Anise grinned while sliding her gaze over to Larin. Her cheeks were only lightly dusted with the gray of a blush. “Can’t help it much, I’m famished,” she said softly, trying not to disturb the current dynamics taking place between the man named Jovani and Wrath.
She simply hoped she wouldn't have to try and pull Jojo out of the fire, so to speak, if Wrath decided to ‘forfeit his existence’. Not that she’d stand a chance against him, especially in her exhausted state, but that never stopped her before.
The Jackal lady could definitely tell that she was very tired, even if happy that Wrath was there talking to Jo. She didn't want to interfere either and so thought if she should offer her hand, they could carry on, unless Lady Anise wanted to stay near Wrath, while he answered the request from Jo. She wouldn't blame her at all, if allowed, she would have gone with Greed, but she knew that was an issue with the Prime Sins to help Lani. It was touching, everyone wanting to save Lani and being concerned, even if she didn't have a Sin House. Maybe that would change with what's happened. It felt nice to belong.
"I fully understand. I wish I could do more."She kept her voice down, moving back closer to Anise, now that she felt she wouldn't be in the line of sight of Wrath answering Jo. Anise would be certain that even though Wrath was a prime sin, she would stand up to speak out against Jo being ended, but she didn't feel like that would be necessary. Wrath had a point, Jo didn't do well to make a good first impression to someone of Wrath's stature.
She stood near, holding her books to her chest, sighing softly, but content. Maybe she could look through one of her books, transmog and transmutation.. stuff.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ*:.*:..*:...｡o○ Gold dust from the wings of Butterflies
Trailing back from the sands of time ○o｡..:*..:*..:*Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
Vharidorex had stood motionless, exhibiting the patience of one who lived more than a millennium. Though currently he was about as powerless as a new hatchling with whatever had shackled his power.
The random display of violence from the polar bear from earlier and a new arrival only earned a quick assessing glance before he turned his attention back toward what were clearly the most powerful beings present. There, he watched, learning from their displays of powers and social dynamics as he remained patient to be addressed.
After a physical barrier was raised from the ground to encase the injured woman and those attending to her, Vharidorex once again was met with a piercing gaze from the one Sloth had addressed as Greed. Amber eyes raked over the Sin, taking in all the details.
Luther Edwards
"So. You think yourself worthy of my attention?"
Vharidorex, standing at six foot five, brought his gaze back to lock onto the other man’s eyes. “I am.” He didn't think himself worthy, he knew he was worthy.
Anyone who attempted to deny his worth was simply ignorant.
Or an idiot.
Greed didn’t seem an idiot to him, so he was simply ignorant of his worth. A fact Vharidorex easily understood considering his strength was currently chained.
The earring in his left ear danced with his slight movement, as he continued to pet the creature that was still sitting next to him. His right ear also had an earring, but it was a stud rather than dangling.
“I am Vharidorex.”He would slowly move his fingers through the fur of the large creature next to him, enjoying the sensation of fur between each digit. The amber of his eyes never left the rose-gold of Greed's. “I came to see Anise. I have yet to see her, though the white bear over there," he inclined his head toward JJ where she was managing drinks, “claims she had returned after being off world.”
His rose gold irises flashed with a spark of interest, the beginning of an obsessive inferno kindling to life in his steady gaze. Greed's taut smirk spread into a genuine smile, the very tips of his fangs peeking out.
"Oooooooh? Well, then...Vharidorex," he practically purred, his deep voice clear and resonant. The English tilt to his words was heavier, like he was too lazy to sound proper in the moment. The dark, stretchy limbs at his back had all arrested themselves when the amber-eyed man had spoken, and now they were making sinuous motions from over Greed's shoulders. Snakes, poised to strike.
He was bare foot, so his footsteps were soundless as he walked closer. Greed didn't seem at all bothered by the height discrepancy, nor did he seem to care that he was visibly out-muscled by this newcomer. Tipping his head back, Luther stopped with only a foot and a half between them. The newcomer would see the shimmering, swirling pools of his irises, the oily sheen to the arm-like limbs hovering at his back, and the pearly shine of his unnaturally pale skin. The chains that covered his modesty and the dirt that streaked him from head to heel both had their own place on his body, though they clashed in nature.
