Anvil Mountain
The mountain isn't really anvil shaped so much as it a long steep-sided mesa with a prominent outcropping that might look a bit like the nose of an anvil. I rises alone in a wide, dry plain which is filled with military styled encampments stretching off towards the horizon on all sides. Each encampment is different, but large. The only common element among them all is a set of tall standing stones that seem to glow with eldritch light. In the center of one such camp sits a giant demonic-looking frog.

The top of the mountain isn't bare - there are plenty of colorful and fanciful tents and temporary structures that mirror the variety of the encampments below, with varied creatures moving about with hurried purpose. The edges of the mesa top are lined with a myriad of signal towers - some using mirrors, or flags or magical symbols that hover in the air above them. Out at the tip of the outcropping is a blue dragon wearing armor of many metals, surrounded by various fey creatures - though none as big as Kaira herself. She's larger looking than Alptraum remembers seeing her before.

Alptraum rubs the center of his forehead with his index finger. His wings snap so that he can fly up to the dragon. "I do not know which is more depressing," he says dryly, "That you didn't tell me you were up to something, or that Vorgulremik has been more honest with me and did."

"Excuse us," Kaira notes to her attendants, who give Alptraum odd looks before returning to the tent city behind the dragon. "You've been seeing him again?" she asks Alptraum, sounding a bit tired.

"Not by choice," Alptraum remarks as he lands, "He has found ways around guards to contact me. But that's a secondary issue. What are you up to?"

"The same thing I've always been up to," Kaira notes, and looks out over the plain. "Separating those to be saved from those condemned to be left behind. I simply find it easier to do with an army. It's been a long time since you've talked to me.. I assumed you weren't really interested in what happens here."

"Hardly. I'm always concerned with what is going on in here and with you," Alptraum notes and crosses his arms. "I've been buried in dealing with demons and monsters. Amena's henchwoman has been a lot more active."

"Our situations are not so different then," Kaira notes, with a slight grin. "We also haven't been keeping one another up-to-date as a result, I see."

"You really don't want the play by play with me. It's disgusting. Probably worse than the worst things that go on in here," Alptraum admits, "But a simple summary is the demons are wanting child demons, which I have to provide. And Amena is throwing exploding Eeee at me."

"Aren't those called Eeeps?" Kaira asks. "Where do you get demon children from? Is it some sort of Spirit Mage spell?"

"Worm eggs, the demon, and the unfortunate experience of being Nicora. Do you really want the full details?" Alptraum has to ask, twitching.

"No. Though if I really think about it I might be able to deduce a way that it could be," Alptraum offers.

"Of course," Kaira says. "I assume that means Vorgulremik finds the situation amusing if he hasn't tried to get you to blame me for it. I'm curious about the work-around he's discovered that lets him contact you though."

"He says it is easiest when I've been talking with Inala," Alptraum notes. "And I did just realize you are at fault; that demon thing that you summoned that molested me infected some worm eggs in Nicora and ... boom, perpetually pregnant Eeee."

"I haven't seen the temple beyond that one room, really," Kaira points out. "You don't bring me out all that often. I'm surprised it even has baths, unless they are for breeding bacteria or making cheese or something. Gorphat seems like the sort who would enjoy cheese."

Alptraum waves his hand. "Anyway ... Vorgulremik doesn't believe he has much time left", Alptraum notes, "So he brought me in. He tried to teach me how to devour souls."

"I let him instruct me, because he claimed I could use it to destroy Amena and her henchmen. Though, I would rather never use the knowledge at all. There are some doors I do not want to go through," Alptraum admits as he looks out over the tents and those gathered. "What concerns me more is ... he was right about you. The separation, the plans. You intend to end this soon, don't you? Which means ... you intend to die soon."

"I.. it is not quite that," Kaira admits, and looks out over the plain again.. seeming to focus on the giant frog monster that is Lord Verminous. "I took an oath not to tell you the details of the bargain I made with Rinala. I don't know her reasons for that, but I must adhere to the oath."

"It is because she knows that if I knew for certain you were to die I wouldn't finish this," Alptraum says as he continues to look out over the tents. "You're both asking me to stop a great evil, but in doing so I have to kill a friend. And no, don't start with me about how you're not real, you don't exist, you're just a spell, or whatever other reason you will try to give me. You are real to me. You have been there when I needed someone to talk to. You have kicked me in the butt when I needed kicking. I don't want to, or need to hear, the excuses. Just know that in asking me what you are, you will kill part me me too."

The dragon looks stricken. "I would not abandon you, Alptraum. I have no intention of doing so.. That is why I agreed to Rinala's offer," she says, looking pained. "I just can't tell you more. Not without being turned inside-out by Verminous, and I would hardly command respect like that."

