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Malodore couldn't entirely be frustrated at the hideous frog-goo that had been served to Ickis Car, given that Riley's impromptu brain surgery was how it had met her, and it was definitely glad that had happened.

It could, however, be frustrated that there wasn't any sustenance here now. "This entire venture was hideously ill-planned," it muttered. They'd gone so far... for what? Candy, apparently. And useless giftboxes.

Fantastic.

Riley heard him much clearer this time, just as she'd explained, and the corners of her eyes crinkled slightly. Yes. I can. She responded lightly. They don't call my kind mindflayers for nothing, dear. A soft vibration tickled his brain, in lieu of laughter.

So, now that I have your attention, Christof. Her voice remained light, even though her thoughts had become dark, and brooding. I noticed you conversing with another demon while we were on the trail to Christmastown. Sin was her name. How do you know her, exactly? Riley's eyelids lowered halfway, somewhat mysterious in their gaze.

Luce did growl then, but it was just a faint protest; she did, however, jump down off Riley's lap and follow after Malodore, her tail swaying back and forth behind her.

Riley's eyes saddened just slightly when Luce hopped away, but she knew this conversation may lead somewhere important, so she turned her eyes back to Christof and listened carefully.

At first, it sounded like he liked her. But the jumble of thoughts and pictures she was receiving didn't really match with that assumption - and his final words clenched it for her. Christof had just made Riley a happy, happy mindflayer. Her eyes crinkled in mirth once more.

Oh, how lovely. They are a fine pair, I do hope you achieve your goal some day soon. I do know her, she's a fellow demon. We've only met briefly during this escapade, however. I got the feeling the two of you had spent more time than we had, so I thought I'd ask. Every word she thought was filled with an odd, kind of off-beat happiness. She didn't sound like she was faking it, but more like she was.. frighteningly happy. It was unclear.

In fact, she continued, while placing her hand on his shoulder with a light touch. I'd love to do anything in my power to help you achieve this goal of yours. You keep that in mind. Won't you?

It occurred to Mandy as she was staring at the ceiling of the infirmary that their time on this trip was almost up. To her surprise this thought caused a flash of sadness. Frowning slightly she sighed as she figured out why. It was because despite all the danger and terror and pain this trip had caused it had been.... fun. She'd actually managed to find a few people that she could tolerate and in turn that tolerated her attitude, true this had yet to be tested outside of such stressful conditions but she had a feeling that most of the friendships would stick.

Still, who knew when she would next see these ghouls and boils? She wasn't going to be around Amity for a while, she truly didn't know when she would next be in the area. Still frowning she spoke up, voice soft, addressing Barth and Alwine, the only two of her group still here, "It was nice to meet you both, your not bad. See you both some time after this?"

Riley had not expected Christof's sudden closeness, or his excited thoughts. They made her flush slightly, as if forced with adrenaline that wasn't her own. She leaned back just a bit, but allowed him to clench her hand. It was almost difficult, keeping up with all of the thoughts he was flinging at her, but she couldn't help but notice that some of the thoughts were a little more.. well, let's say racy than others. Perhaps it was these thoughts that were making her flush a darker purple.

She tried, several times, to gather herself enough to respond, but finally she patted his clenched fist with her other hand and gave him a determined look.

I will assist you in this matter, Christof. I will speak with her.

She was still leaning back from him slightly, without realizing it. His proximity was a little unnerving, especially considering some of the things he'd been thinking.. but she was determined to follow through with her plan.

"She is a variety of spectral hound, I believe... though I've not seen her ever exercise any spectral abilities," Malodore replied, bending down to pat Luce's head. The pup leaned into the pet, her tail thumping some more. "And naturally, in this blessed land... ugh... she won't manifest any such thing."

His eyes twitched over her before realizing he was clinging to her hand and finally let go to inch back towards the end of the bed again sheepishly, wiping his sweaty palm on his blood and soot stained pant leg, his mouth twisting into a frown like a millipede in distress, which he tugged at his shirt collar to try to hide behind out of nervous habit. He needed a new scarf, he supposed. After a Christmas like this one, he deserved one. He nodded, his inner voice sounding quieter, shier and distant as his wheels turned, Thank you thank you thank you... Swallowing, it grew more confident, And I will be happy to return the favor in any way I am able....