The scenery on the road eastward quickly goes from bland to disturbing. To the north is nothing but churned wasteland, with broken and abandoned military equipment strewn across it – some of it still occupied by the remains of soldiers. The forest to the south becomes progressively sparser and more twisted, until only the denuded black skeletons of trees claw at the overcast sky. The only sound and movement have come from the carriage and its occupants, until finally they've reached the crossroads.

To the north lies Draco County, where the forces of Gallis try to wrest control from the mysterious Countess. Mountains rise in the eastern distance, forming the border between Sylvania and Chronotopia, full of dangerous passes and abandoned history. Southward lie the lands of Ravenia Soldatenmangel and the agreed upon next destination of the travelers.

Alptraum has been quiet for most of the afternoon. His attention has been on guiding the wagon and using his ears to track sounds in the distance, keeping attention out for people or potential ambushes. If the shift in scenery bothers him, he shows no outward appearance of it.

Tulani herself does look mildly disturbed at the sudden, painful looking change, watching the dead landscape with a sad frown on her face.

Arkold leans back on the verge of a doze. Despite insistence he's not sleeping more than once he's closed his eyes and seemed off in dreamland. Then again given his long, often rambling, and even a little bit suspicious stories of being a solider you might half expect he's learned how to keep watch while also slacking off.

"The invasion has caused much distress and sacrifice," Lady Veil says, barely glancing out of the window. "I used to come here often as a girl… but enough of that. We must turn south here, Alptraum."

Glancing over at the other woman Tulani sighs, murmuring, "I'm sorry Raven… I hope we can help… "

"It makes me think of Babel," Alptraum replies quietly and tugs the reins lightly. He mutters something to the Dromodons and gets them to turn. "One thing that place taught me was to not let it get you down. If you give up, they've won. Find the little things to brighten your days."

"I've found large things, actually," Raven says, smirking. "I've found you three. We should be to the castle by nightfall if we hurry. There won't be any bandits along this road."

Tulani cocks an ear at the tone in Raven's voice when talking about the road. She doesn't need to wonder or ask why there would be no bandits here. With such desolation and lack of people what would be the point of attempting robbery?

"They're afraid of the armies, the ghosts, or the reputation? Heh, probably all of the above, right Raven?" The wolf never opens his eyes. He still looks rather asleep actually. Maybe he's learned to sound like he's paying attention too to mask napping.

Alptraum flicks his ears about, tracking for any sounds in the distance. "My guess is Raven's family keeps their roads protected to some degree through soldiers or magic," he comments idly.

Despite Tulani's reasoning, the carriage passes a mounted patrol as it leaves the ruins of the village. Three men bearing pikes and mismatched armor riding Dromodons. Two of them are Gallahs, and the third is a Khatta. They do nothing to impede the coach or even show much interest in it.

"Magic is not so visible as armor," Raven says. "We patrol the roads regularly, though mainly to watch for the followers of the sorcerer than for invading armies."

"Have you taken any of the sigils from his followers?" Alptraum inquires, still looking straight ahead. "Those seem to be his focus of power on them. For larger groups, he'll have the diagrams on the ground to control armies of the undead."

The landscape begins to recover slightly, with a few trees showing their spring colors along the sides of the road. "Father has learned much about the enemy, but never their location," Raven explains. "Perhaps they will not be able to elude you three so easily."

Tulani turns her head as the carriage rolls on, watching the patrol as they pass, not having much to say at the moment, since Alptraum and Arkold are definitely more versed on the subject of the undead and situations like this.

The Khatta soldier makes brief eye contact with the Sphynx, revealing the same dull expression as Grey, Raven's attendant.

The wolf shifts to get a bit more comfortable. "I wonder sometimes wha' these guys must be thinkin'. Blood-monsters, zombies, and cultists. The cultists I can kind of figure, but the leaders are a puzzle, eh? Power, sure, but there're better ways to power than hangin' out with the dead and making blood dance." He shrugs a little. "Or maybe I missed somethin'."

"I imagine it is something of an addiction, Arkold," Raven comments. "Power, that is. Once you have a little, you crave more. And when you have a lot… you still need more, perhaps to protect yourself from your own allies."

"Heh, I hope you're right. He certainly eluded me last time," Alptraum comments grimly. "What bodies of water do you have in the area? Rivers? Lakes?" He glances toward Arkold and asks, "Do you know anything about crystal necklaces that glow? He stole one from the south. That's what started me after him."

"I know that when there's a lady aroun' all necklaces glow an' magically your coin seems to vanish," Arkold whispers conspiratorially back to Alptraum. In a louder voice he answers, "Nothin' about that. We're here for the reasons you know. Or, eh, then again … Hey, Tulani? Didn't that guy in the cave … you know the one … didn't he have an amulet aroun' his neck? Somethin' about a death cult?"

Hrumphing lightly to herself and flicking an ear absently, Tulani comments rather stiffly, "Power always seemed rather pointless to me… unless you do something worthwhile with it… " Blinking at Arkold's comment, she answers, "Yes… he did."

"Oh? Death cult? What sort of death cult?" Alptraum asks, his attention diverting from the road ahead to glance between Arkold and back into the recesses of the wagon.

"Seems like there's a lot of death cults," Arkold remarks ponderingly. "You'd think there'd be plenty of time for membership after you're, ah, closer to the focus so to speak."

"Perhaps by worshipping and appeasing death, these people hope to escape the inevitable," Raven speculates.

"I've met quite a few people in a hurry to be there," Alptraum remarks. "And more than enough willing to get other people there; be it warriors or children. As for avoiding it, heh. People wanting to do that sure made my life a mess."

Tulani continues to look thoughtfully out the window, even though there's not much to look at, while listening carefully. "Found a pendant with a necromantic rune on it… " She pauses, then continues, "A life without death seems a sad place… "

The carriage passes by another patrol, this one containing a Rhian, a Gallisian poodle, and worn out looking Skreek. The poodle is even wearing a Gallisian uniform, with the rank insignia torn off.

