By the time Alptraum, Arkold and their guest made it back to the Smith Ranch island, the level of activity was already impressive. Eeee of all ages, armed with just about anything that could be swung as a weapon, were waiting for a troop of monsters to attack them ever since Gunn's fever broke. The tension burst into cheers and backslaps when the returning trio came into view, though.

After cleaning up from their journey through the swamp, the three men were nearly dragged to the main building, where more cheers assault them. They are seated in comfy stuffed chairs near one of the fireplaces, handed mugs of homebrewed ale, and treated to the sight of a whole hog being roasted on a spit over the fire next to them.

Arkold leans back in his chair and after a swig of ale tells Alptraum, "I'm thinkin' we should let the fee slide this time." He stretches his left arm and then rotates it at the joint, groaning. "A break is payment enough for me right now."

Alptraum chuckles, "I'm fine with that. They need it more than us, anyway."

Ex-Corporal Jayne, the Gallisian shepherd, has begun to calm down after a few ales. "Didn't know I'd be surrounded by vampires that wanted to feed me instead of feed on me," he chuckles.

"And I thought their family was big to begin with. My entire tribe wasn't this big," comments Alptraum. He takes a gulp from the mug, then inhales sharply. "Well, at least it's better than the ale back at the tavern. Say, Arkold, have you seen Gunn? I haven't seen her here, so I was wondering if she was feeling better enough to get out of bed."

"Heh my family isn't nearly this big either. There's the few up in Rephidim and more family on, uh, well possibly Abaddon. I had a few in Elamoore when it up and swapped with Abaddon's land. I have a few more relatives out that way too but they're all kitty-lickin' Emir-lovers an' I can't stand that." The wolf grins and taps his ale to the badge on his coat. "Spent several years in the trenches due to the Emir. His son's worse though. Ol' captain kitty couldn't navigate a toy boat out of a bucket."

The wolf's ears perk. "Eh? Gunn? No, 'avn't seen here. Maybe she's restin'."

As if in answer to Alptraum's question, a tan bundle of fur jumps into his lap and gives him a fang-locking kiss on the muzzle! "Alptraum!" Gunn squeals once she finishes the kiss. "I'm so glad you aren't dead!"

"Gunn, don't exert yourself so much or you'll pass out," Annabelle chides from her spot next to the roasting hog, which she occasionally ladles juice and spices over.

Blinking at Gunn's sudden appearance the wolf then laughs out loud at her action. "Ha!" he exclaims with merriment, "I'm glad you aren't undead, Gunn. You too Jayne."

Alptraum erks and juggles his ale mug briefly, almost spilling it in surprise. He blinks repeatedly, and once again finds himself thankful for being completely black so blushing doesn't show. "Uuuuh, hey, Gunn! I'm glad to see you're feeling much better," he stammers.

"You're glad?" Jayne says, laughing back. "I'm ecstatic! I have no idea what I'm going to do next, but I'll be damned if I'm not going to enjoy myself now."

"So, how many monsters did you have to fight?" Gunn asks excitedly, in the rapid-fire manner that only young Eeee and over-stimulated Kavi can manage.

Arkold leans over to whisper to Jayne in mock-conspiratorial tones. "Well if you ask me I think your next course would be to set sail for more ale and some hog! Ha. You can have my bit 'o hog too. You need it more than I do. An' I said I wouldn' have any," he says.

The shepherd eyes the roasting hog and takes another swig of ale to keep from drooling, then winks back to Arkold.

"Ahh, well, we took down three vampires here – not sure if you remember much about that. Out at their lair, well … they gave up without much of a fight. Some of them wanted to be free," Alptraum says, shifting in his chair a bit to account for the weight of the Eeee sitting on him. "It was strange, to be sure."

"Gave up?" Gunn asks, sounding disappointed. Then she smiles, and says, "Oh, they must have figured it'd be impossible to win against you both, after you stopped them the other night!"

"An' don' forget the were-poodle," adds Arkold as he turns back to Gunn and Alptraum. He gestures with his mug dramatically. "Three times the size of a regular man it was! So about twice my size and quadruple Alptraum there. Rows an' rows of massive flesh rendin' teeth."

Alptraum grins and mock-whispers to Gunn, "Arkold was off playing with a doggy while I had to take down the vampires. He had it easy."

"Hey I got the first vampire! That was two to your one, Alp," the Jupani is quick to explain.

"Yeh, that's it exactly girly," Jayne pipes in. "They rolled right over for your man." To Arkold he says, "You're lucky old Butch didn't go up against you. He was the really big one."

Alptraum reminds Arkold, "Two vampires and one Zombie, bud."

"I got a zombie too, you know!" Gunn adds, looking indignant.

Alptraum looks at Jayne and stammers, "Er, her man, what? Er, it's nothing like that!"

"Uh, well, it doesn't really matter," Arkold retorts, calming down. "Besides you're younger than I am."

"And you should be glad I don't shred your wings for going after those monsters, young lady," Annabelle points out to Gunn.

The older canine glances at the younger one. "Butch, eh? Sounds tough. But back on Ashtoreth I swapped blows with tougher; why I even had the Triton – King of the Sea – at my beck an' call."

"What's that, some sort of fish?" Jayne asks.

Alptraum looks at Gunn and fidgets. "So … how's Laccy doing? She was really worried about you. She was sitting watch over you when we left," Alptraum says.

"It's a fish an' a man together. Like bats are a … canine an' a chibix I guess," Arkold explains. He holds up his mug and then puts his fist below it. "Instead of legs 'e has a tail like a fish an' 'es surrounded by an army of mermaid beauties."

"She's probably still in the bath," Gunn says, and makes a gesture with her ears that could be taken as a rolling-of-the-eyes for someone without visible pupils. "She butchered and dressed the hog there, and was all sticky."

