While Tulani promises to stay and follow the Shadowdrake when it arrives, Scourge feels an odd urge, as if being called. Almost without realizing it, the creature is making its way to the Temple of Gorphat. Once inside.. it feels calmer. The dankness and glowing mosses and lichens are very comforting, and seem to banish the lingering weirdness and despair of the Forbidden Zone.
Gorphat sits on the edge of the altar, and pats the stone surface next to here. "Come to me, Scourge," the goddess of Affliction commands.
This is a bit unexpected, but not unwelcome since she needs to be informed of more monsters being brought into the city. So, the strange dragon half-slithers its way over to the altar then sits down before Gorphat. "One moster was destroyed far beneath the Abbas home, but he demon outside has sent several more into the city ... as traps for me," it says, getting down to business.
"Show me," Gorphat says. "Lay your head in my lap."
This is new, and Scourge's brow ridge arches. Still, weirder has happened ... so it lays its head in Gorphat's lap.
The Goddess takes the longer, central tendril of Scourge's head fringe.. and starts sucking on the tip. The sensation is.. different, certainly, but rather pleasant for black creature. The symbols and patterns that are part of its skin begin to glow and pulse with the sucking as well.
Scourge would go cross-eyed if it could. "Okay, strange. Very, very strange," it ends up thinking as it lies there with someone disturbing suckling on its head. It can only guess it can somehow read its memories like this...
When the suckling concludes, Gorphat pets Scourge's head. "Hmm, interesting," the Goddess notes. "I imagine the General means to test you."
"My thought was it wants to see my range of abilities, and what I will do about Soldano. I do not feel he is a great threat to me," Scourge rumbles. "Even if the plan is to try and kill me where I was born, I do not see how he can easily."
"Perhaps she wishes to test these new weapons of hers as well," Gorphat suggests. "They seem.. familiar." She rubs behind Scourge's eyes as she ponders.
"They should be no different than the one I destroyed under the House. I saw how they were made. Disturbing, to be sure," Scourge rumbles. "I am more concerned about what infects Soldano ... and how to remove it before he dies."
"Tell me.. about Melusine," Gorphat asks, oddly. "What are shadow dragons?"
"Why does that matter here? But since you ask, they are shapeless creatures made of an odd black substance and a single crystal that contains its essence. The crystal is the petrified heart of a steel dragon," Scourge explains, "With Melusine, it was one of Vorgulremik's former hearts. He is ... a prisoner of mine and likes to bother me."
"Are they flesh or spirit?" Gorphat asks next. "Or somehow both?"
"Their essence is a spirit and contained within the crystal. They are wrapped in shapeless flesh," Scourge explains. "So, I suppose in a way, both."
"And the creature under the Abbas tower, the one that seemed to be an avatar of madness.. was it similar?" Gorphat asks. "A stillborn Srinala for a heart, and formless flesh that was not entirely corporeal."
"They also enjoy torturing living beings by reshaping them into whatever their whim is at the time," Scourge notes, "Something I know all too well, unfortunately."
"Similar only in a vague sense. It was something alien with a mundane 'anchor'," Scourge says. "But I suppose a comparison could be drawn."
"If the General is trying to replicate the abilities of the shadow, these creatures may be the result," Gorphat suggests. "And since you are the Bridge of Flesh and Spirit, you may share some kinship with them."
"Thought crossed my mind. I don't particularly care to consider that," Scourge says and makes a face at that. "And all the more reason to destroy them early."
"You can sense and extract the Black Hearts, the shadow-spores," Gorphat notes. "As Scourge, you should be able to do similar with these shoggoth creatures. Do you enjoy being Scourge?"
"Perhaps I could. I cannot sense them, though. It will require some investigation," Scourge says. The second part of the question causes it to look up at the Goddess. "Which version? This, or the Eeee?" it asks with a small smirk. "And why do you ask?"
