The city is abuzz after the guilty verdict was passed on the Eeee nobles who had been maintaining the Pit. It's the first time a noble has been tried in public, and certainly the first time any have been really punished for a crime, instead of just fined (if they couldn't bribe their way out of it). Almost as big is the news that certain nobles among the Sabaoth's inner circle had special treatment they could call on from the Yodhrephath and Yodhsunala. Death was supposed to be the great equalizer, after all, but that apparently wasn't good enough for those with wealth and power. It also came out that the Yodh weren't exactly keen on those special loopholes either, and may actually start exposing those who took advantage of them.

What was going to become of the eight noble houses involved in the scandal was also a hot topic. The Yodhbarada were releasing all of the dirt they had on them, as part of some previously-secret agreement between the Temples about how to handle what they considered to be blasphemy. There seems to be a lot of mixed feelings about attending the execution, with some saying it's bad luck and others more concerned about going to Mt. Rephath. But for a larger number it's seen as an important historical event worth the risks.

Cerise hears this news from Tulani, of course. After a day of 'physical therapy' from Abel (and Wretch), the Skreek is feeling a bit more relaxed. But she also needs to be at the hearing, along with Wretch (and that means Swix as well) in case their opinions are needed.

Courtroom, Coalition Tower
This auditorium was originally used for performances, given the upper-deck balcony and orchestra pit around the stage. It's been repurposed, however. A large banner with the Scales of Rephath (sans dagger) hangs in front of the back-stage curtains, with a long, high desk set before it. There is a railed, raised platform next to it with a padded stool, and off further to that side is a similarly railed gallery that could seat over a dozen people. On the opposite side of the stage is a large empty table, and next to that, in the back corner, is an area with several magic circles chalked onto the floor. Two tables face the bench, with the orchestra pit behind them. The orchestra pit has its own seating within it, raised to the level of the stage and bound by further railing. Sections of the audience seating have been roped off as well.

The courtroom seems very big and empty today. There aren't any spectators or jury or even a defense lawyer. It's just the roped off area for the four defendants, the prosecutor and two judges: Thestra and Xellian. The only person not technically involved is Tulani, and she's just there as chaperone to the two Skreeks and the Naga. There isn't a police presence either, since it seems unlikely anyone would try to attack the witnesses after the verdict has already been cast (although they may also be watching over the jurors, just in case).

Cerise doesn't quite know what to feel about this. She knows what she went through, but now she also knows that these people were victims in their own way and it was their own hell as well. So, she finds she isn't so angry at them now. What would she have done in their place? No one can really answer that question unless they are actually in that position, after all.

Zerastra is talking to the judges, until the Bailiff notes the time, and they all switch into professional mode. Thestra taps her gavel, announcing, "The pre-trial hearing for the workers of the Pit is now starting." The court reporter begins tapping away at her machine at this point.

Cerise shifts a bit and glances to Tulani a few times. She says nothing, though, and her ears are forward towards the ourt.

The prosecutor produces a piece of paper and hands it over to the Bailiff, who takes it up to the judges. Zerastra says, "There's a motion to remand the Eeee guards over to the Mages Guild. They want to take a crack at breaking their conditioning and seeing if their memories and identities can be recovered. Prosecution supports this, since.. well, you can't put brainwashed people on trial. It's also covered by the Guard Liability Act. Crime wise, we have battery and rape - and one of them is clearly cuckoo and the other is a suicide risk."

Cerise could certainly attest to rape having been committed. But, given they were messed with, even that she cann't be too angry over.

In the boxed off area, Guard One is still muzzled and shackled while Guard Two is leaning sideways in his seat, asking Sesstha, "Am I the crazy one or the suicidal one?" To which the red Naga replies, "I believe one sSstate requires the other, so you should both count asS crazy."

Thestra reads over the document, then nods. "Fine. If the mages can fix them, we'll reconsider criminal charges afterwards. If they can't.. well, the violent one probably can't just be let go. We'll worry about that after the treatment."

"Are they even guilty of anything if their minds can be restored?" Cerise has to wonder, "I guess time will tell."

"The third one, identified as Passul Vezzalia, is already undergoing physical treatment at the Mages Guild Tower," Zerastra notes. "He should be included in the motion."

"He may be better off not knowing about his past," Thestra comments. She then looks over to her Naga cohort. "Alright Xell, the other two are in your coils."

There's a bigger set of papers this time.. multiple pages.. which Zerastra produces. "This is the dictated testimony of Moggie, the Skreek that was being used to.. breed.. for... Anyway, she's unable to attend court. Mages aren't letting her go until after she gives birth, and there's no point in arguing with them. The Guild Hall is essentially a sovereign embassy." She hands the papers over to Xellian, and points out some highlighted sections.

Cerise' brow arches a little at that. Some of those mages are overly motherly. Is her health really that bad?

The Naga judge is hard to read, both externally and aura-wise. "Her first pups were devoured in front of her by the Nagas Ashad and Rattlebones. The doctor did not.. partake." he says, looking up to the two Nagas in the box - one of them wrapped up pretty tightly. Zerastra produces another piece of paper. "Details provided by Guard Number Two," she explains.

Cerise' left eye twitches a little. That's just horrible. Why? What was the point other than them being perverse? Were they also prisoners there or did they just enjoy it?

After reading, Xellian looks up again and notes, "Quite the glutton, Mr. Ashad. It seems you really enjoyed your work. We have nothing on your background, or how you ended up in the Pit. Bailiff.. ungag him."

Sesstha and Number Two move as far as they can from the giant Naga as the Bailiff starts to loosen his gag. Thestra's ears perk up, however. "Do you have anything to contribute, Miss Cerise?"

Cerise rubs her forehead. "That one," she says, gesturing to Ashad, "Offered to eat me one time, instead of continuing to live in that hell. This was while he was raping me on the medical exam table."

Wretch also squirms a bit and tries to look away, which Xellian notes immediately. "Mr. Wretch," he says. "How long have you known Mr. Ashad?"

"Have you sseen him express cannibalistic urges beyond devouring the newborn Skreeks?" Xellian asks.

"Uh.. he'd eat me," the Skreek notes. "Every few days, more when I was little. Until I was.. put to work. Then it was just when I was alone.."

"Excuse me, did you say he'd eat you?" Xellian asks. "Can you elaborate on that?"

"Well.. sometimes he'd start at the feet, or the head.. and there was squeezing," Wretch manages to get out. "First few times, the doctor would find out and hit him. Sometimes she pulled me out herself. Later Ashad would just vomit me back out after a few minutes.."

"What a freak. I mean ... sure, when Malagast does it, it's a little different. And consensual," Cerise thinks.

"Bailiff, don't bother removing the gag," Xellian hisses. "There's nothing I want to hear from him. Throw him into an oubliette - if we still have any - until someone volunteerSss to defend him."

The Bailiff tightens the muzzle on the Naga, and waits until a few more court guards arrive to escort Ashad away.

"He lost interest if you quit fighting him," Cerise notes to the court. "It also tended to make him angry."

Xellian makes an odd gesture, running a hand upwards along his throat. "Ssso, it was his fetish then as well," the Judge says. "I sssuppose a.. what's it called, Thestra?"

"Yesss, have one of those done," Xellian says. "Find a Mind Mage with a strong sstomach. Or see if Cyprian will do it. Make that snake feel sssmall for a bit."

Things are written down and passed to the Bailiff, who sets them aside on his own little desk. Zerastra returns to the bench, and says, "Sesstha has testified that she has eaten a newborn Skreek - while sparing another - and has participated in acts of torture and.. mutilation. Like Guard Number Two, she has been very forthcoming and cooperative with the court. Prosecution considers her to be an unwilling participant, however, as her son was effectively a hostage against her cooperation."

Cerise twitches her fingers. While she remembers all too well what happened to her, she does feel there are circumstances mitigating her actions. Should she die? No, the rat does not believe so.

Xellian flicks his tongue a few times, and seems to stare at the docile red Naga. "Difficult," he finally says. "Accessory charges to everything.. murder, rape, torture, kidnapping. You gave the orders to the Guards to rape Miss Cerise, according to testimony."

Sesstha just nods. "I did. There's no need for a trial, your honorss. My only reason to live iss to ensure my son is cared for. If that can be promissed, I will lay my head willingly on the chopping block."

"She was trying to get me pregnant," Cerise notes, quietly. "It would have spared me from the later ... experiences." The rat then looks up and says, "No, that isn't the only reason."

