Alptraum makes a big deal out of formally presenting himself to Phlagaea that evening, saying that he's gotten permission from Sunala to pledge himself (temporarily) to Gorphat. Phlagaea is struck dumb by this, especially when she sees Alptraum's green fur (and withered hand as a result of it). She's overjoyed, and asks him if he really means it, to which he says that he does.

For safety – and because Phlagaea says she needs Kaira's help – they decide to feed Alptraum's shadow-hand to rebuild its energy. Vermites are summoned, but not enough to make a difference, so they head to the livestock holding area in the castle dungeons. A few hogs are actually held in cells, since they are transformed invaders, but Alptraum tells the Khatta stableboy that he needs a regular hog. The boy brings him to a far corral where an old, blind and extremely flatulent hog is kept.

Because it hurts to extend his shadow, and since Phlagaea finds the 'old way' more entertaining, Alptraum grabs the hog by the neck while his forearm 'pumps' and sucks out creatures life. While it's withering away, Mort appears and watches the process, poking the hog with the butt-end of his scythe every so often.

After the hog is drained, the corpse begins to mysteriously fill out again, causing Phlagaea to accuse Mort of raising it as a zombie – which the Reaper finds highly amusing! As the inflating skin starts to lift up into the air, Mort pokes it with the blade of his scythe. The puncture and the proximity of a lit lantern cause the gas-filled hog-balloon to explode.

Alptraum and Phlagaea return to the Yodhgorphat's rooms, and he summons Kaira. Phlagaea drags the dragon into the bathroom to explain what needs to be done while Alptraum stews nervously. Kaira returns, looking uncertain, and proceeds to tie Alptraum down to the bed with bandages (except for his right arm), and then tickle him to make sure they hold.

To make things more awkward, the dragon explains that she has to 'warm up' the Eeee, and rips off his pants as well as her own clothing, which is sufficient to get the desired effect. Phlagaea comes in covered in runes and with a cauldron full of black goo that she uses to paint more symbols onto Alptraum, including the rune for Inala.

It becomes clear that Phlagaea hopes for Alptraum to give her a child, since why else would he have pledged himself to Gorphat (unless he wanted a Blessing of disease)! Alptraum is nervous but agrees to give it his best effort.