Topic: Going Under

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-06 01:53 EST
It was late, and she couldn't sleep, so Lydia had thought to pay Hector a visit and discuss a few things with him regarding slaves and the warehouses in which they were tucked away and hidden in. She had plans to dive back into her and Mason's old activities, but much as she suspected, Hector wasn't in his room. It was a rather late hour, so she figured he was out and about handling a few things on his own. Rather than let the trip to WestEnd be wasted however, Lydia decided to drop into Mason's old room. She had the key to it still, and it was where she left all of his possessions, few as they were, after getting them back from Alain.

Everything was just as she had left it, untouched and starting to acquire a thin layer of dust. She never could bring herself to return before, or go through his things in a more thorough fashion. It didn't exactly feel right to her, rifling through Mason's things, even though he was.. gone. With a sigh, Lydia hesitantly took a seat on the edge of the bed in his room, causing it to squeak lightly. Letting her gaze roam momentarily her eyes moistened just a little, as she still couldn't find it within herself to dig and search about. There was nothing she really needed, but if there was information she could use... it wouldn't be found tonight, no. She still couldn't do it. Eventually though, her gaze settled on the old bible on the nightstand, where it lingered a few moments and tears were blinked away.

Reaching over, she carefully picked it up, frowning at the dust that had settled on it. Wiping some of the dust off with the sleeve of her jacket, she then cracked open the book to one of the bookmarked pages. With what sounded like a dull 'crack' the spine broke loose of the bound pages, glue seemingly worn out. Brows furrowed, Lydia murmured a bit under her breath, but wasn't terribly surprised- the book was rather old after all. A small shake was given to it to clear a tiny clump of dust that had gathered on the top, causing an object to fall from the spine into Lydia's lap.

Pale blues shifted from book to lap, brows climbing in curiosity. Bible set back aside, she picked up the object that had fallen into her lap- a key. It was ordinarily sized and crafted of brass with intricate and familiar designs. Etched into one side was a number: 412. Lydia was reminded of the key belonging to the house near the market she was first interested in, but later was acquired by Storm. It had very similar designs to it... perhaps the key she held in her hand went to a house in that area? But it begged a few questions. Just why would Mason have a key to a house? It wouldn't have been that unusual if he had a house of his own, not really the norm for him, but something that could be explained at least. No, the unusual part came at the fact the key was hidden.

Just what was Mason hiding?

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-06 05:26 EST
Despite the late hour, curiosity won out with the green haired elf. From WestEnd she traveled south, through alleys and streets, aware and on the lookout. She wasn't quite dressed appropriately for the winter chill, her jacket much too thin and skirt not as long or thick as it could have been. The chill helped to keep her awake though, aware, and most importantly? It distracted her from thoughts and feelings. If left to them there was no telling where they'd go... but the chill couldn't distract her entirely. Surface thoughts were unpleasant enough, and it showed on her features- souring all the more about three quarters of the way to the southern parts of town, as it started to drizzle lightly. A wonderful thing for spring or summer, but winter drizzle was a bit too cold for her tastes.

Lydia's pace picked up to a light jog as she approached the houses beyond the market on the southern reaches of town. Fingertips traced lightly over the key in her hand as she moved further and further south, carefully looking over numbers displayed on houses and mailboxes, searching for one in particular.. 412. She wasn't sure her hunch was even right, but she had to start somewhere, and she was fairly confident she was looking in the right parts of town.

Finally, after a bit of searching, she saw a house- lackluster and ordinary, if a bit worn- with the numbers 412 on the front of it, and overgrown shrubbery around the porch. She sprinted that way and up the stairs and towards a window, squinting as she tried peering inside. It was entirely too dark, the area lit with a barely working street light, and it looked as if something was covering the windows up from the inside anyways. Probably curtains.

Biting at her lip, Lydia straightened and turned her gaze from window to door, then hesitantly moved that way. First she knocked on the door, a bit quietly. Just in case it was a wrong address, or someone was inside, though she really didn't expect an answer, nor did she get one. After that she slipped the key in the lock and gave a twist, causing it to click lightly- Perfect fit. Breath held in, the key was slipped in a pocket before she opened the door and moved in cautiously.

