It would probably be smart to go and find help. After all, Lady Luna was right there.
Maoin dropped into the room, curiosity beating her cleverness for the moment. And besides, no one would likely be able to enter the way the door was barricaded. After a quick look and listen around the room Maoin would remove the barricade to make sure the others could enter - after all, the dust suggested that there was very little chance that there would be a problem with encountering someone in here.
But what smelled of both cat and goat? The kitten found herself more and more confused the more she thought about it. She had been hoping that the area would give some sort of hint as to what the inhabitant had been in there.
The cat began to protest loudly when the puppeteer sent some of her minions out to search for her litter mate. "But Kath-!" Meowka's protests were silenced as quickly as they began with a few pats on the head, her protest simply turning into a menacing scowl instead. Hopefully those blasted and incompetent dolls would rot in hell right next to Maoin.
But the cat's thoughts remained silent aside from some very obvious irritation in her tail as it swished back and forth as the group entered the basement like sitting ducks with their position beckoned to by the very bright and obvious torch. In fact, she wasn't sitting next to that thing. Meowka fell back far enough to be in the comfortable shadows and found herself moving along easily with them. She wasn't running away, but she certainly didn't want to be the first target when something pounced on them. The lizard was probably tastier anyways, or maybe the small child.
From the darkness Meowka spoke to Sol. "You know, I hear that monsters that hide in places like this consider children to be delicious like young lambs." Of course there hadn't been a single monster in sight and if one was lurking around her ears undoubtedly would have picked up on it.
Luna caught sight of Maoin for a couple of seconds before she entered the castle again. "Oh boy, I hope she's fine." The Knightess mentioned to herself before looking at Marie walk past her. She was the one that did something to Maoin right? Luna wanted to say something, though Katherine seemed to have taken care of that earlier. It was probably unnecessary, though deserved. Either way, what she did was past and she was punished for it already. She caught up with the demon. "Umm, Marie. Perhaps it best to stay close to each other. While it's likely we're not going to find anything dangerous, it doesn't hurt to be cautious." She didn't carry a hint of disdain or hate, rather, a slight bit of candid bluntness.
Eith the Shellagh
"Ok..." Eith said. The pats did make her feel a little better. She did her best to bring... Papers with that ink on it to Miren, whatever she could find... If she could. She found a couple things, though she wasn't amazingly sure of what. She could read a little, the titles at least. Thesis on the Elasticity of the Female Chest, Treatises on the Sealing of the Human Heart, "Formulae of Heresh-Naral".
These... Didn't seem helpful. The only one that was useful seeming was the second. However, Eith was Shellagh. Not human. Her heart wasn't sealed either. The text was in a demonic script though, honestly, Eith wasn't sure why she could understand. These were hidden a bit... "Miren... I found a couple... What's a Thesis? Elasticity... Female Chest... Oh, those things here?" The Shellagh added, pointing to the hills on her chest. Of course she'd understand the least useful things.
Katherine Lindall and Solana
Katherine grabbed one of the torches on the way down. It looked useable. "If you're not a naturally cute night-seeing being, I suggest grabbing a torch." Katherine mentioned more to Sorcha and Sol than Meowka. The cat seemed irritated today, something they were going to get to the bottom of later, but for now... "Hmm, 'Miss Dragon' do you have a fire breath of sort? Oh, wait, you had lightning. That could probably still set the torch alight. Could you be a dear and help a dear teacher out?" She said, trying to act a bit cutesy.
It was... Well, somewhat unbecoming. If nothing else, she seemed to be enjoying herself. She'd try to figure something out, probably could fake flint with one of her dolls with a matter conversion or something of the sort, but it'd be much easier if Sorcha helped. It'd work out regardless, and she'd look around the underground. "Notice anything, my little cat?"
"You want me to...light a torch." Sorcha frowned for a moment before sighing. "Well, I suppose, though the dark is not difficult for a dragon to traverse. Caves tend to be devoid of most light anyways, you know." She grabbed the torch from Katherine running her hands along the aged object for a few seconds before frowning again. A crackle of energy ran across her hands, lightning up the area round the dragon's hand for a moment with pale, white light before the cloth on the torch began to burn lightly from the electricity.
"Hmm...hold on. It's been awhile." Electricity wasn't exactly a delicate element. She couldn't use her divinely generated lightning due to circumstance, but electricity was always fickle when you used it. After a few seconds though the dragon snapped her fingers, small surge of lightning bolting from the ends of her fingers to the torch in her other hand, hitting it with sudden force...enough for it to flip out of her hands and bonk Katherine right on the noggin and then to the floor.
"...whoops~" The dragon had to hold back a chuckle. "One lit torch delivery. I'll use less, erm, voltage next time." She grinned before walking into the musty depths of the basement floor of the castle.
Now that the torch had been lit, it was easy enough to move forward into the dungeons. Once the group gathered themselves and moved forward, they would find the place empty as expected, only the sounds of their own footsteps accompanying them. Most of the rooms, if checked, would prove empty, save for the remains of what seemed to be research. Eventually, they would come across a room separate from the rest.
...a Kennel of some sort? Various cages lined the walls, all worn and aged. Some had chains laying in the bottom of them. A few old, worn tables had aged paper scattered across them.
Investigate the room. Obviously something happened here. The cages suggest animals of some sort. Return upstairs Have you finished here? Perhaps it's best to return before something happens. Something else?
Eith, and Miren
"A-ah?" Miren's face reddened lightly. "W-what is that book doing here..." H-how incredibly lewd. "U-hm uhm, h-here." Miren grabbed the book with a devious title from Eith, flipping through a few pages of it before shaking her head, stuffing it in her bag. "R-right. Ahem, nothing to be read in that one." Miren replied, clearing her throat lightly before taking a look through the other books. "Hm...most of these don't seem too important." The scholar sighed, shaking her head. "There are a few reports detailing the weather, a few patrols...a few not exactly rare research books, though there are a number of ones in old demon script. I can only assume that demons were here at some point." She gave Eith a smile.
"Which is good! That means we're on the right track, at least! Maybe you were here at some point?" She suggested,
Maoin
The barricade seemed to simply be a collection of old wooden bookshelves. Despite their age, they were practically wedged into the space between the door and the far left wall. Clearing it would likely take awhile, but Maoin made sure to listen and wait. The smell of something was strong here, but there was still nothing but silence and the musty smell of dust, so she set to work removing the barricade from the door - turning her back to the courtyard.
