Lucy.
"I'll carry Phlagaea's stuff," Alptraum offers, "If it will help any."
The Fnerf nods. So far, she hasn't shown even the slightest effort in carrying everything else.
Tulani begins gathering things up as well, assisting Raven with the packing, and getting her own bag together to carry herself.
Arkold chews as he looks around, then nods as he swallows. "I can carry some of it, no' like I haven't been already. I agree we should move, too. There are forces at work against us, an' I'd rather they not catch up. We're a larger group now, an' we need to be concerned with that," he says.
"Agreed. Arkold, you and Tulani in front, myself in rear to listen for things approaching us?" Alptraum asks and starts checking his own supplies more thoroughly and making sure his weapons are in easy reach.
"I stick close," Phlagaea announces, grabbing onto Alptraum's arm.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Alptraum tells Phlagaea and noses her cheek affectionately.
"Mave better stick with me – need some ears up front, too," Arkold insists, before taking the lead.
With everyone moving, the group reaches the eastern edge of the woods just before evening. Lucy sets up the tent within the protective cover of the border trees, while the others contemplate the view before them.
To the east, the ground begins to dip until a vast expanse of swampy wasteland stretches off until the foothills of the barrier mountains.
"Halt, everyone halt, eh? We've got a big muck ahead an' you'd best see for yourself," the wolf orders, holding a hand back to gesture the others to stop. After that, he peers out across the waste and works his jaw.
"Great, swamps," Alptraum grumbles as he looks over the expanse. He sniffs the air tentatively, then asks Arkold, "Can you smell the swamp? How stagnant is it? Any scent of rotting flesh?"
From just next to Arkold Tulani comments in a quiet voice, "What a mess… "
"My smell died with my … eh … habit, Bats. Your guess is as good as mine, eh," Arkold answers.
Ravenia laments, "My poor boots… "
"So, does the map say we have to go through that?" Alptraum inquires, looking rather nonplussed. Realizing something, he motions Phlagaea to join him again, "I need your expertise… "
"Hmm?" Phlagaea asks, not appearing particularly put out by the sight of the swamp.
"We can't afford to get sick. You're the expert on diseases, can you help prevent us from getting ill?" Alptraum asks the Eeee.
Tulani looks back at Alptraum to reply, "The maps direction was a pretty straight route to the destination."
"Well, I've been through worse. Did I mention the undersea grottos of Ashtoreth? Or the canals of Abaddon? Worse." He kneels down and examines the terrain, frowning. "The Eeee can fly, but the Fnerf, Raven an' I will have a time of it – especially the Fnerf. Can't 'ave her sinking."
"I can purify water and food, and clean wounds," the Yodhgorphat says.
Alptraum nods and lightly hugs the Eeee, saying, "Thank you." He then glances towards Arkold and asks, "Can we build swamp shoes? You know, like snow shoes only for swamps?"
"I don't suppose you have a boat in one of those saddlebags?" Ravenia asks, gesturing the bags that Lucy was carrying.
Lucy comes over to the others, now that the tent is up, and looks blandly at the swamp.
"Never built 'em myself, 'ad 'em issued to me in the military. Plus, I 'ate swamps – don't rightly like seeking them out. Course, no choice 'ere." Straightening, Arkold begins looking around the camp. "Shoes shouldn't be a problem, just have to displace weight, I think. Then again, you 'ave that suction goin' on your feet. See what you can finds, Bats, an' look for walking sticks too."
"At least there should be plenty of bugs to eat for Mave and Phlagaea," Lilith comments.
"Look over what blankets we can sacrifice. We can use them to build them, or at least wraps to keep mud off," Alptraum notes and then peers around. "I'm going to do some scouting from the air while you get settled in and see what I can find. Want to stay here, Phlagaea, or come with me?" he asks.
The green Eeee eyes the muck uncertainly. "My bandages really soak up water," she says.
Tulani was just staring out at the swamp for the moment, looking to see how far the dip went before the swamp really started before she began looking around for any bracken that might make suitable guide sticks to check the ground with.