Alptraum makes a face. "Avralie, I suppose she would be. That does get a bit messy. Hunting isn't much better, let me tell you," Alptraum replies. He looks around, briefly pondering calling for help.

"You're joking, right?" Jayne asks, looking over at the size of the roasting hog. "One Eeee, and a girl at that, handled that monster?"

As if to punctuate the shepherd's incredulousness, Annabelle easily swings the spitted hog out of the flames to where she can begin carving it up.

Arkold tilts his head, glancing at Jayne again out of the corner of his eye. "Whut? They don' have maids butcherin' hogs in Gallis? Lasses too delicate, might break a curl or a poof? Heh heh."

"It's just that… uh… I thought Eeees were… you know… fragile," Jayne says, and then takes another swallow of ale.

"Well they are compared to toughs like us," the wolf explains. "But they ain't twigs. Why I've seen Alp fight with the best of 'em. An' Gunn too. Miss Annabelle's a take-no-gumpfh mother bat!"

"Fragile folk don't last long in this country," Garret says, having snuck up on the grouping with a flask of something stronger than ale in his hand. "Don't confuse us with those city bats."

Alptraum raises his arm and clenches a clawed fist, causing the muscles along his forearm to ripple under his fur. "Not all strains of Eeee are weak. Those who live out in the wilderness here have to be a bit stronger," Alptraum says, to add to Garrett's statement.

"I guess I underestimated the officers then," Jayne mutters. "I thought they were going after easy targets. Never fought myself, was in charge of supplies."

"The city bats confuse me. What with all those long-haired skirt wearin' types," says Arkold. He scratches his chin a bit, takes a swig of ale, then continues by asking, "Y'mean ol' Lady Draco's officers?"

"So, Gunn," Alptraum asks, "What do you plan to do the rest of the night? Hang out with your friends, family, and such?" He takes a drink from his mug.

"No, my officers," Jayne says, shaking his head and sounding a bit melancholy. "Up in Draco, we mostly faced mercenary forces, but none of them were Eeees."

Annabelle places platters of meat in front of Arkold and Jayne… and surprisingly fills plates of small cuts for several of the Eeee that have lined up. Even Gunn plucks a bite-sized chunk and chews away happily on it.

Alptraum lowers his mug and glances at Jayne to ask, "What can you tell us about Countess Draco? I've heard she's an Eeee. Is that true?"

After washing down his meat with some ale, Jayne replies, "I think she was. She had wings and the right build, but it's hard to say for sure with the armor she wore. Made her look like a dragon, more than anything else. Made her voice sound funny too, kinda deep and hollow."

"I've got to admit this is my first real experience with Eeee meself." The wolf turns again to Jayne and makes a pointy-ear with one of his cupped hands. "They sure hear better than I do. Makes me feel old, it does. Can' say I like havin' to run after all these flyin' types too. That also makes me feel old."

His mouth full, Jayne mumbles, "Hate to tell you, Arkold, but you are old."

Arkold pauses in mid bite. "Whut?" he asks Jayne incredulously. "Why'd I save you again? I'm only thirty-nine."

Alptraum laughs and comments, "I'm twenty-three. You're old, Arkold."

"So's my dad, Arkold," Jayne points out to the Jupani.

Arkold swallows and sinks back in to his chair. "Triton's trident," he curses. "I guess you're right. Someone 'and me a cane."

After chewing all of the flavor from the meat, Gunn casually spits it out into a nearby bucket.

Alptraum finishes off his mug and says to Gunn, "Uh, say, can … er. I'd like to go get some ale. Could you move?"

"I think older men are just more distinguished," Annabelle says, and winks at Arkold.

"I'll get you some!" Gunn offers, and hops off of Alptraum to fetch a fresh mug.

The wolf raises his mug to salute the older woman. "You're a peach Annabelle. I see where the girls get it from," he tells her with a grin.

The Eeee matron grins back, showing well-cared-for teeth.

Alptraum whews and slumps. He then rubs his temples with a sigh. "Sorry we couldn't keep Gunn from harm in the first place, Annabelle," he says.

"Would you like some meat?" asks a soft voice from behind Alptraum. Lacrimosa looks and smells freshly scrubbed, and has even braided her hair and put on a dress that is probably quite revealing by Sylvanian standards, since it doesn't involve wearing boots and actually bares the shoulders. "It's good to chew, like candy."

Arkold glances at Gunn, then Alptraum, then Lacrimosa before chuckling and turning to ask Jayne, "A dragon, eh? Like the rumors ol' Faraon is supposed look like? Or one of the snake-types?"

Gunn hands Alptraum a full cup of ale, then sits down next to him on a cushion to listen as Jayne describes the mysterious northern ruler.

Alptraum gets up from his chair, turning so he can face Lacrimosa. "Uh, hi, Lacrimosa. You look really good, the braid suits you," he says nervously. "Meat, ah, sure. I could give it a try. Just a small piece."

Alptraum then notices the return of Gunn and he says with a smile, "Hey, thanks for fetching that. You really didn't have to."

"I don't know what Faraon looked like, but there was no mistaking this mask for a Naga. It had lots of horns and frills and looked downright nasty. The sort of visage that would cause Rughrat milk to go sour and children to have nightmares," Jayne says.

Laccy kneels down on Alptraum's other side, and holds out a little piece of meat – clearly intending to feed it to him by hand.

"Sounds like some excellent craftsmanship there," the wolf says after listening. He rubs his chin again and nods. "Yeah. Don't see that kind of work north of Gallis. Expensive too. An' I don't see many bats with armor. I figure it's hard to fly in, so she's probably a strong one. Quite the mystery, aye."

Alptraum rubs his neck and grins rather sheepishly – well, a fangy sheep anyway. He sits back down in his chair and glances at Arkold with a look of 'Don't you dare comment!' Then, with a shrug, he opens his mouth.

