Alptraum doesn't run into any difficulties finding the passage that leads to the Temple dungeon. The two Yodhrephath guarding the main entry before the passage itself come to attention when they spot the Barsunala approaching. "Nothing has gotten past us," the slightly taller woman reports. She doesn't salute, but does tap the butt of her halberd on the stone floor. The jagged chitin blade looks to have been nastier by the addition of shards of glass. The shorter guard holds a stone-headed mace.

"That is a nasty-looking weapon," Alptraum observes. "Do you also rub it in grok dung? And oh, I'm here to get the guests ready for transport to hopefully remove the ritual connections to them.""

"The what now?" the tall guard asks. "I don't actually know what's down this passage. I'm just guarding it against anyone who isn't part of the temple or.. uh.. you."

"Hey, I'm part of the temple," Alptraum insists. "Anyway, just passing through, then."

"Very well, Barsunala," the guard says. "And we aren't allowed to use infectants on our weapons."

"Probably," the guard says. "I never asked. Rules are rules for a reason, so I don't need to know the reason, really."

"Reasons are important, but anyway, have fun being a guard?" Alptraum offer and proceeds onward!

The inner guards (both barrephath) wave when Alptraum shows up. "All quiet since your last inspection," the one on the left says, while the other one knocks on the door and talks through the peephole when it opens up.

The door opens to let Alptraum into the guard room. "Well, this is the most exciting thing to happen since.. the last time it happened," the inside door guard replies. "Did you bring any candy, by any chance?"

"What, I'm not good enough? A visit by a demigod isn't enough, that candy has to be involved?" Alptraum deadpans.

"We get asked about candy a lot, is all" the guard says, smiling nervously and holding his hand up. "If you're going through, you have to remove your clothes again," he adds apologetically.

"I'm mostly here to say they need to be ready to leave soon. We're arranging ship and transport to a remote area to remove the ritual binding them," Alptraum explains.

"How soon?" the guard asks. "Do they need to do any fasting beforehand or anything? We've got the blindfolds still." He gestures to a box full of dark sacks, meant to completely cover someone's head. "Do they need clothes too?"

"Light clothing. No need to fast. The travel will be a day anyway, so we don't want them passing out from hunger," Alptraum explains. "No weapons for them, though. And glue corks on the tips of any horns."

"We can manage tunics for the small ones, the big ones will probably have to make do with skirts," the guard says. "I'll make sure the room guards have everything by next shift change. I guess this means we won't be seeing the Aeonian with big boobs again though."

"No. Was that ... important to you?" Alptraum has to ask and arch his brow. "So, boobs are better than me, is that it?"

"She's the only other visitor we've had," the guard explains. "We.. don't get to see boobs like that in the Temple is all. Or soft things in general."

"But.. you're the Barsunala!" the guard points out. "You shouldn't be concerned about barrephath anyway. It's not like we got to feel them or anything, so we can't really miss it."

"I could give the both of you boobs," Alptraum offers instead, "If you need things to feel."

"I think the Yodh would make fun of us then," the other guard notes. "Too bad you couldn't make the room guards have big boobs."

"I could," Alptraum notes and shrugs. "BEtween you and me, actually having boobs is pretty nice."

"Really? You could?" the guard asks. "I think the younger ones might go for it. They sometimes try to impress us."

"I should probably get permission from Koldesh, though," Alptraum points out. "Would you like your names on the request?"

"Oh.. well.. she probably doesn't know us," the guard says quickly. "We were all just joking, right? From being stuck underground for too long."

Alptraum laughs. "Relax," he says. "You'll get boobs eventually anyway, what with what they feed you."

"Maybe," Alptraum says. "Should I talk to the other guards, or will you arrange everything with them?"

"I don't think they'd let us ask them if they wanted bigger boobs," the first guard says, rubbing the back of his head. "They tend to reply with punches."

"Oh! We will arrange it. Do you know who will be coming to pick them up?" the guard asks.

"A group of misfits, probably under the direction of a Yodhrephath Ruthless," Alptraum answers.

The guards shrink back a bit at the mention of Ruthless. "Oh.." the first guard finally replies. "We will be extra prepared then."

"Do you have a problem with her?" Alptraum asks and arches his brow. "She seems like a nice enough person."

"She's my aunt," the first guard says. "So if she finds me lacking in any way she will.. tell my mother." He looks horrified at the possibility.

"Ahh, well, now that makes sense. Mothers are terrifying," Alptraum says and nods.

