Umbral ⊱ Kingdom of Shadows [ O/A ]

[OutlawD One]

OOC:Sorry it took so long.

As Hartia charged forth and his form became like goo, Orphen readied himself. A quick glance to Vanity and Noctem and he was under siege. As Hartia took to his attack Orphen's right hand leap out and his fist roared. The elder Pendragon's hand would grip the nape of his brother's neck and inflict the bite of a lion with the grip as equally fierce.

Once the neck of Hartia was taken a hold of Orphen's arm would swing him outward as well as back, continuing into a throw towards the wall that Hartia moved to push him towards. Hartia's body should find itself flung towards the wall, rather harshly just a a solid kick from Orphen's boot would come slamming into his chest; flat against flat. The kick would be enough to easily for Hartia against the wall and leave him pinned for a second as his body would continue through the wall as his gave way underneath Orphen's pressure.

The vines sent out by Rose would find their way to Orphen, but fall short of gripping the Pendragon as a force pushed them back with double their initial intent. Even when not paying attention, Orphen had defenses. It's what allowed him to not pay attention at times. A passive mythos ability always watching his back.

"You little s**t!"

As the brothers would sail past the wall of the castle the Axe of Perun, shot to Orphen's hand.

[stillnohero]

Maybe Hartia shouldn't have invited Orphen here. If he hadn't, none of this stupidity would be taking place. He disrespected Hartia in front of company, siding with them when they were in the wrong. By doing so, he inadvertently showed how ungrateful he could be. To not even want to give him a tiny reward or encourage such a thing from the King and Queen themselves, as a thank you for delivering him to a precious bride to be. This. He would remember this in the future. When his brother eventually came wanting of something from him.

As his brother would grip his neck, he would realize there was no neck to grab, only what would be neck level of Hartia's height, but a straight blob. The thickness of his form was something he could change, and fast! But not as fast as to avoid the harsh grasp of his brother and his stupid ******** gauntlets. He would be swiftly be redirected with immense force, towards the very wall he sought to put his brother through. When he left his brothers grasp he flew fast and hard, though in his air time, he had managed to shift the consistency of his of his gooey, polymorphic form. He made it much more like water.

When the Cambion hit the wall, his form easily conformed against it in it's nature, only before recoiling from the surface, similar to a drop of water hitting a puddle. You know, the way it looks up close and in slow motion. What would be chest level would be kicked, and without anything to really be between Orphen's and that wall, just a thin layer of goo as the bulk of it was crashing towards his brother once again, Orphen's kick flawlessly penetrated the wall, and he himself would be riding his momentum both through it and deeper into Hartia's web. Spanning roughly ten feet tall and six feet wide, he would take his brother from the front. Consuming him in his entirety....or so Hartia thought.

"YOU BIG s**t!"

His voiced boomed into the air, birthed from the goo in some way not even science could explain. Magic. Yes, he could feel it. The wall was breached, and the great aether welcomed him back with arms wide open. A maniacal cackle would ensue was the goo would begin to vibrate in it's entirety. It took on one it's most special qualities it held in it's arsenal. Acid secretion. His brothers kicking leg from the boot up would be the first in the line of danger, though anywhere else he touched would wind up burning a hell of a lot worse than fire. Definitely not fatal against the likes of his brother, but enough to piss him off even more than he already was.

So now, not only did the Queen owe him an apology, his brother did too. Was this the beginning of some of the things Ursan had tried so hard to warn him about? No. There was no way that what happened between Ursan and his brothers could happen with him and Orphen...or was there?

[OutlawD One]

Hartia Raye Pendragon

Heras Box

"Hartia what in the hell is wrong with you?"

Quite the noise rumbled as the wall turned to rubble beneath Orphen's crushing heel. As the blow would land Orphen took note that Hartia's form was no longer as solid as it once was.

The Pendragon smiled on the inside. His brow furrowed on the outside. His stance was in a fighters form.

The Axe of Perun hummed in Orphen's grip and Hartia chose to turn into a liquid?! Surely he had left some of his sense behind in the forest....Or maybe his brain was beginning to rot from scrapping the muck with the rotting corpses. Elecricity and water mixed like a Malteese and a pissed off Lion.

