@singofus asked: Because of the potential benefit of this connection, Hermes had thought to do a little digging prior. Discovering a few watering holes, befriending a staff member on their transport home, that kind of thing. What he'd found made him go in an unorthodox direction, one he'd had to assure Tisiphone would be worth it. He had arranged for a carriage to put Mr Grady and his assistant up and dressed himself as a footman. Usually his disguise would merely be personality, and an ambiguous suit, to balance out his image around her people and his game with the guests. But tonight he knew this was better. Because whilst Mr Grady liked to ingratiate himself with others he believed might help him, he did not see staff as people. They were invisible. And with the arrogance of this one, he knew that would benefit him far more than any lie that fell out of his mouth. So he opened the carriage door and driven them all to the estate and guided them to the door, in uniform, before disappearing. As expected, the fool had spoken his motives to his assistant on the ride, loudly, and explained how this was just all a test to him. That he was assessing how much these ladies had inherited and how much of it he could get them to sign over to him in the name of business.
Once the men were inside, Hermes slipped away and dressed in a manner better suiting his station, including expensive cologne and jewellery, a suit with an open collar, and neatened hair. He waited by a side door until he heard the buffoon begin to speak, then silently approached from behind Tisiphone, standing at her side and waiting for her signal. He couldn't help a twitch of the lips as he noticed the man recognise him and seem very confused. Of course the idiot didn't know why the coachman was here, but the spindly gentleman that was his lawyer seemed to catch on. "He is eyeing up your estate for himself, my Lady." He grins to call her that, even when the men opposite can't hear it. "He seems to think he can fool you and have you sign over some of your assets to him that he would take for himself. The lawyer was encouraging him." With that said, he waits by her ear a moment more, pausing before speaking again. "I can't wait for you to tear them, my Lady. You'll look gorgeous doing so. He's rotund, you can tell he eats well. Should be delicious." (from Hermes)
tisiphone hadn't wanted him to go to such lengths , but he had promised it would deliver , both information and entertainment , and so she had been convinced to let him go . she'd waited with her sisters in their estate , at the top of the stairs , cutting an imposing visual .
hermes approaching drew her attention — she leaned down , gossamer silk mask covering her mouth and throat , though not her pale green eyes . they darted between the middle distance and mr grady , even while megaera spoke , greeting the mortals with her usual smoky tones . she hummed quietly , too quiet for the mortals to hear , but it was loud and clear to her sisters .
in that instant , the decision had already been made .
alecto and tisiphone descended the staircases , leading the mortals into their smoke lounge — affectionately dubbed , by alecto , as the killing floor .
it was constructed as a room for those who wished to recall the comforts of europe while here in the bayou ; it became the place to go when suspicions were HIGH . megaera closed the doors behind them , as alecto took up her place by the fireplace , the golden light shining off her deep red dress and jewelery . tisiphone sat in one of the high backed chairs , megaera taking her position in the other .
tisiphone guides hermes into sitting into her lap , his legs across the arm of the chair , to perhaps further confuse the mortal . maybe hermes is but another type of servant ; maybe he is the only servant they can afford . these questions won't be answered for mr grady , but tisiphone delights in the confusion . soft fingers trail along hermes' jaw , coaxing him to look at her , gently tucking hair behind his ear , while megaera speaks .
tisiphone gazes upon him with love and adoration , and for all the world , it looks as though she is not paying attention . but rather , as she trails her fingers down over his throat , she asks a simple question : are you hungry , beloved ?
megaera tells mr grady what an honor it is to have him at their estate , though she must admit , she does not quite understand what had brought him to their estate , and , she is sure , that she and her sisters would love to understand what they can do for him .
