A ragged figure trudges through the forest, jumping at each sound or perceived movement. The Eeee is held down by two heavy stone spheres shackled to his angles, which he has to drag along behind him. Gotrekis gave up trying to carry the things some time ago, even if he can't tell how long he's been in this awful place or how he got here.
"Like what you see?" asks a hollow voice that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.
"Who's there?" the bat calls out, spinning around and getting his legs tangled in the shackle chains. "Where am I?"
"/Someone you have known all your life. I am that which waits for your granted time to flow to an end. I am the guide to the ultimate truth, the ultimate end,/" the raspy voice answers. The 'branches of the trees rustle and shift as if a breeze has graced their white strands and yet the air is still. Gotrekis' ears hear the cracking of bones just behind him ... and the touch of ice-cold breath falls upon his ear. "/That is, every one except those who betray; those who side with Her greatest enemy," he hears rasp /right/ in his ear. "/I am the Barsunala and I welcome you to your home for the remainder of eternity./"
"No!" the Eeee wails and falls to his knees. "I beg you! I was given no choice!" he claims.
Bones crunch as something shadowy walks around Gotrekis. It draws to a halt in front of him. A single, gaunt, hand comes down to cup under his chin and lift it to look into the withered and blind face of a wraith. "I may not see, but I am not blind," it rasps. "A mortal always has a choice. You could have chosen death and gone to Her."
"She has a hold over me," the terrified man claims. "She has my brother, Shirokis, close to hand. If I fail her, she will turn him into one of her.. minions.."
"That was a simple matter; you could have sent him to Her as well," the wraith points out as its hand jerks away roughly, leaving four thin scratches along the underside of Gotrekis' muzzle. "Or you could have gone to Her and asked for help. Instead, you plot to try and take Her throne."
"Not I! I swear!" Gotrekis claims, his eyes tearing up. "The General cannot succeed, it is.. impossible. Not without the weapon."
"Ah ... yes. The Undoing Blade," the Wraith rasps. When a wraith smiles ... it never looks friendly and with this particular smile, well. "Don't expect me to betray where it is. It is only out of of memory of your former service that I have not rent your soul and bound it to these trees; to feed them with what remains of your tainted life."
"It surely cannot exist?" Gotrekis asks in horror. "Lamu is large, it would be lost. It must remain lost!" he babbles. "The Sabaoth will return, and he will defeat the General. That is how it has to be. He will wield the power of the Kindly Ones," he recites, almost like a prayer.
"What is existence?" the wraith asks, "Can you possibly hope to define it? And the Sabbaoth? The last to wear that title betrayed it. And you hold a vessel that wishes to claim that title for that ... abomination. Do you expect that I believe you truly wish to see the General fall?"
"Tell me how to prove myself," Gotrekis pleads. "The General must fail. Diphath has been beaten time and again - just because the Sabaoth is dead, She thinks that She can rule, but the true Sabaoth will defeat Her. It is his purpose."
"You will have the opportunity when the time comes," the Wraith claims. "Know that I am always watching, as is my Mistress. Our 'Children' are everywhere. Perhaps you will find opportunity to aid one. Perhaps not." The wraith lifts its right hand and snaps his bony fingers. A deathly silence falls, then the snapping of bones as the trees around Gotrekis twist, warp, and lift the bound Eeee into the air. "And let this be a memory to remind you of what awaits should you be a true traitor."
"I choose the Kindly Ones," Gotrekis whimpers, "even if I am forced to serve the devil."
When bones pierce his arms, legs, and wings, stretching him prone high above the forest of Traitors, the pain is ... brief but memorable. "Remember," a cold breath rasps in his ear ... and then he is gone. Or rather, Kaira has helpfully pushed him back to his own dreams instead of this manufactured one. "It's a good thing I'm such a kind hearted soul," the wraith says as his voice becomes fuller along with his body. In a moment, Alptraum stands alone in the forest-dream. "Or I would scare myself."
Is there a familiar draconic chuckle heard in the distance? Does even imagining such places and roles call forth the Steel Dragon? "I think it went well," Kaira's voice replies from the air. "Where did you come up with this place?"
Alptraum pokes the side of his head. "From my own nightmares," Alptraum claims, "And did I just hear Vorg laugh? Do I need to go chastise him for such behavior?"
