After being thoroughly searched for contraband flowers and de-cheesified, the staff of the Customs House release the travelers and their escorts into the town proper. Late morning traffic on the streets consists of various people visiting the shops – mostly Khattas and Eeee – while older residents sit on benches outside and complain about the young people today. Kavis pull small wagons and carts around at dangerous speeds, and a group of young Khatta girls dressed in identical red hoods and cloaks march along in lockstep, swinging identical woven picnic baskets.

The group's guide, Agatha the pony, looks around and tries to get her bearings. "I think the Inn is close by. Look for a sign with a big pickle attacking a pumpkin," she suggests. "And watch out for the Red Hoods, too. I think they pick pockets."

"Red Hoods?" Alptraum inquires as he cranes his head a bit and looks around. Spotting them, his brow arches and the bad shrugs. "Should I ask why a pickle is attacking a pumpkin, or am I better off not knowing?"

"I swear, I've met Red Hoods somewhere before," Arkold remarks, scratching his chin. "Somethin' about a grandma an' … Eh, never mind."

Agatha shrugs, and heads down the widest street for now. "I'm not from here. Didn't know pickles could be violent."

"You big bad wolf, thinking about little girls in red hoods," Alptraum chides.

Tulani blinks and begins looking around for the mentioned sign saying, "So long as they have a place to sit and something I can drink I don't think I care if their vegetables attack each other. I'm sure the vegetarians eat them anyway."

"There are certainly plenty of bar… um… vampires," Phlagaea notes, glancing at a group of glowing-eyed Eeee dressed in formal evening wear sitting at an outdoor cafe. The green-furred priestess sticks close to Alptraum's side.

"Yes, Draco county is where many live," Alptraum comments to Phlagaea. "They won't bother you, really. Looking forward to a bath and a real bed? I know I am."

"I prefer to hang from my feet, usually," Phlagaea admits. "Just haven't had the chance lately."

"Well, I'm pretty sure you will here," Alptraum comments. The Eeee keeps looking around for some sort of violent vegetable sign.

"I wasn' thinkin' that," Arkold lies. "An' did you say something about bars, Phlagaea? I could use a bar." The wolf looks around, trying to spot any source of real alcohol. "Nice town, eh." He sounds like he really means it, too.

The group draws quite a lot of stares from the older folk, who apparently don't have anything better to do. A few of them make Evil Eye signs at them. But at least they're on the right path, for a sign does appear depicting a vampire-pickle biting a buxom pumpkin woman. The name under it, oddly, is just The Gromit Inn. Across the street from it is a busy shop, with a simple sign reading 'Godsmith' over the door.

Alptraum gives those giving them the Evil Eye sign a quizzical stare. "Apparently, they think we're demons or something," he comments to Phlagaea. Upon spotting the sign finally, he says, "Okay, that has to be the strangest sign I've ever seen. We should reserve our rooms before exploring the town some."

The Sphynx of the group just shrugs and continues walking, choosing not to comment further, her expression turning into a quirked stare as she spots the odd sign. "That is definitely odd… " Tulani murmurs, "A little simple too. I would expect a stranger name than 'Gromit Inn' with a picture like that on their sign."

"Well, you are pretty wicked lookin', Bats. So's your girlfriend, sorry to say," the wolf explains. He then grins at Tulani, and especially at Ravenia and Lilith. "You two, however, are as beautiful as ever. It's definitely Alptraum."

"I'll see to the rooms," Agatha says, before heading into the building. The Inn is only two stories tall, and of more or less uniform architecture at least. Mave gives Arkold a disappointed look for not including her in the beautiful-as-ever remark.

"Keep it up, fuzzball, and I'll tell everyone you have some horrible fungal infection," Alptraum mutters to Arkold. He then puts an arm around Phlagaea and Mave, noting, "I think these two are quite beautiful too."

Tulani covers her mouth to stifle a chuckle at Mave's look.

"Mave, of course, is even more beautiful," Arkold adds, smiling more widely at Mave.

Agatha pops her head out from the Inn's doorway soon after, saying, "I've gotten us the last four rooms, but that should be enough. They're getting ready to serve lunch now, too. I guess some of you must be hungry after skipping breakfast?"