"We'll see what clothing we can fit to you. Tulani may have something. You'll have to put the bandages away for a few days. I'm sorry," Alptraum says then steps away from the group and spreads his wings. "Last call, anyone want to come with me on the scout for stuff?"
"I can go," Lilith offers.
"Come to think of it, the Abaddon swamps 'ad these 'orrible bugs an' plants that if they didn't eat you, wanted to, or got you sick within an inch 'o your life," says Arkold as he looks around a bit more. To Phlagaea, he offers, "Just wrap 'em around your 'ead or somethin."
"I could just go nude," Phlagaea notes. "Not a clothing friendly place."
"All right. We won't go far. Let's try to stay in sight of the others. We want walking sticks and whatever else we can scavenge. Check," Alptraum says and nods his head. Then with a grin, he tells Phlagaea, "I wouldn't complain. You look good nude."
"I'll stay here." The Sphynx notes to Alptraum, amazingly for once volunteering to stay in place.
"Get going already," Phlagaea says, poking Alptraum on the upper arm. "Don't come back smelly."
Alptraum grins. "I'm going, I'm going. I thought you liked smelly," he says, winks, then launches up and into the air.
"Keep some soap ready just in case," Lilith says to Raven, before taking to the air after Alptraum.
"I'm all for nude, normally anyway, but you might wan' an' wear some protection. Bats isn't lyin' about disease, though, eh, I'm sure you know all about tha' an' don't need me tellin' you – so nude it is," the wolf tells Phlagaea. "I'm stayin' 'ere too. I'm too old to fly."
"Oh, I don't get sick," Phlagaea says, her Standard getting a bit better. "Ever."
Arkold nods. "That's a 'andy trick. Once knew a man who was never sober, an' another who was never 'appy. Not the same by far, come to think o' it."
After watching Alptraum and Lilith take off, Tulani turns to Phlagaea and asks curiously. "Really? That must be great. So you're from Babel? What are you doing way out here by chance?" she asks as she begins rummaging through hers and another pack, looking for some clothing that might comfortably fit the green Eeee.
"Oh, the Yodhblakat sort of picked me up on their way out of Babel," Phlagaea says. "They stole an airship, and I needed to get out as well. They already had Mave with them, and Hekatt the Yodhzakaro. Alptraum killed her though."
"Eh?" Arkold glances at Phlagaea, brow raised. "The boy killed someone? I'd like to 'ear abou' that. Also, what are these 'Yodh' you're goin' on abou'? Swear I've 'eard that somewhere before, probably from Bats or my time in Babel, but Eeee isn't a language I picked up. 'Urts my throat."
Tulani blinks as she pulls out a shirt that looks like it might fit the other woman, and holds it out for Phlagaea to look at. "Yes, I'd like to hear about that too. I'm afraid I don't know much about Babel."
"It means daughter… well, Daughter of a Goddess," Raven notes. "We call them priestesses in Sylvania."
"Most of the Yodh… the priestesses… were killed when the Temple of Rephidim attacked a while ago," Phlagaea says. "My order, the Yodhgorphat, was wiped out save for me – Alptraum saved me. Only the Yodhrephath, Yodhbarada and Yodhsunala had enough influence to avoid being purged."
"Huh. Well, sorry to 'ear it. Didn't realize Rephidim had been assaulting Religions, I 'ad been out of the country for years an', for a time, on another world or two. Never really did get back in to the news of Rephidim and the other powers. Tried to keep a low profile, an' I'm not much of a religious man," says Arkold.
"Alptraum said you worshipped Inala," Phlagaea points out. Mave is out of earshot, back at the tent.
Passing the green woman the shirt she had been holding, along with a pair of pants she rummaged up Tulani quietly replies, "That's awful Phlagaea… " before she suddenly has to chuckle, "Oh, I think what Arkold does amounts to about the same thing in some peoples' opinion I'm sure."
Arkold rubs his chin and nods slowly. "Might be I 'ave, but, eh, it's difficult to explain. I don't light candles, or say prayers, or what-not. I jus' see what appeals to me, an' I go for it. If that's worshippin', then the Goddess of Pleasure is my goddess. If it ain't, She ain't." He nods to Tulani. "Tulani's got it, even if she is a tease an' a 'andful." He grins. "I like deeds that I like, an' Inala has what I like."
