A single promontory of rock reaches up out of the sea, and on it are four figures. First is an Eeee woman, with black fur and white hair to match her solid white eyes. The breeze here rustles through the strips of her shredded wing vanes. Next to her stands a taller male, sharing the same coloration save for silver eyes. His wings are intact, but his right forearm looks as if it has been flayed of its skin, the exposed flesh showing the definition of muscles and tendons, while a chitin carapace covers part of it, forming a sheath for a dagger that seems to be implanted into the arm itself. Across from this pair is a blue and gold dragon, her bright colors out of place in the dreary grey realm. And in her hands is held an odd jar, with the head of a jaguar sprouting from the neck.
Sunala does not seem happy - but then she never does. But this is her realm, and at least in part Alptraum's as well. The dragon and her jar are just guests, summoned forth from Alptraum's dagger. "So this.. head.. is the high priest of the Queen of Blasphemy, Amenlichtli?" she asks in a hollow voice.
"Yes. I took what remained of him from the Fallen City. Given what he helped Amenlichti do, and your ... connections to destroying that which she has wrought, I felt you should have the chance to speak with, or deal with this person, as you saw fit," Alptraum explains as he tries to not fidget and betray his own discomfort at the situation. "And more personally, because of those close to you haunted by her."
"That demon will not evade me forever," Sunala claims, and 'looks' to Kaira. "Make it speak," she demands.
"Oh.. well.." Kaira says, clearly uncomfortable in these surroundings. "It's not that simple. I have him.. sedated, I suppose. I can cause memories to appear, and then maybe he can respond to questions about them. He's not like typical spirit.."
"That demon will not make it past the next few years," Alptraum says a bit darkly.
Sunala turns to Alptraum next then. "Your servant is not very helpful."
"Well, what is he like, then?" Alptraum asks of Kaira. To Sunala he notes, "Well, she's like that at times. Stubborn. And obtuse by not explaining things very well."
"The undead are complicated," Kaira claims. "Like an image of a spirit.. uh.. a ghost of a ghost? Want me to just start him up and go from there?"
"Just as long as you don't pull a string out of him or use a windup key," Alptraum comments.
"That would be silly," Kaira says, and instead pushes on the jaguar's nose, which makes his eyes light and project.. a memory.
The central pool is not filled with water today, but blood. The sacrificial pits hold collapsed bodies, many still clutching the serpentine ritual daggers that they used to sacrifice themselves. Their blood flows through to arcane channels to feed the central pool, where a lone figure kneels, coated in blood up to her shoulders. She still wears an ornate headdress, even if all other clothing and jewelry have been set aside.
Hotep stands at the top of the steep stairs that lead up the side of the pyramid. His mouth his dry, causing him to lick his lips constantly, before he finally speaks. "My Queen Amena, the gold-furs and Nala have left for the mainland," he says. He doesn't shout, but speaks normally, knowing that his Queen will hear him. "The airships with your followers and our children are waiting to launch. The navigators have been given the maps you brought back, and are instructed to ignore any storms they encounter."
The figure in the central pool turns to look over her shoulder at Hotep. "And the other prepared vessels have been seen to?" she asks in a booming voice.
"Yes, My Queen," Hotep says, bowing at the waist. "They will be hidden across the globe, as you instructed."
"Then launch the airships towards Paradys," the blood-soaked Queen says. "I have finished the curse against the Priest-King. His betrayal of me will be the downfall of his Silent Empire, and his bloodline will be forever tainted." She holds up a hand that drips with gore, and gestures dismissively. "You will go to the mainland, to Babel. Await me in the Temple of Rinala," she says, with a hint of dark irony. "When the Priest-King's fleet arrives to destroy Aeztepa, they will be facing an army of terror. For only I have the right to destroy this city, and will allow no foreign power to do so."
"Surely you don't need to remain behind though.." Hotep pleads, only to be cut off by a sharp glare.
"This body is expendable," she claims. "You will know me when I come for you. Now go."
The light in Hotep's eyes dims. "He might be able to respond now," the dragon says.
"Explain why she went to the temple of Rinala," Alptraum requests, though the tone is not one that implies there is any option not to answer. "And what is this about tainting the Silent Empire? The destruction of a city?"
