Serpent's Tooth

[Cherubian]

"This might be an interesting legal matter" Verialyn rose to her feet and walked up next to her friend "but if I am not completely mistaken your contract with whoever you have signed it ended the moment that person no longer held the property rights of this estate."

Scrutinizing what was visible of his face and the movement of his tentacles she was poignantly reminded of the fact that these alien creatures were basically impossible to read with the usual means of human empathy. She again reminded herself to be careful. The bugbears were far from the real threat here, that one person was.

"But I agree to your suggestion. Let us have a tour of our estate, and hopefully we can reach an agreement that is acceptable for everyone."

 

[LordLuck]

"If you are accurate, then, the last owner has done me wrong. I would advise against it."

Ma'ant turned around, climbing up the stairs, hoping he would be followed as he never looked back. Although the guardians stood there, moving themselves to tend and keep the door, Ghor the Bugbear followed their steps, standing behind them like a watchful warden, attent if they'd try anything against his Master.

He gurgled again, likely chuckling, as he read upon Phyliss emotions. She had tried to stop him with a watchful recomendation, but he disregarded. It took more to stop one of his kind in it's most signature abilities.

"Somehow, I doubt that you would allow me to sign another contract with the current owner of my estate, it seems.", his tentacles waved before him in a quick, slashing motion, showing his displeasure. "However, I also doubt that any of you would like to consult a Doctor of the land's Laws and Traditions, since both our... features would be noticeable, and I am sure the two of us would prefeer not to denounce ourselves."

One of his tentacles pointed to his chest, then extended forwards to point at the gorgon, meaning their somewhat aberrant features.

Turning to offer a hand to Phyliss, Ma'ant extended his own, his long fingers concealed by a heavy, exquisitive glove that went up to his elbow. Not waiting to see if she took it, he offered the other hand to Verialyn, hoping to earn their trust rather than stay defiant like a foe.

"Please follow me, Ladies.", he gurgled rather than spoke, almost like if gagging into something,"I am aware most people dislike my voice, but the experience of telephaty is... distressing to the ones not used to the practice. Would you allow me? Or you'd like to keep hearing me?"

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn was definitely reluctant to take the hand offered to her just yet, and so she politely declined, or as politely as could be done under these circumstances, as she added "As you guessed already telepathy is not for everyone, and most humans - or humanoids - feel it constitutes a violation of their privacy. Your voice is just fine, no need to change what is working."

She continued following him up the steps. Her behind swayed a few times seductively, tantalizingly in the direction of the the bugbear escort behind them, but except for that he was ignored. Instead she added "Regarding the former owner of the house, yes he most likely has wronged you. But as I hear, he has much bigger problems to deal with currently. Maybe if you would be a bit more informative about the exact terms of your agreement with him we might get closer to a solution of this conflict."

If it was just some regular rental agreement, then prolonging it with the two of them being the new recipients of the payment might be acceptable. Plus they now knew of the whereabouts of one of his kind, an information that definitely was dangerous but could also provide useful in the future.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss did take the offered hand, partly out of curiosity, partly because she liked his manners so far - except his mind-reading; but she wasn't sure if he did do it all the time, which meant he would live in a sea of permanent thoughts and emotions floating around him, including the bugbears, or if he just peeked like reading in a book. She thought the second one would be more plausible. His gloved hand felt a bit different then a humans, and she tried to make out more features of his face, that was covered by the hood. She heard all kind of stories about strange creatures, especially from the captians of sea, but she had not come upon one of his kind before, and nobody had told her someting about such creatures. She had never been in a dungeon, so she could not tell if things like him would live beside the bugbears there. But Ma'ant didn't behave like a dungeon dweller.

 

[LordLuck]

Slowly, Ma'ant'Zek'Ur lowered his entire frame over Phyliss hand. Slow enough, not to startle her, trying not to raise her already cautious demeanor and preocupations with his mimics of the humans acts, an activity he enjoyed beyond mere etiquette. Allowing his long tentacles to rub against her forearm, he pulled her closer to his concealed mouth-like feature, in an attempt to lay a kiss at her hand.