"I am not asking you to tell me any more. I just wanted to be clear with my side of things," Alptraum says, turning to look over at Kaira. He even places his hand on her armored side. "Just because I live in death does not mean I relish it. Growing up taught me that living is precious. It can end in a moment. And I don't want to kill a friend."

The dragon sighs. "I understand the reason for the oath now," Kaira says. "I didn't back then, because we hadn't come to Babel yet. It's clearer now."

"Hear me out," Kaira says, raising her head again. "The notion of rebuilding Babel as something purer.. it all comes down to selfishness, I think. The Seven Sisters - the one thing they all share is their selfishness. It's been used to create the divides in Babel society. And Rinala does not want her hero to act for selfish reasons. So she doesn't want you to know what risks and rewards await you, because if you did know, you would be driven by personal desires more than the altruistic ones she wants to set as the example for the New Babel."

"I don't care about me, Kaira. I don't care about a reward, a gift. I grew up with almost nothing. Things don't mean that much to me. Only people matter, those you know, those you influence. Your friends even your enemies," Alptraum says, "I came on this trip expecting to die, Kaira. Simple as that. I came anyway because it had to be done."

"You aren't going to die," Kaira says firmly. Then looks thoughtful. "I wonder if this is why I keep secrets from myself, as well. I'm not a true dragon, but I'm still selfish like one."

"I'm fighting a creature that has lived for many times my lifespan and I'm broken," Alptraum points out, "I don't have a snowball's change in Abu Dhabi of surviving."

"You have me, and others, supporting you," Kaira points out. "And you're not going up against Amena herself.. just an agent. If the General was so strong, she wouldn't have been forced into hiding."

"She is just gathering strength," Alptraum counters, "Or trying to lure us into a false sense of security so that we won't have enough when she assaults."

"If Vorgulremik could be brought down at the peak of his power, so can some uppity zombie," Kaira points out.

"Vorgulremik was brought down by a powerful dragon that you are mirrored on," Alptraum points out, "Not some Eeee with gender issues and a broken soul."

"Maybe a broken soul is exactly what's needed," Kaira suggests. "You haven't realized your full strength yet. I have faith in you, and I know you won't abandon me by letting yourself get killed. Besides, if Vorgy fears you, why shouldn't the General?"

"He fears you. He believes he can use me," Alptraum points out, "And who said I would die before I completed my task. I'm not a fool Kaira, nor blind. You intend to use the confrontation with this zombie as a way to finish your duty. With the final release, you can unweave this place, him, and yourself. We'll end up destroying each other."

Kaira stares out at the plain. "I didn't kill him, you did," she points out. "Look out there. Billions and billions of souls. And do you know - not one of them ever belonged to someone who killed Vorgulremik. He's been killed before, plenty of times. And as an immortal he would come back with a new life, with all his memories. And yet.. he never went back to seek revenge. At least, not on those that killed him. Others, sure. But someone that killed him once could conceivably do it again, and he fears that. He tries to manipulate you because it's all he can do.. and because it lets him bury his fear."

"He would kill me if he got the chance. I can see it in his eyes," Alptraum notes, "It's a look I've seen plenty of times before. The smile, the soothing words, the promises. Underneath it all there is the seething hatred that burns in those eyes. The eyes are the window to the soul, they say, and it is true."

"First rule of surviving as a gypsy, learn to read people," Alptraum says as he shoves his hands into his pockets. "Play the role, act the part. Be seen as harmless or as a fool. But observe. Always observe. Find the hook."

"And he can control the twitch of every scale," Kaira points out. "You cannot trust the body language of an immortal - they give nothing up that they do not want you to see. He wants you to feel fear, but you have nothing to fear from him. He can't kill you. Even when he's managed to manifest physically, like when you consumed that demon back in Sylvania.. he didn't attack you, did he?"

"When you already know you are going to die it is hard to feel fear seeing it in someone elses eyes," Alptraum notes. "And he couldn't attack me then because he is still connected to the knife, and you. If I go, then he knows you will unmake him and everyone still here as there will be no other option. He cannot kill me so long as you hold sway."

"I don't like this line of thinking," Kaira admits. "It.. brings up a feeling of fear in me with no source. Or rather, there is a source, but I can't find it. It's hidden from me, but I know it must be there."

"I know mortals are pawns to all of you. We're considers jokes, things to laugh at. Insignificant and ephemeral, a flea to crush. I see it in him, the sisters, those here. But don't think for once we do not see it," Alptraum says, "Or that we are stupid and unaware."

