The Guild and The Snake

Anguis put her hands on her hips and looked at the stout Jazora. In her line of work she had dealt with a lot of unsavory people, especially considering what she was in the eyes of 'good society,' but having to call Willoughby friend was a whole other thing. "You're paying for a night's stay, I hope you know that Twobuckle."

"Forget that name, it's not a safe one to say out loud like that."

"Oh shut up! Honestly, as if anyone cares about a washed up thief like you, old timer." The green skinned lamia started organizing the room Twobuckle had waited in, preparing it for the customers she never got. Being in sex work isn't a glorious gig, and when you're essentially a fetish by virtue of existing you don't get many customers. Good thing is they pay out the nose when they do want her services. "I could have real customers you know, I can't have you hogging the good bed all day."

"Yeah, I got you Anguis." The jazora dropped 15 silver coins on the counter top. In his line of work, it wasn't wise to owe favors, so he had made it a point to not owe anyone much of anything. Yet tonight he had to deal with the only two groups of people he owed something to; that old son of a bitch Mrs. Sam who had had spent a decent chunk of his youth running around with, and Anguis. Now that story was an even longer and crazier one, but it was probably best not to think about it. "By the way, lay low for a few days."

The snake woman looked up from the bed sheets she was straightening up. "What are you on about?"

"I'm serious. Those kids? They aren't your run of the mill mercenaries or fortune-hunters. What they are about to stir up in this town has deep roots and a high crown. Regardless of what all happens, there are going to be some major changes in the city. This cult business isn't what it appears it on the surface."

Bringing her body up from fixing the room was enough to make the lamia's chest heave, and she put on a skeptical look. "And you, Twobuckle? I assume you'll be in the thick of all this business as usual?"

"No, not directly. This isn't my fight, not the guild's. But whatever side happens to come up on top, I plan to not be found on the bottom." With that he turned and walked out the door. Anguis let out a small sigh. She was glad to have someone, anyone in this town where she clearly did not belong, but sometimes she wondered if it was worth the stress. She slithered over to the desk top to pick up the silver, and counting out the 4 silver coins in her hand remembered it's always a good idea to keep her eyes open around that damn fish.