"Well, what do they serve?" Alptraum asks.

"Squash, blood and blood-byproducts," Agatha says. "By which I mean meat."

"I could probably eat something, then. What about the rest of you?" Alptraum asks.

Lucy's large stomach rumbles ominously, and the Fnerf raises her hand. Ravenia looks starved, and Lilith says, "I could go for a… bite."

Arkold's tail wags. "Blood-byproducts, I like the sound of that." He then opens the door fully, letting the others enter first. "So, about sharin' my bed, Raven … " he inquires, ears perked. "Four rooms, eh?"

"Well, I'm all for some food." Tulani exclaims cheerfully before giving Arkold a small punch on the shoulder.

"Four rooms means the guys in one room, the girls in their own or split between two, and Mave by herself to protect us all," Alptraum says with a grin.

"We can double up for some of them," Agatha notes, pushing two tables together for the group. The inside of the inn isn't much different from all of the other Sylvanian inns and roadhouses: there is a big fireplace, and lots of intricately carved wood.

Tulani finds herself a seat and soon begins peering at the wooden carvings with a look that seems more than merely curious.

Alptraum pulls out a chair for Phlagaea and then Mave. Considering something, he looks at Lilith and Ravenia. "Want me to pull out your chairs too?" he offers.

After everyone is inside, Arkold goes about pulling the chairs for people. Alptraum, it seems, has to pull out his own chair. "Nice an' warm. I really appreciate the woodwork 'ere, too. When I retire, I'm gettin' a place like this," he says as he goes about it. When he nears Tulani, he winks at her, then shrugs, whispering, "Never give up. Old doesn' mean dead."

The carvings tend to favor a vampire-heavy motif, with lots of fangs and teeth spread amongst the usual plants and animals.

Alptraum chuckles as Arkold gets to Raven and Lilith first, then grins to the wolf. Looking around a bit before sitting, he comments, "Not sure I care for the decor."

Tulani gives Arkold a faint smile and goes back to looking at the carvings, not seeming put off in the least by the motif. The Sphynx' look is turned a bit inward, like someone looking at something nostalgic.

Once everyone is seated, a formally dressed Eeee (with glowing red eyes) approaches the table and says, "I am Rueben, your host. Vould any of you like drinks or appetizers?"

Alptraum starts to say something, then stops and goes to check how much money he has on hand, first. "What do you have?" he asks absently.

"Beer, small beer, tomato juice, milk, tea, mateh, spiced blood mead, blood, and mixed drinks," the waiter rattles off.

"Give me some o' them blood-byproducts, an' something with alcohol in it. I don't even care if it 'as blood," Arkold replies. He looks to the women beside him, and asks, "I can cover this. Order wha' you want, eh?"

"I am supposed to cover the expenses," Agatha notes, and shows Rueben some sort of badge.

Alptraum considers the list, then answers, "Spiced blood mead, then. Dinner and a drink all in one." With a glance over to Phlagaea, he asks, "I hope I don't, well, gross you out with that?"

Arkold's ears perk, and he looks faintly relieved. "Is that so? Well, do your thing. I offered, eh," he says. "Make it beer and small beer. I have a range of beer-related sizes to cover. Also, meat of some sort."

"Ah… Small beer please… " Tulani answers the waiter offhand, a little distracted before adding after Arkold, "And some meat as well please."

"It's a bit early, so I'd like a Bloody Virgin please," Lilith orders, and looks to Ravenia. "And maybe some iced tea if you have it for my friend?"

Rueben takes down the various orders, then nods to a Khatta lad, who brings over the place settings. He flashes a smile to Tulani a lot while doing it, too.

Tulani blinks and seems to perk up out of her reverie enough to notice the smiles she's getting from the Khatta waiter and gives him a simple, friendly smile in return.

Arkold leans over and nudges Tulani. "Don' be too easy. Take it from me," he whispers.

The drinks arrive first, including pitchers of iced tea, water and tomato juice along with a selection of fresh bread and bowls of butter and honey. The smell of cooking meats fills the room as well.

Tulani turns and gives the wolf an I know look. She had, after all only been trying to be polite, not flirtatious.