Hotep's mouth squirms a bit, before he speaks. "Amena went to the City of Hands, in the far Savan. She impersonated a Savanite, and sought to learn their methods of sorcery. Even the Priest-King welcomed her, at first. She wanted to see the extend of what they could do, and convinced the Priest-King that he should become immortal. But also.. she spoke. She began to gather followers among the Savanites. She was deemed a threat.. and by extension, all of our kind. Amena was forced to flee, but she was followed, and the great war fleet of the Twelve-Times-Twelve was sent to destroy us."
"Rinala was born of Nala worship, and the irony of meeting at the temple of her niece amused Amena, though she had more practical reasons as well," the head explains.
Alptraum nods slightly and gestures with his right hand. "Continue. What practical reasons?" he asks.
Instead of answering, the head's eyes light up and begin projecting again. The scene blurs, and refocuses on a garden full of well tended flowers. The temple complex is sprawling, containing areas for births, funerals and tending to the ill. Hotep sits on a bench looking out over the much younger City of Babel, where the ground can still be seen between towers and causeways, and Tower of Babel itself has yet to be covered in construction. A female Eeee suddenly sits next to him, and says, "Isn't it wonderful how these people care for their dead? Such excellent preservation." She holds out an arm, showing a only a few patches of missing fur. Even her eyes look alive.
"My Queen," Hotep says quietly. "I was expecting one of your scions.."
Amenlichtli's expression momentarily sours. "I would not waste one on this task. You and I are to travel to the wasteland and find some ruins," she explains. "The experiment with the Priest-King will have run its course by now. I need something new - and to preserve you, dear Hotep."
Alptraum frowns. "Possession of the dead, there. How?" he asks grimly, "Who, and for how long?"
Sunala hisses at the image.
"Just a girl who died without injury, and who my Queen considered pretty," Hotep says. "The dead do not last long before they can no longer pass as living. Not then.. not before the city."
"As for how.. the Eeee were naive and new to magic," the head goes on. "There were no defenses. There was no reason for anyone to desecrate the dead, after all."
"Dead can never pass as living. Not at least to myself and my Mother," Alptraum remarks dryly. "I still wish to know her name, and what became of her body."
"I do not know her name, and your mother did not yet exist," Hotep claims. "It lasted for almost a year, before there was another. But that was outside Babel, away from people. We left soon after she found me."
"And you went to the temple of the dead blobs. The Fallen City," Alptraum completes.
The eyes light up again, and montage through the journey. They do not go alone to the City of the Fallen, but take a dozen followers from among the Eeee. These do not last long once the necropolis is reached. Amenlichtli remains outside, but Hotep still hears her commands. Experiments are performed on the followers. The initial results are horrific, spawning monsters or animated body parts. Then the children's city is found. Their remains are less potent. Men are killed and resurrected, then infected and killed, all to see which combination works best. The failures are thrown into the Lake of Blood.
Eventually, it is Hotep's turn. He holds the jar, and with the remaining two undead watching him, he drinks from it. It is beyond foul, and he can feel it spread through him and.. congeal.. Then he waits for the knife, but it does not come.
"You will not die and turn here in this fell place," the voice of his Queen tells him. "I must know that it works outside as well. Gather up what you can carry.." A brief reprieve at best. But one that stretches to years. Others are infected and experimented upon, until Amenlichtli is satisfied of her control over the creations.
Jars are sent to join the waiting vessels, some to improve them and some for future use. Amenlichtli starts another experiment in immortality in Babel. "I have convinced the Sabaoth," she tells Hotep. "The Eeee are eager to exploit magic, and only too willing to listen. And through the Sabaoth, I will slowly influence the course of this city and its gods... until I have driven Rinala out. This will become my new kingdom in time, and you will see it, Hotep. It is time for you to be reborn.."
Death was not what Hotep expected. But the pain faded, and the world looked very different through eyes that were neither living or dead. Amenlichtli sent him back to Kadath, to be her caretaker. And there he would wait for another 2,000 years.
Alptraum's left eye twitches. Neither the thought of those being driven out, the influence over the city, not the undead returning to be the 'head' of Kadath is particularly pleasant. But at least he is no longer her caretaker now.
"I would still see her in visions, for I no longer dreamed," Hotep said. "She was overjoyed to show me the ruins of the City of Hands, and the enslavement of the hated Savanites. And in the birth pangs of the Nagai Empire and the death throes of the Olympian one, my Queen spread necromancy through Tizban and Sylvania, a war of the dead that lasted a hundred years."
"I'm well-aware of the war in Sylvania. That caused unimaginable suffering," Alptraum says as he resists punching the head. "Where is she now? And how does she take over her descendants?"
