Inala's Paradise
The interior of this club is huge. It's as if all but the necessary support columns and trusses had been removed to create a single, circular chamber. There are no openings to the outside save the entrance, but there are stairs and elevated walks around the perimeter, revealing a second level of rooms. The walls are painted with fantastic cloudscapes and gardens and palaces, all reminiscent of the Paradise created by the great Dream Ritual of not so very long ago. Statues of Inala dot the varied landscape, possibly looted from the original temple itself.

Alptraum feels a bit of a chill once he leaves the steamy underbelly of the club for the main floor. There seems to be a lot of nervous - or curious - activity through the archway of Bara's tower as well. It isn't every day the Barsunala shows up, after all.

And he is amused. But, being the actor he is, he's not going to show that. Instead he heads up to the main floor, the pace of someone in no hurry to be anywhere. Behind him trails tendrils and ripples of the shadow-cloak he wears as he steps up and out onto the main floor. He looks about, eyes half-lidded, perhaps a bit tired, as he looks for who might be about that he knows in one form or another. He also lazily heads towards an empty table.

Bara's doorguard, Sam the tiger, keeps pace to one side of Alptraum, which does keep the curious onlookers from being too bold at least. Once Alptraum reaches the table, the oversized Khatta softly asks, "Would you like something to drink, sir, or some company?"

"Are you worried about trouble?" Alptraum asks of the tiger. "And I would not say no to either of those, a drink, company. Company that provides a drink," he adds, allowing himself to look amused for a moment.

"We don't want our celebrity patrons to be harassed," Sam explains. "Do you have a preference for either beverage or company?"

"I'm hardly a celebrity," Alptraum notes as he settles down to relax. "As for a drink, most anything would do. Is this place known for any specific drinks? As for company, well, again I am ... open-minded. Other Eeee, naga, lapi, vartans, rhain, khatta, all are welcome to spend time with me if they wish it," he offers. Even as he reclines, the shadow-cloak undulates and rolls as if it were living and slightly separate from him.

"I'll have someone come over right away then, sir," Sam says and gives a little bow before backing away and flashing some discrete hand-signals. A minute or so later there's a slight rattle as a portable mini-bar is rolled up to the table by a smiling bunny. "Hello again," Honey says, having served Alptraum somewhat during his bath on his previous visit. The naked doe asks him, "Would you like something to pep you up, or mellow you out?" She's already got a glass set atop the bar, and is bringing up some small colorful bottles.

A few women (and men) at the nearby tables wink or raise their glasses to him as well.

Alptraum, being equal opportunity and feeling rather playful tonight, returns those winks to both the women and men. "Hmm, possibly mellow me a bit. I often have so much on my mind; it is nice to relax sometimes," he admits to the lapi. "And in advance, thank you, Honey."

The doe smiles, and begins pouring into the glass. Different colors create different layers without mixing. A slice of orange is squeezed in as well. "The citrus gives it a little bite," she explains. "Plus we just got some in fresh from Saskanar." She comes around and sits side-saddle in Alptraum's lap, holding the glass up to his lips.

"Ah, that explains the unusual Eeee I feel. Well, unusual for Babel anyway," Alptraum remarks as he drapes his right arm lightly over the bunny's lap. His lips part and he takes a small sip to taste it.

"Oh, we have a few of the Saskanar type here tonight," Honey admits, and watches to see if Alptraum likes the mixed drink. "I don't know that they're unusual though. They just wear different tops. And usually with more fabric. But they aren't that difficult to get off of them."

"I don't often meet them as my focus tends to be Babel, but I would not mind meeting them tonight if possible," Alptraum says after his sip, then a lick of his lips. There's a bit more consideration on the taste, then he nods. Of course he's thinking how much better it tastes than the booze Hexen used to make using his socks as strainers.

Some of Alptraum's shadow-cloak is getting a bit feel-y with the lapi. Namely sliding around and rubbing on sensitive places.

Honey responds by cuddling up against the bat. After all.. Lapi cuddles are supposed to be relaxing. Until they're the opposite. "I'll let Sam know," Honey whispers. "I'm sure they'll take up the offer." She also does a bit of finger signing, even though her hand is around the back of Alptraum's neck - he can feel her muscles twitch. She then takes a sip of the drink herself, and kisses Alptraum to transfer it to him.

Alptraum slides down a little so that the lapi can, well, deposit that drink between his lips a bit easier. His shadow continues to misbehave too, but politely so. Nothing is trying to push its way /into/ the lapi right now at least! "/Okay, so there are plus sides to being a scary demi-god," he thinks, rather enjoying this, and relaxing at that.

The doe adapts by swinging her leg over, just barely grazing Alptraum's nose. Once she's straddling him, she does a another liquor-kiss, and also rubs against him more.

Alptraum drapes both his arms around the lapi's waist now as he rubs back against her ... and rather enjoys being slowly fed his drink by the bunny. It's novel, and feels nice too. It's also good he can use the shadow to mask/keep pointy incidents from occurring!

"So.. have you ever had a Lapi?" Honey asks between 'sips'. Several patrons look a bit jealous - while others are trying to imitate the drink-kissing.

"Once or twice," Alptraum claims between those kisses. "You're ... rather brave to 'suggest' such. I think most are afraid of me."

Amelia says, "1" should be plenty, since there's the insulation and cross-bits that hold it up in the way. The piece I was using before was.. I don't remember how thick it was. I think less than 1/4" though, and it warped pretty badly."

"Well, you are a demigod, aren't you?" Honey asks. "The son of Sunala. But I think you're handsome and rugged, with your chitin-hand and.. well.. broad shoulders."

Alptraum tilts his head, looking amused. What he's doing is, well, thinking. Rather, controlling the shadow that is now using tendrils to slither up between her thighs, part her gates, and slither inside her a little. That kiss causes him to arch his chest out, just a little, and then pet along the doe's back. One downside to being male, no breasts for the other to play with!

Of course, that doesn't mean Honey can't climb up a bit more to make sure her breasts get used. Once she realizes it's not anything physically attached to Alptraum that's entering her (shadow is pretty unique in its feel) she wiggles upwards to try and smother him - in a friendly way. "Oooo, you have some tricks don't you?" she whispers. "Do you feel the inside of me too?"

More tendrils go up the other passage too, so her insides feel a bit squirmy all around. "Oh, I can feel somewhat, yes," he whispers in reply, very much amused. He's also pretty soon very much nibbling and nursing on the bunny.

So Honey does some of her own tricks, actually gripping the shadow and using her muscles. She can do it for both entries even. She does still work the drink in.. even if only by letting it dribble down onto her nipples.

Alptraum keeps this up for a bit, until he, well, wants more. So, he uses the shadow to pull her back down into his lap. Between them the shadow parts and Alptraum's able to, with a wiggle, ease part of himself up into the doe's gate to enjoy the muscle control. The shadow remains in the other passage, though, so the doe gets double the stimulation.