Arkold gives Tulani a 'what, I'm tryin' to help here' return look, then shrugs. To Mave, he murmurs, "You 'ave to teach them young, or they all learn the 'ard way. I could tell you stories … " He reaches over and grabs a roll, breaking it in one hand, and offering half to Mave.

Alptraum takes a long drink from his mug and leans back in his chair. He lets out a sigh of contentment and just looks around the room quietly, curious about the residents and travelers.

Phlagaea seems almost disappointed. "I guess they don't know of Gorphat or Inala here," she says. The waiters hadn't even batted an eye at her or Mave.

"I'm not enough for you?" Alptraum teases absently.

The tavern appears to be largely deserted, except for a pair of heavily dressed Eeee men off near the fire, nursing mugs of blood.

Alptraum flicks his ears forward towards the men, curious as to what they may be discussing.

The green woman smirks at Alptraum, and says, "Well, I do still hope to start a new temple. I just don't know if it would be easier to do it someplace where Gorphat is unknown or someplace she is known."

Alptraum pauses to consider that. "Hm, that is a good question," the bat notes.

Across the way, the other Eeees aren't exactly being secretive. "Got a full length ripe nighty, but nothing much else on the river today." "Shame. I had a bunch of Lover's Breath, but the pods burst before I could get it to the Customs House. What a waste… "

Tulani idly takes a sip of her small beer and leans back slightly in her chair, shifting her wings.

Alptraum shakes his head, wishing he hadn't heard that. "So, how long are we to remain in this town?" he asks Agatha. "And is it all right if we look around some?"

"I saw a Godsmith across the way," Arkold remarks, glancing at Mave. "If you need to make up some 'o your gods, s'probably the place to do it."

The Khatta begins bringing over the food. Varieties of squash – fried, steamed and roasted – make up most of the vegetables. Roasted game fowl, steaks and chops fill out the carnivorous portion, including an entire roast leg of Rughrat for Lucy. "We'll stay the night," Agatha says, "then catch the morning coach to the castle. So, I suppose you have plenty of time to look around before nightfall."

"I could stand to look for some new clothing, I think. These have been through muck and back," Alptraum comments and looks at his well-worn attire. "Is there anyplace any of you would like to see? We should probably at least stick in groups of two, since we are strangers here."

Ravenia digs into steak with sweet potatoes, and begins making sounds of happiness that one doesn't often hear in public. "Clothes… mmmm… yeth… " she mutters.

"That reminds me. Where's your moneychanger aroun' 'ere? Dealin' in metals, an' such? I found somethin' I want appraised." Arkold begins piling meat on a plate, with a tiny few vegetables that seem to be added for color alone. "Think I ought an' wait for the castle's treasury, Ag?" His ears swivel towards Ravenia, perking.

"All right, that's one for clothing. Anyone else want to go along with us?" Alptraum asks and then glances at Phlagaea.

Serving herself some of the meat brought to the table and even a portion of the vegetables (especially the roasted squash), Tulani says, "I'm rather interested in that Godsmith… but it might be a good idea to get a fresh set of clothes."

"And, are there any libraries in this town? I should see if I can find any references to dragon torcs and the like," Alptraum notes, tapping his claws on his mug.

The green bat pauses with a mouth full of the local pasta (which happens to also be green), and just nods to Alptraum.

Alptraum nods to Tulani. "The Godsmith, if anything, would be good for a chuckle, I bet," he says with a grin, then takes a swig from his mug.

Mave eats her own meal in silence. She's fairly well stocked, clothes wise, but does comment that she'd like to go. Lilith offers to help people shop as well, knowing the most about Draco fashions.

"Don't mock the Gods, Bats. You never know when you'll run in to 'em," Arkold tells Alptraum, giving him a knowing nod.

"You are not getting a God statue made into your likeness to impress the girls," Alptraum warns Arkold.

Between bites, Arkold adds, "Guess I could," pause, " … use some," more chewing pauses, " … use more clothes. Coat's lookin' a little worn." Arkold's military coat, brought back from another planet, apparently, only looks 'a bit worn' if Arkold himself is 'a bit travel-worn.'

