After resting and cleaning up from the road, Lilith escorts Tulani to the office of the Countess. The all-black Eeee woman smiles warmly to the Sphynx, with the glowing red irises of her eyes the only clue to vampiric nature. Despite her position, the Eeee doesn't appear to look much older than Tulani herself. "I trust you've been made comfortable since your arrival here, Miss Herfrell?" the Countess asks, with a slight echo to her voice.

Expecting something a bit more imposing, Tulani is a bit taken aback by the Countess' fairly simple, and rather young appearance. Still, the Sphynx manages to smile in a polite, friendly manner and nod, replying "Yes, thank you for your hospitality Countess."

"From what Lilith has told me, you could use a rest," the Countess notes. "Are your injuries giving you any trouble still?"

"Oh, no, they've been healing quite well from what I can tell, thanks to Lilith's help of course." Tulani answers, cocking an ear briefly, "And may I say your home is quite impressive." she adds in after a moment.

"Thank you," the Countess says, clasping her hands and resting them on her desk. "And have you been feeling any unusual side effects from your… transformation? I'm very curious about that pendant you had."

"Well, other than a scar I received from the incident, I haven't really noticed anything too physically unusual." The Sylvanian Sphynx begins with a slight furrowing of her brow as she thinks, "From what I could tell it produced something like a solidified illusion… Or at least that is something Vorgulremik mentioned when we fought him."

"Fascinating," the Countess says, steepling her fingers. "Where did you get the pendant originally?"

"From an odd shop in Abu Dhabi. It happened some time ago so I'm afraid I don't really remember the name of the place or the merchant who sold it to me." Tulani explains in an apologetic tone.

"I suppose that can't be helped," the Countess admits. "Still, would you consent to being examined by one of our healers? I'd like to know if that spell left any sort of… residual memory… in your body."

The Sphynx blinks at the odd suggestion, "Well I suppose I'd be fine with that, I'd actually like to know myself… Is there a particular reason you'd like to know yourself?" she asks curiously.

"Curiosity, in part," the Countess says, grinning. "And also because you carry an artifact uniquely powerful in Life Magic. If your body remembers the transformation, and you have a sufficient source of magical energy, it may be possible to trigger it on demand."

"Well, that will certainly be very helpful to know, if it is possible of course." Tulani states, her ears perking up at the idea, thinking on the possible assistance it could give in the confrontation of the sorcerer.

"There isn't much recorded about how the Light of Nala was used by the Champion during the Wars, so this is all just speculation," the Countess admits, holding her hands out in a 'who knows' sort of gesture. "But I promised your friend Alptraum that I would aid you however I could in preparing for your battle with the sorcerer knows as Dack. It looks like this is something you'd be interested in pursuing?"

Tulani nods in a definite, somewhat determined gesture replying, "if it is possible, yes. Just about any assistance we can get in confronting Dack would be welcome, and I wouldn't want to neglect the possibility of a powerful aide."

"Very well, I'll have one of our best research wizards assist you then," the Countess replies. "Now, do you have any plans for after your battle with Dack, assuming you are successful?" she asks

"I… haven't actually thought about it. Been focusing so much on this problem and whatever else crops up as we go." Tulani replies slowly, flicking an ear, "I think in the short term after I would like to visit home for a little while. In the long term … well, Alptraum is really set on doing as much good as he can for Sylvania, I agree, and I thought I might help him a bit more if I can."

"Quite noble of you. Your friend has expressed similar interests," the Countess notes. "Back to the problem at hand though; what do you think will be required to defeat the sorcerer?"

"Well… A small army would be helpful." Tulani says, smiling in a humorous manner before becoming a bit more serious, "But I know that's something you likely cant help us with. Honestly I can be absolutely sure. He is practiced with illusion so I cant be entirely sure what he is, or is not capable of. And illusion itself can be dangerous. He also has followers, and odd 'blood-monsters' from what Alptraum has seen… " The Sphynx muses thoughtfully, if a bit apologetic at not having an immediate quantifiable answer.