"Dying would be an easy escape from the pain and guilt, wouldn't it?" Cerise asks, voice quiet. "Yes, she did horrible things; I'm living proof of it. But, her reasons are ... understandable. Many parents will do anything for their children. If she truly regrets what she had to do, then she should show it. Not by dying, but living and facing her actions, and doing what she can to make amends. The streets below need good doctors. There's at least one struggling hostel at Mt. Blakat, I hear. Instead of killing her and putting this away in some file to be buried ... maybe she should be ordered to work at a hostel, and use those skills she was taught to help those who are the weakest and most vulnerable, instead of hurt them. Plus, it's sort of spitting in the eye of the one who forced her in that situation, and the one I most blame for what happened to me."

Cerise shrugs a little and adds, "But that's my opinion. I don't know what the law allows, but I do remember she once said to me she had no hope or future. I challenge her now, if she feels true guilt for everything, defy that, find a future, and help."

"Sso, you would trust her to perform surgery on you, if you needed it?" the judge asks.

"If the alternative was death? Yes," Cerise says. "I can attest she has a steady hand, if nothing else." The rat then looks directly at the doctor.

"What about you, Mr. Wretch?" Xellian asks. "You've known the defendant your whole life. From before she was the 'doctor' even. What would you add?"

"And anyone that has a son as kind as Swix is, cannot have a heart that is utterly devoid of care and concern," Cerise says slowly, and poignantly.

Wretch looks very uncomfortable again, until Swix takes his hand. "Swix.. is my brother. Sesstha is my mother. She always protected me from the others, as much as she could."

The judge lets out a sigh, and rubs the end of his snout. "Prosecutor?" he asks.

Zerastra looks to the Skreeks. "Cerise, do you want to drop your charges against the doctor at this time?" she asks.

Cerise struggles to stand. "May I be allowed a moment?" the rat requests, "I wish to approach the defendant."

"Bailiff?" Zerastra asks, and the Fnerf comes over to escort (and protect) Cerise to the defendants box.

Cerise makes her way to the witness box under her own power; her cane clicking loudly. When she and the bailiff reach the box, the rat strikes the cane on the floor and says to the red naga, "Look me in the eyes."

The Naga has to turn her head slightly, so that she can look at Cerise out of one eye at least.

"Do you believe you should die?" Cerise asks the naga, voice soft, but unwavering.

The rat is also focusing all her senses on the serpent, including aura, trying to get a 'read' on her.

"I had never consssidered the option of living with all of thiss," Sesstha admits. "I resigned myself to death early on. I don't want to die, but believe I do deserve it. But also.. yes, it would be easier that way." She shows as being calm in her aura - but then she always has seemed a bit dead inside.

"Then death wouldn't be a punishment," Cerise concludes and looks to the prosecutor. "If she lives, she will have to face her actions and come to terms with them. If she has to treat those she once helped harm, it will be a reminder. I keep hearing this new Babel is about a new life, and a new start. No one ever said those were easy, and she doesn't deserve easy. So, perhaps this should be a reflection of that. As long as she does not commit the crimes again, and does work for the people instead, and for the sake of her son, I am willing to withdraw my charges. But, if she ever does this again ... I'll volunteer to wield the axe."

Zerastra nods. Turning back to Xellian, she says, "Prosecution requests eight Spheres of community service at the Mt. Blakat Refugee Camp, to be followed by one year at Graytown Hospital.. assuming it is done being built on time."

Cerise taps her cane on the floor again, twice. "Tick, tock," the rat says quietly to the naga, "Time is a gift not many get. For the sake of your son, make it count." The rat then turns and makes her way back to her seat.

"Motion carried," Xellian says, banging his gavel. "Sentence to be enacted once a suitable court-appointed chaperone and tutor is decided upon."

"The prosecution has remanded Beyard to the Mages as well," Zerastra says. "There is some concern over brain and organ damage, and he is not considered a defendant."

"Well.. that's lunch then," Thestra declares, and bangs her gavel. "I'll be at Mt. Rephath this evening. I hope you and Xellian will join me, Zerastra. We have to witness the consequences or our decisions too."

"She will be a doctor, helping the poor," Cerise tries to explain. "That's her punishment."

"Well, who wants lunch?" Tulani says. "Did you two boys want to stay with Sesstha tonight?"

"Lunch is fine as long as no one suggests rump roast," Cerise mutters to Tulani.

Despite the climb, there is a lot of turnout for the execution, including a lot of Coalition officials, police and mages (although the latter two may have been there just in case there's some sort of revenge play). The stage is set at the largest plaza on the mountain, just before the wreck of an airship mounted on its tail, with sections of the outer hull removed to show the slowly decaying remains of pirates that had been caught in the floor, as if it had liquefied and hardened again.

The guillotine, according to some in the crowd, was actually a birthday present to the late Sabaoth from the Marquis of Gallis. High Priestess Koldesh is inspecting it, while other Yodhrephath set up a corral of sorts nearby.

Unsurprisingly, Alptraum finally makes an appearance at this event. He's dressed rather simply, just a black robe, a simple white sash, and Sunala's sigil on the collar of his robe in silvery-white. He alights on the ground and his wings snap back, snug against his back. "High-Priestess Koldesh," he says politely in greeting and nods his head, then moves to where he can observe quietly, as in where the delegation from Mount Sunala will likely be.

"I hope you have been working out," Koldesh says after giving a half-bow to Alptraum. "You will be carrying some heavy souls tonight."

The gathering crowds have been largely quiet so far. Nobody is going to try for a carnival atmosphere on Mt. Rephath, after all - which may be why Koldesh chose it as the place to carry things out. Several Yodh are gathered near the front, including Cricket and Rizalka, as well as a few Yodhsunala. One figure bundled up in a green cloak may even be Penance - which is an easy guess, since she's got one of the Sacred Horribs perched on her shoulder.

"No greater than the one you must bear in this task, High-Priestess," Alptraum replies politely as he bows slightly in kind. "May it not weigh on you long."

"I won't be bearing it alone," Koldesh says, and turns to look towards Mt. Sunala. The condemned are being herded into the corral, dressed in red loincloths. Even their wrists and wings are bound behind them in scarlet ropes. Some of them look worked over as well - it's hard to think that the nobles wouldn't have put up a resistance.

From the direction of Mt. Sunala comes a procession of sorts. A dozen barsunala bear a covered palanquin, which they land near the shipwreck. One of them opens the carriage door, and High Priestess Sukara steps out, then steps aside. The figure that steps out next is much smaller and younger, with eyes that are solid white, and tattered wings that flutter like banners in the breeze. Srinala's hair is done up, but otherwise she dresses in black robes without any symbols of rank, aside from the Grave itself. Starting in the front row and then washing back through the crowd like a wave, people drop to their knees.

And once those around him have knelt, Alptraum does as well on one knee, head bowed. "I'm surprised she is here for this, given the concern over her age and appearance ... but ..." he thinks, realizing this is an important symbolic gesture, if nothing more ... and he suspects there is much more to come.

Alptraum has never really encountered Srinala outside of Mt. Sunala itself, but she doesn't seem like a little girl now at all. She's projecting an aura. It isn't an oppressive one like a dragon might produce, and isn't fear or any particular emotion. It just carries a somber weight to it.

Even Alptraum is impressed. He knows her so intimately ... and yet here there is a deference he feels he must show. "And people questioned her?" he has to wonder.

Sunala stops before the guillotine, facing Koldesh. Even on one knee, the Yodhrephath is slightly above eye-level to the blind girl. Reaching into her cloak, Koldesh produces her symbol of office - the scaled dagger of Rephath, held blade down. Sunala reaches out with a finger, and draws a shape on the blade, although it's invisible. A blessing?

"These executions have My blessing and sanction," Sunala says, in a voice that has the same weight as the aura.

Alptraum watches this curiously, his aura sense is spread, feeling those of the High Priestess, Srinala, and those near. IT's an odd feeling for Alptraum; he spends so much time taking things 'easy', that being at a formal function has an uncomfortable weight.

The barsunalas lay out a cushion to one side of Srinala, but it is Sukara that kneels down upon it. She produces two small, black pots from her robes, and removes the lids before holding each one in an upturned hand. The pot in her right hand holds a glowing white substance, while the one in her left contains a familiar looking glowing green goo.

"Well, that stuff is all too familiar," Alptraum thinks. His expression, though, doesn't change. This is serious, he cannot break his role, not now.

The Yodhrephath pull the first of the condemned to his feet - an old man. They escort him to the guillotine from behind, and lay him down in it. His expression is still proud and defiant, even in the face of Sunala herself. The stock is set atop his neck, and a basket is placed for his head. Koldesh stands, and holds out her dagger above his head. Just as when Rephath judged those attending Velkarno's party, the dagger dips deeply over to the guilty side.