"Craftsmanship?" Jayne asks, getting a distant look on his face. "Oh… didn't I mention it was a real head worn as a mask? Mummified or something to preserve it, maybe, but it was a real dragon head worn like a helmet. I'm sure of it."

Laccy puts the bit of meat on Alptraum's tongue, and gives his lower lip a light brush with her finger. "Just spit it out when it loses its taste."

"There are real dragons up there?" Gunn asks, eyes wide. "Did you see any?"

Alptraum closes and chews on it carefully. His expression is … curious. He's never tried doing such before.

Arkold doesn't appear to notice. Though he does suddenly grin while listening to Jayne describe the helmet. "An actual dragon head? Siren's tails, that's unheard of. I've been aroun' – an' like you'll be quick to point out I'm an' old man – an' I've never seen a dragon on the face of Sinai. Never seen Faraon either for tha' matter. He escaped Rephidim I saw, but no dragon to display on the rack for the rest of us. Startin' to belive they don' exist at all. But if what yer sayin' is true that's somethin'. An' I wonder if she did it in 'erself."

Alptraum pauses mid-chew to comment to Gunn, "Don't get any ideas. You're not going on a dragon quest or something."

"No, thank goodness," Jayne says, and suppresses a shiver. "We didn't encounter many real monsters at all, but on the retreat south we ran into some disturbing signs… well, they would have been disturbing if everyone else hadn't been turned into a monster already by then."

"What did you see?" Alptraum asks, concerned. He resumes chewing.

"Disturbin' signs?" repeats Arkold.

"Burned fields, a few gutted villages… " Jayne says, after taking a deeper drink of ale. "Nothing that you wouldn't expect to see in the course of war, really, but I don't know of any Gallisian attempts to take Draco from the south."

"So you're thinkin' someone else might 'ave done it?" Arkold asks.

Alptraum looks at Arkold. "And we probably have to go through that. Not good," he comments.

Arkold glances at Alptraum and gives him a nod. "N' sure what to make of burned fields that aren't the work of Gallis. Doesn't figure a lordling would come an' destroy crops that'd soon be his. Maybe they're fed up with tryin' to beat ol' Draco an' want to starve her lands instead."

The shepherd just shrugs. "Could be. Could be another group just decided to go around and try to attack from a direction Draco wasn't expecting. We pretty much left the same sort of damage after we raided a village and it had… er… those that the Captain deemed purge-worthy."

Alptraum chews for a little bit longer on the piece of meat and nods to Arkold. He makes another strange expression as it does start to lose its taste. So, he leans over to the bucket Gunn and used earlier and spits it out. He looks back to Laccy and says with a smile, "Well, that was actually pretty good. Heh, Gunn's right, I am a barbarian or somesuch."

"Purge worthy?" repeats Arkold, again.

Lacrimosa pats Alptraum on the shoulder, and says, "Well, barbarians do have their charm."

"Ahem," Jayne says, conscious of Gunn's eyes watching him. "You know… those technically classified as monsters or undesirables: Vampire Eeee, gypsies, witches and sorcerers. And the real undead, too. Not sure if we ever found the latter though."

Alptraum grins and nudges Lacrimosa, saying, "Er, thanks, I think." He then blinks, muttering, "Erg, my manners… " As he scoots over some on the chair, he adds, "Why don't you sit? It's got to be more comfortable than kneeling." Alptraum then goes stiff. "Did you say Gypsies, Jayne?"

Lacrimosa settles in next to Alptraum, and Jayne explains, "Yes. So called 'inferior' types not worth ruling over. The upper crust actually thinks that getting rid of them will endear them to the rest of the locals. Never could get my own head around that idea, but then maybe that's why I didn't turn into a monster."

Arkold looks sober and nods slightly. "S'bout what we expected really," he tells Jayne. "Lady Draco may need our help if she's losin' farmland. Might be somethin' to consider when we go that way. Though for you, Jayne, I'd suggest goin' south an' maybe gettin' yourself a guard job. Plenty need 'em."

Alptraum turns and looks at Jayne, deadly serious. "Did you see any gypsies killed? Burned wagons?" he asks. "It's important to me."

"Barge traffic is moving again, now that the water's risen for spring," Garret puts in. "Plenty of call for supply masters on the docks and boats."

Glancing at Alptraum the Jupani asks, "Hey didn't you say you were lookin' for your fam- er, nevermind that."

Jayne blinks at Alptraum's tone, and says, "Not that I know of. We usually went after Eeee settlements, and didn't exactly follow the roads. The Captain figured that way we'd get closer to Draco's castle before having a real fight."

"Did ol' Draco know you were comin' then?" Arkold asks.

"Well, yeah, I suppose she did," Jayne says ruefully. "We were ambushed and overpowered pretty easily, and she was right there to deal with us the next morning."

"Curious. An' you were keepin' low?" further asks the wolf.

Alptraum grows silent. The Eeee hunches over some and lets out his breath slowly, his eyes obscured by his hand as he rubs his forehead.

"Oh yeah, covered our tracks and everything," the former corporal says. "But… well, we don't use magic. Or defend against it either, you get me? I figure the Countess has scryers or some other way to keep her eye on things."

Laccy starts to rub the back of Alptraum's neck, and asks him, "Are you alright? Would you like some wine or water or blood instead of ale?"

"Of course, might have also just been some Eeee from the villages we razed flew on ahead to spread the alarm," Jayne notes.

"She's jus' about the best equipped leader in Sylvania then. An army, scryers, curses I've never 'eard of before – dragon heads! I guess that's where she got her name from; Draco, dragon." The wolf nods to Jayne's addition. "Still. She ain't what I expected. She might be a good one for us to join up with. Seems the most promisin' of any of the local leaders so far. Can't say I've met the nominal leader up in Justininople though."