It was rather dark inside, and there wasn't carpet or hardwood flooring beneath her feet, it was hard packed dirt. Closing the door behind her, Lydia then lifted a hand in the air as her eyes glowed faintly, and a small flicker of a flame danced over fingertips, giving the place some faint illumination. There were curtains and sheets over the windows as she had suspected to keep people from looking inside, but that was the only thing that even resembled normalcy inside the house. There were no rooms, no furniture, no.. nothing. It was empty. All except.. for something in the corner? She started that way, though paused and frowned as water droplets started to fall upon her. Eyes narrowed, she directed her gaze up, brows furrowing in confusion. Rain fell through an opening in the ceiling- covered in a mesh wiring. Really, it made no sense to her... this is what Mason had been hiding? A house that's not at all functional?

Lydia moved away from where the rain fell, towards the corner. As she neared it she could tell the ground there wasn't solid, but dirt had been dug away, and closer still? She saw steps and stones and stairs and gravel, much like a cellar entrance, just without doors, and much more crude. She eyed it warily before crouching down before it and holding her hand out in an effort to light up the stairs and where they lead underground. She saw more steps but beyond that? Darkness... The stairs lead a good ways underground, but just how far was that...? There really was no way for her to know unless she wandered down there.

Straightening, she glanced back to the door that lead outside, then back to the stairs leading underground. Good sense would usually tell her to turn back, but right now she lacked that good sense. Curiosity overwhelmed her sense of self preservation, and really, it wasn't as if there could be anything down there that proved to be harmful. It was just a cellar, right?

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-06 17:41 EST
The stairs seemed endless there were so many of them, winding about occasionally but still leading in one direction: down, down, and down some more. Lydia kept her pace slow as she moved, careful not to slip since there was no railing to grasp to prevent falls, just stone walls. Part way down the stairs she noticed a faint light ahead, which caused her to move all the more cautiously, however as she drew closer she saw the source of the light- two lanterns mounted on each side of the wall. They were of the magic variety, kept lit by that rather than candlelight. Further ahead she could see another pair, so flames and light in her eyes dimmed and died away as she let her hand drop to her side. The further down she moved the more lanterns were up, placed closer together so they illuminated her path for her, even if somewhat dimly. It wasn't much longer at all after that she stepped off the final step and off the stairs onto stone flooring.

Lips pursed, Lydia looked around, just a bit more confused at her surroundings. She looked to be in some sort of tunnel, all carved of stone. The further inside she moved the less crude and natural it looked, and more man-made. Archways were carved out, with beautiful designs and detail. Whoever had done them had certainly put a great deal of effort into them. She paused occasionally to admire the work but never lingered for long.

There wasn't much else for her to do than walk, so that's what she did. She walked and moved further and further down the tunnel. It was a pretty straight path, as it didn't wind around very much. She had just started to consider turning around and heading back- since aside from pretty archways and stones she found nothing- but then? She heard something up ahead. Voices. Laughter. Lydia's steps slowed, but she didn't stop. Eyes narrowed as she peered ahead, there was definitely someone, or a few someones rather, further in the tunnel. As she moved those someones became clearer.

Children. Three to be exact. There were two boys and a girl and they looked to be human, probably ranging from the ages of eight to ten. Their clothing was plain and a little worn around the edges, with smudges of color here and there. That was probably from the pastel chalks they wielded to color and draw upon the walls and floor. So enamored with their work and conversations they hadn't noticed Lydia, who had paused a couple archways away, simply watching. She couldn't help but smile, just a little, when one of the boys took his chalk and made a mark on the girl's face when she wasn't paying attention, making her squeal as she wiped vigorously at the mark. It was then that she noticed Lydia watching. Her eyes widened in terror as she gave a shriek, then the boys looked that way as well.

Whatever trace of smile had been on her face faded quickly when she took note of the children's expressions. They looked none too happy to see her. A tentative step was taken forward, and she was about to speak- however she was cut off when handfuls of chalks were launched in her direction. Eyes closed and hands went up in a reflexive gesture to ward them off, and when she looked ahead again the children had already stood and started a sprint away. "Wait!" Lydia took a few steps forward, but thought it best she not give chase. It wouldn't do to spook them any more than she already had. Sighing, pale blues lowered to the ground towards their drawings and doodles- typical of children, silly and goofy, bright and lacking in technical skill.

Lydia moved a little further down the tunnel and noticed that those doodles weren't the only ones there, but there were others like it, as well as pictures drawn by skilled artists. "What are children doing in this tunnel...?" It was a quiet musing to herself as she trailed a finger along the wall and over some painted flower petals. The tunnel couldn't be a safe place for them to be... and what about their family? Worry plagued at her then. Frowning, her hand fell to her side, and that worry drove her to continue further down the tunnel.