"This is disturbingly familiar," Alptraum thinks. He knows what is coming and he's no stranger to death ... but he still feels slightly ill. They deserve it, that is the one thing that is keeping him still and stable and able to bear the pit forming in his gut.

"Halland bar Zohaster," Sunala proclaims, "For crimes against both the mortal and divine order, you will be denied the rites of burial. Your body will be devoured by vermin, and your soul will be devoured by Magog, until you have been purified enough to enter the Sea of Souls." She dips her left thumb into the pot of green goo, and draws the symbol of the Maggot on the man's forehead.

Alptraum's left ear twitches ever so slightly. He knows what that means. That is a fate far, far, worse than death. The torment he is to face with be indescribable agony and horror. And that is on a good day.

"This isn't happen-" the man starts to say, but is cut off - quite literally - by a thunk sound as the well-oiled blade severs his head. There are gasps from the crowd, but nothing more. With Sunala there, it seems more of a funeral service than anything else, even if it's technically an anti-funeral.

Alptraum's jaw sets at the thunk. He knows the smell of blood all too well. Coppery and sharp. It assaults his senses, and so he lets out a slow breath to clear it.

The basket is taken away, and a fresh one brought. The body.. is just rolled off to the side, where a tarpaulin has been laid out. The next person brought is a matronly woman, who is sobbing and begging. But Koldesh's scales mark her as guilty (if not as guilty as her predecessor). The sentence from Sunala is the same, and the sobs are cut off. This repeats several times, until they start to get to the younger prisoners. Surprisingly, the one with the bandaged hand isn't found as guilty as the others.. but Sunala still sends her to Magog, with a variation: "50 years in Her bowels."

Alptraum's breathing is slow, regulated. He's never been part of an actual execution before. How he's not shaking is unknown even to him; perhaps being in Sunala's presence is keeping him from faltering. Or, just perhaps knowing the full weight of their crimes is. These people were cruel and horrible, even to their own children. He also as to wonder why the variation for that woman; does Sunala know what he endured?

Since Sunala knows their names without being prompted, she probably knows quite a bit - but is also going by Rephath's Scales. Several of the nobles receive limited sentences - the least guilty getting a single year. But in the end, they will have no graves. Which is akin to being wiped from history, since nobody can come to mourn or leave offerings. By the time all 24 have been dealt with, the pile of bodies is already starting to stink. For those in the crowd who've served at the Temple of Gorphat or came up from the Streets Below, it isn't much. But for those that have led more sheltered lives it is intense and enlightening.

"Welcome to reality for most," Alptraum thinks grimly. He can sense the discomfort of those that are not used to this.

"Thank you, High Priestess Koldesh of My Most Righteous Sister Rephath," Sunala intones. "You have Our Gratitude for hosting this grim affair."

"Blasphemy strikes at as all, Sunala," Koldesh replies with a bow. "We must stand together in the face of it."

"And some of us quite directly," Alptraum thinks as he has a phantom pain in his backside.

And then Sunala has turned slightly and is looking right at Alptraum.. and holding out her right hand. "My Son," she says, with a little less weight now.

Alptraum reaches out and takes Sunala's hand very gently in his own. "Mother," he says, voice respectful and solemn, and his head remains slightly bowed in deference.

"You are Our Mercy," Sunala says. "Our bridge between the living, the dead, and the divine. These souls have been judged, and their fates set. Do not let it burden you as you take them to that fate."

"Their fate was their choice to embrace through their actions, I only mourn for their victims," Alptraum says, voice retaining that solemn tone. Each word enunciate clearly to remove any trace of his usual slight Sylvanian accent. "Your Will will be done."

Sunala gives Alptraum the briefest of subtle smiles, then lets go of his hand. Sukara has stashed away the pots, and the pair turn and make their way back to the palanquin.

"The heads are being prepared for you," Koldesh says quietly to Alptraum where she stands next to him. "It will take some time, if you aren't in a hurry."

There's no way for the crowd to disperse quickly, since everyone still has to go by the Pilgrim's Way that switchbacks down the mountain. Those in the front have a wait ahead of them. Two of the cloaked Yodhsunala seem to stay close by, however, even though Rizalka is complaining about nobody having brought any wine.

Alptraum slowly rises, watching Sunala depart. "I am in no rush," Alptraum the says quietly to Koldesh. "And given where they are going, neither are they. Magog is ... " and there he has to pause a moment. "Their patron's fate was merciful in comparison."

"Nothing to bury for him, unless they insisted on burying the rug he soaked into," Koldesh notes. "I doubt he escaped the fate he deserved." She then turns to watch the crowd disperse. "We should have used the auditorium, but.. that would have been too much of a spectacle. You have some admirers, or perhaps they are your assistants?" she notes of the two lingering Yodhsunala.

"He now exists as Gorphat's bath," Alptraum explains as the final outcome of that one. Then his head turns to look to the two lingering. "I'm not sure," Alptraum admits as he tries to sense them. "If you will excuse me, I will see what they wish of me?" he asks politely of the High-Priestess. "We can speak later if you wish?"

"I'll be in my chambers praying, if you need me," Koldesh says, then jumps down from the raised 'stage' level into the plaza, and smacks Rizalka on the side of the head from behind. The Yodhblakat staggers a bit before Koldesh grabs her upper arm and half-drags her back toward the Temple. "You smell worse than the corpses," she chides. "You're getting a bath."

The two Yodhsunala straighten up when Alptraum turns his attention on them. One is very nervous.. but a bit hopeful, and the other is.. a bit scared and feeling guilty.

This causes Alptraum to smirk slightly. The Eeee then turns and heads towards the Yodhsunala gathered. "Sisters," Alptraum says politely and even bows slightly. "How may I help you?" he asks.

Both women pull back their hoods. Nervous and hopeful is easily identified then as Yodhsunala Gemma - alias Cryona Windcaller, cousin to the resident Yodhrephath air mage Wynona. The other is the first face Alptraum ever associated with the Yodhsunala: Nekara.

Alptraum blinks a few times. "There's a face I haven't seen in a long time," he says to Nekara. "Hello, Nekara. I suppose I'm a little worse for wear than when you saw me last. You look well." Then he turns to Gemma for a moment, saying, "And you, Gemma ... I hope you and your young charge are doing well?"

"She's hardly my charge," Gemma claims. "I can't really teach her anything. But.. uh.. given this event, I thought I could.. come visit," she says quietly. The notion that Wynona herself would come to watch an execution is too implausible to consider, but she may be around somewhere, since the warship is docked on the other side of the Temple.

"The Yodh you may be looking for may be on the docked ship, or near by it," Alptraum suggests to Gemma. "I can't say exactly where, though. I imagine if you asked one of the acolytes they could direct you?"

"But.. wouldn't that be suspicious?" Gemma asks, looking scared. "Could you.. help?"

"Help how? Walk with you?" Alptraum asks. He turns and looks out towards the rest of the temple. He isn't sure he can even sense that far, but then Wynona does make a bit of noise moreso than others.

"You have access to all Temples.. or you could let her know that I'm here? Maybe that would be easier.. in case she doesn't want to be seen with me or anything," Gemma suggests.

Looking around, Gemma says, "It will probably be a few hours before the crowd is fully gone, but I could also wait on the Pilgrim's Road. I even went to Inala's road back when.. umm.. I thought she might be up there.."

"You can wait here. I'll go look for her," Alptraum suggests. Then to Nekara, he asks, "Do you want to walk with me?"

"I'm supposed to chaperone Gemma," Nekara says quietly. "Since.. uh.. she doesn't know how to properly be a Yodhsunala." Even saying that, Nekara looks embarrassed, as if waiting for a retort on how 'proper' she is.

"All right. Then you'll have to wait here for a bit too," Alptraum says. He then rubs his forehead a bit. "Even after, well, everything ... I still feel awkward around you," he admits. "And a mess."

"I'm sorry," Nekara says. Then pulls her hood back up, and gestures for Gemma to as well. Because Yodhbarada Cricket is still wandering about the plaza, likely making note of everyone important that came.

"For?" Alptraum has to ask Nekara, then he glances towards Cricket. "You've known me far too long to be formal to me. I'm still the hopeful fool trying to help others. Just ... with a lot more scars to show for it."

"I'm sorry for lots of things," Nekara says. "Dragging you into all of this in the first place, then.. abandoning you.." She doesn't quite bring herself to say 'betraying' - not with a Yodhbarada roaming about.

"I know. We can talk about it later if you want," Alptraum says, and even dares to reach over and pat her shoulder. Granted with his right hand, though. "But think about something; if you had not dragged me into this, Babel would be still dying slowly and in pieces. At least having a naive fool who doesn't believe anything is impossible seems to have done some good. So ... just think about that."