She would almost immediately regret the decision. Something either leaped from the ground below or above into the room with only a slight sound that only the kitten's ears would be able to pick up. Whatever the case was, the kitten simply wouldn't be fast enough to react. Before she could even let out a surprised mew, something grabbed her by the nape of her neck, sharp claws digging into the skin. It slammed her against the old bookcases, pressing her face roughly into the pile.
There was a hiss, before something sharp bit her in her heels. In the next instant she'd be yanked back, tossed onto the dusty old floor as she slid a few inches across the stone ground, inches from falling three stories into the courtyard below. She'd only have a moment to catch her breath before something slithered into her vision.
A serpent, about as big as a human's arm. It was an emerald green color, its forked tongue flicked in and out, tasting the air. It had red, slitted pupils and studied her with either curiosity or amusement. It was very likely what bit you on the ankles. Hopefully it wasn't venomous or you might be in trouble.
"...trespasser."
Something heavy slammed into her back, another set of sharp claws digging into her skin.
Now...what would Maoin do? Fight back? It seemed whoever this was, seemed to think you were trespassing. She wouldn't be able to see much, but if she craned her neck to look she'd make out claws, and the fact that the snake next to her seemed to be attached to this woman. She was kneeling down, forcing her entire weight onto you to keep you from moving.
"...hmm...This one wonders, what you are doing here. Picking over the old bones of this place.
Negotiate. Just a misunderstanding right? She doesn't seem overly hostile. Attempt to fight back? You were trained by a dragon. You don't need to fear whoever this was. Try and flee? Nope, no way you're fighting whatever this was. You can't even see them from where
Luna, Marie
"Heh, I don't need you to babysit me human." Marie scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "If you have any idea who I am, you'd be on your feet kneeling." She giggled as she continued to walk, the overgrown shrubbery becoming more dense as she moved deeper into the old garden. "That said, I'm curious. Following little ol' me? Enthralled by my beauty? I can't blame you...for being attracted to my perfection." Marie climbed onto an old, eroded stone pillar that once seemed to be used for some sort of decoration. She turned and gave Luna a smug smirk, acting as though the old stone pillar was a pedestal of some sort purely to show herself off.
"So, Luna was it? Do something for me." She pointed authoritatively at the other girl. "Entertain me with something."
SLAM. Her vision became filled with stars as she let out - SLAM. - A few painful whimpers as her scream was cut off abruptly and the air left her lungs. She was fairly certain there was some blood falling from her neck and her foot and wouldn't be surprised if something was broken. This hiss terrified her, but the sight of claws from the corner of her vision and the things voice sent a shiver up her body.
Instinctively she let out a flurry of emotions in hopes that her master would summon her before realizing that she wasn't a familiar anymore and only a servant. A couple of whimpers of pain escaped before she managed to speak, laying still aside from a periodic shake running through her body. "I-I don't know what y-you are but we - I'm not here for you. I just smelled something interesting and thought I'd give it a look ..."
Maoin paused. "I'm-I'm just a kitten." What would a snake woman want? Did she have anything to offer? "If-If you let me go I promise I won't tell anyone you are here. I'm just a servant for my mistress. That's all."
She really hoped she wasn't going to die - normally she felt she was more well put together than this, but the surprise and the terror shook any bravery from her veins.
Meowka remained silent until they approached the crypt, ignoring her mistress' question. She didn't hear any other sounds and that was what truly mattered. Eventually they arrived in the kennels - and the cat gave the air a good sniff. Would it smell like the dog?
Aside from that she approached one of the sheets of paper and looked at it curiously. "Can't read it - its incomprehensible." The cat tossed it on the ground before retreating back to the shadows of the room to watch and see what the others did and keeping her ears open.
Luna was almost dumbfounded by this person's utter narcissism. She thought it might be a jest even. Surely it had to be! "Attracted to you perfection? I don't think there's such a thing as perfection. Not even in gods... I was just worried something might come out and attack you. That said... You want me to entertain you? I can give you a riddle from old England if you're bored." The Knightess cleared her throat and looked Marie in the eyes, making sure the demon caught her words. The words even seemed to have a rhythmic meter to it. Luna seemed use to this.
I am a lonely thing, wounded with iron, switten by sword, sated with battle-work, weary of blades. Often I see battle, fierce combat. I foresee no comfort, no help will come for me from the heat of battle, until among men I perish utterly; but the hammered swords will beat me and bite me, hard-edged and sharp, the handiwork of smiths, in towns among men. Abide I must always the meeting of foes. Never could I find among the leeches, where people foregather, any who with herbs would heal my wounds; but the sores from the swords are always greater with mortal blows day and night.
Luna finished closing her eyes and giving a bit of a silly smirk. Can you figure it out? I think it's a fairly simple one. I can tell you again if you need." Luna commented, as she turned to look around the area for anything out of place. This place was incredible in more than one way. It was both a point of interest for their group, and run down to the point of being a creepy.
Eith the Shellagh
"I guess... It feels like I have." Eith mentioned, looking about the place almost uncomfortably. It had definite felt it but of course, she wasn't wholly sure. Her memories seem to have sealed or something of the sort so it wasn't all too weird that she didn't fully know. She wanted to know, even if she would forget... At the same time though, she wanted to leave... Or burn the place down. She'd be happy with either right now.
Katherine Lindall and Solana
Katherine's head tilted back from the recoil and held the side of her face from where she got hit. "Please do." Katherine agreed with the dragon. That was unexpected... Well, whatever. She had her torch. This was a good opportunity if nothing else. She picked up the piece of paper that Meowka threw on the ground. "Just because you're illiterate doesn't mean this is incomprehensible. Rather, this is Demonic... Hmm, wonder what it says." Katherine said before getting into the reading.
Sol stuck close to Sorcha, unsure of what to do really. She couldn't read and while she wasn't especially frightened of the dark, it was hard to see. Really, all she did was hold the dragon's hand so she wouldn't get lost. "Sorry, I can't really see all too well."