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-07 21:27 EST
Footsteps.

Hearing them up ahead brought pause to Lydia's continuation down the tunnel. She hadn't managed to advance too much farther when she heard them. Her gaze shifted left and right, then over her shoulder for a moment. Really, there was nowhere she could run to or hide at. She could teleport to safety of course, but she had already come far and unless things actually got dangerous she didn't want to turn back. Not yet. She averted her gaze back ahead rather quickly, watching and waiting for whoever or whatever was to come.

The first visible to Lydia was a man, perhaps around her age. He was tall and clad in brown and white cloths and simple leather protectives. Dark hair on his face looked as if he hadn't shaved for a few days, and long hair was tied back. Upon his belt were two weapons; a knife and gun, sheathed and holstered respectively. When the green haired elf came into his sights he scowled faintly at her as he stopped in his path, lifting his arm up to indicate for the one following him to do the same. The follower, a second man, wasn't dressed too differently than the first, though he didn't carry any visible weapons. He looked a few years older, was shorter and a little stockier and sported a thick reddish beard. He regarded Lydia more with curiosity than anything.

Pale blues flicked between the two men slowly, and she was about to speak but words were cut off by the taller man's. "Well?" He turned to regard the shorter man, irritation lacing his tone. "I don't recognize her. Von?"

The shorter man, Von, looked over Lydia another moment, gaze lingering on her hair before he shook his head. "Nae." He inclined his head to face the taller man. "I dinnae. Hard ta miss a lass wi' hair like tha'." He gestured somewhat vaguely in Lydia's direction before looking back that way, a small smile nearly hidden by his beard forming. "G'day to ye lass. Or is it evening...? I have nae seen the sun for so long, I dinnae know the hour." He shook his head at that. "Nae matter." Bending slightly at the torso, he inclined his head to Lydia in a respectful bow.

She was a little perplexed by his words of not seeing the sun for so long, but nodded in return nonetheless. "It's evening now... though it probably won't be much longer before the sun starts to rise." Still looking confused, she glanced back and forth between the men, none of the obvious questions she thought to ask actually coming out just yet.

The younger man looked a bit annoyed at the words exchanged, and eyed Lydia critically. "What's your business here?" He settled hands upon hips, not far from his weapons but he didn't look ready to draw them any time soon. Looks of course, could be a deceiving thing, and Lydia made sure to keep aware of just where his hands were, in case they made a move towards weapons.

Shaking her head somewhat vigorously, she glanced around. "I'm not really sure where here is." Lydia lifted a hand to gesture about before her brows furrowed in remembrance. She took a small step aside and tilted her head, as if trying to look down the tunnel past the men. "There were a couple children here..."

Chin lifted, the younger man suddenly took on a defensive posture as he stepped to put himself in Lydia's field of view, jaw clenched. Hands remained where they were however. "And what of it? How about you worry less about-"

"Dante." Von spoke up then, eying the man with no small annoyance. "Does she really look as if she's come to do us harm? What if she's in need fer sanctuary? Ye cannae keep up wit' yer paranoia. I think it be best if ye go on ahead to inform Sigfried of our new guest's arrival. I'll see to it she makes nae trouble." There was an authority in the way he spoke, that he was not to be argued with on the manner.

Regardless, the man, Dante, did not look or sound pleased to hear his words. Growling quietly in frustration, he eyed Lydia once more before looking to Von. "At least take this." Holster unclipped, gun was pulled from it and offered over to Von handle first- an offering Lydia kept a rather careful eye on.

"Bah. I dinnae think such a thing is necessary." Taking the gun somewhat hesitantly, Von secured it within his pant's waistband at the small of his back. "But I be in no mood to hear more of ye complainin'. Now get. Siegfried needs ta know what's goin' on."

Snorting quietly, Dante scowled a bit at Von's words before turning towards Lydia. "You do anything, I'll personally see to it that you pay." Without awaiting response from her or Von, Dante turned to start a light jog down the tunnel, soon out of sight.

As soon as he was gone Von gave a long suffering sigh and shook his head. "I really do apologize for 'is behavior lass. Dante's nae a bad guy, but isn't very quick ta trust. Though it do be odd ta get unexpected visitors down here." Offering a warm smile, he approached Lydia and extended his hand. "Vonak Bagard, at ye services."