The two guards just look at Alptraum in silence. He's the Barsunala, and his mother is Sunala herself.. so they can't exactly agree without possibly committing some sort of blasphemy. "I'm sure not all of them are terrifying," the second notes into the silence.

Alptraum barks in laughter! "Sunala can be terrifying. Also sweet. So, yes, even her. All mothers can be terrifying," he says, amused and grinning. "And you two need to relax."

"Well, we will when our duty here is over," the first one notes. "No more having to watch Yodhrephath strip down and get dressed during shift changes."

"They glare at us," the second one says. "They complain that we don't have to do it."

"The sexy ones are the worse," the first adds. "You have stand at attention without.. standing at attention.."

"And I've seen Koldesh strip. I've been with her, so to speak," he adds unhelpfully. "It is intense."

"We.. shouldn't be thinking about our superiors like that," the first guard notes. "They're supposed to be the ones ogling us after all."

Alptraum laughs. "Also wise. Anyway, that is all I need. They need to be ready for transport by dawn," he says and heads to leave. "And whatever you do, try not to think about kyootcumbers."

"Kyootcumbers?" the guard asks, and looks to the other one, who looks like he's trying to remember something.

"Just saying," Alptraum says; probably to drive them nuts. Out the door he goes.

The guards at the end of the corridor greet him when he returns, and don't ask any questions.

"Remember, kyootcumbers aren't for eating," Alptraum pronounces a he heads down the hall.

Once back in the Temple proper, the outer guards nod to Alptraum. This corridor links up to one that leads to Koldesh's office, where he figures he should drop in and make sure the High Priestess was aware of the plan.

And up Alptraum goes. Mostly keeping quiet and to himself, save for the occasional whistle to pass the time walking.

The whistles do draw attention from those he passes.. but he draws attention anyway, being the Barsunala. Other than Captain Karada, outsiders never go this deep into the Temple. He gets to the outer office waiting room, and the secretary (or door attendant) nods and asks him if the High Priestess is expecting him.

"No one expects the Sunala Inquisition," Alptraum claims with a straight face. "No, no she's not expecting me," he does at least say a few seconds later. I just finished arranging transport for the prisoners; we leave tomorrow. I figured she would like to know."

"I'll tell her you're here then," the woman says, and bows before opening the door enough to slide in. A moment later it opens up fully. "She can see you now," the secretary explains.

"Thank you," Alptraum says and then heads through the door and into the room beyond.

The door closes behind as the secretary leaves. Koldesh is at her desk, with an open bottle of wine and an empty plate on one side of her desk, and the usual clutter of parchments covering the rest. She looks up and smiles to Alptraum. "I don't suppose you've come to recommend a good accountant?" she asks.

""I don't know of any? I think they're all required to sign away being good," Alptraum quips. "I won't bother you long. I'll be taking the prisoners at dawn. A day flight out, then I'll try to undo the ritual bound to them."

"And how many Royal Mage forces will be trying to kill you during this day trip?" Koldesh asks.

"I have no idea," Alptraum answers and shrugs. "I suppose if they kill all of us that just means less irritants to worry about."

"You aren't irritants," Koldesh says. "Will you be bringing them all back here afterwards, or will they not need to be kept in isolation at that point? And what should we do with the Doctor, if he.. they.. are not of any more use?"

"Further interrogation to see if we can hey anything more; then after that, well, putting them to death," Alptraum answers. "May ask the mage tower to try and interrogate him again to see if they can get anything too. Before putting anyone to death that is."

"You have guards and an airship for this already then, I take it?" Koldesh asks.

"Yes. Yodhrephath Ruthless identified some guards and crew from the uh, less in good standing here. Karada provided one of the captured ships," Alptraum says. "None of this should lessen your capabilities here, if I understand the reason behind the choices."

"We'll be on high alert," Koldesh says. "Especially within the city itself. Taking hostages is a Babelite tradition, so any forces of their forces that were held back, snuck away or sympathizers we don't know about may attempt to do so. However, if they haven't already they may not be able to."

"Or they're waiting for a better target, like this one will be," Alptraum notes. "The trip should only be a couple of days. If we're not back in three, something went wrong."

"And oh, I've gotten Windcaller medical treatment for her recent injuries. They were bad, but she should fully recover," he adds.

"I have confidence in your ability to kill any unforeseen problems," Koldesh says. Then she frowns. "The severity of her injuries wasn't in the report, only that she would be unable to perform her duties until she recovered."

"Severe nerve damage in her hands and arms," Alptraum explains. "It would have required an expert to diagnose at the detail needed. I got her the best care I know of in the city."