"Perhaps that was just a nightmare too," Kaira claims. "It's hard to tell when you enter like this, instead of slotting the dagger or using blood. I'm not entirely sure how your dreaming ability works."
"I'm not either, but it helped me save some people," Alptraum says as he leans against one of the bone-trees. "I'm not quite sure I believe him yet, but time will tell on that. If it is true, I guess there is someone else I have to save too. And oh, hm, what is my other half up to while I've been being spooky?"
"I don't know that you are split at the moment," Kaira says. "It isn't like when you slot the dagger. And since you are using the Wraith, it may be that you are simply whole at the moment. I can't even come to where you are, unless you summon me or seek me."
"Oh, so I can insult you and you can't do anything at all about it right now?" Alptraum inquires innocently.
"I am confident that you will not think of any insult," Kaira counters.
"It is hard coming up with one simple enough for you to understand," Alptraum claims as he tries to resist grinning. "It's also interesting that the last known place of this Godkiller weapon is Lamu. I wonder if Vorg heard of any such rumors."
"You would have to ask him," Kaira notes. "What was all that about the Sabaoth? Did it make sense to you?"
"Not so much right now, to be honest. I don't know all the legends of Babel that well and it's not that I could actually ask him about that and expose the ruse," Alptraum admits, "I'll have to ask Mave about it or do more research in Babel. As for Vorg, I'll send the female version of myself to see him next time; he's more ... open with her. Probably because he thinks I'm weaker in that form."
"I don't see how a dragon could make such an assumption," Kaira claims.
"Well, he's not that bright," Alptraum claims as he tries to bring Kaira here.
An elf maiden steps out of the mists, and looks around. "It is less charming here in person," she notes. "Although it is not without its aesthetics.."
"Want me to put you in the trees too?" Alptraum offers as he grins toothily.
"Where do you get such odd notions?" Kaira asks, reaching out a finger to tap Alptraum on his nose. "I'm not that sort of elf, you know."
"More's the pity," Alptraum teases right back. "Now, to be serious a bit more ... if I had to theorize; maybe the legend is the Sabaoth is the immortal guardian of Babel, ever vigilant in guarding against the forces of Darkness. Or some other such nonsense. Mave might know, or the ruins of the undercity might. There are old temples and murals down there. I've seen one of them."
"What about the eighth mountain?" Kaira asks. "Dronnel? What's the legend behind it, since it's not home to one of the goddesses?"
"Unknown. I heard a rumor it was named after some ancient hero; but no one had any specifics. It may not have even been an Eeee. I never got a chance to visit it," Alptraum says.
"That's the problem with really old cities that are full of strife," Kaira says with a sigh. "No time to appreciate history, when the powers that be are busy trying to rewrite it to hide their own failings and atrocities."
"That sounds like every civilization," Alptraum points out. "If you're about to suggest I might be related to this Dronnel, well, as old as it is, half the city might be! Who knows. I guess I should plan to visit it. I'm not even sure there are any buildings on it."
"I'm sure that if there are, and they're hidden, the Yodhbarada will sell you the information," Kaira says, smirking a bit.
"For other information," Alptraum points out. "And I have little anyone would want."
"I doubt they'd accept rumors of a doomsday dagger," Kaira agrees. "Otherwise, they'd soon be inundated with rumors."
"And I doubt they would want my now disturbingly expansive knowledge on mating practices, either," Alptraum comments. "Maybe I'll just summon you to dance for them."
"You're the better dancer," Kaira points out. "At least, when wearing my form. That Ki'rin lord certainly was taken with your performance.."
"Yes, that kirin. Rowr," Alptraum says and laughs. "I'm sure I'll work something out. I could even sell them the location of the General, perhaps."
"That seems the sort of thing they'd already be aware of," Kaira notes. "How are you holding up since you removed the dagger? Nothing melting or going wobbly, I hope?"
"Well, not last I knew when I was awake," Alptraum claims, "I'm just dealing with the fun little gifts the Kindly Ones gave me."
"Didn't you actually ask for them though?" Kaira prompts, one thin eyebrow raised.
"Not exactly!" Alptruam claims and crosses his arms. "And ... should I be worried about going melty? Is there something you haven't told me?"
"Like I'd be the expert?" Kaira asks, looking surprised. "I can't monitor you with the dagger unslotted is all, so I don't know if the shadow is quiescent or randomly changing things when you aren't looking."