"Aha, it's fine little one." Sorcha replied, patting Sol on the head. "Just stick close to me, alright? Ah...I know." The dragon turned around, giving Sol an eager grin. "...have you ever been flying, Sol?" She asked. "Luna's a spoilsport and won't let me have my fun. Buuuut...I think I can give you a flying lesson, hehe!~" The dragon was definitely looking forward to finally having someone to fly around it seemed.
That is, perform absurd aerial acrobatics probably.
Eith, and Miren
Miren frowned, hopping closer to Eith and giving her a tight hug.
"H-hey...don't be so down." Miren gave her a smile. "Don't worry about it, alright? I'm sure we'll find something. Lets go back out front, alright? Get out of this gloomy place...I don't think we'll be finding anyone else here. We'll wait on the others out front, alright?" Miren grabbed Eith's hand and slung her bag over her other shoulder before gently pulling her back towards the hallway. Eith was free to do whats she wanted too, of course.
Maoin
There was silence for a few seconds as the weight on top of Maoin shifted. The snake in her vision seemed to lift its head in a contemplative gesture before lowering itself again. It slithered closer to Maoin's face, and it wouldn't be farfetched to think it was about to bite her again. It was only a few inches away from Maoin's face. It stared straight into her eyes as the seconds ticked by. Finally, it opened its mouth and....
It's forked tongue brushed harmlessly against her nose as it gave Moain a seemingly happy little smile, if such a thing was possible for a snake.
"...This one has watched since you arrived." The voice continued. Now that you weren't being tossed about like a ragdoll, the voice was clearly human, to an extent. The voice was slow and had a husky tone to it, though definitely not out of uncertainty. If anything, their words carried something of a purpose to them. "Not many people would come to this evil place." It continued, the weight atop Maoin shifting as the clawed foot removed itself from her, and the serpent retreated from her vision. "But the lizard is not something this one wants to...cross paths with so it decided to observe. It has...been awhile since this one was in the stone room. The closed-off yard is where this one has taken to sleeping recently. Away from that land-lizard in the gardens."
If Maoin happened to collect herself enough to get up, she would finally see her assailant.
It was now definitely a she, and most definitely not a snake lady. The woman was muscular, standing at nearly six foot three, towering over the poor kitten. She had a messy hair of wild, unkempt yellow hair that nearly resembled a mane of golden fur. She had red, cat-like pupils and dark skin. Two long goat horns curved alongside her head, with two feline ears sitting between them, adeptly listening to any noise made nearby. The next thing she'd notice was likely her body. To say the woman was well built was an understatement - it was easy to tell the musculature, considering how little she was wearing. A few straps of cloth and metal, covering just her vital area's and more important bits. Her forearms were covered in a fine helping of yellow-gold fur, with retractable claws and her legs seemed to match. Likely the oddest thing though, was that there was a snake growing from her backside that was staring at Maoin rather happily, despite the somewhat intimidating appearance of the serpent.
"...so, what is the housepet doing here?"
The question seemed directed to Maoin.
Answer her. Probably not a good idea to anger this woman Flee Probably not a good idea. She looks part feline, and obviously has much greater physical ability than you. Ask her what she is? ...do you want to offend her? Flirt? ...I mean, if you want. I won't judge
Luna, Marie
"Heh," Marie smugly grinned. "Obviously gods are imperfect. But I'm not a god...therefore I am perfect. I am something much better than their out of date rules. A riddle though? What are you, a sphinx?" Marie chuckled with a dismissive huff. "You don't believe me, do you? Fine then. I shall solve this riddle of yours and when I do, you will admit I, Lucia Maria Lucifer am perfect." Even though she said that though...riddle? Lucia hadn't ever answered a riddle in her life, but as heir to the throne of pride...she was perfect. She couldn't simply not answer a simple riddle.
...
A few seconds passed, and she still couldn't come up with an answer. Seconds stretched into minutes and Marie was starting to sweat a little. What an absurdly long riddle! Weren't riddles usually only a few phrases long? She couldn't even remember all of it! The silver haired demons smug grin faltered slightly.
"Hmm...Armor?" That was a logical conclusion, but it couldn't be that. "Hm, no no..."
As Marie worked on solving the riddle, Luna wouldn't notice anything too out of place. The place was mostly abandoned, no birds or other small wildlife like the rest of the place. Something however, seemed to move just in the corner of her eyes, deeper into the gardens.
It looked like some sort of serpents tail?
Wait. Marie's struggling with the riddle. Follow whatever that was. Who knows, curiosity has never been bad for anyone. Leave That's probably a bad idea to follow that thing.
Maoin had to resist the urge to scream as the snake approached her face and stared into it - although her likely loud breath of relief likely made her prior fear rather obvious especially as whatever this creature was lifted itself off her back. For a couple second the servant simply laid there before forcing herself up and wincing in pain from the minor wounds. They were painful, but everything should be operating normally.
Including her eyes which quickly explained why the smell was so confusing. What ... what was this creature? She noticed a pair of cat ears upon its head which explained the ability to be silent to the absolute. For a couple of seconds she stared at the various portions of the creature - the snake like tail, the horns, the ears, the strange hair. Several seconds passed in this cat-like eyes which the kitten would get if she was frustrated or feeling particularly animalistic. The claws. The very tall figure that seemed to have well muscled thighs and well endowed feminine areas with very little to hide them.
Looking at her Maoin felt very, very small. Her eyes looked towards the ground submissively.
"L-lizard? In the garden?" She hoped the others would be alright. "L-like I said I am here with my owner. Lady Sorcha." The cat pointed to her collar before her expression dropped considerably after a moment of consideration. "W-we are searching this place for something regarding a dog. From hell."
A couple seconds passed. "And what evil?" Maoin wasn't superstitious, but this creature in front of her was giving her doubts.
Marie was definitely convinced that she was perfect. There was no such thing as a flawless being. Gods were both selfish and fickle... Demons even more so. That said, Marie was fairly close to the correct answer, though it was hard to say it wasn't a possible answer. The old English riddles were long winded and confusing for sure. She started to recite the poem again for Marie until something caught her eye and she pulled out her sword. "--among the leeches, where people foregather, any who with herbs would heal... Hey, Marie. I found something. A reptile of sorts I think. I'm going to investigate."
Eith the Shellagh
"I think we should... Finish our mission." Eith stated, grabbing Miren by the hands. Just being able to look at this place was enough to give Eith a bad feeling. She wanted to be gone as soon as possible, and there was less of a chance if they took a break from it like that. "I trust you can do whatever is needed."