"Ah," Phlagaea says, looking at Tulani to see how the clothing is meant to be worn. "The Yodhgorphat had… very few followers. My goddess is not very popular."
"Do you think either of these will fit you?" The Sphynx asks the Eeee of the clothes she had just handed over, choosing not to make any comment for the moment about any of the goddesses.
"Seems like disease would be one o' them … feared gods, 'cept if you need a 'and with a disease, I suppose. Hate to say it, but it's 'ard to get in to disease for me. Ruins a lot o' fun, an' I'm not much for sufferin' an' penance either," the wolf explains,
"If I bind them in places, they will fit," Phlagaea says, then smiles a bit more genuinely to Tulani. "Thank you. What gods do you follow? Interested in becoming a disciple of Gorphat?"
"Ooo, GREEN Tulani. Green. Go for it," Arkold urges, grinning.
" Well… " Tulani begins a little uneasily… " I haven't really found any gods I wish to follow in life yet… I wasn't raised with any in particular, though I think my mother had the statue of a household God she kept around the house to help protect it… " She gives Arkold a look at his comment, but her face soon breaks into a smile and she gives him a good-natured punch on the shoulder.
"I can't promise a blessing from the goddess herself," Phlagaea says. "But you can dye your fur if you want. You've survived hardship and injury, which is one of the tests Gorphat sends to us to make us stronger."
Arkold rubs his shoulder. "My poor shoulder, so much abuse. I dare say it'll be bruised, eh? See, you're causin' damage already. Tulani Yodhgorphat, Bruiser of Wolves."
"So, because you're a priestess of the Goddess of Disease, you can purify food and water to be disease free," Ravenia reasons out. Phlagaea nods to this. "Yes! I was purifying wells to gain followers after my Sisters were wiped out. I only managed to pick up Lucy though."
Tulani chuckles quietly at Arkold before smiling to Phlagaea. "That really is amazing, being able to purify and heal like that. But I think I'd really need to be sure of myself before I decide to follow any particular God or Goddess. I wouldn't want to disappoint any," she politely declines.
"So is that, ah, magic? You're a mage then? Or is tha' some sort o' … divine power?" Arkold shrugs, as if not knowing how to explain it better.
"Of course it is divine," Phlagaea says, a bit defensively. "They are miracles, not mere magic."
"Never seen a miracle before," Arkold admits. "Don't get your ears in a twist, eh? I've met mages, but I don't work with actual religions much."
"But… aren't you seeking a divine power?" Phlagaea asks.
"S'true, the records claim it's a divine power. Here's the problem, though: I can't tell the difference between divine power, magic, an' in some cases science an' technology. Seems to me it's all power with different labels, wrapped in symatics, lined in belief. Ever talk with a Technomancer? Religion, science, magic … no idea. Uh, probably more than you wanted to know, eh?" Arkold smiles, trying to look comforting. "Now I don't mean to suggest I don't believe, I jus' don't know."
Phlagaea just sighs. "I can see it will be difficult to establish a new temple here," she laments. "Although Mave probably won't have as much difficulty."
"Hey, don't take my word for it. I'm just one travelin' Jupani, an' I was born in Rephidim. There's bound to be somewhere 'ere that loves … eh … appreciates disease. I bet there's even a Plaguewort, or a Feverville aroun' 'ere," the wolf insists.
Tulani reaches over to give Phlagaea what she hopes will be taken as a comforting pat on the shoulder and smiles, saying, "I'm sure you'll persevere through all the trials that come your way."
The green woman stands a bit straighter, and smiles, saying, "Of course! Gorphat will test me, and I will prevail."
Arkold nods approvingly. "You do that, I'm sure it's what She'd want."
"If you would like a Blessing to help you become a stronger person," Phlagaea says, addressing Arkold now. "Just ask."
The wolf shakes his head. "If you mean hittin' me, that's okay, I get hit enough by the two," he says.
Ravenia leans and whispers to Arkold, "I think she means giving you a disease."
The Sphynx chuckles and shakes her head before asking, "So, Phlagaea, how did you find yourself in the service of your goddess? Were you… um, born into it? Or did you feel the rare call to it?"
