D'Artgnan's lack of cooperative spirit earned him a disapproving sneer from Clotho.  On an unrelated note, she found it amusing that the rabbit referred to her by her sex.  Aside from her voice and general silhouette, there existed no immediately visible indications of her femininity. [color=9F8170]"Is that so?"[/color]  She frowned at the wolf who'd threatened her.  [color=9F8170]"I must have misjudged your level of skill.  Forgive me..."[/color]

The arrival of Balothiss provided Clotho an alternative means of assistance, though she did not get her hopes up.  He proceeded to ignore her and address D'Artgnan, which seemed to the Swarm Queen massively counterintuitive.  If someone needed help, did it make sense to ask an individual with proven power and talent, an affinity for leadership, and a record of triumph, rather than a newly-arrived stranger of diminutive stature and regrettable self-esteem?  Clotho buzzed irritably while the two wasted time saying things she already knew, during which the demon continued to rampage.  When the rabbit left, Clotho launched into conversation with Balothiss.  [color=9F8170]"Balothiss!  Your strength alone should be everything I need to make an entrance in the demon's hide.  I can call my Lambent to carry you and drop you upon the foe, allowing your to perform a cleaving strike to tear it open from collarbone to hipbone.  Then I can pierce its heart.  Would that suffice you?"[/color]