And with that, Alptraum goes to see Cricket briefly first, then he'll go try to find Wynona.

It's easy enough to go around the Temple to the airship dock. Nobody is going to question his being there, after all - the Yodhrephath must know he's waiting for them to give him whatever it is he needs before he can leave. The warship itself looks like it's having some repairs made to the hull. Apparently not every pirate or smuggler decides to run when hailed.

After seeing Cricket is too busy, Alptraum heads towards the dock by circumnavigating the temple. HE keeps his aura extended to its limits, trying to feel out a 'sniffly' sort of aura. Or failing that, a Yodhrepath that doesn't have the expression of one that had someone piss in her cereal in the morning to ask about where Windcaller may be.

It isn't that hard to actually locate Wynona, since she's the only person on the mountain actually working with magic, which Alptraum can at least sense a little bit now. It does things to the user's aura, making it a bit sparkly, in Wynona's case.

In fact, he finds her exactly where he found her last time (even if he was a grok then) - up on the 'mages deck' near the prow of the ship, where she's charging up or enchanting various items.

"She wouldn't appreciate me telling her I found her because she feels like a fairy princess," Alptraum thinks as he goes. He walks with purpose and keeps clear of the Yodh in general so as to not disturb them. He does, though, ask permission to come aboard the ship before he even tries.

He actually gets saluted by the gangway guards. These aren't Yodhrephath, but regular sailors: most of the crew is ex-military, after all.

Wynona actually pauses at an opportune moment, where she drinks from a canteen of water, gargles, and then stands up and stretches for a bit.

Once granted, Alptraum boards the ship. He bows slightly to the guards, then makes his way to the upper deck. "Yodhrephath Windcaller," he intones, keeping things solemn and business, in case others may be listening in. "A moment of your time, if you please."

Of course Wynona squeaks and spins around looking as if she just got caught leaving the shower. "Oh!" she says, after a moment to regain her composure. "It's you! Do you.. have a pet grok by any chance?" she asks.

"... maybe," Alptraum waffles. "Been having grok visitors? Letter carriers, by chance?"

"Yes!" Wynona says, both in a hush and an excited tone, complete with a pointing finger. "So it was yours! It was very polite, by the way. I've been carrying jerky around since then, just in case.."

"Guilty," Alptraum concedes and holds up his hands. He doesn't admit it was him, though. "And along those lines, one of my esteemed Sisters is down in the courtyard and wishes to speak to you on certain matters that you alone would have experience in," he says.

"In a sense. It's a question on if familial bonds could be sensed in air currents," Alptraum suggests, hoping she gets the reference without him having to directly say. "Yodhsunala Gemma was hopeful you would discuss such with her."

Wynona's mouth drops open, and then she looks around to make sure nobody else sneaked onto the deck since she last checked. "She's here? On the mountain? I thought that sort of thing was... difficult?"

"She attended the execution of the twenty-four nobles who were, well, cannibals," Alptraum admits. "During such times Yodhsunala here isn't unexpected. Even Sunala Herself was here for that."

"The execution of who?" Wynona asks. "There was an execution that people came to see? Here? Today?" She looks a bit queasy as she asks.

"Yes.. Twenty four people responsible for the death of many, including their own children. It's probably best you didn't see it," Alptraum admits. "There was a huge trial just a day ago on it, in fact."

"We just got in yesterday," Wynona says. "Someone tried to blow us up, but.. uh.. non-magical explosives can be pretty unstable. It went off while he was trying to stick it to the hull. Scared the daylights out of me though! But.. wait, Gemma. Where is she right now?"

"I can show you if you like," Alptraum says and offers the crook of his arm if Wynona wants an escort. Granted, that might cause some chatter.

"Oh.. yes!" Wynona says, taking one step forward, then spinning around. "In just a moment! I have to secure all this stuff. I am not being forced to clean up after a pocket tornado breaks out in the mess hall again.." She hurries to.. basically scoop things up into her arms, until it seems like she's sure to drop something. "I'll be right back!" she promises, as she half-stumbles her way down the stair-ladder to the main deck, and into one of the cabin doors.

Alptraum laughs to himself and rubs his neck. "Her compared to Koldesh is night and day different," he remarks quietly to himself as he waits.

A few minutes later, Wynona returns, straightening out her robes and pulling her hair back into a Yodh ponytail - that is, one held in place with a comb that also doubles as a throwing weapon.

Alptraum offers his arm again. "Will you do me the honor or walking with me, oh 'Yodhrephath?" he intones, trying to sound serious again. Or, he's trying to embarrass her.

Wynona does blush, but takes the offered arm. "I hope the Captain doesn't hear about this," she notes. "Please lead on, Sir.. Barsunala."

"Well, if he challenges me to a duel," Alptraum notes. He doesn't continue that thought and instead leads Wynona back and off the ship. He expects some stares, but really them paying attention and talking about this means they'll be less likely to notice or comment on Wynona talking to Gemma back at the 'square'.

There aren't a lot of Yodhrephath run into, but they do seem a bit surprised. Wynona doesn't have the most sterling of reputations within the Temple itself, but being escorted by the Barsunala probably changes some of that. Wynona grows more excited as the reach the plaza, only to start coughing and having to cover her nose with part of her sleeve, since they are now downwind of the corpse pile.

"The lower city is actually worse than this. You get used to it," Alptraum admits a bit sadly. He seems to be in no hurry and makes his way to where he had left the two Yodhsunala.

Once they do meet up, Wynona and Gemma just look at one another in silence for a few minute, and twitch. A hug would be too unseemly, but it's clearly what they want to do. "Would you like to see one of our less-visited shrines?" Wynona finally offers.

"Yes, I would find that.. enlightening," Gemma says, and the two begin to walk across the plaza.. away from the corpses, but also from the remaining crowd and Cricket. Nekara isn't sure how to react, so she stays with Alptraum. "You've gotten a lot.." she starts to say, then stops. "You've grown into your role very well," she tries again.

"Cynical? Worn? Beaten?" Alptraum offers as possible words to complete that sentence. "Scary?"

"Confident?" Nekara offers. "What happened to you after you left to go back to Sylvania?" she asks, and quite obviously glances at his right hand. From up close, there's no way to mistake it for a worn gauntlet.

Alptraum holds up his right hand and rolls it to dhow both the upper and lower sides. "Do you remember the Cult of Amena?" he asks. "I ran into one of their ... old weapons. The Shadow of Amena. I ... beat it in a battle of wills and took it away from Amenlichli. But, not without some cost to myself. As to why I took it on ... can you guess?"

"Because of what they did to you down on the Gigi Coast?" Nekara asks, looking down and sounding miserable.

"No. Nothing like that. I did it to bring hope to a woman who had none," Alptraum admits.

"Yes. In the process my friends and I also sealed away a soul-eater," Alptraum explains and heels holding out his hand in case she would want to examine it closer. "And that woman convinced me I needed to come back here and try to make things right, with everyone."

Nekara very cautiously looks over the hand. "You wouldn't have come back otherwise, would you?" she asks.

"No, I probably wouldn't have," Alptraum admits. "Babel really had no use for me."

"I'm glad you came back though," Nekara says. "Despite everything we.. I.. put you through. I'm grateful."

"Why?" Alptraum has to ask. "As for what you put me through ... well, I cannot say I ever want to see Sutrana again."

"Because if you hadn't come back, we'd probably be overrun with crazed berzerker zombies that drive you mad if you look at them," Nekara says. "We'd have no idea what the General was up to or her ultimate goals. We'd be starving half the time because the Yodhrephath would be too focused on the Wound to do anything about the pirate raids, and the rich would probably still be eating the poor. So.. that's why I'm grateful."

"Well, someone else might have done something about it," Alptraum says and places his left hand this time on her shoulder. "I really cannot claim the credit for everything that has improved. People just needed a nudge here and there."

"It would have been just us, the Yodhsunala, against the monsters," Nekara says quietly. "But we wouldn't have routed out the other monsters. The ones who aren't undead, just dead inside. And we couldn't be the ones giving hope, or rallying people. You say others would have come forward, but nobody did while you were gone."

"Well ... you feel bad you brought me here. But had you not I would have never known about this place, or had any ties at all to settle if I returned," Alptraum points out kindly. "So, while what happened to me was hard, and yes, changed me. I think the good outweighed the bad. People care for the Yodhsunala now, instead of merely fear them. And I'm glad I made a difference, in spite of all I have gone through and I am still going through."