"Ooo," Honey coos, and leans back against the table. This gives Alptraum access to her other soft parts, but also gives her a bit of leverage control. That plus her muscle control is.. hard to resist. She's done this to Pierce before, but hopefully Alptraum will still be able to walk afterwards.

This is rather relaxing, really! So, the back is in no rush, movements slow and deliberate. The shadow undulates, coils, and proves ever deeper, much like the naga did to Willow, and as for the front, well, it's all slow and steady movement as he leans back. He also knows they're probably being rather watched at this point.

Honey is clearly enjoying herself and not in any hurry either. She also doesn't mind an audience - even if some have worried expressions. Dalliances with the Kindly Ones never end well for the mortals in the lore.

It's also probably a bit disturbing to see dozens of thin shadow-tentacles exploring over the lapi, too, down to even sort of lick-grooming inside her ears. Alptraum keeps his eyes focused on the bunny, because, well, it's less embarrassing if he doesn't look around!

Once the tendrils get close enough.. of course Honey starts sucking on some of them. She has a very clever tongue. With all of that shadow in action, Alptraum gets a lot of feedback too.. especially when the muscle tricks seem just about to overstimulate him before backing off slightly. Honey seems to be playing with him a bit.

Alptraum growls at her. A little. It's also followed by a smirk, so as to show he's not actually upset with her. But, he does pull out his ... top card when the shadow deep within her backside seems to diffuse within her and start to ken her from the inside. A slow, and deep, pleasurable lick of the soul.

This causes Honey to actually gasp and quiver! For the moment, she doesn't try to control things through her muscles and just gives in to the euphoria.

Alptraum keeps up the internal pleasure as his own focus goes to his roll and movement. Soon his teeth are gritting as he hisses and gasps in his own peak; seeding her with more than just his shadow! But, even though that is shorter lived, he keeps the shadow work up a good minute after, before withdrawing it. "Probably not what you're used to," he whispers.

It takes a moment for Honey to catch her breath. "N-no.. clearly I need to spend more time with gods.." she hisses before slumping forward against Alptraum.. only then does she reassert her muscle control and brings the bat to a surprise second eruption. "How many more times can you go?" she asks, with a bit of an evil grin.. until Sam clears his throat nearby.

"I ... probably have others that wish to talk to me," Alptraum claims to the bunny, possibly to escape her devious clutches! But, he cannot help himself and whisper, "But to answer that ... more than you could handle..." A lie, but hey, what does she know!

"That sounds like a challenge," Honey whispers. "And I know this Skreek that is blessed by Inala, so.."

"The visitors from Saskanar are willing to meet with you, sir, if you'd like to join them in their room," the tiger says quietly.

"Heh, Nikky's reputation proceeds her," Alptraum remarks and grins toothily. "I know her; she's nuts." He;s also now carefully extracting the lapi from his lap, and preserving modesty via the shadow cloak.

Honey is a bit wobbly on her feet, but covers by leaning against the drink cart. "Don't forget your drink," she reminds Alptraum.

Alptraum stands and collects his drink. He also gives the lapi a gentle swat on her behind, then a nip on one of her ears. "Another time, perhaps," he whispers to her, then looks to Sam, "Shall we?" He then grins and asks, "This isn't an attempt for you to get me alone, with you, is it?"

"That isn't quite what I meant," Alptraum remarks dryly, "But fine, handsome, lets go see the visitors, hmm?"

The room he's brought to isn't like the usual private rooms. There's no bed, just a bar (self-service at this point) and a round table under a single lamp. The surface is covered in green felt, and there are trays and cup-holders built into it for each seating position, with only four of the six seats taken up. Two Vartans and two Saskanarian Eeee sit across from each other, each pair separated by an empty seat to either side. "May I present the Barsunala," Sam introduces. The foreigners don't seem certain what to do, so they all stand up instead.

"Please, no need to be formal," Alptraum says politely and raises his hand (sadly, right, which looks pretty horrible). "I just wished to welcome you to our town, troubled as it may be, and hope you have had a pleasant time here." He then looks to the Saskanarian Eeee and adds, "Also, to greet our cousins, whom I hope have felt as welcome here as back in their homeland."

"This club is very welcoming," the youngest, Lilitu, notes with a big grin. "I got laid by a bunny! I mean, we have lots back home too, but this one was really good.." The Vartan next to her, Captain Janik, makes a squawk of embarrassment.

Alptraum grins back to Lilitu. "I can assure you there are Eeee here that could put the bunny to shame," he says, amused. "May I sit with you?" he asks the group at large.

The bigger of the Vartans, presumably Captain Puzo from the overhead conversation, nods and gestures to a chair. "You're most welcome," he squawks. "We haven't met any of the local notables before."

"To be fair, most people don't want to meet me," Alptraum notes as he takes a seat in the offered chair and folds his wings back. "Have you had any particular problems? Not in this club specifically, but in general with the people or businesses of Babel?" he asks. "I know we have many problems, but we are trying to fix them. If we cannot even have a good relationship with our cousins in Saskanar, that bodes poorly for going beyond the continent."

The sailors exchange glances, and the male Eeee, Salas, says, "Well.. no problems in Babel itself, no. Not that we can tell yet, anyway."

"I am aware there are pirate issues," Alptraum says after that look, "The Yodhrephath and I have a good relationship and we share information. They wish to resolve it, and so I am politely staying out of their way. Now, as for the rest of Babel, I am glad that it has treated you well so far." While he talks, he's trying to sense their emotions. He expects them to feel nervous of course ... but do any feel overly so? It might indicate someone who is betraying them.

They're all pretty nervous, and it's Janik who asks, "Did.. you mean to deal with the situation yourself then? What would you have done if you.. uh.. could?"

"I considered intervening, yes," Alptraum says as he rolls his right hand while looking at it ... and waves of shadow ripple and flow across it and even between his fingers like liquid lightning. "As for what I would have done ... it depends. I could walk the minds and locate their leaders, then send great plagues to torment them. Or, I could request that Gorphat send one of her ... pets to melt them in their beds. But, all things cannot be resolved by me alone, and the Yodhrephath consider the safety of ships their duty now. It would be ill-manners for me to intrude."

"But you could locate them without.. risk?" Salas asks. "Or find out how they find us?" Lilitu chimes in.

"Well ... it depends on how you define risk," Alptraum notes a bit vaguely. "There is always some sort of risk. I have offered to the Yodhrephath to act as intermediary to the Mages guild, to see if there is magic involved somehow. Believe it or not, I am on good terms with the guild in Babel. We shall see if that offer is accepted or not."

"So.. a mage might check our ships for.. uh.. whatever sort of magic might be there?" Puzo asks, looking both hopeful and fearful, aurawise. But Vartans are notoriously magic-averse.

"If all parties agreed to it, yes," Alptraum says. "It would be horribly rude to force such upon you."

