Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Kieran Price
♚ ‹‹ ══════════════════════════════════════════ ›› ♛
▐▌ #838180 for text xx ▐▌ #2a0f0b for speech/thoughts
State your purpose
| hi |
  
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| SURRENDER YOUR SOUL |
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| stalkies |
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| i'm here to buy clothes |
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| Total Votes: | [ 10 ] | ||
Kieran Price
♚ ‹‹ ══════════════════════════════════════════ ›› ♛
▐▌ #838180 for text xx ▐▌ #2a0f0b for speech/thoughts
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Kingdom ↠ Shahiti
Position ↠ Prince
Full Name ↠ Kieran Price
Nickname ↠ The actual, literal prince of darkness has no need for such things. A lifetime ago, however, he allowed a certain someone to refer to him as "Kiki"...and bemoaned its use by others.
Age ↠ 23
Birthday ↠ October 31st
Height ↠ 6'1"
Weight ↠ 214 lbs.
Powers ↡
- Phantom Snare - Kieran can draw tendrils born from the shadows upon a target, entrapping them in the darkness and allowing him to bend them to his will. This can include objects or even people. Since the events of his imprisonment, this ability of his has grown greatly in strength. More interestingly, however, is that the speed his shadows react to his needs has skyrocketed- almost as if they now act on their own accord.
Blinded By The Dark - Kieran can make people lose their ability to perceive light, drowning their vision in absolute darkness. This ability originally manifested as the ability to see in the darkness, but experiments done to him by Izolda transformed that power to its current state.
Personality ↡
Kieran presents himself as an utter sadist, and the more you grovel beneath his heel the happier he'll be. With a flare for the dramatic, he'll make as big of a show out of torturing you as he can. However, he only exhibits this sort of behavior when he believes himself to be on the top of the food chain. When he senses there are bigger threats at hand, he won't hesitate to lie, steal, and cheat his way to survive. Thoughts of his inevitable demise haunt his every waking moment, and he'll do whatever it takes to scrape by until he can erase that one weakness entirely. Unfortunately for him, however, his ego and pride can sometimes get in the way of that.
Political Opinion ↠ Kieran puts himself above all others, even his own homeland, but there are a few kingdoms he has strong feelings towards. Firstly, he has quite mixed feelings towards Alore. On the one hand, he can never forgive them for taking his beloved from him. On the other hand, he'd still be a frail imbecile had it not been for his dark rebirth. Corthyr concerns him greatly, to the point of having made special arrangements to protect himself from the poisons that ravaged his travel party. The warriors from Mars would make for good pawns, but are too stuck in their ways to rule absolutely. Shahiti and Luna share the night, so he tends to tolerate people from the latter nation as long as they stay out of his way.
Biography ↡
The youngest of the Price siblings, born to the king's second wife, Kieran was once a rather cheery boy. This greatly troubled his father, as he had hoped that with Kieran his curse to have weak children had finally been lifted. Still, the king wasn't as displeased as he could've been. At the very least, he wasn't a woman like Violetta. He could see use in him. This allowed Kieran some freedom that he might not have gotten otherwise, although it did not free him from the torturous lessons his father would instill upon him. Instead of radicalizing him to follow his father's beliefs, however, such strife would cause the opposite reaction.
As he grew older, Kieran became more vocal about his stances and spoke out against the methods the armies of Shahiti used during the war. And as his opinions solidified, so too did a relationship with his childhood sweetheart. She was Emery Malachi, a duchess who shared the same pacifistic ideology that had been introduced to him by his uncle. Soon enough, they were wed. Shortly after, at the age of 19, he asked his father to go on a tour through safe zones inhabited by the army with his beloved. Kieran's intent was to try and instill directly upon the soldiers that while fighting for their country was ever important, they did not need to be the monsters of the night the world thought them as. This is where things went horribly wrong.
While trekking between camps with his wife and a handful of guards, they were ambushed and kept prisoner by individuals who claimed to be from Alore. Trying to get information only a royal might have from Kieran, they used various methods of torture to try and get information from him. But Kieran didn't budge, in a sense. He wasn't directly trying to withhold intel per se, but his refusal thus far to follow in his father's footsteps meant he hadn't the faintest idea about some of the things they asked him about.
In a last ditch effort to get information of at least some usefulness from the young man, they gave him an ultimatum: tell them what they need to know of they would kill his wife in front of him. Kieran screamed, cried, pleaded with them not to. He didn't know anything. He didn't know!
But they didn't listen. Or they just didn't care. Either way, Kieran was forced to witness his Emery murdered in front of his eyes. But they didn't just stop at killing her. All that was left of her was a hollow shadow.
Something in Kieran broke in that moment. The light of his life was now forever lost to him. Even worse, these pigs thought they had a right to just mangle his beloved like that? Take her away from him? What right did they have? How dare they? How dare they!? HOW DARE THEY?!?
From inside of that broken shell, something new was born: pure, unbridled hate. The shadows never paid him much mind before, but they seemingly reacted to this hate and sprung to life with greater force than ever before. Tendrils of phantom darkness surrounded his captors, doing to them what they did to his wife and more in a wild display of brutality. It was in this manic state that Kieran had an epiphany: Shahiti did not need to worry about whether its people were seen as monsters or not. The world was full of them. Diplomacy? Morals? If the people of squeaky clean Alore didn't care truly about those things, what did that say about the other kingdoms? And if that was the case, THEN WHY THE ******** SHOULD HE?
Kieran returned to his kingdom a changed man, no longer the weak-minded idealist who failed to save his wife. While the rest of his family were less than thrilled to see that their younger brother had come to embrace his father's ideals, the king appeared thrilled that his lessons had finally sunk in.
Kieran used his newfound favor with his father to his advantage, gaining influence in the scientific community of Shahiti for his "contributions". In particular, he allowed experiments to be performed on him by one Izolda Ergorova in order for him to attain even greater power. He would perform errands for her in exchange, even going as far as the black market of Uilum on one forgetful occasion. But this was not enough. Kieran needed absolute power. To rule. To conquer over all, so that none could ever control his life again! To that end, he would need dominion beyond even the land of darkness.
Far above even the royal crown of Shahiti, there was one thing Kieran knew in the back of his mind that would always rule over him: the rules of nature. Of life and death. Or at least, that was what society told him. But if man could conquer the dark, master all forms of nature and element, why was this denied to them? Why did the world think it could deny him any more than it already did by taking away his beloved? This could not go unpunished, so Kieran worked tirelessly to find a cure for humanity's ailment so that he may rid himself once and for all of his one true weakness.
Kieran cared little about the war's end, although it did mean that he had to become more discreet in his dealings as eyes turned back inward. The creation of Utopia Academy further complicated things, as it took with it one of Kieran's prized scientists. The nerve. With the king insisting that he too attend, Kieran was given little in the way of options. Still, he saw the school as having at least some use for him. This was his chance to prove himself a better heir than either of his siblings could ever be. Better yet, there were great plays to be made with such a large cast. Even if none of his plans were to bear fruit there, he could at least find new ways to enjoy himself.
Likes ↡
- ✔ Sundown
✔ Veal
✔ Pelts
Dislikes ↡
- ✖ The sight of his own blood
✖ Idealists
✖ Sand
Misc. Info ↡
- ◆ #2a0f0b for thoughts and speech
◆ Kieran's right eye was removed during augmentation experiments performed on him by Professor Izolda in the past. Originally he had the power to see in darkness, but through her machinations he can now cause others to see only darkness.
◆ All of Kieran's clothing is specifically Vantablack.
◆ Kieran is left-handed.
◆ From the wreckage of where he was held prisoner, Kieran took Emery's wedding ring. He keeps both of their rings together in his room, often wearing them on a necklace if he can conceal it.
◆ For more information on Emery, see here (scroll down).
◆ Pinterest board
Theme Songs ↠
Bury The Light
A Grave Mistake
Dance Me to the End of Love
Night Surgeon
Beneath The Mask
Username ↠ Beyond The Time
Application
[list][list][imgleft]https://i.imgur.com/aZwxF38.png[/imgleft]
[list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][size=10][color=#3e4577][color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Beyond The Time ║ He/They
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ [url=YOURLINK]Samples[/url]
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Shahiti
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Prince (Spare)
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Kieran Price
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ 22
[list][list]↪ [b]Phantom Snare[/b]: Kieran can draw tendrils born from the shadows upon a target, entrapping them in the darkness and allowing him to bend them to his will. This can include objects or even people. Since the events of his imprisonment, this ability of his has grown greatly in strength. More interestingly, however, is that the speed his shadows react to his needs has skyrocketed- almost as if they now act on their own accord.
↪ [b]Blinded By The Dark[/b]: Kieran can make people lose their ability to perceive light, drowning their vision in absolute darkness.
