Stepping out of the fire, Grim's red eyes glowed through the fire, followed by his face and body, the others followed soon after. The girls stepped out with Malva smiling and Lily nervous. Their gems glowed a bright red before dissipating, dulling itself back to its original unremarkable color. Valerie's hat distorted the flame as her beautiful face embraced the sunlight of the mortal world. Her outfit swayed with the wind and her hair lightly swayed with every movement she made. In front of them stands a large city, buildings tall as can be.
"We are here now Grim, on the outskirts of the city of Herdain." Announced Valerie.
"Woah! I have never been to such a big human city before!" Said Malva in excitement, mouth wide opened.
"Do I have to go in there?" Questioned Lily nervously.
"Sister! If you don't go in, it wouldn't be fun! Besides, if you aren't there, how do you suppose you will overcome your fear of human interactions?!" Lectured Malva.
"Come along now children. We need to head into town." Stated Valerie sternly.
Lily grumbled a bit, but reluctantly followed along.
Walking to the city gate, two guards approached them. The men wore silver armor lined with gold and cloth. Both holding halberts and on their side a small dagger. Their face looks stern and serious, suitable to be a guard.
"Halt outside, what is the purpose of your visit?" Asked one of the guards as he looked at the kids then Valerie, then back to Grim.
"We have a family member who is sick residing in the city. She is gravely ill and the doctor sent a letter saying she does not have much longer to live." Said grim calmly.
Valerie pulled out a fancy envelope from behind her dress, handing it to the guard. One of the guards reached out to grab the envelope, touching her glove in the process as he smiled. Valerie smiled back before looking away. Looking at the crest on the envelope as well as the fine penmanship of the letter, the guards were pleased by the reason given. Stepping aside, the group thanked the guards as they entered the city. The guard looked at Valerie as she walked past them.
"Um, lady Valerie?" Said Lily, shaking from fear. "Are you… um… alright?.."
Malva stayed silent, not daring to meet Valerie's figure. Slowly, she handed Valerie a handkerchief. The sound of gritting teeth can be faintly heard. The scraping of bone on bone bothered the ear of Lily as she winced from the sound.
Valerie slowly yet aggressively run the hanger chief up and down her hand, her face distorted into that of a bloodthirsty monster. Her eyes grew sharp as a red bloody hue shone from her eyes, hidden by her hat. Her hair swayed as the wind grows violent. The girls start to shake in fear and anxiety, with Lily holding onto Valerie's dress attempting to calm her wrath.
Quietly, Valerie whispered through her gritting teeth "filthy filthy Filthy FIlthy FILthy FILThy FILTHy FILTHY… VERMINS YOU DARE TO TOUCH THE CLOTHES GIVEN TO ME BY MY LORD. I WILL RIP YOUR SPINE FROM YOUR BODY THE MOMENT I HAVE A CHANCE"
The group felt a certain sense of pressure on their back after hearing those words. Grim took off his gloves, reached out to Valerie, placing his hand on her gloves. He gently took her gloves off, their hand grazing eachother. Valerie looked at Grim's gentle expression as he focus on taking off the glove. She couldn't help but smiled at the fight of her lord worrying for her. Giving her hand a kiss, a black flames exudes from his lips as it wrapped itself around her forearm, morphing back into a brand new glove. The wind calms itself as Lily breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Grim." She said with a smile.
Grim smiled back. "Alright, let us keep going"
The group proceeded onward closer to the city's plaza. A water fountain came into view. A statue of a man riding a horse stood on top of the fountain. People stood around the fountain, taking, eating, playing together ina peaceful hormony. Looking back at the kids, Lily has been dragged by Malva toward a food stall selling roasted meat.
Drilling, Malva spoke. "Oooo mister, how much is it for this here?" She pointed to a few pieces of roasted meat on a skewer.
"That will be 20 copper pieces young lady." The man in a good mood after seeing two adorable girls.
Grin and Valerie moved to the kids.
Valarie spoke. "Don't you kids run off like that!"
"Ah, are you their parents? They were were asking to buy some food is all. They seem like good kids, you two are lucky." The vendor said.
Valerie smiled, speaking in a soft and appreciative tone. "Thank you kind sir. These two are my everything. My husband simply adores them."
"Of course. They are good kids when it is all said and done." Grim added. "So how much will the skewer be?"