The Jupani also grins at Alptraum, "Good idea, Bats," he replies, then assaults his beer.

"Cleaned up and in decent clothes, you'd be quite handsome, Arkold," Lilith comments. "And Tulani would be quite eye-catching, as well."

"Whereas I would be drab, eh?" Alptraum teases Lilith. He then takes a long drink from his mug.

Tulani blinks at Lilith's comment before shrugging and proceeding without a further word to eat, though she smiles a little.

"You lot eat like a pack of starved fuff'nars," Clancy comments, drinking from his own mug of beer. Next to him, Squeaky keeps passing tidbits back over his shoulder, to the 'hump' that is the covered cage of Chibix. Lucy is a bit dainty, pitcher of water in one hand and roast leg in the other.

Pausing to smile at Clancy, the black and white Sphynx comments, "Well, you can never be sure when another opportunity for a good meal will come along."

"Are you feeling okay, Tulani?" Alptraum asks the Sphynx, leaning his head so he can look directly at her. "You seem very subdued today."

Agatha hmms at Tulani's comment, and rubs her chin in thought.

Arkold grins at Lilith's comment, looking pleased. After a few more bites that turn a steak into just a bone, he asks, "Ag, how about that money changer?"

"Hmm?" the pony goes. "Oh, money… do you have shekels? Those are accepted here."

"I mean, metal exchange, an' appraisers," Arkold clarifies. He finishes one beer, then pulls over another.

"Ah… well, it's big town, so there must be a pawn shop someplace," the pony reasons.

"How about a library or archeologist, or some weird old shop full of unspeakable horrors that happens to know useful things?" Alptraum asks Agatha.

Tulani leans the side of her face on her hand and taps her fork slightly against her plate, not looking like she really wants to eat anymore… "I don't know… I think I'm just a little homesick… " The Sphynx answers to Alptraum before gesturing with her fork to the fretwork and carvings all about. "All this reminds me a bit of my brother… though it's not his style of course."

Agatha can only shrug. "I just passed through her once while waiting to hook up with our main patrol group."

"A wood carver?" Agatha asks Tulani.

"Think the castle'd be a better bet, then?" The wolf looks to Agatha questioningly.

"Well, I know the Countess collects things, so probably a good bet, Arkold," Agatha replies.

"Ah. I … well, I traveled so much as a child I guess I've never really known what a home felt like, but I know what it feels like to miss people," Alptraum says with a smile to Tulani. "I miss my adoptive parents. I honestly don't think we're ever going to find them," he adds with a small sigh, "They were probably victims of this forsaken war."

Tulani blinks at Agatha before responding, "Yes. My father is knowledgeable in carpentry. My brother tried his hand at that but prefers shaping the wood into decorative things." The Sphynx then turns to Alptraum with a slight frown. "Well, I certainly hope that is not the case. I hope we find them."

"You can always count on nobles to collect expensive bits," Arkold agrees. "Speakin' o' nobles, if you met my family, you wouldn't miss home at all. I'm the best one, by far."

"That's a frightening thought," Alptraum notes.

Tulani nods her head in humorous agreement with the Eeee.

"All joking aside, I wonder what the Evil Eye bit outside was about. Do you really think it was directed at me?" Alptraum asks.

"Could jus' be because we're strangers. S'not like these are friendly lands," Arkold suggests. "Then again, you're a bit on the odd side, an' with all the gods 'ere, who knows? Eh, they could even be after me, what with bein' canine."

Tulani says, "We're an odd group Alptraum. I doubt it was solely focused at you.""

"Well, I'm just curious, really. We're here as allies, more or less. I would hope for a more welcome, well, welcome," Alptraum comments idly.

"Older folk like to give strangers the Evil Eye," Clancy notes. "I don't think they mean anything by it."

Arkold shakes his head. "You can't jus' expect trust, Bats. You 'ave to earn it," he explains.

"I'm not expecting trust," Alptraum notes. "Indifference, perhaps, but not hostility."

"It's a hostile time. Look aroun'. Most in the world 'ate these people, an' a country is at war with 'em. I think this territory may be one of the few that can actually stand up to a Gallisian invasion," the wolf says.