"You have a lot more power now," Nekara says, and actually finger-brushes the orb on Alptraum's wrist. "And the Yodh are all behind you this time. I don't think they're worried about being embarrassed by you anymore. Not if they're showing up as witnesses in court trials."

"I still don't really care about power. And this power has its own costs I have to deal with," Alptraum admits. "As for the Yodh, well, most are. Koldesh doesn't care for me much; she finds me arrogant."

"Koldesh is known for being.. cold," Nekara says. "The Yodhrephath are all pretty stony. I mean, Yodhsunala are distant and enigmatic, which is much more approachable, I think. When you come to us, it's because someone is going to die. When you go to the Yodhrephath, it's because you want somebody to die."

"She didn't appreciate the 'show' I put on when I first visited here. I didn't want any young Yodh to think they could get a notch for their weapon by trying to kill me. So I made a point to make that seem extremely stupid to try. I've had enough of people trying to do me in," Alptraum points out. "And you well know there were some Yodh that would rather see me gone."

"That was back when nobody really knew you existed," Nekara says, and bites her lower lip. "I didn't expect that, honestly. The whole notion that you would be bad for the Yodhsunala because you might die. You and the Avatar of Sunala. Nobody is still trying to kill you now though, are they?"

"Well, the General, Amenlichli, and Vorgulremik wouldn't mind if I were killed and have made a few attempts," Alptraum notes. "So did High Priestess Mave, for that matter."

"Where did she even come from? Do you know?" Nekara asks.. very sotto-voce, since that's also probably something the Yodhbarada would like to know. "Who is Vorgulremik? That name sounds nasty just saying it."

"She came back with me. She works for me, sort of, these days," Alptraum vaguely explains. "Vorgulremik is a soul-eating dragon that had destroyed worlds. He was trying to recover here when Tulani, Arkold, and I, took him down."

Nekara eyes hilt of the dagger that seems to grow out of the chitinous mass of Alptraum's right hand. "You've got a dragon in a dagger?" she whispers uncertainly. "I suppose Babel isn't much of a challenge for you nowadays.."

"Who are you kidding? Babel is far harder to deal with. I'm having to act as liaison for all the Sisters and keep them all happy," Alptraum points out. "That's like walking into a den of dragons."

"But.. what do they ask of you, exactly?" Nekara leans in to whisper. "Sunala and Rephath.. and not Gorphat.. are the ones with any influence still. I assumed all of your demon-hunting and cult-busting was for Sunala."

"I have to find them all places in the new city. I work for the benefit of the entire city and its diverse people," Alptraum explains, "So that they can work together. Each of them have contributed to stopping various things. Even today you saw it; Gorphat is going to punish these people at Sunala's request."

"You mean there really is a Hell ruled over by the Maggot Goddess?" Nekara asks, saying it as if she were sucking in her breath to do it.

"Oh yes. And as bad as you may imagine it to be, it is far worse," Alptraum notes. "I've met Magog. In her Hell."

"You've taken others there already then?" Nekara asks, unable to hide a worried squeak in her voice.

"I also know that Magog and the current High Priestess of Gorphat have had, well, a sexual relationship at least once," Alptraum adds and shudders visibly. "As for taken someone there, no. I just met her in case I would have to."

"Have you met a lot of... well, forgotten deities since you've been back?" Nekara asks.

Nekara takes a deep breath. "Because.. I thought that forgotten gods just went away," she admits. "Sunala was the only real one, to me. Nothing can be more real than death. The others Sisters.. didn't matter. They were just aspects of mortals made bigger. But Death is different. It exists whether you believe in it or not."

"There is some truth to that, yes," Alptraum must concede. "But, you need to understand this city is made up of many aspects. A whole person cannot be just concerned about Death; She is guaranteed to accept them in the end. They are needed to make what time they have, have meaning. At least that is what I feel. You need to decide for yourself."

"I thought I had meaning in going to find you," Nekara says, and frowns. "Then I lost that.. So.. I don't know what meaning to find anymore. Sunala has a living avatar, there are cannibals running around, zombies, walking trees, strange srinalas, a Shrine Maiden from out of nowhere, you and stories about dragons in the Streets Below. I don't know how to find my place in all of this, it was hard enough when it was all.. simpler."

"Well, what do you want your place to be?" Alptraum asks. "And I always thought you resented being sent to fetch me. You certainly made it clear enough you barely tolerated me."

"I was still selected to do something important, though," Nekara says, tilting her chin up slightly. "Now.. I'm not called on for anything anymore. I change bedpans, and other menial tasks. The mountain is so crowded now. The Yodhrinala do most of the work, but there aren't enough of them. I can't even heal though. I feel useless, but I don't know what to do to feel useful."

"Taking care of people is not menial," Alptraum points out. "Would you prefer to be Yodhgorphat? One who willingly suffers so that cures and treatments can be developed for others?" He rubs his face slowly, noting, "And the things I deal with are no less pleasant. Do you want to be called on for such things"

"I don't know," Nekara says, deflating. "It's making me itch that those bodies are just.. being left outside to rot and be eaten by vermin. I want to dig a grave for them. It doesn't have to be marked or anything. But death should be private. I know those people were monsters but.. I'm not a very good Yodhsunala anymore. I want everything to be nice and neat and proper and that time is long gone. Maybe I should go work down at the refugee hospitals. There are people dying at those, I'm sure, who need someone to look after them."

"YOu could do that. As for these people, don't waste any feeling on them. I've felt firsthand what they can do to someone," Alptraum points out and looks back over his shoulder at the remains. "I could also ask Sunala Herself for a duty for you, if you wish. Or the next time I need help with a matter I could ask for you."

"You'd need help from someone like me?" Nekara asks. She then glances to where her 'charge' went to with Wynona. "You probably want me to look after someone."

"Not necessarily. What I need are people I can trust. That trumps most everything else," Alptraum says. "And I'm not sure what you mean about people like you. I'm an ill-educated gypsy with a stubborn-streak and a willingness to risk everything for things I believe in. Hardly anyone most want around."

"So.. you mean that you trust me?" Nekara asks. "Why? Not just because I'm afraid of you now, right?"

"Are you afraid of me? Why?" Alptraum has to ask. "You know be better than most."

"That was before you.. came into your own, I suppose," Nekara says. "You aren't the same. Not an oddity nobody knew how to handle. You really are the Barsunala now. You wear it on your hand, and with your presence. There's no questioning or doubting it anymore. So yes, I'm afraid, because I was mean to you when you couldn't really fight back."

"The measure of a person is in how they treat someone when they have power over them," Alptraum says and holds up his right hand. "I would be a poor example to Babel if I held you accountable for things done what seems like a lifetime ago. I never wanted to hurt you then, and I don't now. Remember, I sacrificed myself to save you back then."

"That makes what I did all the worse," Nekara says, looking downward. "But.. if there's anything you need of me now, just ask. I still need to make up for all of that, I think. Yodhsunala aren't supposed to have regrets, so.. I need to clear them up."

Alptraum lifts Nekara's chin with his right hand. "Stop that, please," he requests quietly. "And you can do something for me; I'd like to copy your body-print some time. I'll explain what that means later, though, with less prying ears."

"My.. body print?" Nekara asks, looking confused, then blushing.. then looking upset at having blushed. "Back on Mt. Sunala then. I should go make sure that Gemma isn't being abducted or anything. That Yodhrephath might be giving her ideas about how best to serve and such."

Alptraum's brow arches a little. "Are you ... flirting?" he has to ask in response to that blush.

"No! I just don't know what you're asking, precisely," Nekara claims. "Yodhsunala don't flirt. It's too.. cute.."

Alptraum huffs a small laugh. "Don't rush Gemma is she seems busy talking to the Yodhrephath. Nothing improper will be occurring, that I can promise," he says. "Also, I flirt all the time. Am I cute?"

"It's different for barsunalas," Nekara claims. "They can be cute, so long as they're also muscled and can carry coffins with their shirts off if it's too hot."

"Pardon?" Alptraum has to ask. "Well, I've learned something new about you, it seems."

"There isn't much entertainment on Mt. Sunala, you know," Nekara says defensively.

"Fair point. I found Mt. Gorphat more entertaining than Mt. Sunala," Alptraum concedes.

Nekara shudders. "I remember that skinny green Yodh," she says. "She seemed far too giggly and liberal with threats of curses."

Nekara really looks horrified now. "You.. didn't.. did you?" she asks in very hushed tones. "Weren't you worried about things falling off afterwards?"

"Did. Several times. It was fun. Everything is intact," Alptraum adds. "Yodhgorphat are actually more enjoyable than Yodhinala, it turns out."