"You're pretty enough, and undoubtedly aware of it," Greed began, his voice lilting as he listed off his assessment. "And such a good boy, so patiently waiting for me to have a moment for you," he praised, leaning a little closer. Squinting now, he drew his gaze up from Vharidorex's feet, over his broad torso, and up to the tips of his pale hair. Determining value. Greed paid no mind to Sloth's massive guard-creature, having felt their reassuring fur under his fingers himself.
"...Anise is seeing to her own needs at this moment. You will continue to be patient, unless it is a matter of great emergency," Greed stated, the clear nature of his voice making it obvious this was an order, not an offer. "In the meantime, the only person you should concern yourself with is me."
With this said, Greed lifted a pale hand, making an attempt to draw Vharidorex's chin upwards, seeking out the column of his throat with a dark claw. Testing still waters, seeing how deep they ran. At the same time, he was using the Sin Link to send a brief message to Wrath, who he knew would be able to pass word along:
ENDBRlNGER
'A being by the name of Vharidorex is here to see Anise. I leave when and where to your discretion.'
Even now, he continued to assess the surroundings, taking in as much detail as possible. The arms that attached to Greed were something new, something he had yet to encounter in his long life. He couldn’t be certain what they were; either magic, sentient beings or something unique to the man or the realm.
Vharidorex wasn’t dull enough to think he stood a chance against this being, not while in his current state. Once Greed had gotten closer, the logical thing would be to show fear or deference. But Vharidorex hadn’t gotten to where he was now by backing down every time he was at a disadvantage. So he made no move to back down, keeping his gaze locked with the other man’s.
Vharidorex didn’t resist Greed’s attempt to lift his chin. Rather, after a moment of contact, his own hand that had previously been petting Sloth’s creature snapped over to snatch the gilded Sin’s hand. If successful, he would pull the hand away from his chin, gripping it firmly, but without any attempt to crush or harm. Even with his powers sealed, it was impossible to completely rid a dragon of its natural strength. This would be made evident here if Greed allowed Vharidorex to snatch his hand away.
With either outcome, Vharidorex would lean in, bringing his face to within an inch of Greed’s.
“There is no great emergency so long as she is safe.” This close, the dragon’s scent would linger between them; a clean scent of winter wind, tinged with a sweet hint of frosted berries, mingling with the earth and honeysuckle.
Luther Edwards
"In the meantime, the only person you should concern yourself with is me."
“You imply that you are worthy of my time.”
He had noticed Greed’s fangs before, and the scent of dirt reminded him too much of the scent of grave dirt from the b*****d vampires he and Anise had encountered before. Though the scent of dirt lingering on Greed did not contain the same foul scent the previous vampires he encountered had. It was a more pleasant scent of damp earth.
The need to dislike Greed was strong, but in his wisdom he withheld judgment. If this being was one of the Sins, then he would need to assume it was someone of great importance to Anise. She had never once spoken negatively of any of the Sins. In fact, the times she did speak of them, she’d only ever spoken with reverence and happiness.
While withholding judgement was one matter, the Sin’s response to his own challenge was another. Vharidorex could be beaten down or even killed, but he would not lower himself to behave any differently than normal, weakened or not. So his amber gaze held Greed’s, not even a hint of wavering in the face of a stronger being.
Though Zara was transfixed upon the creature in the forest, she easily sensed the Glutton approaching. She would no doubt recognize the changes within the Kitchen, atmosphere much more cozy and full of warmth and spice. Ever observant, the Djinni girl looked up from her chai and greeted Red from the counter. "Hello cutie pie, are you hungry?" Her grin was contagious, hands already producing everything from charcuterie to chocolates and cakes upon the counter top.
*when red reached gluttonies tavern or kitchen or cafeteria what ever it was called, it smelled great. she was greeted with a mess of people.she waved at gluttony for ones there Vestige seemed more stable now and she could make out more of a form.
hey gluttony *bows*
red relises she hadnt known if gluttony went by a diffrent name sheld have to correct this
is there another name you'ld like me to adress you by lady gluttony? and who are all these guests looks like we are hosting a party
*suddenly red felt very self-conscious and shy with so many denizens from the castle she hadnt met
Zara tied back her long, dark hair, mostly to keep it out of the snacks and beverages. Her clothing was loose and flowing, prioritizing comfort but not neglecting style. "You can call me Lady Gluttony, or you can call me Zara," she said with a smile. Every so often she would peer back into her chai latte, but she was careful to give the girl before her a good deal of her attention. "What should I call you?" She cocked her head to the side, cradling her chin in her palms upon the counter top.