Tssss! Tss! Tsss! Acid, burned at the clothing of Orphen as Hartia's form both gave under his brother's boot and caved towards him. As the liquid came in contact with the skin of the Pendragon Potentate,  it would splash with a gleam of gold. His under the acid skin discolored for a brief moment, but Orphen gave no sign of pain as the Golden Fleece protected him from it's effects.

The dissappearance of his pant leg signified Hartia was touching his brother's body as a liquid, which would conduct Orphen's counter quite well....literally.

As the brothers made contact Orphen channeled the abilities of the bearded axe he held in his fist. A bright blue streak would sail from the outside and connect with the tip of the blade like a lighting rod. For a short moment the pitch black of Umbral was exposed to a stunning new color. The forests' endless shadows were momentarily pushed back into retreat. Inhabitants used to the dark would spend the next few moments blind. Currents of power sailed through the weapon and Orphen in an instant, connecting to Hartia as well. The shock the younger brother would recieve would carry enough power to cause a human brain and heart to skip with added boost for the bit o' demon Hartia possessed. The Axe at its Lvl 3 form packed a punch, but Hartia only got the surface.

Orphen had come prepared for battle, he just didnt imagine he'd be fighting Hartia; At least not today and in Umbral.

One thing for Hartia Orphen did plan, was the newly formed and actived Dark Matter wave directed towards him. The waves intent this time would be to freeze Hartia's liquid form, a second tactic to end the fight. Of course space was the coldest s**t you could find, so the chill Hartiy was about to feel was one cold b***h. If Hartia was solid it'd be his face that would feel the blast first as that's where Orphen's open left palm was headed. The effects would travel through Hartia from that focal point.

Dark Matter Wave -5pts

Ooc:typed on my phone. Will post my AP bar when I get to a computer.

[Heras Box]

(( Sorry for taking so long. Been a bit busy with trying to fix the furnace. lol ))

Vanity heard the little dragon ask if she was going to stop the two brother's and she moved her gaze from Helena, to the red. With a brow lifted she continued to let her eyes move until they rested on the quarreling siblings. "No, the children are safe. Orphen would not allow harm to come to Rose anyways. Besides, I was told to stay out of Pendragon business. Remember?" So now she chose to listen? A small smile formed on her lips as she brought her gaze back to Ryuu. It was obvious from that alone that she would listen when it benefited her. Moving once more, this time with her feet, she gave her attention back to the healer and stepped closer to block her view of Ryuuku. "Ignore the tiny pet, he won't hurt you. Did you come with news of Fenra?"

Helena blinked as she was spoken to again. "Oh I.. F-Fenra is asleep." Clearing her throat she looked at the scene where Orphen and the other man had been. She was curious as to what it was they were doing. And why. "I never thought he would become violent near the children, I'm sorry.." What else was she supposed to say about that? She wanted them to stop? They likely wouldn't listen to her and she wasn't going to put her belly in the middle of all that.

[stillnohero]

Suddenly, the goo would shrill audibly, collapsing into a worthless puddle once the electricity's connection was finished. Luckily, he just happened to fall swiftly enough for the dark matter wave to miss him. As the goo puddled it formed a humanoid shape, and faded to reveal the Hartia that was there before. He pushed himself up on his hands and knees as he trembled in shooting, numbing pains. His heart was beating a little too fast for it's own good. His eyes that were squeezed tightly shut would shoot open wide, he suddenly forced himself up, leaping up and back to land on the railing of the balcony, facing his brother.

"I'm not in the mood to fight more right now, it's been a long day. But you know she is wrong, and you know you are wrong. You will allow her to give me an apology, or you yourself will apologize and your's and her's behalf....Then I might offer my blessings."

Again, Orphen was wrong for disrespecting him in the presence of company. Sure he might have said a few things that made his brother mad, but that wasn't his fault, he was just stating the obvious. Sometimes, the truth hurt.

MP: 25
Materia: 0

[Witch_of_the_Web]

Meanwhile, down on the wall ...