↪ Once a mild-mannered individual hoping to see that the Shahti armies were fighting as humanely as possible, a tour he took with his wife would change the trajectory of his life forever. Ambushed between sites, they and their men were captured and imprisoned for a time. While a prisoner of war, he experienced torture that no one should have to go through. Even worse, his wife was killed in front of his very eyes for his uselessness. Although not in a literal sense, the person he once was died with her. From his remains arose a man with an all-consuming drive for power and conquest. To make those who would wish for him to suffer experience suffering tenfold. To rule. This was the individual who escaped his imprisonment without another alive to tell the tale. Abandoning any sense of morality for pure brutality, he could not accept a world at peace that his beloved could not witness. While at first unwilling to entertain the notion of Utopia, he was eventually coerced to go in order to keep an eye on his older, yet still relatively green siblings. [/list][/list][/color][/size][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list]
[list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][list][size=10][color=#3e4577][color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Beyond The Time ║ He/They
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ [url=YOURLINK]Samples[/url]
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Shahiti
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Prince (Spare)
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ Kieran Price
[color=#7365a9]▐[/color]┊━━║ 22
[list][list]↪ [b]Phantom Snare[/b]: Kieran can draw tendrils born from the shadows upon a target, entrapping them in the darkness and allowing him to bend them to his will. This can include objects or even people. Since the events of his imprisonment, this ability of his has grown greatly in strength. More interestingly, however, is that the speed his shadows react to his needs has skyrocketed- almost as if they now act on their own accord.
↪ [b]Blinded By The Dark[/b]: Kieran can make people lose their ability to perceive light, drowning their vision in absolute darkness.
↪ Once a mild-mannered individual hoping to see that the Shahti armies were fighting as humanely as possible, a tour he took with his wife would change the trajectory of his life forever. Ambushed between sites, they and their men were captured and imprisoned for a time. While a prisoner of war, he experienced torture that no one should have to go through. Even worse, his wife was killed in front of his very eyes for his uselessness. Although not in a literal sense, the person he once was died with her. From his remains arose a man with an all-consuming drive for power and conquest. To make those who would wish for him to suffer experience suffering tenfold. To rule. This was the individual who escaped his imprisonment without another alive to tell the tale. Abandoning any sense of morality for pure brutality, he could not accept a world at peace that his beloved could not witness. While at first unwilling to entertain the notion of Utopia, he was eventually coerced to go in order to keep an eye on his older, yet still relatively green siblings. [/list][/list][/color][/size][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list]
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[color=#2a0f0b][b] "Speaking #2a0f0b"[/b][/color][color=#2a0f0b][i]"Thinking"[/i][/color]
[color=#2a0f0b][i]thoughts[/i][/color]
[color=#2a0f0b][b]speech[/b][/color]
[color=#68251c][b]OOC:[/b][/color]
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[imgright]https://i.imgur.com/3PUWHiu.png?2[/imgright][imgleft]https://i.imgur.com/kzOsGCo.png[/imgleft][align="right"][align="left"][align="justify"]
[align="center"][color=#838180][color=#68251c][b][size=10]LOCATION:[/size][/b][/color] [i][size=9][/size][/i] [color=white]xxx[/color] [color=#68251c][b][size=10]COMPANY:[/size][/b][/color] [i][size=9][/size][/i] [color=white]xxx[/color] [color=#68251c][b][size=10]CLOTHING:[/size][/b][/color] [i][size=9][url=OUTFITHERE]Outfit[/url][/size][/i] [color=white]xxx[/color] [color=#68251c][b][size=10]AMBIANCE:[/size][/b][/color] [i][size=9][url=SONGHERE]Song Title[/url][/size][/i]
[align="left"][size=11]
[color=#2a0f0b][b] "Speaking #2a0f0b"[/b][/color][color=#2a0f0b][i]"Thinking"[/i][/color]
[color=#2a0f0b][i]thoughts[/i][/color]
[color=#2a0f0b][b]speech[/b][/color]
[color=#68251c][b]OOC:[/b][/color]
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Kingdom ↠ Shahiti
Position ↠ Princess (At time of death; previously Duchess)
Full Name ↠ Emery Azalea Price (née Malachi)
Nickname ↠ Emie
Age ↠ 19 (Deceased)
Powers ↡
- Shadow Voodoo - Communing with the darkness, Emery is able to interact with the shadows attached to a person as if she were interacting with that person directly. Beyond physical touch, this allows her to use weapons to harm others via their shadows as well.
Personality ↡
On the surface, Emery was a rather playful individual with a flare for the theatrical. She loved to tease and had an almost otherworldly way of knowing what made someone tick. She was distant from others, rarely showing her true feelings unless pressed. Still, she only spent time with those she truly wished to be around. And despite the disdain she had for the labels placed upon her people, this only emboldened her interests and aesthetic choices. After all, if everyone already thinks the worst of you, then why not have a little fun with that?
Biography ↡
TBD
Likes ↡
- ✔ Ouija Boards
✔ Scented Candles (for her "dark rituals" )
✔ Dark Chocolate
✔ Blood Oranges
✔ Owls
✔ Occult literature
✔ Sangrias
Dislikes ↡
- ✖ Pastels
✖ Complacency
✖ Waking up early
✖ Beaches
✖ Being disparaged
✖ Fig
Misc. Info ↡
- ★ #9182ad for thoughts and speech
★ Emery was a natural blonde.
★ Emery was left-handed.
★ Pinterest Board
Theme Songs ↠ Playlist
Voice Claim ↠ Speaking, Singing
Username ↠ Beyond The Time
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Agnes Dumont ♕ Shahiti Princess ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- description
Atropia Lavigne ♕ Corthyr Princess ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- A woman with whom he had a quiet encounter with, simply sitting on their respective traumas. Considering how weak he must've seemed on that occasion, the thought of meeting her again did bring some distress. However, she proved her allegiance to be well worth the risk.
Emery Price (née Malachi) ♕ Shahiti Duchess, later Princess (NPC, Deceased) ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- The love of his former self's life. The seemingly inescapable tether that continues to bind him to that man. Kieran struggles with his views on both Emery herself and the life he once led alongside her. He damns her visage in the daytime but is inexorably pulled to her phantom embrace in the dead of night. He desperately yearns to free himself his past but cannot keep himself far from their rings for long, let alone allow others to defile them. That being said, he will honor one thing about her without fail: the people who took her from him would all pay.
Graham Price ♕ Shahiti Duke ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- A weak-willed man who Kieran once looked up to before he discovered the truth of the world. He now looks at his uncle in shame, a shell of a man still chained to the light despite all it has done to his family. That Graham has decided to become his brother's official mouthpiece has made things even more tense.
Gwendolyn Tonnerre ♕ Uilum Princess ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- The Mad Queen of the black market and a mind even more ******** up than his is. Kieran hopes to one day wipe that smug grin of hers right off of her face, especially after their little "playfight" on the night of the explosion. For now, however, he's perfectly fine with using her as a resource to further his goals. But once he's achieved them? She'll be the first string that he cuts loose.
Ivy Toulene ♕ Corthyr Duchess ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- Kieran's fiance, not that he's bothered to reveal as such yet. Still, he's interested in using her natural antidote to toxins to his advantage when the time comes.
Izolda Ergorova ♕ Magic Professor ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- The deranged old hag who Kieran has worked with since his rebirth. In exchange for providing her bodies, she experimented on him to allow him to embrace the darkness rather than run from it. However, her long-term usefulness has yet to be determined. Kieran continues to make use of her in the present, but cares not for her constant remarks she makes as if she has the upper hand on him.
Mary Malachi ♕ Shahiti Duchess ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- Bloody Mary herself. Kieran was quite supportive to his former step-sister in a past life, but he hadn't spoken a word to her since his escape from captivity. Since he first saw her in Utopia, he almost thought he'd seen a ghost. And as he continues to find himself drawn to her, he almost wished that she were.
Oliver Ospina ♕ Winduria Prince ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- The ever-pitiful ex of Ms. Akimi and fiance to Ms. Tonnerre. Kieran finds the boy amusing, much like one would find a pet amusing. But much like having a pet, the poor Deary seems to require far more maintenance then he'd ever have the time for. While he attempted to use Mr. Ospina as a scene partner for Ms. Akimi during their impromptu reenactment, things quickly went awry.
Ophelia Akimi ♕ Alore Duchess ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- The pink-haired damsel, star of his first-ever stage production. The mere sight of the sanctimonious village mouse known as Ms. Akimi filled him with both humor and dread, but he'd gone to great lengths to disguise his true nature to her. Running off of her assumption that he was a Corthyrian Prince, he had posed as such for some time while he planned the ultimate horror show just for her. But when he learned that her brother, Loran Akimi, was the same man that killed his Emery, a rushed production was necessary. For some nights now, he has coerced her into spending her evenings in an ever-changing schedule to keep track of her until he can safely administer to her the death he felt she deserved. But as time has gone on...