"20 copper pieces per skewer, good sir." The man said
"I will take four of you will." Requested grim.
"Of course" the vendor said as he put four skewers into a makeshift plate made from fresh leaves.
The girl's eyes lit up as the food was placed in their hand. Valerie gave Lily one, and took in her hand one for herself. While Lily are carefully and cleanly, the same can't be said for Malva. The scause smeered her mouth as she took her bite. Valerie nudge Malva, letting her know to mind her manners. Grim handed the man one silver piece for his friendly demeanor.
The vendor laughed a bit before taking the silver piece. "Thank you kind sir. May your family have a wonderful day!"
Walking away, the vendor waved to the girls as Malva waved back goodbye, mouth still full of food.
"So where should we go for information?" Asked Grim.
"Last time, it was at night when I heard gossips about it. In the town bar. I reckon it would serve us better to come there at night." Suggested Valerie.
"Fine by me. It's been a while since we had a night out anyways." Said Grim.
Valerie smiled as they walked to the nearby inn. Walking through the door, a bright warm room meet their eyes. The lanterns in the side of the lobby gave it a tavern feel, yet the furniture made it felt luxurious somehow. Two ladies stand behind the counter waiting for their next visitor. Walking to the women, one looked up from her papers, hurriedly putting on a warm smile to greet the group. Lily walked behind everyone while Malva walks confidently in front. Val held onto Grim's arm as they stopped in front of the two ladies.
"Good morning sir, good morning ma'am. How may I help you today?" One of the ladies said warmly.
"We would like a room to stay for the next few nights. Preferably a room with two separate beds." Valerie said.
"That will be no problem. We do charge a hefty fee, though I doubt that would be a problem?" The lady added.
"Not at all. How much for your finest room then?" Grim asked.
"That will be 1 gold piece per night. Food will be provided of course."
Val reached into her purse and grabbed something. Placing her hand over the table, she dropped 10 gold coins, shining in the light of the lanterns. The ladies smiled and gladly take the gold coins.
"My, you sure don't beat around the bush." Said the other lady.
"Of course." Retorted Valerie. "Ten nights will do."
The two ladies bowed their head in unison.
The First Lady then got out from behind the desk to take the group to their room. After a short walk up stair, they arrive at a large door made from fine wood. Giving the group the key, the lady downed her head once more.
"May you have a pleasant stay at Floral Inn." Said the lady as she lift her head again, leaving to walk away.
The two girls jumped on their bed, laying in it while stretching their back. Lily seems like she is in heaven after all the social interactions today.
"So what's the plan my lord?" Asked Malva.
"You two go around as well. Gather whatever info you can. Search all alleyways through the night, and keep your ears open. Now go get some rest before night falls." Said Grim.
"I like the sound of that" Lily said as she laid in bed, falling asleep.
Poking Lily's cheeks, Malva talked to Lily. "Oh come on sis, already?"
She pouts as she lies cuddled up next to Lily. Holding onto Lily's hand, the girls fell asleep as quickly as they laid down. Their appearance quickly changed back to their original looks. Their tail intertwined as they laid there holding each other.
Valerie pet the girl's head as they sleep. They smiled for a moment, and then went back to snoring. Valerie sat on the bed, her outfit morphing into a lose gown for sleeping. She rotated to lay on the bed, relaxing her body and stretching before getting comfortable. Grim looked out the window for a bit before Valerie spoke
"Grim, you seem stressed about something. Do you want to talk about it?" She said softly.
"The name of the cult reminded me of some bad memories." Grim reassured. "Once we have more info, I will tell you. For now, it isn't anything to worry yourself over Val."
Taking a moment to think, Valerie spoke once more. "If it isn't something to worry about right now, then you shouldn't worry about it either. Why not coke and lay with me. You haven't slept for weeks."
Grim spoke. "I appreciate you for worrying about me my dear. But my body doesn't need much sleep. I will be-"
"Get on the bed, love." Valerie said, cutting off Grim.
Looking warmly at Valerie, Grim clothes burned with black flames. His pants lose and made of royal silk and his shirt thin yet tough. He laid beside Valerie as Valerie wrapped her arm around his head, placing him on her chest. She brushed her hand through his hair as he closed his eyes, relaxed from the sensation. Slowly, he fell into a calm slumber. Laying her head on his, Valerie soon fell asleep as well, holding Grim's hand as she did.