<div class="floatright">(http://puu.sh/o69Lc.jpg)</div>What was it that Nuria sought from this place they were making their way towards, the ancient stronghold that now laid in ruins? Riches? The flamewielder didn't care about gold beyond having enough to satisfy her immediate needs. Tomes filled with ancient and terrible magics? Her power came from her essence, not arcane rote and ritual. Perhaps she hoped that the god-emperors of past ages had been like her and attained a measure of divinity, that she might learn more about herself? Or perhaps it was simply the lure of dangers to brave and foes to conquer?<br/><br/>Yes, perhaps it was that. Any knowledge about her Godlike status gleaned or new strength found was, of course, welcome, but in truth Nuria was there for the thrill, the lure of adventure.<br/><br/>And they were off to a good start, too! It didn't really matter that her throat had been hurt, the multiple lacerations and little cuts barely faced her -- she had just experienced something rare even for her, expressions of the ultimate aspects of existence-- life and death -- combined into one, as she both rode and ultimately slew her foe. She reveled in it, still wrapped in the after-glow of the experience as Lorelei approached her. Raindrops sizzled on her shoulders as she gave the songstress on odd look, her hand inching towards her throat as it began to heal. "… mmmm. Worth it," she offered and gave Lorelei a toothy grin.  "Thanks."<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Nuria didn't look particularly happy. In fact, she looked disappointed -- apparently kobolds didn't have a very high place in her thoughts. "Tch," she muttered, "just some pests." It was curious how much jewelry they wore, but she left the management and share-distributing of any acquisitions to those who had more of an interest in these things.<br/><br/>Of course, a moment later the shorter wizard was whispering in her ear, the soft sensation of cleavage rubbing against her bare-skinned back -- Nuria instinctively leaned back a little to meet physical affection in kind, but her face quickly scrunched into a look of suspicion. From what she had learned of the spellcaster, she had somehow learned how to channel desire into magic power -- the notion was a little too close to how her own strength was fueled by passion for comfort; she doubted that Sydney would or could do something like steal her own power, but the mere notion that it might be possible was unsettling.<br/><br/>And the girl usually had some sort of mischief in mind when she acted like that. Which, to be fair, suited Nuria most of the time. Right now, however, she seemed to be looking to her for direction. "You're thinking of gnolls," she replied, doubting that the lizard-like kobolds had dog-cock on the menu.<br/><br/>"And yeah, sure, let's have Phel 'diplomance' them." It ought to be entertaining, at the very least, the Godlike thought.<br/><br/>Her eyes lit up with amusement, but after the kobolds didn't appear entirely intimidated by their demon compatriot, she gave Sydney a quick pat on the head, then took a few steps forward of her own. "I'm afraid it's us who have you outnumbered," she declared with a purr in her voice and a feral grin on her lips. "How about a different deal? You know this place, no doubt. Guide us and we'll reward you."<br/>