"Well, I guess I'll find out when I wake up," Alptraum admits, "Which I guess I'll have to do if I want to return and visit ol' Vorg."
"True.. you do not want to visit him in a dream again," the dragon-turned-elf notes, wagging a finger. "That never turns out well."
"What bad actually happened before?" Alptraum asks.
"Well, I don't think they were pleasant.." Kaira notes.
"Truuuue," Alptraum admits. "Still, I think I've learned how to manage him pretty well now."
"Like you manage me, hmmm?" Kaira asks, looking suspicious.
"Of course not. You manage me," Alptraum claims. He almost grins convincingly too.
"Well.. just try to stay out of trouble, for my sake," Kaira asks.
"I've been doing pretty good at that lately, haven't I?" Alptraum asks. "I've managed the ship, more or less. Well, except for the fnerf incident. And that wasn't all bad."
"Just don't forget that I can fill in for you if you need a break," the elf notes, putting a hand on Alptraum's shoulder.
"Why Kaira ... does that mean you enjoy being the tail?" Alptraum asks as he eyes the elf.
"I meant if you needed to be in two places at once again," Kaira corrects. "Not for those particular activities."
"Are you sure?" Alptraum asks, just be sure.
"I think your regulars would sense the difference," the woman claims.
"If a real need comes up, I'll ask. You might have to tomorrow night since I have to attend a dinner function. It would probably be good if the Tail was about during that so no one gets suspicious. And oh, why is that?" Alptraum asks.
"Well.. I probably couldn't match your enthusiasm or technique," Kaira admits.
"Then I guess I need to give you lessons," Alptraum claims.
"Just give yourself over to the dark elves for a bit. They can teach you a lot," Alptraum claims.
"That would undermine my authority though!" Kaira says in shock.
"Oh, well, then I guess I'll have to suffer with them in your place?" Alptraum offers.
Kaira hmms, and cocks her hips. "If you were suffering you wouldn't be doing it," she points out.
"True. It is a good kind of suffering," Alptraum claims. "It helps me not worry as much about Babel."
"I suppose if you don't have any interesting books to read then dark elves are suitably distracting," Kaira notes, pouting slightly. "I clearly can't compete with them in that way.."
"And lets just say they have shown me to respect what a whip can do," Alptraum adds. The Eeee then grins and noses Kaira's cheek. "Oh come on, yes you can. By a lot. I can trust you. It also lets me see if they're talking about you behind your back."
"And keeps them from bothering you," he adds.
"Oh, so you're just doing it all for my benefit then?" Kaira asks, her face in profile as she looks at Alptraum.
"Of course I do. You're the second-most important woman in my life," Alptraum says.
"And you love me, right?" the elf asks, turning three-quarter profile now.
"I would have to if I let you manipulate my body, right?" Alptraum asks. "Of course I do. Have you forgotten I promised I would find a way to keep you alive even when your duty is done?"
Smiling, Kaira faces Alptraum again and kisses him. "Okay, that's all I really needed to hear," she says. "So you have my blessing to go play games with Vorg if you want."
"I promise to taunt, torment, and drive him crazy, just for you," Alptraum claims just before kissing Kaira back. "When I wake up, I'll make sure I'm okay ... then use the dagger to dive next time so you won't worry as much."
"Good," Kaira notes with a nod. "Because this place is starting to get creepier the longer I'm in this form.."
"Are you sure you don't want me to lash you to a tree and ravish you as the wraith?" Alptraum offers.
"That usually means you'll wake up suddenly though," Kaira points out, grinning as she backs away into the mist. "Maybe when you have a more stable link than a dream.."
"Tease!" Alptraum calls out after Kaira and even tosses a literal limb at the fading Kaira. Still, it's probably one of the few times this place hears laugher. "Now, I just have to wake up..."
It isn't that hard to wake up; Alptraum just thinks of something real. In this case, what comes to mind is Orca, which brings to mind his scent - and then Nicora is opening her eyes, lying in Orca's bed in the officer's quarters, with Mave at the small table nearby.
Nicora lays there, trying to see how she feels right now. "Mave," she murmurs softly, "What do you know of what the Sabbaoth's official duties were supposed to be?"
"Well, that depends," the Yodhinala notes, looking over Nicora - who appears to be intact, so nothing shifted in her sleep this time at least.
"On?" Nicora prompts as she sits up and rummages to find her dagger.
