On a better day, Richard might have made light of the woman's most impressive hair, but now hardly seems the time. Richard continues striking forth with the rapier and doing what he can to quell his lingering unease. An unease which seems entirely justified, given those appendages - or are they separate creatures? - have begun to move.

'Watch out!'

"Look out!" he yells at the same time.

No sooner does the warning leave his lips than one of the serpents is already upon him, tearing through the prince's sleeve and digging deep into his arm. Richard lets out a stifled shout, warring against fear as he corrects his grip and attempts to ward off any more of its brethren. Unfortunately for Richard, it's too late to counter the status ailment - one he certainly has never encountered first hand before now.