Castle Suite
Ravensweir Castle has seen better days. The years of being battered by storms from the Vykarin Sea have eroded large portions of the structure. This means that the most intact rooms face in the opposite direction. One of the best suites looks out over the courtyard, with wide flyers windows filled with stained glass for privacy.

The windows are opened, giving access to the balcony overlooking the courtyard. It's late morning, and debris from the wedding reception is still being cleaned up; half of the effort seems to go into chasing away scavenging sea-creens though. Breakfast has been set out for the Eeees: warm blood-tea, blood porridge, and the usual selection of dipping spices, meats, fruits, and spittoons.

Rosalind lounges at the table, wearing a fluffy bathrobe and an enigmatic smile.

"You look as if you're plotting," Alptraum comments and playfully grins as he wraps a towel around his waist after a quick bath to clean up before breakfast. He heads to the table and settles gingerly down into a chair since he is feeling a bit sore from last night.

"It's important for a leader – or a witch – to always appear to be plotting something or knowing some secret," Rose notes, turning her smile on Alptraum now. "How are you feeling? It took me some effort to walk out here. I think the servants set the food on the balcony in retaliation for the damage to the bed."

"Sore in places I have a hard time even imagining being sore in. The hot bath helped loosen up muscles, though," Alptraum says. After taking a moment to take a sip of tea, he continues, and waggles his brow, "But I would do it again in a heartbeat. So, just what are you thinking?"

"Baby names," Draco says, watching to see Alptraum's reaction.

Alptraum just barely manages spitting out his tea. "It worked?" says, sounding choked.

Rose laughs at the spit-take. "Well, I'm pretty sure it did. I'm no Yodhinala, but I am a witch," she explains.

Alptraum sets down his tea in order to avoid any other chances of incident. After running his hands through his hair, he watches Rosalind for a moment … then has to ask, "What sort of names were you thinking?"

"Well… I'm drawing a bit of a blank to be honest," the Countess admits. "So many things to consider! Boy, girl, twins… "

The last bit causes Alptraum to blink repeatedly. "You think there are twins?" he asks. Apparently he never even considered the possibility.

"My brother and I were twins," Rosalind notes. "It's a semi-common trait among older noble bloodlines."

"Ah, but I'm not of a noble bloodline!" Alptraum says and points upward for emphasis. "Though, honestly, I'm not sure what my bloodline is, since I have no idea what Thath's bloodline is."

"You'll have to ask him when you go to tell him he's going to be a grandfather," Rose suggests. "I have to also consider the name Melusine for a girl, just in case the dragon doesn't make it through the pregnancy."

At that Alptraum blinks. "You don't think she will?" he asks, sounding suddenly worried.

"I don't know, but it's a possibility," Rosalind notes. "Half a year without a link to the spirit of the land could be too long for her. But… well, I've been willing to sacrifice her before, along with myself. She understands, in that weird way of thinking that she has."

"Is there anything I could do to bolster her to help make sure she lasts? I could try to absorb and channel a large amount of life energy in her before I travel, for example. For that matter, would you want me to try?" Alptraum inquires. "I honestly don't know if you want her to survive. But if she doesn't … won't that mean you'll age faster? I don't want to lose you."

"Ideally, she would have healed some by now, but she's very reluctant to discuss her health with me," Rose notes, and sits some tea. "Stubborn and secretive. But she wanted me to produce an heir, knowing the risk. Did she say anything to you about it?"

"She needs another crystal heart to do that. The only one we have though is the broken heart from the one that fused with me. I have some leads on fixing it, though. I need to track down some ancient Reaper to see if he can leach out the iron embedded in it," Alptraum explains. "And do you want me to try and confront Melusine about her health? I'll do what I can if you want me to try."

Rosalind takes her time to think about it. "If she asked you to repair the heart… did she say it was for her? That would be a big hint. Otherwise it would be best to ask her so we can plan around her condition. I'd rather not lose her. Does Kaira know anything about healing Shadow Dragons?"

"And right, I forgot this until now … but she said she she needed it to sire a child of her own. And that you had to sire before she could. It may be that she wants to produce the beginning of a child, then absorb it before it becomes one and use its life to boost her own," Alptraum explains, then reaches over and places his armored hand atop Rosalind's. "And well, uh, that I would have to help her sire that child too, since I am partially shadow dragon and linked similar to how you two are linked."

"Poor Alptraum," Rose says, putting down her tea and placing that hand over Alptraum's armored one. "Doomed to be a father thrice over! I don't mind… I think. I'll definitely need to find out the details from Melusine first though."