The Yodhsunala's mouth drops open. "You.. Yodhinala too? That.. old one?" she asks.

"You were so.. innocent before though," Nekara claims, blushing again. "Are there any Yodh you haven't been with?" she asks, but not in an accusatory way.. more one of actual curiosity.

"Yodhbarada, Yodhrephath, and Yodhsunala," Alptraum says, "I have not been with."

"There was a Yodhzakaro then?" Nekara asks, looking more shocked than at the Yodhblakat. "Aren't they all.. well.. crazy?"

Nekara looks slightly suspicious then. "What happened to the others?" she asks.

"Phlagaea and the Yodhblakat are back in Draco County working for the Countess," Alptraum says, "They're fine. Mave works for me, mostly. After she tried to betray me and that failed she hasn't risked trying that again."

"What does she do for you then?" Nekara digs. "Manage your harem?" Now there's a hint of a smirk at least.

"Mave? Research artifacts, history, and potions that may be needed," Alptraum notes. "I don't have a harem."

"Of course you don't," Nekara says. "You.. aren't that type of guy. But you've probably got the Air Mage doing stuff for you within the Yodhrephath then.. and others at the other temples. So do you already have someone in the Yodhsunala or is that what I would be?"

"I have Sunala at Mt. Sunala," Alptraum points out gently, "And a couple somewhat friends there. But it is always good to have others to trust and can tell me if they hear something going on that I should be aware of. Or just someone I can visit when I need a friend."

"Well... I know you enjoy my company from all the traveling we've done," Nekara claims, with a perfectly straight face. "So that seems reasonable. But you'll warn me if there's going to be a Yodhgorphat coming along, right?"

"Maybe you should go meet the current High Priestess of Gorphat to better understand them," Alptraum suggests. "I can arrange it."

Nekara swallows at that, but then she did mention the possibility of working down in Gorphat City to attend the dead. "I wouldn't want to seem like I was pulling in favors to meet her," she replies. "If I go to work down there.. I'm sure we'll run into eachother eventually."

"Just be aware then ... she is heavily blessed by Gorphat. Quite horrific to see," Alptraum notes. "But she endures it for others, and serves Gorphat without question."

"See, this is why death is so much simpler," Nekara claims. "Everyone endures it, so.. no need to over-endure it."

"And yet she's happy," Alptraum points out. "Anyway, it has been good seeing you again. Glad to know you weren't avoiding me completely."

"I needed a neutral excuse to approach you, just like Gemma did for her cousin," Nekara says, then her ears swivel, and she looks around the side of Alptraum's left wing. "And yes.. I should go now." She bows to Alptraum and hurries - well, walks at a brisk pace - towards where Gemma and Wynona vanished.

Alptraum shakes his head. "I should see to the High Priestess soon, or Cricket, if she is free," the bat muses as he watches Nekara retreat. He then looks about to see if Cricket is busy.

Of course Cricket is already coming towards him, with a bit of a bounce in her step. She looks really happy, after all - probably about more than just being able to wear her official Yodh trappings in public. She even waves. "I hope I didn't scare your little friend away," she says once she's close enough.

"Not at all. She has work to do," Alptraum says and waves his hand. "I was hoping to speak to you. Thank you for testifying at the trial."

"Did I do well?" Cricket asks, beaming. Her eye has started fading back to its natural color already. "I've never spoken before a big group before. Or that loudly! But.. their faces! I've never gotten to enact the Curse of Barada on anyone before."

"You did fine. I intend a special thanks for everything you have done. Along with fixing your eye, of course," Alptraum says and gestures towards Cricket's fading eye. "Unless, of course, you do not wish anything special for your efforts on behalf of the city."

"Special thanks?" Cricket asks. She's still a teenager after all. "You're going to make my eye silver again?" She certainly seems excited, either way.

"The silver eye goes without saying. What I intend is above and beyond that, so yes, special thanks," Alptraum says. "And to drive you crazy, you'll only find out what when the time is right."

The girl bites her lip for a moment.. Yodhbarada aren't exactly known for patience when it comes to secrets. "Alright," Cricket finally agrees. "And I'll let you know before anything that incriminates other nobles is released during the Curse, in case you want to get to them first!"

Alptraum then reaches over and places his right hand over her eye. "That could be ... useful. Now, hold still," he says as he tries to re-enforce her eye while here. "As for the special part, meet me three days from now at our usual spot. If anything comes up that requires a change, I'll send word through Tulani," he says absently.

"I'll be there!" Cricket says, trying not to bounce while the shadow manipulates her eye color.

Alptraum has to be still and quiet while doing this. At least it's a small area, so doesn't look like much is going on. It's a good several minutes, then he draws his hand back to check her eye.

The eye is shiny silver once more, really standing out in the girl's face. "Thanks, Barsunala," Cricket says, her expression beaming with pride.

"You're welcome, Yodhbarada. See you in a few days," Alptraum says. "BEfore you go, is there anything you wished to talk to be about?"

Cricket spins around once, making her robes flare a bit. "Do you like my official robes?" she asks. "Do they make me seem impressive?"

The Yodhbarada tries to look serious, standing up straight before bowing. "Your opinion if very valuable, Barsunala. We thank you," she says, trying sound older.

Alptraum bows in kind, showing respect. "I would do nothing else for you, Yodhbarada Cricket," he replies in kind, taking on the same serious tone.

The girl winks, and then heads towards the crowd still waiting for space on the Pilgrim's Way, and thus can't run away from her.

Alptraum chuckles to himself. This leaves one more task; seeing Koldesh. He's looking forward to that about as much as Tulani looks forward to entering the High Priestess' chambers at the Temple of Gorphat. "Nothing to be said but to do it," he says to himself, draws a breath to steady himself, then heads for the Temple of Rephath.

Inside the Temple, nothing seems much impacted by the sudden throng of citizens and the public executions of some the city's oldest and wealthiest scions. There are a few Yodhrephath arguing over how best to clean the blade of the guillotine though, while a third is sent to 'get the maintenance manual' from somewhere. Those not involved with immediate tasks do notice Alptraum though, and eventually ones comes forward to ask, "May I assist you with anything, Barsunala?"

"I am here to see High-Priestess Koldesh, if she is amenable to receiving me," Alptraum answers politely. "I have to collect the souls of those executed, and my understanding was she was assisting with that."

"Oh.. yes, of course," the Yodhrephath says, "Please follow me." She then immediately starts leading Alptraum deeper into the temple.

Alptraum follows along, a few steps behind. "May I inquire as to your name?" he asks politely.

"Yodhrephath Sunny," the woman claims. Maybe it's because her hair is a bit strawberry-blonde. It can't refer to her disposition, which is still very militaristic.

"I'm not sure I can take that seriously," Alptraum thinks. At least he only says, "A pleasure to meet you, Yodhrehath Sunny."

The woman then stops and looks back at Alptraum with an expression of dread. "I.. It isn't to slight Sunala or anything, I assure you!" she claims a bit nervously.

Alptraum gives her an odd look. "I never considered that it was," he replies to her and even holds up his hands. "You need not fear me."

"Of course.. forgive my moment of weakness," Sunny replies, and picks up her pace slightly. The air is getting more humid, and the walls more 'carved from stone' than constructed. Sunny does stop though after a bit, and swivels her ears as if listening for something very specific in the echoes. "Yodhrephath Koldesh is down this tunnel to the right," she says, and doesn't seem like she's going to lead Alptraum to the end of it.

"You are not coming?" Alptraum asks as he draws to a stop and listens ahead, too.

"I don't think I'm authorized to interrupt," Sunny notes. "You have all-access though."

"Ah. Perhaps I should wait. I am not sure I should interrupt either," Alptraum admits.

"She told me she would be praying," Alptraum notes as he looks back down the hallway.

"You should go in then," Sunny says. "You are the Barsunala after all. You count as someone to pray to."

"... that is the first time I have been told that," Alptraum admits. He glances down the hall worriedly, especially since Rizalka is probably also in there. Still, can't look like a weakling around them. "All right. Thank you for your time," he tells Yodhrephath Sunny, "Be well," He bows slightly to the Yodh, then heads slowly down the indicated hallway, ears swiveled forward.

The sounds are a bit muted by the moisture, but even so it's quiet, save for the sounds of motion and water. The tunnel does curve slightly, so that Alptraum is aware of when he's about to enter the chamber at the end without betraying his own presence.

"This is far more quiet than I would like," Alptraum thinks. So, he moves slower so that he can slink just up to the chamber to try and figure out what is going on.

There's definitely.. bathing sounds, but no conversation. Or any alert that Alptraum's been detected.