"The traditional role is that of High Priest to all of the Temples of the Seven Sisters," Mave recites. "He is what ties them all together. In practice.. well, the last Sabaoth was not exactly pious."
"Mm, I heard a vague rumor it was his role to defeat Dipthath," Nicora notes. "any truth to that?"
"Ah, you want the legend?" Mave asks, smiling and lighting her pipe. "In the beginning, shortly after the Sisters had thrown off the yoke of Vael and the roles he set them, there was much strife and chaos. The Kindly Ones had not fully established themselves in their new personas, and one other took advantage: Diphath. She had not changed, and her followers were not, therefore, thrown into confusion. Her might was unopposed, as no single Sister could yet match her."
Nicora props her feet up on the timbers of the side-hull and listens while she idly toys with one of her many body-rings. "Interesting," she remarks. "Please continue?"
"The story of Babel may have ended there, in blood and madness, if not for a lone voice; a man who sought to unite the Sisters. A man named Dronnel. He went to each of the Sisters, and.. well, charmed them. He became the first Sabaoth, husband and priest to the Kindly Ones, and under his guidance and strength Diphath's forces were broken and driven into the shadows and other dark places. Babel was born. Of course, back then, the Sabaoth was neither ruler nor demigod. He was a religious figure, who worked to strengthen the Sisters - and keep them from committing too much mischief among the mortals."
Nicora pauses in her idle sliding of the ring through its hole. "Really? That's interesting. I had never heard that particular legend before. Is it deliberately ommitted for some reason?" she asks.
"There has not always been a Sabaoth," Mave notes. "After Dronnel, it was many generations before another would claim the title. And he decided that the Sabaoth should be equal with the Kindly Ones, and set out to make that so. In part, by proclaiming that he had always been and always would be Sabaoth, with no beginning or end. So the old tales changed, and Dronnel became a great general under the Sabaoth instead."
"Perhaps I'll recreate the tale of Dronnel in this, eh?" Nicora remarks as she shifts a bit and moves to laying on her side. "But I really have no desire to be a ruler of any sort. I'm just ... me."
"Dronnel did not rule, he served as Champion," Mave notes, sucking on her fancy pipe before blowing twin smoke-rings from her nostrils. "There were rumors - heretical, of course - that the Sabaoth had been corrupted, somehow. And that that corruption flowed from him, and saturated Babel itself. Do you believe the corruption rampant in modern Babel is the natural order for Eeee society, Nicora? Or a curse of the land, such as in Sylvania?"
"I can't say one way or another, to be honest," Nicora admits as she wiggles her toes. "An old Gypsy saying on such things is 'In every legend there is always a seed of truth'. So, such may be very possible. I can't claim to know, though. For all my abilities, I am not omniscient. I can't imagine the Babel society to be a natural order for anything; it's too self destructive, though."
"But that is also somewhat ideal for Diphath," Mave points out. "There are many who crave power and would give in to the promise of it, despite the costs. Centuries of looking up to the Sabaoth and his lifestyle have made that the ideal. Both the top and bottom of society believe they will be better off if they can just eliminate the other. And into this comes a figure promising both revolution and tradition?"
"Bah, not if I have anything to do about it. I fully intent to stop her," Nicora notes. "It's just a matter of figuring out how."
"What more have you learned from Gotrekis?" the priestess asks, and moves to sit next to the bed so she can share her pipe. "Troop strength or strategies?"
"I couldn't directly ask that," Nicora notes as she takes the pipe and puffs on it a few times, "He claims he only serves because she holds his brother under threat of becoming an undead. He offered to prove himself to be true to the Kindly Ones. So if he is to be believed, he has basically pledged to aid if asked."
"Under threat, hmmm," Mave says, tapping her chin in thought. "The dark spirit you extracted from Rikat - that was to control make him undead should he die, wasn't it?" she asks.
"Yes. The Black Heart. An artifact of the shadow that I now control," Nicora notes. It's now her turn to blow a couple smoke rings and she does so. She's become fond of rings, it seems. "I can also extract and destroy them."
"Is that the only way to create an undead servant?" Mave asks. "Or was it only used because Rikat was so far away? And why not implant all of her servants, like Gotrekis, with such a seed?"
"She was going to use him as an undead to show the Sabbaoth as immortal," Nicora notes, "And her usage of the shadow are as copies. She may not be able to do it in large amounts, so she does it strategically. That's a guess, of course."