"Do you think it's possible I could channel some extra energy into her to help her through the period of being separated?" Alptraum asks, "I would rather do as much as possible instead of relying just on one possibility of saving her, such as fixing the heart … which I fear is a long shot."

Alptraum smirks, adding, "I doubt I could create a temporary link to her and allow her to draw off the power I absorb regularly as a secondary feed. Though I suppose I could pose that to her as well."

"I'm not sure exactly what it is she needs from her link with my family," the Countess says. "I'd just assumed it was some sort of spirit energy she needed to replace whatever 'leaked out' from her damaged heart."

Alptraum hmms for a moment. "I wonder if I could slow the leaking at least, given my abilities with spirits," he offers. "It wouldn't be a fix, but it might buy her more time."

"A bandage?" Rose asks.

"Effectively. I think I could 'shell' around her heart a bit. Sort of a ward that would encourage her spirit to remain where it is." Alptraum comments. "Since I can move and manipulate spirits after all. Best way I can describe it is like putting them in a cage and moving the cage. I think would have to enter her and get close to her heart, though … which I'm not sure she would permit."

"That sounds dangerous!" Rosalind says, looking alarmed. "She disintegrates things, Alptraum! Or absorbs them, or however you want to describe it."

"But if I don't do something to help her, I'll lose you in time. My life extended. Without her, yours won't be. As selfish as it is, I don't want to lose you," Alptraum admits as he looks out into the courtyard.

"That… I don't know what to say," Rose admits. "But no unnecessary risks, okay? Which reminds me… " She digs into the pocket of her robe and pulls out a little purple velvet cinch-bag. "You can't really wear this in your ear, and I'll be wanting it back at the appropriate time, but it's something to take with you," she says, handing it over.

"No unnecessary risks," Alptraum agrees as he looks back. His eyes flick to the small bag and he accepts it. Very carefully, he opens the bag. "What is it?" he asks, even though he's opening the bag.

Inside is a gold ring. It looks very similar to the dragon torc that is key to Melusine's soul, and also the symbol for Draco County; a scaled serpent with two dragon-heads, one at each end and facing each other. Instead of a gap (meant for an Aeonian's horn) the dragon heads hold a small ruby in their mouths. "It was my wedding ring," Rosalind explains.

Alptraum's eyes go wide as he eases the ring out of the bag. The Eeee cups the ring delicately in his palm. "I don't know what to say," he murmurs. "I'm honored you're trusting me with this. I … I wonder if … hmm."

"It would probably fit on your pinky," Draco notes. "There's a ceremonial enchantment on it that changes its size, but that's only used at the wedding."

"I have a safer idea I want to try… " Alptraum says. He places his right palm flat on the table. Carefully, he centers the ring on the back of the white orb that juts from the back of his hand. And there he slows his breathing and concentrates. The Eee's thoughts focus on that orb, trying to get it to soften and draw the ring in just below the surface; visible, but protected and nearly impossible to lose. He has no idea if it will work, but he figured it is worth trying.

The orb glows a bit, and the ring seems to sink below the surface. "Hey, when did you learn to do that?" Rosalind asks.

Alptraum releases the orb from his thoughts when the ring is just below the surface. "Remember when it was reshaped to make my hand look normal? Same thing," Alptraum explains as he flexes his fingers and peers at the small circlet of gold 'floating' in the orb on the back of his hand. "I would have to lose my hand to lose this ring, now. It makes it fully a part of me until you wish it back." He now looks to Rosalind and slides his right hand back over to her, lightly entwining her fingers with his. "I should give you something very personal, but I'm not sure what, or what you would even like." He can't help but grin, adding, "Well, outside of a child."

"I think that's as personal a thing as you can give," Draco notes with a grin. "And I'll always be able to find out where you are because of it."

Alptraum blinks. "Really? How?" he asks.

"Magic, of course!" Rosalind laughs. "I've got a part of you inside me, after all."

"Well, I guess that makes sense. I have to wonder how much of my … oddness a child would inherit from me," Alptraum has to admit and grins. "If he or she comes out all spiny … I'm sorry."

"I hadn't really thought about it," Rose admits, and sips more tea for a moment. "We'll just have to hope for the best, like every other parent," she concludes. "At least he or she won't be sick, once Phlagaea has her child and gets her powers back."

Alptraum nods at that. "That is very true," Alptraum agrees and finally takes another sip of tea. "When we return, we should both go see Melusine and see what we can do about making sure she survives. I'll also need to track down that crazy Reaper, Mortimer, and see about locating the ancient Reaper for more information on ways to recover the crystal heart."