"This form does not suffer the mental weaknesses of the Eeee," Gorphat says, and then smiles. "Scourge is the Bridge - my representative among the Three. Sunala has the Gateway Between Life and Death - the Wraith. Inala dominates the Conduit Between Mortality and Divinity - the Shrine Maiden. But you belong to me. I want to know if you enjoy it."
"It has its ... benefits. Yes, I enjoy it," Scourge claims. "But I also enjoyed being the conduit for your sacred creatures that devoured path of the Abbas clan. There is joy in simply serving you."
Gorphat smiles with pride, even it isn't a very nice smile, given the condition of her teeth. "You are part shadow, in this form. I believe it is your skin," she says, and runs a finger from Scourge's forehead to the tip of its snout. "I am curious.. will you indulge me?"
Scourge's brow rolls slightly. "Indulge you in ... what?" it asks cautiously.
"Does it matter?" Gorphat asks.
"Only in that it satisfies my curiosity," Scourge admits. "I have pledged to serve you and I will in whatever capacity you wish."
"I want to see what it is like to be formless," Gorphat says.. and begins to melt.
"This is ... worrisome," Scourge has to think. Formless is .... dangerous. Usually dangerous for it, at that. While it wants to back away, that might offend Gorphat and that would be even worse. So .. nervous as it is, it just sits back.
It takes time. The end result is not quite like Melusine, since the Gorphat-blob has patches of fur and the occasional bone protruding from the green flesh. But, she manages to be just as big as Melusine.. or bigger, as she's able to surround Scourge.
Okay, so now Scourge looks rather worried. Also, a bit grossed out and that is impressive given what it just went through! "What are you doing...?" it finally has to ask, even sounding nervous.
"Being curious," the blob replies, before pressing in to surround and engulf Scourge. Given the sensitivity of its skin to rubbing.. it's pretty intense.
"Eeeeeeeeee," is what Scourge ends up thinking! Talk about making your skin crawl! And worse, closing its eyes hardly cuts off its sensation. It tries to move a little bit, testing to see if Gorphat will allow it...
The blob vibrates when Scourge tries to move, but doesn't seem to prevent the dragon-thing from doing so.
Scourge takes the vibration as an indication to hold still for now ... so it does. "Don't offend her. Just ... don't. Her being nice is painful. Her being mad..." it thinks.
Gorphat swishes Scourge around for several more minutes.. and then does something that makes the creature dizzy. It's somewhat familiar to the sensation when Melusine changes him.. only this time instead of becoming some strange hybrid nightmare, Scourge becomes.. Nicora.
"Bad, bad, bad," Nicora now things as she curls her wings around herself. "What is she doing? And why does it scare me more than Melusine?!?!"
Nicora is floated up to the surface, and Gorphat pulls herself back together beneath her. "Perhaps a disease which dissolves the bones from within," the Kindly One muses.
"What?!" Nicora squeaks! "I'm fine as I am!"
"Not for you," Gorphat says and laughs. "Perhaps as a punishment curse.."
Nicora lets out a relieved sigh. "Oh, well, that is better. I was barely able to give birth. I'm not sure I could weather that," she admits.
"But the Artist branded the event upon you," Gorphat says, sliding to lay next Nicora, and idly running a finger across the bat's furless white - and now tattooed - belly. Of course, when she does it, the larvae actually seem to wiggle and churn, which Nicora can feel.
Nicora's toes and fingers splay; the Eeee squirming around herself. "He has a strange sense of humor," she complains.
"Do you not like it?" Gorphat asks.
"Sometimes!" Nicora admits as she squirms about.
"How could you not love it?" Gorphat asks, resting her sticky cheek on Nicora's belly. "Will you bring me the creature from Soldano?"
"I intended to destroy it. What do you want with it?" Nicora asks nervously as she settles down again.
"If it can survive outside of its host, it may be interesting," Gorphat claims. "Your dragon says that they can learn their host, even replace it over time."
"True, it said that. But it is often questionable if his advice is trustworthy," Nicora admits.
"Try to discover if the spore learned anything before you destroy it, if you can," Gorphat says.