"Cost? Nothing from you," Alptraum says, "I would negotiate some manner to pay the guild for their time. But that is my concern, not yours. You are our guests, and I want our countries to have a good relationship. Charging you over protecting airspace would seem a bit ... ill-mannered."

"And.. the Yodhrephath haven't agreed to let you do this yet?" Lilitu asks. "Can they be influenced by us? We do request their protection.. if they're still willing to give it, with our.. history.."

"I will speak with them again and make sure it would be okay. The Yodhrephath can be 'prickly', but High Priestess Koldesh and I have mutual respect, and so it would probably be easier for me to ask. Plus, it can feel less ... demeaning if I suggest bringing in outside help simply because of my position within the religious circles," Alptraum offers. "And on other matters," he adds, tapping the side of his head, then pointing at Lilitu, "It was your birthday recently, was it not?"

The girl squeaks when that is pointed out. "How did you know?" she asks. "Is.. is there some sort of ritual I have to be in?"

At that, Alptraum laughs. "No, no, nothing like that. I just thought that as a present I would offer, within reason, a boon. You can ask of me anything that that is reasonable as a birthday present," he offers, remembering his own 'boon' granted by the Yodhgorphat a long time ago now.

The men look a bit alarmed by this - even in Saskanar the stories of the Kindly Ones are well known, since quite a few there follow the religion. They all seem afraid to suggest anything though. "Well.. what sort of boons do you normally grant?" Lilitu asks uncertainly.

"First time I've ever offered one," Alptraum says with a fangy sort of grin. "I could do simple things, like change your color of hair, eyes, heal old scars, trivial things like that, most would be temporary, save for healing of scars as the body tends to want to return to normal. Non-trivial things ... I could introduce you to worlds and creatures you cannot even imagine or sensations beyond your dreams."

"You mean like demons and.. barinala?" Lilitu asks in a hushed voice, although there's a sparkle in her eyes. Janik chuffs at the suggestion in warning to her though.

"Well, yes. Though most demons aren't particularly those you want to meet. For example, the demon that torments oathbreakers ... by turning them inside out. Unpleasant fellow," Alptraum notes.

"So.. something temporary.." Lilitu says after hearing that. "I don't have any scars, but I've always wanted.. uh.." She eyes her companions and leans towards Alptraum, while gesturing him closer so she can whisper into his ear.

Her own ears blushing, the girl practically sticks her nose into Alptraum's ear to barely whisper, "Bigger boobs?"

Alptraum's brow quirks. "Are you sure?" he asks as he looks at her. "That's ... easy."

"I can choose?" Lilitu asks in surprise, and the men are now wondering just what she's talking about. Although she's already grabbing at her chest. "What's the longest?"

Alptraum considers this. "Well, given it's a minor change, a month or so before total reversion," he admits. "It's really minor."

"Alright!" she says nervously. "That's.. an alright boon then?" she then asks, feeling embarrassed.

Alptraum doesn't mention he used his boon to save someone. "It's fine, yes. I guess ... it seems sort of small to ask for," he admits, "But if it is what you really want, then it shall be so."

"Uh.. wait.." Lilitu says, suddenly self-conscious. "A month.." she mutters. "Then back to.. normal. That might make me depressed. What else is there besides the demons, again?" she asks instead, her ears downcast.

Alptraum extends his hands. "You decided. Since it is so small, I may allow another request later," he says. "Take my hands and, well, relax."

"Not.. not too big.." Lilitu says, taking Alptraum's hands nervously. "Just.. you know.. more Babelite.."

"Right, melons then," Alptraum teases ... and his shadow starts crawling up her arms. What he didn't mention is that he's going to also completely ken her while doing this ... so it'll feel pretty incredible! As for her chest, at the most a solid 'B', less than Mave, but not by a lot, and not large enough to hinder flying...

"This feels.." Lilitu starts to say, and then her jaw just seems to unhinge a bit as the process really kicks in.

And the Eeee disappears into darkness, looking like an oily statue for a time. "She is fine," Alptraum notes to those gathered, sounding distracted. Then it's, well, kenning her, licking from the inside out ... which does tend to feel better than any sort of sex. Once that has completed, it's on to just ... encouraging her chest to grow; giving her a little hormonal boost from the levels he knows Mave has so that she has a more curvaceous chest. Not Yodhinala-level, but just under. He also adds in another small tweak, a bit more curve to her hips. Since both are relatively simple acts, on the same species as the pattern information came from, it's not too long before he's drawing the shadow back as he draws his own deep breath.

"Shadow dragon magic. A skill I learned when I tore away a weapon from the demon Amenlichli," Alptraum answers.

Lilitu takes a deep breath once she's unfrozen. She doesn't even reach for her chest right away. "That was.. uh.. very nice," she says with a blush, and hasn't let go of Alptraum's hands yet.

Alptraum grins at Lilitu. "The feelings are a nice side effect," he admits. "And given it was just encouraging natural attributes of your body ... there is some possibility it may remain indefinitely."

"That won't be necessary!" Janik squawks, while Puzo and Salas chuckle at his reaction.

"Oh.." Lilitu says, and then remembers to feel herself up. "There's.. something!" she says in amazement.

Alptraum gestures to Puzo and Salas. "Might make them happy, though," he counters and winks to them.

"And of course there is something," Alptraum says to Lilitu, "I did say I would do it. It shouldn't interfere with flying."

"This is about making me happy," Lilitu claims, wrapping her arms across her chest, and then sticking her tongue out at the other captain and first mate.

Alptraum taps the side of his head again. "Oh! One more thing ... about your nose. Babel doesn't have that many leaf-noses here. But I was thinking there could be possible trade or interest in jewelry making for leaf-noses. There is a store in the square, called Slaves to Art. The proprietor is a good woman. If you have time, she might be interested in getting a model of your nose to experiment with ideas. She likes creative jewelry."

As for that smile, he grins. "Well, perhaps I might show you how they work ... sometime," he jokes and winks to the young Eeee.

She actually brings her wings up to hide behind.. well, hide her mouth anyway, her eyes are still twinkling. "Nose jewelry?" she asks.

"Ornamentation that highlights and accentuates the leaf," Alptraum explains, "Like a ridge clip of intricate detail. Just something to decorate it in pride, I suppose. You are different from Babelite Eeee, and the differences should be displayed proudly. She might also have ideas for your wings, even, and how to decorate them in ways that would benefit the Saskanar build."

"Really?" Lilitu asks, and looks at her wings, even wiggling her available fingers a bit. "Where is this place again?"

"Cenesta Plaza, in the shadow market," Alptraum notes. He then smiles impishly and adds, "And failing finding anything for that, you could get your improved nipples pierced if you wanted."

"At first, yes, but later they feel really good. As for what, bars or rings usually," Alptraum explains, then tugs his shirt down to show even he has a pierced nipple! "But please, forgive me," he says as he lets his shirt go, "I am teasing and being entirely improper. Plus, I have taken more than enough of your time."