Even now, he continued to assess the surroundings, taking in as much detail as possible. The arms that attached to Greed were something new, something he had yet to encounter in his long life. He couldn’t be certain what they were; either magic, sentient beings or something unique to the man or the realm.
Vharidorex wasn’t dull enough to think he stood a chance against this being, not while in his current state. Once Greed had gotten closer, the logical thing would be to show fear or deference. But Vharidorex hadn’t gotten to where he was now by backing down every time he was at a disadvantage. So he made no move to back down, keeping his gaze locked with the other man’s.
Vharidorex didn’t resist Greed’s attempt to lift his chin. Rather, after a moment of contact, his own hand that had previously been petting Sloth’s creature snapped over to snatch the gilded Sin’s hand. If successful, he would pull the hand away from his chin, gripping it firmly, but without any attempt to crush or harm. Even with his powers sealed, it was impossible to completely rid a dragon of its natural strength. This would be made evident here if Greed allowed Vharidorex to snatch his hand away.
With either outcome, Vharidorex would lean in, bringing his face to within an inch of Greed’s.
“There is no great emergency so long as she is safe.” This close, the dragon’s scent would linger between them; a clean scent of winter wind, tinged with a sweet hint of frosted berries, mingling with the earth and honeysuckle.
Luther Edwards
"In the meantime, the only person you should concern yourself with is me."
“You imply that you are worthy of my time.”
He had noticed Greed’s fangs before, and the scent of dirt reminded him too much of the scent of grave dirt from the b*****d vampires he and Anise had encountered before. Though the scent of dirt lingering on Greed did not contain the same foul scent the previous vampires he encountered had. It was a more pleasant scent of damp earth.
The need to dislike Greed was strong, but in his wisdom he withheld judgment. If this being was one of the Sins, then he would need to assume it was someone of great importance to Anise. She had never once spoken negatively of any of the Sins. In fact, the times she did speak of them, she’d only ever spoken with reverence and happiness.
While withholding judgement was one matter, the Sin’s response to his own challenge was another. Vharidorex could be beaten down or even killed, but he would not lower himself to behave any differently than normal, weakened or not. So his amber gaze held Greed’s, not even a hint of wavering in the face of a stronger being.
At the first contact of skin against his, the swirl of Greed's irises would melt into a tumultuous storm, his pupils narrowing into nearly nothing before blowing wide, huge. The ring of rose gold spun around his dilated pupils, dizzying, burning with avarice.
Though he allowed his hand to be redirected, Greed only gave so much leeway. He firmed his stance and remained immobile, his pale, lean arm at a right angle to their bodies where Vharidorex had pushed it. His fingers curled into a fist, then relaxed. It would take little effort to call Midas and turn someone to stone for such a slight, but that was never how Luther had done things. No, he preferred a bit of arrogance. A bit of spirit. Not to mention the sheer strength laid out under that tawny skin.
"Oh darling, I certainly am."
The smile spread wider on his face, revealing his two pointed fangs fully, his expression going a bit stupid as he thought adoringly for a moment about wearing Pride down over the centuries. Painstakingly and impatiently earning the trust of the most rightfully prideful being in existence.
And then, he thought about how he'd tossed Vengeance through literal mud, wrestled him into grating, barely-allowed non-submission.
Which methodology would work best here? More importantly, which would be more fun?
Greed's eyes narrowed briefly, his lashes fluttering and his own steaming breath escaping between them as his core heated, excitement pulsing through his veins in a heady rush. Tipping his head to one side, his curls brushing against Vharidorex's clothed torso, Greed got just close enough that their noses were at risk of brushing if one of them breathed too heavily.
"...Would you like me to prove it? I'll give you ten whole minutes, no contract necessary. Your power pitted against mine. A real bargain. After all, Anise has never complained about what I've had to show her." He winked.
If nothing else, it'd busy his worried mind until Pride was finished with his task.
Mesmerizing. That was the word Vharidorex thought of when he witnessed the way Greed’s eyes seemed to swirl in unnatural ways. A thought crossed his mind; the thought of possessing something unique and beautiful, a drive to add another rarity to his collection.