"There is a ritual to prepare the vessels," Hotep says. "Her bloodline flourished on the hidden sky island."
"And if she cannot get the vessel?" Alptraum asks.
A look of confusion comes over Hotep's face. "At the end of the first war, she discovered... discovered... you. An immortal being of spirit-made-flesh. Her Shadow. But Nala foiled her.. forced her to sleep another.. 1800 years or so. There are always other vessels. Some prepared long ago, some.. some she tried to claim.. Not always of the bloodline. Not always. But they are the strongest. Yes.. strongest."
"Not me, Muravian. Did she intent the General to be her next vessel then? Seems she outsmarted your Queen," Alptraum points out.
The head twitches. The eyes light up again, and show a scene from the children's shrine in Kadath. Amenlichtli is there.. but not really there. She is in Hotep's mind. "Slaughtered!" she rants. "All but one, taken by the paladin. Paradys is lost! But.. I got into their heads first. I planted the seed in the head of the Eeee princess. My Sabaoth is gone, but she.. she will serve me.." And then another rant, a different time. "She was perfect! A created puppet! What I might have done with such a body.. but she was there! The one I had thrown from Paradys as an infant no less! She survived and Nala woke through her just long enough to spoil everything! At least I have locked away her power, deep in Sylvania. That at least is a victory, if not quite enough to make up for losing the Philosopher's Stone. Stupid guardians."
And finally... "You've failed me, Hotep. You didn't stop her. I sent her here, told her the secrets and promises and she broke her vow! She stole from me here, under your nose! My chance to reclaim Babel, gone... and I will not allow her to beat me."
"The Light of Nala is no longer locked away," Alptraum remarks, perhaps a bit smugly.
"It does not.." Hotep begins to say, then falls silent. Kaira tries shaking the jar a bit to see if he'll say more. "Wakey wakey.."
Alptraum reaches over and flicks the forehead of Hotep.
"I think that is enough from him," a new voice says, sounding a bit exotic and with a definite purr.
Sunala turns on the newcomer, and hisses. "You dare come into my realm?" she accuses the spotted feline wearing a silken gown and lots of jewelry, including the fancy headdress.
"Ah, the 'Queen' honors us with her presence," Alptraum says with an air of sarcasm as he also turns to face Amenlichtli.
"Calm yourself, srinala," Amenlichtli replies to Sunala. "You wouldn't even exist if I hadn't broken your old pantheon. You're just a shadow of my sister, and I know all the secret ways in and out of this place. Who do you think created the srinalas in the first place?" She then looks to Alptraum. "But I'm not here to talk to Death."
"Show respect to her or I'll kick you out of this place so hard you'll feel it for the next thousand years," Alptraum says darkly. "Or, perhaps I'll just add you to my collection in here," he adds and taps the dagger. "I know a demon who would enjoy playing you alive for eternity."
"Oh?" Amenlichtli asks with a smile. "You'd really risk having me and Vorgulremik together in the same prison? Not that I don't have.. unfinished business with that one," she says, her smile fading quickly. "You cannot expect me to show respect to Death, Barsunala. That goes against the very definition of what I am. And now is not the time for the two of us to have our final confrontation, either. We have a common goal right now. I'm sure you know the deal - the greater evil, or the evil that is the active threat. I know how you've chosen before."
"I accept no aid from you," Alptraum remarks. "Regardless of the threat. I will owe you no favors as I will honor none with you."
"And as for the prison, all I have to do is trap you, then simply tell Kaira to obliterate it, and you and him along with it," Alptraum points out.
"Such aggression," Amenlichtli says. "So.. you may take my advice as you will. I want the General destroyed. I will not have a rebel succeed. So I'm going to tell you some things that Hotep doesn't know. All you have to do is listen? What's the harm in that?"
"Plenty. I do happen to remember Hotep's comment about 'getting into their heads'," Alptraum points out. "That trick is older than you. The confidence game. Lay a subtle hint into someone's subconscious. A small suggestion, a gimmick. Every con-man knows that play."
"Oh, that wasn't a metaphor," Amenlichtli says with a giggle. "I really was in their heads, driving them mad. Nothing subtle about it. As for what you describe - it doesn't really work when the mark is expecting it. Well, some things do, because minds have their weaknesses. But this is about the General.. and the subtle differences between srinalas and black-heart undead."
"And the fact she is neither, but an animated suit of armor that you can't control. Played that hand a bit badly, didn't you?" Alptraum remarks.