"Don't lump me in with them," Kaira notes. "I'm as much a pawn as anyone. I may be self-guided, but that doesn't mean I see the next move.. or can control it."

"And even in the end I'm just a pawn to Inala, or Rinala. Whichever name she chooses to you," Alptraum says, "A means to an end."

Kaira sits there, looking out over the vast army and whispers, "What if I can't really do it though?"

"Yes," Kaira says. "I've been having.. doubts. It's that hole where something should be. I don't know if my reasons for doing any of this are what they seem to be."

"I can't answer that. I don't know," Alptraum says as he now looks down. "All either of us can do is continue forward. What comes, comes."

"I try not to poke at it," the dragon says. "There must be a good reason for it to be hidden, right? Something Vorgulremik can't find out about, maybe."

"You probably wouldn't want to hear my possible answers to that," Alptraum says as he traces one toe claw in the dirt.

"Of course I do, I just shouldn't," Kaira notes. "I want to know, but at the same time I realize it would be bad, or counterproductive, or dangerous. It's there for a reason, and also hidden from me for a reason. Waiting for the proper circumstances to make itself known. I have trust in my.. well, not in myself but in my creator."

"Or your creator really couldn't destroy him. That all of this was a failed prison and when it is unmake he still will not be destroyed completely and just be reborn again," Alptraum says, "That it was all just a failure. Grim thought, but it is a possibility."

"I don't see why she would do any of this then," Kaira notes. "Just to imprison him? Or to imprison him and make him suffer?"

"Possible. I believe even you told me this once: Immortals lie," Alptraum notes.

The dragon closes her eyes for a moment. "No, I won't accept that," Kaira says. "So much was sacrificed to bring Vorgulremik down. If the goal was just to kill him, it could have been done more easily. The goal was to destroy him.. and save those he took."

Alptraum looks out over the tents again. "And the irony being that not many of them probably deserved to be saved," he comments, "Selfish, cruel, and not caring a wit about anyone or anything."

"They always care about something or someone," Kaira notes. "Evil is a very nebulous thing."

"Well, if you were in prison for thousands of years reliving your own death every day.. it might cause you to be a little cynical too," Kaira notes.

"Sweeping through the echoes, pushing out the dark creatures," Kaira says. "It isn't like before, when we could contain them. Too many cracks to slip through, and all of them want to sneak into the groups that are 'getting out' of course. Some of them are very good at sneaking."

"Need my help with any of them?" Alptraum asks, "Even though I suspect I would be one of the ones that wouldn't be allowed to leave."

"You have more important things to do," Kaira points out. "Or more disgusting. Plus, this gives the people something to do that makes them feel useful. I wouldn't mind seeing you more often though."

"You come from a gloomy land," Kaira points out. "At least you don't write poetry about it though. Raising doom and gloom to an artform.. that is just horrific."

"I could start. It would probably be preferable than squirting it out from between my legs," Alptraum remarks.

"If I am in the right mood, yes," Alptraum admits, "I am the one who put out a bunch of candles on a tower top and took Rose to it, then told her I wanted her to feel at home, amongst the stars."

"That's romantic, not poetic," Kaira points out. "Poetry is what men use to get to the romantic part."

"I always tried: I like your dress, I would like it more on the floor," Alptraum notes, "I usually got slapped."

"Oooooooh," Kaira says, finally getting it. "So the floor isn't really relevant, it's the removing of the dress that is. I see now. Wait.. you don't want me to get naked so you can jump my bones right here on this overlook where all the armies can watch?"

"Ah, no, not really," Alptraum says and holds up his hands. "Not the right body for it. You are too big."

"You mean I'm fat," Kaira claims. "I'll have you know my current size is a reflection of my authority. And so everyone can see me up here. For inspiration. And also because I'm the only dragon left that's not evil."

"Yes, I entirely meant that you have a humongous butt," Alptraum deadpans. "It protects your brain."

Kaira wiggles her haunches and then wraps her tail around Alptraum for that. "That also is not poetic," she points out. "Do you still tend to Gorphat?"

Alptraum smirks. "It wasn't intended to be. And yes, I do. She enjoys torturing me," he notes.

"And you enjoy it as well?" Kaira asks. "I am not the tortuous sort, but I do know many dark elves.."

Alptraum has to actually think about it. "Sometimes yes, sometimes not," he claims. "Why are you asking this?"

"Because, I am jealous," Kaira notes. "The Sisters have stolen you away, dominating your time. Even Vorgulremik sees you more, it appears," she sniffs.

"Of me? I'm a scrawny, gloomy, Eeee," Alptraum points out. "With issues. Lots and lots of issues."