"You took her to the Life Mages, didn't you?" Koldesh asks. "You know she's considered a rogue mage, and thus a criminal in the eyes of their guild, don't you?"

"Yes. And I also know they don't care one bit about her status, and are treating her with the best care they can," Alptraum says, "Both because they really don't care, and because I asked."

"The Guild in Babel is not closely monitored by Caroban, admittedly," Koldesh says. "According to the Yodhbarada anyway. But we can't get a temporary replacement for her, so the Vigilant Eye will stay on patrol in Babel with mounted escorts. Where are you taking our charges to perform this ritual-breaking?"

"I could ask the Guild hall for a replacement, but the odds are low on that," Alptraum admits. "As for us, we're going out to the wastes, near an old city and near the forbidden zone. Basically a location people don't normally wan to go."

"Nobody goes into the watelands," Koldesh says. "Because they're wastelands. I'm surprised the Royal Mages didn't set up their base out there."

"I've been out there and they weren't there before. Hopefully not now as well. There's little to live on and lots to kill you," Alptraum says.

"So a good place for zombies and other undead," Koldesh says. "Nothing that's likely able to fly though. At least I've never heard of a flying zombie before. Is there something special out there that you need?"

"No, other than it being desolate and there can't reasonably be any collateral damage if anything goes wrong," Alptraum points out. "Even if I cause an explosion several miles across, it's unlikely to affect anyone but us."

"Are you expecting to create an explosion?" Koldesh asks, eyebrows raised. "Exploding is generally not a good thing."

"I am planning for the best, and expecting the worst," Alptraum answers. "Even with who I am, I am ... figuring all this out as I go. I have no greater knowledge here than you I'd wager."

"Hmm, so you don't have access to your previous.. incarnations?" Koldesh asks. "I hadn't thought of it before now, really."

"Not directly, no. I can sometimes tap stuff like that, but more often than not, no," Alptraum concedes. "Which is good or bad. If my predecessors were so good, I wouldn't be needed now, and such arguments."

"That's Kindly Ones stuff, over my head," Koldesh claims. "You'll be moving the one the Mage's have then, old Caradoc. How are they holding him?"

"In so many layers of spells it hurts my head," Alptraum admits. "I'll be the one transporting him as I can actually statis-lock him in a way he shouldn't be able to penetrate, since my magic is 'weird' compared to conventional, or even old magic."

The mages aren't good with blended and holy magic," Koldesh notes. "Not even the Royal Mages. They depended on artifacts for such things. Will you be taking any Yodhsunala with you?"

"I had not planned to. I'm not sure of any that would willingly go. Believe it or not, I am not particularly popular with them," Alptraum notes. "How dare some 'male' outrank them, and such things like that."

"Ah, so you prefer us then?" Koldesh asks with a grin, and leans back to steeple her fingers.

"Well, the Yodhsunala are not known to be very welcoming of the living," Koldesh quips. "And the Yodhrephath are prettier, I'm sure."

"If you think prettier means looking like men, sure," Alptraum says with a huge grin.

"Well, sure, more or less. I mean, I look more female over time due to the magic I use and how, so I guess I look prettier," Alptraum claims.

"You've always been pretty," Koldesh claims. "The allure of Death. Everyone's final lover."

That makes Alptraum sort of snort-laugh. "Well, compared to you at least I'm definitely more, ah, effeminate in appearance," he claims, "And this is a silly discussion."

"So, you have everything you need for your journey, and I know to bolster our patrol in the city," Koldesh says. "We'll keep the guest rooms ready if you aren't taking the survivors to the Mages."

"It will depend on how they are once everything is broken," Alptraum says. "Two mages will be going too, a Life and Air mage, as supplemental help. If Windcaller were well, I would have asked for her, but she needs a lot of recovery."

"So the Mages will share in any credit or blame then," Koldesh says. "How difficult is this really going to be though?"

"No idea. It may either be simple, or horrible," Alptraum concedes. "There are many unknowns, and we're relying on me being able to sever all the links at exactly the same time."

"Cut them where they're closest together then," Koldesh suggests. "Even if it means cutting out Caradoc's heart, if he has one."

"That's the plan. And it really is something only I can do given the nature of the tethers. I'd go completely alone, but I can't manage a ship alone," Alptraum concedes. "And I have to rest sometime."

"Well, thank you for filling me in on the details," Koldesh says. "Off to get the Mages ready next?"

"Yes, that shouldn't take too long, I hope," Alptraum admits and shrugs. "I'd honestly prefer to stay and distract you more for all of this, but ... time is limited."