Arkold leans back and nods slightly. "I was afraid it was somethin' along those lines," he tells Ravenia. He then smiles to Phlagaea, and insists, "If I become any stronger a person, my greatness would outshine everyone, an' I 'ave to think of the youngsters."
Phlagaea purses her lips at Arkold's reply then shrugs it off. To Tulani she says, "I was marked by my Blessing at birth, Tulani, and it was clear that I should become a Yodhgorphat."
With Phlagaea distracted Arkold edges off, then walks away a bit faster than he normally might. "Need any 'elp back there, Mave?"
Tulani ahs at the Eeee's explanation and sits back in thought for a bit. "Well, while Alptraum and Lilith are off, would you like to start a few lessons in Sylvanian? I could start teaching you if you like? I was teaching Arkold at one point a while ago… but we kind of lost focus with the quest we seem to be on now."
The green woman nods, and says, "I would eat that. I mean, like that. And you can show me how to wear these clothes?"
There's already a campfire going outside the big tent, and Mave is sitting on a log before it, apparently meditating.
"Of course!." Tulani replies enthusiastically and begins by showing Phlagaea how the shirt fits around the wings and where it ties, also starting the language lesson there. Telling her the words for shirt, and knot, 'to tie' and a few other things in Sylvanian, while trying at the same time to get the Eeee woman to tell her some of the same things in Babelite out of curiosity.
Seeing Mave contemplating, Arkold takes a seat near the fire and draws his sword. Fetching his whetstone, he quietly begins sharpening his blade. He's still got the pipe, too. Smoke curls up from where he sits, stirring in the wind.
While Tulani and Phlagaea teach each other their languages and fashions (although Tulani probably wouldn't find Babelite clothing suitable even for underwear), Mave opens her eyes to watch Arkold. "Do you always polish your own sword?" she asks slowly.
"Sometimes, when I don't 'ave someone to do it for me," Arkold answers. The slow, scrapping sound of the stone creates a kind of rhythm, a practiced beat that Arkold has been perfecting for years. "How are your meditations?"
Tulani blinks in a bit of surprise as Phlagaea tells her about some of the clothing styles from her homeland and she can be heard quietly saying, "Really? Is that actually… comfortable? My it must be very warm in Babel."
"Oh no, it is quite cold," Phlagaea says. "But our blood is hot."
The Sphynx says, almost in a tone of awe, "Wow, it really must be… though I suppose it wouldn't be too hard for some when people wear things like that. That sounds like enough to make anyone's blood run hot… " She suddenly chuckles and grins. "I'm sure Arkold would positively catch on fire."
"My prayers are best heard with the cooperation of another," Mave says. "Perhaps we can help each other?"
"Happy to help a beautiful lady," Arkold agrees, putting his sword aside.
"Come to my tent after we have eaten," Mave says. "Bring one of your bottles of wine."
"I think I can get into religion, after all," Arkold remarks with a grin. He picks up his sword again and resumes sharpening it. "It's a deal." Then his ears swivel forward. "Are you on Phlagaea's errand, then? Trying to rebuild your temple?"
"In time, yes, among other things," Mave replies, smiling enigmatically.
"Fair 'nuff, we all have our agendas," Arkold says understandingly. "Me, I'm goin' to settle down after this. Find a nice town, a nice lady, an' call it an adventure."
The evening gloom and mist is already settling over the swamp as the two Eeee begin their search. Some spots seem clear though, the mist apparently avoiding them, while others are so densely covered as to be obscured.
"We seem to have become a team. Have you noticed?" Alptraum calls out to Lilith. He peers around ad he flies fairly slowly. He looks for areas that look like they may have some debris, ruins of buildings, or the like. He also keeps a look out for any signs of a road through the swamp.
"Well, it was better than trying to explain all the stuff that happened to us at the tower," Lilith quips. Below, there are some signs of wreckage… possibly a smashed wagon.
"The tower wasn't that bad. Personally, I enjoyed it. I liked them, in a strange sort of way," Alptraum remarks and then points towards the wagon. His wings fold in slightly and he swoops gracefully down towards it.