Lillian was tapping the bricks, one by one, in a quest to find the densest patch of shadestone in the outer ward. Her head was pounding, and not just from the persistent throbbing beneath the bandage on her cheek and jaw. The wound was still raw from the silver in Vanity's blood, and it would not regenerate on its own, but the kindred had chosen to leave it in lieu of the crisis among the castle's defenders. She had found all the usual suspects down at the command center: the spectators, nobles who had no inkling of the most basic combat doctrine but still insisted on offering their opinions; the romantics, nobles who had a rudimentary understanding and therefore thought they were smarter than everyone else; the griefers, nobles who had read every book on warfare they could find, along with Machiavelli, and therefore not only felt entitled but obligated to guide foreign policy by buying commissions for their sons and placing themselves at the top of an imaginary command chain; and, of course, the actual soldiers, who had to contend with all three types while trying to fight a battle against an enemy that nobody had reasonably expected this close to the capital.

A few months before, sorting it out would have taken hours. Fortunately, she was a duchess now, and could simply pull rank on everyone in the room and tell them to go organize their next cotillion or something. There had been an outcry, a few death threats, and of course that stupid a** of a count with a pedigree stretching back twelve generations had seen fit to call her an upjumped little insect for the upteenth time, but that was normal. After Vanity's rebuke, it had felt downright invigorating to give someone else the metaphorical slap on the face, and she had enjoyed watching the aristos being escorted out a little too much. That feeling had lasted all of five minutes, however.

Her knuckles rapped on the stones, a nice solid thump echoing back to her, and Lillian knew she had found the ideal spot. She could understand why Vanity had done it. Now that she had had time to cool off and think everything over, it was the quickest way to save as many lives in Shadowspire as possible. That did not mean she agreed with the methods. Even without her serious misgivings regarding the marriage of an infant to the first peace envoy past the gates, she did not think she could condone such a blatant disregard for morale among the rank and file. Already the rumors were flying: unconditional surrender, peace at swordpoint, accusations of cowardice and treachery, and all the rest. The nobles were going to fan those flames, she had no doubt, and if the marriage were to become reality it would not matter if Rose and that Pendragon loved each other or not. The fomenting ultranationalist rebellion did not need any more ammunition, and Umbral's rulers desperately needed the population's approval.

Lillian placed both hands on the wall, leaned in close, and began to pound her head against it. A drink would have been more sensible, she knew, but the alcohol would just aggravate her wound. And who knew what she might say next time she saw Vanity if she was drunk?

The sounds of a battle raging at the keep, however, interrupted her blunt rearrangement of her head. Her hands clenched into fists as she ran over the possible reasons for such a disturbance, and she felt as if a ball of ice had settled in her stomach. Had the Pendragon betrayed them? She straightened, the space around her distorting as she rushed to the Queen's side ...

... it took a moment for Lillian to register just what she was seeing. There was Ryuu, damn him, and Nox, bless him, and TWO Pendragons now, damn it all, she could see their auras, and there was Vanity. Just standing right there in the middle of the chaos, smug and oblivious as usual. Oh, and there was Helena, poor thing, and Elise, who she really felt nothing for in particular. At least there were three people here who had not gone completely insane, though she was beginning to have her doubts about the king. As for own sanity, she paid it no mind. Given the company she kept, it was a moot point anyway.

Lillian stood staring at the carnage in the nursery for a long moment, and refused to meet anyone's eyes. No. She did not have any patience left for this. She was just going to turn around, go back downstairs, and get drunk. There was nothing else for it. Nothing at all. Just walk away and hope the intruders killed each other, and that the horde outside would be willing to leave afterwards, she told herself.

That thought, and its sheer imporbability, was what made her stay. Heedless to the fight going on in the balcony, the plump woman padded quietly over to Vanity's side, keeping the burned half of her face turned away. There was nothing else for it. If they were to have any chance of salvaging this mess, she had to stay on the same page as the queen. And this time she would hold her tongue.

[OutlawD One]

Hartia Raye Pendragon

Heras Box

"You have clearly gone mad from being in this darkness too long! I will apologize to you for nothing! I could give a damn less about the problems between you and Vanity, but I will not stand and let you insult me in front of allies and then expect something in return."

As Hartia reassmenled in his crouched position,  Orphen returned to his leisure float. The Axe was replaced to his side. Sparks bounced from the blade curling around his body and fizzling out.