Syena Garuda Maraalika ♕ Winduria Prince ↡
★★★★★ ♕ ❤❤❤❤❤
- The silver-haired brute who dared to deny him his fun on the night of the explosion and his pet birdy's older brother. While he's made himself known to be a clear threat in the present, Kieran intends to one day rip this man into shreds once he's acquired an immortal body.
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Main Thread
LOCATION: Music Room xxx COMPANY: Mary xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Mary On A Cross
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
On the night of December the 4th, Kieran didn't sleep a wink. He didn't do much at all for the first few hours of the evening. He knew what he wanted to do, the destination that every fiber of his being burned for him to go to, but it was no simple task. The prince of darkness made sure he went undisturbed that night, even sending away his mouse to scurry off as she pleased despite initially informing her otherwise. But then he remembered what the morning would bring. A recurring event he'd once removed himself from indulging in that he could no longer just plainly ignore. Not when the hold her eyes had on him only gained in strength.
Ever since the events that forced his long-developed production into a rushed showing, there was a resounding truth that he could no longer ignore: he was no demon reborn. Whatever had been awakened within him when Mr. Akimi took his Emery from him did not bring about some infernal resurrection. Though warped into someone who finally had the strength to fight back against the world he always despised, the Kieran Price of yesteryear still remained. He and the man he thought himself to be now were one and the same. And with that being the case...he had several unread messages to look into.
In the box that held his and Emery's rings, under the velvet insert, were all eight of them. They were all in pristine condition, as if untouched by time. However, the same could not be said for Kieran. This was the crux of his internal debate; did he truly still have a right to them? The shadows, emboldened by his inner turmoil, flailed about his room. It took the crashing of one of his side tables to the floor to snap the prince of darkness from his inaction. "Damn it all..." Shuffling himself off of the chair he had sank into, which he had once hoped would drown him completely, he went to his dresser. While his phantom limbs opened the drawer where the box was tucked deeply into as he approached, he removed it with his own two hands. With the rings already worn around his neck, all he had to do was remove the insert and take out the letters. He then went back to his chair, envelopes in-hand.
Kieran would sit back down, now upright, with his shadowy tendrils putting the table back in place. Placing the envelopes upon it, he stared at them for a long period of time. Though his body remained still, his mind was sent back to days long gone. Letters sent during a very different time in his life. In both of their lives. At one point, the shadows had lifted the first envelope and nudged at his hand with it. Indulging what was surely his innermost desires, he finally took it and went to open the seal. It felt heavy, though, as if it didn't want to be broken. Or maybe there was still a part of him that couldn't bear to go through with this. Whatever the case, the all-black continued its support. His shadows came upon his hand, intertwining with his fingers. Lending them their strength so that he might seek the truth.
Together, the seal was broken. And with that first letter finally freed after years of being locked away, he began to read...
On the morning of December 5th, a sleep-deprived Kieran Price hurriedly left his room to search for her. He hadn't even changed out of yesterday's clothes; there were far more important matters to involve himself with. Along the way, he shouted to the first servant in his network to gather a few of them to clean his quarters without wasting a step on them. They'd find broken glass, tossed furniture, and marks along the walls there; he expected it all fixed by the time he got back there.
When he finally got to her room, he fiercely knocked four times. But would she even respond to that anymore? She had every reason not to. But when he heard footsteps coming from the other side, his already pounding chest reached a fever pitch. Such panic quickly deflated, however, as it was instead a handmaiden that answered the door. Demanding her whereabouts, she worriedly informed him that she'd likely be in class by now. Unable to immediately recall what today's schedule was meant to be, his thoughts hazy, he nearly took the woman by the throat and demanded more direct answers from her instead. But the cry of a baby boy freed him from such thoughts before he made them a reality. Instead, he walked away without another word.
Many steps later, the prince of darkness would slip into the music room just as class was starting. While he faintly heard the opening babble of the music teacher, his mind was far more focused on the hum he let faintly escape his lips as he approached her. "Hmmm hm hmmm hmmm hmmm hmmmmm...." His steps were slow, more methodical than usual. But that was less of a stylistic choice and more of a necessity at this point. The entirety of his form felt several times heavier than it was at this point. Still, he persisted.
"Hmmm hm hmmm...hmmm...hmmm hmmmmm...."
His eyes didn't meet her on the way there. He wanted to show her the feelings that her letters provoked within him: agony, regret, fury. And yet even now, having snuck into class for her sake alone, his resolve was not yet resolute. As he approached, he saw his mouse in the corner of his eye. Was this similar to the heartache she felt when she read Mr. Akimi's letter to her? That he could consider himself remotely similar to her disgusted him, and yet the thought remained. [ His eye went back to the floor, only dimly lifting up to make sure he was going in the right direction. Luckily, he was close. "Happy birthday...Ms. Malachi..." He raised his voice, hoping to catch her attention if he hadn't done so already. However, beyond his usual theatrics, he couldn't bring himself to call her by her name proper. He'd lost any right to it.
Kneeling down as he got in front of her, he hung his head down. Taking a deep breath, he resolved to finish what he'd started at the very least. "Happy birthday...to...you..." For a long moment, he remained knelt down. Part of him wanted to drop to either side and pass out right then and there. But there was so much more than he wanted to say to her. The weakness of a man he'd long considered dead might have seeped into his form, but it would not claim him. It would never claim him again. Rising to his full height, his eyes peered down at her from above. "That such simple lyrics are a struggle...is proof alone that this bird has lost his song..." Twisting his form, he stepped and turned so that he was now to her side.
"Having discarded it for the life of a Revenger...he never thought that things would go so wrong..."
A curious brow lifted as the sound of his words registered as distinctly different from how he had intended to speak them. Was he...still singing? Why the ******** was he still singing? Had delirium taken hold of him that supremely, or was there some other force at work? The more he thought about his current affliction, it was almost as tho— [********] An icy blue eye turned to glare at the music teacher. A ******** heart song; that was what the music teacher was babbling on about as he entered. Had she forced them into singsong-y nonsense, then? As if things weren't tense enough as is. When his eternal rule was established, she would be among the first to be publicly hanged.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
On the night of December the 4th, Kieran didn't sleep a wink. He didn't do much at all for the first few hours of the evening. He knew what he wanted to do, the destination that every fiber of his being burned for him to go to, but it was no simple task. The prince of darkness made sure he went undisturbed that night, even sending away his mouse to scurry off as she pleased despite initially informing her otherwise. But then he remembered what the morning would bring. A recurring event he'd once removed himself from indulging in that he could no longer just plainly ignore. Not when the hold her eyes had on him only gained in strength.
Ever since the events that forced his long-developed production into a rushed showing, there was a resounding truth that he could no longer ignore: he was no demon reborn. Whatever had been awakened within him when Mr. Akimi took his Emery from him did not bring about some infernal resurrection. Though warped into someone who finally had the strength to fight back against the world he always despised, the Kieran Price of yesteryear still remained. He and the man he thought himself to be now were one and the same. And with that being the case...he had several unread messages to look into.
In the box that held his and Emery's rings, under the velvet insert, were all eight of them. They were all in pristine condition, as if untouched by time. However, the same could not be said for Kieran. This was the crux of his internal debate; did he truly still have a right to them? The shadows, emboldened by his inner turmoil, flailed about his room. It took the crashing of one of his side tables to the floor to snap the prince of darkness from his inaction. "Damn it all..." Shuffling himself off of the chair he had sank into, which he had once hoped would drown him completely, he went to his dresser. While his phantom limbs opened the drawer where the box was tucked deeply into as he approached, he removed it with his own two hands. With the rings already worn around his neck, all he had to do was remove the insert and take out the letters. He then went back to his chair, envelopes in-hand.
Kieran would sit back down, now upright, with his shadowy tendrils putting the table back in place. Placing the envelopes upon it, he stared at them for a long period of time. Though his body remained still, his mind was sent back to days long gone. Letters sent during a very different time in his life. In both of their lives. At one point, the shadows had lifted the first envelope and nudged at his hand with it. Indulging what was surely his innermost desires, he finally took it and went to open the seal. It felt heavy, though, as if it didn't want to be broken. Or maybe there was still a part of him that couldn't bear to go through with this. Whatever the case, the all-black continued its support. His shadows came upon his hand, intertwining with his fingers. Lending them their strength so that he might seek the truth.
Together, the seal was broken. And with that first letter finally freed after years of being locked away, he began to read...
