To See Nightengale

The endless corridors that Hood led her through disoriented Seleste greatly. So may looked identical with stone walls and red carpeting that she easily lost track of where they were going and silently found it odd that Hood knew them all by heart. There were no windows to speak of, so she couldn't get a bearing on where they were, or if they were even above ground.

After a short while, they approached a pair of crimson double-doors, one of the first things that really stood out in this base. Two men were stationed outside the doors, dressed in black. They both focused their eyes on Seleste and she found their lecherous gazes somewhat disconcerting.

"I'm here to see the boss." Hood announced. "I have returned with the recruit he requested." Seleste's ears perked up; she had been requested personally? She felt a small surge of pride. It only now seemed coincidental that Hood was all the way in Qir.

"Yes, we can see that. Quite the catch, sparrow." One guard said. Hood scowled a bit, but kept his composure. "Nightengale's really hooked a cute one, huh? She's got a nice figure."

"Yes, and that's why you're not going to sully her a second longer with your eyes." Hood said forcefully. "Now let us in."

"Hold on." The right guard said. "I have to make sure you aren't imbued with any enchantments."

"Do you think I'm that stupid?" Hood asked, but let the guard perform his ritual. He held his palm out and blue flame erupted right above his hand. It burned for a few seconds, then turned pale green. He slowly dropped his hand.

"They're clean." The guard who had cast the spell said. The left guard nodded and opened the doors.

"Go on in, sparrow." He sneered. Hood ignored him and walked into the room. Seleste followed closely behind him, not wanting to get stuck with the two men. The room was almost pitch black, but Seleste could make out a long hallway in front of them. Years of thieving tends to give one good dark vision.

"Why did they call you sparrow?" She whispered.

"The bird tattooed on my back." Hood responded. "There are some that believe I am...undeserving of the honour."

"I see." Seleste nodded thoughtfully. "They're jealous, then." Hood actually smiled.

"That would be a rather fair assessment." He said.

"They only checked us for enchantments. They didn't pat us down for weapons." Seleste observed.

"We wouldn't have a chance to use them." Hood explained. Before Seleste could ask him to clarify, he suddenly came to a stop and Seleste jerked next to a halt next to him. Hood dropped to one knee and, curling his right hand into a fist, pressed the fist to his chest. "Thou wast not born for ****, immortal Bird; no hungry generations tread thee down." He said seemingly into the darkness.

"The voice I hear this passing night was heard, in ancient days by emperor and clown." The darkness responded. There was a clicking sound and suddenly a line of candelabras ignited in flame, lighting the whole of the hallway and circling the area in front of them. Now illuminated was a black throne, the back jagged and spiked so it looked to be a flame frozen in wood. On this bleak seat was an aged man, his hair grey like stormclouds and his face weathered from many years. But his intense red eyes held all the fear and intimidation he would ever need. A thin, knowing smile creased his face as he stared right into Seleste as if he meant to see right through her.

"You have done well, Hood." Nightengale said, his voice smooth. "Of course, I expect no less from my successor."

"I seek only to show my devotion to you, sir." Hood said, still kneeling and looking at the ground.

"Arise." Nightengale instructed and Hood did so. "So you found the young girl in question. You must be Seleste."

"Y-yes." Seleste stammered, still in awe at the man's intimidating presence.

"Very good. It wasn't easy to track you down, you know." He turned back to Hood. "That will be all, my nightingale. I wish to speak to Seleste alone for a while. Please go wait outside. I will call for you when I have need of you again."

"Of course, sir." Hood nodded and retreated to the door. Seleste wanted to watch him leave, but felt unable to take her eyes off of Nightengale, if only because years of instincts told her it would be a bad idea.

Once the door had slammed shut behind her, Nightengale gave her a warm smile. "Ahh. We are now alone. Now, it would seem is time to get down to business."