"And no, it isn't the only way. There are other rituals I believe," Nicora adds.
"Or to hide the ability from those who might recognize it?" Mave supposes, holding her hand out for the pipe. "She may be formidable, but she is still in hiding. If she could create an undead army en masse, she would have marched on Babel already. Or maybe there are limits to how many such creatures she can control. Was not the Shadow capable of directing battalions of zombies?"
"That's what the stories claim," Nicora says and shrugs. "I wasn't there to see it."
"The shadow before I took it was quite powerful, so it is possible. Dipthath managed to copy a few of its abilities it seems. All of this just really means I need to find that legendary weapon. I intend to go ask someone a few more questions about that," Nicora says.
"Sounds risky," Mave notes. "We are nearly to Babel, so I would urge acting quickly if we can, before the General can finish her preparations."
"I plan to go ask the prisoner right now to see if this has any lead. I have other thoughts for places in Ur should this fail," Nicora notes as she finally slots the dagger completely into her forearm. "This shouldn't take me too long," she adds, then reaches over and pulls Mave into a rather passionate kiss! "I'll be back for you later..." she teases.
"Good luck with him," Mave notes, and blows a smoke ring after the kiss.
"You taught me well in dealing with men," Nicora claims as she settles back into the bed and closes her eyes so that she can dive into Vorg's prison. This time ... she goes as female.
This time, there's no appearing in the perpetual storm that rages in the Echo, as the steel dragoness appears at the gate to Vorgulremik's fortress. "Who goes there!" the guard demands, and leers.
Steelcora's head tilts a bit as she eyes the guard at the gates. "I've come to join your Master's harem, so do I really need a name?" she asks in a rather acidic tone.
"Well.. we're to screen all candidates," the guard claims, licking his lips. He can't move closer though, since his tail is still melted to the wall.
"Is that so?" Steelcora asks as she slinks up so that she's just close enough to lean over and lick his cheek. "And just how do you screen candidates?"
"Well, we.." the guard starts to say, then gets a look of realization, remembering that he and his partner have been castrated. "You can go on through," the guard grumbles.
"I thought as much, you're lacking," Steelcora taunts the guard as she passes by. Her tail even swats him where he used to have parts. "Pity, it could have been fun," she remarks as she looks over her shoulder. Maybe she is a little crueler in this form...
At the end of the long tunnel is Vorgulremik's seraglio, decorated with dragons fused to the floor and walls and used to form pillars and statues. At the center, the lord of the castle lounges on the bellies of several females stuck together to form a cushioned surface. "Ah, I know you'd be back soon," he purrs to Steelcora.
Steelcora saunters into the room. When she draws to a stop before Vorgulremik, she cocks her hips to the side and eyes him. "I've come to join your harem for the night," she says, "If you're willing to answer a few questions for me." Her lips draw back a bit in a predatory smile.
Vorgurlemik, pats the space next to him in invitation. It squirms a bit when he does so. "Well, I'm certainly willing to answer questions," he rumbles. "If I have the answer you want."
Steelcora slides onto bodies next to Vorgulremik. "Are you going to fuse me to your decor like you have done your others?" she asks him with a rather coy smile. "And as for the question, the rumored location of that weapon you spoke of ... did it ever include Lamu?"
"You I do not have to restrain," the dark dragon says, and runs his talons over Steelcora's scales. "The Forbidden Zone in Lamu is where the Exile and her weapon would have arrived, if both made it through the gateway."
"But what if I want you to?" Steelcora practically purrs at Vorgulremik as claws tick over her scales. "The servant of Amena knew about Lamu. I was curious if it had ever been there or not. That is a fair distance should it still be there. That is a problem, but I shall have to figure out how to deal with it."
"Lamu is of little interest to the gods," Vorgulremik says, sliding over Steelcora and pinning her down. There's a hiss and sizzle, and she can feel the scales of the back of her wrists melting into those of the bellies she lies back on. "It also vast and empty, with few settlements. Only those searching for exotic new animals venture close to the Forbidden Zone."
"I'm surprised that didn't hurt," Steelcora momentarily thinks she she feels part of her body melt; a rather odd sensation at that! "So, if it was found, then it would have been taken from there at the time," she comments as she looks up at Vorgulremik.