On the morning of December 5th, a sleep-deprived Kieran Price hurriedly left his room to search for her. He hadn't even changed out of yesterday's clothes; there were far more important matters to involve himself with. Along the way, he shouted to the first servant in his network to gather a few of them to clean his quarters without wasting a step on them. They'd find broken glass, tossed furniture, and marks along the walls there; he expected it all fixed by the time he got back there.
When he finally got to her room, he fiercely knocked four times. But would she even respond to that anymore? She had every reason not to. But when he heard footsteps coming from the other side, his already pounding chest reached a fever pitch. Such panic quickly deflated, however, as it was instead a handmaiden that answered the door. Demanding her whereabouts, she worriedly informed him that she'd likely be in class by now. Unable to immediately recall what today's schedule was meant to be, his thoughts hazy, he nearly took the woman by the throat and demanded more direct answers from her instead. But the cry of a baby boy freed him from such thoughts before he made them a reality. Instead, he walked away without another word.
Many steps later, the prince of darkness would slip into the music room just as class was starting. While he faintly heard the opening babble of the music teacher, his mind was far more focused on the hum he let faintly escape his lips as he approached her. "Hmmm hm hmmm hmmm hmmm hmmmmm...." His steps were slow, more methodical than usual. But that was less of a stylistic choice and more of a necessity at this point. The entirety of his form felt several times heavier than it was at this point. Still, he persisted.
"Hmmm hm hmmm...hmmm...hmmm hmmmmm...."
His eyes didn't meet her on the way there. He wanted to show her the feelings that her letters provoked within him: agony, regret, fury. And yet even now, having snuck into class for her sake alone, his resolve was not yet resolute. As he approached, he saw his mouse in the corner of his eye. Was this similar to the heartache she felt when she read Mr. Akimi's letter to her? That he could consider himself remotely similar to her disgusted him, and yet the thought remained. [ His eye went back to the floor, only dimly lifting up to make sure he was going in the right direction. Luckily, he was close. "Happy birthday...Ms. Malachi..." He raised his voice, hoping to catch her attention if he hadn't done so already. However, beyond his usual theatrics, he couldn't bring himself to call her by her name proper. He'd lost any right to it.
Kneeling down as he got in front of her, he hung his head down. Taking a deep breath, he resolved to finish what he'd started at the very least. "Happy birthday...to...you..." For a long moment, he remained knelt down. Part of him wanted to drop to either side and pass out right then and there. But there was so much more than he wanted to say to her. The weakness of a man he'd long considered dead might have seeped into his form, but it would not claim him. It would never claim him again. Rising to his full height, his eyes peered down at her from above. "That such simple lyrics are a struggle...is proof alone that this bird has lost his song..." Twisting his form, he stepped and turned so that he was now to her side.
"Having discarded it for the life of a Revenger...he never thought that things would go so wrong..."
A curious brow lifted as the sound of his words registered as distinctly different from how he had intended to speak them. Was he...still singing? Why the ******** was he still singing? Had delirium taken hold of him that supremely, or was there some other force at work? The more he thought about his current affliction, it was almost as tho— [********] An icy blue eye turned to glare at the music teacher. A ******** heart song; that was what the music teacher was babbling on about as he entered. Had she forced them into singsong-y nonsense, then? As if things weren't tense enough as is. When his eternal rule was established, she would be among the first to be publicly hanged.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Main Thread
LOCATION: Music Room xxx COMPANY: Mary xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Umi no Shizuku
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Standing at her side as if he had any right to do so, Kieran wasn't quite sure how Ms. Malachi would respond to him. He wasn't even sure if he was running in the right direction. They had once been on the same path, both in awe of the sorceress that was always several paces ahead of him. But now he was unsure of where he and the blonde fae were relative to one another; their north star had long since vanished. Had he gone so far in front of her that he hadn't been able to see her anymore? Or had she just gotten tired of waiting for him to catch up?
Either way, it was Kieran's quest for power that had ultimately separated them. But what else should he have done? Stayed weak? Stayed the man who let his Emery, their Emery get slaughtered right in front of him? His gaze returned to her, desperate for answers. If that man had remained, he would've responded to her first letter. He might've even been at the funeral proper, erasing her needing to write to him altogether. But he would not have made his captors suffer like they deserved. He would not have made Mr. Akimi live in fear for years before doing to him what he did to their Emery. And without the power that he gained through such devilish resolve, along with the enhancements granted to him via his time under the necromancer's scalpel, would he have been any help to her?
Either path was sure to have damned her to her present fate...but it was only this one that she had to go through it alone.
As if sensing the growing agony within him, Mary responded. Her singing voice was hushed, requiring a keen ear to listen close for her lyrics to be made out. Demanding his focus to be squarely on her. With each word, it was as though a wound was reopening. Although her song had clearly been meant for him, she could not seem to face him. Just as well, Kieran could not remain looking at her for long. His eye retreated to the ground, where the sight of shadows brought him shallow comfort.
"Maybe we’ll recover if I set you free…"
The more she sang, the more he could hear a deep agony in her every tone. A pain that had been nurtured for many a year now. Kieran wished to say, or sing, something, anything, that would ease that pain. But that was not his first instinct. The sound of suffering was something he'd long since grown callous to. And that was how it needed to remain if he were to take the steps necessary for Lomacht to experience his vision for eternal night. That he thought to console her at all was surely a weakness he could not afford, and yet when she began to walk away a hand came up as if to persuade her to stay. His mouth opened up as if to try and respond. Instead, there was nothing. Although his heart had once again been opened to her but aside from fanfare, he'd forgotten how to speak from it.
"And every time I held a rose, I only took care of their thorns..."
The lady in white got further and further away from him, cementing herself as ahead of him in this way. Or so pained by his visage that she needed to retreat back the other way. "And so it goes..." Perhaps it was for the best that she did. What could he really offer her, especially today of all days? And yet...that wasn't what he wanted. "Gods, please, don't go." Sure, it would be far simpler to just sit down in defeat. He knew that by even uttering a word to her that he was pushing his luck. Even then, he couldn't even get himself to say her name. But when the ******** did the prince of darkness start bending to the will of luck?
"For you're the only one who knows..."
While his conscious self still struggled, that he was so sleep deprived seemed to bring his subconscious desires closer to the forefront. A paper-thin shadow had snuck up the back of his foot and tugged his pant leg forward. Was it that his desires were so deep in the abyss of his mind that they found it easier to express themselves through the abyss itself? In any case, Kieran chased after the golden rose. "So I will choose to run to you...that's if the choice were mine to make..." Catching up to her in a huff, he got in front of the doorway and placed his arm up against it. He stood silent for a moment, just taking in everything she was. Everything he'd ignored. Everything he'd let fall to ruin. As frigid blue once again met verdant green, Kieran's brows lowered as he faced her with labored determination. They had imagined far kinder futures for each other once. It wasn't impossible for them to do it again. He wouldn't allow it to be.
Still, Kieran would not be her jailer. Ms. Malachi had experienced far too many of those. Just as well, he'd been experiencing far too much trouble with just one prisoner. To add another to his roster was a stress he had no need to put on himself. "But you can make decisions too..." Dropping his arm from the door, he instead brought it towards her. Stepping towards her once more, he brought his other hand to his chest to plead for her to stay. While he wished to remain a devil, he also fervently desired to mend the bridge he'd allowed to burn in his absence. Was that too much to ask? Well too damn bad. "So hold me! Hold me like a grudge! The world just kept on spinning, I should have kept up." His voice had some volume to it now, with Kieran now singing with a sense of urgency. For so long he had acted as though the woman before him was but a distant memory. But even if it wouldn't make a difference now, she deserved to know that he would mistake her as such no longer.
Kieran took one final step, closing the distance between them. But still not blocking her path. She could walk away from him. She could slap him, stab him, whatever! As long as she knew that whatever tragedies that awaited her did not have to be faced alone. Not anymore. Never again. "Don't have ground to stand on, but I can't leave this alone." Still, that couldn't be a choice he made for her. He himself had become rather uptight when it came to punctuality, so he couldn't exactly hold it against her for never responding to her over the span of four years. "Part-time pen pal, full-time problem, yeah, so hold me like a grudge!" Even so, that hadn't stopped him from persisting before and it wouldn't stop him now. Only she could, should she choose to.
OOC: Reference song 1, Reference song 2
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Standing at her side as if he had any right to do so, Kieran wasn't quite sure how Ms. Malachi would respond to him. He wasn't even sure if he was running in the right direction. They had once been on the same path, both in awe of the sorceress that was always several paces ahead of him. But now he was unsure of where he and the blonde fae were relative to one another; their north star had long since vanished. Had he gone so far in front of her that he hadn't been able to see her anymore? Or had she just gotten tired of waiting for him to catch up?