"When you return we will celebrate the failure of whatever grand plan the Royal Mages had then," Koldesh promises.

"That depends on how well you can dance atop a table," Koldesh replies, grinning a wicked grin. "A proper dance, a wild dance."

"Not just a flaring dress and a tambourine?" the High Priestess asks with a chuckle.

"Not for a good proper jiggle, no," Alptraum claims and laughs. "Right, right, I'm going."

"I'll try to have a good dress picked out by the time you return," Koldesh says. "Good luck, be careful, and don't forget who your family are."

"About family?" Koldesh asks. "You are the Barsunala. You can call on your mother and aunts if you need to."

"Ah. Well, that's true. I hope it does not require that, though," Alptraum says and continues on. "Thank you for your time. With luck, this will all go smoothly."

The landing balcony at the Mages Guild tower has been slightly modified: mooring gear has been brought out and mounted at the end of the long platform. Two Eeee and a Fnerf busy securing it when Alptraum arrives.

"Fox butt!" Alptraum declares and gives it a pat with one of his feet as he comes in for a landing!

"Huh?" the Fnerf asks, looking up after Alptraum has arleady passed by, then scratching his head in confusion.

"I sat fox butt. Foxes have nice butts," Alptraum claims after landing and heads over to see what's what.

"What's a fox?" the Fnerf asks, while one of the Eeee looks up at Alptraum. "It's a secret," he claims. "An airship is going to dock right here at the guild tower. Don't tell anyone though."

"I know, it's my airship. Well, borrowed airship," Alptraum says and rolls his eyes a little. "And a fox is what you are. Mostly,"

"Nice to meecha. Alptraum. The Barsunala. Like, the Son of Death," Alptraum replies in kind.

"Because, you know.. Death comes in threes," the Fnerf explains. "So I guess your parents are the other two."

The other two Eeee stop what they're doing to listen. Nothing in the Lore talks about the Barsunala's father after all.

"And here I thought you were looking for a date," Alptraum jokes and shrugs. "Or are you, I mean you're asking about parents..."

"Well.. gotta be parents," the Fnerf claims. "A momma and a papa. I had both. I think everyone needs both?"

"It gets weird when magic is involved," Alptraum claims vaguely. "I've got to go check on prisoner transport. Good luck with that."

The door guards nod to Alptraum and one gets the door opened for him. The receptionist of the day is a black Gallah mix. "Ah!" she barks, nearly jumping when she sees Alptraum.

"What? What?!" Alptraum asks and spins around looking for whatever startled the receptionist.

"Oh, you just startled me," the canine says, putting a hand over her heart. "With all the noise and rigging being carried out I just started ignoring things."

"Well, just passing through. You can go back to ignoring things," Alptraum comments.

"Thank you!" the receptionist says, and goes to back to whatever she was reading before Alptraum startled her.

"But never forget Death is always watching..." Alptraum says ominously before disappearing down a corridor.

Other than the activity at the landing, things seem fairly calm. At least in that Alptraum doesn't run into anyone in his short journey to Cyprian's office. At his knock, the door opens a crack and and eye looks out at him. Given the height of it, it's probably a novice or support staff. "Yes?" it asks in a very soft voice.

"I'm here to claim Cyprian's soul," Alptraum answers, simply, then smiles with fangs.

"I think the Guild has a lien on it still," the voice responds. "But.. he's not here right now. He's working."

"Down.. stairs?" the voice replies. "I don't know where, because I'm not supposed to go and fetch him for any reason."

"Oh.. in that case.. he's downstairs. He hasn't been to his quarters for awhile now," is the reply.

Alptraum sighs. "He needs to sleep. I know where he is then, I'll go there," he says. "Thank you."

"I think the invoice thing is just a joke Spirit Mages like to do, but I couldn't be sure," the voice claims, then closes the door.

"Kids," Alptraum mutters as he turns and heads down, then. Towards the cell area.

This time there are no disturbing odors along the way. The guard outside of the observation room looks tired, and at first perks up when Alptraum approaches until it's clear he isn't there to relieve him. He does salute, however.

"You look tired," Alptraum observes, "The good news is you won't have to be concerned with this soon."

"Are they finally going to kill him then?" the guard asks. "I just wish the Mateh machine hadn't broken down."

"I will be dealing with him," Alptraum answers vaguely. "It will not be a problem here much longer. I can't be more specific than that."

"Oh," the guard says, blinking. "Are you taking him to hell then like those rich cannibal bastards?"

"Keep up the good work, and enjoy a long bed, eh?" Alptraum comments as he passes through the door. "Thank you."