Lilith follows, and not seeing anything worrisome, lands on the remains of the wagon. "Looks like it's been here for awhile," she comments, and doesn't seem to notice the semi-transparent Eeee soldier that appears next to her.
"Lilith… don't make any sudden moves," Alptraum says quietly and calmly. "There's a ghost or something standing next to you. An Eeee." He watches the semi-transparent figure warily, ears focused on it."
"What?!" Lilith squeaks, and immediately spins around… and around… trying to find it. "Where? Are you teasing me?" she demands. The ghost ignores her and looks at Alptraum.
"I can see it. I guess you can't," Alptraum says and then points to the side. "Step to the side a bit, Lilith," he says, then addresses the ghost, "Do you hear me?"
After Lilith steps aside and wraps her wings around herself protectively, the ghost nods to Alptraum. "Yes," it says, although the word don't register in Alptraum's ears so much as in his head.
Alptraum dips his head. "I am Alptraum Bar Reisender. Who do I have the honor of addressing?" he asks the ghost.
"Philip," the ex-Eeee replies.
"May I ask why you have come to speak to me?" Alptraum asks next.
"You came to me," the spirit replies, and points towards the water. The mists disperse a bit, until Alptraum can see the man's corpse just beneath the surface, along with the remains of what might have been a Gallisian soldier.
"Ah, you fell here. How long ago?" Alptraum asks and walks towards the edge of the water, then crouches down.
The specter just shrugs. From the look of the remains, it's been awhile, assuming the swamp freezes in winter. "I'm just waiting for the boatman," Philip says. Lilith twitches a bit, and doesn't follow to look into the water.
"Which boatman?" Alptraum inquires as he peers through the water at the remains. "And, to where? Across the swamp, or to rest?"
"To rest. Home," the ghost says. "But the battlefield is large. He must have many to collect."
"How large is the battlefield? What happened here?" Alptraum inquires, then thinks of something and stands. He extends his hand to the ghost and asks; "Can you show me? Show me what happened here?"
"I'd rather not," the ghost says, making no move to take Alptraum's hand. "It was a battle. We won. The enemy was slaughtered."
Alptraum lowers his hand. "Who were you fighting?" he asks next.
"The invaders," Philip says. "From Gallis."
"Then this was recent," Alptraum says and looks back over the swamp. "Do you know a safe way across this swamp?
"Fly," the ghost suggests.
"Not all of us are flyers, unfortunately," Alptraum tells the ghost. After considering something, he asks, "Are you from Draco County?"
"Alptraum?" Lilith says, in a quiet voice. "I don't mean to interrupt… whatever it is you're doing, but… I hear something."
The ghost nods, then turns his gaze past Alptraum's shoulder, out into the swamp.
"What do you hear?" Alptraum inquires absently, then turns to look out into the swamp too.
Alptraum hears it too, now that he isn't distracted. Something is moving through the water towards them, accompanied by a rhythmic 'splish' that might be a pole or oar.
"Ah, that may be the boatman. Lilith, the ghost to whom I am … conversing, was named Philip. He was from Draco County," Alptraum explains to her. He steps back from the edge of the water.
Lilith suddenly relaxes. "Oh, the boatman," she says. "Maybe he can take us across the swamp."
"The boatman of the dead, Lilith. Or at least, if I am understanding this right," Alptraum adds. "Sorry."
"Yes, Charo the boatman," Lilith says. "We should ask him."
"You want to ask the boatman? We're not dead. Is that wise?" Alptraum asks and glances over his shoulder to Lilith. "I can try, given who I am, but … I'm not sure if it will help any."
The boat appears through the mist now. It's large and flat, the sort of boat used for crossing rivers or swamps. A single hooded and cloaked figure is at the rear, pushing the craft along with a pole. He has a gourd tied to his belt, which glows in Alptraum's senses, and there are several ghosts riding on the deck. Not all of them are Eeee – one is a Khatta.
"More ghosts. And the item on his belt … it glows. Do you see it?" Alptraum asks Lilith quietly. He watches the boat with curiosity and fascination now.
"It's the gourd," Lilith says. "Of course I can see it, it's right there on his belt."