Katherine Lindall and Solana
Katherine read over the notes and even she had a bit of a tough time swallowing what happened. She made a quick translation in her head and then read it aloud... Probably enough for everyone to hear. Just the first couple that she could get her hands on...
"Ejen, ---- Third Week, we've noticed she's still resistant. Perhaps we need to up the amount we're giving. You should be back next week. Queen has given us some trouble, but I think we're getting closer to fully making her subordinate. Luckily, we hit a sweet spot for the others. Giving them a ridiculous amount to start and lower the dosage seemed to work better for them. Not like we need them constantly thinking anyhow.
Ejen, ---- Fourth Week. You should be back soon, that said, I misunderstood something. Giving that much of a dosage at first was actually a horrid mistake. I went to check on them this morning and they were out eating eat other... Though I don't think they were hungry either. They weren't animalistic, nor were they controllable just mad. Queen looked devastated... Well, I think she did. I didn't look much at her face... What was left of it before I burned them all. We'll have to look for a new sample... Perhaps. . .
Manir is a damned fool. A demon clan? After HIS mistake? Well, fine. Those Insect-People were too weak anyhow. Demons would be a bit more resistant, but I think we can probably push them a bit further. Perhaps that idiots mistake was a blessing in disguise. Boss, I'll admit, this guy is dumb... He lacks that thing called common sense. That's about it, he's also brilliant at the same time, somehow. His mistake put us back a bit-- he-- odd medicine. He thinks that the best target would be a fire loving clan. Says that they would be terrible to have to face.
A new idea! A wonderful one! I've come across a new friend that is very skilled! Magically so! A new plan. Perhaps with this I can make up for my last mistake with a new, more frightening army! It may take some years, but the overall plan may allow for it. Imagine hiding forces in plain sight!
Katherine stood in silence for a couple seconds after that, adjusting the notes she had found and stowing them away safetly. "Well, whatever happened to Eith's Clan... It happened to another one before it. Possibly more, huh? That said though, it's not a fact, but I'm guessing a certain mutt's clan was that 'fire loving clan'. There are some more but I don't think there's much more needed to be said on that.
Sol wasn't really sure what to make of that. She just stood looking to Sorcha.
As Katherine read the notes regarding Eith, Sorcha simply focused on Sol. She was feeling like slacking off a little. Not to mention she was tired and hurting a bit simply from her condition. She really should be resting out front, but Sol dragged her in here. Not that she really minded, but she was feeling a little tired. Oh well, Sol looked like she could use a distraction anyways. The dragon tapped Sol on the shoulder, before grabbing the small girl under her arms and hoisting her up in the air and plopping her on her shoulders. Yes, yes, much less likely to get lost like that.
...ah, it had been awhile since she actually had an actual little one to play with.
"Well," Sorcha said to Katherine. "Is that it then? whatever they were doing they weren't up to anything good." The dragon sighed, before grinning and turning her attention back to Sol. "So, want to have some flying lessons or not Sol? I can guarantee I won't drop you accidentally!~"
Eith, and Miren
Miren frowned slightly, giving Eith a concerned look.
"W-well...if your sure." Miren shook her head. She thought Eith looked like she needed a break from all of this, but if she was certain she wasn't going to stop. This was her main line of work after all, even if she had decided to finally stop all the old dungeon diving and lost-city finding. "L-lets go see if we can find them, then." She reached out and gave Eith another head pat, changing her pace to be slower as she headed out of the library and back towards the hallway entrance. She was hoping to at least meet them halfway, but they still seemed like they might be awhile.
Maoin
At Maoin's explanation, the Chimaera seemed to blink in slight surprise. The serpent attached to her backside tilted its head curiously, mimicking the main body's surprise.
"Oho, curious." She chuckled, as if amused by the revelation as she held one of her claws to her chin. The Chimaera walked over to the ledge where Maoin was near, brushing past the other cat with a playful smirk as her serpentine tail gave her a light smack on her leg and earning a disapproving, high-pitched hiss from the snake. "This one was not expecting any of their work to be left." She poked her head over the edge, looking into the small courtyard below, observing the place as she seemed to listen intently. Despite the disrepair the rest of the place had seen, from here one could see that the courtyard had been very well taken care of. The grass had been neatly trimmed, and any overgrowth had been seemingly disposed of. Despite the fountain in the center still giving it a slightly derelict feel, unlike the rest of the castle this place seemed a lot more inviting, even if it was an uneasy seeming calm. Perhaps the Chimaera was good at grounds keeping?
"But never mind that, pet." The Chimaera continued. "Those demons are long gone and their Evil only lingers in grim reminders here. Come. This one is feeling hospitable today, despite your trespassing." There was an odd inflection in her tone, and she still had a playful demeanor about her as she jumped from the ledge to the grassy ground three stories below, obviously intending for Maoin to follow her.
Follow? The sensible action Leave? The action that may get an angry Chimaera after you...but going with her might prove equally as troubling. Head to the Gardens? The option that may get you into more trouble Flirt? ...she seemed a little playful in her mannerisms at least. Something else?
Luna, Marie
"Haaa...?" Marie gave Luna a disapproving look. "Fine, fine, run off." She replied, waving the knightess off, taking a seat on the old pile of rubble. "I didn't want to answer your stupid riddle anyways. I bet you don't even know the answer to it, heh." She smugly replied. "Aha, but I'll be here and I will have the answer by the time you come back. Try not to get eaten by a dragon! Actually, heh, I bet you'd like a certain dragon eating you~" She giggled impishly, holding a hand over her mouth as Luna went off to investigate.
Leaving Marie alone, Luna headed deeper into the run down gardens. At first, there didn't seem to be much of note. The old path was like many of the others, and there was nothing too out of the ordinary except for when she turned the next corner. Something had made an impression in the ground - something big and obviously serpentine from the way the grass had been brushed aside as if something had slid through it, leading in the direction of the old tree situated at the back of the garden.