"Yes," Kaira says, pulling Alptraum up with her tail until he's before her face. "So dark and brooding. Yummmy."

Alptraum's brow arches up this time. "What, as a snack?" he has to ask. He even crosses his arms.

"Chicks dig the dark and haunted guys," the dragon points out. "Why do you think anyone goes for the dark elves men? They get way more action than the pale dudes."

Alptraum's brow remains arched. "And are you going after the dark elves in my absence?" he has to ask.

"Of course not," Kaira notes. "I only make them polish my scales. The pale ones are on feather preening. The green ones.. I don't care for the green ones as much."

"They're all leafy and stuff," the dragon claims. "And they don't wear clothes, which makes it a bit of a waste to have them washing me down with the other naked ones. Although usually it's the women who wash me down. That's draws a lot of attention. Especially with the 'car wash' song.."

"A big shiny metal carriage that moves itself, but you sit inside. It can have two rows of seats, in order to separate the screaming children from the parents in front. Or, it can have just one pair of seats for when the owner wants to attempt to create children and needs to impress a mate. They are metal and in lots of colors and.. well, it's what you get on worlds where there aren't any dragons."

Alptraum's ears flick about. "I have no idea what you are talking about," he finally says. "Sort of like an airship or boat, then?"

"Well, for roads, although some go off the roads, and some are used to carry dead people, and some have loud sirens to carry the hopefully-not-going-to-die people.. uh.. anyway, they are shiny. No world with dragons would have them.. the dragons would steal them all."

"And some seem to be specifically made to illicit the notion of feminine curves, or do so blatantly by having nearly naked women pose on them. Or nearly naked women washing them. With lots of suds."

"Therefore it is perfectly normal for a big shiny dragon like myself to be washed with sudsy soap by naked elf women," Kaira concludes.

"The men do the buffing, polishing and preening, since they don't look as good in soap suds, but better with a little sheen of sweat and rippling.. Err, anyway.. the point is that it is a sign of respect, because the person with the best car wins, and I am clearly the best car."

"But you are not a car. And even if you are, you would be the only car, and thus any comparison is pointless is it not?" Alptraum has to ask.

Kaira narrows her eyes slightly at Alptraum. "I like the attention," she says. "Can't you picture me all stretched out, glistening and shiny, while naked women sponge me and often get into playful water fights with one another? It is supposed to be inspirational.."

Alptraum tries to remain looking solemn. In the end he just ends up giggling. "I think it would likely look rather silly," he has to admit. "Fun I am sure, but silly."

"So.. you wouldn't be inspired to better hygiene?" Kaira asks, looking pouty. "Why do you think I'm up here on this mountain?" she asks, and gestures to the vast plain of encampments. "I'll tell you why: because it stinks down there. I want them to associate washing with beauty and sex. You only think it silly because you've been under Gorphat's influence too long."

"No, it is more I don't trust anyone in here enough," Alptraum points out. "To be that vulnerable around them for very long."

"I'm sure Tulani would understand," Kaira sighs. "I bet you don't even wash her dragon form for her?"

"I have. The problem is it just makes her more icy," Alptraum points out. "The difference I guess is you aren't vulnerable, I am. I'm not a dragon."

"That is something you can correct though," Kaira points out. "Grooming encourages trust. You should turn into a big shiny dragon and let Gorphat's followers polish you. Or Inala's or whichever Sister you are humoring at the moment."

"Turning into me?" Kaira asks. "I know you do not mean humoring me because you do not do that. You genuinely love me, don't you?"

"Well, you'd change into a dragon for it, wouldn't you?" the dragon asks in reply.

"Well, of course. It would seem a bit silly trying to polish an Eeee," Alptraum points out, then licks Kaira's nose since it is close.

The dragon relicks that spot with her own tongue. "Well, no, as an Eeee I'd just give you a tongue-bath," Kaira notes, and sets Alptraum down and uncurls her tail from him. "Bring out the washing supplies!" she bellows to the mountain-top camp.

And no sooner has Kaira looked away than she finds a large red drake (of appropriately the right species) sitting on his haunches next to her. One thing about the knife world, shifting is so, so, much easier here. "I was only upset earlier because it was reminding me about you, and that for me to succeed, you may die. That ... it bothers me greatly," Alpdrake says. "I think that answers if I care about you."

"If everything goes to plan, you won't have to worry about that," Kainudy reassures.. and then with a clattering of falling armor becomes the familiar elf girl. More elf women are carrying tubs of water and towels and bottles of colorful liquids.

"Now stretch out, big boy," Kaira tells Alptraum, as the other elves begin to disrobe.