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-08 03:15 EST
Lydia eyed Von's extended hand for a brief moment before extending her own, his easily engulfing hers in a gentle shake. He exuded much warmth, not only his touch but in his smile and eyes as well, a dark green that matched his hair. Having him so close she could see he wasn't a terribly tall man, only a few inches taller than herself, perhaps not even reaching Glenn's height. Pulling her hand from his, she offered a nod. "It's.. ah.. good to meet you Vonak. I'm Lydia."

"Lydia. Lovely name fer a lovely lass. And please, ye can be callin' me Von like my friends do. I dinnae think ye be here to do us any harm. Ye hardly look the type for that sort of thing, and ta come alone as ye 'ave would be foolish. Still..." Von paused, expression thoughtful as he rubbed at his beard. "It be odd that ye 'ave simply stumbled upon this place entirely by chance." His words could be perceived as suspicious, but his tone and features were not.

"Us.. here.. Who is this 'us' you speak of? And here.. where am I?" She looked around, her gaze lingering on a chalk drawing upon the walls - roses and vines specifically. "I thought I was just walking into a cellar..." Still in disbelief, she shook her head. "..not a bunch of tunnels."

Von eyed Lydia then laughed, low and heartily. "Lass, ye've found much more than just 'a bunch o' tunnels'." Turning, he gestured for her to follow before moving on. "Come, we're not far from The Undertown. We need ta be gettin' there soon as it is. I'd rather get there before Dante can fill Siegfried's mind with 'is conspiracy theories."

Steps were slow as she started to follow along, feeling somewhat hesitant about all of this. Inside, part of her was screaming she should just turn back, but it was muted by curiosity and the need to fill it. "The.. Undertown..?" Head tilted, she also pondered over who this Siegfried was, but other things seemed more important at the moment. "What's that?"

Von glanced over his shoulder to Lydia and grinned broadly. "Best I show ye rather than try ta explain it." And with that he wouldn't elaborate. Just kept moving along, and Lydia followed. As she wandered along she glanced over the pictures upon the walls, admiring the work, but kept up with Von's brisk pace. It wasn't too much longer before up ahead she saw the tunnel widen and end. What was beyond that? She would only be able to tell at the end. Pale blues wide, her pace picked up, even faster than Von's so she passed him by. He made no move to stop her in her enthusiasm however, and gave a good natured chuckle as he paused to watch her. Lydia's pace picked up to a light sprint after she passed the tunnel's final pair of lanterns and out from within the narrow stone walls, expectantly looking about.

"Gods... what.. what is this..?"

Just as the name Von had spoken indicated, her surroundings did appear to be.. a town. Lydia's gaze lingered upon street lamps for but a moment before she looked ahead towards the 'town', still some distance away - the ground was paved much like a street, and warehouses were lined up and decorated like houses and stores, with windows and signs, alleys between and behind them. She could see people moving about and carrying on just like people would on the surface. The only real difference between was was up there and down where she was at was the lack of a sky, but the street lamps kept everything lit. Above them and everything else the 'ceiling' was somewhat low and looked to be made of stone, much like the tunnels. Stepping forward absently, her gaze turned downwards as she even caught the faint sounds of running water. A sluiceway ran around the expanse of this 'town', and a few narrow plank bridges were set up for people to cross over them.

Von passed her by to cross over the bridge, grin still plastered upon his face. "Welcome to The Undertown lass." He lifted a hand and motioned for her to follow. "Come along now, we 'ave to pass through Central to get ta Sigfried's place." Lydia tore her gaze from the town towards Von before she quickly followed after, passing over the bridge.

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-08 05:57 EST
"How could this place have been here without my knowing it, or even hearing about it?" Lydia walked alongside Von, looking around almost in excitement. Gaze lingered on a few jeweled trinkets hanging on the outside of a warehouse someone had made into their home. "A place like this doesn't just.. what's the term.. fall under the radar?" She crinkled her nose a little, unsure if she had used the proper term or not.

Von raised a brow at Lydia, before shaking his head. "This place be not well known. It's our safe haven; our sanctuary." He paused long enough to offer a nod and smile to a passerby he was acquainted with. "We cannae be tellin' everyone of The Undertown for those that would do us harm to be comin' here to do just tha'."