"Nothing I could find suggested that it was found," Vorgulremik says, before mounting the dragoness, ready-or-not. He bites her throat in a vampire kiss, then. The 'mattress' under Steelcora gyrates and quivers as well.
Steelcora jerks when Vorgulremik forces himself upon her, then bites! So ... she growls back and squirms, not about to make it easy for him! Her lower legs and tail thrash about, trying to dislodge him!
"Hmmmm," Vorgulremik goes, releasing Steelcora's throat and licking the blood from his lips. "Was that all you wanted to ask me?" he asks, as the dragoness feels her heels fusing next, locking her legs into the splayed position.
"Why? Planning to encase my head?" Steelcora challenges with a toothy smirk. "I suppose I could ask if you know of a fast way from Ur to Lamu..."
"Perhaps there are airships that travel from Saskanar," Vorgulremik suggests, before squeezing at scaled breasts and resuming his rough mating. "I never looked into it. Lamu seemed a safe enough place for the item to be lost in.."
And Steelcora continues to try and fight him while he mates my squirm and tail thrash. "Don't think I'll make it easy for you," she hisses at Vorgulremik, then tries to bite him a few times! "I suppose if my first leads do not work, I will be going to Lamu," she mutters in between her biting attempts!
"There are probably easier ways to kill a god," the dragon suggests, before really throwing his weight down to knock the breath from Steelcora's lungs.
Steelcora's breath leaves her in a roaring uff! Her struggles briefly cease, body going limp and head laying back so that she can catch her breath. "Possibly," she wheezes.
"Of course, to be rid of her forever.." the dragon notes, and Steelcora can feel her tail fusing now. "That would mean going after the source - Amena herself," he rumbles, nuzzling at Steelcora's throat.
"Going to Aztepa," Steelcora rumbles, finishing that statement. "That is a dangerous trip," she notes. "I am not sure I would tread there." She tries to lift her head up and bite at Vorgulremik while he's nuzzling.
Vorgulremik allows the bite, offering his cheek and the various spines and barbels available. "You aren't strong enough to do that yet," he rumbles, and takes on a more measured and enjoyable pace now that Steelcora is mostly immobilized. "I can help you become stronger, though," he offers.
And Steelcora does bite down on Vorgulremik's cheek rather roughly, not that she can really do much damage. "Oh, how kind of you," she remarks once her jaws release. "I can guess what you would suggest and I won't do that, though," she adds, "I'm being kind enough to allow you to enjoy me..."
"And you get nothing from it?" the big dragon rumbles, and begins to actually lick and caress Steelcora. Despite the monstrous body - it does understand pleasure. "You wish to face a necromantic goddess," he notes. "What better authority is there than I?"
"I never said I wasn't enjoying it. I did come to join your harem for the night and be part of the ... decor," Steelcora replies with a hideous, toothy, smile. "I'll ... consider your offer, if I am unable to figure it out on my own."
"Even without the weapon, I can be useful," Vorgulremik promises, and kisses the dragoness, actually focusing on her pleasure over his own. "But I am certain that Mave and Kaira already have something in motion," he offers.
Steelcora's eyes widen a bit! She hadn't expected being kissed! Not that she would be actually enjoying this, but ... she is. Still, she remembers this is an evil creature; he's just enticing. "Oh, I suppose time will tell on that," she remarks once the kiss finally comes to and end. "And now, may I ask a small favor?" she inquires with a slightly coy tone.
"I'm not very good at doing small things," Vorgulremik claims, "but you may certainly ask."
"Encase my head as you have the others," Steelcora asks with narrowed and sly eyes. "I think if you're going to rape me ... it would be very interesting if I can't see, or hear, what you do, only feel it. And ... the silence will allow me to meditate on your offer. Not to mention it would spare you any further questions for now.." Now, how much she would actually meditate is, well ... rather small actually. Still, she has run out of things to ask right now. And she can leave this world any time she wants anyway...
Vorgulremik grants the request, moving Steelcora to the floor. There the metal engulfs her, leaving only internal sensations and those of her exposed scales. She isn't held in just one position, however, as the Lord of the Castle contorts her in different ways, depending on what he wants to focus on at the moment..
Not really being able to meditate was right. Still, the experience is .. unique and in some ways not all bad. She does have a lot to think on, though. Find the weapon? Find another way? Drive Dipthath back for now, then hunt her later. Many things. Many many ... Ooo, that was new...