"Illusion can be powerful – as you've experienced yourself," the Countess says. "It may be possible to dispel such conjurations, of course. I will speak to my wizards about it, in case they can come up with something to aid you. Now, was there anything you wanted to ask me?"

"Well, I must admit I am curious, You are the Countess Draco, I was wondering if the rumor of you having a dragon in sway is true?" Tulani asks after a moment, watching the countess curiously.

"That rumor happens to be true," the Countess admits. "I control the power of a Shadow Dragon. One of the reasons I'm interested in the possibility of a dragon transformation such as you've undergone, even if only temporarily."

The Sphynx nods slowly, "I can see why you would be interested then." she states, but doesn't pry further into the matter. "Also, I was wondering how your own lands are faring, what with the invading Gallis' and problems of the day. I had heard you were holding alright, but when given the chance its always better to ask and be certain of exactly where things stand."

"We are surviving, although the Gallis make trade through our sea ports difficult," Draco says. "So long as they do not form a true army and attack, we should be fine."

Looking satisfied, and a bit relieved, Tulani wraps up her thoughts, "I think that's all the questions I have at the moment, is there anything else you'd like to know, or that you need of me beyond letting myself be examined by a healer for any remainder of that dragon spell?" she asks.

"Just let us know if you need anything while you're here," the Countess says, and nods towards Lilith. "Lili can always get in touch with me if needed."

"Well, I will certainly let you know, Thank you for your time and attention countess." Tulani says with a polite nod.

After the interview, Lilith brings Tulani back to the guest suite and picks up Mave for the next meeting. Arkold and Ravenia are off in their room, and Phlagaea and Lucy are playing some sort of game involving cards and dice. "Welcome back, Tulani," the green Eeee says, and glances to one of the other bedroom doors. "Alptraum is in bed still I think. How was your visit with the Countess?"

Tulani smiles and wanders over to where the Green Eeee and Fnerf are playing, "It was interesting… She wasn't as imposing as I thought she would be. What are you playing there?" she asks.

There's a knock at the door. "I hope everyone is decent?" comes the voice of Alptraum. There's a muffled yawn, then the addition of, "But if you're indecent, I hope it's in an interesting pose and I get a chance to see. So, uh, may I come in?"

"Persnickets," Phlagaea says. "It's… well, I guess it's a children's game, but it is the only one that Lucy knows."

Snickering, the Sphynx looks over at the door and calls out, "Oh, we are most certainly not decent… but I suppose you can come in anyways!" Turning back to the game being played Tulani asks, "Well, how do you play it? Forgive me for being curious."

The door opens and Alptraum steps through. One look shows he's currently suffering from a really bad case of 'bed hair'. He muffles another yawn and then tries to claw comb his long hair back into some semblance of control. "Visiting Kaira is not conducive to actually getting some rest," he comments. "So, how is everything … everyone have a pleasant talk with the Countess. I hope?" he adds, looking a bit worried.

"We are quite decent people, Alptraum, you know that!" Phlagaea calls, then smiles to Tulani again. "Oh, you have to match up your cards into groups of three; three diamonds, three circles, and so on by shape, or else by color. At the beginning of each turn, everyone rolls a die… and the highest score gets to exchange a card with the lowest… And just what have you been up to with that dragon, Alptraum? I think she covets you or something."

Tulani immediately walks up and pats down a long tuft of white hair that Alptraum missed on the side, "Things went well enough. The countess was quite pleasant, to be honest it surprised me a little. She wants to have me looked at by her healers to see if there's any residue left over from that transformation as a dragon." the sphynx notes, while smiling at Phalagea's comment

"Discussing details of the upcoming battles, plans, and ways to gain advantage. For example I paid a visit to some elves in my, well, alternate form to gather information on bypassing the illusions Dack can create. I make quite an imposing creature when I allow the Barsunala spirit to alter my form," Alptraum says as he finds himself a seat near the group. "I also was looking in to something for the Countess; something very important to her and Draco county." To Tulani, he notes, "If you do, it might be possible to use the light to activate the shift again. Theoretically, anyway. Still not sure how well I'll be able to manipulate that."