Luther Edwards
"Oh darling, I certainly am.'
Vharidorex blinked, returning to rationality with a reminder that this was not his territory, and he could not claim anything here. At least, not in the traditional sense. Perhaps other methods of claiming existed, one he would need to discover. It was Anise who had taught him one could ‘claim’ someone without owning them. Because Anise was his friend. Not his possession.
A thought to ponder another time.
Currently, Greed was seizing all his attention. Where Anise didn’t like physical contact with those she didn’t know, Vharidorex had no such qualms, not even as their noses were practically touching.
Then game Greed's offer.
“Hm,” came a sound, deep as he pondered the offer. Before, when the bear had provoked him, he’d restrained himself, knowing it was foolish to fight in his chained state. This provocation was different as he would be unchained.
Ten minutes.
That was all he would need.
A smirk stretched one side of Vharidorex’s lips, his draconic pupils constricting to the barest of slits. “If you insist.”
He wasn’t certain if the comment about Anise implied they had fault as friends or enemies but it was something he would determine later once he spoke with her. Everything pointed to Greed being a vampire, a being he’d come to detest after his last run with the race.
Zara tied back her long, dark hair, mostly to keep it out of the snacks and beverages. Her clothing was loose and flowing, prioritizing comfort but not neglecting style. "You can call me Lady Gluttony, or you can call me Zara," she said with a smile. Every so often she would peer back into her chai latte, but she was careful to give the girl before her a good deal of her attention. "What should I call you?" She cocked her head to the side, cradling her chin in her palms upon the counter top.
they call me red....though i shift quite a bit my original form is that of a fox and my fur is red thus red.....plus i was raised by a litral rat which he likes to think hes cleaver but sometimes i think hes quite simple
she giggles then she thinks to herself lady gluttony is acting a bit strange she wonders if this is an imposter she tilts her head to the side as she ponders
you dont rememeber welcoming me to you're .....clan?coven?pack?
she struggled with the right wording of her question she wondered if mayhaps the old maw was challanged and lost to the new lady gluttony she was extremely confused also slightly wary of this new zara
The image on her drink was ever-changing, blurred and rippling in a headache of movement. What was this creature? The Djinni girl prided herself on her knowledge of the arcane and magical beasts. With interest, Zara paid little heed to the foliage that he tore asunder. More would grow in its place.
Then you've met many of my... adopted children. Gluttony claimed ownership of the carnivorous flora and fauna through their shadows, binding them as she wished and seeing through their many eyes and tendrils.
They hunger, too. We hunger. The orange of Zara's eyes flashed brightly, the plants within the forest echoing her call in a rustle of their leaves and a howl from those with flesh and fur.
It seems you're not so different, child. There was pity in her voice. The hunger was painful. You cannot enter because you are unclaimed. Those who do not wish to submit are banned from these halls. Knowledge that Zara did not herself possess spilled from her lips. Perhaps it was Gluttony herself whispering the realms knowledge to the creature.
There are ways around those restrictions, but I don't find that necessary when you are one who hungers. Zara tapped her spoon against the wooden countertop of the Kitchen's new bar, the pleasant tapping resonating within the forest like a woodpecker upon its trees.
A gift, for an unsatisfied soul. If you find yourself insatiable, I challenge you to find me and allow me to fill you up, poor Dear. It gets awfully cold at night.
The forest stirred once again, earth trembling below. From a crevasse below, a colossal ooze poured forth, the crimson blob rolling slowly toward the creature. The carnivorous blob pointedly ignored the plant life and stones. Zara was curious what the creature would do with the carnivorous blob. Would it fight, defeat, and devour it? Would it even be bothered at all? Leave the area and out-move the blob? It was apparent the ooze was not intelligent enough to give chase as long as other organic matter roamed about.
”met…taken samples from….eaten” the creature found a clearing, pausing then shifting its head before collecting rocks and placing them in one location, with the intent to make a fire. It continued to casually speak with the voice, no indication of weariness or fear from it, strangely enough, she would feel nothing from it, blank…empty, if she wasn’t careful, she might find herself being effected by the uncanny valley that the creature produced. “Incorrect. I am the most different from anything you have ever come across ever…in any reality…” again, no ego in its voice just, cold words. “ from what I understand… magic…and arcane are what your kind controls, what you use to make others submit…. I am not allowed in the castle because I have nothing to take, nothing to seal, that makes me…different’ it made some hyena laughter from behind the mask it wore, along with rapid then slow clicks.
