Shady

Talia blinked quickly, not at all sure what to say. She glanced over her shoulder, hoping the messenger or Lieutenant Mikaelson had by some miracle come in as well to ...

"Magic." He shrugged. "Just gotta blow 'em up. I tried knocking one away earlier and it didn't work. They're stubborn."

Talia stopped moving immediately when he said no, then stared at him with wide eyes as he continued talking, subconsciously wrapping her fingers around her strap tightly. Young lady from ...

"Yeah. They're little buggers," Aeron said.

"No sir," Talia agreed. "We changed a few miles from here." He didn't like the dresses, then? "...We could change again if something else would be more to your liking?" ...

"Nah, they kill for sport." He shook his head. "Dip their hats in your blood as a trophy of sort. That's why they're called redcaps."

"Yes sir," Talia answered, still smiling, though she was starting to doubt herself. What had they done to displease him already? "He's been most kind, thank you for your generosity, ...

Aeron snorted and rolled his eyes. "They want your blood; it's just all they can reach. It gets you down so they can reach your throat."

Talia walked in first, eyes flicking around quickly before locking on the man behind the desk. Just him, then. That'd make it easier to please him. Three-on-one was a good ...

"These little gnome-ass bastards that come for your ankles," Aeron muttered, watching the path closely. "One got me on the way in. It stings."

(aww nice! My gaydar didn't pick that up but I am absolutely for it) The girls didn't look back; he hadn't been identified as someone they needed to pleasure, and ...

Aeron grasped his staff firmly and started back where he'd gotten scratched up by the redcaps before.

(Aww poor Emery getting flashbacks "what the fuck is going on in Serpent Keep--" like obvi knows Gaius isn't sanctioning it but still) Talia offered him a flirtatious smile and ...

"Yep. Ready for the fuckers this time." He glanced at Beck. "Stay close."

"Yes sir." She dipped her head and followed him out, the other two girls on her heels. Her heart fluttered and she had to focus on pretending to be relaxed. ...