Arkold nods slightly. Maybe he is awake. "Haven't met an immortal yet who didn't seem to regret it. Spoke to one of them pointy-headed Rhians an' he seemed a melancholy sort."

"How did you get the Gallee to serve your family, Raven?" Alptraum inquires after a glance at the poodle.

"This territory is dangerous to those unfamiliar with it," Raven says. "Sometimes soldiers find themselves lost and in need of rescue. Serving out of gratitude is traditional, I believe. Isn't that right Grey?"

"Yes'm," mutters the normally silent poodle from the backboard of the coach.

Tulani blinks as the poodle speaks. He's normally so quiet she had almost forgotten he was still there.

Alptraum glances over at Arkold. He's not sure he believes that, but lets it go for now. "Well, an odd sort of story … but it's believed by some that I'm immortal," he comments, changing topics. "Personally, I think that's highly unlikely."

"Most people jus' think I'm immoral. Maybe I should quest for a 't', eh?" Arkold rumbles a chuckle.

The forest grows thicker as they travel further south, although there are now swaths of clear-cutting to break it up. "How would one know they were immortal without trying the ultimate test? You don't seem old beyond your looks to me, Alptraum," Raven says.

Grinning at Arkold's play on words, Tulani joins the wolf in his laughter.

"Because of my birth. I was born by a woman believed caught between life and death," Alptraum replies, his ears flicking again. "It's also why the now dead ruler of Babel wanted to take my body for his own. He wanted to live forever, and what better than an 'immortal' body? Personally, I don't want to find out one way or another."

"On the other hand an immortal bats could tell the world how great I am well into the future. I expect statues, bats," Arkold murmurs.

"Of you? I don't want to scare away even more people from Sylvania," Alptraum replies with a smirk.

Flicking an ear at Arkold's comment, Tulani quickly bangs her hand on the backboard between the driver area and the inside, commenting to the wolf, "Be nice."

"Now now, Arkold strikes quite the heroic figure, really," Raven comments, grinning at Tulani.

Arkold smiles. "Sylvania has the most wonderful people."

Another patrol is seen at the edge of the forest. This time there are six riders, and two of them are armed with crossbows. As before though, they ignore the coach.

"I'm sure you say that in every place you visit Arkold, " Tulani comments in reprisal, the humor audible in her voice. "Not getting you any free meals here though… "

"Well, you will all be treated to dinner at the castle, of course," Raven notes.

Alptraum leans over and whispers to Arkold, "Stay alert. The behavior of their patrols strikes me as odd." He then says in a normal tone, "Oh, I wouldn't think of imposing. I'm used to finding my own food in the woods."

Arkold coughs. "Tha's not true. I hate Abu Dhabi. An' we got a free meal. Wasn't real, but it was free," he insists.

"I'm sure we will be able to provide you with something suitable, Alptraum," Raven insists. "The woods are too dangerous at night. Especially at night. And it wouldn't do for you to be shot as an intruder in the dark."

Alptraum winces. "Ah, really, I don't want to impose. I can handle the night just fine," he insists in reply.

Tulani replies, "You really shouldn't Alptraum. I'm sure Raven knows more about the area, so I'd go with her judgement."

"I really must insist, Alptraum," Raven says. "Father would be insulted otherwise." As if on cue, a rider breaks off from another passing patrol, and takes up an escort position just in front of the carriages lead Dromodon. The black Rhian doesn't even look back when he does so, but is armed with a pike, a sword and a crossbow.

"How abou' if you try an' go, I hit you with a sap an' hand you to Raven. That way you can't argue, an' everyone's happy." Arkold grins a little too sweetly, then nudges Alptraum. "Go on. Listen to her. If you up and get dead on me, I'll kill you."

Tulani snickers at Arkold's final words, chiming in, "Yes! If you die I'll never speak to you again."

"He might be even more insulted by what you're bringing in the house if he knew," Alptraum mutters under his breath. He then glares at Arkold and replies, "Some friend you are."

Arkold laughs a bit more. "Maybe we're imposin' on his immortality tests. If you die, you be sure to tell us. I'm curious now."

The sky begins to dim, whether from the sun starting to set or just general thickness of the overcast is impossible to tell. A walled structure is just visible up ahead now; a dark hulking mass peppered with the glow of torches in windows.

"Cheery," Alptraum comments. His position shifts now and then.

Tulani glances out at the building, curiously, before turning to look over at Raven.

"Ah, we're nearly there now," Raven says, sounding cheerier. "Home Sweet Home, such as it is… "

"Usually places don't look like this until after the fifth drink," remarks Arkold as he finally opens his eyes and peers at the structure.

"So … what is your father's name? What's he like? How formal do we need to be?" Alptraum asks, eyeing the castle warily. "Should we just smile and nod?"

"He really isn't all that formal, so long as one shows respect," Raven answers. "Sincerity is what he appreciates most."

The escort guides the carriage through a lopsided gate into a central courtyard, where a bright figure waits. A Sylvanian Eeee from her build, but dressed in Babelite style (which is to say two nearly transparent wisps of blue gauze), the white-furred and raven-haired woman practically bounces on her toes. "Raven! You're finally home!"

Alptraum arches his eyebrows at the bat. "Well, that's unexpected," he comments to himself. He sort of slouches down, trying to not look too conspicuous.

Tulani suppresses any nervousness she might be feeling, looking very calm, and smiles at the bouncing bat while murmuring to Raven, "Someone's really happy to see you… "

"We, er, she I'm sure to be home glad is- … er, I'm sure she's glad to be home. Welcome home Raven," says Arkold, who smiles at the woman.

As the carriage stops, Raven bursts from the coach. "Lilith!" the human cries, and embraces the bat. The Eeee finally notices the others in the carriage, gazing at them over Raven's shoulder with the same ice-blue eyes as the human. "Oh my, you've brought guests Raven! How wonderful! Father will be thrilled."