"It's not from the ale it's … " Alptraum says slowly, not really moving. "My adoptive parents were gypsies. Aerial entertainers. My father isn't in the greatest health. He'd have never been able to fly away; my mother wouldn't have left him. If they're destroying gypsies as they go… " He sighs and mutters something in Babelite instead, to spare those around him from an unpleasant comment.

"Don't worry about it, Alptraum," Jayne says, trying to reassure the bat. "We were moving fast, and except for 'targets of opportunity' we didn't come into contact with the locals much. A larger force than ours would have gone straight for the Countess, and a smaller one wouldn't have tried to take on a caravan of probably-armed and canny gypsies."

The old wolf nods to this. "He's right, kid. Wouldn't do to be raidin' gypsies when your numbers are small. Gypsies don't have much to take, or much food, an' they're clever folk who are armed to travel Sylvania. A small village would be a better target. Less resistance, more supplies."

"Yeah Alptraum! If they raised you, they've gotta be pretty tough," Gunn says.

Alptraum reaches back and puts his hand lightly over Laccy's hand on his neck. He slowly sits back and carefully lifts her hand up and over his head as he does. "I hope you're right," he says, tone such that it's hard to tell whether he believes or disbelieves it. Interestingly, he doesn't let go of Laccy's hand; he just continues to hold it, thumb lightly rubbing against the side.

"At any rate we might want to pay Draco our dues when we go tha' way. Let 'er know we're around to help out if she needs it. Get an idea of what she's up to. She seems like the best bet for a solid ally an' example of solid rulership," Arkold says in an effort to try and move the conversation away from the grim topic of gypsies.

"Father, this is a special occasion, so why don't you break out the good bottles?" Annabelle says to Garret, who gets up from his seat with a mutter and shuffles off.

"She does. But, we should be careful. Better let me greet her and her guards first. They might suspect you of being with the Gallee," Alptraum points out. "I'm at least somewhat a native."

"Hey I'm not some over-puffed pretty boy Gallee," replies Arkold defensively. He then glances at Jayne and grins good-naturedly. "Er, no offence."

"Heh, none taken," Jayne says. "I may have a fairly pure bloodline, but I'm still just a Gallah. I won't be a landowner under Gallisian rule."

"I don't think I'd want to be ruled by an undead vampire, no matter how good she is at defending her territory," Gunn says. "Who knows what she demands from her subjects? Maybe they have to give up their first born to feed her pet dragon or something! And the real vampires don't drink blood from a cup, they want live prey."

"But, you're still not from here, are you?" Alptraum counters. "Do you speak the language without an accent? Just let me speak first, is all." He then casts a glance to Gunn after the comment about 'real' vampires.

The shepherd nods towards Gunn, and says, "True enough. The officers weren't happy with hog blood when they couldn't find people to suck. They were looking at me pretty hungrily when you showed up."

Arkold gives Jayne a punch in the shoulder (spilling a bit of ale on him in the process) and then turns his attention back to the group. "Eh, you're probably right. I don't want to end up a monster myself. I'd make a terrible vampire," he agrees. Then he glances at Gunn and suggests, "We don' really know what she is. We've got rumors, but, we thought the Captain was a vampire too an' he was somethin' diffrent. So we ought to get her side of the story. Beggers can' be choosers an' all that. Sylvania's only got so many people to defend it."

Garret returns, carrying a positively huge (if dusty) bottle. Beeb follows along behind, carrying a box of carefully packed fluted wineglasses.

Arkold eyes the bottle. "Good gravy," he exclaims. "Titanian wine?"

Alptraum prefers to glance over at Laccy, instead of the huge bottle. It's at that moment he realizes he hasn't let go of her hand yet and says, "Oh, uhm, er … sorry."

"Gallisian sparkling wine," Garret grumps as he fiddles with the wire holding down the cork. "From the last time Gallis tried to take us over. Damned cork is a real bi- eh… real pain to get out."

With a POP and a spray of foam, the heavy cork shoots off. It bounces off the ceiling first, beans Jayne on the head and then ricochets towards Alptraum. The bat ducks fast enough to get only a glancing blow to the side of his head, and with most of its force depleted the cork deflects harmlessly down the front of Lacrimosa's dress.

"Do that again!" Gunn cries out in laughter.

"Ow!" Alptraum exclaims, and puts his hand on the side of his head. "See? The Gallee are still after us."

Arkold is laughing too. "Obviously Gallisan. Even it won't give a Gallah a break!"

Garret seems oblivious to the carnage caused by the cork, and sniffs the bottle to make sure it hasn't turned to carbonated vinegar before he begins pouring it into the fancy glasses.

"I usually don't get a headache until after I've drunk the stuff," Jayne chuckles as he rubs the top of his own head.

Blushing furiously, Lacrimosa quietly fishes the cork out of her top, and holds the thing as if unsure what to do with it.

"Oh hey," says the wolf as he stands up, "I jus' remembered I need to check on somethin'. I'll be right back." He begins walking towards the door but pauses long enough to collect a wineglass before he departs.

Alptraum offers his hand to Lacrimosa, "Here, I'll hand it back to Garrett." He grins.

The rest of the glasses are distributed as they're filled, and even Gunn is given one. "It's usually not until the second date that someone gets as far as this cork has," Laccy jokes as she hands the stopper to Alptraum.

Alptraum is yet again glad you can't tell if he blushes. He just grins wryly and takes the cork. He turns and hands it to Garrett as Garrett hands him a glass.

"A toast is traditional, I believe," Annabelle says, and raises her glass. "To new friends."

"To safe nights," Garret adds, raising his own glass.

"To fat hogs!" someone yells from the back of the room.

"New beginnings," offers Jayne.

"To a brighter future," Alptraum adds, raising his glass slightly.