Before he continued Orphen allowed his demeanor to calm, and his brow to unwrinkle. The situation had definitely taken a turn for the worse. The Pendragon's were bickering, one of the Silverfire's was in a zone of his own and the other was watching the bickering; not to mention the newly created balcony door and Rose who seamed hell bent of interfering.

"I will marry whoever I wish, from where I wish, and when I wish. Your 'permission' is only a formality
 It would however please me if you accepted my bride."
 

Soorrryyy

[Heras Box]

When Lillian decided to reappear Vanity let her eyes go to the woman. The first thing she took in was the condition her face was in. It was not something the silver haired woman was proud of. In fact it made her feel guilty, but her friend needed to learn not to speak so freely in front of others. Had they been alone she'd not have minded. After a moment of taking in her plump friend Vanity spoke softly to her. "I know you are angry with me, but please do no undermine me again. I will explain my thoughts after things are settled." Her gaze lingered a bit longer on Lillian before finally leaving her to look at Helena. The healer had reported that Fenra was sleeping. She could only guess as to the damage that had been done. "Thank you, and don't worry about the Pendragon brothers, their dispute is not your fault." Farther noticing that Helena couldn't seem to relax near Ryuu made her give a soft smile before dismissing her and telling her to take the rest of the day off.

Finally, the Queen turned toward the balcony and the hole that had been made to access it. Since the wall that Orphen and Hartia had gone through wasn't an original part of the castle Vanity removed it completely and once more the lovely doors were there. Slowly stepping out her eyes would move downward to watch the brothers. They seemed to have stopped fighting at least. Placing a delicate hand on the railing she would wait for them to settle their differences. In the midst of this conflict she found she had forgotten another. Giving a half turn of her head she spoke toward the room behind her. "Greedie, have someone escort you to my closet. You'll find other jewels and such there." Nothing that was of great sentimental value to her, of course, as those were kept in a different location, but it would have enough value to help the tiny red.

[Greedy Chromatic Red]

The little dragon glared up at his sister, his lips pulling back letting the slightest glimpse of the white fangs that lurked behind. "I'm not your pet dearest sister. Nor am I anyone's pet." An friend surged through the body of the Red, something that fueled the process of recovery. Anger filled his mind at the idea of being referred to as a pet. It was disrespectful to his standing, his power, his very nature, and his pride. Something he figured Vanity would understand very well. "I'll be fine on my own. Thank you for the crown, and good luck with the negotiations." He wanted to snap at her, direct the torrent that swirled in his head at Gina, but he wouldn't. It would be unbecoming of him, and instead he would act civilly unlike the two that had just crashed through the castle walls. "You'd best finish your talks with the Pendragons. I'll make sure your little he-children remain safe in their cribs."

[stillnohero]

"It was you who insulted me first brother. I merely returned the favor. I asked you for nothing but a moment to discuss your rash decisions. If you must insist on being so rude and disrespectful, insensitive even....Just remember your actions later."

Hartia would leave it at that. His brother would realize that he had jumped the gun and actually did to Hartia what he accused him of. A twisted scenario. See, Hartia might have offended those around him by calling the bride to be a leech. However his intent wasn't to blatantly insult the child, no. He was merely stating a fact. When people call him and his even more strange children abominations, he took it with pride. It wasn't a coping mechanism in his mind either. He truly enjoyed being called things like abomination and monster. He was what he was. Facts are facts. The case with the child no different. However for his brother to be so emotionally attached so very easily as to honestly get offended over his brother simply stating the obvious, then shame on him. Whether his brother apologized or not, Hartia would move to pass him, yet his head turned as he would pass, refusing to break contact with his eyes until he was actually passed him. And when he would pass him, he would not so accidentally bump shoulders shoulder to bicep with his taller brother, a hiss accenting the occasion if contact was made. Once he was back in the nursery, the Cambion would turn his attention to the Queen once more.

"I apologize for me, instabilities, and if our mere presence was so foul as to so easily be deemed as unwelcome, though that still is a poor excuse to hold ill opinions about myself and allow harm to be sent my way without an actual threat even being present."