Either way, it was Kieran's quest for power that had ultimately separated them. But what else should he have done? Stayed weak? Stayed the man who let his Emery, their Emery get slaughtered right in front of him? His gaze returned to her, desperate for answers. If that man had remained, he would've responded to her first letter. He might've even been at the funeral proper, erasing her needing to write to him altogether. But he would not have made his captors suffer like they deserved. He would not have made Mr. Akimi live in fear for years before doing to him what he did to their Emery. And without the power that he gained through such devilish resolve, along with the enhancements granted to him via his time under the necromancer's scalpel, would he have been any help to her?
Either path was sure to have damned her to her present fate...but it was only this one that she had to go through it alone.
As if sensing the growing agony within him, Mary responded. Her singing voice was hushed, requiring a keen ear to listen close for her lyrics to be made out. Demanding his focus to be squarely on her. With each word, it was as though a wound was reopening. Although her song had clearly been meant for him, she could not seem to face him. Just as well, Kieran could not remain looking at her for long. His eye retreated to the ground, where the sight of shadows brought him shallow comfort.
"Maybe we’ll recover if I set you free…"
The more she sang, the more he could hear a deep agony in her every tone. A pain that had been nurtured for many a year now. Kieran wished to say, or sing, something, anything, that would ease that pain. But that was not his first instinct. The sound of suffering was something he'd long since grown callous to. And that was how it needed to remain if he were to take the steps necessary for Lomacht to experience his vision for eternal night. That he thought to console her at all was surely a weakness he could not afford, and yet when she began to walk away a hand came up as if to persuade her to stay. His mouth opened up as if to try and respond. Instead, there was nothing. Although his heart had once again been opened to her but aside from fanfare, he'd forgotten how to speak from it.
"And every time I held a rose, I only took care of their thorns..."
The lady in white got further and further away from him, cementing herself as ahead of him in this way. Or so pained by his visage that she needed to retreat back the other way. "And so it goes..." Perhaps it was for the best that she did. What could he really offer her, especially today of all days? And yet...that wasn't what he wanted. "Gods, please, don't go." Sure, it would be far simpler to just sit down in defeat. He knew that by even uttering a word to her that he was pushing his luck. Even then, he couldn't even get himself to say her name. But when the ******** did the prince of darkness start bending to the will of luck?
"For you're the only one who knows..."
While his conscious self still struggled, that he was so sleep deprived seemed to bring his subconscious desires closer to the forefront. A paper-thin shadow had snuck up the back of his foot and tugged his pant leg forward. Was it that his desires were so deep in the abyss of his mind that they found it easier to express themselves through the abyss itself? In any case, Kieran chased after the golden rose. "So I will choose to run to you...that's if the choice were mine to make..." Catching up to her in a huff, he got in front of the doorway and placed his arm up against it. He stood silent for a moment, just taking in everything she was. Everything he'd ignored. Everything he'd let fall to ruin. As frigid blue once again met verdant green, Kieran's brows lowered as he faced her with labored determination. They had imagined far kinder futures for each other once. It wasn't impossible for them to do it again. He wouldn't allow it to be.
Still, Kieran would not be her jailer. Ms. Malachi had experienced far too many of those. Just as well, he'd been experiencing far too much trouble with just one prisoner. To add another to his roster was a stress he had no need to put on himself. "But you can make decisions too..." Dropping his arm from the door, he instead brought it towards her. Stepping towards her once more, he brought his other hand to his chest to plead for her to stay. While he wished to remain a devil, he also fervently desired to mend the bridge he'd allowed to burn in his absence. Was that too much to ask? Well too damn bad. "So hold me! Hold me like a grudge! The world just kept on spinning, I should have kept up." His voice had some volume to it now, with Kieran now singing with a sense of urgency. For so long he had acted as though the woman before him was but a distant memory. But even if it wouldn't make a difference now, she deserved to know that he would mistake her as such no longer.
Kieran took one final step, closing the distance between them. But still not blocking her path. She could walk away from him. She could slap him, stab him, whatever! As long as she knew that whatever tragedies that awaited her did not have to be faced alone. Not anymore. Never again. "Don't have ground to stand on, but I can't leave this alone." Still, that couldn't be a choice he made for her. He himself had become rather uptight when it came to punctuality, so he couldn't exactly hold it against her for never responding to her over the span of four years. "Part-time pen pal, full-time problem, yeah, so hold me like a grudge!" Even so, that hadn't stopped him from persisting before and it wouldn't stop him now. Only she could, should she choose to.
OOC: Reference song 1, Reference song 2
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - Teas Of Our Lives
LOCATION: Kieran's Room xxx COMPANY: Ophelia xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Rose Tint My World
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
As the prince of darkness continued to converse with Ms. Akimi, one thing was becoming increasingly clear: the poor woman was such a ******** idiot! Each sickly sweet word that came out of her sun-loving mouth was coated in naivety so thick you'd need a saw to cut through it. She took each compliment thrown her way like a lovesick puppy, her confidence growing at each little morsel of positive encouragement. If he told her that she sure looked swell, the damsel would likely swoon. Even without sweetener in his tea, he was still getting sick to his stomach over just how sappy Ms. Akimi truly was.
I knew it'd be easy, but my gods. This is like stealing candy from a baby, and a blind one at that. It's far too easy...but also far too entertaining to stop.
Unfortunately for Ms. Akimi, Kieran was not the type of man whose morals had long since been cast aside. There was a certain sense of glee he was experiencing from such ease of deceit, which only helped further the authenticity of his smile towards her. He was quite happy at the moment, just not for the reasons Ms. Akimi seemed to think he might be. With how playful she allowed herself to be with that witchcraft comment, it was obvious that she thought herself to be gaining a new friend. Were all Alorans this easy to manipulate? Had standing in the sun for too long burned their little pea brains to a crisp? Wait, no; calling them pea brained was rather insulting to peas. The people of "radiant" Alore had cerebrums smaller still than specs of dust, paying mind only to their bleeding hearts to guide their way in life. And what wretched hearts they had.
Paying her words little mind before changing the subject on her, Kieran took a long sip of the hot tea as her confidence once again faltered, an eye of icy blue gazing soberly at the pink-haired damsel in distress. While he could tell that her vision had reached an all-time low without her little glowing pet around, the prince of darkness knew better than to allow himself even the tiniest slip-up.
"There are plenty of topics to discuss. I am not against answering either of them. But.-"
What was the poor Deary on about now? A curious brow raised itself as she continued to explain her little game to him. " With such dreary topics, why don't we add a little mystery to the spilling of our personal experiences? Have you ever heard of the game Two Truths and a Lie?" By the time she finished asking her question, the pink-haired damsel looked as though she'd once again gotten a hold of herself. Kieran took a hand to rub the back of his neck, hoping it wouldn't be injured despite the constant whiplash.
"Not sure how good of a read I'll be, but I'll bite. After you, then."
Ms. Akimi proceeded to light up like a Sismas tree, brimming with excitement as she began her little game. Kieran at a loss; he never had such a difficult time keeping a straight face before in his entire life! The pink-haired damsel was truly one in a million and deserving of his attention so that he may one day wipe her off the face of the earth. Honestly, he was doing humanity a service in single-handedly dealing with her like he was right now; there'd better be a parade or two in his honor once this was all ******** over.
Taking a beignet to chew on as the mouse in front of him continued to yap about her life like it mattered at all, Kieran took his time enjoying every sugar-coated morsel. He hoped that in finding joy in this indulgently sweet treat, he could also better feign interest in whatever exactly it was that she was trying to accomplish. From how prepared she was to show off her children's game, it seemed as though this was far from her first time using this as an icebreaker. And here I thought I was getting special treatment. It was far from a perfect performance, with the novice fumbling a bit in the middle; was she experiencing stage fright? Kieran just hoped that wasn't something she was trying to work on, as she was going to be deeply disappointed in the future given how much he'd make her afraid in the future.
"So Mr.Price. Think you'll be able to find my lie?"
Having been staring blankly at the damsel, Kieran's eye of pale blue finally blinked. "Hm...decisions, decisions..." His index finger grazed his brow back and forth as he considered his options. Should he continue playing along with her stupid game? Degrading as it felt, it did serve a purpose, and at the very least it'd be done in private. Then again, Ms. Akimi seemed like the type to speak fondly to everyone about all her wonderful friends and the bountiful joys they each brought her. Could he really allow his reputation to sink so low? For now, yes. The prince of darkness reminded himself that it was better to seem as docile as possible. Much like Ms. Tonnerre's charade, he too would benefit from everyone thinking him to be as homely as possible.
"Oh wait, I'm supposed to be sharing my three now right? Let me see..."
