[center]
[hr][hr]
[h1][color=FireBrick] Samhain Intrigues [/color][/h1]
[img]https://gargarstegosaurus.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/soe-ep-1h.jpg[/img]
[hr][hr]
[h2][color=FireBrick]-Location: Under the Mountain/ The Lower Quarters-[/color][/h2]

Rasping scales on stone, or the slight splash as the lamia's great tail traveled through the mysterious puddles, they were not the only sound of movement. Desdemona smirked with a savage hiss of laughter, not bothering to make it sound light or pretty. A harsh sound, let the mortal fear if they would. This little girl had literaly walked into a den of snakes. The fae wondered if she would get out of this den- and still be intact. The tunnel- for it was a grand hall no longer- was something far rougher. Walls raw stone and floor merely paved for the ease of moving wheels. As was evident as a cart hauling the bodies of Lesser Fae and Mortal alike rolled past. One leg hanging off the back and a too still foot dragging along the ground. As it moved by the duo, she spoke in Spanish to the human fool. [color=Gold]"I am a lamia. Naga are far more sssnake like than my beautiful ssself."[/color] If small talk kept this girl with her- then she would sacrifice her words.

A small price to pay for poaching.

[i]Memories stirred as a image of a man sitting at her small table. Eating her food, and a sack of coins on the surface. He was handsome,
 with a mop of black curls and clothing of a fine make. Oh, she wanted more than that little sack yet he would never give it. "I'll give you food, board, and a lovely night. But no more- take my secrets and spread them. You'll have nothing and I'll move on." Those were his words so long ago. Mortal words. She had spread secrets amongst the high and mighty and paid the price. Some of those secrets had been true even. Now none came to her door except to collect bills and fill their glass of scorn. He was her last connection- her last chance to maintain her beauty and use it. But he was too clever by far thought the woman. He was far too clever to make this damnable deal.[/i]

Desdemona hesitated, before continuing deeper into the Lower Quarters. She could turn upwards and say they had taken a short cut. It would even be true. She would be spared if this missing human could be traced to her. Yet, greed drove the snake fae. The greed of a lovely room filled with luxuries she had been denied for centuries. Men to praise her beauty, food and drink a plenty. No longer being looked down by the Greater Families. She hissed in anger and threw off those thoughts. That little bit was a long way away yet. But they were getting close. So very close. Erin might feel her tension- the angry hiss and the greedy look in her eyes.

Gremlins and goblins passed them in and out of the tunnels. Other humans who shied away from the snake. None down here would speak or 'remember' her passing. Not without a damn good incentive, and few would give that incentive over a [i]mortal girl[/i]. Turning down several side tunnels- something very akin to a side street. Erin might notice doors made of old wood and stone. Carved with rough symbols. Trading scales, a smith's anvil, even a smiling face of a dog. The lamia paused and looked up and down the street before grabbing the mortal girl she thrust her ahead and into a small room. The door- a wooden thing with two triangles pointing downwards next to each other.

Within was a wizened old goblin. His green skin looking like it had moss growing on it, and his nose actually having no real form other a bag of crooked sagging skin. Looking up form a desk stacked high with paper- matching the over stuffed shelves and the trash bin over flowing with the crumpled remains of numerous bugs and papers. The room was small and cramped. The naga didn't even let herself fully in. [color=Gold]"Here. I brought you a human- untouched by any and directly under the Withered King'sss command."[/color] Her voice was soft and quiet. The bulk of her coils blocking the door and acting much like a shield to keep this conversation private.

[h2][color=FireBrick]-Location: Under the Mountain/ The High Road-[/color][/h2]

Many of the Lesser Fae fled Yin's little show of power. Truly it was tame compared to some monstrosities they had witnessed. Something that terrified those who had gathered all the more. The facts of what could be- that this show was [i]tame[/i]. They hurried back to their lives. Flowing back into a moving crowd. They knew better than to anger the Kitsune. Even if he wasn't part of the noble families that ruled them.

Those of stronger stomach and powers however remained. They would not be so easily frightened off by some pet of the UnSeelie King. However, they didn't intervene as Yin shepherded his little mortal flock down the High Road and towards the tallest and largest of the spires. The Grand Hall. The Palace of Nightmares. Great statues of twisted creatures lined the bridge to it. Below that bridge the screams and roars would grow louder. For below there was the the large 'moat' about the Palace. The bottom holding the fighting pits and mazes of the Jormungandr. Fae in elegant clothes sat along the bridge in alcoves both small and large. Tables with food and drink as they watched the entertainment far below. Grand seats for grand people. Snatches of conversation could be heard as they were passed.

[i]"Oh? Mortals? Is it that time already?"[/i] One woman fanned herself, her hair looking like shimmering moonlight. The man across from her shook his head and shrugged. [i]"Must be a difficult bunch if the[/i] King [i]sent them here. With that fox no less."[/i] Was her reply.

A boy looking no more than ten peered at the humans and circled closely though he was careful to stay out of Yin's potential reach. Dressed in a fine white shirt and black trousers, he assessed the humans with calculating soulless black eyes. [i]"Humans.... Never seen such a odd bunch and so lively!"[/i] He grinned and snickers wickedly. Before his gaze being attracted by something below.
[/center]