"The gourd? Forgive me, but I don't know any myths or stories related to it. Can you explain?" Alptraum inquires.
"Every night at midnight, Charo opens the gourd for the spirits of the dead to climb into, until he can bring them back home to be put to rest," Lilith says. "The spirits of those from Draco are never left to just haunt some patch of dirt."
"Ah. Then you may be better to negotiate here than I, since you are from Draco county," Alptraum says. He glances back towards the ghost and asks him, "May I ask your last name? Those I meet I always like to know their full names, so at least one will not forget them."
The swamp boat thunks against the wagon, and Philip hops down onto it, then bows to the hooded boatman. "Thank you for coming for me." he says in his ghost voice. The boatman reaches out with a gloved hand and pats the spirit on the shoulder.
After the greeting is done, Philip turns back and says, "Agnar," to Alptraum.
Then deciding to take the risk, Alptraum steps forward. "Charo, may I speak with you?" he says firmly.
The hood covers the boatman's features, and his voice is barely above a whisper. "Yes, Child of a Foreign God?" he replies to Alptraum.
"Thank you. Lilith, several others, and myself are on an urgent quest. We need to pass this swamp with haste. I ask if we can obtain passage across the swamp upon your boat. I only ask this, because a power grows and seeks to resurrect Dagh by using the Shadow of Amena as a source. If he succeeds, this land will be destroyed and all the souls will be unable to rest. Can you assist us? Will you assist us?" Alptraum asks calmly and quietly. He then takes in a breath and waits for the answer.
"Which way do you travel?" the figure asks, after a long pause.
"East, Charo," Lilith speaks up, stepping on the boat as well.
"Towards the mountains, as Lilith says," Alptraum says and steps up onto the boat. "Our allies are camped not far from here. We could rally them together quickly and meet you at the swamp shore."
"I will help you," the boatman whispers, "because the uncle of your friend told me many fine stories while I brought his spirit home. But you will be obliged to perform an errand for me later."
"What errand do you seek from us?" Alptraum inquires.
"I have many to collect here, and only one gourd," the boatman hisses. "You are one who can carry it, a fellow boatman, I sense. You will carry it back to Draco for me, while I collect spirits on my boat. Then you will return a fresh gourd to me."
Alptraum dips his head. "I understand your request and will do as you ask. When do you need me to make this trip on your behalf?" the Eee asks.
"When my gourd is full," Charo says. "It may be some time, but if you agree, you will know when I need you."
"I must accept, for the sake of Sylvania. Upon my honor and that which I am, my service is at your call when you require it," Alptraum replies formally and bows to the boatman. He looks to Lilith and says, "Well, it looks like I will be going to Draco County sometime."
"You wanted to anyway," Lilith remarks. She goes up and actually gives the boatman a (somewhat reserved) hug. "It is good to see you are still alive, Charo," she tells the man.
"And you didn't want me to," Alptraum points out to Lilith. He watches the show of affection with a small bit of surprise.
There's a bit of dry rustling from within the robes, but the embrace doesn't crush Charo. "Indeed, I have a few years left in me, young Lilith Draco," the figure whispers. "Return to your companions, make them ready. I will come to shore in the morning."
Alptraum extends his hand to the figure in an offer to shake. "Thank you," he says.
A gloved hand that feels too fragile to be poling a boat all day briefly clasps with Alptraum's.
Alptraum taps Lilith's shoulder then steps back off the boat. He spreads his wings and says, "Let's go, Lilith. He has a long night ahead of him." The Eeee then takes to the air.
"Thank you again, Charo," Lilith tells the boatman, and then flies off after Alptraum.
"You know a lot of interesting people, Lilith. Just when I think I've figured you out, you surprise me," Alptraum comments to Lilith as they glide back to the camp. "Let's not mention the cost this trip has to the others unless absolutely necessary. I do not wish to worry them. I just hope Draco County will welcome me."
As the sun dips behind the forest, the swamp and ground around the camp falls into shadow… but it does make the two returning Eeee easier to spot, lit up by the setting sun as they come in for a landing.
Alptraum glides in gracefully and lands. "Great news," he says to the camp, "We have transport across the swamp and no one will get muddy. Also, it will cost none of you anything. I hope you were all behaved while we were gone."