Continue to follow Obviously there's something here Head back to Marie Might not be the best idea to leave her alone for long Head back to the entrance Whatever this serpent is, it's big
Maoin let out a slightly surprised yelp as her thighs were smacked by the snake-tail and her face blushed for a couple of seconds before she regained control of herself and tried to ignore the creature's tone. After a few moments the cat ultimately followed with her own cat-like agility - any attempt to run away from her would prove to likely be fruitless due to the woman's natural athletic ability. And besides, she didn't seem mean. She'd probably have reacted similarly to an intruder as well.
Demons? Perhaps this somehow involved that dog based on what this woman was saying? Perhaps there would be some useful information if she could convince her to rejoin the party?
"T-thank you?" As the cat looked around she saw the area had been maintained. Was the creature simply lonely and waiting for a guest? But upon being affectionately called pet the girl realized that they knew little about eachother. "By the way, I'm Maoin. Servant of Lady Sorcha. Do you have a name?" It'd probably be best to learn a little about each other, although she likely did have a name. "And ... not to be rude ... but you are quite the um ... combination of things?" She hoped she would finally have a name in her mind aside from creature to describe whatever this was.
Before Luna left Marie alone, she told her two thing. "If you get attack and can't handle it, just yell for me and I'll come running. And if you say that you'll have it solved, you better have that riddle's answer by time I come back." She said with a confident smile, before leaving.
"Aegis." Luna chanted as she moved through the area, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary... Well, that was a lot though she was looking for something not quite so dead. When she came upon the impression in the grass, she stopped a second and kneeled down to investigate. This was definitely something big... "What's this? A snake? Medusa hasn't risen from the grave I hope. I don't have a mirror." She noted that the impression led toward a giant tree. "Guess I'll have to investigate."
Eith the Shellagh
"Yes." Eith nodded and was about ready to walk off when she stopped and remembered something. There were two others with them weren't there? "Oh, the demon and Luna. They are still outside." She'd follow Miren regardless, but she was still curious if Miren wanted to worry about them. They were probably alright though.
Katherine Lindall and Solana
Sol's eyes went wide for a few seconds as Sorcha lifted her up. "Woah!" The girl cried out. She was a bit surprised on the way up, but once up... It was cool! She had those horns right in front of her to be careful of though. "Yea, sure! OH! But, well... Umm, I kind of forgot you were sick. Are you okay?" Sol had to ask, looking down at Sorcha's face.
Meanwhile Katherine was busy sorting through pages. "There are plenty of papers here... Lot of them are garbage though, 'Recipe for Insect Soup', 'Measuring Body Sizes Through Sight Alone'.... Though 'Wandering Paths of Nomadic Demon Tribes' might be something of interest. I've yet to see notes over the mutt's treatments.. Meowka, can you be a dear and help me look for them? My eyes are having a difficult time adjusting right now, thank you." Considering it was a "success" with Eith, there were bound to be a good number of notes.
Sorcha, Meowka, Sol, and Katherine "Oh don't worry about this silly old dragon." She chuckled. "I may be old as the earth itself but Playing with a little one isn't going to kill me." She grinned, jumping lightly. "Careful of the horns though, dear. Good for holding on to during flight, though, hehe."
For the most part, she let Katherine and Meowka do what they wanted too. She couldn't have been much help here, after all. She may have been an old dragon with admittedly tons of worldly experience but she wasn't an expert on demons unless it was an expertise in how to kill them with furious lightning bolts.
Miren & Eith "A-ah!" Miren's paced slowed, to a halt. Those two had completely slipped the rabbits mind. "I-I'm sure they can handle themselves. I-I'm not too much help even if something would happen." She chuckled nervously. Well, aside from running or otherwise getting out of the way. She could run pretty damn fast or kick someone's lights out, but she was by no means someone who was good in a bad situation. "I-If anything, I'm more worried about Katherine and Meowka...W-well, more worried about what they might find." Miren gave a sheepish chuckle as she started moving again. "D-don't want them stumbling upon something and not knowing what it is and damaging it. I might actually get upset, hehe!" She giggled, though she probably would.
Soon enough, Miren and Eith came to the same staircase, and was met with the same amount of darkness the others had been left with.
"Uhm, t-think you could light the way, Eith? I can hear them talking about something but It's a bit difficult to navigate." Maoin
"What is this one?" The Chimaera paused for a moment, before giving Maoin a decidedly toothy grin full of sharp teeth and chuckling. "My my, walking into the lions den and not even knowing what you're speaking too...you certainly are a curious little pet. Lets hope it doesn't kill you, hm?" She did not elaborate however, completely evading Maoin's question about her name as she walked to a corner of the small square courtyard. Iit was clear someone had made a living space of some sort.
A pile of grasses and leaves had been laid out, and nearby on a pile of cobblestones likely gathered from the courtyard was a makeshift fire pit. There was a wooden rack where several small game animals and fish caught from somewhere had been strung up and left to dry. Seemed she hadn't gotten around to skinning them yet.
"Make yourself comfortable, curious pet." It didn't seem like she was being hostile with the word, rather, she was calling Maoin that because that's what she was. That said, there were very little things to make herself comfortable with, seeing as there was a distinct lack of any modern amenities. She walked over to a small rough, though sturdy looking, and pawed through it as she left Maoin to do as she pleased.
A few seconds later, she fished out an old worn mug, along with a few herbs and a small container seemingly air-tight container of some sort from the box. it seemed like she had possibly made it herself, and much more carefully so considering how well put together it was. She slid the box over a few feet towards Maoin when she was done.
"This one has no use for...modern amenities in your loud cities, but sit. This one will attend to that bite." She then walked over to where the small game had been strung up, holding the mug in one hand and cutting down the rabbit in one swift motion. She'd have offered her a drink, but the nearest stream was a bit of a walk away, and that was where she normally got a drink from if she had need of it. She kept very little food and water on hand, preferring to enjoy a bit of hunting in the morning for her meals.
"How is the curious pet feeling?" She took a seat near the makeshift fire place, opening the wooden jar and pouring a bit of the green liquid into the mug. By now the effects of it were likely kicking in - that is, the venom from her tail. Easily enough cured though, but the kitten might be a little weak even after taking the antivenom. She put a few of the herbs in the drink, tearing them in half before handing it to Maoin.
"Drink? This one suggests it before the venom spreads too far."