Alptraum flops like all males do. He flops down and just stretches out. Men don't always have a sense of grace, no.

Soon the various females (and Kaira) are soaping him down with sponges (and a good bit of using themselves to rub things). Kaira is up at Alptraum's head, resting it in lap as she washes his face and mane. "Isn't this nice?" she asks him.

"Well, I suppose it is tolerable," Alptraum rumbles. He has to keep some sort of credibility after all. Never mind the rubbing makes certain things obvious he is enjoying it.

Obvious things also get washed. Elf girls have soft hands.. unlike Vorgulremik's elf form. And Kaira is leaning and stretching and squishing things against different parts of Alptraum's face as well. "Everyone likes a little attention, and it is a dragon tradition to be tended to by.. groomers. The popular dragons, anyway. Or the rich ones."

Alptraum growls an actual laugh. "And I am neither popular nor rich," he admits. He is, however, bitey! And he bites Kaira here and there when he gets the chance.

Several of the washers are riding Alptraum's tail now, scooting up and down it as they work.

"You do sometimes," Alptraum counters, but he does at least try to switch to just lips and tongue against apparently overly sensitive bits! His tail snakes around, swinging elf too and fro.

There is a lot of squealing as a result, including from Kaira. "Do you want me to clean your ears too?" she asks.

And so Kaira shimmies around to dip a long spoon-like tool into Alptraum's hear to scoop out wax.

Alptraum twitches. "That has got to be the strangest thing I have ever felt," he admits. His tail even thumps the ground a few times.

"Don't Eeee do this?" Kaira asks. The other elves have gravitated toward the dragon's hind end to focus their attentions.

"Not in quite the same way. We don't have ear spoons. Parents use their tongues," Alptraum explains.

"I don't care for the taste of earwax myself," Kaira notes as she works, while further back soft hands explore.. studs. "Who cleans out your ears then, out there?"

Alptraum admits, "No one." He might have wanted to say more but hands in delicate areas that are already a bit 'buzzy' makes him rumble instead. It vibrates him from head to tail.

"Oooo," Kaira notes, from where she straddles Alptraum's neck. "Vibrate some more! You'll have to ask Mave to do it then; I'm sure she's an expert."

Alptraum laughs, "She won't touch Nicora. I can't blame her." He rumbles again, this time smirking. Kaira is being naughty.

"Nicora has waxy ears then?" Kaira asks, and licks the inside of Alptraum's ear. "You should roll onto your other side so we can get both.."

Alptraum's ear flickflickflicks. And roll over he does (whump!). "Of course she does. Nicora is a horrible and hideous mess," he points out.

"Ah, I didn't think a Yodhinala would be squeamish about anything," Kaira notes, riding out the roll. There's a lot of scrambling from the other elves to start washing the newly exposed side.. even if it means they're paying attention to the fun, tingly parts at the moment.

Alptraum twitches and even goes cross-eyed now and then. "A-heh, yes," he mutters, distracted. "There is rivalry between Inala and Gorphat. Gorphat would take it out on me if I asked."

"Why would you ask?" Kaira notes, as she works on the new ear. "You don't enjoy being used for all the icky stuff do you?"

Alptraum makes a face. "Not particularly, no," he notes, "And I'm also stuck female for a bit, I think I'm not sure."

"Because of this demon baby thing?" Kaira asks, as she strokes behind Alptraum's eyes now.

"No ... because of the queen horrib Gorphat is having me host for the temple," Alptruam admits, making a face.

Kaira has to stop at this news. "And this thing isn't going to hurt you, is it?" she asks.

"I ... have no idea," Alptraum admits, "All I know is it is deeply rooted into Nicora's body. I have not checked on it recently."

"I have no idea how it could be," Alptraum says. "Or even how long that ... thing will be growing."

"You need to spend more time here with me then," the elf claims. "So you don't forget how to be male. We can start now.."

"I could likely just destroy it with the shadow, but I am trying to court the Goddesses, not anger them. Even Barada has contacted me, she wishes to see my childhood. I am not sure how to feel about that," Alptraum claims. "As for starting now, ah ... haven't we already started?"

"Oh no, this was just grooming," Kaira says, then kisses Alptraum's nose before she begins sliding back down his neck.. and growing, until a full grown dragon is straddling Alptraum, and sending the elves fleeing. "Now we can start," she rumbles.

Alptraum's lips draw back. "True, we can start. But ... will the mountain survive the finish? Ah, no matter, we just pile up the elves and use them as a mattress," he starts with a low rumble. That cursed gold works in here too. Parts do practically vibrate. It is going to be a long night.