Alptraum climbs down from the wagon slowly and curls his wings back tightly. He pats the Dromodons and tells them thank you. "Well, they seem friendly," he comments to Arkold.

The Sphynx quickly exits the coach after Raven, stretching her wings, letting the feathers resettle themselves, and smiling at the Eeee woman.

Arkold steps from the coach with surprising grace and offers the Eeee his hand. "And I must say we're charmed to be here," he offers. Alptraum gets a very quick and approving nod as the man moves past him.

"Oh, my manners!" Raven says, releasing the Eeee and turning to the others. "Everyone, this is my sister, Lilith. Lilith, these are Tulani Herfel, Alptraum bar Reisender and Arkold Volkenhold, here to help us with our sorcerer problem."

"Pleased to meet you all," Lilith says, taking Arkold's hand and smiling widely. Widely enough to show some impressive fangs.

Alptraum bows his head slightly and says, "Pleasure to meet you, m'lady." He walks toward the two a few steps to get a better look.

Tulani holds a hand out to Lilith as well, saying, "Nice to meet you." She smiles warmly, not seeming to notice the Eeee's fangs.

Side by side, the two women could be a matched set, if not for the species difference. They are the same height, nearly the same build and have the same length hair… just opposite in color save for their eyes.

Arkold brushes his muzzle just above Lilith's hand before releasing it and stepping away. "You two are as a mirror images! I would not be half surprised now to find you have other sisters, Raven," he remarks in a friendly fashion.

"Huh, I would never have figured you had Eeee in your family, Raven," Alptraum says with a grin. "You're definitely a woman of surprises."

Lilith manages to blush at the compliment, which can be impressive on a nearly-naked white-furred Eeee. "There are just the two of us so far, I'm afraid," Raven says, almost apologetically. "No brother I'm sorry to say," she adds, winking at Tulani.

The black and white Sphynx glances between the two women, wiggling an ear at Lilith's comment. With a small smile on her face, she replies, "If there was, I'm sure he'd be as handsome as you two are beautiful." Blinking before continuing, she says, "I'm sorry Arkold, that was your line wasn't it?"

Alptraum elbows Arkold. "We should get our things from the wagon," he says.

Several dull-eyed servants begin to unload the coach and tend to the Dromodons, including the trio's packs.

"I'm afraid I won't lament the lack of brother for you then, Tulani," the wolf replies with a slight grin. Then he nods to Alptraum and adds, "Duty calls. Until later."

Alptraum pauses and glances at the wagon, then Arkold, saying, "Or not." He turns and looks at Lilith. "Have you been to Babel before, M'lady? I recognize the clothing," he says and smiles.

"Father is out patrolling," Lilith says to Raven. "I'll go see about having guest rooms prepared, dear sister, so I leave it to you to keep them entertained until then?" Turning back to Alptraum, Lilith smiles and spins around. "Do you like it? I've never been to Babel myself, but I do what I can with what I have."

"I've been to Babel and I wouldn't recommend visiting right now. But anyway, your clothing … you've definitely replicated the look," Alptraum replies and nods. "It looks fetching on you." He smiles.

"It certainly is very likeable. Very likeable indeed," Arkold murmurs appreciatively.

Tulani watches the bat twirl, nodding in agreement with the others before commenting herself, "Its lovely, the cloth is very nice." Grinning, she adds, "And well… you've already turned at least two heads with it… " while glancing at Arkold and Alptraum.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have arrangements to see to," Lilith says, and gives a slight bow before walking through the large entry way into the castle. The arched stone had melted and run like wax at some point in the past, leaving dangling stalagmites that give the opening the look of a fanged maw.

Alptraum grins at Raven. "Now, why didn't you tell us your family was Eeee?" he asks, looking mock-annoyed.

"Oh… forgive me Alptraum," Raven says in a mollifying tone. "But actually Lilith is adopted. Now please follow me… the castle needs some renovation still, so some of the passages are unusable and it's easy to get lost."

Tulani follows behind Raven, occasionally pausing to touch the warped stone, unable to resist trying to feel its texture, to see if it really was stone.

Alptraum dips his head. "Lead on," he says.

The walls are indeed cold stone, although the passages themselves tend to curve or bob up and down in ways that laid stone blocks shouldn't. Despite the warning of Raven, the usable halls are the only ones lit with torches, and after a bit of turning she leads them to a central hall.

"This castle makes me feel drunk," Alptraum comments idly.

Like most grand halls, the ceiling is high and arched, with a giant wooden chandelier holding what must be a hundred lit candles. There are subtle warpings to the arches and walls though, which sometimes distorts the visual sense of scale or distance. Servants are busily assembling a curved table in the center, around a raised dais.

"Reminds me a bit of Caroban," Arkold comments as he follows along.

"I'd love to visit there someday," Raven comments, as servants bring out chairs for them to sit on.

"I wonder if you got drunk here, would it look normal?" Alptraum says to Arkold.

"Remind me to test that theory later," replies Arkold.

The table itself is made of sections, and large enough to seat a dozen people, but for now is set for just five. Its ends curl around the dais, and leave a substantial gap on the far side.

The wolf turns to Raven and nods, "It's something to see certainly."

Tulani glances around with interest at the warped walls and surfaces. Strange, but very interesting…

"You got it. I'll want a full report, soldier," Alptraum replies and winks at Arkold. His attention turns back towards the table. "Ah, sorry about commenting on your home, Raven. It's just rather unique."

The walls are oddly barren for a castle. No portraits or tapestries adorn them at all. "Please make yourselves comfortable," Raven says, gesturing towards the chairs.

Alptraum walks toward the table. "Is there any particular seating order you would prefer?" he asks Raven.

As directed Arkold walks over and takes a seat at one of the side chairs. "I'd think you'd want to avoid takin' the head bats. The rest is probably up to us to figure our order of importance. Go ahead bats. Sit closer to the head, I'll be back here."

Wandering over to the table, the Sylvanian Sphynx prepares to take a seat, but stops to wait for Raven's answer.