The observation room smells a bit stale. Cyprian is sitting on a wooden stool and chanting or muttering. His eyes are closed, so he could be 'spelling' in his sleep somehow. Another tired look mage wears the robes of the Sphere of Air, but isn't casting anything at the moment. He doesn't look very alert for a Khatta.

"The transport ship arrives in the morning. He will then be out of your hands and my concern. I hope you all will then sleep straight for at least three days," Alptraum announces.

"Sleep?" the Air Mage asks, looking alert again. Cyprian keeps going for a while long before stopping his chant and opening his eyes. "I've been getting this ready," he tells Alptraum. "Gusty has been resting so he'll be fresh. I'd like to send a Mind Mage with you but I don't think any are up to it."

"So, does that mean you intend to go, then?" Alptraum asks and arches his brow. "I've got a guard crew, and a basic flight crew assembled, and a small and fast-ish ship," he says.

"I'm concerned about potential mental manipulation if things go badly," Cyprian says. "While some magic can use charms for warding, Mind Magic is too varied. It shouldn't be possible to control someone's mind, but influencing it is still possible, even slipping in false memories, although that takes a lot of work."

"Incluencing is easy in general, induce vague fears, unease, Stoke paranoia, and so on. People are quite good at filling in their own holes when afraid," Alptraum remarks. "You also didn't answer my question."

"I can't rest until Mage Pancrazio is 'locked up' by you," Cyprian claims. "I don't know if I'll be of any defense then if he manages to do something, or if being there will just give him another hostage."

"So, would you feel better if I came along, just in case?" Cyprian asks Alptraum.

"It's your choice. This could be an extremely dangerous trip with the odds of not coming back to be more than negligible," Alptraum answers. "It's not my place to ask anything like that of you. What you do needs to be what you wish to do, not because you felt obligated or asked. I neither require, nor ask, for any further sacrifice."

"In that case, yes, I do want to come along," Cyprian says. "I have a suspicion, and want to have the countermeasure ready if it proves correct."

"The wide-effect 'immunization' spell we've been working on to counter the odd madness from the General's weaponized.. srinalas," Cyprian says. "If the Royal Mages were working with the General, it seems reasonable that such magic could have been part of the payment to them."

"Ah, yes, that delightful spell. I know it far too well. It's difficult to counter, even for me. It requires alien physiology to counter, at least for me," Alptraum claims. "You're welcome to come, of course. And I promise to even behave myself," he jokes.

"Soon. I want to do it close to ship arrival so that its drain is as short as possible. I don't know quite how much strain this will put on me, so I want to plan ahead and minimize it. I'll also have the Light along, just in case," Alptraum says.

"Highly unlikely. It only allows itself to be used by those it chooses as far as I'm aware," Alptraum muses. "It's sort of a living artifact."

"I'll try to prepare a shield for the bearer then, just in case," Cyprian says. "Although it is unlikely that Pancrazio would even be aware of it."

"It's only know to scholars of very old legends, and certainly not in any Babel legends. So, true, it is unlikely he would know anything of it," Alptraum agrees. "At its core, it's sort of a powerful source of life-spirit magic, predating current magical schools."

"So are many of the Royal Mages' artifacts though," Cyprian says. "They may have known about it, although it isn't something they'd likely be looking for."

"Given where I collected it from, no kidding," Alptraum says, "Only an idiot would have gone into where it was kept."

"Imagine a prison designed to keep someone alive for an eternity so that they can continually suffer all the possible agonies right on the edge of death; an edge they're never quiet allowed to cross," Alptraum explains.

"And this wasn't in Babel?" Cyprian asks. "Or is it something to do with the crimes of the prisoners?"

"Necromancers then," Cyprian says. "They would have been like that for over a century then, at the least."

"Correct," Alptraum confirms. "Anyway, make sure he'll be ready to separate from current containment once I set up mine in a few hours. I still need to inform the crazy mouse to be ready."

"By the way, we will have Yodhrephath guards. So, some might make a pass at you," Alptraum notes and heads to the door. "I'll be back soon."

"Thanks for the warning," Cyprian says in parting. The guard outside salutes again. They don't usually salute, so maybe this one is actually a former soldier.

Alptraum salutes back, then pats his butt too, and saunters on. Back to annoy the mouse.

Things are relatively quiet in the infirmary, in that there aren't any assistants busily washing or preparing things. There is one sitting next to the patient cubbies, but he seems to be dozing. He has a clipboard in his lap, and what might be some sort of timer. It's an egg-shaped thing that ticks erratically.

