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"Remember, you called yourself old," Taima reminded Sal, her tone teasing and her smirk mischievous, "and I've always been taught not to argue with my elders." She waved off his permission to step on him with a flick of her wing. "Yeah, you say that now, but these heels are killing me and I'm the one wearing them; I wouldn't dream of inflicting any part of them on someone else."

Taima brightened as Sal mentioned having questions. "I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have--another time, of course." How exactly did your people blow themselves up, again? didn't seem to be an appropriate question for such a happy event. "I've got some questions of my own," she admitted. Some was an understatement; all of the questions ever would have been much more accurate.

The song faded and Taima stepped away, smiling up at Sal. "Thank you for the dance--and your time and company, of course."

Christof was blubbering, but at least he was kissing her hand. It was a gesture she was used to, and she appreciated it; and his intentions behind it. But his words were appreciated most.

Alive. She corrected. And soon to be well, I'm sure.

Malodore's arm fit snugly around her wait, and she reveled in it. She turned back around, and gave it a squeeze, before giving the door a furtive look. Then she dipped her head in, and pulled Malodore and Jericho closer, making them pull their heads down as well - as if this was necessary for telling secrets. Which, of course, it wasn't.

He's not paying attention. She whispered to the two of them privately. Quick, let's .. Was she going to attempt escape? ..try to get a couple of dances in before he notices it's over.

Apparently not.

The music had faded, and people were cleaning up. Riley gave exactly 0 ******** class="quote">

Bilious

A rough, clawed grip closed around Riley's wrist, Vek's voice hissed behind her, "Night's over, Princess."

Jericho shot a glare at the Boogy and he too had the strong urge to punch him in the face. But, hearing Malodore's murmur caused his anger to diffuse quickly. Thankfully.

Letting out a sigh, he turned towards Riley.

"Try to come back soon.." he said.

Riley's back straightened as she felt the hand clamp on her wrist, and she snapped it back, trying to get Vek to let go - or at least pull him in forcefully. I am no one's princess, creature. She hissed. You'll do well to remember that.

Malodore's acceptance soothed her rage for the moment, and her head tilted towards it when it nuzzled against her. She was loathe to leave those arms, and she had to try one, desperate attempt around the fate.

Vek, aren't I a drain on your resources, keeping me locked up in that cell? Riley's voice held a fair amount of desperation in it - she was pulling out all the stops. Why not continue the experiment? Let me stay here, in my old room at Amity. You know I won't run. I can even send you updates, or come in for check ups -

She took a step closer, her brow furrowing as she attempted to convey her feelings to Vek with a genuine expression. I'd be out of your hair. And I could get back to my life.

Longshot or not, she wasn't leaving without trying.

Please, Vek. She whispered. If you have a shred of decency, you'll consider it.

Riley's eyes slit thin as paper when the answer came. It wasn't no, but it wasn't yes. It was a question, and she wasn't sure what the question was. So she guessed.

If it were her on the other end of the situation..

And.. what? She murmured coldly. Are you asking for a bribe? Or a favor? I might be negotiable to either.

Always open for business.

The reptilian creature stared at here, eyes shadowed and head cocked just slightly. His tongue tasted the ait once again and after a few moments, gave a low, rasping laugh, "Ghoul, you can't afford to lose anything I'd want." His hand tightened painfully. He wouldn't be telling her it was time to go a second time.