"I agree," Draco says, and then stretches out to rest her feet on the edge of the balcony. "Tomorrow. Or the day after… "

"Careful. You might motivate me to keep you here indefinitely. After all, I am a monster … and monsters are supposed to kidnap beautiful women for unspeakable things," Alptraum teases and waggles his ears at her.

"I don't know if the towers here are sturdy enough for that though!" Rosalind laughs. "But you're the Best Man, and you have to go hunting with the Groom still, and I have to see Ravenia about some things, and there's some paperwork I have to deal with and… well, Mel will keep for a few more days. I've been gone before, after all."

Alptraum pouts. "And here I was thinking … well, honestly that we probably both need to apply some numbing cream to certain areas so we don't wince when we walk. People will comment otherwise," he notes with a laugh. "And … I do have another matter to discuss with you. Just remembered it."

"I'll send a servant to Mave; she's likely to have the cream," Draco notes. "What did you just remember?"

"Ooo, I wouldn't mind watching Mave apply cream to you," Alptraum teases. "Right, the matter. You mentioned you will be without Melusine's protection for the duration of your pregnancy. I believe you were also expecting me to act as your protector during that time, outside of the trips I have to take?"

"Well, I wouldn't want to risk you," Draco notes. "I do have bodyguards and armor-doubles, and I'm not completely helpless. Plus, I don't have to worry about my witchcraft failing during certain times of the month now."

"Well, I was thinking of playing on your image of being a terrifying witch," Alptraum explains further as he leans forward to rest his chin on his hands. "I could use the full body chitinous form I can manage and pretend to be your summoned demon, for cases where you want to appear even more fearsome."

Eyebrows arch up at this suggestion. "Hmmm. That would let me dodge any questions as to your role in my court as well, until it's politically safe to reveal things. Rather clever, really!" she says.

"Exactly," Alptraum says, "I've been trying to think of ways to be politically helpful, outside of being emotionally helpful. I have no real skill at politics, but I can be scary. So, if you think the idea bears merit, do you want help me work on a customized version that looks more appropriate for Draco County?"

"Well, if you can make it look like your arm, but all over… " Draco muses. "And a head more like my dragon-helm, to hide your face… or not. Hmmm. You could look like a bigger version of me in my own armor almost, but people are used to that. So it should be different enough… "

"Mimicking my hand, all over? I think it would be doable," Alptraum says after some thought, "Since I have something personal to work off of. The second question I suppose would be would you want me in that form when we're out in public?"

"Well, we haven't 'officially' been out in public yet," Rosalind notes. "That is, when I'm wearing armor. So yes, when I make an appearance like that it would be appropriate. Not sure about during court functions yet though."

Alptraum nods, "I know, but eventually it will happen." He taps his chin, thinking, "There should be some symbol of demonic binding on the form too, I think, to further the idea of a summoned demon," he comments. "Wrist manacle with engravings, bindings on any head-horns with engravings, spiked collar, that sort of thing. Any preference?"

"Well, the symbol of the County could be enough," Rose says, and leans over to tap the exposed star-shaped scar on Alptraum's chest. "If this still showed up, with the jaws of the dragon holding it like they do the gem in my ring, it would be a pretty obvious symbol."

"I think I could manage that. It'll just take some practice to perfect it," Alptraum says with a nod. He spreads his hands, grinning as he adds, "And it's not like you don't own my heart anyway. It's not even a lie to say I belong to Draco… "

Rose blushes, and Alptraum can actually tell she's blushing by now. "I just want to make sure you stay safe so that when the baby… or babies… arrive you'll be in one piece for the wedding."

"Yes, but I can't allow you to take all the risks, either. I want you to be safe too," Alptraum says, taking a moment to reach over and brush his fingers over her cheek.

"I can hide in a castle built into a mountain that's never been successfully attacked," Draco points out. "You, however, will be going to Babel and probably some austere mountain peak to find a crazy old Reaper."

"Have you ever been to Babel?" Alptraum asks as he sits back. "In fact, have you ever met Thath?"

"Hmm, he might have been at that horrible opera I attended in Rephidim years ago, but I don't think I was actually introduced to him," Rose recalls. "That was back when Sylvania was still considered a sovereign nation, of course."

"He's … well. He's colored like Lilith is," Alptraum explains, "And built like me. And disturbingly polite. … and I'm not sure he'll even want to see me."

"I hear things are somewhat stable in Babel right now," Rosalind says, patting Alptraum's hand. "There shouldn't be any more danger lurking for you for him to be concerned about."