Lydia moved to walk just a little closer to Von as she caught sight of a couple people eying her suspiciously. Most they passed by made no effort to hide their scrutiny of her. "Those that would do you harm... just who is that?" Brows furrowed a touch as she turned to face Von. "Why would anyone want to hurt you or anyone else here?"

Giving a quiet sigh, Von rounded a corner around a building, Lydia of course following right along in the change of course. "Not everyone here be afraid of something specific... some simply be scared of the world above in general. Ye live there, aye? Ye should know just how dangerous it can be." He paused to search Lydia's face before continuing. "Most of us down here, we're weak, we dinnae have magic or spectacular means of protection, so those that have power sometimes choose to do us harm. There are some above who would take us against our wills and force us into a state of slavery. Most of us.. myself included, we 'ave escaped that life, and dinnae wish to revisit it. Regardless of the law above..." Von pointed upwards. "...even if it protected us, there are some slavers who dinnae listen to that law, and would stop at nothing to find us. Either to bind our lives once more or make us suffer fer denyin' the life they tried pushin' upon us." A wry smile offered, he looked back to Lydia. "I digress, it's nae all about slavery. Some 'ere 'ave their own 'demons' they wish to hide from, and here? Nae one asks questions, they just let them be. Some even used to be criminals ye know... but they turned their life around. If one honestly changes their life around do they really deserve to pay for the rest of their life? I know a good many man and woman who have done awful things, but they learned from those mistakes."

"I suppose they don't deserve to suffer for their past..." Lydia fell silent then, and let her gaze drift ahead as she walked. Von had said quite a bit and she thought upon it and let it all sink in. It wasn't something to be easily forgotten. She was sure that wasn't the whole story, and there was much much more to be said for all of this- for The Undertown, but now wasn't the time for prying. It wasn't as if everything could be revealed to her in a simple meeting. She was only starting to touch upon the surface of things... and the key she found. It was Mason's... did he know of this place?

"This here be Central." Von spoke suddenly as he stopped, gesturing off the main street. Lydia had very nearly walked into him but stopped in time to look where it was he was indicating. In large boxes set around were plants, trees, grass even. Benches were set out and even more lanterns in the area kept it well lit. The stone ground and sidewalks were colorful and decorated with pictures looked to have been drawn by children, much like the tunnels that lead Lydia to this place. Central looked much as a town square would, really. Crossing a stone pathway over one of the smaller sluices, she looked around, just a touch of a smile on her lips as she spotted a group of children huddled together working on one of their pieces on the sidewalk. "Siegfried's place isn't far from here- it's just on the other end."

Lydia remained a few steps behind Von as they walked, her pace casual as she took in the sights. A blossoming tree was regarded with much interest before she spoke up again. "Art seems to be a popular thing around here.. in the tunnel the walls were full of it, just like the ground here." She glanced to the ground as she pointed towards it.

"Aye." Von's voice carried a certain merriment to it as he responded. "The children- all of us really- we need something to make the place brighter. Art is a good way to do so, and a good outlet, a good way of keepin' busy rather than sulkin' around down here. Sometimes it's easy for people ta get depressed." His gaze was directed upwards then, towards the darkness of stony walls that hung above The Undertown. "Some still travel ta the surface, but most of us choose to remain here, so it's been a long time since we've seen the sun."

Lydia tilted her head back to look upwards, frowning somewhat at Von's words. It saddened her somewhat, that people lived this way. Always in hiding. Always... cloistered away. Lowering her head, her gaze landed upon, of all things, a fountain not too far away. "You even have a fountain down here?" She started wandering that way, looking it over. It was small and simple, crafted of stone, perhaps a little bigger than half the size of the fountain in the city's Marketplace. Pausing at the edge, she peered in at the water- crystalline and clear, not even a single coin inside.

"We do. It took a lot of work with our waterways ta make it happen, but it makes this place seem more like.. a real city. More homey." Von grinned as he watched Lydia, wandering closer that way. "Lookin' for coins in there lass?"

She smiled somewhat sadly as she shrugged and turned back to Von. "I suppose I am. A habit of mine I guess..."

"I'm afraid ye'll nae find them in there. There's a filtering system set up so people cannae be throwin' coins in there, since it can clog it up if there's too many."