Ravenia burps, and leans back into her chair with a happy sigh as she finishes her meal.

"The Gallee will never take Draco," Agatha says knowingly. "They'd need a huge force, which means the Chevaliers would have to share their spoils. And the Chevaliers are not big on sharing."

Alptraum decides not to pursue it. Instead, he just finishes off his mug, then stretches his legs out. "I think I may go take a walk for a bit," he says.

Rueben returns, as emptied plates begin to be cleared off. "If you vish, a hot bath can be made ready," the vampire says.

"I'll manage the beer," Arkold tells Alptraum. He reaches over and pats Ravenia on the back, absently.

"Actually, a bath sounds even better right now. I must smell awful," Alptraum notes, then pauses to sniff his arm.

The meal has revived everyone's sense of smell, unfortunately. There's a lot of self sniffing going on. "How many can fit into the tub?" Ravenia asks Rueben.

"Aha, that explains it! They smelled the cheese," Alptraum declares.

"A bath is sounding good," Arkold agrees, after Ravenia's comment.

"Two or possibly three if they are friendly," the vampire Eeee remarks, showing no sign of surprise at the question. "The bathing room is tiled, so that others may wash next to the tub if they wish." At this last comment, the host seems to be looking towards Lucy.

"Two to three. So, we'll have to bathe in shifts," Alptraum notes. "Who wants to go first, then?"

"I'll go with you, Alptraum," Phlagaea notes. Lilith and Raven both look to Tulani, and the human asks, "Care to make it a threesome, Tulani?"

Alptraum smirks and says to Phlagaea, "All right, so long as I get to remove the bandages." He waggles his brow.

Arkold's ears wilt slightly. He takes a sip of beer, and stares at the fire. "Ah well," he murmurs.

Tulani who had been staring off into space for the moment throws her hands into the air at the humans suggestion, saying, "Sure, why not!" and rolling her eyes.

"I go with you boys," Mave says, nodding to Arkold and Clancy, causing the Rhian to blink a few times.

"Just don't break them," Alptraum asks of Mave.

Agatha turns to Lucy, and says, "I'll scrub your back if you scrub mine." The Fnerf smiles and wags her giant fluffy tail.

"I'll wait on Mave," Arkold insists, holding his hand up.

"Never seen a Rhian before," Mave notes. "Err, I am married you know," Clancy mutters, but doesn't argue Mave's choice.

"Very vell, I vill have the vater heated," Rueben says. "Until then, ve have a selection of dessert vines, and also fresh sweet-potato or pumpkin pie."

"I'll go with the pumpkin pie," the wolf orders, staring off in to the fire.

"Huh. And here I thought the bath was the dessert? Well, it will be for me, anyway," Alptraum notes with a grin.

"I never figured you for a pie lover, Arkold," Lilith notes, while Ravenia also asks for some pie, as does Agatha and Clancy. Squeaky seems to have dozed off, and certainly didn't look interested in bathing.

Tulani looks at Rueben and asks, "Do you have any milk by chance?"

"We have Rughrat or goat's milk, miss," Rueben answers.

"I like a good pie now and then," Arkold says. He swishes his mug of beer around, looking at his reflection, and frowns. "Think I might grab a walk while you all are gettin' your baths."

"Dibs on the first bath then," Lilith declares. "Ladies first, after all. And this way Arkold won't be tempted to peek in on us if he's out walking."

"You are wise beyond your years," Alptraum tells Lilith. "Plus, more chance for me to spy, of course."

"I thought you wanted to take a walk too?" Phlagaea asks Alptraum, poking him in the shoulder.

"Rughrat milk then, please," the Sphynx requests of the host, before chuckling at all the talk of peeking in the bath.

Alptraum grins at Phlagaea. "Yes, but I couldn't resist the chance to annoy Arkold, you see," Alptraum explains to Phlagaea. "Want to walk with me?"

"Someone has to keep you out of trouble," Phlagaea answers.

"I get into trouble?" Alptraum asks the green Eeee.

"You will if you go for a walk without me," the Eeee woman says.

"Ah, the kind where I'm in trouble with you," Alptraum observes.