"You've taken an interest in our situation, which is.. very generous," Puzo says. "We'll keep this to ourselves though, just in case. We don't really know for certain who to trust in Babel."

"Understandable. If any agreement with the mages is reached, you'll get the information," Alptraum says as he rises. He then reaches over and runs a fingertip down Lilitu's nose. "And it was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lapi Lover," he teases, smiling. "Happy Birthday. You best have many more. I don't want to meet you in a more official capacity."

"We always deal with Captain Karada when we request a Yodhrephath escort," Janik notes. "Should we still do that?"

"Absolutely. He is beyond reproach. One of the most honorable men I know," Alptraum says.

"Nobody questions the integrity of the Yodhrephath," Janik says, puffing up a bit. "Not since they routed most of the pirates. It's just that these have found a tactic that seems to work against them."

"Not for much longer," Alptraum notes as he heads to the door. "Again it was a pleasure. Good day to you all," he adds, then slips out.

"Is there anything more we can do for you?" the man asks. "Mistress Bara has returned to her roost."

"Well, I don't mind meeting any patrons that would like to meet me," Alptraum tells Sam. "Or if Bara does. Is there anything you wish of me?"

"I'm here to see to your needs, sir," the man says with a grin. "It's a great honor. I think if you wish to meet with patrons, it might be best to use the roost, so that you are not overwhelmed."

"What if I suggested we got a private room?" Alptraum jokes to the tiger, curious as to how he would react.

"You and the mistress, or you and me?" Sam asks for clarification, while already leading Alptraum towards the main floor again.

"Well, we have a variety of specialized rooms," the tiger says. "To you like tongue baths?"

Alptraum laughs, "Actually, yes. But I should meet with others first. If there is time later, though." He pats the tiger on the shoulder.

"I also have a sister," the tiger offers, as they reach the base of the roost. "I'll be here at the door, to bring people up if that is what you wish."

"I think you might be more interesting than your sister," Alptraum jokes, winks, and starts up. "And yes, please bring up those who would like to meet me."

Up at the top, Bara is lounging in, of all things, a bathrobe - but then she was exposed to steam longer than Alptraum was. The Fnerf woman is also back, acting as a couch. A couch that's sipping a fizzy drink. "I hope you are being treated well, Barsunala," Bara says in greeting.

"Of course. Everyone has been very polite and accommodating," Alptraum says and sits down on the platform, not the fnerf. "They even play along with my bad jokes, which is scary."

"Humor in Babel is still establishing itself," Bara notes. "We just don't know any better."

Alptraum snorts. "I do hope I am not causing problems by being here," he admits.

"As the only Kindly One that is known for being.. Kindly.. you are the only one I welcome into my club," Bara notes. "Of course, I can't advertise that you drop in every so often. Many important people come here, and expect a certain degree of.. well, not anonymity but.. normality."

"You are when you're here.. on unofficial business, at least," Bara claims. "Insomuch as you can be treated as a normal person."

The woman actually smiles slightly. "I do. But.. I must admit it is biased towards what you represent, since I do not know you personally as well yet. There are not many I would go so far out of my way to assist."

"And part of that is because.. if I said 'no' to you, I believe you would respect that," she adds.

"I would. I am not here to force people to my will. Could I, yes. Will I? Extremely rarely. People have to want to do things if they are to be lasting. Forcing just breeds resentment," Alptraum agrees.

"That is the subtext of the New Babel, isn't it?" Bara asks. "Lasting change required cooperation."

"Hopefully so. Things could not remain as they were, corrupted and perverse, ruled by fear. Yes, any city will have challenges, even New Babel. But I hope this time we'll make better choices than we used to," Alptraum notes.

"Well, they will be our choices, good or bad, instead of those of the Sabaoth and his descendants," Bara notes. "Or choices imposed on us by conquerors."

"I just hope people will be willing to accept the consequences of their actions. No one to blame so much in the New Babel," Alptraum says.

"Well, we've done something imposing consequences on those who have traditionally been above them," Bara says. "By our own choice. I have no love for the Yodh.. what happened to them was not undeserved. It just didn't come from us."

"There are good and bad, even in the Yodh. I have known some that were kind people in their heart, and could do good things with even a little encouragement. They represented hope in many ways, that not all was gone. But yes, much was honestly deserved," Alptraum concedes.

"And ex-Yodh who saw the world with new eyes and have done much to help," Alptraum notes and glances back to Bara.

Bara raises an eyebrow. "I wanted a family is all," she claims. "I just.. wanted a large one."

"You had a family, Soulin," Alptraum points out. "You wanted to do more, and protect others. Make a difference versus just disappear. I'm not complaining."

"Family looks out for each other," Bara claims. "I didn't know that growing up. I wonder about your upbringing though, to be honest. What shaped you? Clearly you were not raised in Babel."

"I was raised as a sneak-thief and an entertainer in the wilds of Sylvania, as part of a small gypsy tribe," Alptraum remarks. "I've been as poor as can be imagined, beaten plenty, and hunted several times. Taught me to be a survivor."

Now Bara really grins. "It explains much. You, I think, understand the.. expanded definition.. of family. I'd like to sleep with you sometime. You made an impression on Honey."

"Family is those you may have a fight with one day over ... stupid things. But when it comes down to something important, you always band together and stand as one against those that threaten the family," Alptraum notes. That last part gives him a bit of pause and he glances back. "Ah, heh. Well, I do know some tricks that tend to ... be memorable with regard to that."

"Mmmmm," Bara says, and licks her lips. "Boring doesn't mean disappointing. It's nice to see someone without pretense or trying to impress me. I got enough of that as a Yodhinala. And having to act like they were the greatest thing ever."

"I like that my partners enjoy it; that it's memorable. I don't really want to impress someone, I want them to not regret they had spent time with me," Alptraum says. "And for what it's worth, unless the person was really dense, usually they know if someone is acting like it was great."

"Oh, they knew it, but the fact that it was ego stroking was enough to give them a sense of power," Bara says. "The normal people.. they came for blessings, mostly. They were very solicitous, and.. well.. stroked our egos. So I understand it a little."

"Also, for what it is worth, I've not been impressed by many Yodhinala. The few I've known often acted like they were doing me a great favor by even touching me. Doesn't matter that they were physically beautiful, being made to feel like you were a pity lay made it unpleasant," Alptraum notes, "And also because of that, not very beautiful to me. The most beautiful Yodh I ever knew was a Yodhgorphat. She was kind, funny, fun, and did things just to make me smile. She was a friend, and had a wonderful heart."

"We were stuck up bitches, it is true," Bara says. "I still use the stance to seem intimidating, you know. It was something we did to feel less.. well, like prostitutes. It's a common thing to act haughty to convince yourself you have value. Your friend sounds nice. I hope she survived the Purge?"