"Mm... I used to make wishes all the time. With the fountain..." Trailing off as she glanced upwards. "..up there. I can't tell you how much money I've wasted in it. Silly superstition really, wishes never come true.. or even if they do it's never for long." Her last words were spoken under her breath. With a sigh and shake of her head she looked back to Von. "Sorry, I'm moving too slow aren't I? At this rate your friends will think I really am awful and have done something to you."

At that Von gave a slight laugh before he turned to carry on, green haired elf not far behind.

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-09 06:42 EST
After moving beyond Central, Von and Lydia didn't have to travel down the main path much further before Von came to a stop before a medium sized warehouse. Hanging on the front were a few blue dreamcatchers, crafted of beads with crystals dangling from the bottom matching the dark blue paint of the place. "This is Siegried's place." As he stated the obvious, Von gestured towards the warehouse. Looking it over, Lydia's gaze lingered on one of the dreamcatchers, tempted to reach out and touch it, but managed to resist that urge.

Von approached the door and gave a hefty knock before grasping the handle to slide it open. Lydia lifted her brows a bit at the fact Von seemed to be letting himself in, but didn't remark on it. Instead, she simply followed behind him, making sure to slide the door shut again behind her. Biting at her lip, her gaze lowered somewhat. She took note of a frayed rug upon the ground before heavy steps carried her down the 'hallway' she and Von had entered. Warehouse they were in, but it had divisions in it to separate rooms, though not stable and thick as walls a normal house would have. Taking the first left, Von lifted a hand in greeting to those within that room. "'ey Siegfried!" Pausing, he turned to gesture for the green haired elf to approach.

Lydia was hesitant, but eventually did move over to enter the doorway leading from hall to room, sniffing lightly at the aroma of tea in the air. The room was somewhat small, but lit pretty well with small lanterns hung about from the ceiling. There wasn't much furniture, just a small table and around that? Light brown beanbag chairs, two of which were occupied by a man and a woman, both appearing middle aged and human- probably no older than fifty. The woman's hair was light colored, a platinum blonde starting to shift to platinum. In front of her was a cup of tea set upon a saucer, both of which matched the simple teapot set out in the middle of the table. The man had dark hair, with quite a bit of gray forming at sideburns and roots, though a neatly trimmed moustache was free of gray. Both man and woman were watching the doorway expectantly as the green haired elf appeared there.

Von was quick to break the silence. "Siegfried, Nelly, this lass 'ere be Lydia. Lydia lass, this be Siegfried Baasch." He grinned then. "He acts as our leader- the 'Mayor of The Undertown'. That pretty lady there with him is his wife Nelly." He leaned close to Lydia then, stage whispering to her. "She makes the best tea ye'll ever partake of; the best cookies too."

With a snort Nelly rolled her eyes before sipping at her tea, making sure to give Lydia a cordial nod. Siegfried smiled and gestured to the beanbag across the table from him. "It is good to make your acquaintance Lydia, even if you are an unexpected guest. Please, have a seat?"

The surreality of the situation was catching up with Lydia once more, putting hesitation behind her movements and thoughts. She glanced aside to Von momentarily, who gave her a discreet nod and a reassuring smile. Stepping forward, Lydia settled upon the beanbag chair carefully before looking upwards towards Siegfried and his wife, finally offering them both a smile. "It's nice to meet you too..." She trailed off momentarily, smile fading a bit. "If I'm not supposed to be here though.. I.. I'm sorry if I've caused any trouble. I really didn't mean to come.. here."

As Von made himself comfortable taking a seat on the beanbag next to Lydia, Nelly poured two new cups of tea and slid them in front of the two newcomers to the table. "You have no need to apologize. We like to remain hidden, but it does not mean we cast out people who need shelter from the surface."

Clasping hands together and resting them on the table, Siegfried nodded. "Aye. Dante caught me up on your arrival, and while we may be cautious... you've not given us reason to distrust you as of yet. You would not be the first to wander here by accident."

"Where did Dante run off to anyways?" Idly asked, Von shot a grin to Nelly before lifting up his mug for a hearty sip.

Siegfried eyed Lydia briefly before answering Von's question. "He had concerns over his family, and departed to join them."

Offering a weak smile of appreciation to Nelly, Lydia lifted her tea up to sip at it as she listened, barely registering the exquisite taste of the unique blend. It took a good deal of effort to not frown at the mention of Dante's concerns. "I'm not here to try to hurt anyone." Pale blues lifted to try to meet Siegfried's gaze. "I didn't even know about this place. I'm more than willing to leave if my presence here isn't wanted- I don't need shelter from anything, and I'm not hiding from anyone... I mean..." Her gaze wandered amongst the group, her next words slowly spoken as a flicker of worry showed in her eyes. "You don't intend to try to force me to stay here or hold me hostage do you? I know I wasn't supposed to actually find this place, but.."