Luna & Marie
As Luna moved towards the giant tree, silence still reigned over the area. In fact, there was nothing else of note in the area at all, and she moved towards the tree in relative ease. For a moment it seemed as though whatever it was might have been nothing at all, or a trick of her imagination. At least, until she finally got to the tree. The large tree itself was free of most debris around it, but rather than being neatly kept or kept, any debris seemed to have been flattened by something very large, and very heavy sitting here for perhaps long periods of time.
The most concerning thing however, was a clearly very, very recent trail of the flattened debris seemed to loop back through some of the grown over brush - right back into the direction they had previously been.
Luna would only have a few seconds to contemplate this before there was a flash of bright light in the direction Marie had been in.
"UGH WHAT IN THE SEVEN SINS IS THIS THING?!" There was a loud hiss that engulfed the area following the shout, almost as if whatever it was had been pained by something.
...that was probably about as much as Luna was going to get from marie in terms of a scream for help.
Maoin frowned slightly as she walked towards the 'lion's den' with the creature, following behind carefully. Throughout her body there seemed to be just a slight amount of growing pain by the time they stopped and sat down with Maoin having only more questions than answers about this woman. Maoin plopped herself down on one of the pile of grasses observing the woman in front of her and the rather savage conditions in which she lived. Why didn't she at least sleep in the comfortable bed up there?
As the pain continued to grow however Maoin became concerned and then relieved as she both realized the source as her hand ran over the wound and gave a weak smile as the creature offered to cure their own poison. When the drink was offered, the kitten drank it gladly before setting the mug down on a cleaner area of grasses.
"I'll be feeling better in a bit ... thank you." The cat looked around for a bit curiously and perked up her ears to listen to the world around her, but the simple act of tilting her head seemed tiring and she felt like she could only take shallower breaths. Based on her training this was likely a side effect of the medicine - if it had been intended as poison then she'd already be dead, although it was entirely possible the creature intended to knock her out before kidnapping her.
Wasn't like she could run or shout for help anyways so she figured she might as well get comfortable as she laid down on the grass and closed her eyes, mind focusing on breathing in and out slowly and consistently. "... do you h-have pilllo-?"
The girl's speech slurred as she drifted out of consciousness.
The other cat lazily sat around in the dark despite her mistress' pleas and rolled her eyes while they couldn't been seen. This entire trip was-
What was that? Meowka silently moved across the darkness of the room as she saw a slightly metallic glint in the corner of the room as if it was inside the wall. As she approached she noticed that one of the thinner stones had been replaced with some vellum bearing garbage wrapped in worn out gray leather - hanging from it was a silver tassel that had been tarnished with time. Meowka had been hoping for some coin and seriously contemplated tossing the useless object over her shoulder.
Then a realization crossed her mind.
This was a book and someone had intended for it to blend in with the surrounding masonry in the room's darkness. That meant it was valuable and therefore her mistress wanted it.
Holding the book behind her with both hands the prowler of the night approached the edge of the candlelight where the puppeteer would be able to see her. "And what would you be willing to give me if I did find it, hmmm?" The book was behind her back so she'd probably expect her to make some grand offer after some negotiating - then BAM! - it'd be right there and she'd have to follow through with whatever promise she made.
It was a foolproof idea. A devious smirk crossed Meowka's face as her tail swished back and forth confidently.
"This must be something fairly big." Luna commented to herself. Whatever it was, wasn't nearby... She was made deftly assured of this when she heard Marie scream. Her body moved without a thought. She was sure she'd be able to see whatever it was before it made it's way past her, but she was quite wrong. Luckily, it wasn't too far away. At least, at the speed her legs carried her. Once there, she made sure to put herself between Marie and whatever it was that found itself there. "I'm here, Marie!"
Eith the Shellagh
Since Miren seemed fairly sure about Luna and Marie, Eith merely nodded and agreed. They walked back the way that Katherine and the cat went... Though she picked up on another smell as they got closer. She wasn't sure what. It was familiar and not in a bad way so it was probably fine. When Miren asked her to light the way, she pondered how to do this for a couple seconds before noticing a stick on the wall. A torch was it? She grabbed it and snorted a bit of fire on it, catching it before handing it over to Miren. "There.
Katherine Lindall and Solana
"Alright then!" Sol said, grabbing Sorcha's horns just in case. She was ready for whatever Sorcha was going to do. It's been a while since anyone picked her up like this. It was kind of fun already.
Katherine meanwhile was almost flabbergasted with her familiar. "What would I do for you?" Was that much really worth rewarding beyond the utterance of "Thank you?" She held the fire torch toward Meowka so she could see the cat's face... That was a quite the smirk she had. Annoyed, Katherine answered, "Well, I'd give you dinner later when you're hungry. As usual. Though if you're hiding something integral to this journey from me, I can just give that dinner away to someone else. I'm sure that a dragon can easily eat a cat's share." She added, pointing over to roughly where Sorcha and Sol are.
"Ehe, thanks." Miren took the torch, quickly heading to where she was hearing the others voices. With Mirens hearing and the light, it didn't take the two long to traverse the dungeons of the old keep.
"E-eh?" It seemed like they might have stumbled upon them at a bad time though. Katherine was talking to Meowka about something, seemingly upset with her. The rabbit stuttered over her words a bit as she spoke. "A-ah...d-did you find anything, Katherine?" Miren asked as she glanced around the rooms. Kennels? That was...Miren was getting an unpleasant feeling in her stomach. They couldn't have been keeping Eith there, could they have? That was...cruel.
Meanwhile, Sorcha and Sol were more or less doing their own thing. The room wasn't high enough to really allow for many fancy acrobatics, but she was a clever little dragon, yes she was.
"Alright then, Sol! Keep your arms and legs inside the dragons wingspan at all times or you forfeit your rights to not being dropped mid flight and allowed to free fall for the dragons giggles." She lifted off the ground with a powerful flap of her wings, enough to send a small gust of wind and blow a few papers away. "If no one has need of me and this little one, I think I'll give her a tour of the place, hmm? I should find my other little one as well...that kitten is probably getting into trouble again."
If there were no objects, the dragon would quickly leave.
Maoin
"Heh..." The creature chuckled a bit as Maoin downed the contents of the drink. "Quite the impudent one. Trespass and then immediately sleep wherever you please." She walked over to Maoin, the snake that was her tail lightly thwaping her on the forehead with an apologetic look. She took a seat next to Maoin, fur-lined arms grabbing her by the hand and giving her a not-exactly gentle pull to a sitting position.