"She did. She is alive, safe, and happy," Alptraum says. "She is with the woman that changed me more than anyone else. The most beautiful and wonderful Eeee I have ever met. The one who taught me how to let go of anger, and to give willingly and without expectation of anything in return. You'd like her. She can be terrifying when she needs to be, and she does everything to protect those she cares about. She sacrificed her future for them, in fact; gave up her dreams to save them. Hasn't had an easy life since. I gave her the one gift I could, even though it ... cost me. I have her back a future. I miss her."

"Will you go back to her once.. well, once things are settled here?" Bara asks. "We do need you now.. but we have to stand on our own eventually, you know."

"You had better," Bara says. "That's my opinion, of course. If I could survive, you should be able to as well."

"I am extremely hard to kill, but it is not impossible," Alptraum says. "There are ancient creatures capable of it, and one would like to see me gone."

"Already have. Some are just as bad as her, and I have to be careful with them too," Alptraum notes and shrugs. "And I'm surprised, I thought more people would have wanted to talk to me, but Sam hasn't brought anyone up."

"Oh, I have to give my permission," Bara says, and sits up. She whistles a little tune. Shortly thereafter, Sam arrives with a middle-aged Eeee couple. They don't look precisely well-off, so this could be a special occasion for them though.

Alptraum smiles to them from where he sits. "Good evening," he says to them, "I am Alptraum, pleasure to meet you."

The woman bows, and says, "I.. wanted to thank you, Barsunala. For my mother's peaceful passing in her bed, at home."

"No thanks are necessary," Alptraum says and bows his head back. "I am glad she was able to come to rest at home, with those that cared for her."

The Eeee couple bow again, and the wife says, "You deserve thanking anyway, Barsunala. Kindness is rare in life, rarer in death." With that, the pair begin to descend the stairs.

"Eventually," Bara comments. "It only takes one rock to trigger a rockslide - but it does help if that first rock is a big-ass boulder. You are a big-ass boulder, like it or not."

"It's a metaphor," Bara says with a smirk. "Just I have a bosom large enough to comfort the world. But I'm really just an Eeee, so there is obvious embellishment in that statement."

Alptraum now looks at Bara. Peers, really. "I could make them bigger," he says in complete deadpan.

"What's wrong with them?" the woman asks, and opens her robe. They're already large for an Eeee, thanks to Yodhinala breeding.

"I didn't say there was anything wrong, just that I could make them bigger," Alptraum points out. "You could also get those nipples pierced," he says with a straight face.

Bara sniffs, and says, "I am a former Yodhinala. Our bodies are altars." Then she twirls one hand at the wrist, noting, "Of course I'm not one any longer. I enjoy having a varied wardrobe however, so having to change embedded jewelry every day could be troublesome. If I were going to have anything pierced, it would be my scar."

"You could, and changing them isn't that troublesome," Alptraum quips, amused. "If you haven't figured out, I am also a bit of a troublemaker."

"Isn't that normal for a gypsy?" Bara asks, lounging again - but not closing her robe. "Causing trouble and mischief? Or am I making an unfair assumption?"

Alptraum peers down the stairwell. "Oh, sometimes. It all depends," he answers that a bit vaguely. "Sometimes we just seduce ladies."

"Well, why aren't you seducing me then?" Bara asks. "Is it because you don't have your gypsy clothes?"

"Because I am trying to be official and let people talk to me first. Fun comes later," Alptraum claims.

Someone else ascends the stairs - a well-to-do looking Eeee gentleman, but clearly a merchant. The Merchant's Guild ring is a giveaway. "I hope I am not interrupting?" he asks, noticing Bara's state of undress.

"No, you are not. Bara is ... teasing me," Alptraum claims as he looks to the gentleman. "How may I help you? Or, is it the guild wishing to speak with me?"

"I hardly speak for the Guild," the man says. Then he bows and introduces himself, "I am Tamlin Fring, and I deal in imports. Including medicines and first-aid supplies. Myself and a few others are trying to put together emergency aid teams which can operate in.. uh.. areas of combat. I was wondering if you could, perhaps, put in a word with the Yodhsunala for us? We would like to have a Yodhrinala or two for training, if possible. I know they are in short supply, of course... and we are not averse to active training. I'm uncertain as to whom to see about getting permission to operate in the refugee zones however.."

"Ah, I understand. My ... sisters are not the most approachable," Alptraum replies as he nods knowingly. "I can pass your request on, of course and will do so. You may also speak with Yodhsunala Nekara, she ... works for me to a degree. If she doesn't believe you, tell her a 'foolish idealist' referred you to her. Don't mention my name, just that. If she understands the reference, and she should, she would know that I did send you and it wasn't a lie."

"Oh my, then it's true you have individual Yodh that act as special agents for you?" Tamlin asks. "Do you have any among the Yodhblakat then? I don't think our medics can be of much use to the Yodhgorphat, but I understand things are less established at the Mt. Blakat camp."

"I have contacts at Mt. Blakat, yes. While they aren't really generous at giving favors, as long as I give them something they will help," Alptraum notes. "And if they get really stubborn, I can just talk to Blakat. She can get then to do what I want ... usually."

"Ah.. so one could tell what to have ready-to-take to appease them when we arrive?" the man asks.

"I can find out, yes, and pass the information to Bara here, if you wish. And if she is okay with it," Alptraum says and looks to the almost naked Bara.

"I'm comfortable in the role of intermediary or broker," Bara claims, and has a sip of her wine.

"We already use Bara to handle many of our organizational meetings," Tamlin notes. He then bows, and says, "Thank you for sharing your influence in this, Barsunala. I will try to contact Yodhsunala Nekara, and check back with Bara to let her know what we've managed, and for any other contacts you think would be helpful to our project."

Alptraum dips his head. "Thank you for your help," he says, "Perhaps more will follow your actions."

"Unlike the old nobles, the merchant class doesn't know how to hoard their wealth yet," Bara notes. "Instead of art, they spend their money on causes."

Alptraum sliiiides over to Bara .. then slides a hand into her parted robe to ... caress over her 'worldy bosom' as well as claw-rake down her belly. "Causes last longer. Art has its place too, but there should always be a balance."

"Legacy has always been important here, but the chance to build something is new," Bara says, and places her hand over Alptraum's.. and rubs the orb there when he gets to her scar.

Alptraum's hand pauses over that scar and then looks to her. "I'm going to try something, and no, it isn't doing anything with your scar," he says. And he means that; what he does try to do is extend feeling the room, the people here, and their emotions. Why? Because he then tries to use his ability to induce emotions in others to try and replicate them to Bara herself, so that she can feel what the people she has helped feel.

It's tricky to do without using the shadow. But Bara does smile, even if she doesn't know exactly what's causing her to feel happy. "That.. feels nice. What is it?" she asks.

"The people around you. I said I could feel what they felt, and I am .. and I'm passing it on to you," Alptraum explains, slightly distracted by this. It's an odd use of the ability, to act as a mirror, after all.

"They must be enjoying themselves," Bara says. "Some of them are also enjoying others I think."