Snorting a little, Von nearly choked upon his tea. Siegfried arched a brow to her words before laughing quietly. "Not at all! If we practiced the art of bondage we'd be no better than the slavers on the surface. If this is something you worry about, please don't. Our intentions with you aren't harmful either. We simply like to be cautious about those that come here, even if overly so. You can understand that can you not? I'm not sure how much Von here has actually told you about the people here, but our privacy is essential to our well being."

Lydia glanced aside to Von momentarily before looking ahead. "He told me some things, yeah. I'm sorry to have come across as suspicious but-"

"You're coming off no more suspicious than we are." Nelly offered a kind smile in Lydia's direction. "So don't apologize for something you're well within your rights to do."

Nodding to his wife's words once more, Siegfried leaned over the table, studying Lydia. "I am curious however, how you managed to find us down here?" He, Von, and Nelly all seemed to have the question on their mind, and turned their full attention to the little elf. Rather than explain it all, Lydia figured it best to show them instead. Reaching into a pocket she pulled out the key that had brought her to The Undertown and offered it over to Siegfried. Taking it, he barely afforded it a glance before his expression grew rather grim.

Lydia Loran

Date: 2008-01-10 08:15 EST
"So he's gone now..."

Lydia and Siegfried sat alone at the table, Nelly having retired to another room upon hearing of Mason's death. Von had also left with her to console, as she hadn't taken the news very well. It wasn't news Lydia liked delivering, especially so unexpectedly. "I'm sorry... it happened a few months ago. I thought I had informed everyone he knew but..." She trailed off then, frowning a bit. "I'm sorry this is how you found out."

Shaking his head, Siegfried waved her off. "No, I had suspected for quite some time- we all did. It just wasn't something we accepted or talked about. I think perhaps... we did share some hope in seeing him again." He smiled wanly then, glancing over the key in his hand. "But it was unlike him to simply disappear, and we were aware of the risks of what he did. It was foolish to hold onto that hope."

What he did... So Siegfried knew? Her expression grew curious, but Lydia didn't inquire. Now wasn't the time to do such things. Though Siegfried spoke up again, having seen the curiosity in her eyes. "Many here owe their lives to Mason. It was through a slave he saved that he learned of this place, and he continued to help those on the surface and bring them here. Most he saved didn't remain , but some did since they did not have anywhere else to go. Sometimes.. it's not as easy as rescuing someone and setting them free. If a life of slavery is all they knew... So many don't understand that- but he did." His expression grew serious as he turned his attention to the key in his hand again. "We trusted him. I trusted him. It is why I gave him this key. He was welcome here, to travel back and forth as he pleased, though I did ask him not to tell anyone about The Undertown." His gaze lifted towards Lydia then. "I suppose he never did..." Sighing, he hesitantly offered the key back over. "I make the same request of you Lydia, never to tell anyone about what you've seen here- what you've heard here."

"I won't." Lydia responded with little hesitancy. Taking the key back from Siegfried, she turned it over in her hand before looking towards him, brows furrowed in confusion. "But why are you giving this back to me...?"

"Because it is yours. I... feel I can trust you. You were a friend of Mason's after all, and I don't think he placed trust in people lightly." He smiled, almost sadly. "If you ever have need to come here, I welcome you with open arms." Even Lydia could understand what a significant gesture that was. Pale blues softened as she nodded faintly, dropping the key into her pocket. "I should go speak with Nelly now and see how she's holding up." As he spoke, he started to stand. "I'll have Von escort you back through the tunnels."

When Siegfried stood Lydia did as well. "Of course... I'm sorry to have upset her earlier." She frowned a little before shaking her head. There was much to think on, decisions to be made. Though she was sure she had already made them. The things she saw, the things she heard- it simply strengthened her resolve to step up and take Mason's place in what he did. He had started so much more than she realized, even more than Alain had uncovered. Someone had to finish it didn't they? "And thank you for your kindness Siegfried. In inviting me here... welcoming me..." She gestured about before looking to meet his gaze with her own.

"I promise you that this secret is safe."