"… full of adventure!" Gunn adds to Alptraum's toast.

"To heroes," Lacrimosa toasts.

"To drinking!" Beeb yells. "Now let's get on with it!"

Annabelle and the rest of the Smiths tip their glasses, with only Gunn drinking too fast and getting hiccups.

Alptraum carefully drinks down the wine. "Hmm, rather dry, but good," he says. He then grins and raises his glass slightly toward Lacrimosa and whispers, "And to beautiful ladies." He winks, then ahems, turning to ask Garrett, "So, how old is that? When did Gallees try to invade last?"

"Oh, was in my Granddad's day, just after the Necromancer Wars I think," Garret says. "At least, that was the last time they got this far in. Always been nibbling at the edges though."

"I wonder if Countess Draco is as old as the Necromancer wars," Alptraum muses.

"Dunno, myself," Garret says, rubbing his whiskered chin. "Was a pretty chaotic time, so a lot of history got lost, so to speak. Still pops up in bits and pieces though, now and again. Mostly to cause trouble."

"The Marquis made a lot of promises of land to get the Chevaliers to fight in the last big war against Nagai and Babel," Jayne says, sighing. "So they'll keep trying to claim their deeds here until they get them or die trying. Doubt the Marquis cares which, although if they all get themselves killed he'll still have the land to offer the next batch."

Arkold returns with his wine glass half empty. "There. Now then back to the party!" And he walks over to retake his seat.

"Hear any interesting stories about 'The light of Nala' or anything along those lines?" Alptraum asks.

"Never heard of it," Garret says, and sips more of the sparkling wine. "Something to do with the angel Inala?"

Alptraum leans over and asks Arkold in a whisper, "Please tell me you didn't go, ah, relieve yourself in a pot?"

Annabelle refills Arkold's glass once he sits down.

Alptraum looks surprised. "You know of Inala?" he asks Garrett.

Arkold gives Alptraum a sharp elbow. "Mind your manners boy," he tells him. "I went to check on our equipment."

Alptraum oofs quietly.

"Inala the angel?" asks Arkold curiously. "See I heard some funny things about this Inala from some of the Babelite trade captains I worked with."

"Yeah, one of the Angels," Garret says, looking thoughtful. "Not sure which one though anymore. Been awhile since I was taught the stuff."

"There are many stories about Inala. Sylvania considered her the Angel of Happiness, if I remember right," Alptraum replies with a shrug. "I know more than I probably want to about her and the others."

"Happiness was definitely part of the story that ol' captain told me," Arkold says with a grin.

"I'm sure," Alptraum mutters.

"Oh, she's the one you carved the little figure of for us, Grandpa," Lacrimosa puts in. "When we were little? Remember? For good luck and happy lives, lots of children, and so forth. I've still got it mounted over my bedroom window."

"Those things were meant to be angels?" Gunn asks her older sister. "I put it with my old dolls."

"Oh, yeah, I remember that," Garret says, either because his memory was jogged or because he doesn't want to look like he's going senile.

Alptraum shrugs and adds, "She's unusual, I'll give her that. I still remember when she … " He stops himself, then asks, "Can you show me the statues?"

"I'll go get mine," Gunn offers, and rushes off after another hiccup.

"Actually Nala is more of a Gigi thing. I was headin' that way to settle down with Raneah an' I heard some of the stories. I'm not sure what-all Nala's supposed to be other than somethin' to do with light and life," Arkold offers.

"All the 'Angels' are a bit odd," Alptraum says with a shudder. "I'm surprised they're still remembered here. I think they'd been long forgotten."

"I know about the Angel of Death, Sunala," Annabelle says. "We always mark our graves with her figure, to ensure safe passage to the afterlife… and so that the dead stay dead, as well."

Alptraum digs the pendant out from around his neck and offers it to Annabelle. "This symbol?" he asks.

The wolf grins a little. "Your mom would approve, eh, Alptraum?"

Alptraum elbows Arkold, hard.

Arkold grunts. "Don' be so sensitive, eh?"

The woman looks closely at the amulet, then says, "I'm not sure, but it looks like the one I've seen on older graves. Usually we just carve a figurine of a black Eeee woman to use as a grave marker." She offers the amulet back to Alptraum, and asks, "Is that her symbol then?"

"See? Didn't I say he was a Holy Man?" Lacrimosa notes. Gunn also returns then, with a on old box full of figures. Not all of them are of Eeee, either. Many of them are distinctly hog-shaped.

Alptraum takes the pendant back. "Avralie, it is," he says, slipping the pendant back around his neck. He tucks it back under his shirt. "I have … a connection to her in a way," Alptraum says with a shrug. He then looks back at Laccy and says, "And I'm not a Holy Man, really."

"Oh, well that's good too," Lacrimosa says with a smile.

Alptraum raises an eyebrow and asks Lacrimosa, "It is?"

After rummaging around for a bit, Gunn produces several figures that vaguely represent the Seven Sisters. Most of the paint has flaked off or faded though, so that the original colors are hard to make out.

Arkold glances at Jayne and thumbs the young couple. "I hope you didn't leave anyone behind comin' here."

Alptraum takes the figures and tries to figure out which is which. He keeps a close eye out for one of Sunala.

"Well, it means you don't have to worry about upholding any vows of chastity or abstinence or not drinking blood on holidays and so forth," Laccy replies. "I mean, it must be hard to keep track of all the things you are and aren't supposed to do when you're Holy."

"Amen," says Arkold. He salutes Laccy with his wineglass before drinking.

Alptraum laughs at that. "You're right, I don't have to track any of that."

"Me?" Jayne chuckles. "Nah, maybe just a second cousin I think."

Arkold nods. "That's good. It'll make your livin' here easier. Me, I got someone waitin' for me up north on one of the small sailin' villages," he tells the Gallah.