Alptraum rubs his face slowly with his right hand. "Right. What could possibly go wrong?" he thinks grimly ... then enters the chamber.

The chamber is natural, and very wet. The hot spring pool is irregularly shaped. Two women are in the pool, both covered in scars. Koldesh is washing Rizalka's back, and the Yodhblakat is surprisingly relaxed looking. "I was wondering when you would get here," Koldesh remarks.

Alptraum's brow arches slightly at this. "I was not sure I should come in here," he answers honestly. "Nor do I wish to interrupt. I can wait until you two are finished if you prefer."

"Nonsense, come and join us," Koldesh says. "I don't often get to relax, and you are my husband, by tradition. Rizalka's too.."

Alptraum blinks. Then blinks again. "Can you explain that again, please?" Alptraum has to ask. "I am not sure I heard that correctly."

"Just as the Sabaoth is considered the High Priest of all the Seven Sisters, the Barsunala is the consort of the High Priestesses of the Seven Sisters... and to the Seven Sisters as well."

"And there is record of this?" Alptraum asks warily, ears flicking about slowly. "I have often been, at best ... tolerated by the High Priestesses. Then there is the matter of several Yodh that have made attempts on my life."

"That seems perfectly normal for Babelite families," Koldesh notes. "You may have noticed some affectionate rivalry between myself and Rizalka, for instance."

"Yodhzakaro Hekat, Yodhsunala Sutrana, and several others have all made attempts on my person. Even High Priestess Mave tried to betray me once," Alptraum says warily. "And rivalry? I've heard of the spats between Rizalka there and High Priestess Scourge..."

"Rizalka and Scourge aren't sisters," Koldesh says, and then pushes the languid Rizalka under the water and holds her there until she finally breaks free, with much splashing and screeching! "I wasn't done," the Yodhblakat complains.

"Ah. You two are actually related. I figured you two were lovers," Alptraum admits as he crouches down so that he can test the water temperature. That requires using his left hand.

"Yodhzakaro and Yodhsunala can be a bit murder-minded," Koldesh points out.. somehow leaving out the similar reputation of the Yodhrephath and Yodhblakat. "I wouldn't take it personally."

"You didn't notice our family resemblance?" Rizalka asks snarkily. They don't look much alike, aside from being big, muscle-bound women.

"A Yodhblakat tried to make me her slave once, as well," Alptraum comments, looking up.

The water is rather on the warm side, but not particularly hot. Just enough to produce some mist.

"So, I hardly feel welcome most of the time," Alptraum says as he rises. In spite of his better judgment, he then starts to disrobe. Since he's wearing a simple set of robes and a sash, this is pretty easy to do. And of course he folds the clothing, probably to have to delay actually getting in the water. Once he can't really delay any more, he sits, when slides his legs in first, then the rest of himself.

It's pretty nice, up until Rizalka gropes his rear. "When was the last time you had a proper bath?" Koldesh asks.

The groping causes him to tense up! "I bathe regularly," Alptraum says a bit warily. "Granted I am not sure what you mean by a proper bath. Most of the time it just involves a river."

Koldesh runs a finger around Alptraum's chest scar. "A proper bath is one where you are bathed by someone else," the Yodhrephath claims. And then she leans in and gives Alptraum a kiss on the lips. She manages it without grabbing onto his neck or head or anything else.

This makes Alptraum blink. He's grateful for wings and water to keep him from falling over backwards ... and he's too shocked to really fight the kiss. In fact he sort of kisses back. Out of fear? Not many people touch the chest car, which does have a rather touch and ragged scar in the skin beneath the white fur outline. "What in Dagh's name is going on here?!?" the poor Eeee thinks.

And Rizalka goes for the only other prominent scar - Alptraum's right hand. "Did you plunge your hand into boiling oil?" she asks as she inspects it.

"Actually, I plunged it into the heart of Amena's darkness and tore out its heart," Alptraum answers once his lips are free enough to actually reply and sounds a little woozy from that kiss ... along with a lot of blinking. "And that isn't allegory; I literally stuck my hand into the Shadow of Amena and took its core, taking it away from Amenlichli of Aztepa." He blinks a few more times, then has to ask, "What just happened?"

"You didn't pass out," Koldesh says, nodding her head in approval. "A consort to me must be strong, after all."

"Ooooo," Rizalka says, and pulls on the hand to plant it on her butt-cheek below the water. "And mine has to be fearless and bold!" she.. growls.

"I grew up fighting for survival in a land darker than this one. I've also been in Magog's hell. I didn't pass out from that eeeEeeeEEEEither!" Alptraum starts to try and say before ending in a squeak when his butt is grabbed. He's also just praying she doesn't use her claws too much. He suddenly feels like he's in some sort of bizarre courtship ritual. Then he starts worrying if they intend to somehow mark him as their husband!

"A fighter," Koldesh says approvingly. And then she feels up Alptraum's biceps. "Hardened by.. hardship. Which of us do you like better?" she asks.

"I know better than to answer that," Alptraum says politely and cannot help but tense up any muscles squeezed. "And besides, I din't know either of you that well..."

"Cold-Ass is too soft for you," Rizalka claims. "I've got scars. That makes me better!" She also does grab Alptraum by the back of his head and pulls his face to her bosom. "Better boobs too! And they'll get bigger! Cold-Ass's are full of rocks!"

The High Priestess of Rephath responds by giving Rizalka a very severe ear-flick. "We can't all be conveniently pregnant, Riz."

Alptraum goes mmmmph! Though he does have to admit that Rizalka does have a nice chest. Once he gets his face free, he notes to Koldesh, "You do know that what happened to her was possible because Blakat had the High-Priestess of Gorphat bless the Yodhblakat with ... enhanced libido?"

"Oh?" Koldesh asks, then grins at Rizalka. "So, you needed help from the Yodhgorphat? Testosterone too low?" she teases.

"Hah, I can out.. libidinize.. you, Sister," Rizalka declares, "Without any help!"

Koldesh responds with a raised eyebrow.. and grabbing Alptraum's left hand and pressing its palm to her own breast. "No rocks," she claims.

Alptraum takes the chance to actually try to get a feel of Koldesh. He's expecting her to be build, well, like a wall. "The chest scar," he notes, was from an immortal monster stabbing me in the heart to prove I was very difficult to kill."

"Hah, you should stab Cold-Ass through the heart, see if she has one!" Rizalka laughs.

Koldesh has pretty well developed pecs, which make her breasts seem larger than they are.. but she's a big woman, and things size up proportionally. Things are certainly firm, but not hard.

"Oh, I could do more than that," Alptraum comments, then pushes some of the shadow into Koldesh. It's not a full ken, but it's a very brief and odd sort of internal lick.

This makes the usually stoic Yodhrephath.. gasp in surprise. "What was that?" she asks. "Do it again!"

"You don't even like me," Alptraum points out as he draws his hand back and focuses on his position here with two very dangerous women. "You think I'm arrogant."

"I think you over-did your entrance," Koldesh claims. "You shouldn't try to be impressive, Barsunala. Not when it might diminish another's authority.. in their own Temple. I like you fine. You're just a bit insecure because a few other Yodh tried to kill you."

"Yodhblakat are way more fun," Rizalka claims. "No sticks up our asses! Only up others. Sometimes because we jammed 'em up there! I'm sure you've liked every Yodhblakat you've met!"

"I'd rather over-do it, then have to kill one of you, or something even worse. I care about all of you," Alptraum notes as he takes a step back. To Rizalka he says, "Well, I do admit Yodhblakat can be ... fun, at times."

Rizalka grins in triumph, and prods Alptraum's shoulder. "I want names," she demands.

Koldesh shakes her head a bit, "You put me in a hard spot with that entrance, Barsunala," she says. "I didn't appreciate it is all."

"Slakash Roogi," Alptraum notes to Rizalka. To Koldesh he says, "I had no intention of putting you in a hard spot. I just wished to avoid potential unpleasant results from someone being over-zealous."

"The Yodhrephath are not murderers, Barsunala," Koldesh says. "Why would you think you needed to impress us?"

"Roogi!" Rizalka yells. "That little half-wit berserker? She's supposed to be dead along with the rest of Bara's crew! Oh.. OH! She got you while you were taking her to the Sea of Souls?"

"When one of your own tries to kill you, and someone you considered a friend, tries to kill you, you get wary of most things and take precautions, that's all," Alptraum points out to Koldesh. To Rizalka he says, "Roogi is still alive, and bringing chaos upon Galis and others at times."

"Gallis? The Crazy Crew made it to Nordika?" Rizalka asks, and laughs. "I can't believe it! Slakash aren't known for being lucky, so they must have stolen some luck from someone else!"