"This one perhaps, thinks you should return its hospitality with a little conversation." She released Maoin, giving her a rather hard, but not hurtful poke in her side with one of her fingers as she took a seat next to the kitten. She frowned for a moment before Maoin could reply, ears twitching before turning her head to the gardens. Well, not her problem. She turned her attention back to Maoin. "So...how does a house pet such as yourself become servant to a high-dragon?" The Chimaera asked, eagerly expecting an answer if her tails fixed, somewhat excited stare was anything to go by.
Perhaps Maoin's initial assessment had been correct? She seemed at least somewhat eager for conversation.
Luna & Marie
As soon as Luna arrived on scene, she would likely find herself surprised. Marie was on the ground, right on her butt trying to back away from something across the way. The creature had been obscured by most of the brush and overgrown plants on Luna's trek over here, but now she could see it in full. The creature vaguely resembled some sort of serpent and dragon, from what was visible. It's body was long and sinuous, seemingly covered in dark green scales. It only had one set of limbs - two dragon like claws situated on either side of it, one of which was covering its face which was on the ground. Whatever Marie had done likely blinded it, or at least stunned it temporarily.
"H-hey! Don't just stand there you stupid human! Kill that thing already!" Marie shouted, scrambling to her feet.
The creature shook its head with a hiss, slamming a claw on the ground and rising to its full height on its two legs, easily towering over Luna - in fact, it towered over the castle entirely. It roared in the direction of Luna, using its powerful legs to leap at the knightess, its long sinuous body trailing behind it.
"Uhhhgghhhhh ..." As her eyes fluttered open again the kitten felt a slight throbbing on her forehead and her wrist that were quickly fading away. She still felt exhausted, and for a couple of seconds she looked around with confusion about how she managed to get in a sitting position.
As the creature complained though and poked her in the side (which elicited a groggy yelp from the poor cat) the girl began to have her guesses. She thought she heard the sounds of something going on in the distance, but it was probably just her tired mind playing tricks on her.
"... I ... I stole a fish from my owner's mouth ..." She supposed that was strange. "... when I belonged to ..." The cat let out a tired yawn. "... another mistress. She collared me after my original mistress was no longer interested in my sssseerrrvviccee ..." The cat shook her head in an attempt to focus on staying awake, still trying to regulate her breathing again as the antitoxin had its effects.
"S-something beeetween you - you two?" The creature seemed curious at least, but hopefully this would at least make some decent conversation.
Meowka let out a frown. Well that wasn't FUN, and besides, she could hunt her own mouse. As she thought about beginning to speak though she heard a certain bunny-girl and her demonic companion heading down the staircase a little bit. In spite of herself she moved so that her owner was between herself and the dog.
A couple seconds later the scroll was handed over. "Fine. I-I. I guess its yours." An irritated stutter escaped her lips. "Can we go now if we aren't going to have any fun about this? I was hoping your childlike excitement would have at least given more interesting results than that."
The cat's ears and tail dropped as she seemed a little upset but otherwise went quiet.
"The hell is this thing?" Luna questioned, having never seen that type of thing before. It was... Different. A dragon-snake? Something of the sort. "Well, we can worry about details later... Lux Gladii Magni." After her chant, a greatsword appeared in her hands and the creature jumped at her. She wasn't sure how much damage she'd do to the creature, but she wasn't going to do it with her normal sword at this point. These weapons of light she created seemed to have an effect. "Marie, move!" Luna said as she grabbed the demon's hand, rested her blade on her shoulder and pulled her off to the side, the two of them dodging the beast's lunge. She took the opportunity to charge at the beast and chop into it.
Katherine Lindall, Eith the Shellagh and Solana
"Thank you Meowka, good girl." Katherine said as she patted the kitten on the head with one hand and took the object with the other. "Good girls get rewarded... Well, later, I don't really have anything right now. Think of it this way, the sooner we get this stuff together and help that hound out, the sooner we get out of here... Since you seem so keen on it." That said, Miren and said hound were already here.
"Oh, before you leave Sorcha, I believe one of my dolls found your missing cat. If you follow this little one, it will lead you to the general area." The Puppetmaster said, pointing to a doll near the dragon's feet. How it got there so quickly... Either way, "And it seems your valiant knight is in trouble. Saving that demon it seems. She'll probably be fine... Probably."
She shrugged and turned to Miren, "Anyhow, I've found a few things. To make it short.... There was an insectoid race they subjugated and mentally destroyed before Eith's clan... And supposing her group was next, they are just a demon clan or something of the sort. The there's this small tome that Meowka so graciously found. It's yours to read." Katherine said as she handed the thing over to the bunny.
Eith looked slightly concerned when Katherine mentioned she was really a demon but remained silent otherwise.
Sol grabbed on to Sorcha's horns but looked down. "Luna's strong enough to take care of herself, right?" The girl said, unsure of herself. She'd never seen the Knightess fight, but she fought a dragon and lived so she was pretty strong right?
At the mention of Luna potentially being in trouble, Sorcha's eyes visibly narrowed. Luna was strong, she knew that much. She could handle something like a dragon with relative skill...even one weakened by years of disease, dementia, and laziness.
But -
She would be remiss to let her handle this on her own. She had vowed herself to Luna, and to help her with whatever she needed as long as it was within her ability, she would move heaven and earth for her. There were other, more personal reasons...though nothing that needed to be vocalized now.
"Thank you, Katherine. Sol, hold on dear." That was all the warning the little Lightsword would get before Sorcha bolted up the stairs at a pace only an angry dragon could have.
"Eep!" Miren jumped slightly as the dragon bolted past them, adjusting her hair slightly as the gust completely messed up her hair. Ah...ah, she hoped that whatever it was it would be resolved. Sorcha was a strong dragon, so it would probably be alright.
"O-okay, erm," She hopped over to Katherine, taking the book from her. She opened the book, briefly flipping through the pages. It was rather difficult to make out here in the darkness of the dungeons. "Perhaps we should head back up then? It would be easier to read when my nose isn't on the verge of sneezing all the time from all of this dust."