"You're talking about changing into something else?" Phlagaea asks, looking between the two.

"Yes, Draco mentioned the possibility of being able to do it at will, that would certainly be useful. She said she'd also have some people look into illusions since that's one of the things we know Dack can do that can be dangerous." Tulani replies to Alptraum, before nodding to the Green Eeee, "Pretty much."

"Right, you missed that," Alptraum says. "Sorry, Phlagaea. Tulani had an amulet that shifted her into an ice dragon when we fought Vorg some time ago. That was a really nasty battle. Tulani was hurt pretty bad and we came very close to the Shadow of Amena."

"And speaking of the Shadow … I have a solution for it," Alptraum adds with a grin.

"Oh really?" The Sphynx looks quite interested in the suggestion of being able to fix that little problem, "Do tell?"

"A dragon, hmmm," Phlagaea says quietly. "And Alptraum into the Barsunala… "

"That shadow is the residue of a Shadow Dragon; not wholly unlike that which is bound to Draco County. Which means … I can contain it in the dagger. It'll be dangerous, but it will get it out of there. Once it's contained, if we can uncover its true name, we can destroy it, put it somewhere, control it, or the like." Alptraum leans over and reaches to tap Phalgaea's ear, asking, "What are you thinking?"

"Hmm, that would certainly help to get one of our problems out of the way if we can do that. Any idea how dangerous is dangerous? And what would be involved in getting it into the dagger?" The Sphynx asks Alptraum once he's explained.

"Hmm? Oh, I was just wondering if you would still be cute when you looked like the Barsunala," Phlagaea notes with a grin. "Are you going to work on transforming along with Tulani?"

"Well, I'd have to open the sarcophagus and stab it. I would more or less be in direct contact with it. I can't imagine that is exactly safe to do. Given how it pulled back from me last time, though, I think it won't consume me. I … hope anyway," Alptraum admits. With a grin to Phalgaea, he explains, "Well, I'm blind more or less like that. Everything looks … hard to explain. I see the essence of the person and of things. I'm basically the same, except more gaunt, my wings are shreds, and the like. I look rather demonic, really."

"Oh, so you would not be fooled by illusions then, is that the point?" Phlagaea asks.

"Depends on the illusion. Part of it would simply be for presence and shock value," Alptraum notes, "And another would be I ought to be more capable of containing the shadow and using the Light to boost Tulani and others. All of it is theoretical, though. We would need to practice to be certain."

"One thing we cannot do, is use the Light Against the Shadow directly," Alptraum notes. "That would be … bad."

"Just be careful," Phlagaea warns. "I do not want you to end up transforming into one another by accident."

"Is there anything that can be done to help you when you attempt to absorb the shadow into the dagger? You should ask Kaira, best to be as cautious as possible." Tulani suggests quietly to Alptraum before blinking, "We do need to figure out how everything will work and get some 'practice' in if possible."

"Don't want me as a sphynx?" Alptraum teases.

"I didn't say that," Phlagaea notes. "But I would then be looking at Tulani in a different way."

Tulani snrks softly at the suggestion, "Somehow I just have difficulty picturing that."

"That was one of the things I was talking to Kaira about, actually," Alptraum says. To Phalgaea, he asks, "If … when, we make it through all of this, what do you want to do?"

"I will decide when the time comes," Phlagaea says. "After much prayer and meditation."

"I'm sorry I've dragged you through all this," Alptraum notes as he rubs the back of his neck, "Being around me is never easy."

"It is far better than being stuck in a crumbling tower full of insane women," Phlagaea notes with a smile.

"So … what did you and the Countess talk about?" Alptraum asks Tulani as he tries to shift his thoughts to other things. To Phalgaea he says with a grin, "Glad to know an insane male Eeee, a sphynx, a jup … Arkold, a talking map, and lots of swamp is better than the Yodhblakat."