The figurines are all fairly crude and shown wearing similar flowing dresses. The two that stand out the most are one holding onto a sword, and another with a long staff that looks like it was broken off near the top.

"Say, I have to ask … does the day Landing Six have any special meaning?" Alptraum asks absently as he looks over the figures.

"That why you're heading north now then?" Jayne asks. "Or did you really just want to meet the Countess?"

"Winter dance is usually on around that time," Garret says.

"We've got other things to do around Sylvania. We're kind of free-wheelin' mercenaries pledged to the idea of savin' Sylvania. There's a lot we need to check into, and Lady Draco is one of them. Still, I'd like to see Raneah again along the way. She's probably gettin' bored with the town by now," answers Arkold.

"You really didn't take very good care of those, Gunneril," Laccy says to her little sister, to which Gunn replies with a typical see-what-I-have-to-suffer-through look common to younger siblings.

"There's an old abandoned church to the Angels not too terribly far from here, I think," Alptraum says, setting the figures aside. "Ah, is it? Heh, a dance near my birthday. I'll have to remember that!"

"Well, Draco sure uses a lot of mercenary types," Jayne tells Arkold.

Alptraum grins and shrugs, "Sorry. Seeing the figures reminded me of a lot of what I learned a little while ago."

"Eh we're kinda … uh … free mercenaries. Sometimes. Like now. Y'know, we help because we want to – not because we want to line our pockets with shekels. Still helpin' Draco may be in the cards yet. I don't know. But we've got other things to attend to as well," says the Jupani.

Leaning across Alptraum, Lacrimosa plucks up the figurine with the broken staff, then shows it to Alptraum. "This is Sunala. The scythe is broken off though, and the paint worn away. She would have a white-painted face in this depiction, if I remember… meant to look like a skull."

Arkold peers at the doll a moment. "Eh. Creepy."

"Here's Inala," Gunn says, holding up a still mostly white figure, clutching something against its chest. "This thing she's holding is supposed to be a bouquet of flowers, but I always thought it was some sort of fish from the way it looked."

"In other words we're idiot do-gooders trying to help out and discovering it pays poorly," Alptraum says with a grin. He then turns his attention back to Lacriomosa, and leans in close to her to examine the statue. "Interesting," he comments, running his fingertip over the statue.

"Fish can be good at happiness," suggests Arkold cryptically.

"Yeah, but not when you hold 'em against your chest," Gunn points out.

"Don' be so sure," retorts Arkold. "I happen to know a mermaid."

"Hey, that sounds neat!" Gunn enthuses. "What's a mermaid?"

Alptraum takes a moment to peer at the statue of Inala. He squints, commenting, "Doesn't look like her."

"It's kind of like, ah … She's half-fish and half Khatta. Or Kahatata. Or whatever else they call themselves. Sailors have stories about them. She can sing like no other, has these wing-like iridescent fins, and she's just generally a lot of fun. More fun once she warmed up, really. Sinai ahs been good for her," the wolf explains.

"She's his sweetie, I think," Alptraum says with a grin and a wink towards Gunn.

"A fish-cat with wings?" Gunn asks, trying to form an image in her head. "But Khattas hate getting wet."

"Really?" Lacrimosa asks Alptraum. "What does you think the Angel of Happiness should look like?"

"Ahhhh, well … uhm," Alptraum says fidgeting. "I've seen other depictions and such. The ones I've seen are white, but tend to be … nude."

"Hey now," warns Arkold to Alptraum. He looks at him hard for a moment and then grins. "That's up to her. Kinda strange, really. I mean. Being a fish an' all. She is nice. But. Er." He shoots anyone looking his way a 'it's hard to explain' look before clearing his throat and saying, "More like a fish cat with water-wings. An' she likes water. All the mercats do."

"Well, I suppose Angels can get away with that," Lacrimosa says with a giggle. "At least, outdoors."

"Inala sure seemed to not care," Alptraum mutters, then covers his mouth quickly. "Anyway. Did you two actually play with these?"

"Well, that sounds good," Gunn says. "Would be silly to be a fish that doesn't like water. That'd be like an Eeee that had a fear of flying!"

"Well, I didn't play with mine," Lacrimosa says, making sure to sound more mature. "But then, I didn't have the whole set like Gunn, and my Inala is in much better condition."

"You got it," agrees Arkold with a nod. "I'll introduce you to her if you ever get that chance Gunn. Raneah an' I tend to move around a lot so you never know where we might be."

"Yeah, you have to come back and visit," Gunn says, seriously. "Maybe for the Winter Dance? Then we can throw a birthday party for Alptraum at the same time."

Alptraum grins at Lacrimosa. "Sorry. I'm just having an amusing time imagining anyone playing with these, is all," he tries not to laugh, he really does. He composes himself and says, "That might be doable … just don't mind any weirdness that may happen, okay?"

"Maybe the swamp will freeze over, and we can ice-skate," Gunn says, grinning. "It's like flying on the ground, Arkold."

The wolf nods. "Maybe so. We migth be wanderin' around Sylvania for a long time yet. So if we're back this way we'll be sure to stop by. Though Raneah has some trouble with the rivers. Murky an' all. She doesn't have legs so she's slow on the river. I bet she'd complain about ice, too. Y'know she's pretty strong. Don' want to upset her. Once she threw me overboard for tellin' her she weighed as much as a serendip."

"A man your age should know better than to tease a woman about her weight, Arkold," Annabelle says, sitting on a cushion with her back to the fireplace.

"Well said," Alptraum says to Annabelle.

"But she does weigh as much as a serendip!" answers Arkold defensively. "An' I have to carry her on land. An' I'm not young, either. Heh. An' I did it to get a rise out of her. She's funny when she's mad. Ah. I knew I was in for it." He laughs.

"So, which of the figures was your favorite?" Alptraum asks Lacrimosa.