He mused into a grin. He had come a long ways in life. And this was the point in his life where he was finally unfolding into what he had always dreamed. Part of it anyway. His mere presence was a great threat. This wasn't the only place to treat him as such, though the level and manner of it was higher than anywhere else he had visited. It was almost a compliment.

OutlawD One

Heras Box

[Heras Box]

Hearing the dragon get angry with her for her words she smiled and looked toward him. "Stop being so testy." Since he had declined being taken to her jewels Vanity returned her gaze to the brothers and watched with interest. Their interaction intrigued her. While she had "brothers" she didn't behave as these two did. Although with Ryuu's mood she supposed it could happen.

As Hartia finally made it back to the nursery she leveled her gaze upon him and listened to his words. With a smile that spoke volumes more than she let on the silver haired queen would tilt her head ever so slightly to the side before speaking. "I do not believe the word 'foul' was mentioned, nor did I say 'unwelcome.' As for my opinion of you, well it is not ill, as you say, and I did not send harm to you." Her eyes seemed to take him in for a moment before her voice sounded again. "I will state once more, Fenra was to make sure you lived. Since it is her duty to keep the kingdom safe attacking the undead was within her rights, just as you defending them was within yours. No apology will be given for that. Yes, I kicked you to prevent you from eating her. That was a consequence of your actions and I will not apologize for it either. I do not appreciate my daughter being referred to as 'leech.' She is much more beautiful than the slimy creature." Since she was Vanity, beauty meant a lot to her, having her child called something ugly would offend her. "There need not be a weapon or threat of you attacking for you to be perceived as a threat, you proved that when you took the hideous form and caused damage to my sister. So, now that that is taken care of... What is it that you feel you deserve in return for your brother marrying my daughter?" Now she only watched the man. Curious. The Pendragons were proving to be more interesting than she thought. And now she knew that if the agreement were reached then her daughter would have more than enough protection from them. With Rose being the more gentle of her four children she worried for her.

[OutlawD One]

Hartia Raye Pendragon

Heras Box

"Remember events correctly if you are going to remember them Hartia. I chose to speak through our link but if you wish to air out the information so be it. Be sure as well to redirect your words to yourself and your selfish, bratty, child like behavior."

A moment passed before a final thought

"I hope that is not a threat brother. And in front of allies at that. Rest assured I will remember,  but keep in mind your transgressions towards our clan."

When Hartia would bump into Orphen's form it would be like Hartia bumping into a solid pole. The eldest brother simply allowed the gauntlets he wore to be what they were and give him an increased strength. Orphen's position wouldn't change but Hartia may feel a slighy bruising where their bodies connected.

Orphen's brown and green eyes followed Hartia's gaze until the staring contest ended.

A subtle growl traveled from Orphen's throat. Enough was enough and the 'situation' had gone on for long enough. When Vanity went to reply to Hartia Orphen stepped to Rose's crib and extended his hand to float over the child.

Emerald green energy began to leak from his hand, eyes and body as he tapped into the power of the Tablet. His clothing fluttered and indistinguishable whispers leapt from him. Vanity and Nox would begin to feel a tingle in the back of the minds as memories would begin to flow in. The process had begun.

Though massive amounts of energy was being released it should cause no interruption to conversation other than a light show.

Rose would begin to grow into a toddler, followed by a child, teen, young adult and soon a full grown woman. Her age would increase as the color or Orphen's eyes became less and less their original brown.

Not much longer.

[stillnohero]

"Pardon me once more m'lady..."

Hartia faced his brother once more. He was sure to mind his tone as he was passed the stupidity on his part.

"My spoken words were not to insult you. I was just, calling it like I saw it. If you got offended, it's because you agree with what I'm telling you, but you refuse to let the truth persuade you from your choices. Regardless, it is done and I cannot take it back. However, I do apologize if I insulted you."

Again, just like with the child, the truth was the truth. And sometimes that hurt. Truly he wasn't sorry for what he said, and he wouldn't try to convince his brother of that fact when it would in fact be a lie. At least this was his apology was genuine. With a smile he would once again, return his attention to the Queen.

