Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"T-Thanks." Artemis says, limping off, subtly taking a route toward where the thing ran off to.

 

Once she gets there, it turns out to be the Mantis Matriarch.
"That was impressive. I, uh... have a prisoner for you. Tied them up to a tree not too much farther off." She whispers.

 

"C-Can you take me to them?" Artemis asks.

 

"That's where we're headed."
I say, then turn to the mage.
"Will you be following?"

 

"King of Perniciosa"

 

The Matriarch carefully picks Artemis up and carries her over, holding her head near the prisoner's neck.
"If you can get through the exoskeleton, technically it doesn't matter if you kill her or not."
The prisoner's mouth is bound shut. All Artemis can hear are muffled screams.

"The hell do you want with us?" The lamia asks, the other two guards becoming worried.

"No, just keep quiet. Good luck; I'm going to make sure nobody remembers me talking to you in the first place." She says, heading back inside the hidden passage.

 

"Exactly what I said. Information. I just want to know about your kind, this realm, and all other manners. It is useful to acquaint oneself with a new realm, is it not?"

 

"Useful, but I believe you have other motives." They challenge.

 

"And perhaps some examples of my other motives?"

 

"Material or land gain. Expanding your influence. Other things kings always do."

 

"You see, I don't intend to do that. I can just do that in my own realm." I say, "Besides, I'm no ordinary king."

 

"You have immortal blood, I know."

 

"Oh no, I'm not talking about that." I say, "Anyways, may I please have access?"

 

"Tell me what you are in reference to, and I will see to your permitted entry."

 

"Only if you swear to an oath of confidence that you shall tell no one."

 

Artemis weakly puts her hand to the prisoner's heart.

"G-Gaia can give life, and Gaia may take it again. Your time in this life has ended." Artemis says ritualistically, using what's left of her powers to calm the prisoner.

Artemis bites hard into the prisoner's neck, her fangs piercing through the exoskeleton like a hole puncher through paper. Artemis quickly drinks the prisoners blood, seeming to enjoy its taste quite a bit as her wounds gush with fresh blood before slowly starting to heal. Artemis keeps her hand on the prisoners heart the entire time she drinks, treating it like a ritual.

 

"Perhaps, well anyway, ignoring his immunity to fire. Apparently he was sent here to kill Anne."

 

I nod, then start slowly traveling along the alley, motioning Fuela to follow.

 

The lamia shrugs.
"Must have some personal problems if they're that important."

Fuela keeps near your feet, barely avoiding getting kicked as she goes.

"That doesn't surprise me. A bunch of people want me back home as a queen. Screw all of them."

The Matriarch smiles.
"Well, I won't hear her screaming about her child anymore. Sometimes a queen just wants her sleep!"

 

"Child?" Artemis asks, still looking weak.