Alptraum sneaks over, then grabs the attendant's head and shakes it lightly while going "Bzzzt!"

"Waaah!" the man yelps and jumps up. "Is someone dying?" he asks in bewilderment, then focuses on Alptraum and adds, "Is it me? Am I dying?"

"If Trilby caught you sleeping, I think the chance would be quite high," Alptraum admits and lets go. "Is she in her office?"

"Uh.. probably?" the attendant says, still confused. "I last her saw go in there."

Thanks," Alptraum quips and flicks his ear. Off he goes to the office door, where he knocks, then opens it without waiting for a reply.

"I'm busy!" a squeaky voice claims when the door opens. The room is fairly well lit, and Trilby is at the worktable working with.. potions, or medicine or booze.

"Ship leaves in the morning, early. The patients will need to be ready to be placed onboard as quickly as possible," Alptraum says. "And don't worry, I don't see the servant under the table pleasuring you."

"I'm almost done with my preparations," Trilby says, not turning to look at Alptraum. She gestures to a valise that's already full of vials and equipment. "I'll tell the Cervani when they wake up. I can't really hold them any longer as patients anyway, they haven't shown any side effects of their treatment."

"Oh, so you don't need to go, then, if they're not patients anymore," Alptraum points out.

"I need to monitor them after you do your thing, plus the others," Trilby notes. "The prisoner is a life-and-mind mage. He could be full of tricks."

"I just think you're nosy and maybe like looking at my butt," Alptraum jokes and grins.

"I'm short, it's unavoidable," Trilby claims, then raises one of her hairless hands and wiggles her fingers. "Make me good at surgery though."

"I have sedatives for Eeee," Trilby notes. "And calming tea. And stimulants. And dried fruit for myself."

"More commenting on it in case you and he ... well, it gets lonely here," Alptraum suggests.

"We work together," Trilby says, then does look at Alptraum. "Do you know something I don't?"

"Well, Mind Mages are all wierd, after all," Trilby notes. "Rooting around in someone's guts is normal compared to someone's mind."

"As normal as Gorphat is," Alptraum replies, innocently. "Anyway, that's the news; we leave in the morning. sorry for the interrupt."

"That you and he are going on a romantic cruise," Alptraum says with a straight face.

"Very funny," Trilby says. "I mean what to say to them about still being connected by a spell that might kill them and they have to go on a trip into the wastelands to try and sever the link."

"All right, all right, more seriously, tell him we're taking everyone associated to this spell far from the city to make it less likely to be triggered, and wasted, in the wasteland. So we can disassemble it in a way safest to everyone," Alptraum offers.

"You don't have to tell him about the possible dying, you know. Just that out of the city the spell is less worth triggering and thus less likely while being removed," Alptraum points out.

"Now, is there anything special I should be bringing along for you or the airship crew?" Trilby asks. "That aren't snacks. I don't share snacks."

"The crew is mostly Yodhrephath," Alptraum answers, and leaves out the fact they're all failures. "Perhaps lots of Mateh, and booze for celebrating after? Or failing that, to make firebombs."

"My alcohol is for sterilization purposes," Trilby says. "I'll leave it to you to provide for entertainment and morale. So, all Eeee then for the crew? Also, it isn't wise to have booze around Gusty."

"I can't just encourage you, you're a religious figure after all," Triby claims. "And I laugh plenty when I'm drunk. It just hurts non-Eeee ears, I've been told."

Alptraum hehs. "Oh, how is Windcaller doing?" he asks. "Her friends at the temple are worried for her."

"The pain has stopped," Trilby says. "So the healing can proceed a bit more rapidly. Still keeping her sedated though as much as possible. It's important when dealing with elemental Mages."

"So she doesn't accidentally cast?" Alptraum asks. "Is she aware at all where she is?"

"Not really," Trilby says. "I haven't let wake up that much. There is another Life Mage I trust who will be looking after her, and is more familiar with the sort of injury she sustained."

"Who? I gave my word to Koldesh that none of you would turn her over to Caroban," Alptraum notes.

"And I'm not," Trilby says. "This one's local. Normally works in the city center clinic. Dealt with some of those that had Boomer-related injuries."

"She's Babelite, and wouldn't know who Windcaller is other than an injured Air Mage," Trilby says. "Cyprian vouched for her."

Alptraum nods. "All right. Good," he says, "I know I've put some of you in uncomfortable positions with this ... but I couldn't think of anyplace else to bring her."

"Life Mages have a lot of leeway," Trilby says. "Cyprian can make sure things stay contained."

