In the middle of her sour mood towards her ‘immature’ brother, Effie looked up to see ladies and gentlemen gathering around. Her eyes started to spark, it was the team. Although she had to admit there were many different kinds of people, and not as many as she thought. But this place was “taboo” according to the locals. She wasn't going to complain, so she quickly dusted off her royal blue skirt (even though there was no dust) and put on a sweet smile to greet. 

A man who Effie could almost sense his charismatic personality leaking from his skin, greeted him very kindly. She reached out and shook his hand firmly, “Good Morning, Mr. Novak. Effie Holloway. It’s a pleasure.” She looked him in the eye and smiled brightly, [i] father always said smile nicely [/i] she thought. She let go of his hand and made her way to another woman with red hair. Effie lowered her head in a bow, then shook her hand tightly, but not as tightly as a mans. “Hello dear. Effie Holloway. Glad to have you here.” she smiled sweetly. She turned to the man who said ‘slicks’ and she gave a bark of a laugh, it was a sharp [i] ha! [/i] “Yes, life and limb it is good man! Hopefully we won’t actually [i] lose life and limb [/i] , eh?” she gave him a grin and hook his hand. 

Effie continued this cycle to assure everyone their welcome, she didn't like doing this honestly. Her mother should be proud, and her father would've teased her. She saw a native man, whom her eyes grew wide. She believed she once heard of him in gossip, and she had respect for this man. She gave him a small smile, held out her hand, and shook it firmly. “My name is Effie Holloway. Pleasure to work with you.” 

~

Otto Holloway followed his sister, but she was so into making a nice impression she didn’t notice his teasing. “The name’s Otto Holloway, good man. And that’s my shrew of a sister.” He shook Killian’s hand and gave him a smirk of a smile. He heard Effie and her comment of ‘lose a life and limb’. “Don’t be so dark, Effie.” Otto’s attention turned to the twins, and a child like charm came across his eyes. “Look at that. Out of all the people, I didn’t think I’d see men like these. Effie! I bet these men could throw you like a stick!” Otto laughed. 

But again his mind was a leaf in the wind, and he heard a voice asking “Am I early?” His smile was cocked, “No sir, you’re just in time!” and proceeded to shake his hand as well. 

The siblings greeted everyone in a kind or humorous manner, then Effie spoke up. “Well, since I think most or all here, let’s get started. First, everyone make sure you have what you need. Mostly you will need a light source, it’s very dark down there. You shouldn’t have to worry about your flame blowing out because I believe there is no wind down below.” Effie smiled kindly. Otto spoke up, “And don’t forget your prayers!” he winked. Effie looked at him sharply, “Now we are here for research and to get the job done. Enough of that hogwash.” she hissed at him. Even though Otto’s silly smile remained, his eyes had a different expression than his mouth...
----
[b] Down Below - Main Tomb [/b]

Lighting her lantern and checking everything twice, she began to make her way down the first set of steps and walked down a wet, closed corridor. Her steps because slow and the tunnel only became darker. The smell went from the hint of sewer, to stale and moist. She knew this darkness was going to last a while, she wished she looked up at the sky a little longer. A little ways on her journey, she saw a torch perched on the wall. Opening her lantern, she let the flames lick the wood and grow. It’s flame became enlightening with it’s light drifting further in the distance. And there it started. Looking at the edge of the light, she saw the bricks changing. “We’re almost to the entrance of the main room.” she called back.

~

Otto followed down the steps and onto the road he was already regretting, honestly. This place was unholy. No rumor or urban legend had to tell him that, it was obvious. [i] Six million people, [/i] he thought. History was dark, from the plague to war, so many people. But he still continued with his lantern as well. He basically saw Effie booking it down the way like it was a Sunday walk! “Effie, good lord! Let’s just stroll around like it’s a field of tulips!” he rolled his eyes at her, he doubted she could see it or care. “Don’t tell me you’re picking off the dirt of a skull for samples…” Effie turned to see the lantern and her brother, “What’s the matter with you? Don’t historians love this kind of thing?” Otto squinted at her, “Historians have respect, Effie. We don’t go around tombs and collect dirt samples off dead remains for the sake of alchemy!” “I wasn’t picking dirt samples!” she growled. “I found a torch! Bloody hell, Otto.” she pointed her lantern, “Look, you see that? The skulls are starting to form with the walls. The main room is near. You go ahead and I’m standing by this torch to make sure we all get to the main room before we take action.” Otto sighed and reluctantly walked ahead, “You probably shouldn't say [i] ‘bloody hell’ [/i] down here.”

Otto walked a little further, when he came to a halt. He saw the light glowing off the walls with a stone carving above them. The stone engraving said, 

[b] Arrêté! C'est ici L'Empire de la Mort [/b]

[i] Stop! This is the Empire of Death. [/i] 

Otto looked up, then held out his lantern into the dark room. What light did glow, he saw nothing but bones lining, practically making the wall what it was. 

“My God.”