"I'll try to bring it to you if I can. I cannot promise until I know more," Nicora claims. "And are you happy with my service? did bearing your creatures and destroying the coven please you?"
"Yes, it pleased me greatly," Gorphat says. "It.. strengthened me."
"Good. If you ever need me to ... do that again. I would. Even though it was quite horrible and painful," Nicora admits.
"Is there anything you wish from me?" Gorphat asks suggestively.
"I ... am not sure," Nicora admits weakly. "What are you, uhm, offering?"
"Well.. that depends on what you want," Gorphat says.
"Peace, happiness, and comfort?" Nicora jokes weakly.
"I already give you those," Gorphat notes.
"Well ... I was thinking that to show my devotion to you and to the world that ... I should remain as your trials left me, without fur or color, as your symbol," Nicora says rather timidly, then even bites her lower lip. "Until such time as your Daughter Phlagaea can return to her duties as your High Priestess. My sacrifice to you for taking her from you. I will be your most hideous daughter."
"Oooo, that would give the Artist more time to make you mine.." Gorphat says. "So be it!" the Goddess declares.. and begins to lick Nicora's belly. Gorphat's saliva burns and tingles, as if Nicora's having pepper-oil rubbed into her skin.
"Eee, ow!" Nicora complains as she's licked and it hurts! Licking isn't supposed to hurt; it is supposed to feel good!
Still, Gorphat licks every inch of Nicora, applying the 'treatment' liberally.
"Well, I guess it is better than a slime bath," Nicora ends up admitting as she squirms while being licked all over.
Once she's finished, Gorphat says, "And now for the slime bath!"
"I ... " Nicora says then closes her mouth. "I need to learn to shut up," she thinks.
"I am only playing with you," Gorphat claims, laughing at Nicora's expression. "I suppose you will go to Sunala next?"
"Most likely, since the General plans to use one of Her shrines," Nicora agrees. "Though I am ... considering visiting your demon first," she admits and rubs her bare neck. "I have grown disturbingly fond of horribs," she admits, frowning a bit at that.
"Oh? Hosheb is.. strong.. and loyal," Gorphat notes with a grin. "What is it about him that keeps you wanting more though?"
"Because it hurts at the same time it is enjoyable," Nicora tries to explain. "And there is always some risk to ... being with him, should he decide to hand me over to the horribs."
"He is your servant," Gorphat reminds. "You can always command him to do as you wish."
"But that is not as fun," Nicora admits and grins.
"I will watch then," Gorphat insists. "Summon him."
"Watch? Now?" Nicora asks, bare brow arched. "Oookay." The Eee then closes her eyes and thinks of the demon Hosheb.
"Mistress," is the response. A piece of darkness detaches from the vaulted ceiling, and clambers down the wall.
Nicora twitches. "Good to see you are well after the incident at the coven," she claims as she tries to appear not nervous. No experience with this creature is ever, well, good. "Did you prefer me when I was ... with your children?" she asks of it.
The demon seems momentarily confused, until it reaches out a claw to touch Nicora's belly. "What does this mean?" he asks, fascinated by the tattoo.
"Oh, a ... memento of what I went through recently, done by a ... friend," Nicora claims nervously.
The creature's long, barbed tongue tastes the tattoo. It's the first time Nicora has really seen Hosheb's tongue. But he continues to use it, tasting the Eeee's entire torso. At least it seems to sooth the afterburn from Gorphat's tongue.
Nicora has to watch this in fascination. "I didn't even know he had a tongue," she thinks. "You didn't answer my question; did you prefer me full of your children?" she teases.
"This body is different," Hosheb notes. "Can you make the image move?"
"Only by moving my stomach," Nicora claims, then demonstrates by rolling her stomach a bit with her abdominal muscles.
Hosheb seems momentarily hypnotized by this.. and then grabs Nicora! He pins her arms and legs with his various limbs, and starts rutting the Eeee, whether she's ready or not.
Well, that was a bit of a surprise! So much so all she can do is scream like she's being killed! Which is, well, almost what it feels like! He's barely comfortable when she is ready, but when she is not it's agonizing! She even tries to push him away!