"She has a black heart.. she just used her armor as a means to get two," Amenlichtli growls. "But the fact remains: she is dead. Vashra's soul is out there.." she points to the roiling sea. "A srinala is a body without a soul. A medium, kept alive by magic. One is alive and empty, one is dead but still with its mind.. and some will as well."
"I am well aware of what a Srinala is and being kept alive by magic," Alptraum remarks, eyes narrow.
"But the General is something between life and death, only without a soul," Amenlichtli says. "Just like that hand of yours. Muriavan's soul was destroyed by iron. I remember that. But the flesh.. doesn't always care about that, does it? You're the Barsunala. You move souls around. It's what you're for. What do you suppose would happen if you put Vashra's soul into the General's body? I can't say what would happen. It'd be an interesting experiment, though. But a body with a soul.. that's mortal, isn't it?"
"My hand was a sacrifice made out of love for someone," Alptraum points out. "Something you cannot possibly understand. As for putting her soul back, is it? There are immortal souls that once had bodies and they aren't considered 'mortal'. I have no idea what it might do to the General. Make her immortal? Cause her to implode? Give her back to you?"
"Well, if I had her.. it wouldn't be pleasant for her, certainly," Amenlichtli says. "But.. if it helps.." She then bows, with an arm across her chest and the other out, as if addressing royalty. "I concede all claim I once had on Babel. Thousands of years of subtle effort and corruption.. done in by one man in love. Thath beat me. And I would have done something to him.. but I wanted you for myself. You on the throne of Babel, me holding your leash. Ah.. but it is not to be, and I accept that. I have chosen who bested me. It is not the General. You don't have to destroy her for me, obviously. And I won't owe you anything, or vice versa, should you do it. Is that satisfactory to you?"
"If it were honest, perhaps. But, I doubt you give up that easily on anything, not when you measure time in centuries," Alptraoum points out and crosses his arms. "Or perhaps you also recognize that if you continue to press it there are now people capable of destroying you and you do not wish to rile them. Particularly ones who have access to the Light."
"The Light cannot destroy me, Barsunala," Amenlichtli points out. "Nothing of this world can, so long as people want to live forever. And yes, I can be patient. After all, I only have to win once. I can take being defeated because of that. Oh, and the next time you see him, tell the old wyrm that the heartbreaking bastard is still in my thoughts."
"What about the Exile's sword?" Alptraum points out and smiles. "I happen to know how to find it. Does that worry you?"
"I'll worry about it when you have it," Amenlichtli claims. "And I wouldn't be the only one.. even Death here could fall victim to it."
"She isn't my enemy," Alptraum points out. "And if I was so interesting to you, why did you not take me when it would have been easy in Sylvania?"
"I was only aware you were there when you took the Shadow," Amenlichtli says. "And my other agents there are.. less than useful. There is only one thing there I am interested in."
"Which is?" Alptraum asks.
And here the jaguar makes a little girly pout and holds a finger to her lips. "Shhh, it's a secret," she whispers, before fading away.
Alptraum rolls his eyes. "That Barada probably knows," he remarks, turning to Sunala now. "I apologize for the discourtesy that one shows you, especially here," he says and bows to her.
Sunala is silent, but her hands are balled into tight fists. "It isn't your fault," the goddess finally says. "I couldn't keep her out. I couldn't do anything to send her away."
"Because she exists to violate the dead," Alptraum says as he tries to lightly rest a hand upon Sunala's shoulder. "We keep her our by destroying her and that is only a matter of time."
"I hate being bound by the Lore," Sunala says. "I am more aware of it than any of the others, because I'm also incarnate. And she was probably telling the truth, too. None of the Sisters would be as they are without her meddling and changing the character of Babel."
"This is also true," Alptraum admits, "I have known it for a time. I have been seeking to undo some of the damage."
"You have to change how the people see us," Sunala says. "That in turn will change us. Although.. some of us seem to be able to do it on our own."
"I have been trying," Alptraum points out, "But without destroying you in the process. The you that you are matters to me. I care about you; put aside lore and story. Just the person that is you. You, who protects a small girl from a horrible fate. You, who was my friend when I was alone. I show you respect not because lore says to, but because you earned it."
"Me, the Goddess of Assassins," Sunala says. "You don't really see me as Death at all, do you? You don't ascribe any of the things Sunala and her followers have done with me."
