Mercuria leaned back into the smooth stone walls of the waters of the underground hot spring, her bare shoulders sinking deeper into the steamy waters. Her long, wispy-white hair was tied neatly into a small bun with a black ribbon. 

As the sole creation of one of the guild's Supreme Beings who was once known as Lady Circa, Mercuria required no rest or relief from her duties. The reason for her presence within the luxurious underground hot springs was not for pleasure, but rather relief. Although she had received summons from Lord Nostromo to appear within the Copper Hall within thirty minutes, she had good reason to remain where she was presently until some more time had passed.

She was incredibly hungry. Although her physical appearance was that of a human, her true nature was a Metal Slime, a race of monstrous creatures with voracious appetites. Due to uncertainties about the safety of the food that could be obtained from outside of the Ragnavault's walls, the Supreme Ones declared that only prepared rations must be consumed until further notice. However, Slimes were immune to all poisons and toxins, and therefore she should be completely safe from harm no matter what she consumed. However, the orders of the Supreme Beings were absolute and without exception. That was what she believed.

The measly rations were sufficient for all those within the Ragnavault, but for a Slime being such as herself, they were grossly insufficient. For five days, Mercuria had to struggle against the ferocious hunger that threatened her self-control over her actions. Even the lowly dwarven servants that scurried around the halls appeared appetizing after the second day of hunger.

Even though none would notice a few missing dwarves here and there, Mercuria refused to give into her selfish needs so easily. She was one of the only, if not [i]the[/i] only, of the Supreme Beings' creations to be remade in the image of their own creator. Therefore, she could not possibly bear the sinful act of defiling her Creator's image by gorging herself on one of the guild's lowly servants, no matter how delicious their succulent muscles and flesh may seem. Mercuria's hands leaped up from the warm waters of the hot spring and covered her face in shame of the mental image that her hungry state had just conjured. 

[i][color=8882be][b]What have I done! Forgive me, Lady Circa, for my moment of weakness![/b][/color][/i]

She was nearing the limits of self-control. Not even the comforts of the underground hot springs could hold off her neglected appetite any longer. With her face still hidden behind her two hands, Mercuria slowly counted to three in her mind, using every ounce of her willpower to push all thoughts of food from her mind.

Steeling her mind with the full force of her will, Mercuria finally found her impulses under control for the time being. Lifting herself up to her feet, the warm spring water ran down her body as her fingers quickly adjusted her hair to its usual flowing style, setting it in place with the black ribbon. As she stepped out of the soothing waters onto the cold tiles, silvery liquid pooled out from the surfaces of her flawless skin, forming themselves into her usual attire of flowing white cloth.

It was almost time for arrive at the meeting declared by the Supreme Ones. Without any further delay, Mercuria began a brisk walk through the halls of the Ragnavault, careful to avoid catching the lingering scent of any dwarven workers that passed by recently. 

Before long, Mercuria finally found herself before the entrance of the grand Copper Hall. She could already feel the powerful aura of the Supreme Beings who had already gathered there, waiting. Slightly fearing that she had in fact arrived late, Mercuria proceeded past the entrance, the heels beneath her feet sending sharp echoes through the air with each step. Stopping before the grand table where a number of the Supreme Beings were already gathered and sitting, Mercuria proceeded to kneel on both knees, her hands placed palm-down upon her knees. She had positioned herself at precisely the correct distance for her lowered head to be visible to all those seated.

[color=8882be][b]"Your faithful servant, Mercuria Alpha, responds to your summons. I bow before the greatness of the Supreme Ones."[/b][/color] Mercuria softly spoke with closed eyes as she lowered her head.