The two tendrils, shifted from their flat state on the surface of the soil when the ground rumbled and from it erupted a mass. Their tapped their tips into the ground steadily..
It paused its work as it got darker and shifted its masked head to the blob, tilting its head. More rapid clicks echoed around the forest from the antler adorned creature. It lifted its right arm, spread its fingers and within nanoseconds a blast was let out that roared through the entire forest. Blink and one would miss it. The blob had been blown apart and splattered everywhere, an impact crater was on the ground where it was, the size of a tennis ball. There were no scorch marks, no fire, no traditional destruction, just a small puddle of water within the crater along with the remains of the blob, but even then, this didn’t last long. The remains of the mass began to dissolve away, much like it would dissolve what it ate, but it was done faster. The creatures entire right arm was gone, blasted away as well, from the equal and opposite force it exerted on the blob. It awaited a few minutes then made a few clicks and the arm began to rebuild, the glowing orange ichor dripping out, then forming itself into what looked like vessels, and then from the stump black flat cables pushed out and built themselves up to match what looked like muscle fibers, though they had a dull gleam to them. Grey and black hexagon tiles, the size pin heads built up over that, the titles absorbed light so perfectly that they only looked like black voids as they built the arm back up, glowing orange monster like claws adorned the tip of the black void like fingers. Cloth poured down and made clothing over the arm and it was like nothing was ever lost, and this all happened within seconds.” My appetite is far more ravenous then that….” It spoke out in its frigid soulless tone then continued to stack stone. “Besides…the cold never bothers me….not where I come from.”
"It's nice to meet you, Red." Zara took a sip of her chai, suppressing the other sin links to focus on the girl in front of her. Though she was new to the webway, she was not at all new to magic or leylines. The concepts were similar. "No, I'm afraid I don't. That wasn't me, you see. Lady Gluttony has chosen to bless me with her time," Zara said simply. "We are one in the same, but I am more than just the sum of my parts. I am Zara, and I am Gluttony. It would not be a stretch to say that Gluttony saved my life."
"It's nice to meet you, Red." Zara took a sip of her chai, suppressing the other sin links to focus on the girl in front of her. Though she was new to the webway, she was not at all new to magic or leylines. The concepts were similar. "No, I'm afraid I don't. That wasn't me, you see. Lady Gluttony has chosen to bless me with her time," Zara said simply. "We are one in the same, but I am more than just the sum of my parts. I am Zara, and I am Gluttony. It would not be a stretch to say that Gluttony saved my life."
red blinks her eyes a few times trying to understand she assumes what she means in a general term is that shes being possessed perhaps by gluttony? then zara mentioned she was saved by gluttony....perhaps she was a follower and a double ganger in a sense at the same time. trying to wrap her little head around it was very confusing but she would just accept it she might not need to fully understand who ever was Infront of her seemed sweet and kindly nor did she seem to be hiding things
red sits by zara and smells her soothing chai tea.
what kind of drink is that? smells familiar to me in a passing teleportation trip.....i think the land was called India but human ways are still very new to me
Mesmerizing. That was the word Vharidorex thought of when he witnessed the way Greed’s eyes seemed to swirl in unnatural ways. A thought crossed his mind; the thought of possessing something unique and beautiful, a drive to add another rarity to his collection.
Luther Edwards
"Oh darling, I certainly am.'
Vharidorex blinked, returning to rationality with a reminder that this was not his territory, and he could not claim anything here. At least, not in the traditional sense. Perhaps other methods of claiming existed, one he would need to discover. It was Anise who had taught him one could ‘claim’ someone without owning them. Because Anise was his friend. Not his possession.
A thought to ponder another time.
Currently, Greed was seizing all his attention. Where Anise didn’t like physical contact with those she didn’t know, Vharidorex had no such qualms, not even as their noses were practically touching.
Then game Greed's offer.
“Hm,” came a sound, deep as he pondered the offer. Before, when the bear had provoked him, he’d restrained himself, knowing it was foolish to fight in his chained state. This provocation was different as he would be unchained.