"I see you as more than a single facet," Alptraum says, "And doing something in the name of someone is not the same as that person doing it. I don't ascribe cruelty to you at all, I only feel sorrow, for your job from my view is the hardest of all ... To have to be the end of things. But, someone has to do it, as all things must have an end. I would rather that be someone that does have compassion for others, than some monster like Amenlichtli is."
"So you don't think I'm soft because I have.. family?" Sunala asks.
"I think you're stronger because you have a family," Alptraum says. "Your family is what can give you strength and will when there is nothing else. "I would walk into the Temple on Aztepa and gut Amenlichtlu is to protect my family. Were I alone and with no one ... I would not have the strength to do that."
"I don't like the idea of you going to Aeztepa," Sunala says. "I don't like the idea of somehow being able to kill gods either, without destroying all of their followers. There are a lot of things I don't like though, it seems. Having a body must be the cause. You probably don't like a lot of things as well."
"That list is smaller than things I do like," Alptraum says, "And those are better to dwell on."
"Ummm," Kaira says, off at the edge of the precipice. "I don't mean to interrupt, but Hotep is gone," the dragon reports, holding up an empty jar. "And he didn't sprout spider legs and scamper off, I'm certain. I think it happened when we were all focused on Spotty McEvil."
"Then where did he go?" Alptraum has to ask, attention shifting back to Kaira. "Somewhere in here? Can you not sense him?"
"I think he's just.. gone," Kaira says. "Dust. Disintegrated. Amenlichtli didn't want him talking anymore, after all. I suspect because he might say more about the ritual of preparation."
"Which matters, because ... Pouncer," Alptraum points out. "I will not allow any harm to come to her."
"She is protected," Sunala says. "She will not be abducted so long as she stays within my Temple.. or by my side. The old head showed that even in the distant past, there were followers of Amenlichtli in Babel - unless they new her as Diphath. You've routed out most of the General's supporters, and the cultists. Do you think Amenlichtli still has assets here, or that her declaration of 'ceding all claim' means she doesn't?"
"A god isn't her followers, as Alptraum said," Kaira comments.
"I don't trust that she doesn't. She will 'need' Pouncer eventually, so she cannot cede all claims in honesty," Alptraum points out. "She may not have many, though, and she will bide her time."
"For now though, we're all protecting the girl instead of killing her, so.. why would Amenlichtli need to do anything?" Kaira asks.
"Because there is a time limit, I believe, on when they can be possessed," Alptraum points out. "They were always 'taken' around a specific age. She will need to prepare the Poncer by that time or lose her completely. At least that is what I understand at this point."
"So we have an idea of when she will be vulnerable.. and when she will be safe," Sunala says, liking at least half of that equation. "I could lock her away in an isolated tower somewhere.. but that doesn't sound like it would work out properly."
"Locking away princesses in towers until they're the proper age is a tried-and-somewhat-true practice," Kaira claims. "Why, that's why dragons always check out isolated towers.."
"She deserves to have a life," Alptraum insists. "Not be a prisoner. How is that any better than being a host for that creature? No, we just have to find a way to prevent the possession before the time comes."
"Well.. she really can't risk having a life anyway.. until she's past her expiration date, at least," Sunala says. "But she's still young. It could be a few more years yet - I assume she needs to be fully adult. This bloodline reincarnation system will pretty much demand that she be able to bear children."
"Yes, that is likely," Alptraum says, "And no locking her away."
"She is effectively locked up with me though," Sunala points out. "I.. don't get out much. The Yodh are very concerned when I want to go out, so I've just stopped asking about it."
"Have you considered wearing a disguise?" Kaira asks.
"She is with you. That is the difference. She loves you," Alptraum points out. "And you could go out with me, in a disguise ... as blue-buns here suggests."
Sunala just gives the dragon an odd look, then Alptraum. "A disguise? I am blind and have shredded wings. What could I disguise myself as?"
"You're talking to the expert on disguises," Alptraum counters. "And I can temporarily change your wings and color."
"Without the Yodhsunala knowing?" Sunala asks. "I.. still do not trust all of them. Especially the assassins. Amazing, I know! Who wouldn't trust them, after all?"
"A couple you trust could know, but not all, correct," Alptraum agrees. "I trust very few of them; many have tried to kill me now and then. Granted, if they tried it now, they would regret it."
"They will regretted it if they'd tried it in the past as well," Sunala says. "Just give me their names."
"They have not tried since, so I have let it slide," Alptraum says.
Sunala seems uncertain about 'letting things slide' when it comes to death threats. "If you do manage to disguise me.. someone still has to take my place in case anyone important decides to look in on me."