Tulani chuckles lightly quipping, "Yes, were only moderately insane here." before turning a bit more serious and looking to Alptraum, "Oh, she wanted to know about the dragon transformation, where I got the pendant… What I thought we needed to beat Dack. What I plan to do after all this… " the sphynx states mildly.

"What do you plan to do after all this?" Alptraum asks.

"Well… Actually, I'm hoping to visit home for a bit and see my family… And I was thinking if you still plan to do more to aide Sylvania, I'd like to continue to help you out if possible… " Tulani replies, aiming a little friendly punch at his shoulder, "You fun to be around anyways!"

Alptraum oofs and tips over! Strategically landing in Phlagaea's lap. "I think I'll end up helping out Draco County in whatever way I can. It's the only real power left in Sylvania and if it falls, the land falls. Gallis will come in and all those here, people like us, will be slaughtered," he says as he makes himself comfortable.

Phlagaea swats Alptraum on the nose with her cards. "I thought you were tired?" she asks.

"I am. I needed a pillow," Alptraum insists as he tries to nip the cards. To the group he says, "Plus, the Countess is a good woman from what I can tell; and similar to me in a lot of ways. I feel duty bound to try and help her."

Tulani smiles and snickers at the Eeee's strategic fall, "Well, I'll certainly be glad to help out however I can, This is my home too, and I want to see it survive." she says, getting in her two cents.

"It sounds like you want to try summoning vermites with her, Alptraum," Phlagaea notes with a smirk.

"Why does everyone seem to think that is all I think about?" Alptraum asks with a sigh.

The Sphynx looks ultimately confused at Phalagea's reference, "Summoning… vermites" she echoes back with an arched brow.

"I didn't say it was all you think about," Phlagaea notes. "But when you start getting that look in your eye while describing a woman, I can only assume. I'm certain it is how you look when you talk about me, after all."

Alptraum reaches up and taps Phalgaea's nose, noting, "It isn't like I've tried to bed Mave, you know." With a sigh, he adds, "I'm a sucker for a woman in distress."

"It is your heroic nature," Phlagaea quips with a grin and a wink.

Tulani just smiles and shakes her head at the two, chuckling softly as she finds herself a comfortable seat.

"To dash into the arms of women in need?" Alptraum asks. "That doesn't explain Roogi … but then I didn't exactly dash. She clubbed me, didn't she?" To Tulani, he says, "That's her euphemism for … Arkold's favorite pastime … not the one involving beer."

The Sphynx can't help but snort at Alptraum's explanation, "Ahh… I see… well, that explains it then." is all she can say while grinning to herself. "But what did the countess want to talk to you about Alptraum? you did go in first.

"About what I was and what happened to the dragon we defeated. She's in a difficult situation and I'm not sure I should talk about it in any detail out of respect for her. But … if I don't find a solution to her current situation; it will not be good for Draco County," Alptraum says with a frown.

"One possible solution … may have a drastic and permanent impact on me," Alptraum adds with a sigh. "It's a bad situation all around and there is no simple fix."

Tulani frowns also, looking concerned, but doesn't press the issue… "Well, let's try and get Dack dealt with first, only one major problem at a time."

"It doesn't help that when I look at the Countess … I see me in ten years. Not a woman, of course, but … so incredibly alone; unique," Alptraum says as his hears splay a bit. "It's hard when you have a duty; one you didn't choose, but for what you love and want to survive you have to give up part of yourself and your dreams. She did that to save Draco County; I'm doing it now by trying to make the world better." He then draws in a breath and says, "But yes, one major issue at a time."

Reaching over, Tulani give Alptraum a comforting pat on the shoulder, "Well at the moment you have quite a few friends who care for you, so don't forget to smile ok?"

"People fear when a vampire smiles," Alptraum quips and sits up "But enough of that. Phlagaea, deal us all into the game. Loser has to wash Arkold's socks."