The demon isn't having any of that, unfortunately. Gorphat puts her head next to Nicora's, however, and whispers, "Do you want a blessing to make this easier?"
Nicora is wincing when she asks, "What kind of blessing?" That's about all she can say, and she worries whatever it is can't be any better.
"One that would prevent this little problem," Gorphat purrs. "Inala does not monopolize such blessings, you know.."
Nicora is still in severe pain, so in a bought of desperation and agony, she does the unthinkable. "Please bless me," she practically whines.
Gorphat kisses Nicora's cheek (and some goo forms a line as she pulls back) and.. the pain is gone, because Nicora is very aroused now!
Nicora's sounds turn into a sigh! That feels soo, soo much better. So much so that she 's now quite a willing partner with the demon. She's even whispering to him how much she wants to carry his children again! Goddesses do strange things to people.
It's enough to get some double-play from Hosheb - after he's finished mating, in goes the 'feeding tube' for another round of fun for Nicora, even it is a rigid, chitiny tube.
Nicora didn't expect this, though she doesn't complain! She ends up coaxing and petting the strange creature.
This part doesn't last as long, of course, since it isn't like Hosheb needs to reach a certain point of arousal for this particular function. The problem, however, is that Nicora is still very aroused afterwards, despite having quite a few cathartic releases already.
"Okay, ah," Nicora says as she squirms around, "You can ease the blessing..." She bites her lip, then pleads, "Please?"
"Why?" Gorphat asks. "Isn't this better than Inala's blessing, which only works when you need it to? Mine is always active!"
"It's too distracting!" Nicora whines, "I won't be able to function."
"Well, that depends on your function, doesn't it?" Gorphat coos. "Would this be a problem with the Artist?"
"No, he would like it; it would make me his slave," Nicora whines. When 'in heat' she seems to whine a lot!
"It is a challenge then?" Gorphat asks. "Something to be overcome."
"That's ... cruel," Nicora whines. "Please release me. I have to stop the General!"
"Hmmm," Gorphat considers. "I must say that I am a bit disappointed. This is a wonderful blessing.. but I will restrict it to only when you are Nicora.. and I see fit to activate it."
"Couldn't you give me a different one instead?" Nicora pleads. But she's pretty sure the answer is no. She's so stupid sometimes.
Gorphat taps a finger on Nicora's forehead. "Another blessing? Don't you think you are being a little greedy?" she asks. "Don't you trust me?"
"Yes, I trust you," Nicora says, her whole body still shivering.
"And you are grateful for my blessings?" the Goddess asks, still not having removed or diminished the constant arousal syndrome.
"Of course I am. I delight in your touch and the reminder that I belong to you," Nicora claims weakly as she continues to squirm about. "Even when I ooze and hurt, it is in your honor."
"Very well," Gorphat says, and blood begins to spread around Nicora's body instead loitering about in certain spots once more. "I will expect great praise from you in return."
Nicora lets out a sigh again as the tension relaxes. "Defeating the General will bright you honor," she claims, sounding rather tired now. "And speaking of the General, I should go discuss her with Sunala."
"Be sure to give her my regards, and tell her how wonderful I am to serve," Gorphat says, grinning (with just a bit of drool out of one corner of her mouth, next to a sore).
Nicora smiles weakly ... then proves she's insane. She reaches up and draws Gorphat into a deep kiss! Tongue included, at that!
"That was good, but I will still expect you to do better," Gorphat says to cover her moment of surprise.
"I'll make love to you, willingly, when I return," Nicora promises. She even doesn't wipe her mouth off as she rises. "Until next time. I am off to perhaps rest, and visit Sunala to plan on how to deal with these new ... creations." Nicora then pauses and suggests, "If you really want the shuggoth thing, I can try to have it infect me aand I can bring it here for you to remove."
"Do not take excessive risks," Gorphat says. "You can always bring me the current host after all."
"Yes, but Tulani would be jealous if you touched him," Nicora claims.