Alptraum looks at Kaira. "Hm, no. That might give you a big head," he admits.
The dragon puffs her scales out. "Are you saying that I couldn't pull off being a goddess?" she asks, still holding the empty jar.
"I think you would like it too much," Alptraum says.
"Oh... so you think I'm overqualified then?" Kaira counters. "It's not like I'd be smiting people! Not.. not any more than usual. How many do you smite per day, Sunala?"
"I don't smite any," the goddess claims. "I would just suggest displeasure, so that they would go throw themselves off the mountain or something. But I haven't done that."
Alptraum rolls his eyes. "I will figure something out. Now, to the matters at hand ... I suppose we need to locate the General's soul," he notes.
"No wonder you want to go out on the town then," Kaira grumbles.
"I don't know how to find them and fish them out," Sunala admits to Alptraum. "That's what the Barsunala does. But there are the Yodh that manage the srinalas. They would know."
"I can probably find him, yes. I will do so when I am not occupying your time," Alptraum promises. "That would be rude."
"You will visit me in person soon then?" Sunala asks.
"Would you like me to?" Alptraum asks. "I do not wish to intrude or be a bother."
"It would be good to have you there if we talk to Pouncer about this," Sunala says. "Amenlichtli didn't mention her at all. She must know that we have her, doesn't she?"
"I am fairly certain she does. I imagine she was not mentioned so as to not bring that particular concern up," Alptraum notes. "Pouncer also told me that Amenlichtli comes to her in dreams sometimes. I doubt Pouncer has said where she is, but she is reachable at least that way. Unfortunate. However, I know a mage that might be able to prevent that."
"So you could contact Amenlichtli through Pouncer's dreams?" Sunala asks. "Babel is a bit leery about using Dream Magic nowadays, you understand."
"I could. Though I more wish to prevent Amenclichtli from contacting her," Alptraum clarifies.
"If you do that.. how will she respond?" Sunala asks. "If that's how she knows where Pouncer is and her condition... could it be used to fool into her thinking Pouncer is dead?"
"Cannot say. Possible, but all are guesses at this point," Alptraum points out.
"You'll need to get her permission, either to block out the Queen or to.. do anything else really," Sunala says. "Be sure to bring some candy when you visit. Pouncer likes candy."
"I would not force anything upon her, or for that matter, upon you," Alptraum points out. "I care about you both, for good or bad."
"But no taffy," Sunala says with a smile at the assuring words. "Taffy is evil."
"Why is taffy evil?" Alptraum has to ask.
"It's too hard to chew with pointy teeth," Sunala claims. "You have to lick it, and it gets gooey when you do. Suckers are better for things that have to be licked."
"Ah. I have not had candy much, I would not know," Alptraum admits. His head tilts a bit, then he has to ask, "Why does this not other you?" The item in question is his borrible-looking right hand which he places in her left.
"What do you mean?" Sunala asks, holding the hand. "Does it look funny?"
"It looks awful. You should be able to feel that," Alptraum points out.
"Is it from being burned?" the girl asks. "I don't have much experience with injuries.. or what things look like or are supposed to look like. I don't.. see.. that way."
"Injury from taking Amenlichtli's Shadow away from her," Alptraum explains and takes his hand back.
"It doesn't hurt or give you difficulties, does it?" Sunala asks. "Maybe I can do something about pain."
"I don't feel much at all from it," Alptraum admits, "So no pain."
"It just ... looks a bit undead. I thought it might bother you," Alptraum admits.
"I can see it better now," Sunala says. "I apologize for not noticing it before. I've never seen the undead either."
"You do not need to apologize to me," Alptraum says, "Ever. As for undead, you're better off not seeing them."
"I should return to the waking world now, before anyone starts to worry," Sunala says. "Don't linger too long here. I don't think the rock we stand on will last after I leave."
"I won't. I am sure I have things I should attend to as well," Alptraum says. He then does something few would dare consider doing, he hugs Sunala.
The goddess doesn't seem to mind under the circumstances, but she's been acting less and less deific since Amenlichtli left. "I hope to see you soon," she says, and then is gone.
"Good job in losing the head in front of a Goddess," Alptraum growls at Kaira. "Way to make us look incompetent! Or worse, you give head and forget about it."
"It's not my fault," Kaira counters. "Undead spirits are tricky, and it was Amenhallellujah's minion to do away with.. uh.. wait, what was that last bit again?"
"Last bit?" Alptraum asks.