Alptraum lets the feelings fade as it's requiring a lot of concentration to maintain. "Yes, they are," he says and leans until he's almost nose to nose with her. He then runs a claw along her scar a bit. "I can likely promise you've been with ... better men than I am ... at this, anyway," he notes.

"You'd be surprised," Bara says. "Those who come to the Yodhinala are.. not the best. That's why I had to train my staff personally. How much of your aunt is in you?"

"I've only really been in my aunt," Alptraum jokes, "I've not been with a guy and had them in me." He laughs a little, then says, "But yes, I do know a few things that She taught me, among others."

"So.. not a full barinala, but at least somewhat educated?" Bara asks.. almost with a purr.

"Educated, yes, and ... augmented some," Alptraum remarks vaguely. He does have those embedded studs after all.

"I know that one of my studs has had some augmentation recently," Bara notes, "but I haven't had the opportunity to see what it is yet."

"Similar to what I have, I believe," Alptraum notes, then leans in and actually nibbles on Bara's neck. He's not going straight to things, no. He's going to explore Bara a bit, caress, claw, nibble, and taste. Perhaps even nurse upon her first.

Bara puts her hand behind Alptraum's neck, and massages it. Given that she trained Honey, she probably knows all sorts of tricks.. but isn't using any of them on Alptraum yet. The Fnerf couch also shifts, rolling more onto her back to become a sort of chaise lounge with big built-in pillows.

Alptraum is more careful about disrobing Bara first; and he isn't shedding his shadow cloak and any clothing beneath it quite yet. It's nibbling along her neck, under her chin, then slowly down her chest, where he pauses to lick each nipple, then suckle on each in turn, playfully. Hands stay busy, though, claw-combing and caressing as they slide lower.

"You're doing well so far," Bara notes. "Most are not so.. patient or detail oriented.." She does squirm a little though, most from the claw-combing.

That's about when Alptraum bites down on one nipple, enough so that pinpricks of sharp teeth can be felt. Then it's ... a bit more vigorous nursing. His hands slide over her thighs and calves, but avoid touching her gate ... only coming soooo close, then to slide away.

"Ah, a tease.. oh.." Bara says, sounding surprised. The nursing triggers her lactation, which she certainly wasn't expecting. "That.. is something I haven't felt in some time.."

Alptraum switches to the other one so that things are flowing ... evenly. He looks up and just ... smiles. He starts nibbling down her belly now, then licking over each hip ... around her gate, but as before never quite touching it. Then it's nibbling down her left leg.

"Your aunt has blessed you, I see," Bara says, and wiggles her hips a bit. She also cheats.. by having her Fnerf lounge brush over Alptraum with her big floofy tail.

Alptraum is not to be dissuaded by a tail brushing! He keeps nibbling downward ... and then starts to suck on each of Bara's toes! Complete with tongue-curling playfully about each in turn.

"Ack!" the woman giggles, and wiggles her toes while they're being sucked. Of course, Bara has access to expert pedicure service, so her claws aren't particularly dangerous.

There's a long lick along the pad of that left foot, then Alptraum switches to the right foot and repeats the same. Then it's a slow nibble up the right leg this time.

And so Bara drapes her left leg across Alptraum's back, even rubbing between his wings with her heel.

Up Alptraum goes ... and since Bara's leg arch makes things so delightfully accessible, he kisses her right on Inala's gate. There's soon licking, of course, then another kiss ... and this time the tongue disappears inside Bara, and curls up to tease along as it goes deep into the former Yodh.

Bara arches her hips in a practiced move to make things a bit easier. And it's now that she starts to show off a little with her muscle control, trying to play with Alptraum's tongue a bit. Her taste changes, of course, as she gets more fully aroused.

Alptraum lingers. He's in no rush, and he's exploring her from the inside. Just ... not with the shadow but with his tongue instead. A deft roll of his head and he plants his nose right against Inala's orb and ... rubs.

This causes a bark of giddy laughter, before Bara covers her mouth with a hand. "I thought only the leaf-noses used that move," she admits.

Alptraum chuckles and grinds his nose in for a bit as his tongue continues to explore. Then it's out ... and his head tilts and he nips on Inala's orb very gently, then runs his tongue around it and just inside the hood.

It shouldn't be funny, but Bara squeaks in perfect time to the nip. She's also doing some tricks down there, practically kissing Alptraum back.

Alptraum lingers even more, playfully nipping and tickling with his tongue, then goes right back to kissing her, tongue darting right back in and nose grinding again.

So the odd snogging session continues, with Bara using her lower lips more than her uppers, since she isn't very chatty at the moment - she needs her mouth for heavy breathing.

And then the kiss ends and Alptraum is nibbling back up Bara's belly, then is nursing upon her again, a bit longer this time so that she can feel things ... flow.

This puts more of Alptraum in reach of Bara's hands. But instead of grabbing, the lightly stroke the inside and outside of his ears. Although her legs do wrap around a bit more, crossing behind his wings.

Ear rubbing always does feel nice, so Alptraum enjoys it while he nurses. He also keeps his body arched just enough to avoid any further contact with her gate, possibly trying to frustrate her a little.

Well, Bara deals with the stand-off situation by arching her hips to grind up against Alptraum's belly herself. The couch is also watching over her shoulder.. sort off. Bara's head is right between the Fnerf's breasts at the moment.

Alptraum keeps trying to arch away! And he also finally uses the shadow a little. Not on Bara, but to disrobe himself. Having extra arms, even if they are tentacles, have some advantages. It isn't until he's naked does he stop nursting. Then it's a growl as his head darts up and he bites onto her neck playfully. Not enough to pierce the skin, but likely enough to surprise ... and hopefully long enough of one that he can slip his augmented Eeee bits into her gate deftly.

This causes a gasp. It's extremely unlikely that Bara has been with a vampire before - there is a difference in the sharpness and length of the fangs after all. It's enough that she doesn't immediately latch onto Alptraum when he enters her. It takes her a moment to react.

Alptraum growls like some sort of animal as he starts to 'work', which means slow, but very strong, thrusts into the Eeee. He shifts his bite more to the base of her neck, where things wouldn't be hurt when he does bite enough to draw blood!

Bara rolls her hips with the thrusts, using her pelvis like a hinge, although she does shudder a bit still. Now she's got her claws into Alptraum's shoulders.. and for just a moment, he's reminded of his tryst with Floribunda Pike, who also liked to dig in with her claws. If he only knew then what he knew now... he might never have escaped that broken-down castle.

Alptraum does drink a bit of Bara's blood now that he has a grip with his jaws. Though he doesn't take too much and instead ends up licking the wound a bit to make it feel better. Most of his focus is on the firm thrusting and the sounds Bara makes. He wants Bara to have a rare experience; a good time that doesn't require faking.

She's grunting quite a bit, and not as focused as she was before. The bite really threw her off her usual strategy, it seems. The studs probably help too, making Alptraum feel different enough that her old reflexes are fooled.