Pointing, Raven suggests, "Tulani in the center, with Arkold to her right and Alptraum to her left. Lilith and I sit on the ends, since they'll be closest to father."

Arkold sits up and adjusts his seating choice to match. "'Course the lady knows best."

Alptraum nods his head once. "All right, sounds good," he replies and glances at the dais, wondering what her father is. He settles carefully down into a chair off-center.

The room warms considerably as servants build up the fires in the large hearths at either end, and a quartet of musicians in a side nook begin to play some chamber music.

Shrugging, Tulani moves to take the suggested seat in the middle, feeling a little odd at the arrangement for some reason.

"Don't I feel like the bum invited to the ball," Alptraum comments under his breath. He glances at Tulani and smiles sympathetically at her.

Tulani turns a small smile back at Alptraum, thankful for the sympathy, as she's feeling a little nervous.

Arkold smiles a little at Tulani. "That's my job anyway," he tells her.

"Everything is set!" Lilith announces, arriving out of a darkened hallway that faces the table. "The signal fire has been lit, so father should see it and return soon. You should have time to change though, Raven!" The Eeee hasn't done anything to her own wardrobe, however. "I suppose it's warm enough now," Lilith responds, and smiles to the others. "I'll be back in just a few moments," she says, then disappears off into the unlit hall.

Alptraum just blinks. "Your sister is very energetic," he says to Lilith. "Is how we look okay? I don't feel, well, dressed well enough to be dining in a castle hall."

Taking the seat next to Alptraum, Lilith asks, "Would anyone like a drink before dinner? And you're dressed just fine, looking as rugged heroes should! But you'll probably want to clean up later on."

Leaning closer to whisper to Tulani, Arkold says, "You know … I always feel a bit apprehensive in situations like this. Like," he glances around, "somethin' is waitin' to surprise us. And it may not be good. Maybe I've been fighting too long."

Alptraum licks over his lips and fangs. "I wouldn't mind something. I hadn't realized how dry I feel after the long ride," he says and glances over at Lilith.

Tulani cocks an ear towards Arkold, nodding to him, and murmurs, "I feel the same… sort of," before turning back to Lilith, smiling and saying, "Yes, a drink would be nice."

The Eeee snaps her fingers, and a servant brings a bottle of wine over for Arkold's inspection, although the label is so faded as to be illegible. "We have a good selection of wines, I'm told," Lilith says, as a different servant brings a chalice. From Alptraum's position next to her, he can tell that it's filled with blood; fresh and still warm, from the smell. "Would you like some wine as well, Alptraum?" the Eeee inquires.

Arkold squints at the label. "Incomprehensible. I hear that's an excellent year. Pour away my good man," he tells the servant.

The Khatta servant quietly pops the cork, and fills Arkold and Tulani's wineglasses, then takes a step towards Alptraum's.

Alptraum's fingers splay out momentarily. His stomach lets out a gurgle reminding him it's been since morning since he ate anything at all. Resigned, Alptraum nods his head and says, "Yes, ah. Could I get a glass of what you're having?"

"Certainly," Lilith says, not showing the least bit of surprise or concern. The servant with the wine sets the bottle down between Arkold and Tulani, and another brings a fresh chalice for Alptraum.

"Thank you," Alptraum says to Lilith. "I'm just … used to having to hide," he says and glances back at Tulani. "Particularly when travelling. Sorry Tulani."

"I used to dine with members of the audit. That kind of, ah, habit … mmm … preference pales in comparison to theirs," insists the wolf. He reaches over and works the cork from the bottle, careful to hold it so that the cork would shoot over his shoulder. Then he pours for Tulani first.

Looking down a little blankly, but with a strange calm into her glass, the black and white Sphynx murmurs to Alptraum… "I would say… you should have told me… but I understand why you didn't… " A small reserved smile is on her face as she looks up at the Eeee, continuing, "I have given you my friendship, you have done nothing to break it."

"Ah, well, it's out of habit more than anything. People get itchy when traveling with someone vampiric in my experience. Not that I'd ever hurt anyone, but," Alptraum rambles a bit and glances over at Tulani. "Anyway."

"Hey I didn't care. 'Course can't be too many people traveling with the people I do either, I suppose," the wolf pipes in. He pours himself his own glass of wine as he speaks.

Tulani smiles, thinking of home and comments, "My father always said to base trust on action; what people do and think."

Alptraum simply nods to that and takes a slow drink from his cup.

Raven reappears from a hallway, dressed for dinner in exactly the same outfit that Lilith wears. "I do hope someone saved a bit of wine for me!" she laughs, as she heads for the seat next to Arkold.

Smiling at Raven as she enters, Tulani comments with a note of humor in her voice, "Luckily Arkold seems to be on good behavior, so yes there should be some wine left." She grins.

Arkold rises to draw a chair for Raven as she approaches. "Plenty of wine! I'll pour you a glass once you're seated," he says.

Alptraum just barely manages not to snort his drink out through his nose when Raven returns. "That style of clothing has … interesting effects on a non-Eeee," he manages to comment and recover.

Tulani cocks an eyebrow curiously, and with some surprise at Ravens new apparel, but doesn't comment. She just smiles at Alptraum's reaction.

"It's quite comfortable when the air is warm enough," Raven says as she sits down next to the Jupani and passes him her wineglass. "If you like, Tulani, I can probably find something for you to wear… "

"Are you certain I can't go out and hunt, patrol, anything?" Alptraum asks suddenly after the comment about Tulani and clothing.

Arkold seems to trip himself on something on the way back to his chair. He manages to recover by using the seat to steady himself, then sits to pour Raven her wine.

"I'm sure that father has gathered more information about the enemy's movements in my absence," Raven says, looking towards Lilith. "So that he can tell you where best to search, Alptraum."

Both of the Sphynx's eyebrows go up at Raven's suggestion. Turning to punch Alptraum good-naturedly (but a little harder than usual) on the shoulder, she suppresses a slight chuckle, replying, "I'd hate to impose but I'd love to see what the texture of that cloth feels like."