Tilting his head down, he brought the beignet in his other hand down to grasp for a napkin. Using both hands off the excess coating on his finger tips, he looked up thoughtfully as he pondered what he could say that would entertain the imbecile in front of him the most. "To start off...I'd once been thrown to a literal wolf. That's how I ended up down an eye." That much was rather far from the truth, of course; he went to that old wolf of his own volition. A rarity when it came to being worked on by Izolda, but one the prince of darkness could easily afford. Tossing the napkin away, he picked up his tea glass.
"For the second, I once had to save my friends from an incident involving splotches of paint and long-distance sneeze inducement. The gentleman was not the least bit amused after all was said and done."
This much was quite factual. Many years ago, Emie and Shio had found a gentleman that they'd both despised. And whenever that happened, chaos was sure to ensue. The raven-haired duchesses used their abyssal arts to tack his shadow to a canvas to torture as they saw fit. And they certainly saw fit for many mischievous plots. And once they found where the lout was ticklish? That was when things really got rough for him. It took little more than a speech and wave of his hand to keep them from facing any truly harsh consequences, but to say it was a headache for him was putting it very lightly.
Closing his eyes, Kieran brought his teacup to his mouth and blew on it gently before taking a sip. Humming softly as the bitter warmth traveled down his throat, he proceeded to let out a sigh of relief. Those days...were long gone. That man who'd stick his neck out for others, even at the sake of his own sanity, had long since perished. There was joy to be had in that. As difficult as his present circumstances might be, they couldn't compare to the pathetic life he'd allowed himself to have for so very long.
"And for my final statement..."
Mirroring the bitterness of the tea, his face took on a more serious expression as he shifted his gaze back up to his ceiling. The pitch-black that surrounded his room could only provide him so much comfort, as disdain welled up within him. Still, he knew not to dwell on a past that he was no longer chained down to. Laughing it off, he looked back at Ms. Akimi with a similarly roguish grin. "One day, I hope to find myself in a world that truly knows peace." This one wasn't entirely a lie, as he did in fact wish for harmony throughout the land. He made sure to speak as wistfully as possible, with a face that showed such longing for that lofty goal. What he failed to do, however, was to mention that his vision for the future involved him leading the world as its eternal ruler. But why spoil the surprise so soon?
Bringing his cup back down to the table, he went for a cookie and bit down. There was a noticeable crunch to it when he had specifically asked for them to be soft and chewy; was this a mistake on the part of the chefs or an active decree of rebellion? Either way, he would have to make sure that the school's loud-mouthed head chef remembered why she and her staff were brought to this institution: to do their job correctly. And if they couldn't do that, he'd simply have to make them wish that they could. His smile returning to his face, he returned his attention back to his star in the making.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to try and solve for you first."
Placing the underwhelming cookie on his small plate with the beignet, he continued to bend forward as he brought both hands over his mouth to ponder. Tapping his fingers against opposing knuckles, he looked to be deep in thought as he stared at her intensely. "If I had to guess, I think your lie would be...that..." While he had been paying attention while she was blabbering on about her life or whatever, Kieran wasn't sure how to make a thoughtful response when he thought so little of her. Such were the difficulties of stage life. But when in doubt, go with the first option. Besides, it honestly sounded outlandish that she could show coordination in any field, let alone dancing. Even with her pet at her side, the revolving door that was her confidence would surely cripple her.
"You're such an astounding dancer. You'll have to forgive me if I'm wrong, but perhaps you can prove to me one day if so?"
Kieran chuckled, turning on the charm for Ms. Akimi to likely swoon over. Referring to her as a mouse was growing increasingly fitting considering how excitable she turned out to be. It must hurt to be so gods damn chipper all the time, though. Right? But if it did, that gave Kieran all the more reason to keep up the act. In that way, he could kill her softly before going in for the kill proper. Speaking of which, there was certainly more to be done in terms of giving the foolish little optimist heart palpitations.
"And please, call me Kieran."
The urge to gag was getting stronger by the second, but Kieran persisted. He had a goal in mind, and he planned on making sure he achieved it. Besides, despite the self-deprecation that came with putting on the facade of his former self, he really did enjoy finding all the ways that the woman before him was so very wrong about the world around her. It was akin to looking at a rear-view mirror, only this time it was him at the torturer's seat. And while Ms. Akimi might not know it yet, she was in the same position he was when his world was ripped away from him. Would she break in the same way? Would she just wither out? There were so many possibilities, and Kieran was eager to see which way she'd land once her false wings were plucked. Truly, he was concocting quite the edge of your seat show.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
As the prince of darkness continued to converse with Ms. Akimi, one thing was becoming increasingly clear: the poor woman was such a ******** idiot! Each sickly sweet word that came out of her sun-loving mouth was coated in naivety so thick you'd need a saw to cut through it. She took each compliment thrown her way like a lovesick puppy, her confidence growing at each little morsel of positive encouragement. If he told her that she sure looked swell, the damsel would likely swoon. Even without sweetener in his tea, he was still getting sick to his stomach over just how sappy Ms. Akimi truly was.
I knew it'd be easy, but my gods. This is like stealing candy from a baby, and a blind one at that. It's far too easy...but also far too entertaining to stop.
Unfortunately for Ms. Akimi, Kieran was not the type of man whose morals had long since been cast aside. There was a certain sense of glee he was experiencing from such ease of deceit, which only helped further the authenticity of his smile towards her. He was quite happy at the moment, just not for the reasons Ms. Akimi seemed to think he might be. With how playful she allowed herself to be with that witchcraft comment, it was obvious that she thought herself to be gaining a new friend. Were all Alorans this easy to manipulate? Had standing in the sun for too long burned their little pea brains to a crisp? Wait, no; calling them pea brained was rather insulting to peas. The people of "radiant" Alore had cerebrums smaller still than specs of dust, paying mind only to their bleeding hearts to guide their way in life. And what wretched hearts they had.
Paying her words little mind before changing the subject on her, Kieran took a long sip of the hot tea as her confidence once again faltered, an eye of icy blue gazing soberly at the pink-haired damsel in distress. While he could tell that her vision had reached an all-time low without her little glowing pet around, the prince of darkness knew better than to allow himself even the tiniest slip-up.
"There are plenty of topics to discuss. I am not against answering either of them. But.-"
What was the poor Deary on about now? A curious brow raised itself as she continued to explain her little game to him. " With such dreary topics, why don't we add a little mystery to the spilling of our personal experiences? Have you ever heard of the game Two Truths and a Lie?" By the time she finished asking her question, the pink-haired damsel looked as though she'd once again gotten a hold of herself. Kieran took a hand to rub the back of his neck, hoping it wouldn't be injured despite the constant whiplash.
"Not sure how good of a read I'll be, but I'll bite. After you, then."
Ms. Akimi proceeded to light up like a Sismas tree, brimming with excitement as she began her little game. Kieran at a loss; he never had such a difficult time keeping a straight face before in his entire life! The pink-haired damsel was truly one in a million and deserving of his attention so that he may one day wipe her off the face of the earth. Honestly, he was doing humanity a service in single-handedly dealing with her like he was right now; there'd better be a parade or two in his honor once this was all ******** over.
Taking a beignet to chew on as the mouse in front of him continued to yap about her life like it mattered at all, Kieran took his time enjoying every sugar-coated morsel. He hoped that in finding joy in this indulgently sweet treat, he could also better feign interest in whatever exactly it was that she was trying to accomplish. From how prepared she was to show off her children's game, it seemed as though this was far from her first time using this as an icebreaker. And here I thought I was getting special treatment. It was far from a perfect performance, with the novice fumbling a bit in the middle; was she experiencing stage fright? Kieran just hoped that wasn't something she was trying to work on, as she was going to be deeply disappointed in the future given how much he'd make her afraid in the future.
"So Mr.Price. Think you'll be able to find my lie?"
Having been staring blankly at the damsel, Kieran's eye of pale blue finally blinked. "Hm...decisions, decisions..." His index finger grazed his brow back and forth as he considered his options. Should he continue playing along with her stupid game? Degrading as it felt, it did serve a purpose, and at the very least it'd be done in private. Then again, Ms. Akimi seemed like the type to speak fondly to everyone about all her wonderful friends and the bountiful joys they each brought her. Could he really allow his reputation to sink so low? For now, yes. The prince of darkness reminded himself that it was better to seem as docile as possible. Much like Ms. Tonnerre's charade, he too would benefit from everyone thinking him to be as homely as possible.
"Oh wait, I'm supposed to be sharing my three now right? Let me see..."