Alptraum bites her other shoulder this time, but not enough to draw blood. What follows is ... he is licking the insides of her ears, pointedly, with each thrust of his hips.

She tenses at the second bite, expecting it to be a deeper one.. so again she's thrown off, and her ears flick from the licking. She isn't able to anticipate precisely what Alptraum is going to do, and isn't used to an Eeee as big as him either. It makes it nearly impossible for her to put her own moves on the man, which means she's almost forced to give and just enjoy the ride without having to be.. well.. a Yodhinala about it.

There are nips along her ears that threaten to pierce through them, only to stop before any blood is drawn. Then there are his wings, which curl down and wiggle up under Bara, lifting her up slightly into an undulating leathery embrace. All done without the shadow, too. His muzzle dips into one of her ears and he growls, soft and low. Then there's a flick of his tongue as it enters into her ear a short ways, then draws out slowly. His thrusts turn into long, grinding, rolls that barely separate their hips now.

It's the growl that seems to set Bara off. Once cocooned, she starts grinding back a bit vigorously on her own, but without any subtle internal flexing or movement. It's actually a bit raw - more like Nikky than Honey really.

It's then that Alptraum simply kisses Bara, and entwines his tongue with hers. That kiss will hold until he can feel her peak. It's good that he was with Honey earlier, because it means it takes more to get him to that point ... which is about the only way to keep up with a Yodhinala, former or not.

Now it's easier to taste the excitement on Bara's breath. Alptraum has managed to give her something new and unexpected, and for someone like Bara that means a lot. Her peak still builds slowly, since she seems to work in bursts of activity and then 'rests' and lets Alptraum do most of the hip-work. When she does start to peak, she foreshadows it by biting down on Alptraum's tongue.

And that triggers the soft growl again, and this times his claws raking over her back. His thrusts quicken at this, then he too peaks. It's strong and makes him see stars, what with that buildup! But he forces himself to keep those hips moving, even as things twitch and threaten to destroy his focus.

Bara actually moans and seems to struggle a bit, rolling her hips from side to side and using her legs to try and spread Alptraum's from behind.

Alptraum allows his legs to be spread this time; he trusts Bara, not to mention he's a bit ... distracted. The kiss breaks and he bites around the front of Bara's throat, growling softly.

And then Bara bites back.. sort of. It's a finger, and it's going into Alptraum. This wouldn't be all that new, except she's got rings on it. Clearly, this is why she has rings on it too.

This makes Alptraum arch! He didn't expect that. He also didn't expect it to feel good. His jaws also slacken briefly in the shock.

"My fangs are bigger, they just aren't in my mouth," Bara tells him, and makes a come-hither motion with her 'fang' to see if she can make Alptraum squirm a little.

And boy, does Alptraum squirm! And the motions get things to relax a bit more, which makes him squirm more because it stats to feel rather pleasant. "Just had to get revenge, I see," he murmurs, letting go of her neck slowly.

"I just need to let people know that I will screw them right back if I want to," Bara claims, and eases off a bit.

"I've had my ... fun with surprising you," Alptraum rumbles to her, then licks along her cheek. "Please show me your ... skills."

And so Bara turns Alptraum into something of a hand-puppet. While massaging his prostate, her blunt toe-claws dig into precise points on his inner thighs that send a jolt up into his groin and along his spine. He's suddenly not so relaxed as he was a moment ago! She uses the fingers of her free hand to also play with some pressure points near Alptraum's tail-bone, making things twitch even more.

Alptraum lets his eyes close and he just, well, enjoys the ride? He certainly makes all sorts of squeaks, squirms, and rolls of his hips again! "This is new," he murmurs, his own toes splaying.

"Oh, then you'll really like this.." Bara whispers. What follows is a series of muscle contractions, hip movements and pelvic manipulations that cause Alptraum to have a rather sudden climax, if a rather dry one. At least it doesn't hurt..

This means Alptraum squeaks too, and it's rather undignified. "I should know better than to tease someone with your training," he admits in a gasp and an arch!

"Mmmm.. are you sure?" she asks, and then makes it happen twice more, in quick succession.

Alptraum actually whines, then silences himself by biting onto her shoulder again! He's practically quivering.

"Now.. are you going to show me what you can really do?" Bara whispers, and bites Alptraum's ear in response to him biting her shoulder!

"Just remember you asked," Alptraum growls around her shoulder. A moment later shadow-tentacles seem to erupt from Alptraum. They whip through the air like snakes, then come down to coil about Bara's limbs, spreading her slowly with unyielding pull. They don't only go after her limbs, because Alptraum draws back ... only to re-enter her through her other passage ... and her gate is penetrated by one of the tentacles. It expands and writhes about inside her, actually making her gut undulate a bit. Then one pressed into the center of her chest, between her breasts ... then into her as it flows throughout her from the neck down, licking her from the inside out, while he rides her backside, and a tentacle works her gate like a naga.

Bara lets out a gasp.. that keeps going until she's run out of breath, and seems hesitant to breath back in. Her back arches as if she was plugged into an electrical circuit - and even her fur poofs out a bit. Kenning was never quite so penetrative as this before, after all.

The tentacle in her chest and the one up through her gate seem to meet somewhere in her belly. It feels like she has thousands of snakes beneath her skin, pleasurable ones at that. It's a mass of undulation that is soon lifting her up as Alptraum also rides her backside for a bit longer, though there is no way he's going to peak again so soon! Soon, that withdraws and is replaced by yet another shadow-tentacle. They explore, caress, lick, and otherwise try to excite every nerve in her body ... and he nurses on her again.

Of course, kenning a person is generally more pleasant feeling than a physical climax anyway, for both involved. Bara squirms and pants, taking shallow breaths as she's overwhelmed - she may not even notice the nursing right away as a result.

This goes on for a disturbingly long time before Alptraum decides to withdraw the shadow before she either loses her mind, or he gets too engrossed in the kenning and ... devours her. So ... the shadows draw back, settle her back down onto the fnerf-couch, and Alptraum collapses to his side, panting.

Bara doesn't seem inclined to move any muscle beyond breathing just yet, but the couch makes up for it by hugging them both so that they don't fall off. It's the first time Alptraum has been 'hugged' a Fnerf's forepaws instead of arms, but it serves to hold them in place while the tail curls over to form a sort of blanket. And the Fnerf purrs a bit too. "That looked fun," she says.

"It was good for me," Alptraum says rather cheezily, with s goofy grin on his face.

"Bara isn't usually so worn out," the Fnerf says. "She must have actually enjoyed it for a change. But how did you get her to give milk?"

"Inala blessing. Why ... oh feuds between the Sisters with me in the middle, mostly," Alptraum notes.

"How can they use you in a feud?" the couch asks. "I thought the rivalries were just to make stories more interesting. What do they feud about?"

"Oh, which one is liked more and who I favor more, other than Inala, mostly," Alptraum says and shrugs. "So they try to 'win' favors through gifts and undermining the others in some silly way."