"Oh, it's like wearing nothing at all," Lilith responds to Tulani, ignoring her sister's querying look for the time being.

Alptraum takes another sip, then considers something and digs in the pouch at his side. "Lilith, may I see your hand?" he asks. "I just want to try something. It should be harmless, but I have to know."

The Eeee woman smiles and offers her hand to Alptraum. "Oh my, is it a ring? Like in a fairy tale?" she asks.

After pouring Raven her drink Arkold takes a particularly long sip of wine, and swallows while smiling as if nothing at all were happening.

Alptraum shakes his head and pulls out the bladeless dagger. Carefully, he takes his hand into hers and holds it palm up. "Now, just tell me if you feel anything, okay?" he asks. He brings the hilt up and points where the blade would be down. Very slowly, he lowers it toward her palm.

Smirking slightly at the reaction of the men, Tulani takes a sip from her glass of wine. A small sip, as she's not incredibly fond of wine in the first place, but this is good. She seriously considers what it would be like to wear an outfit like Lilith's, before being distracted by Alptraum's action, watching closely.

"Is it supposed to be magic, or a trick?" Lilith asks, leaning in close to watch the palm of her own hand. "I feel that you have warm hands, but nothing else yet I'm afraid."

Alptraum carefully brings the hilt down, where the 'blade' should be touching her now. He then goes just a slight bit further. "Anything at all?" he asks.

Lilith's eyes turn up to look at Alptraum's face. "I'm sorry… am I supposed to feel anything? It's some sort of test, is it?"

"Well, I was hoping you would. I was hoping to find it affected all Eeee," Alptraum says and squeezes her hand lightly, then lets go. "Watch," he says, then brings the 'knife' through his own hand while holding it to be easily visible.

"Your fur moves!" Lilith observes. "It is a magic trick!"

"Next he'll pull a coin from behind your ear," Arkold jests, gesturing with his glass.

"It just means something is wrong with me, then," Alptraum says as he puts the hilt away. "I can feel a blade. It's like ice."

"You could pull an entire piggy bank out of one of Lilith's ears," Raven whispers into Arkold's own ear, so that the sharp-eared one across the table might not hear her.

Arkold coughs to cover his laughter, then leans back and whispers, "That is not at all nice." But he does offer to refill her glass again.

Tulani takes another sip of the wine in front of her, twitching her wings a little in her seat, not looking very surprised at the lack of a reaction on Lilith to Alptraum's 'test'.

A servant dressed as a page steps in front of the darkened hallway, and clears his throat. Immediately, the quartet stop their playing. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Lord Vorgulremik Soldatenmangel, returned from a successful patrol in which he has captured a live minion of the enemy!"

Raven and Lilith immediately stand up, and gesture to the others to do so as well.

Alptraum gets up as bidden and holds his breath.

Tulani rises to her feet, curiously watching the entrance hall.

"Lord… " The wolf blinks, and his glass tips in his hand to spill a but of wine on the table. "Can't possibly be … how many could have that name … No, no." He shakes his head, and turns to look at the door without standing. "Eh, impossible."

Firelight plays across scales that shine like burnished steel as the lord of the castle flows out of the darkened hall, his wings scraping its ceiling. While not huge, the dragon is big enough… easily outweighing a Dromodon. Golden cat-like eyes scan across the assembled people, the left one crossed by a pale scar. They pause and focus for a moment on the Jupani. "Why, as I live and breathe fire," Vorgulremik rumbles, "it really is a small world."

Alptraum glances over at Arkold, his eyebrows arched up. Still, he remains quiet, hoping that these two are on at least decent terms or this could get … ugly.

Eyes widening in surprise, the Sylvanian Sphynx quickly settles down, standing her ground as the Lord of the castle seems to know Arkold. She remains as silent as Alptraum, waiting to see how things begin to play out.

Arkold's brows just about shoot off his head. He works his jaw a moment as if trying to say something, then suddenly rises. "Vorgul, ahem, Vorgulremik. It's been a long time, eh, I see time has done you large. Well. Done you well," he works out.

"Likewise, as you're certainly bigger than the last time we met as well," the dragon replies, then sits on his haunches in the gap of the table. "Ravenia?" he says, glancing at the dark woman.

"Yes, father!" Raven says, and gestures around the table. "These are Alptraum bar Reisender and Tulani Herfel of Sylvania, and… ah… you seem to know Arkold already. They've come to help defeat the sorcerer Dack! I also have that other information you wanted."

The dragon turns his gaze on Alptraum and Tulani, lingering several moments longer upon the Sphynx. "Please, sit down and relax. Welcome to my household, honored visitors, and forgive me if I am brusque. It has been a long time since I've had guests for dinner."

"For … dinner," breathes Arkold as he drops back in to his seat. He eyes the dragon as if not quite sure what to make of him. To Tulani and Alptraum it may be the most suspicious look he's ever given anyone in their presence.

"Gods I hope he doesn't mean that literally," Alptraum thinks as he settles back down. "Well, offer as much help as we can," he adds nervously. "I believe I've encountered your sorcerer before … about two years or so ago."

Not forgetting her manners, Tulani bows her head respectfully to the Dragon Lord of the castle before replying, "It is a pleasure to meet you," and taking her seat.

Tulani notes Arkold's suspicious look.

The dragon's head swivels back to focus on Alptraum. "Oh? I'd love dearly to hear about it," he says, and settles down onto his elbows, so that his head is at about the same level as those seated around the table. The chamber music starts up again.

"Well, first I have to ask, is he a graying Khatta? If he's not, then it's not the same person," Alptraum asks, glancing over to Arkold briefly. He ponders using some sign, but decides against it because the dragon may know it, and he can't remember if Arkold does or not.

For his part Arkold continues to watch the dragon with a suspicious eye. He hides it behind the occasional sip, or glance at the others, but he's definitely watching with careful interest. Rather as if he were unwilling to take his eyes off the dragon for more than a few seconds.