Maoin
"Hmm...so she gave you shelter when you had nowhere else to go?" The Chimaera chuckled a bit at that. That sounded like her, didn't it? At least from what she had heard of her, and from her very, very, brief interaction with her those ages ago as a kitten barely able to stay alive in the forest by herself. Hah. It had been such a long time since she had even seen the old dragon. Not that this one made an attempt at keeping in contact with things that lived outside of her forest...well, before she was forced from her forest and lost the right she had to protect it.
"..."
For a few seconds, she didn't reply to the kitten. Instead, she had her tail slither up towards the girls head and rest on it.
"This one never forgets a scent." She didn't elaborate more on that, and switched subjects. "What of this one that you are helping?"
Luna, Marie, Sorcha, and Sol
Her body arced with electricity as she moved, though Sol wouldn't feel anything other than a small bit of tingling. She bolted through the hallways of the ruined castle, easily reaching the exit. First, though, she stopped by the supplies and retrieved her Glaive from the wagon - just in case. She wasn't planning on interfering with whatever Luna had gotten involved in unless she absolutely needed to help, but she needed her Glaive ready just in case.
She only paused momentarily to retrieve it, which would be the only time Sol had to get off of Sorcha. As soon as she had taken it, she gave her wings a powerful flap, quickly ascending into the air, high over the roof of the castle, easily spotting Luna engaged in combat with some sort of large lizard.
"...Wyrm!?" Sorcha's eyes narrowed. Typically, the land lizards stayed north. She had dealt with a few of them before in the old days. Still...Luna could handle such a lesser dragon easily enough. She perched atop the part of the ruined wall, watching the fight unfold below.
-------
"Grah! By Lucifers unholy soiled drawers be a little more gentle!" Marie yelled in quite the undignified fashion as she was pulled out of the way, just barely in time for the lizard's lunge to miss. Unfortunately, Luna's strike would fare much less better than she had hoped. The blade sank into the lizards scaly hide, a gush of putrid blood leaked from the long wound, but before it became anything more than annoyance the tail whipped back, slamming Luna across the breastplate and sending her reeling towards the ground.
The lizard tucked its legs towards it side, hitting the ground with an audible thud before it slithered along the ground in a serpent like fashion, turning and coiling around on itself, supporting itself with its two legs, hissing in the direction of the knight and demon.
"Don't just lay there and do something!" Blegh, this was annoying. If her mom hadn't sealed her arsenal then this would be so very easy.
The lizard opened its maw, a gout of powerful flame erupting from its maw as it launched a fireball at Luna and Marie.
Maoin nodded at the creature's comment about shelter - though it wasn't really the complete story. Lady Sorcha had done a lot more for her than that, though the kitten's eternal appreciation for the nigh-goddess was cut off as the creature's tail decided to take a nap on her head. When the woman finished her comment the servant was left with more questions than answers regarding their relationship.
"... oh? She's just ... a mutt. I don't rrreaallyyy-" A yawn left the exhausted girl's lips. "-care for ... that sort."
In truth she hadn't really paid much attention to the reason why they even bothered to come here. As far as she was concerned it was her duty to make sure Lady Sorcha and those she cared about were comfortable throughout this journey.
And to avoid getting in a fight with Meowka. At least out in front of the others. Though Maoin remained silent on this issue and as she did so would likely begin to slip into the world of sleep again unless she was interrupted once more. Despite her training with the dragoness, it seemed like she was still a kitten in need of her cat naps at the end of the day.
Meowka leaned into the pets slightly as she was told she was a 'good girl'. The cat blinked a couple of times as if confused, wondering what exactly being a 'good girl' entailed and why they got rewards. It seemed a little demeaning for some reason but she couldn't place a finger on it. She wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth though, but she was one to stay exactly on the other side of the puppeteer from that ravenous beast known as 'Eith'.
The cat immediately began to relax as the bunny mentioned them leaving.
Meowka looked up towards her mistress now that they were the only ones left in the room, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sure you don't like it down here? You seem like the type who'd enjoy these toys." The cat gestured to the dungeon around them. "Or are you too afraid of the dark, mistress?" The cat gave Katherine a playful lick on the cheek, seeming to have fun with the interaction.
It didn't cut as much as she had hoped, still, it was better than with a real dragon. She pulled her weapon out just in time to get smacked in the chest by the beast's tail. She lost grip of the weapon and it disappeared into nothing. As she recovered, she chanted, "Pilum" after which a spear appeared the Knightess' hand. One just suitable enough for throwing. It wasn't all too demanding to summon these weapons. Not really.
Outside that, the dragon shot a fireball at the two. Nothing too difficult to deal with. After making sure she was close enough to Marie, she chanted, "Aegis!" Erecting a small barrier around the two, more than protecting them from the fireball. As soon as the fire dissipated, Luna took the chance to launch the javelin at the wyrm's head, most specifically at the mouth, hopefully doing some internal damage. "Malleus Magnus." She spoke as soon as the spear left her hands. Reptiles had annoying scales and this one a thick body. Might as well crush the damned thing. If not it's head, than it's legs. It'd be difficult to move without those. Well, she'd put up a shield if needed, or go for whatever was more accessable if she could.
Katherine Lindall and Eith
Katherine just sighed at Meowka, "Maybe I should just lock you up down here." Katherine said before grabbing the cat by the collar. "Either way, we're done down here. Let's get out of her before I decide to put you in chains." The Puppeteer practically dragged the cat back up the steps if she didn't go along with it. Once out of the pits of hell, the teacher asked, [color=green]"So, I'm going to assume you want to read that book. I think I'm going to look down this hallway, we've not been this way yet, and I'm curious if there are any spirits around.
Eith stood around Miren, ready to defend her in the worst case. If that Knightess was attack, there might be something else around... "Oh, right. I forgot to tell Sorcha, but her cat was with a Chimera. Safe though, so I think she'll be fine. Maybe I'll try interacting with her." Around this time, one of her dolls moved into sight of the Chimera and Maoin.
Solana Lightsword
Sol was excited with how fast Sorcha was going... Until a bug splatted off the top of her head. Luckily, there was no actual splatter on her. Her hands were holding tight to Sorcha's horns. They stopped to grab Sorcha's weapon and then on top of the castle. That was fun. "Can we do that again sometime!?" The girl looked down and over at the fight going on below. "Is that Luna fighting down there? Yea! It is! Go Luna!!!"