"Bring her too," Gorphat suggests, and smiles. "I could use another convert."
"I ... I can ask her," Nicora offers vagely. "She is not an Eeee."
"Nobody's perfect," Gorphat concedes. "And she is already somewhat beholden to Barada anyway.."
"Oh, I wouldn't say nobody is perfect. You are," Nicora claims, winks, and quickly heads for the door to escape this nightmare! She's never been so excited to switch to a different form so quickly before.
It is almost certain that Daughter-of-Shadows is responsible for what little attempt there's been at making the quarters more comfortable. The sitting room actually has a window, although one without a view - it's stained glass, depicting Sunala of course. There are enough pale areas to let in sunlight though, which helps since only a few candles are set on the small tea table to provide additional light.
Alptraum sits across from Srinala, a cup of bitter tea (with nothing offered to sweeten it) before him. Daughter-of-Shadows is nearby, just outside the doorway in case anything more is needed. Before arriving, he checked in with Tulani and learned that the Shadowdrake eventually docked at the Abbas tower, at a platform below the normal level of the city, where only a ptera-powered craft might maneuver silently.
"It is good to have you visit again," Srinala says. "Do you bring good news?"
"I could use a harder drink," Alptraum uses as his initial answer to that question, then rubs his forehead. "Things are about to get worse as well as more risky for me."
"We might have some cider," Srinala says. "Donations have been up lately. Tell me what you are afraid of?"
"The General has sent several more of those monsters into the city yesterday," Alptraum explains as he leans back a bit and looks up at the ceiling. "She has also conscripted help from someone by infecting them with a chaos parasite. He has been instructed to observe me while I dispose of her new monsters, learn about me, then kill me." He pauses on that, then adds, "Here. On Mount Sunala. In a hidden shrine. I suspect by that the General means to kill me in the room I was born in."
Srinala doesn't move for a moment. "How many monsters?" she finally asks, a bit quietly.
"They aren't born yet; they're inside the soulless bodies of six women that were smuggled in yesterday. They are to be placed around the city as lures for me," Alptraum explains.
"What can they do, if left alone?" Srinala asks.
"Drive those insane that come near. Cause chaos, cause discord," Alptraum answers. "You know as well as I we can't leave them."
"You killed one before," Srinala says. "How difficult was it? Where you.. vulnerable while doing it?"
"Not significantly while I was Scourge," Alptraum admits, "It cannot make me go insane while in that body. I'm more concerned about her ... forced agent. He is a good man; I do not want to harm him."
"Do you think you can kill or remove the parasite from him?" Srinala asks, and finally has a sip of her tea. "I would rather not have him bring one of those things to my mountain."
"I think so. I hope so. I can't really say for sure until I can actually examine it," Alptraum admits, "And I think it's also how the General intends to kill me. She knows I would try to save him, and she may be counting on the parasite being able to kill me. Or at the very least, test what I am capable of."
"Is it like a Black Heart?" Srinala asks. "I wouldn't think such would be a threat to you."
"It is different. A black heart I can sense. This thing I cannot," Alptraum says, "It is some sort of life."
"Then it can be killed," Srinala says, and even smiles a little. "Do you need any help? Would this chaos monster affect the likes of Skekos?"
"I just don't know yet. I might need help. I don't want to expose you or any of your allies unless it is absolutely necessary," Alptraum admits as he rubs his forehead. "And I think I need to do this, and learn, if I am to face the General at some point. I'm more concerned about them wanting to use a shrine here. Am I correct in my guess that I was born in one, and it is hidden?"
"It seems likely," Srinala agrees. "Asterezadze might know. I will find out for you."
"I suspect that as the likely place the General would use. It is appropriately poetic to end at the beginning," Alptraum explains and sighs. "The good news of this is it does mean the General fears me. This is an odd risk."
"You were almost certainly not a part of her original plans," Srinala notes. "Any more than losing the Tower of Babel was. These may be desperate plays."