Withdrawing as slowly as he descended, he turned to be by the gorgon's side while he led both of them into the curtain-drapped door, hearing as Verialyn spoke for the pair. He was not yet sure how deeply did their relationship went - from mere friends to intimate lovers, but it did not mattered... for now.

"There were some... specific terms in our last contract. You see, my lady...", he used on hand to caress Phyliss', while the other held it almost tightly between them, "...I've used to... exchange services with the last owner of the building." But I doubt you two would allow me to remain in the same dealings of the prior contract. You see, you both aren't nearly as shadowy as he was towards me..."

He coughed, as trying to laugh, when he noticed the gorgon trying to imagine how he perused thoughts. She was such a clever, attractive woman...

The room was a tall one, a hall almost blanketed in every wall by curtains and fine tapestries. Many cushions were spread out around the room's floor, and a small, short table stood at the middle, clean. Ghor stood by the door, lifting his chest defiant, blocking the way out.

"And... I cannot let you depart, privy of my secret...", he wriggled his tentacles again, this time facing Phyliss, "...without the right guarantees and retribuition."

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss was a little startled by Ma'ants behaviour, but it was although somehow exciting to deal with such a strange creature. She felt that he could be a very useful friend and quite an arkward enemy. She wished she could talk with Verialyn about that. Maybe they could make him the caretaker. He seemed to have taste, except for his staff. Well, they could keep the Bugbear that fancied Verialyn, he seemed better then the others. Was he dangerous? She did not mind the sword, it could not harm her. But if he...."Lalalalalala. Don't ever think of your weak spot. Lalalalaala..think of something to talk..." Phyliss forced herself not to imagine her weaknesses, and looked around as they went through the door.
"What pretty tapestries you have. They remind me of the famous once made in Boulaisgeronde last century. Battille Marcarobe, the famous merchant, had quite a collection of them. A very nice man. Do you know him? I guess you have came around a lot, even if you are raher eye-catching, but you are probably able to have some disguise, don't you? I hope you forgive me if I am to inquisitive. I am just quite fascinated and I hope to hear more about you..."
She felt a bit eerie now. Did she have a reason to be afraid? Maybe.
"Oh, I think we sureley can find a solution that won't do harm to any side..."

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn closely followed the interesting pair that their host and Phyliss were. He seemed very intent on displaying good manners, although in his case it did have an odd quality to it.

Oh his mention of the conditins of the former contract she could not help but loudly comment "That would figure ..." letting the sentence trail off after that. They both knew Antides mercurius, nothing else had to be said. "And you are correct, we most likely do not require the same services". Which posed a problem. This WAS their house now, and she at least could hardly justify letting someone like him reside in here, unknown in the midst of the city, if he would keep up his practices.

So his sudden change of direction came as no big surprise, he probably had thought along the same lines. Verialyn was immediately alert, for any move Ghor made as well as any attempt of Ma'ant to use any of the powers of his species on her. Her face turned into a hardened, suspicious expression, as she coldly replied to Phyliss light hearted comment

"I sure hope we can find such a solution. And as a first step" she now turned to face him again "maybe you would care to better explain your last statement. You see, it can be easily misunderstood. I for one almost got the impression you intend to hold us captive in here until you have done who knows what to us."

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss wondered if Verialyn was really that keen on getting the house in her possession, or if it had become a personal matter to her. After all, they were put well enough not to worry about a place to stay, and they did have a great host who would even help them to find a house if they wanted to settle down. Although she had to admit that the house was fine and in a rather good place for their kind... But again, when she thought how they got into possession of the..
"Ohhh..hmmm.. I mean you would surely not do that to us. Besides being unkind and rude, it would not be very intelligent. I rather think this is a little misunderstanding, and you meant that we can come to terms in a thoughtful way." Phyliss could control her voice very well and her face even better, but not her snakes. She was nervous now, even beginning to get frightened, but also felt a very strange fascination about everything; the house, the situation and their host as well.

 

[LordLuck]

"Perhaps it was a choice of... poor wording, my ladies.", he gurgled again, "...you know, I can trust you, Gorgon, for who would trust a woman like you in this savage society of mankind? Most would simply disregard you as simple ravings."

He turned to Verialyn, this time approaching her somewhat, but never taking his gloved hands away from Phyliss'. His tentacles waved forth, like if in a warning motion, the same way spiders do when under distress, preparing to look bigger and more intimidating.

