══ஓ๑ In The Dark [IC] [open!] ๑ஓ══╗

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The smell of snakes, blood, and ash invades your senses as you approach the dark entrance. Mask pulled over your nose, leaving just cold eyes to gaze at the guards before you. A few minutes later and you're pacing down a dark hallway, the calls of merpeople in pools, jeering half-wolves surrounded by their pack, avians crowing and fluttering all following your steps. A heavy knocker on the door before you and it's pushed open soon enough.

A dimly lit room, desk tucked against a wall, wide window overlooking the crowd and activity below. A pool taking over half the room. Clearing your throat awkwardly, something - someone - in the pool moves. Snake's tail shifting beneath the dim water before a feminine face turns to look, slit eyes and all angles.

"Perfect." The Naga hissed, a wave towards someone near the walls and a chair is brought forward, a small tray with drinks and various food upon it.

"I have a job for you."

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The Beginning

It had been two days since The Underground Queen had summoned you. But this time, there's a group of people with you, some clutching a parcel in their hands, some appearing empty-handed.

The Queen had required you prove loyalty to her, with some form of gift. You hadn't a clue what the others must have brought, necklaces, weapons, documents... but they all seemed fairly sure of themselves.

Finally, an avian steps forward, grey wings tucked close to their body and a quiet, demure posture.

"Whisper will see you now."

~> Erytha <~

The group filed in slowly enough, dark eyes following their path. With a small sigh, Erytha pulled their tail beneath themselves, half coiled, half lazing in the cool water. They brought gifts in, some with specific requests, others tasked to choose.

A goblet, from the vampire. Shifter as well, a dark crow, only able to bare the sunlight while feathered. Mediocre but good enough.
Charms, potions. Magical things. The Great Witch of the Underground, covered with strange spells and marks unknown to even the Naga.
A trophy from the Harpy, an eagle harpy's talon. Not useful but a good show of ability. Perhaps the labs could find some use for it.... or she would simply display it in her main office.
Information from the cat burglar. Could be useful, as they claimed. Good enough as well, specific and precise but still very informative.


"I'm sure you've all heard the saying, a magician never reveals their secrets. I may not be a magician but... the sentiment still stands, hmm? As for food... it's not my responsibility to dictate what you eat. If you cannot handle that small amount of responsibility alone, you are most certainly not prepared for what I am about to ask of you."

A wave of her hand, as if clearing the subject.
"You all know of how those above treat us. Forced to perform and parade for their money and twisted amusement. If you haven't brushed against that kind of danger, I'd be... quite surprised."
Another wave of her hand, a gesture to come forward, and a few lurking around the walls of the den brought chairs forward before a quiet word and they left.

"What a gathering. A Witch, pursued by both those in the Dark and those above. A cat burglar, quite literally. A vampire stuck in the dark, saved by feathers and flight. A harpy working only to their own wishes. Some with.... more personal reasons to join this group..." Her slitted eyes caught on the moth humanoid. Styx Lepidoptera. It had taken a lot of time and money to dig up what she needed. But... provided they joined the group, their problem would be dealt with, and that expense would be worth it.. Already there were people looking but with the range of expertise Styx could provide? Efforts could be doubled, tripled. Maybe even more. "...and some with more basic motivation." They continued, barely a breath later but just long enough for their eyes to catch on the almost blinding pupils.

"It's simple enough. I employ you to carry out what I need done. Sorting out smaller gangs, disposing of unneeded and unwanted individuals, finding information. Sometimes we take care of less fortunate people and see them off to better homes. Most often, I've been arranging times to remove those stuck above from human.... 'care' to either bring below or find a safe house above."

A thin smile, not much more than a small quirk of their lips.

"Should you accept... Well. I doubt many of you are in a position to decline what I can offer in exchange for your services." The sound of snake scale against the rough floor disturbed the quiet room as Erytha moved to her desk, a small book pulled from the dark of the drawers.

"Money, lodging, protection. Some personal wants may be seen to as well, lost items, lost family members. Revenge for dead family or friends. Depends on how well you do. Any questions? If not,"

They set the book down on the desk and a pen next to it. A quick glance to the harpy's talons and they set a low bowl of ink next to the book as well, reaching behind their desk to find it.

"Sign here. Your alias, name, or simply a signature of some kind. It's only for who or what I'll be needing to get lodging for, this deal will not go down on paper. Should you wish to be released from the deal... we can discuss that later."