"I know how to get to her fortress in the forbidden zone now, too," Alptraum explains as he sits back upright. "And I've heard she is a bit ... jealous of me. I have accomplished far more in far shorter time than she did. And I'm ... mostly a mistake."
"No mistake from where I sit," Srinala says. "If you were.. what would that make me?"
"Worth dying for," Alptraum answers; perhaps both as a play on words, and perhaps meaning it.
"Not worth dying for if Babel falls as a result," Srinala notes, a bit sternly.
"You're worth it to me. Always have been since the night we met in a dream," Alptraum counters and rubs his forehead again. "Not that I intend to die easily. And Babel isn't going to fall. Not to some undead slut on a throne with her vampire singer leash-pet."
"You sound angry," Srinala notes. "You've run into them before?"
"Well, the vampire I did while in the Abbas compound. He tried to have his way with me while I was in disguise. Plus, I can't have someone else moving in on the whole least pet territory, that's my role," Alptraum adds with a smirk.
"You.. are a leashed pet?" Srinala asks. "Is.. is that something to do with Inala?"
"Only now and then. It's a long and strange story. Mostly it is a distraction so I don't dwell on things too much and get depressed about it," Alptraum admits with a grin. "It can be relaxing to give up control now and then."
"I will take your word for it," Srinala claims.
"Haven't you ever wanted to just be and do whatever? No expectations on you?" Alptraum asks.
Srinala glances (blindly) towards the doorway. "You are starting to sound like Daughter-of-Shadows now," she claims. "I am a busy deity."
"You realize the more you protest or avoid the topic, the more motivated I am at making you be 'normal' now and then," Alptraum claims. He even dares to lean over and tap her nose slightly. "Even I have bouts of disturbing normalcy."
The girl looks shocked at being tapped on the nose, and covers it with her hand. "I cannot be seen to act.. normal," she notes. "Is it not enough that I embrace the Yodhrinala and run the hospice? That was a big concession to Daughter-of-Shadows."
"No one said you have to look like you when you are being normal," Alptraum points out. "I just want you to understand your people more. You don't see the people as they are when you are as you are now. People .... change when they face authority. It is easier to see how people are when you are unassuming. It's why I have spent some time as a savanite slave; people say anything around them."
"And what is it I should hope to learn from this?" Srinala asks. "They come here to die, or wait to die, or are already dead - and some come to avoid death, of course. I don't think they want a hug."
"Sometimes people just want someone to listen to them. They know there is no answer, but they find peace in simply talking," Alptraum says and shrugs. "It just helps .... in understanding people." The Eeee then shrugs and stands, adding, "But I cannot force you. I want you to ... see the world in ways I get to, I guess."
"I will listen more closely to their prayers," Srinala concedes. "You are not yet the Sabaoth. Then you can more strongly suggest what I do or do not do.."
"I would rather just be a friend and listened as a friend. I don't seek to rule or lord over others," Alptraum says. "And yes, I know I need to finish that path too. I suppose I should take that as a hint it is time for me to leave for the day and bid you farewell."
Srinala takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly. "I need to remain calm. In control. I do not feel fear or worry," she tells herself.
"Or anger at me?" Alptraum asks and arches his brow.
"You have more important things to focus on than my personal life, Alptraum," Srinala says. "Much more important. You are welcome to complain about my stubbornness to Daughter-of-Shadows, of course."
"And in that you are wrong. Your personal life is just as important as everything else I do. I came to try and help my people, and that includes you," Alptraum says as he now heads for the exit. "Anyone and everyone has the potential to change things and to make things better. A man in the gutter, or a deity living in a temple. I don't overlook either. Good day to you."
Outside, Daughter-of-Shadows intercepts Alptraum. "Please don't be upset with her," she whispers.
"If I can't help her see differently, then everything I am doing is pointless," Alptraum remarks. It's not cold, it is just matter of fact. "And that's the key point here, she says when I can rule over her as Sabbaoth ... That's the whole problem. That is how we got into this mess. And if all I am doing is continuing the cycle, forget it."
