Erupt is not a creature accustomed to making deals with anyone, be they devils or otherwise. His greatest joy in life has always been in the heated pools and sticky streams of magma. Tephra had been such an easy choice of home for that reason alone. Were it not for the easy access to his favored element, he would have had no care for the place in which he had settled.
There is a flicker of disappointment when she tells him there is no molten rock to be had where she intends to go. He might have enjoyed the change of scenery if he could have had the sulfuric heat of his liquid stone with him as well. He is prepared to tell her no - had even gone so far as to open his mouth to do so - when she continues.
She captures his attention instantly when she utters those two simple words. Not yet. Did that mean she imagined there could be? The possibility is enough to intrigue him, and undoubtedly a woman as astute as this thief would sense his hesitant interest. It had always been easy in this kingdom, his gift. Lava flows so readily that he had only to call it and it would come. He had of course spent some time outside these volcanic borders. Enough to know that there is nowhere else where his element is so readily available.
But also enough to know that there are many places where it lies hidden, buried deep within the earth. Were he a more ambitious creature, he might have already selected one of those locations to try and hone his craft. To pull it from where it lay buried deep beneath the earth’s crust. But he is not ambitious. And ultimately, the ease of access here has long outweighed his interest in proving himself elsewhere.
Yet, when the lovely woman before him offers to help him if he helps her, he begins to wonder if perhaps this is what the fates have been waiting for. If this is the sign he needs to further build his art. If perhaps he might build a similar haven, so he need not be confined to one location in the entirety of this continent.
He is silent long enough that they must be wondering if he would answer at all. But, finally, after gazing for a long moment towards the distant volcano, Erupt replies, “Help me find it buried in the earth, and I will aid you.”
His gaze flicks briefly to her captive, but his purple eyes hold no remorse.
erupt
you've got fire up and down your cheeks
@Aela