"I have not seen him personally, but there have been reports of an older Khatta traveling in the areas that the sorcerer afflicts," the dragon concedes.

Tulani follows Arkold's example, partially at least, listening and watching the exchanges carefully, but without the glaring suspicion in her eyes… not feeling she has much to contribute to the conversation so far.

"Alright, then I'll tell you what I experienced a few years ago," Alptraum begins, pausing to take a sip. He then spends the next large amount of time telling about his trip through Sylvania years ago. The story starts with the necklace, his friend Autumn-Storm, then proceeds through his various encounters while chasing him … the inn and zombie trap, the town where the blood demon attacked, his battle with it and how he lost his track when winter fell. "And that about sums it up, more or less," Alptraum finishes. "If it is the same person, then I offer you my apologies for not stopping him the first time. I was convinced there were more important concerns for me."

"Blackshire, you say?" the dragon asks, using a forepaw to rub his chin. "Coincidence then, or perhaps pattern. A possible reason for him to be here." While looking thoughtful, Vorgulremik's eyes frequently glance towards Tulani, with nearly the same suspicion with which Arkold regards the dragon.

Arkold shoots the dragon a look at "him to be here," but only holds it a moment before resuming his watch and frowning occasionally in to his glass.

"May we inquire as to the pattern you're suspecting?" Alptraum asks of the dragon. He then glances over at Lilith … mainly her eyes. Something about all of this just does not sit right.

Noticing the dragon's frequent glances Tulani cocks an eyebrow at him as though inviting him to say whatever is on his mind, but not asking herself.

Lilith's gaze is fixed raptly on the dragon, as is Raven's. "Perhaps it is nothing," the dragon rumbles in reply. "Just that the rulers of Blackshire are the Kurais, and it was their very ancestor who warped the castle you are now in, generations ago."

"Ah. I think I vaguely remember hearing stories about that from my troupe. I should have paid more attention to the tales, … but I was never a good storyteller so didn't bother," Alptraum admits and looks down at his cup. "In any event, I'm not quite certain how much help we could be to you, good Lord. I can track by sound, certainly, and know a few tricks in dealing with his creations … but that's about all."

"This is the castle of the Necromancer King," Arkold says rather than asks. If anything he looks even more suspicious now.

"Oh, nothing so grand, dear Arkold," Vorgulremik says with a raspy chuckle. "Ever necromancer had their stronghold, and fought against one another. The Mage Kurai fought not just against the King."

Tulani looks very surprised at Arkold's statement, looking quickly over to the wolf and then back to the dragon, listening carefully to his reply, and murmuring to herself, "Really now… "

Arkold doesn't look entirely convinced. Rather as if he can't fathom how this can't be the castle, as if the truth wasn't weird enough to fit in with the arrival of the dragon. "I see."

"But," the dragon notes, "perhaps the sorcerer thinks as you do, Arkold? What would he possibly want from such a place, do you suppose?"

"Secrets to his power. People always want to believe that someone powerful would write down their secrets instead of keeping them up here," Alptraum comments and taps the side of his head.

"Same thing every fool wants from something best left undone. Power, wealth, an' fame," the wolf answers. Given his knowing look at the dragon, Alptraum and Tulani may suspect another meaning behind those words.

"Books are such a flawed method of transferring knowledge," the dragon comments, but doesn't appear to dismiss the idea. "It seems more likely he seeks something of Kurai's, if he went to the trouble stealing something from a direct descendant. Perhaps it was an artifact that Phelix the First used in battle? Or simply a means of focusing on the search, as personal items have power to a sorcerer."

Turning once more to Arkold, Vorgulremik asks, "And just what is it that has brought you so deep into a country notoriously lacking in the comforts of wealthy Rephidim, Arkold?"

Feeling increasingly lost in the conversation, Tulani sighs, leaning in her chair and listening to the growing chain of conversation, and some information unfolding, trying to store it away…

Arkold shrugs with unconvincing carelessness. "I'd ask the same of you, but, I think I already know." He puts his hands on the table and raises an eyebrow. "As for why I'm here, why, let's say here is as good as anywhere these days."

Alptraum looks like he's going to add something, then his mouth abruptly closes and he looks over at Arkold.

"We all seek a place where we belong, Arkold," the dragon comments with a toothy grin. "Is that perhaps what you are looking for?"

At the question Arkold's features sag a bit. It makes him look … old. "Yeah, maybe so."

The dragon turns back towards Alptraum, pausing to give Tulani an uncertain look along the way. "You must be quite tenacious to have tracked the sorcerer all this way, after such a long span of time. What do you intend to do when you find him, if I may ask?"

Watching Arkold's features droop, the Sphynx smiles warmly at him trying to cheer him up a bit, even in their current surroundings, briefly putting an arm around his shoulder and giving him a strong sympathetic hug.

Arkold really does brighten up at the hug. He pats Tulani's arm and adds, "Maybe I've already found it."

"And a chance to do something good for the world while you are here, or so you told me, Arkold. It's why we're all here; to do things, even small, to try and make Sylvania a better place. Yes, I know it's a pointless, almost hopeless, battle. But a little hope goes a long way," Alptraum says and looks over at Arkold. His attention quickly returns to the dragon and he considers, then shrugs. "You know, I'm not entirely certain. Part of me wants to kill him … for various reasons, another part doesn't. I just want to stop the horrors he unleashes."

"Killing him would be premature," the dragon advises. "But capturing him for questioning… that could do some good, I feel. He may be allied with the Gallisians in some larger plot to weaken Sylvania."

"Or he may know valuable necromantic secrets, eh Vorgulremik?" The wolf raises a brow. "Or am I not the only one who's changed, eh? I've seen your servants. A little glazed, eh? An' I don't yet see a ring on your talon."

"Alternately, ending his existence quickly may help remove the knowledge he has from this world about necromancy … which wouldn't be a bad thing," Alptraum offers, then stops and just looks at Arkold.