Alptraum nods. "Koldesh is watching and could help in some ways too, I suspect," he adds, "But ... that's probably best avoided."

"The Yodhrephath are hand-waivingly sanctioned by the Coalition anyway I think, since they took up anti-piracy duties," Trilby says. "I don't give a fig about politics or religion. Neither are very reliable in my opinion."

"What?" Trilby asks. "You aren't exactly religious yourself you know. Never seen you praying to a Kindly One, or acting like a priest."

"I am part of it more than any priest is. And I don't pray to them, I have tea with them. Sometimes cookies," Alptraum notes. "And I like to think I have been reliable."

"Yeah but you aren't a priestess performing a miracle," Trilby says. "Before the purge, Yodhzakaro where used by tower owners angry with the Mages. So when their towers fell over, it was the will of Zakaro, not because magical talent is actually rare and Yodhzakaro aren't Earth Mages."

"Just remember there are all kinds in everything. Some actually do want to help. Many didn't admittedly, but some do now. Windcaller in there gave up everything to try and help protect her people from themselves and others. And now she's an outsider in both. Imagine how lonely she must feel every day, and how much she has to believe she can and will, help, to suffer that," Alptraum explains. "So, while, yes, some are horrible there are others that truly want to help. Don't lump us all into 'unreliable'.

"There are some who might argue against Windcaller being reliable before she became a Yodhrephath," Trilby says with a sigh. "She nearly got kicked out of the Guild a few times, if I remember. Had a penchant for showing up in places that nobody had heard from in ages though. So when she went wrong, it was sometimes beneficial. Don't know her personally though."

"I'll take someone who's 'unreliable' with a good heart and a true desire to help, over someone perfect, with an attitude," Alptraum notes, "Because when the real shit happens, the former is far more dependable, frankly."

"I'm harsh with my underlings because they need to be on edge to do their jobs properly," Trilby says. "Miss something and somebody could die."

"Sort of," Alptraum comments and waves a hand. "Anyway, I'm wasting your time. I've got to go get ready to deal with sealing up the mage. And ... crap, Tulani. I didn't tell her the timeframe either. Crap, crap."

"That reminds me, I should pack incontinence pills too," Trilby says. "How early is early, or should I just go to sleep now?"

"Because one should not travel with a group of nervous people without them," Trilby claims.

"Do you expect people to be peeing everywhere?" Alptraum asks. "I've never known anyone have that problem."

"I'm more concerned about chain-reaction events," Trilby says. "I've seen it twice before."

"First time was an evacuation drill," Trilby says. "The students took evacuation a bit too literally when the airship starting dropping quickly. Second time was during the siege on this very tower by angry Babelites and too many students were packed into a safe room. This time I'm going to be prepared."

Alptraum just shakes his head. "I guess when you grow up in a city, you're just not used to scary things," he mutters. "I need to go send a message to Tulani too, and then start on sealing up Mr. Happy downstairs."

"Have fun dealing with two horny guys. You might need your leathers," Alptraum jokes, and winks.

Alptraum laughs and taps her nose. "See you in a few," he says and leaves her be.

The Nest
Deep beneath the Temple of Inala is a secret bunker, where some of the Yodhinalas' treasure and special items were stored. Currently it's been reclaimed by the once High Priestess, Mave, and her companions.

Things are brightly lit when Alptraum arrives (presumably a requirement for packing) but Tulani isn't packing a bag, she's just laying out her airship clothes. "Is it time?" she asks when Alptraum enters.

"The ship leaves at dawn," Alptraum says as he heads down the stairs. "Prisoners will be loaded then, and we will be on our way. We'll be leaving from the Mage's guild if you want to meet up there."

"Then I should get on at Mr. Rephath," Tulani says. "The pilot may know how to get to the Mage's Guild tower, but won't know where we're going afterwards, and we'll need to blend in with the regular air traffic for some of it."

"Right. That sounds good. You're up for this, right? I volunteered you without ever really asking," Alptraum says, "I'm sorry for that."

"I'm the only other person who knows where we're actually going and how to get there," Tulani points out. "You're going to be dealing with the passengers." She then grins. "Plus, I want to see Crabcakes or whatever his name is fail."

"Is Mave aware we're going? I've not spoken with her for a long time," Alptraum says.

"All right," Alptraum says and heads the rest of the way down and then through to the back rooms. He listens and well, sniffs, to try and find Mave without calling out or disturbing anything.

Mave has a little nook she's created for her rituals, and Alptraum finds her there. She's sitting naked with blue marks on her legs, arms and face, and a bowl nestled in her crossed legs amidst a circle of symbols and incense smoke.

