Offer Violet a seat at the metaphorical table

Well, well, this is a surprise, you think. “With all the time you spend together, I thought Scarlett was keeping you well informed of my actions,” you say. “I certainly never ordered her to keep quiet about it.” You look to the harpy, and she bows her head in response. The display of loyalty is not missed by Violet, whose expression takes on an air of melancholy.

“All she tells me is that I should forgive you,” says Violet. The lamia loses her melancholy, replacing it with the bitterness you’re used to receiving from her. “You might have her fooled, but I won’t buy it, human. Forcing my sister and I to evolve, putting our village through all these changes: it’s all a trick to get us to lower our guard. I know it is. Humans burn our homes and kill our kin. You take, and take, and take, and you’re never satisfied. It’s been that way since the beginning.” Her words, while filled with far more anger and distrust, remind you of what Cady said last night. The arachne also mentioned the timeless feud between monsters and humans, citing it as the reason that she refuses to submit to you.

That train of thought makes you wonder if, like Cady, Violet is looking to strike a deal.

“So you think I’m only going to use you and your kin for my benefit,” you say. “You think I’ll steal your land, destroy this forest, kill your loved ones, and cast out the survivors. Do I have that right?”

“I know you will. You’re a Goddess-loving human.”

“And you are a monster,” says Blythe. Both you and the lamia give her your attention. While Violet’s bitter words had little effect on you, they seem to have agitated your elven companion. Blythe has a tight grip on the hilt of her sword, the posture of a lion ready to pounce, and is staring Violet down with a **** glare. Violet, to her credit, shows no fear of the elf who bested her in combat. Were she in fighting shape, you feel like the lamia would love to have a rematch. You place a hand on Blythe’s shoulder, which has the desired effect of making the busty blonde take a deep breath and calm herself down.

“What my lovely partner means,” you say, “is that trust goes both ways.” Your hand casually drifts from Blythe’s shoulder, around her back, and down to her waist. The elf relaxes further under your touch, and places a hand on your thigh. “Monsters, humans… both sides have blood on their hands. I’m just as wary of you, Violet, as you are of me. I see no reason why I should tell you any of my plans, unless you want to be a part of them.”

Violet chews on your words in silence for a few seconds, and then looks at Scarlett. The harpy meets her gaze with that signature emotionless expression of hers. Without a word between them, Scarlett nods to her sister, and Violet turns her attention back to you. After taking a moment to steel herself, she says, “I hate you. I want you dead for what you’ve done to Sister and I. I can’t trust you to keep my home, and my family, safe. But I… no, because of that, I can’t bear to sit in bed and watch anymore. So, you win. Sister… no, Scarlett trusts you, so I’ll give you a chance, too. I’ll be your ‘agent,’ or whatever. But I’ll be watching you! The second you try to betray my family, or our village, I swear that I’ll stop at nothing to put you down. These fancy new eyes of mine will be the last things you ever see.” She ends her monologue with a stern glare and a menacing tone, which once again agitates the elf at your side. You don’t let the tension in the air bother you, though. They may be your shield against the angels, but you have every intention of treating the monsters of this forest with respect, now that you are their lord.

“I accept those conditions,” you say. “Let’s hear your formal pledge, then.”

The snake woman’s eyes widen, and then she purses her lips and looks off to the side. “Fine…” she grumbles as she leans forward into a half-prostrating, half-sitting position. With her head bowed, the evolved lamia says, “From now on, I, Violet, am a servant of Demon Lord Evan Reynolds. I will… devote myself to furthering his interests, and… stand against anyone… who would oppose his reign.”

“Well said. Raise your head.” She remembered what I said at the naming ceremony and used my own words in her pledge. I’m impressed, you think. Violet, somewhat awkwardly, pushes herself back up into a sitting position, with Scarlett once again offering support from the side. “Now,” you say, “let’s get to why you really came here. I’m sure you’re worried about the adventurers we’re holding in the village.”

“Of course I am,” says Violet. “Those four aren’t just Goddess-loving townsfolk stumbling around where they shouldn’t. They’re dangerous. They’ve come here before, and they always try to kill as many of our kin as they can.”

I wonder why Cady has never stopped them, then, you think. I’m sure she has them tagged… I should ask her about it the next time we talk. “And what do you think I should do with them, Violet?” you ask.

“Kill them. I don’t know why you haven’t yet.”

You grin. Her curt honesty reminds you of her sister. “Your solution is too short-sighted. As long as we keep them contained, they are worth more to me alive.” This is mostly a bluff. Besides intel on the town, there isn’t really a reason for you to keep the adventurers alive. Except for Rowena, of course. You intend to break that elf, specifically. That bitch is going to worship you someday. “I’d like you to help me look after our ‘guests,’ Violet. As they are now, I can’t even offer them any food; I’m sure the mage isn’t the only one who would start spouting an incantation the second they have their mouth freed. I think that your new abilities could help with that — you know, by making them a bit more cooperative.”

“I’d rather slit their throats, instead,” says Violet. Upon hearing her sister’s defiant words, Scarlett reaches over and pokes the lamia’s cheek. Violet turns her head and, presumably, is able to detect disappointment in the harpy’s expressionless face. Then, she sighs, faces forward once again, and says, “But I’ll do as you say… my lord.”

“Good,” you say, happy to see Violet finally complying. “Then, if there’s nothing else, you’re both dismissed.”

Violet looks at her sister, who then stands up and leaves to go fetch the dire wolf again. As you watch the snake woman sit and wait for her ride, you realize that there’s one more thing to talk about.