Tulani watches the exchanges, eyes narrowing slightly at Arkold's suggestion, and his very real observation about the staff.

The dragon tilts his head back towards Arkold. "You have certainly grown bolder over the years, old friend. But you can hardly insult me. It is true that I ravage the countryside, lay waste to fertile land, and occasionally engage in wholesale slaughter. But then, I am a dragon. It is in my nature to do these things. But unlike the Gallisians or the Necromancers before them, you don't hear me claiming to do so out of a higher morality, and that it's all for my victims' own good. All things considered, I'm the lesser monster here."

"What do you want, old friend?" The wolf shifts in his seat and takes a sip. "Am I to believe this ravaged countryside is your work, as well? I ain't the only one who's become more bold. You used to be subtler."

The Sylvanian Sphynx takes a deep breath to control some of her shock, her face becoming completely blank as she wait for the dragon's answer.

"I was more vulnerable then," the dragon answers. "But this land calls to me, and I am fond of it. So, for my own purely selfish reasons, I seek to preserve it. As for ancient Necromantic knowledge, I could care less. The Necromancers are gone, so clearly their power was flawed, and what use is that to me? I have all the power over the dead that I could want."

"Pardon me, but I don't feel well," Alptraum says and stands. "I think I should retire for the evening. I'll write down what I know of the necromancer and what description I can muster. I'll also include diagrams of the symbols I remember him using. I hope that will be helpful enough in dealing with him," he says, then looks directly at the dragon. "I think that is all the help I can be."

Arkold nods stiffly to the answer. Briefly he glances between Alptraum and Tulani, offering, "If you two want to turn in late I'll fill my … friend here in on the rest. Go ahead. I know enough."

"Hmm, I do not mean to offend," the dragon says to Alptraum. "I simply find hypocrisy distasteful. Will you not stay for the interrogation of the prisoner at least?"

While she has absolutely nothing to say to this castles… Lord… Tulani refuses to abandon Arkold, giving him a weak smile that says, fairly clearly; You think I'm going to leave you alone with a dragon?

Arkold gives Tulani a brief, quite frustrated look, and then grins. "Guess Tulani an' I will stay."

"You … remind me of someone else I know; my own father. Always had an answer and a reason for every horror," Alptraum says slowly and looks directly into the dragon's eyes. "I got to hold some of his victims before … children. And thanks to what I am, I've had to sit up with ghosts and see the horrors of their lives and their last moments of them. Nature be damned; you have a mind, you could choose another path."

The wolf shifts his gaze around to look at Alptraum like he's mad for a moment. But something changes in his expression, and then he nods approvingly. "The man's right." He didn't say "boy."

Again the dragon's gaze is drawn to the Sphynx. "Of course, I would be quite shocked if she didn't," he comments. Turning back to Alptraum, he says, "And you must kill to survive, do you not? Of course you limit yourself to animals… but even they have families and feelings and enjoy life to some extent. But in the end, they will have died anyway, perhaps from disease or age or accident, if not to another predator. To be killed by you though, who can to some degree understand what you are doing, isn't that a nobler death?"

Tulani watches the dragon, listening carefully to his words and the replies of the others, clenching a fist lightly under the table. A calm look graces her face as she murmurs, "To kill for food, or to protect yourself or something you hold dear is different from the wanton destruction of another intelligent being."

"No, it's not nobility; it's just death," Alptraum replies and then nods toward Tulani. "And I try to bring some hope into the world, however small. I've stood for people when they were alone and showed them there was a better way to be. I've also been responsible for some horrible things, direct and indirect," Alptraum replies and sighs. "My existence has brought horrors to this world I would have given anything to have prevented. But, what I seek here, what I want more than anything, is to have my life be worth more to this world than the damage it's caused. I don't revel in my nature. I fight against it."

Arkold listens to the others, then shrugs a bit. "You know where I've been, Vorg. I think I'd have probably agreed with you back then. But," he takes a sip of wine – and you notice his hand shakes slightly – and continues, saying, "I've changed. I agree with these two. A land ruled by a lesser of two evils is still a land ruled by evil."

"Such is the state of mortal existence and consciousness," Vorgulremik replies, nodding. "I do not see myself as a monster, as you do not wish to see yourself as one either. You fight the monster within, perhaps making it stronger and more determined. My path is different, but at least my evil is confined to myself. Armies of men move through this land, killing, despoiling and dying to satisfy the greed of a few. Out there this night is a man who kills not for his own power or desires, but to serve his dark god in some unholy enterprise. It is true that there are many evils, and some can be fought, and some should be fought. But you must choose which ones to fight, and which ones to… set aside… for another time."

Quiet throughout the conversation so far, both Lilith and Raven look slightly confused, as if they haven't really been listening. Finally Raven turns to Alptraum and asks, "Do you see me as being a monster by association, Alptraum?"

On the dragon's last point Tulani suddenly looks up, meeting his gaze and replying, "Now on that point I agree with you… " Taking a deep breath before continuing seriously, "I recognize that there are a variety of evils in the world, and that some should be in the… forefront of our thoughts for the moment."

"I guess our duel to the death will have to wait for later, Vorgulremik," Arkold says in a too-tight jest. He drops back in to his chair and only manages a half-hearted laugh. "I'd have had you hands down, you'll know."

The dragon gives Arkold a measuring look. "No… no I think I'd have the advantage, Arkold. You still have something to live for, so wouldn't put your all into the fight I feel."

Alptraum's expression shifts to one of pain. "I … " Alptraum replies and his shoulders slump. "I've found so many sparks of light in darkness; I've failed every one of them too. I don't know how to even answer that question any more."

"Perhaps cards then, later. I'm curious what happened to you," the wolf offers a bit more easily.

Seeing Alptraum's depression, Tulani reaches out, including him in her warmth, giving him a gentle, but firm hug about his shoulders.