"But as of you, lady? You are one of them. How can I trust you not to denounce my true... appearance? You know my Sanctum is well-guarded, for Ghor and his partners are more than capable of direct combat. However, I would not like to jeopardize their integrity..."

"But...", he coughed, his tentacles waving around in the same motioning prior, "I trust you to hold this lady...", he lifted his hand where Phyliss' laid, "... in the greatest os esteems. So let me tell you this... lend me your friend for some time. I grow fond of her company, and would like to be alone with her for an hour."

It was a test of trust and confidence. He was amused with his cunning plan - what would the ladies decide? He doubted any kind of agression would come his way, this time...

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss was quite speechless at first. Although she was quite fascinated of this strange creature, she was also frightened. Still, they were in a fix; they did not know his powers, and a bunch of bugbears, and maybe some more hidden creatures, were quite a treat. Maybe he was bluffing, but she did not really believe that. If they turned against him now, they might be in real trouble. Maybe it would be better to give in, what could he do with her? Probably less worse things then he would if they would attack him. Still, she was afraid; her snakes squirmed, and it did show in her eyes and face a little. She was afraid of Verialyns reation, too. Would she attack Ma'ant? Maybe her vampiric powers did not work against him at all.
The gorgon laughed a little, shy and uneasy. "I am really fluttered... but maybe you might tell, what use I could be to you after all? To make the decision easier?"

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn looked back straight at Ma'ant. Her face was calm, unreadable, as she replied.

"Now that is interesting, that you talk about whether you can trust us. The other way around is where the problem lies.

You see, for good or bad this estate has fallen in our hands. Which means we are responsible for it - and everyone who resides in it. At least I think we are." Her tone made it clear that 'think' was not about some legal assumption but a clear statement of her moral standpoint.

"So, as long as you just reside here peacefully and do nothing that we might find despicable - you will surely know what I am talking about - I have no problems. If you need to ... treat someone badly, make sure he deserves it - by our standards. As long as you move within these boundaries, and we can come to an agreement considering the rent, I see no reason whatsoever to denounce you. I do my best to distance myself from common prejudice.

If however you become a scourge on the good people of Maadorian, and yes they do exist, then I can not tolerate your presence here."

At the closure of her speech she managed a smile in his direction, before she concluded "Quite easy, isn't it? And just like my friend asked, I also would like to know for what purpose you require solitude with her."

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss felt a little reassured by Verialyns self-confidence. Phyliss could be quite intimitating and untouchable if she moved on the streets, where she had to deal with common people that did not see the nice person behind the snakes. Ans she wasn't coward or frightened very easily. But there was something abou Ma'ant that frightened her. Maybe it was his touch, that was demanding, and showed that he was not even slightly worried about her poisonous snakes and her stone gaze. She looked at him. Strangeley, it were not the tentacles that disturbed her, maybe because she had snakes for hair, so he had tentacles instead of a beard? That thought nearly made her giggle. But she was still a little worried that Verialyn would provoke him to much, underestimating his power and danger. And even if he was fon of herself and would not harm her, he might be less nice to Verialyn if he saw her as threat. She wished she could warn her somehow without alarming him.
"Maybe...you might show us your face? It might be easier to talk to each other."

 

[LordLuck]

Why not? Ma'ant thought. After all, even though it wasn't needed to reveal them his complete, true features, his tentacles more than enough denouncing who... or rather what he was. Never giving up into Phyliss touch, he lifted his other hand into his hood, using it to pull it behind his neck, revealling a bulbous, deep purple head, a noseless face, two lidless eyes, and a mouth concealed under his four, wriggling tentacles.

"Understand, gorgon...", he said in reverence,"...that I do not show my features often to any of my guests. I wish to spend time with you alone, Phyliss..."

And turning to the vampiress, Ma'ant took his time to elaborate a kind awnser rather than take offense of her words.

"I am ready to abide to the terms of this new contract, if you'd rather allow me to remain here in my secrecy than casting me and my clients out. If we are understood, then...", he took Phyliss arm up towards his tentacles again, sliding their wet surface against her soft skin, like if laying a hundred kisses agaisnt all her arms lenght, from her hand towards her shoulder.