The dragon gives Alptraum a suspicious look. "I'm not sure, but I think you are poking fun at me," she says, then holds out a hand. "But let's get out of here, it's creepy."
"I'm creepy. This place isn't as creepy as me," Alptraum points out as he takes her hand.
"You don't look like a sea of drowning people though," Kaira says, and waits for Alptraum to pull them out.
Alptraum yanks. "No, but I have carnal relations with just about anything, including tentacle monsters," he points out.
"That just makes you fun at parties..." Kaira can be heard to say as the fade away from the Sea of Souls.
There is a lot of activity in the lair of late, mainly because it's just more crowded. The drones aren't usually all there at once, and this still holds true as they patrol and gather food and do whatever else it is that sacred horrib drones do. But the Hoshim drones stay in the lair so far, and keep growing. The other semi-permanent guest now is Penance. She's not glued to the floor anymore, or suspended from the ceiling.. but only 'lightly' restrained on the wall by her wrists and ankles, although her wings are wrapped in resin webbing as well. There is also a bucket nearby, since unlike Nicora, Penance has rather more bodily functions to deal with.
Nicora enters, naked as usual; clothing is generally uncomfortable for her ... and the fact she oozes from at least three places make clothing a pain as well. "Hello, Acolyte," she says as she approaches the restrained Eeee. She runs her hand over Penance's belly. "How are you feeling?" she asks.
It's only been a few days since the girl was implanted, and she isn't really showing.. but there's a lump to be felt if her belly is pressed the right way. "I stopped throwing up," Penance says, a bit weakly. Her skin is a bit cool and clammy. "They feed me a lot. The little ones are fascinated with.. whatever comes out of me. I'm afraid they'll smear it on the walls.." She sounds a little.. out of it.
Nicora actually uses the shadow to probe into the girl a bit to check the state of the lump. "Would you prefer your own room? A bed?" she asks while gently probing.
Things feel normal. The larva fills the girls womb, but is still no larger than a medium-sized food bug. "A bed?" Penance asks, sounding confused. With her memory being what it is.. she's never actually slept in a bed that she recalls. The lair was always were she slept.
"Never you mind. Are you comfortable here? Are you happy to be in the last test?" Nicora asks.
"This.. is a test too?" Penance asks. "I have to survive this, and then.. what happens next? I will be a Yodhgorphat?"
"Yes, you will, with all the privileges and blessings thereof," Nicora claims. "And you will survive."
The girl smiles a bit. "I'll get to wear bandages?" she asks. "And have my own.. Hoshim.. I suppose?"
"You will birth it," Nicora explains cheerfully. "That is what is growing within you now."
"I'll have family then, of my very own," Penance says, sounding happy. "I feel funny. Moods.. changing a lot. I think I'm happy though? It doesn't hurt. I'm used to being restrained.. and they let me go to walk around a bit every day, and use the bucket. I was afraid they would hang me from the ceiling like they did to you.. but other than the odd.. feeding I think.. it has been alright."
"Well, I was a special case. I was blessed to bear five at once," Nicora claims. "What odd feeding do they have you on?"
"Brutus.. he isn't really having sex with me, I'm certain," Penance explains. "He's just.. putting stuff in there. For the baby, I assume. They bring me bugs, but Otto has to come around and bring me water or juice to drink. He cleans up after me too. Do you know he doesn't wear pants anymore? I think he tore them."
"Ah, I will have to see he gets new pants, then," Nicora admits and nods. "Also, yes, Brutus is feeding the child. That is normal and can be enjoyable. Is there anything you wish of me while you brood?"
"Well.. how long will it take?" Penance asks. "I can't do my other duties. Sil said she was going to see to it though.."
"I do not know how long it will take to grow. No more than a month I suspect, likely much less," Nicora explains while still rubbing the girl's belly ... and one hand rubbing lower in case that sort of stimulation helps. "So, perhaps two weeks? We will know more once you start to show."
It's only one larva at least.. so there won't be too much drain on the girl's body. "Please keep track for me," Penance asks. "I lose track of time so easily here.. and sleep a lot. I think. I may sleep more than I am awake."
"I envy you," Nicora coos at her, "I loved my time as a brooder."
"And yes, I will keep track of time for you. Do not worry, enjoy the experience," she urges.
"The bowel issues I could do without," Penance mutters.. and then seems to fall asleep right on the spot. Maybe the Horribs are drugging her.