"I suppose Inala and Sunala are above such things," the Fnerf says, leaning her upper part forward more. This made her breasts hover over the Eeees' heads, bit it was less awkward for conversing. "I wouldn't think the others.. uh.. had as much to squabble about? I can't imagine Rephath really caring."

"Hmm, no, she doesn't. It's more Inala, Gorphat, and Blakat that tend to bicker," Alptraum admits, "And occasionally Zakaro."

"Gorphat? What could she.. I mean.. she's Gorphat," the Fnerf flounders a bit. "And Blakat! Does Inala humor them? Barada I could see.. she and Inala have a relationship, after all. Zakaro.. hmm. I never really think about her, to be honest."

Alptraum just shrugs a little. "They all indulge in physical stuff from time to time, usually involving me. And yes, I have been with Gorphat in that way, same for Inala, and Blakat. They're Goddesses; they're still amazing in bed regardless of aspects," he says. "Though ... I do not recommend that any of you try it."

"I like the mortals well enough," the couch claims. "From the stories, people who get with the goddesses.. well, usually don't recover. But if I had to party with any of them.. who would you recommend?"

Alptraum hmms. "Honestly, Barada," Alptraum admits. "Or maybe Blakat if it's a wild party."

"Barada? Isn't she one to.. gossip?" the Fnerf asks.. then seems to reconsider. "Or rather, not gossip. She seems a bit young though. I'd worry about Blakat breaking things.. or swinging from the chandeliers. Can either of them sing, do you know?"

"Sunala.. sings?" the Fnerf asks in a stunned voice. It seems that she's having difficulty with the concept. "What does she sing about?" she has to ask. "And do you sing?"

"Songs about passing, about ends and beginning, and resting," Alptraum explains, "It's actually one of my first memories, being sung to that is. And do I? I'm not very good at it, but I can."

"So does Sunala sing for each departed soul?" the Fnerf asks, much more quietly this time - this is an important question!

The woman actually puts her hands to either side of her muzzle. "That's so beautiful," she says. "Does Inala sing when someone is born then?"

"Probably? I have never asked her," Alptraum notes, considering something. "Want to hear the song that is my first memory? It took me a long time before I understood the words, and not just the feeling."

The Fnerf nods, which causes things to shake a little, but at least not to the point where Alptraum was in danger of getting bopped by a wayward boob. Bara lifts her head slightly in interest as well - she hasn't been asleep, just quiet.

Alptraum has to sit up and collect himself. He takes a deep breath and goes quiet for a moment. When he starts to sing, his voice is softer, and a slight accent of his homeland of Sylvania infects his inflections. Such is rather common to singers, that even those with much practice in another language may still sound a bit foreign when singing. His voice is deep for an Eeee, lilting a bit, and tinged somehow with sorrow.

"That was sung to me as a child. First memory. I didn't understand it until I learned the language of Babel ... but I never forgot it," Alptraum says afterward.

Bara hugs Alptraum, and the Fnerf sniffles a bit. "A final lullaby," the Eeee says. "It is kinder than the Yodhsunala have seemed in the past."

"You have to understand, it is not an easy 'job'. Not being a Yodhsunala, nor Sunala herself. Being the last one sees, the one who has to usher you to final rest. Some become hard and cold on the outside to cope with it. And of course some are just hard and cold from the beginning," Alptraum says. "If you get past the walls many Yodhsunala have, you can find a sadness and a kindness there. It's just been buried for a long time now."

"The Yodh must never show weakness," Bara says. "To do so would seem a lack of faith, a poor reflection on our Goddess. Especially not to the Yodh of other Kindly Ones. It wears one down. Which is why one sees so few older Yodh."

The Yodhsunala cared not for me. Even the one I could closest call a friend in the end tried to kill me," Alptraum notes, quietly. "Know what I did to her?"

"What.. what did you do?" the Fnerf asks nervously, as if expecting something terrible.

"I saved her life by almost sacrificing my own so that she could escape," Alptraum explains. "Regardless of what she did, and what emotion would have wanted ... Babel had to change. That had to start somewhere. So, even with her betrayal, I did not seek revenge. I forgave her, and helped her survive, even if it meant I might not. I did exactly what most Babelites would not do, in hopes that just maybe it would mean something, someday."

"Forgiveness.." Bara says. "It is odd that generosity is easier still than that. But then, some things shouldn't be forgiven, because the victims are not longer around to give it. But to mean something, the one wronged has to be the one to forgive, isn't that so?"

"It has much more meaning that way, yes," Alptraum says. "And now that same Yodhsunala can barely look at me without feeling ashamed. Or cry. She also helped start the change to help those in need."

"I must admit that I am not so strong as you, Barsunala," Bara says. "I do not forgive Inala, nor Blakat, nor the Avatar for setting the latter upon us. Forgiveness still requires.. apology. For me, there has been no apology, no remorse for the actions of gods and monsters. I won't forgive, but I may give thanks, indirectly."

"If you don't let go, you can't move forward, Bara," Alptraum notes, quietly. "And I do not know if I call myself strong. I have my faults, just as anyone. Moments of rage and anger. And for what it is worth, Inala will apologize in her own way, in time. That much I do know."

"They have much to apologize for," Bara claims. "And I have moved forward." She raises an arm, and moves it to gesture to the domed ceiling above. "Babel moves on. It is their turn to move with us, and not us with them. Tell them for me, Barsunala. It is not enough that Sunala and Gorphat apologize through their actions, the others must step up as well."

Alptraum bobs his head. "I will do so," he says as he rises, "And I have taken up far too much of your time and distracted your patrons this evening. I should take my leave now." It also might be a bit eerie how he then uses the shadow tendrils to dress himself with the normal clothing he wore in under the shadow cloak.

Bara brings her knee up to grasp in her hands as she watches, her robe still draping from her shoulders. "Is there anything I should be listening for on your behalf?" she asks.

"If you hear any mentions of things like meeting up with some ships, or needing to send messages back to Saskanar, it might be useful to know. Someone is helping to try and disrupt trade and I am trying to stop them," Alptraum says as the last bit of clothing settles into place. He pauses, then asks oddly, "Do you fear me, Bara?"

"Everyone fears change, at least a little," Bara says. "You are a fear I have no urge to conquer though. Or rather, you are fearsome, but you do not make me afraid. Hope can be frightening too."

"Maybe, once, no longer," Bara says. "I can surrender to you without hurting my pride, after all. Conquest is.. how I often deal with those who wield power. To make myself feel less powerless."

"Then I have a small request of you," Alptraum says, "A great battle is coming and it will likely decide the fate of Babel. I may fall in that battle. So ... if I do, I only ask you remember the foolish dreamer who tried to make a difference. And ... should children come from Draco County asking about me some day... tell them what you remember. Please."

Alptraum bows his head. "Thank you," he says, then turns and descends the stairs.