"I would like to be private with this gorgeous woman, if you'd allow me...", he looked upon the bugbear, "Ghor might be more than an entertainment to you, good Verialyn. I'm sure he can figure something... exciting for the both of you."

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss lived amon humans most of her life, and she hadn't seen so much monsters, maybe less then the average human. She has never seen such a creature or even heard about it, but she was less shocked then to be expected. Most people would have thought that Ma'ant was horrible ugly, but she didn't - he was just very strange and unknown. She had seen many collection of bizarre insects in the rich houses, and one host had a huge aquarium in his castle filled with exotic fishes, in odd shapes and vibrant colors. Looking at him reminded her somehow of that feeling when she had seen the colorful, strange beetles and other aninmals the fisrt time. He did not look like a disfigured human, just like a unknown, very exotic species. The wriggling of the tentales meant no horror to her, as her snakes were wiggling most of the time as well. And his skin didn't feel so bad. She was still frightened of him, but now a little less as he was not concealed under the hood anymore. He probably meant no harm to her, but... could she do it? The way he treated her hand gave her a strong indication that his interest in her was not just academic. Being so alien, it had something intimitating. But it was her own fault, somehow, she came her to have some excitement? Now she had it. The fear showed in her eyes, and she avoided to look at Verialyn. Her friend would maybe do an attempt to save her and who know what would happen then... "You wouldn't harm Verialyn? Please. We mean no harm..." she begged in her thoughts, not knowing if he did read her mind. She couldn't speak at the moment, because her frightened voice could cause the escalation she was afraid of.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn just nodded as he stated his acceptance of her terms, and a smile even returned to her earnest features. She had tried her best to find a compromise that would work for everyone, and was relieved that he saw it the same way. Now all he needed to do was to stay true to his word.

She did not even bother to ask where he got her name from although noone had mentioned it before.

Instead she put a hand on her friend's shoulder and assurd her "I am not worried about my safety. Ma'ant seems exceptionally cooperative given the reputation of his species, and I have hopes that our agreement will indeed last. But whether you join him in his requested privacy is up to you. It is your call, and your call alone." She knew the gorgon well enough to know that she might actually enjoy such an encounter greatly, and therefore did not want to spoil it for her out of a false sense of curiosity, despite the still lingering danger. She could wait that long.

Except there was that remark about Ghor. She was not entirely sure what to make of it. Did her host really intend to let the bugbear have her?

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss smiled uneasy at her friend, but her eyes and her snakes showed the amount of fear she had. But she would not let that out, after all they came here in free will, and her friend should not think that she was a coward and would butt in that easliy. And resisting Ma'ant looked very dangerous, maybe the agreement it was the only way out after all.
"Don't worry about me." her voice trembled as she spoke, although she tried to sound confident.

 

[Cherubian]

One last time Verialyn looked her friend deeply into the eyes. After the way the conversation went she did not expect that their host would harm Phyliss, but the gorgon's fear was palpable, and it concerned her. So she earnestly asked

"Are you sure?"

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss looked at her friend, a bit pale, looking at her with large yellow eyes.
"Why, sure." she giggled a little, not hysteric, but nervous. "I asked for it, don't you renember?" She gasped. "Better take care of yourself. After all I am a gorgon, ain't I."

 

[LordLuck]

"Why, indeed you are...", he kept his tentacles touching at her skin, taking his time to speak all the while he caressed her, "...a most impressive specimen, may I add."

Taking his head upwards, not needing to rely on his telephaty to read her fear, Ma'ant decided to ease them both.

"I mean you no harm, Phyliss. Please, do not face me with horror or disgust. I assure you, no harm whatsoever shall become of you... or her."

He said, his glve clamping into her hand, fearful she might change her mind. A mind open to his perusal, nonetheless. Leading her around in a meaningful way, he turned to one drapped curtain, making a long arm motion. It opened itself, sliding into the sides, revealling another room.

"Ghor. You have your orders. Tend to the Lady all and any wishes."

The bugbear turned to Verialyn, smiling all the while. Ma'ant, however, waited for one last reaction before leading the gorgon away.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss did get up as Ma'ant obviously wanted her to.
"Oh, you do not disgust me. Forgive me if I am a little frightened. It is just ..unusal. Even for me." she tried to produce another smile, while her heart was beating faster. She looked back to Verialyn. Probably it was the best to please their host. If he managed to stay her all the time unnoticed, he must had some notable powers.