"She doesn't want you to worry about her," Daughter-of-Shadows claims. "Her position is still.. precarious.. among some of the Yodh."
"And I have to stare soul-eating monsters in the face every other day and get raped by the undead in order to find their lairs," Alptraum replies. "I came to this city knowing there was probably a ninety percent chance I would die here. I have a family I left behind to come, and children I will likely never see. And here I'm being told not to worry about one of the very reasons I came. Sorry, but that hurts."
The cat girl lowers her head. "I'm sorry," she says. "It's my fault. I wanted her to be normal, I came here to beg her to be.. But if she doesn't act like Sunala, the ones who think she is a fake will kill her. Didn't you have to face the same thing, as the Barsunala? Yodh who.. would rather have you dead than risk the chance of you dying and damaging their faith."
"It is not your fault. You are doing what you must," Alptraum says, "And regardless of how I feel, I will do what I must as well to bring the General down. Life isn't fair."
"She is my friend, and I don't like seeing her suffer," Daughter claims. "I try not to remind her.. that she can't do what she wants. Maybe you can change the rules that bind her, or.. just.. make it so she doesn't have to be Sunala anymore. That would be best."
"She is my friend too. Which means I'll be honest with her, even if it isn't things she wants to hear," Alptraum says and shrugs. "I also still have to make sure you don't have to be what you're destined for, either."
"I feel safe here," Daughter claims. "With Srinala, not.. necessarily in the temple. The General.. hasn't mentioned me or anything, has she? If it came down to it, would I be able to shield Srinala?"
Alptraum says, "The General hasn't mentioned you. I don't think anyone knows of you. And if the General saw you ... I have to be honest, she would probably try to kill you," Alptraum admits. "You're a threat to her position. You're worth more than she is.""
"So.. Amenlichtli's servants are not so loyal to her, only to themselves?" Daughter-of-Shadows asks. "I suppose people who seek that sort of power are a bit egotistic."
"That's my impression. I could be wrong. Right now the General just wants me dead. As I told Sunala, she plans to kill me here on this Mountain," Alptraum notes.
"You won't let her though, will you?" Daughter asks. "Or.. do you have a trick in mind? Some way to fake your death so she thinks she has succeeded?"
"I don't know yet," Alptraum says and shrugs, "Too many unknowns to make much of a plan. Time will tell. Right now I just have to go dispose of six mind-warping monsters before things get worse in the city."
"And save the life of a man who was conscripted into being my executioner," Alptraum adds.
"Be careful," Daughter says, and then looks around before whispering, "Do you really pose as a slave?"
"I have, yes. Why do you ask?" Alptraum asks.
"How are you treated?" Daughter asks. "Is it safe?"
"It depends on who owns you. I have generally been safe as a slave, but there is always some risk," Alptraum says, "I was in danger in the Abbas household. I wasn't in the other."
"Maybe I could try someday," Daughter says.
"I'm not sure you should. I always have an out and a way to protect myself. You ... don't," Alptraum admits.
"I'd like to see the city though.. eventually," Daughter-of-Shadows says, then shakes her head. "Too many dreams. I'm naive still. I hope you come back and visit again soon."
"This city is dangerous," Alptraum notes, "But if you had an escort some day, maybe. As for visiting, perhaps. There is a lot to do. The next time I come will probably to visit a hidden shrine; most likely the one I was born in. And the one the General wants to kill me in."
"Be careful," Daughter says again. "Srinala.. I don't know what she'd do if something happened to you."
"She would do fine; she has you," Alptraum points out.
"You trust me, but I'm just a child too," Daughter-of-Shadows explains. "I'd rather not be tested, so don't die."
"I don't plan to, I just expect to at some point or another," Alptraum admits, "And I should be going. I don't have a lot of time before those monsters will probably start affecting people."
"Good luck then," the jaguar girl offers. "May the Star be with you."
"I'm going to need all the luck I can get. Thank you for looking after her, she needs more people like you," Alptraum says as he departs. More to do. always more to do, and tonight was just a reminder that it all probably doesn't matter.