Ten minutes.
That was all he would need.
A smirk stretched one side of Vharidorex’s lips, his draconic pupils constricting to the barest of slits. “If you insist.”
He wasn’t certain if the comment about Anise implied they had fault as friends or enemies but it was something he would determine later once he spoke with her. Everything pointed to Greed being a vampire, a being he’d come to detest after his last run with the race.
This one was different. This one was enticing.
"Very good," he replied breathlessly, their staredown having intensified for the briefest of moments while Vharidorex mulled over the offer, those amber eyes betraying his desirous thoughts to the Sin of Greed. Greed, for his part, was beyond delighted that the offer had been accepted; he wasted little time in allowing his dark limbs to shoot out behind himself, rustling his riotous hair as they eagerly tore open a black portal behind the two of them.
It was large enough for even Vharidorex's taller, wider frame.
Finally pulling back, Luther allowed his captured hand to turn, and if necessary, yank itself out of Vharidorex's strong grasp. Those same fingers would beckon the other man, the sharp claws gleaming enticingly. Greed walked backwards towards the portal, feeling the pulse of time and space being held asunder for his own purposes, practically throbbing, utterly unnatural.
"Come, then. I would have you as you truly are, but not here. There are arenas, far more appropriate for our purposes," Greed explained haughtily, not waiting to see if this shiny, intriguing newcomer would follow as he turned and slipped into the portal without a sound.
He emerged on the other side into the milky, foggy sunlight of Valaura, the sand packed tight under his toes in one of the open-air arenas. Only time would tell if Vharidorex would muster the courage, or perhaps simply the gall, to follow him. If, and when he did, the other would find the bounds on his powers relinquished as soon as the last bit of him passed through the portal, Greed's allowance starting immediately.
Luther stood in wait, a few limbs holding the portal open at its edges, but otherwise giving his back to Vharidorex. His hair tumbled down to his thighs, mussed already, his powerful calves braced two feet apart. Though he might've seemed unprepared, his perception was highly attuned to the spot just behind himself, his senses stretched through the ground itself for any vibrations announcing a new presence.
"Did you just ******** sneeze at me telepathically?"The creature's response was meant jokingly, though it sounded completely serious. The information would be passed however to the proper person promptly. Anise would become aware the second that Ix was.
Livian DoUrden
Jovani Joestar
Returning to the matter at hand with full focus, the creature appeared to be slowly becoming increasingly vexed. "So, just to recap. You have come to me, no offering; you're making demands of me like you know me. Furthermore, it's to craft you a weapon of which you think will benefit your survival rating in a place where most higher beings can atomize just about anything with a flick of their pinky. And I'm to assume since you made no mention of it, that it's to be for free besides?" Ix's expression steadily began to break; It's composure declining each second that it thought about this request that was daringly made. Knitted brow in hand, the creature let out an exasperated sigh. "Tell you what new blood, we're gonna play a game. Pick a number from one to ten." With that said, it refused to elaborate further leaving the ominous request open in Jovani's court.
"Did you just ******** sneeze at me telepathically?"The creature's response was meant jokingly, though it sounded completely serious. The information would be passed however to the proper person promptly. Anise would become aware the second that Ix was.
Livian DoUrden
Jovani Joestar
Returning to the matter at hand with full focus, the creature appeared to be slowly becoming increasingly vexed. "So, just to recap. You have come to me, no offering; you're making demands of me like you know me. Furthermore, it's to craft you a weapon of which you think will benefit your survival rating in a place where most higher beings can atomize just about anything with a flick of their pinky. And I'm to assume since you made no mention of it, that it's to be for free besides?" Ix's expression steadily began to break; It's composure declining each second that it thought about this request that was daringly made. Knitted brow in hand, the creature let out an exasperated sigh. "Tell you what new blood, we're gonna play a game. Pick a number from one to ten." With that said, it refused to elaborate further leaving the ominous request open in Jovani's court.
Jovani would then put his hands in his pockets and look to the Sin. "8" He would say not knowing what the Sin has planned but he was ready to bare it and take whatever the Sin was going to throw at him. "I do enjoy games Lord Wrath and I am almost certain I am in for a lot of work, but that is the price of power is it not?"
200
100
100