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn just nodded and watched as their host led Phyliss to the next room. It would be pointless and insulting his intelligence to throw any threats his way in case he dared to hurt her friend, so she did not. So she folded her arms across her chest, out of the corner of her eye watching Ghor.

There was something in his smile that was not completely in accordance with his masters orders. Or at least not with what his master claimed that these orders would be. But she would see soon enough.

 

[LordLuck]

Motioning his hand around again, Ma'ant had the drapped curtain slide close again. Leading Phyliss around with serene manners, almost like if presenting her to an unknown, unseen crowd, the unusual pair finally reached another room, this one still filled with tapestries and curtains, but many book-filled shelves, a lone table by the wall, where many rolls of parchment lay, amid inkpots and feathers. The floor was once again filled with heavy, pluffy pillows and cushions of fine silk and velvet.

Finally leaving her hand, Ma'ant sat down upon the pillows, allowing himself to lay confortable. Pointing beside himself, he told her.

"Please, Phyliss... sit. Make yourself confortable.", he said, taking upon an already burning hookah. Taking a long sip, he allowed the smoke to raise, it's aromatic scent filling the room completely.

***

Ghor approached finally, waving his arm around.

"Please, Lady, have a seat around. Master will take quite some time to end his bussiness with the Gorgon-Lady."

Allowing himself to remain standing, the bugbear smirked at Verialyn, still analising her lithe body with a strange... different kind of lust.

"As told, I am ordered to remain by yourself... and... entertain you."

 

[Cherubian]

Verialyn watched with mixed emotions as Phyliss disappeared with her host through the strange - or at least well concealed - curtain-door. She hoped they both knew what they were doing and her hunch regarding Ma'ant had been right. She woud hate herself if Phyliss came to any harm.

But there was not much that she could sensibly do about it right now, so she turned her attention to Ghor, and following his gesture she lowered herself onto one of the cushions next to the table, still sitting upright, her knees drawn up halfway to her chest, with her arms casually draped over them she finally looked up at him, and asked.

"Oh, so how are you going to entertain me then? Are you going to dance naked for me after all?" She had to grin at that last sentence.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss followed Ma'ant - she had no idea how his species was called, if he wasn't a magic creation like her - to the room. Still with mixed feeling, she looked around. She liked the way he decorated the room, and the books were certainly not for show-off. She sat down and sniffed at the scent of the hookah. It smelled fine. Of course, Phyliss had tasted all kind of drugs in the long row of decadent parties she had visited, but she had always be sane enough not to become addicted. She tried to calm down a little, although she shivered first a little. She looked at Ma'ant. He was very strange, for sure, and probably very powerful in magic skills, but so fare, he had been all polite and sensual. She had been with nobles that were known for cruelty and murder, and she stayed with ruthless merchants who gained their wealth with illegal and brutal ways. Why should she bother now?
"I wonder, do you have many visitors?" she looked around and smiled shyly.

 

[LordLuck]

Bursting into a laughter, Ghor smirked back at Verialyn, his tall frame dwarfed her even when standing upright. He took both arms beside his chest, crossing them again over his furred features, under his loose finery.

"Only if you'd want it, my Lady. Master's orders are orders, after all."

He snapped a finger, and from a third, concealed door did the curtain drappings slide free, another bugbear coming into the room from it, bringing a fine jar and several ceramic cups. Laying them at the table beside the woman, this new bugbear stood obsequious beside Ghor.

"Or could I offer ye an brewerage?"

***

"Not anymore, no."

Ma'ant reclined confortably over the cushions, stretching himself wide before coming to offer Phyliss the hookah, pulling the exquisitive of craftsmanship closer to her. Laying his head at one of his gloved hands.

"Would you please...?", he said as he offered her the hookah. It was a custom of a foreign people, and he used to pose as one, this tradition was one that he loved to indulge into, healthy or not.

"I've... used to receive many visitors. That was... until Harlana dissapeared."

He said, once again extending his gloved hand to caress at Phyliss' leg, in a timid gesture.