"Well … wait. Do you think he wanted me to leave Babel to protect me?" Alptraum has to ask.

"He sent you here to foster parents to protect you, didn't he?" Rosalind asks.

"No, that was the Yodhsunala after they swapped in a substitution. He got the Sabaoth killed in the war with Rephidim in an attempt to protect me. The last time we spoke … he asked me to leave Babel, more or less. After telling me about his wife and how she died," Alptraum clarifies.

"Babel was on the brink of civil war," Draco notes. "I don't think it was because he didn't love you, Alptraum."

"He doesn't even know me," Alptraum comments as he resumes looking back out into the courtyard. "But then he didn't when I got to Babel and he was trying to protect me. I still remember when he invited me to speak with him privately … then offered me blood to drink. I should have realized he was testing me to see if I was his."

"Well, you should make sure he knows who you are, who you are with, and what sort of man you've become," Rosalind insists. "If he isn't proud of you, then… well, you can forget about him I suppose, if you want."

"It's not about forgetting about him. I'm just scared of seeing him again. I don't even know what I'll say. I used to hate him after knowing what he did because of losing his wife. But now? Honestly, I understand why he did it. I'm not sure I would have acted any different," Alptraum admits as he looks at his hands.

"Well, tell him that then," Rose suggests. "You've faced down a dragon and a sorcerer, Alptraum. This is just your father. He's not going to eat you."

"Facing death is easier than facing him," Alptraum admits. "They could only kill me, after all. With him, there's … it's stupid. A hope that maybe time lost could be made up; to offer him a chance at having a family again. Maybe I could ease what he has had to suffer. But then he could just as easily tell me to go kiss Dagh."

"I forbid you to kiss Dagh," Rosalind commands. "And is he really worse than a dragon to talk to?"

"Could be! He sort of reminds me of Vorgulremik," Alptraum tries to argue, though he ends up grinning. "Did your father make you nervous?"

"He terrified me!" Rose says, shuddering at the memory. "He had the aura, you know? I know mine isn't as strong."

"Did you love him?" Alptraum asks next.

"Well, yes, of course," Rose says. "He used to bounce me on his knee and everything!"

"Did you get to say goodbye?" Alptraum asks.

"No," Draco says, looking out over the courtyard, and back into the heart of the county. "I was away at school. I never got to say goodbye to… anyone, really."

"I'm sorry," Alptraum says as he reaches back over to rest his hand upon hers. "Before I travel to Babel, there is one thing you must do."

"What do you need me to do then?" Rose asks.

"You still have to meet my foster parents and let them fawn over you," Alptraum comments, smiling. "After they grill you for suitability, of course… "

Rosalind coughs and nearly falls out of her chair. "Oh… they don't know who I am though, right?" she gasps out.

"They know you're a woman named Rose who works for Castle Draco," Alptraum answers, "I left out the little bit about you owning the castle… "

"Oh my," Rosalind says, recomposing herself and closing her bathrobe back up. "What will they think when they find out who I really am though? That I deceived them?"

"Don't deceive them, just be vague. And if they're upset, well … I'm not about to leave you over it," Alptraum comments a it absently as he tries to get a look while Rose's bathrobe is open.

"Still," Rose says. "I mean, I was never fully happy about hiding my face from the population at large, but at least that was impersonal. I don't suppose they mentioned any dislike for my rule or anything like that?"

"They don't trust nobility. Nothing specific about you, though. And that's why I want them to meet you without knowing. So they know you, not the title," Alptraum says, "As you just put it … impersonal. It's easy for them to distrust nobles because they don't know any."

"So, how should I dress? Where should I meet them?" Rosalind frets, even waving her hands. "Maybe I should talk to Lilith. She's a spy! She knows about this stuff!"

"They're planing to come to the city for a show. You can meet them then. As for dress, well, dress … normal. Lilith can probably help with that," Alptraum agrees with a nod. He then grins widely, offering, "Or I could just dress you like a pretty little harem slave. Veil, poofy clothing… " The Eee then quickly holds up his teacup like a shield.

Draco's cup misses by a good margin, but Alptraum certainly feels the breeze of its passing. "Hah! Very funny! Now I will have to make you dress up like that some night," she says, but is grinning. "I suppose it can't be that bad, though. Gypsies always struck me as fun-loving sorts."

Alptraum peeks around his plate. "Dress up like a harem slave? I didn't know you liked girls too… " he teases … then finally puts the plate back down. "They're fun, yes. Good people, generally welcoming if approached right. Besides, you'll be with me so that gets past any initial distrust."