"Why, Inala of course," Lacrimosa says. "She's pretty and happy. Who could ask for more?"

"I like Rephath best," Gunn puts in, having overheard and not wanting to be left out. "She's got a sword!"

"I think I like Inala too," puts in Arkold.

"Oh, I know people who would argue with you, Laccy," Alptraum replies, then looks to Gunn. "I'm partial to Sunala, but eh. What does it matter, right?"

"Her and Sunala are certainly the most memorable," Annabelle notes. "And most appropriate for this land, I think."

"My birth mother has ties to Sunala," Alptraum explains and motions to himself. "Her association with it is why I look like this. It's a long, weird story."

"You mean because your eyes don't glow?" Gunn asks.

"I really haven't any idea why I have blonde hair," explains Arkold. "So don't ask me for my story." And he grins.

Garret looks from Alptraum and Arkold, and then bursts out laughing. "Oh, I get it! Alptraum has the colors of one of Sunala's depictions, and Arkold has the colors of Inala. No wonder you two got together."

"Well, my coloration, and my eyes, yes. Depictions of Sunala often had white eyes and such. I ended up with the closest possible natural color without being blind," Alptraum says and nods. "I blame magic, really. It has odd effects."

Arkold takes a moment to look at Alptraum, then the two dolls, then himself. And then he laughs again. "Well how about that," he says, still laughing between words. "You're right."

Alptraum puts his hands over his face and he sighs loudly. "Aie," he mutters.

"And you even like to hold fish to your chest, Arkold," Gunn adds, a bit of a slur creeping into her voice.

The wolf leans over and nudges Alptraum. "See, I'm the fun one."

"Yeah, but I'm the cute one," Alptraum retorts, nudging Laccy. "Right?"

The wolf grins at Gunn. "See? It's fate."

"Most definitely," Lacrimosa says. "I'm hoping you'll let me sketch a picture of you before you go, Alptraum."

"Yeah, an omen!" Gunn giggles. "The Angels are coming back to save Sylvania."

Alptraum blinks. "You do?" he asks Lacrimosa, surprised. "Of course I will. Until Tulani gets back anyway, I've no where to go. Want a houseguest?" He grins.

"Woah," warns Arkold holding his hands up to stop Gunn. "Don't go too far, now. Don't want people thinkin' I'm an Angel." He glances up as if concerned he might get smited then and there for the comparison alone.

"Well, we do need to civilize you, after all," Lacrimosa says.

"Everyone knows the Gods and Angels work through heroes," Gunn says, batting at Arkold's knee. "If they came around in person, it would just cause a big mess, I'm sure."

"Besides, I have to admit, I appreciate the company," Alptraum says sheepishly. He rubs his neck, trying to not look embarrassed. "Don't you know it," Alptraum says to Gunn. "One huge mess."

Arkold feigns pain. "Good point. Maybe you're right. Me? I'll just keep goin', divine right or not, until I'm too old to lift a sword or Sylvania can let me relax."

"Aren't you relaxing now, Arkold?" Annabelle asks solicitously.

"So, what types of sketches have you done?" Alptraum inquires. "I'd like to see them."

"You know it Miss Annabelle," replies Arkold with a smile her way. "But I'm talkin' on a more permanent basis. I can't do this forever. As Jay an' Alptraum remind me I'm gettin' old."

"Oh, some still-lifes, a few self-portraits," Laccy says, waving a hand. "Most I use for embroidery patterns. I'm pretty good with a needle, I think. Do you draw?"

"Nuthin' wrong about getting old," Garret snaps. "Best time of life! Shows you've survived everything what got thrown at you. So you can just relax and let the women flock to you."

"Me? No. I'm a musician. And, I'd still like to see what you've done, regardless of what it is," Alptraum answers. "So, where do you want your lives to lead, Laccy? Gunn?"

"Women flockin' to me is what's makin' me feel old," jokes the old wolf. "Raneah, Tulani – they're both younger and more energetic than I am. Well, I think Raneah is young. She might well be older than I am. Hard to say. But I am all for the settlin' down part. Can't settle until the war is quelled though. Wouldn't do to settle and then have to pick up my sword when the Gallisians arrive."

"Oh, I'll want to settle down eventually and start a family of course," Lacrimosa says. "Once I've run out of fun things to do as a single woman, that is."

Alptraum chuckles, "I'm not sure I want to know what sort of fun things those are."

"Fighting monsters!" Gunn says, thumping a fist against her chest (and causing a few more hiccups). "Now that I've tried it out, I like it! This is the best land in the world for adventure!"

"Look at Tulani," Arkold offers Alptraum.

"Wait till you're older," Alptraum tells Gunn. "You're too young."

"Hey maybe I'll show you how to fight then Gunn," the Jupani offers the young Eeee. "With your mother's permission an' when she thinks you're old enough. Assumin' you still want to learn by then."

"Not that young! I'll be an official adult woman this winter," Gunn argues. "So you'd better come back to dance with me, or I'll have to track you down you know."

"Me? Er, why me?" Alptraum asks.

"You saved my life," Gunn points out. "That means you owe me a dance, at least."

Alptraum laughs, "I think it would go the other way around. Okay, if I'm in the area, I will."

"So, should I also schedule a dance with you?" Alptraum asks, turning and giving Laccy a fangy grin.

"Of course," Lacrimosa says, laughing. "And I may want you to play music for me too."

"Do you dance, Arkold?" Annabelle asks, as she picks up the plate from Jayne's lap – the Gallisian has dozed off, succumbing to ale, lots of meat, and warmth.

"Of course," answers the wolf. "Way back when I was Lord Arkold, and you couldn't be Lord-anythin' without bein' dragged to a dance once or more a year."

"Oh, that's wonderful news," Annabelle says. "It's been ages since I had a dance partner my own age. It seems the men around these parts are shy around widows."