"They work for Countess Draco now," Alptraum says, "At my suggestion. I gave them purpose."

"Yodhrephath have honor, Barsunala," Koldesh points out. "I'm sorry you didn't believe that due to your experiences with other Yodh."

"Purpose? A job with the Countess?" Rizalka asks, calming down a bit. "Ahh.. I can see how they'd have fun with that. They get to be the monsters the poodles claim the Eeee are anyway!"

"Given Gallis beheaded the Countess' husband, yes, being monsters to them was the idea," Alptraum agrees.

"And I am sorry for causing you difficulties, High-Priestess," Alptraum tells Koldesh.

"I don't know why the Yodhblakat have to be such bad examples for Babel," Koldesh says, and then smiles. "An apology is all that I wanted, Barsunala. We're only mortal, but we do try to serve the Kindly Ones as best we can. Not that I can speak for the other Yodh, of course."

"Thinking Draco County is full of monsters is what helps keep Gallis at bay," Alptraum notes, "It's strategy." He then rubs his forehead a bit. "I should probably let you two finish bathing," he admits.

"Aren't you going to finish us off?" Rizalka asks, and grabs Alptraum's rear again. Only this time she uses a finger to poke him there too.

This gives Alptraum quite the odd look on his face! "Er, hello," he squeaks in surprise. "You two still want ... that? After the talk we just had?" He sounds both confused and a bit worried if he tries to move Rizalka is going to push deeper. Granted she may anyway.

"Hah, I have an obligation to take anything that Roogi had," Rizalka claims. "Besides, Cold-Ass could learn something about cuttin' loose.."

"Just because my lovers always pass out doesn't mean I'm a virgin, Riz," Koldesh points out. "I just have to be careful of my reflexes."

Alptraum, since Rizalka is behind him and has an ... interesting grip on him, he reaches out and pulls Koldesh close to his front. Why? So he can nurse on one of her breasts. It's also because he uses that as a way to shadow-lick her again. Only this time it lingers a lot longer within her and tends to squirm around like naga beneath the skin. In a nice way, of course.

This causes Koldesh to actually moan, which surprises Rizalka.. which makes her finger curl a bit. "What was that?" she asks. "Is she sick?"

In spite of himself, Alptraum is enjoying what Rizalka is doing and actually, kind of pushes back a bit. Gah, too much time in other forms, it seems. And the nursing keeps up, though he does switch between each nipple from time to time, along with keeping the shadow squirming about within her; now this time doing a full ken so that she gets the whole experience.

This sends Koldesh into a rather wobbly state - which if fair play, after the kiss she gave Alptraum. She does make odd noises though, which keep distracting Rizalka from her own explorations. "You're doing that to her," she finally realizes. "Is it that 'little death' thing? It's named after you, isn't it? I want a turn!"

Alptruam draws back, eventually and looks over his shoulder. "Sit on the edge of the pool, behind her," he requests of the Yodhblakat. As for Koldesh, he uses her wobbly state to push her back up against the edge of the natural pool.

Rizalka looks suspicious, but does 'pull out' and head for the edge, where she pulls herself up and tries to sit behind Koldesh.. which means spreading her legs and dangling them down along the sides of her sister. "She looks so.. unlike herself!" the Yodhblakat comments.

Alptraum does something he probably wouldn't dare risk doing normally. He lifts Koldesh up enough and soon part of him is deftly back in her below the waterline. "You can use your toes like you were your hand," Alptraum points out slyly, then leans his head over Koldesh's shoulder and proceeds to kiss the Yodhblakat on her Inala's gate. With tongue. Shadow aided tongue. As in a literal deep lick-kiss, along with an even deeper and more spread shadow-based one. So, there Alptraum actually attempts to make love to Koldesh while kissing and kenning Rizalka through some interesting tongue-work.

Koldesh certainly doesn't seem to mind. The kenning revealed some previously broken bones in her, and the probing of Rizalka reveals far more damage. There's deep scar tissue, probably from being stabbed or shot with arrows, along with the bone fractures and other internal traumas. The sisters don't seem that old - not any older than Alptraum, really - but they've certainly had eventful lives.

And Alptraum is trying to somehow make love to both; one with the shadow and the other the more normal way. He's not really used to being with Eees close to his size, so this is a bit novel. Granted this sort of split focus means he may not really peak himself, but it isn't about him anyway.

Unlike Koldesh, Rizalka doesn't stay still. She squirms! And squeezes (using her long prehensile toes as suggested) and.. tugs on Alptraum's ears. She also laughs semi-maniacally.

Having Rizalka's footwork oddly ... helps. Somehow! Maybe the extra stimulation helps cope with the split focus. Rizalka gets the very invasive, squirming, shadow snakes throughout her body, and Koldesh, well, gets firm and strong movements from him using a more physical snake. She also gets his hands, which grope and massage. He also can't believe he's doing this.

With her kenning over with, Koldesh is regaining some more control of herself.. which means Alptraum is feeling the squeeze - the Yodhrephath's thighs are very strong, after all. But he's dealt with dragons so strong thighs aren't going to hurt him.

Alptraum has appreciation for strong thighs, at least, and he's trying to work Koldesh up a more natural peak. Rizalka is getting the much weirder one. He's also marvelling how odd Rizalka tastes both shadow-wise and well, actual-wise. Hormonal differences from typical female Eeee, likely, or Gorphat's blessing.

The pregnancy probably adds a hint of extra estrogen as well. And both the Yodhblakat and Yodhrephath tend to be at hormonal extremes for Eeee - just because the extra muscle mass itself produces testosterone. Koldesh starts being a bit more vigorous as well, grabbing onto Alptraum's rears.. by putting her hands over Rizalka's feet.

Alptraum reaches up now and gropes Rizalka's chest now that he's so pressed to Koldesh. He also, oddly, would like to drink from Koldesh, but that might freak her out a bit too much ... not to mention he's a bit orally occupied. So, he tries to keep up physically with Koldesh, which is no small order ... while trying to make it uniquely weird for Rizalka!

Rizalka is still laughing to the point where she's having trouble breathing, but Koldesh is biting Alptraum's shoulder now. Her wings are pretty pinned by her sister's legs, and she seems to be trying to pull Alptraum to where just she has his attention.

Alptraum finally releases Rizalka from the shadow to focus on Koldesh. And this focus means while she has bitten down on him, he tilts his head down and tries to bite her in kind! Vampire instinct, really.

"Hey, I wasn't done!" Rizalka complains, and tries to maintain her grip on Alptraum.. which just drags her into the water when Koldesh pushes forward. Either she's trying to get Alptraum to completely support her weight.. or she's forgotten about the water and just wants to be on top, despite the whole drowning issue.

Alptraum struggles to try and hold all of Koldesh's weight. He actually uses the shadow to try and bolster himself to do so!

After much splashing and complaining, Rizalka lets go of Alptraum, only to circle behind him and reach around to grab Koldesh's butt - to help hold her up. "I expect reimbursement for this aid," she notes.

"You'll get it," Alptraum growls softly as he doubles-down focus on simply taking Koldesh completely, and now he can even alow and have a release of his own since he can focus more on one!

Koldesh growls and bites and tries to lead in the dance, but Alptraum still gets to control things (with a little help from Rizalka). More to the point, he doesn't pass out before Koldesh finishes, which leaves some imprints on Alptraum where her toe-claws caught skin.

And Alptraum keeps at it until he finishes too, which might be one of a few times a male has managed that! He really doesn't know, though! It certainly felt ... different when the one he was with is so strong. And while he's breathing and recovering from that, he realizes he's still got Rizalka to deal with. Man, he could use the priaprism curse right about now!

"Don't worry, you can come visit me at my place," Rizalka whispers into Alptraum's ear before nibbling on it. "I've got toys and a trapeze."

This makes Alptraum chuckle a little. "Ah? Well, count on that then," he remarks with an evil grin to Rizalka. "I do imagine your sister, probably enjoys using restraints," he adds, amused by this. "But seriously," he has to ask Rizalka, "Am I really your husband?"

"Consort!" Rizalka says, still helping hold Koldesh up until she's finished recovering. "It's one of those really old things that never came up before. On the face of it, it's pretty unrealistic though. Yodh sharing someone? Hah!"

"Yeah, but they're gods," Rizalka says. "They.. well, yeah, they probably do fight over territory and influence, don't they?"

"Of course," Alptraum says matter-of-factly as he tries to lift Koldesh up and onto the pool edge. "So ... a bit of rest ... then round two," he decides. HE also realizes he's going to need bandages, but hey, it's at least a reasonably normal experience for once!