"Well, I had heard about your performance for Arkold," Draco notes. "Kaira even showed me and Phlagaea some sort of memory-playback of it… "

Alptraum covers his face. "You want me to do that for you?" he asks.

"Don't be silly," Draco says, smiling and waving a hand. "But I know a few noblemen who could do with a shock! No… forget I said that!"

"I have revised my opinion of you … you're evil," Alptraum mutters.

"And you're my demon," Rose points out. "Don't you like evil women?"

Alptraum slips out of his chair only to end up sitting at Rosalind's feet and resting his chin on her knees. "Well … yes," he admits with a grin, then waggles his brow. "I am your humble demon, ready to serve!"

"Think they've repaired the bed yet?" the Countess asks. "I might be a bit stiff, but… "

"We don't need the bed for what I'm thinking… " Alptraum says, "And it even might be a bit soothing for you… "

Eyebrows perk again. "Is this going to be something Mave taught you?" she asks suspiciously.

"Let's just say it's a way to worship at the altar of Inala," Alptraum explains as he gets to his feet and offers his hand to the Countess. He adds to that a slow and suggestive lick of his lips.

"Right here on the balcony?" Rose squeaks.

"No … I think you'll want some privacy," Alptraum offers. Of course with an evil grin, he adds, "Unless you want to give the cleanup crew a show… "

"I'm not Mave!" Rose laughs. "But I don't want to move either. Carry me?"

Alptraum stands, then slips his arms under her legs and one along her mid-back, just under where her wings connect. He draws in a breath, then lifts Rosalind up. "You do owe Mave some thanks for teaching me how to attend to the needs of an older woman," he teases.

"I'll name a river after her," Rosalind promises. A gust of wind steels Alptraum's towel then, and sure enough a few of servant girls get a show after all before hurrying off in a titter!

Alptraum laughs as he carries Rosalind back into the suite, swaying his backside at the girls below as he goes; ever the showman. "She would probably prefer an evening alone with you," he teases as he carries her to one of the overly padded chairs in the suite and sets her down.

"I'm afraid she isn't my type," Rosalind says, and lounges decadently in the chair. "I suppose she'll still want you to attend to her?"

"Probably, though I don't have to if you do not wish me to," Alptraum offers as he goes back outside to get something from the tea setting (and to wave to the girls below again). He returns and won't show what he went to get. Instead, he carries it into the bathroom.

"Best to keep her happy for now," Draco says, turning her head to watch Alptraum's mystery preparations. "She'll likely be staying behind in Babel, I imagine, if she intends to restart her temple."

"It won't bother you, then?" Alptraum asks as he peeks out from the bathroom. "I'm serious in that I won't do anything with any other women unless you allow it. You are what matters to me."

"But I won't be with you all of the time," Rose notes. "And really, if Mave wanted your attentions, could you resist? I have no issue with you continuing the relationships you already have, Alptraum, at least until we are married. I would not want a disgruntled dragon or Yodhinala on the loose, after all."

"I could resist," Alptraum claims as his head disappears back into the bathroom. A minute passes and he returns with a glass full of something very light green. His hand is cupped over the top for the moment. "And yes, you are with me in a way, your ring is embedded in my hand," he points out with a grin.

Rose eyes the green liquid. "Am I going to be drinking that?" she asks.

"Noooo," Alptraum says as he dips his fingertips into the glass as he kneels down before the Countess' chair. Quickly, that hand then disappears under the Countess robe … and then Rose feels something cold and tingly being applied to a very sensitive area. The scent then hits her. Mint. So, of course, the tingling only gets worse…

"Aah-YEE!" the Countess squeaks. "Th-this is supposed to be soothing?" she gasps.

"No, but what I'll do in about five minutes will be," Alptraum remarks with barely contained laughter. "I'll lick it off… "

"Ooooh," the Countess says, and then grins. "And you call me evil?"

"Hey, you agreed I should play the part of your demon," Alptraum remarks and smiles fangily to her. "I'll give you an option here, though … me in a demon form or not when we … resume our fun."

"Ah-heh, maybe not this time," Rose says. "I'll wait to see it once you have it all perfect."

"Why, Rosalind does have a playful side," Alptraum teases as he reaches up to trace a still minty claw tip along her lips. It leaves a tingly, cool, trail.

"I did go to college, you know," Rose protests. "I was young and wild once!"

"You're still young and wild," Alptraum claims. "Just … only in private now." His hand slides down, pulling her robe slowly open. "Now, we have a few hours until afternoon tea and dinner. Let's see what sort of trouble we can get into. Right now I want you to just lay back and enjoy… "