"Their loss then Miss Annabelle," the wolf says with a smile. He bows his head lightly in the woman's direction.

"Done. It's a date," Alptraum tells Lacrimosa. He then downs the remainder of his wine, then the ale in his mug. "Oh, I've been wanting to ask, and please forgive me if you don't want to answer, but, what happened to your husband?" he asks Annabelle.

"He came home from the market with blood on his collar," Garret answers, since Annabelle is busy trying to look innocent.

Alptraum raises an eyebrow.

Arkold asks, "Was he bitten?"

"Heh, you're young still, Alptraum, so here's some good advice," Garret says. "Once you marry and settle down, make sure you stay settled down, if you know what I mean."

Arkold looks grim at that piece of advice.

Alptraum laughs. "I'm settled now, more or less. I've not exactly, er, I think I'll get some more wine," he says, getting up and going over to the wine bottle.

"Father," Annabelle says in a low, warning voice. She clears her throat and says, "My late husband had a bit too much to drink one night, and fell out of the tree."

"And then the hogs ate him," Gunn adds.

Arkold takes a long sip of wine.

Alptraum fills his wineglass and makes his way back to his chair. He settles into it with a thump. He takes a sip and says, "I'm sorry for bringing it up."

"Don't you worry about anything like that happening tonight though, Arkold," Annabelle promises. "I'll see that you're escorted safely to bed."

"I'll do the same for Alptraum, since he's had a bit to drink as well," Lacrimosa adds.

"You're a peach Miss Annabelle," the wolf says gratefully.

Lighting up his fancy pipe, Garret says, "They both are, Arkold. They both are."

"I appreciate that, but I don't want to impose. You've all been so kind to us already," Alptraum protests, then takes another drink from his wineglass.

"Nonsense, Alptraum," Lacrimosa says, taking Alptraum's free hand between both of hers. "Besides, you wanted to see my sketches anyway."

"I'm sure they're excellent sketches too," puts in Arkold.

Alptraum nods at that, his hand curling to lightly squeeze one of Laccy's. "That I did, and I do. You've all really been great; I appreciate it more than I can express," he says.

"How come I never get to see them?" Gunn asks.

"Maybe when you're older, dear," Annabelle says.

"Speakin' of expressin' gratitude. In case we didn't say it we're not askin' for anythin' for this job. You've been more than kind to us, and that's payment enough. Not that we were really ever goin' to ask for anythin' anyway. Like I said we're in it for the people," mentions Arkold. Then he winks towards Alptraum when he thinks no one can see him. "Sounds like fun, Alp."

Alptraum elbows Arkold again and whispers, "Yeah, my Aunt would be proud. Hush… "

"Oh, we won't let you go away entirely empty-handed," Annabelle protests. "Or at least without showing our full appreciation, and you're fully recovered from your adventure."

"No, Arkold's right. We really don't want anything in payment. If you don't mind, I'd just like to stay around and help out till Tulani gets back," Alptraum replies with a smile.

"I'll help out too for what it's worth," adds the Jupani.

Gunn cheers! "Yah, it'll be fun!"

"It would be nice to have some helpful men around again," Annabelle agrees, casting a glance towards her father and brother, who are already deep into their cups.

"It'll also give me a chance to play for Lacrimosa. I've not had an audience for ages," Alptraum adds with a grin. "But yeah, we're both in good shape. If you need things fixed and such around here, I'm sure we can help."

"And I can show you how to sketch," Lacrimosa offers Alptraum.

"You can show me how to use a sword, right Arkold?" Gunn asks. "And maybe even my little brothers too, I suppose. We could use them for practice dummies if you want!"

"And I can … Er, well, I don't have any talent that way. But I can sure show Gunn how to fight with a sword. Well, probably a stick actually. I don' want you hurtin' yourself. An' you'll need your mother's permission. And no we won't be usin' your brothers for dummies. Your mother would kill me." The wolf grins and winks to the girl.

Alptraum grins and says, "You can try. I wish I would have more time, I could teach you how to play, or a couple languages. Or some mythology from other countries, or," Alptraum goes on, then shakes his head. "Sorry. Ale makes me babble if I have too much."

"You can stay long enough for us to make you an extra set of clothes at least," Annabelle states. With a smile towards Arkold, she says, "I'll just go get my measuring tape… "

Arkold looks at himself. "Hm, yeah, I've had this coat for as long as I can remember – which isn't too long these days. Got it on Abaddon. Hey, Gunn? You want it? It's an official Kampfuzzengruppe army coat from another planet." The wolf stands up and stretches, putting his glass down. "I think after the measurements I'll be takin' my leave. I'm gettin' beat."

Alptraum stands up slowly, then lightly tugs on Laccy's hand, "I think I should head off to bed. Does the offer still stand to escort me and show me your sketchwork?"

"Wow, a coat from outer space?" Gunn says, her eyes lighting up brighter than usual. "I bet it's monster-proof too!"

Lacrimosa gets up and leans against Alptraum's shoulder. "Of course," she says, and leads him out of the door.

Annabelle gets up, and offers Arkold a hand as well. "Come with me to my sewing room?" she asks him.

"Look at the tears, Gunn. Definitely not monster proof." Arkold shrugs his coat off his shoulders and tosses it to Gunn. "It's not people-proof either, so you better wash it carefully." He then glances around the room and runs a hand through his hair. "Ah. What a night. This is how it ought to be."

"No argument there friend," Garret chuckles, while Gunn struggles with the heavy garment.

Arkold takes Annabelle's hand. "Certainly," he says. And with her in arm he joins her in the sewing room.

Alptraum puts his arm gently around Lacrimosa and walks alongside her. He leans his head slightly to side and brushes his muzzle against her ear gently. The two step through the doorway and into the cool night air.