"That too will pass," Nicora says as she pats her own encased abdomen. "Brutus, eat this off me, please," she requests of the horribs in the chamber. "I wish to see how I am healing."
The biggest drone pounces on Nicora and wrestles her to floor.. affectionately? In any case, it lets him chew through the resin girdle more easily. The belly teats are still scabbed over.. but it definitely scabbing and not scarring. Something is healing under them.
Nicora feels and rubs over the scabbing. "I wonder, will they even work normally once healed? WIll I go back to having ... udders?" she has to wonder. She also strokes the large drone affectionately. "Thank you for taking care of me in the final days of brooding," she tells it. "Having you in me felt nice."
"Diddachucka-chick-chick," Brutus clicks, and begins re-wrapping Nicora's belly once more.
Nicora relaxes and lets the bug do its work. She also feels her upper chest to see if, well, it still lactates like it did or if Gorphat reduced that blessing too. Otto hasn't had to really milk her for a while, after all!
She's certainly not in cow-mode, so her breasts are normal sized (for her.. still large for an Eeee).. but any stimulation might cause things to start up again. There is the sound of a bucket being carried out in the corridor though, so it's always possible to test things.
Once Brutus finishes, Nicora gets up (with a bit of difficulty) and returns to her feet. "I should let Penance sleep," she decides, and thus makes her way out of the lair and heads back to her own private room.
The room is still a bit of a menagerie. Chibix hang from a corner of the ceiling that they've claimed, usually right over the giant Skedat that doubles as a mobile seat. The Grok is missing, but is probably out hunting. It doesn't seem as interested in eating garbage like the others are satisfied with.
Nicora chuckles. She goes to actually pet the head of Blarf, then actually do a small bit of cleaning of her chambers since she can move.
"Hosheb, are you there?" Nicora thinks as she puts away bits of spare bandage and jewelry.
Blarf wiggles flails his tentacles about, either excited to be noticed or just to be back in its 'room' after making the rounds (Otto still comes and loads the creature into a cart every day, to take down to the hospice tents).
Since the birth of the Hoshim, the demon has been scarce. "Mistress.." rasps a whispery voice in response to Nicora's call though.
"Are you well, my lover?" Nicora asks of the creature. "Or since the Hoshim am I no longer needed?"
"The Hoshim are my children," Hosheb says, taking on a bit more presence. "They demand much of me. It should be easier however, as they are the original form."
"They are my children too," Nicora points out and pats her encased gut. "It makes me feel as if I am somehow your mate."
"Are you not?" Hosheb asks. "You have mated with all of the Sabaoth Seven."
"True, I have, but I have brooded multiple children for you. You're special," Nicora points out and smiles. A bald Eeee smiling is not a pretty sight, really. She walks over to the demon and pats the side of his cheek. "Do you find me attractive?" she asks of it.
"You are the only being willing to mate with me," Hosheb says. "I do not understand 'attractive'. I desire you."
"You can take me any time you want, you know," Nicora points out ... then hefts her left upper breast to the creature's terrifying-looking maw. "It is the way I can serve you in return for when you come to my aid."
The demon's hybrid mouth.. mutters? Clacks? Apparently Nicora said the magic words, for she's soon pushed onto her back while the monster takes her. It does try to suckle.. it's just a bit pinchy. But it's enough to show the milk is still ready to flow on demand.
One thing is for sure with Hosheb ... he hurts. The creature is not built for enjoyment anywhere; so the mounting is painful and causes Nicora to hiss! Still, its a good reminder of what she is and what she gave to Gorphat. She's actually an active participant, in spite of the pain it causes as she pushes right back against the demon. It's also oddly ... less traumatic than being the doe, that's for sure! It hurts, but at least she keeps her mind!
Otto looks in on things just then. This answers the question of whether others actually see Hosheb, because the Skreek has to squint his eyes. "Are you alright, High Priestess?" he asks. "There's.. uh.. a dark.. something.. on you?"
"I am fine, Otto ... just busy!" Nicora cries out. "Come back later!"
"Let me know if you need to be milked then," Otto says, and vanishes. Hosheb didn't seem to notice him at all..
"I'll keep that in mind!" Nicora thinks ... and goes back to being in 'exquisite' pain. Or whatever it is that Yodhgorphat get instead of Inala-pleasure. Plus, it's a good release of frustration that Amenlichtli can just come and go as she wishes, regardless and without prevention. She doesn't trush she is giving on on Babel in the slightest ... or on hopes of controlling him, frankly. Time will tell if she contacts again.