A warning sound came deep from Orynn's throat as the Djinn circled them, chuckling at Orynn as he gently placed Lexi's feet back on the ground, standing in front of the two women protectively.
"There's no need to get your knickers in a twist dragonspawn," The Djinn tittered, "I am merely curious, "Why would a sentinel bring two humans that do not belong here along with a dragonspawn guard?"
Lexi eyed him warily from behind Orynn, trying frantically to recall what she knew of Djinn from her father's lessons.
So much in her mind was fuzzy now and it took a concerted effort to bring any of her distant memories forward.
"We came looking for information," she began tentatively, as the Djinn's eyebrows curled upwards in interest.
"Oh?" he almost purred, "That is something we are renowned for here. What sort of information are you looking for?"
"Does it matter?" Lexi answered haughtily, "I thought this was a library and I was assured that I would have access whenever I wanted."
A flicker of surprise followed by irritation flashed across the Djinn's face as he moved in closer, the growl from Orynn becoming louder as he did so.
"The right to our knowledge is earned, human," It almost snarled, "Tell me, what have you done to earn the right to access our horde that we have guarded for thousands of years?"
"Eromaug himself granted me access." Lexi snarled back, hoping desperately that she could bluff her way through this encounter as uncertainty and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes.
"And why would he do that?" The Djinn laughed nervously, unsure whether to believe her or not, "Lord Eromaug is not one to treat humans' kindly, and certainly not those who dare to call him only by his name."
"To be fair, it would be a bit odd if his Eternal called him Lord Eromaug at every interaction, don't you think?" Aoife interjected as the Djinn's gaze flew to her in shock.
"That's impossible! He…" He stopped mid sentence as his face relaxed into neutrality and he performed a sweeping bow, "Very well my Queen, what information do you seek? Perhaps I can help you find what you are looking for."
Lexi paused momentarily, exchanging a look with Aoife before answering the Djinn. She had no idea if this being was likely to be an enemy or an ally, but it was a little too late to turn back now so, throwing all caution to the wind, she continued.
"I want to find out everything that I can about Daemon Lords." she answered as he regarded her warily.
"Interesting, is there anything specific in relation to the Lords that you need to know?"
"Oh nothing major. Their lifespan, breeding habits, politics, that sort of thing," Lexi laughed nervously as the Djinn's eyes narrowed, "Common causes of death and any weaknesses would be a bonus too really."
There was a pause as the Djinn watched her for what seemed like an eternity, before his face split into a malicious grin.
"Now, that is some very specific information and as luck would have it, I have just the scrolls that you will need." He purred as he gestured towards the doorway, "Come, follow me, I would be more than happy to assist our new Queen."
The three of them exchanged a look as the Djinn made his way through the entrance and quickly followed after him as soon as they realized that he had no intention of slowing down.
The muffled wheezes and sounds of destruction became louder as they moved further into the library and they could only assume that the sentinel had found the target of his ire.
"Wow, it sounds like he's really going to town on whoever pissed him off." Aoife observed quietly as the Djinn in front of them burst into throaty laughter.
"In all fairness, the Djinn he sought is one of deceit." he commented as he slowed his pace to talk with them, "It is a common occurrence in that wing and grudges the Daemon's hold against them can last centuries."
"Why not just get rid of them if you don't want the clean up though? Surely it's not pleasant to live around." Aoife frowned.
The Djinn gasped loudly as he stopped and whirled to face Aoife.
"We do not cast our kin outside these walls." He answered indignantly, "We are family, for good and for ill. How can we reject them for what is in their nature?"
Aoife blinked at him dumbly.
"But if it causes so many issues…"
"It is irrelevant to us," he answered sharply with a dismissive wave of his hand, "They create the conflict and they deal with the consequences themselves. Unlike in your world, we do not blame the entire family for the misdeeds of one."
Aoife blushed slightly and lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you." she muttered softly as the Djinn sighed in reply, patting her on the shoulder.
"No, do not apologize. It is I who was wrong. You are a mere infant in comparison to the ages we reach. I should not judge you for your lack of knowledge."
"Infant?" Lexi snorted, "We're both fully grown women!"
"In your world, maybe, but amongst Djinn, we do not reach adulthood until at least eight hundred years and even then there are those that still do not quite meet the requirements. Your race does not have the lifespan to achieve the same levels of tolerance and wisdom as we do. I should not have spoken in anger." He replied remorsefully with an inclination of his head.
"I am curious though," He said coyly as he turned to Lexi, "Why does the Eternal of our reigning Daemon Lord wish to know how to kill her life mate?"