(Untitled)

[street_sparrow]

He promised Tom he wouldn't go out into London Below alone.

But he never promised he wouldn't go out at all.

So when the rats come to him, a score of them or more, and tell him there's something they want him to see, he only hesitates a little before he goes.

The rats count as an escort... right?

Comments

[sister_serpent]

If one is willing to rely on the steadfast nature of tiny brown rodents, of course it counts.

Serpentine, however, has never been so willing. Her escort always consists of actual people.

For a given definition of 'people'.

[street_sparrow]

He knows who she is, of course, though they've never met. And if he didn't, the rats would tell him.

He stops, bowing to her as she passes.

"Lady Serpentine."

[sister_serpent]

Serpentine looks down.

"Ah. Lord Ostium's boy. In the company of rats. They never were overly sensitive about their company."

[street_sparrow]

One of the rats is currently in his pocket, just visible over the flap. Gavroche ignores the insult.

"Good day to you."

[sister_serpent]

"Send my good wishes, such as they are, to Lord Ostium, boy, and be on your way."

And Serpentine begins to walk past him, ragged skirts brushing the ground as she does.

[street_sparrow]

Gavroche bows to her again, respectfully, not moving either to stop her or to pass until she's gone. Then Kennis scampers to his shoulder and squeaks something.

He listens, then spins hastily.

"Lady Serpentine! A question."

[sister_serpent]

Serpentine takes another step or two, then pauses.

Her turn toward Gavroche is very slow.

"Questions, child? They have their price."

This is, however, Lord Ostium's boy, and Serpentine is as fond of him as she is of anyone.

"A pittance only. Ask."

[street_sparrow]

"The rats say you know about the last time the Night got off the Bridge. What happened?"

[sister_serpent]

Serpentine's expression grows very cold, indeed.

"A fool ran straight into it. A hero."

Her voice twists that last word into something worthy of scorn.

[street_sparrow]

"Did he make it go back where it belongs?"

[sister_serpent]

"One assumes these things. Particularly when the fool never returns to the Underside."

Again, her voice twists the words into a dismissal. Perhaps of the hero, perhaps of Gavroche.

[street_sparrow]

Gavroche nods slowly.

"You don't know what he did, then?" he asks, just to make sure.

[sister_serpent]

Serpentine's gaze grows even more frosty.

"I am neither suicidal nor a fool. And the Night holds little interest for me. Good day."

She nods, once, and turns again to go.

[street_sparrow]

Gavroche nods a farewell as she turns, though she probably doesn't see it.

"Thank you for the answers, Lady Serpentine."

[sister_serpent]

"Hmm. We'll see."

And she turns the corner and is gone.

[street_sparrow]

Gavroche continues on his way... to Ulfric's holding. Or what remains of it.