Tilting his head down, he brought the beignet in his other hand down to grasp for a napkin. Using both hands off the excess coating on his finger tips, he looked up thoughtfully as he pondered what he could say that would entertain the imbecile in front of him the most. "To start off...I'd once been thrown to a literal wolf. That's how I ended up down an eye." That much was rather far from the truth, of course; he went to that old wolf of his own volition. A rarity when it came to being worked on by Izolda, but one the prince of darkness could easily afford. Tossing the napkin away, he picked up his tea glass.
"For the second, I once had to save my friends from an incident involving splotches of paint and long-distance sneeze inducement. The gentleman was not the least bit amused after all was said and done."
This much was quite factual. Many years ago, Emie and Shio had found a gentleman that they'd both despised. And whenever that happened, chaos was sure to ensue. The raven-haired duchesses used their abyssal arts to tack his shadow to a canvas to torture as they saw fit. And they certainly saw fit for many mischievous plots. And once they found where the lout was ticklish? That was when things really got rough for him. It took little more than a speech and wave of his hand to keep them from facing any truly harsh consequences, but to say it was a headache for him was putting it very lightly.
Closing his eyes, Kieran brought his teacup to his mouth and blew on it gently before taking a sip. Humming softly as the bitter warmth traveled down his throat, he proceeded to let out a sigh of relief. Those days...were long gone. That man who'd stick his neck out for others, even at the sake of his own sanity, had long since perished. There was joy to be had in that. As difficult as his present circumstances might be, they couldn't compare to the pathetic life he'd allowed himself to have for so very long.
"And for my final statement..."
Mirroring the bitterness of the tea, his face took on a more serious expression as he shifted his gaze back up to his ceiling. The pitch-black that surrounded his room could only provide him so much comfort, as disdain welled up within him. Still, he knew not to dwell on a past that he was no longer chained down to. Laughing it off, he looked back at Ms. Akimi with a similarly roguish grin. "One day, I hope to find myself in a world that truly knows peace." This one wasn't entirely a lie, as he did in fact wish for harmony throughout the land. He made sure to speak as wistfully as possible, with a face that showed such longing for that lofty goal. What he failed to do, however, was to mention that his vision for the future involved him leading the world as its eternal ruler. But why spoil the surprise so soon?
Bringing his cup back down to the table, he went for a cookie and bit down. There was a noticeable crunch to it when he had specifically asked for them to be soft and chewy; was this a mistake on the part of the chefs or an active decree of rebellion? Either way, he would have to make sure that the school's loud-mouthed head chef remembered why she and her staff were brought to this institution: to do their job correctly. And if they couldn't do that, he'd simply have to make them wish that they could. His smile returning to his face, he returned his attention back to his star in the making.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to try and solve for you first."
Placing the underwhelming cookie on his small plate with the beignet, he continued to bend forward as he brought both hands over his mouth to ponder. Tapping his fingers against opposing knuckles, he looked to be deep in thought as he stared at her intensely. "If I had to guess, I think your lie would be...that..." While he had been paying attention while she was blabbering on about her life or whatever, Kieran wasn't sure how to make a thoughtful response when he thought so little of her. Such were the difficulties of stage life. But when in doubt, go with the first option. Besides, it honestly sounded outlandish that she could show coordination in any field, let alone dancing. Even with her pet at her side, the revolving door that was her confidence would surely cripple her.
"You're such an astounding dancer. You'll have to forgive me if I'm wrong, but perhaps you can prove to me one day if so?"
Kieran chuckled, turning on the charm for Ms. Akimi to likely swoon over. Referring to her as a mouse was growing increasingly fitting considering how excitable she turned out to be. It must hurt to be so gods damn chipper all the time, though. Right? But if it did, that gave Kieran all the more reason to keep up the act. In that way, he could kill her softly before going in for the kill proper. Speaking of which, there was certainly more to be done in terms of giving the foolish little optimist heart palpitations.
"And please, call me Kieran."
The urge to gag was getting stronger by the second, but Kieran persisted. He had a goal in mind, and he planned on making sure he achieved it. Besides, despite the self-deprecation that came with putting on the facade of his former self, he really did enjoy finding all the ways that the woman before him was so very wrong about the world around her. It was akin to looking at a rear-view mirror, only this time it was him at the torturer's seat. And while Ms. Akimi might not know it yet, she was in the same position he was when his world was ripped away from him. Would she break in the same way? Would she just wither out? There were so many possibilities, and Kieran was eager to see which way she'd land once her false wings were plucked. Truly, he was concocting quite the edge of your seat show.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - Teas Of Our Lives
LOCATION: Kieran's Room xxx COMPANY: Ophelia xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Mr. Sandman
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Watching Ms. Akimi experience such joyous relief in reciting his name brought a smile to Kieran's face. The poor little mouse spoke it like a prayer, which was fitting considering that Kieran would one day soon be comparable to one. Had she predicted his immortal reign in that little mouse heart of hers? No, it was all the more likely that this was simply a product of her astounding stupidity. It had become his greatest accomplice in his game of deception, really. The sweet simplicity of Ms. Akimi's gentle soul was just asking to be taken advantage of. Perhaps during her curtain call, she would thank him for opening her eyes to the depravity that existed in the world if one only looked in the darkness for long enough. Yes, those final moments, where her light finally flickered out, were something Kieran looked ever so forward to.
Taking a long sip of the tea as he peered at the pink-haired damsel's flustered head shake, the prince of darkness really had to wonder how little this poor woman understood about the world around her. Had she simply never experienced betrayal before? Do such concepts simply not exist in the land of light? Or was it just the ruling class that lived in such ignorant bliss? That was the more likely answer considering what their worst had done to his former self. They knew of true suffering, or at least how to inflict it upon others. But Kieran made them understand what it was like to be on the receiving end of such senseless cruelty, and he would one day do the same to Ms. Akimi.
“I'm disappointed. In what barbaric world would a kingdom force its subjects to abstain from eating prepared food until noon?”
A blonde eyebrow was raised as the lie was revealed. Did the little mouse catch me in a trap this time? How adorable. Kieran closed his eye and let out an embarrassed sigh as he hung his head down. The boy scout had done her wrong with his assumption; how could he? "If I were a fish, you'd have gotten me hook, line, and sinker. I don't think I've ever felt quite as ashamed of myself as I do right now," admitted Kieran, his voice tinged with sheepish remorse. Truly, the man before her came across as someone who truly felt guilt over making such an assumption. Unfortunately for his leading lady, that couldn't be farther from the truth. He might have worn a frown, looking as though he truly thought he'd failed his dear friend in some way; the man behind the man was simply bemused by this revelation.
Once again, he found himself to have underestimated the little damsel. For how easily he had continuously woven a multilayered web of lies around her, that she was able to pull the wool over his eye twice now was...interesting. Perhaps it was the fact that she always spoke in such painfully uninteresting platitudes that caused him to be susceptible to being misled by Ms. Akimi. On the other hand, to know that she's capable of putting on such a convincing performance already...just means there's less work for me to concern myself about. Kieran also found himself comforted by the fact that she took his wrong guess in stride. It took more than a thoughtless comment to extinguish the flickering spark of positivity within her. As much as she wavered, Ms. Akimi did not break. Not yet, anyway.
Carefully placing his cup down as the pink-haired damsel came to his side, he wondered if she'd also be able to sift through his abyss and find the lie amongst his truths. Kieran looked up at her with a contrite smile as the little hamster in her head did overtime. To have Ms. Akimi try and analyze his words brought a certain sense of joy to the prince of darkness. Did she really think herself intelligent enough to properly decipher his web of lies? Such naive light will always fail against unending darkness; that was simply the way of the world. As Kieran's leading lady continued to ponder which statement of his rang untrue, his piercing blue gaze passing right through her, he found himself unable to look away. She was just too entertaining, like a proper leading lady should.
“This game is all about phrasing, you know. So I'm disinclined to believe…that a ‘literal’ wolf took your eye. It could be an innuendo for many things. The wolf could easily be you, though I would certainly hope not.”
Unfortunately, it would seem that without a proper script, the damsel's performance was doomed to fall flat. There was certainly merit in the fact she'd had him so gripped for that fleeting eternity, though. In time, with the proper guidance, Ms. Akimi could most certainly leave the crowd speechless. Raw talent was something she had in spades; all the pink-haired damsel needed now was proper stage direction. Luckily for the foolish little mouse, she had the most generous man in all of Shahiti with her now. Oh, what luck she had.
Kieran's face contorted into a bijou, somber smile as the oh-so-kind Ms. Akimi found herself lost in the fairy tale she'd created out of an event that forever transformed him into a proper Shahitian. In a way, it was only proper for her to do so; centuries from now, it would be proper for him to have developed folklore surrounding the objective truth of his life. If he hadn't set his sights on systematically destroying her life, Ms. Akimi might've granted herself some leniency with fanfare like this. But unfortunately for her, her fate was sealed. “ My greatest apologies if I failed to pinpoint the proper fib, but I do hope to be correct. ” Coinciding with his judgment was further flickering from the damsel. With how often she did so, Kieran was starting to wonder if that was simply a cherished hobby of hers. Popping his head up, he let the smile grow larger.
