Bahr al Jabal

"I have a curse in mind that can prove you wrong.."

"And I'm quite sure you'll enjoy getting hit with it, and my acid again. I'm not a damsel in distress, boy."

A roll of the eyes.

"And anyway, You owe me twice now. If I did another thing for you, I would be far off payment."

"Owe YOU twice?" -I raise my eyebrow in question.-

A chuckle, the woman held up a finger.

"One for training you in the first place,"

She held up her second, middle finger up with the index finger.

"And second, for telling you that bit of information against Descole."

-I sigh and close my eyes.- "I swear, no one does anything out of generosity anymore..." -My tone is mockingly lamenting.-

-i turn around and start pacing in a circle, I smell something... it smelt of... Honora Castellum. Of course, the Strayers must've planted some kind of tracking object on her. Well... why spoil the surprise?-

"But that aside, what is your payment idea?"

A chuckle, she shook her head.

"Afraid I'm not that kind of woman."

A pause, she thought carefully for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"Well, for one payment of me deeds to you- I want information on Liria. When her children are due, perhaps. I like to know ahead of time. However, if you don't know... then I would much appreciate information on.. well.. her, herself."

"Well... she's certainly not as good a dresser as my wife... that's about all I got since she joined their pathetic little cult.."

A chuckle, the woman shook her head.

"Nice try, Crouch. But not nearly enough."

-Crazy Grin- "Yeah but see here's the thing... whereas I can afford to not give information, YOU can't afford to NOT get it, am I right?"

"Don't answer that, of course I am..."

A lazy shrug.

"Perhaps. What does it matter to you? I could take back all my generosity toward you and cripple you right now. And anyway... it doesn't matter. I'll find out on my own in time."

-I shrug back- "Maybe, maybe not... but you won't succeed, just so you know.."

A curious look, she turned her face to Crouch lazily.

"And why not?"

-I'm speaking matter of factually.- "Mere statistics alone.. they have an uncanny ability to survive defeat. Not to mention if I haven't defeated them yet, what hope do you have?"

A small smirk, the woman shrugged.

"I'm lucky. Unlike many of you Death Eaters. And I'm stronger than many can imagine. Certainly a good fight."

-Crazy Grin- "And yet I could squash you like an ant if I so chose."

A roll of the eyes, the woman picked up a small doll, resting on a bookshelf.
It's floppy, tacky little body and it's turnip-looking head dark and rag-doll like.
On it's face was small buttons for eyes, an unsure little face with a confused frown.

"Oh, that is a good idea. Crushing... perhaps pressing down on the chest and squeezing the air clean from their lungs... yes, yes, Crouch. Very good ideas you've got.."

-I chuckle mildly amused.- "I do my best..."

The woman turned holding the doll tenderly in her fingers.

"Your stench fills my house. I grow tired of your threats, boy. And my time grows near.... if there's something else you want of me, then tell me..."

"Only one more thing. I bare you this warning. Interfere with the Dark Lord's ambitions... and... it won't be FUNNY."

The woman's grip tightened slightly on the doll and she walked back to the bowl, again swiping her hand over the water, allowing the image of Artemis and Liria to return.

"... and what makes you think I'll do that, boy?"

A pause. She turned her head to Crouch.

"But before you answer, tell me the truth with this- do you care for that Liria girl?"

-Crazy Grin- "You'd do it because it's a nice little way to get back at me for threatening you in your own place."

"And as for the truth... The truth is a commodity the world is sorely lacking in." -I start walking out.-

A smirk, the woman gave a slight wink.
"You know it, sweetie.."

A pause, she inhaled deeply and rolled her eyes to the sky, thinking for a moment before speaking.
"Before you leave, Crouch, I also wish to know your opinion on a Miss Dustypaws."

-I scoff- "What opinion? The girl is a mere nuisance. I tried to make her better. She actually could've been my successor, my equal... but I was robbed of such promise and now her days are being squandered by speeches of love and friendship."

"And what do ou know of her dark side, Crouch? The side that you managed to bury deep within her- a being that manifested itself in a reptile of darkness. You do know about that, correct...?"

A small smirk, Persephone wanted to search Crouch. He could be very helpful to her... And yet..

"ooohhh yes.." -I scowl deeply as I exhale those words- "I remember that confounded creature. But I made it pay for harming my brothers and sisters of the Mark."