"Now where were we....Ah, yes...Well, to be completely honest, I deserve nothing. Unless you are known as the altruistic type...Then again, one could say I deserve the chance to get to know you."

The end of his words were laced with a mild his, and he mused into a light giggle as he said it. She was beautiful wasn't she? And despite his urges as not only a man, but also a sexual predator by birth, despite the tone of voice, the meaning carried was simple. His brother was afforded the chance to get to know the Queen. In turn he was rewarded a wife. Sure it bought the Queen peace, though technically they were still not safe. Who was to say that the Lich King wouldn't just do as he pleased anyway, or that Hartia wouldn't side with his brother on this ordeal?

[Witch_of_the_Web]

Heras Box

Lillian did not turn to face Vanity when she apologized, instead staring into her gaze with one of her peripheral eyes, the ones that tended to make people uncomfortable. It was a cheap shot, but certainly preferable to the snide remark the kindred could feel banging into the back of her teeth. In truth she regretted that urge, not least because she could tell through their link that the Queen was being sincere. Feeling the need to make amends and sure that Vanity would be a lot less charitable with her punishment if she mouthed off again, Lillian swallowed her pride. "I understand, and I'm sorry for making you lose face," she said calmly, her choice of words carrying more acid than she had intended.

Whatever word-to-mouth filter she possessed was clearly inadequate for the task. Unfortunately there was no time for her to backpedal from that one, as their guests were returning.

Peccaminous Peregrine

Lillian had already voiced her doubts about Orphen and the marriage, earning herself the bandage on her cheek, so the contrast between him and his brother came as a pleasant surprise. In fact the more she heard the better she felt about the whole affair; at least someone else in the room shared her opinions. Someone else who had misgivings about the transfiguration now beginning in the nursery, which she was currently trying very hard to ignore.

Unfortunately, their agreement seemed to extend to their opinion of the Queen as well. The kindred hated to admit to sexual urges of any kind, since thus far they had only served to make her one real relationship needlessly complicated, but it took every ounce of mental fortitude she had to keep her jealousy from showing. With no other options for keeping the peace between herself and Vanity, not to mention the exact nature of her affection for the same, Lillian did the only thing that seemed sensible.

She bit her tongue. Quite literally.

The most anyone in the room would get out of her when the Pendragon said "getting to know you" would be a small, pained squeak. With any luck they would just chalk it up to her injury.

[Heras Box]

She noticed that Orphen also came back but he seemed to be more interested in the little red head. Vanity felt magic in the air and when it started to work on Rose she gave a slight movement in her shoulders. She couldn't help but feel tense. While she knew the man wouldn't harm her daughter it still made her pause for a moment. Hearing Hartia speak again he gained her attention, though not all of it. The silver haired woman wanted to keep an ear out for her child in case something should go wrong. There was no failing to notice the tone the Pendragon brother took when he apologized. He was implying that it was her thoughts he'd spoken and she'd taken offence to. Truthfully, she wasn't that deep. To her, her children were precious, beautiful, and deserved love and praise. To call them anything but was an insult to her inner nature. There was a reason she was named Vanity. Thankfully she was distracted with the goings on by the crib and paid no mind to Hartia's tone. Nor had she paid much mind to Lillian's.

The last bit of Hartia's words, though they held a hidden meaning, would go over her head. Her purple eyes would blink slightly as her head moved to one side. "Why would you deserve that? Plan on figuring out which type of jewelry I like?" The squeak from her kindred friend made her arch a brow at the woman. Was there something wrong? Other than her obvious dislike for what was taking place? "Are you alright, Lillian?" There would be a pause as she looked her friend over then her gaze would go back to Orphen and her daughter.

Rose didn't seem bothered by the magic that was aging her. The baby grew larger as the process continued on. Her features changing and becoming more clear. While her eyes were purple they were a lighter shade than her mother's. The once light red hair darkened to become almost the shade of freshly spilled blood and the curls grew into full ringlets. Despite the aging her clothes did not grow with her, but rather, seemed to be torn apart. Moving her limbs so that she was covered she made sure her hair helped in the process. With a small clearing of her throat she leveled her gaze on the man responsible for her aging. While she was gentle and somewhat timid, her gaze suggested he look the other way to show decency.