"Dwell less on the failures and on the abyss, Alptraum," Vorgulremik suggests. "That is advice from someone who has lived with the darkness for a very, very long time. As for myself, dear Arkold… after our mutual Friend exiled me, I came to Nordika. Bosch, with all of its chaos and power, attracted me at first… but I saw that it was all hollow."

"Speaking of the devil, I hear old Faraon had a bit of bad luck and has crawled into a hole in Gallis, perhaps," the dragon chuckles. "Dear, dear, perhaps there is something to that whole karma business. Anyway, I retreated to the wilderness. The mountains here are quite lovely and inviting to one such as myself. But eventually I sought company and excitement, giving into the urges of my newly young body. And Sylvania is quite exciting, I must say."

Arkold blinks as if just realizing something and leans forward to ask, "Wait. Step back a moment. Nothing to live for? You found a place Vorg, however I dislike your methods and, eh, you have two people who are devoted to you." The wolf gestures to Raven and Lilian. "I think maybe you're lying." He raises a brow. "Could it be you're becoming a … softie?"

"Ah, my dear daughters in spirit, you mean?" Vorgulremik says. "And do not misunderstand me, Arkold… I meant that you would need to have nothing to live for to fight me effectively. That is true for fighting any immortal, be they dragon or deity. Loose ends will only trip you up and distract you."

Arkold glances again at the two daughters of the host, opens his mouth, and the closes it as if stifling a thought. Judging by his expression, maybe it was a particularly disturbing thought. Caught off balance by whatever it was, the wolf nods distractedly and mumbles, "Maybe so, eh. Heh heh."

"This place called to me, as ruins sometimes do to a dragon," the reptile continues. "The more I learned about this land's history, the more I fell in love with it. It sings to me. And the occasional army that strayed from Draco County – I'll definitely have to visit someday – fulfilled some of my baser urges quite nicely, and provided me with ample staff to maintain the castle."

"May I see your claw?" Alptraum asks slowly. "I want to try something, since you mention being an immortal."

"As for my daughters, they were outcasts, shunned by their own families for their differences," Vorgulremik relates. "But I thought they were beautiful, and a dragon appreciates beauty. So I took them under my wings, so to speak." He glances at Alptraum, and asks, "What precisely is it your wish to try?" The paranoia is back, bubbling under the nostalgia.

Tulani watches the dragon silently, listening carefully to his side of the conversation, flicking an ear towards Alptraum, pretty sure she knows what he wants to… try…

Arkold rubs his chin at the dragon's explanation of his daughters. "Heh, I think I kind of understand that desire." He gives Alptraum and Tulani a fatherly smile.

"I want to test a reaction. I'm trying to determine what an artifact affects. The worst you should feel is cold, if it affects you at all. Which honestly, I doubt," Alptraum says flatly.

"It's some sort of trick with a knife hilt, father," Lilith offers. "There is no blade, but it disturbs the fur of his palm as if there where one. It had no affect on me." Raven also offers, "He tried the same on me, and on Grey, to no effect."

"And how did you acquire this artifact, master Reisender?" the dragon asks, more than a hint of suspicion in his voice.

Tulani replies this time, "We found it in a church."

"I found it. It's an artifact of that which helped to create me, in a sense. At least, of the people," Alptraum says and shrugs. "If you don't want to, no loss. I'm simply trying to determine its properties. So far, it only does something to me."

"I think I would need to examine it before allowing such a test," Vorgulremik replies. "I admit to some curiosity, which is also a draconic trait. I prefer to know what is dangerous and what is harmless… one of the reasons the sorcerer vexes me so."

"You're not sure if he's a threat? Has he not attacked you?" Arkold raises an eyebrow questioningly.

"I'm not sure of what he is after, Arkold," the dragon answers. "I don't like secrets, unless they are my own. And even those are troublesome."

Arkold nods slowly. "Must make getting a good nights sleep tough," he muses.

"That is solved by sleeping during the day," the dragon quips.

"If I were planning harm, I wouldn't have asked," Alptraum replies and shrugs. "All I'm after is why it only affects me. I want to find a reason, a trait, a similarity, anything; someone else that feels it to narrow the traits. I've eliminated my own species, and many other creatures."

"Place it on the end of the table then," the dragon suggests (in a rather firm voice), "so that I may see it first."

Tulani stands in the background, seemingly becoming frustrated at the roundabout conversation.

"And, given it affects me, I would be absolutely stupid to just give it away. Surely you can respect that, yes?" Alptraum replies and sets the hilt on the table and rests his hand near it in case he needs to grab it back quickly.

Glancing at Tulani, Arkold leans forward to explain, "The ol', uh, young dragon an' I used to work together. A long time ago, it seems. He hasn't really changed except he's huge now. Used to be I could pick him up. Cute, in a angry, death-to-you-all, necromantic dragon way."

"Of course," Vorgulremik mutters, and leans his head a little closer to look at the hilt. He then slowly raises a forepaw and brings it closer, pausing about two feet above the hilt… because the blade is clearly visible now, outlined by glittering ice crystals that are forming out of the air itself. The wood beneath the knife groans as it begins to freeze solid…

Vorgulremik withdraws his hand, and the freezing effect stops. "Hmm, I think that is test enough," he comments. "Perhaps we should move on to dinner?"

Listening carefully to Arkold's comment, Tulani's gaze snaps back to the knife as she hears the groaning of wood, and sees the blade clearly for once. "Interesting… "

Alptraum retrieves the hilt and puts it away. He then laughs softly and shakes his head. "Now I think I know," he replies, not looking all that happy.

Watching as Vorgulremik withdraws his hand, the Sphynx pats Alptraum on the shoulder, before her stomach grumbles slightly, as if confirming the dragon's thought about dinner.

"I think I do too. Innerestin'." The wolf nods slowly as he examines the icy blade. "Very Innerestin."

"Yes, I suppose dinner is in order," Alptraum replies and sits down heavily. He's not really looking at anyone; he's looking at his own hand. He curls it shut, then sits there quietly. For a moment, he almost looks like he's going to look at Lilith and Raven … but doesn't.