"I apologize for the intrusion," Alptraum says once he has poked his head in. "I leave in the morning to deal with the Royal Mage. It's going to be dangerous, and there is a possibility I will not return. I wanted to at least say goodbye."

This makes Alptraum's brow arch a little. "All right," he says and enters, then goes to sit his butt down in the place indicated before her, and faces her. He's at least careful to not smudge or sit on a ritual line.

Mave holds up the bowl. It's very ornate, made from colored glass, and has a good mouthful of blood in it. "Please drink this."

"What is it, and why?" Alptraum asks as he takes up the glass bowl, then peers in it. Normally he'd wait for a response to that question, but this time he drinks it anyway, without waiting for Mave to 'explain' it.

It's blood of course, although it feels more fluid, as if wetter somehow, or smoother. No sign of clotting or the slight taste blood gets when it's exposed to air, instead of coming straight from the source.

Mave dips the middle finger of her left hand into the bowl to get some of the last drops onto it, than taps each of Alptraum's shoulders and then the center of his forehead with it. With the final touch, all three spots tingle for a moment, as well as his stomach. "It's just a blessing," Mave says. "My blessing."

"A blessing of what, though?" Alptraum asks as one ear flicks a bit sideways from the brief tingle-flow.

"Good fortune," Mave says. "It's the same blessing I've given to each of my children. Although they got milk instead of blood, at the time, of course. It's my personal blessing, to share my fortune."

"I can drink milk, by the way. So, I hope that wasn't ... too painful?" Alptraum asks with a slight wince. "I also didn't think you thought of me like, well, that."

"I'm not producing milk at the moment," Mave notes. "It just needs to have been produced by my body. And I care about you. The Royal Mages are arrogant and selfish beings with no regard for life.. or death. End them, but be wary."

"This is the worst of them, from my understanding. It's why I am taking him far outside the city, and why I am keeping the group as small as possible. If something goes wrong, the damage and death should be reasonably contained," Alptraum explains. "I don't want to be near any large group of people given what the spell could do."

"Revenge is likely the goal," Mave says. "Just being captured alive is likely meant as a way to mentally torture his captors. This could be the General's way of striking at you personally."

"So, you expect it to strike at some aspect of myself, or something I value, then?" Alptraum asks. "It's entirely possible. It may be there is literally nothing I can do here, and any action I take will kill the captives."

"They aren't that resourceful," Mave says. "They couldn't know you would become involved, or that the Mages would try to hold him, or any number of things. They make long plans, but they are not good at improvisation. They depend too much on stolen power."

"That said, the General was involved, one way or another, and who knows what she might plan for," Mave adds.

"So, another layer on top of the current layers. It would fit," Alptraum concedes. "I wish I could go alone. I don't like risking Tulani, any of the Yodhrepath, or the mages, but there's no way I can handle this solo. Cyprian has decided he's coming too. Which ups the risk; a single well-struck attack could wipe myself and Cyprian out, and you know what both of us represent generally."

"Cyprian is very good at magical defense, and knows the Royal Mages and their methods," Mave claims. "Tulani has the Light. You know what that can do against necromancy, if such is involved. You're a weapon against it as well. I have confidence in the three of you, but I feel better having blessed you anyway. It may not matter to anyone but me though."

Alptraum reaches out and taps Mave's nose. "It matters to me," he says, "That you cared enough to do it. Small pebbles may make small waves, but even a small ave can grow into something greater. One person never feels like anything they do amounts to much of anything, but it can and often does in time. Lessons from a young lost idiot from times long ago."

"And I'm just an old sentimental woman," Mave says. "I can manage a lot of small actions at least."

Alptraum bops Mave's nose again. "Old? Eeeh, I suppose," he chides lightly. "And here I was going to ask if I could spend part of what might be my final night with someone who could make me feel at least loved, even if it were just illusion or skill."

"A bit," Alptraum concedes, then presses a finger to her slips. "Now hush. And forgive me still sentiment, and desires," he adds as he tips her slowly backwards so he can crawl sort of over her. "You've shared with me, now I intend to share with you. Close your eyes and just relax. You don't have to worry about doing anything other than simply enjoying something for a change."

"I have ways of licking, from the inside out," Alptraum comments, "And don't spoil the moment." And with that he actually does use shadow to do one thing right off; turn off her vision and hearing. So ... all she can do is feel, and will never know quite what is coming, when, or where. Or how. Or what it is. Or if Alptraum augments any of his own parts, or ... it's probably the first time in a while Mave really can be surprised by anything physical.