Don't demons ever bathe?

[noshoesinhell8.livejournal.com]

~Lilah stumbles and nearly falls as she frets her way through the Dickensian city of Level 8. She's still a little sore from her (ahem) efforts to get away from the demon overseers, and the headache doesn't seem to be getting any better. She figures it must be the stench; it seems to follow her everywhere she goes. It's been a long time since she was this filthy, and it irks her that she can't seem to find anybody to accost and swap clothes. She longs for a good hot soak in a deep, foamy bathtub, a manicure, and... well...clothes from the 21st century.

Still, she thinks, things could be worse. She has gotten away from that sweatshop. She fully intends to take the matter of working conditions in that hellhole up with the Firm, as soon as she figures out where to file the paperwork.~

And you'd better believe I'm appealing this. What about that perpetuity clause? YOU CAN'T TREAT ME LIKE THIS! I'M LILAH MORGAN!

~She grimaces as her head pounds in tandem with her shouting. Hell, she remembers from her days in the office, is run by a city called Dis, somewhere in between levels 1 and 9. If she's going to find a municipal building, it will be in Dis. She sets her jaw and limps forward once more, muttering to herself~

What I wouldn't give for a shower. Or a hapless victim with great clothes. And shoes. I would KILL for some great shoes.

Comments

[noshoesinhell8.livejournal.com]

Oh, well, you see those two sweet, darling little boys over there? They're sort of my escorts. We're headed to the capital city, on Level... shit, what is that? Five? Six? Whatever. Dis.

*scrutinizing Beauty's clothes and rapidly regrowing hair*

How long HAVE you been wandering this hellhole, anyway, Princess? I thought I looked quaint and old fashioned- *she gestures at her Victorian rags* and what the hell do you call those shoes?

[beautysleep4.livejournal.com]

Not shoes, slippers. I could not say exactly how long, it does seem ages but they do not keep a measure of hours here and you learn not to ask questions of just anyone. You learn not to speak to just anyone.

*She eyes Lilah warily*

The city of Dis is level six though why anyone would want to make their way to it is beyond my comprehension. You would do better to try level one or level-well I would suggest level one.

*She gives a gentle shake of her head and points in the general direction that will take them to level one.*

I would have your champions escort you in that direction and go quickly and quietly. I should away as well. Anon.

[noshoesinhell8.livejournal.com]

Wait!- Not so hasty, there, sweetie! My champions are, well, they're... men, and if they really don't know the way God knows they won't ask for directions. You say you've been all over; we could really use you coming along. Look, none of us are demons and only that guy's *pointing at Barty* probably a murderer, being frozen and all...

*Lilah holds out her hand sweetly, very soft fingers for a demure sort of handshake.* I'm Lilah, sweetie, what's your name?

[beautysleep4.livejournal.com]

Beauty.

*She gives a sweeping step to the side so she can keep them all directly in front of her. It is a cardinal rule of this place that you should never turn your back on anyone for very long. Her sweet nature may have managed to remain intact but her trust has had the edges dulled a good deal. Her hands she keeps clasped behind her, as much from embarrassment at their appearance as distrust of the stranger before her.*

I fear my hands are in no condition to receive your greeting. As for your champion, it is my understanding that the ice realm is for betrayers of the highest distinction. So it is possible that he arranged a murder without inflicting any bodily injury himself, if that is a comfort. They seem poor sorts of champions to me but I suppose that is all you are likely to find in this place. I could travel with you as far as the edge of the sixth level. I cannot abide the city of Dis-the screams, the smell. Why it is far worse than *takes a delicate sniff* well far worse than you can imagine.

[noshoesinhell8.livejournal.com]

Yeah, well, there's something I need from the scream-y, smelly city of Dis, ok, sister?

[wetandbothered5.livejournal.com]

*from behind the two women Regulus' whisper carries* Barty... what is PBS?

[madlymirthful9.livejournal.com]

[wetandbothered5.livejournal.com]

What a horrible thing to stand by and watch.

[noshoesinhell8.livejournal.com]

*Lilah turns back to include the boys.* Well, suit yourself, sister, but me and my boys are headed to Dis...

*She looks dubiously at them, trying to decide if they're as insane as they (Barty) appear(s).*

You can come along if you want, sweetie. I'm sure the boys won't mind.

[beautysleep4.livejournal.com]

As I said, I can accompany you to the edge of the sixth level, I have been this way before. I will not go into the city of Dis with you however. I have never met anyone who actually wanted to. You will certainly be warmer, *she says eyeing Barty's frostbitten skin and Lilah's thin shift.* But I warn you there is no one in the city who is not in an ill temper and the punishment for those who are caught is never mild.

[noshoesinhell8.livejournal.com]

Sounds like LA. Making me homesick, actually. Look, Prettygirl, you can come or not, me, the Frost King, and Mr. Drippy are headed to...

*She turns with a yelp as she hears the sound of a shrill whistle, the sort uttered by a demon bobby searching for deadbeat delinquents.*

Oh, shit, *she mutters. Time for some quick action, she thinks.