Phlagaea would run up to hug Alptraum if she wasn't tying up the ankles of the trousers Tulani has given her.
Tulani looks up from her conversation with Phlagaea as Alptraum lands, and asks curiously, "Transport sounds great, but for free? How did you manage that Alptraum?"
"Professional courtesy," Lilith answers.
"Professional… courtesy?" the Sphynx echoes quizzically, looking confused.
"Right," Alptraum says with a nod. "Charo, the boatsman of the dead, will meet us in the morning at the swamp shoreline and take us across. I doubt you will see the ghosts, so they shouldn't bother you."
"Ghosts?" Ravenia asks. "Boat? Couldn't you have found Rakhtors instead?"
"Appropriate," Mave comments. "We should eat now, to be ready for the morning."
"We have to use what we can find and that's what we found. The Draco army fought here fairly recently. There were many casualties. So, the boatsman is here. I worked out an arrangement with him to get us across. It should be relatively pleasant, really. No muck," Alptraum replies and walks over to Mave and Arkold. "So, are you two behaving?"
"Just ghosts," Raven mutters, but seems resigned.
"Not until after dinner," Mave says.
Tulani tries not to look squeamish at the idea of crossing with the boatman of the dead, and actually succeeds rather well, shrugging her shoulders to herself and helping Phlagaea tie off the other ankle of the pants she had given the Eeee.
"Oh course," Arkold replies, "we were just about to eat." He turns to face Alptraum and asks, "I 'eard ghosts. Are we goin' to be carried aloft by the dead?"
"Only if you drink all the wine," Lilith says. "Those are the only spirits here that will carry you aloft."
"Just stay close to me if you get worried," Alptraum tells Raven. He looks back to Mave briefly, and shakes his head, saying, "You are … I'm not quite sure how to say what you are."
"Mave is a perfectly agreeable lady," Arkold insists. He sheathes his sword and walks across to where she's sitting, then offers her his hand.
Alptraum then walks back over to Phlagaea and sits down beside her. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something after dinner. You know a lot about jewelry, more or less. I've been thinking about getting an earring. I wanted to get your opinions on it," he says, then smacks his own forehead. He looks at Lilith and says grumpily, "We should have gotten dinner while we were out."
The Yodhinala takes the offered hand, giving a smirk.
"I sorta lost my appetite out in the swamp," Lilith admits.
Arkold walks with Mave over to Alptraum and the others, and nods. "Best to get this over with then, we can camp on the far shore where it ought an' be safer. If anyone chases us this far, the bog will halt them, an' we don't want to be caught here with no where to escape," he says.
"Charo won't come until morning. We're here for the night," Alptraum admits to Arkold. "It's that or we walk through the swamp, at night."
"Which is full of ghosts and corpses," Lilith adds.
"My brother does some crafting." Tulani pipes up at the mention of an earring by Alptraum, "Though he usually prefers woodworking. If you meet him he could probably make a pattern base for you for an earring. And if he couldn't make the earring itself he'd probably know someone who does proper metal working and could."
"Then we wait, can't be helped. Don't mind the corpses, have had a mixed sort with ghosts. Still not comfortable with knowing so many of the dead. One thing I do know, though: a warm belly makes up for a lot of ills. I'll 'elp set up, this time. Mave? Care to join me," Arkold says.
"I don't cook," Mave says, but doesn't let go of Arkold's hand.
"Neither do I. It'll be an adventure, an' make seein' ghosts seem agreeable," Arkold says cheerily. Then, he's off to go prepare dinner.
Alptraum leans over and whispers in Phlagaea's ear, "Mave, work? It's probably time for her to go pray to Inala again, like every other time we had work to do." He grins.
Phlagaea nods, and replies, "She's saving her prayers for when she has the Jupani with her, I imagine."
"Scary. But then yours summon vermites," Alptraum teases the green Eeee. He holds his hands up placatingly, then offers, "What would you like for dinner? I'll go make sure whatever they make comes reasonably close."
"Something crunchy," Phlagaea requests.
"We're going to be eating bugs, aren't we?" Raven asks.