"Am I really so predictable? Oh my. It would seem as though you see me better than most."
A comment with a delicate sweetness to it hid the ill intent that would only make itself known in the aftertaste. And by then, it'd be far too late. Such would be the fate of poor Ophelia Akimi if she continued to allow herself to be blind to Kieran's malice, and it warmed the prince of darkness's ebony heart to understand that such a fate was practically destined to be. There were many variables to be worked through first, though. Just as Kieran had woven his deceit in a tight knit, Ms. Akimi used her friendships as her string. Even malcontents like the brute from that night would have to be considered before opening night. To deal with such a fickle audience was less than ideal, and realistically it'd be far better for Kieran to simply wait until his ascension to inflict his fury upon the world. But where was the fun in that?
Speaking of fun, Ms. Akimi seemed keen on proving her point about being a better dancer than he'd given her credit for. “ You’ve presented me with a challenge, Kieran, and well... With my most recent experience, I believe tomorrow is never guaranteed, so why prolong what could be proven today? I hope you don’t mind entertaining the idea of a dance?” The thought of putting his hands on an Aloran, let alone dancing with one, would normally make Kieran sick to his stomach. But he braved the nausea so far, so he might as well keep following through. That she felt so comfortable ordering his servants around, however, was interesting. It was but another commodity he could rip away from her at a moment's notice, so he would allow such insolence for the time being.
"And miss out on a dance with such a dear companion? I think not," began Kieran as he arose. He stood still for a moment, taking in Ms. Akimi's every action as she did her best to familiarize herself with his room. How tragic it is that so much has been robbed from her already...there's so little for me to take myself. Even so, it spoke wonderfully to her resilience that Ms. Akimi can still find any confidence at all in her condition. She had a wit to her, humor, and such seemingly unbreakable positivity. But everyone had a weakness, and in due time she would reveal hers. For now, they would dance.
“I feel I should clarify: I never claimed to be an astounding dancer, only good. So, if you would like to join me in the steps of the suntrot, Mr.Price, you are more than welcome to keep me from bumping into any of your belongings. It’s quite an easy dance to learn. If not, I do believe this is enough space to prevent accidents. And Let us hope your imagination is as creative as mine.”
"Don't worry about a thing, Ophelia. You remind me of a rose-tinted canary, as your song has brought me nothing but good fortune. And as long as your melody remains in my ears, I do believe we'll be just fine."
As the violinists Ms. Akimi requested for began riffing off of the simple hum that came from her tender lips, the prince of darkness slowly strode towards her and intertwined their hands. Kieran wanted her to feel safe, as if nothing in the world could harm her whilst she was in his arms. A performer as astounding as her deserved nothing but the best before her big debut, after all. "Lead the way, won't you?" asked Kieran in a near whisper as he enjoyed the intimacy such activities granted them. With such closeness, he could see why so many people wished to bask in this woman's ever-radiant glow. It was as though she were a beacon for all those seeking her seemingly endless supply of aegis. Unfortunately for his leading lady, however, Kieran saw beyond the trap of her light.
And to orchestrate her downfall...would be the highlight of his career.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Watching Ms. Akimi experience such joyous relief in reciting his name brought a smile to Kieran's face. The poor little mouse spoke it like a prayer, which was fitting considering that Kieran would one day soon be comparable to one. Had she predicted his immortal reign in that little mouse heart of hers? No, it was all the more likely that this was simply a product of her astounding stupidity. It had become his greatest accomplice in his game of deception, really. The sweet simplicity of Ms. Akimi's gentle soul was just asking to be taken advantage of. Perhaps during her curtain call, she would thank him for opening her eyes to the depravity that existed in the world if one only looked in the darkness for long enough. Yes, those final moments, where her light finally flickered out, were something Kieran looked ever so forward to.
Taking a long sip of the tea as he peered at the pink-haired damsel's flustered head shake, the prince of darkness really had to wonder how little this poor woman understood about the world around her. Had she simply never experienced betrayal before? Do such concepts simply not exist in the land of light? Or was it just the ruling class that lived in such ignorant bliss? That was the more likely answer considering what their worst had done to his former self. They knew of true suffering, or at least how to inflict it upon others. But Kieran made them understand what it was like to be on the receiving end of such senseless cruelty, and he would one day do the same to Ms. Akimi.
“I'm disappointed. In what barbaric world would a kingdom force its subjects to abstain from eating prepared food until noon?”
A blonde eyebrow was raised as the lie was revealed. Did the little mouse catch me in a trap this time? How adorable. Kieran closed his eye and let out an embarrassed sigh as he hung his head down. The boy scout had done her wrong with his assumption; how could he? "If I were a fish, you'd have gotten me hook, line, and sinker. I don't think I've ever felt quite as ashamed of myself as I do right now," admitted Kieran, his voice tinged with sheepish remorse. Truly, the man before her came across as someone who truly felt guilt over making such an assumption. Unfortunately for his leading lady, that couldn't be farther from the truth. He might have worn a frown, looking as though he truly thought he'd failed his dear friend in some way; the man behind the man was simply bemused by this revelation.
Once again, he found himself to have underestimated the little damsel. For how easily he had continuously woven a multilayered web of lies around her, that she was able to pull the wool over his eye twice now was...interesting. Perhaps it was the fact that she always spoke in such painfully uninteresting platitudes that caused him to be susceptible to being misled by Ms. Akimi. On the other hand, to know that she's capable of putting on such a convincing performance already...just means there's less work for me to concern myself about. Kieran also found himself comforted by the fact that she took his wrong guess in stride. It took more than a thoughtless comment to extinguish the flickering spark of positivity within her. As much as she wavered, Ms. Akimi did not break. Not yet, anyway.
Carefully placing his cup down as the pink-haired damsel came to his side, he wondered if she'd also be able to sift through his abyss and find the lie amongst his truths. Kieran looked up at her with a contrite smile as the little hamster in her head did overtime. To have Ms. Akimi try and analyze his words brought a certain sense of joy to the prince of darkness. Did she really think herself intelligent enough to properly decipher his web of lies? Such naive light will always fail against unending darkness; that was simply the way of the world. As Kieran's leading lady continued to ponder which statement of his rang untrue, his piercing blue gaze passing right through her, he found himself unable to look away. She was just too entertaining, like a proper leading lady should.
“This game is all about phrasing, you know. So I'm disinclined to believe…that a ‘literal’ wolf took your eye. It could be an innuendo for many things. The wolf could easily be you, though I would certainly hope not.”
Unfortunately, it would seem that without a proper script, the damsel's performance was doomed to fall flat. There was certainly merit in the fact she'd had him so gripped for that fleeting eternity, though. In time, with the proper guidance, Ms. Akimi could most certainly leave the crowd speechless. Raw talent was something she had in spades; all the pink-haired damsel needed now was proper stage direction. Luckily for the foolish little mouse, she had the most generous man in all of Shahiti with her now. Oh, what luck she had.
Kieran's face contorted into a bijou, somber smile as the oh-so-kind Ms. Akimi found herself lost in the fairy tale she'd created out of an event that forever transformed him into a proper Shahitian. In a way, it was only proper for her to do so; centuries from now, it would be proper for him to have developed folklore surrounding the objective truth of his life. If he hadn't set his sights on systematically destroying her life, Ms. Akimi might've granted herself some leniency with fanfare like this. But unfortunately for her, her fate was sealed. “ My greatest apologies if I failed to pinpoint the proper fib, but I do hope to be correct. ” Coinciding with his judgment was further flickering from the damsel. With how often she did so, Kieran was starting to wonder if that was simply a cherished hobby of hers. Popping his head up, he let the smile grow larger.
"Am I really so predictable? Oh my. It would seem as though you see me better than most."
A comment with a delicate sweetness to it hid the ill intent that would only make itself known in the aftertaste. And by then, it'd be far too late. Such would be the fate of poor Ophelia Akimi if she continued to allow herself to be blind to Kieran's malice, and it warmed the prince of darkness's ebony heart to understand that such a fate was practically destined to be. There were many variables to be worked through first, though. Just as Kieran had woven his deceit in a tight knit, Ms. Akimi used her friendships as her string. Even malcontents like the brute from that night would have to be considered before opening night. To deal with such a fickle audience was less than ideal, and realistically it'd be far better for Kieran to simply wait until his ascension to inflict his fury upon the world. But where was the fun in that?
Speaking of fun, Ms. Akimi seemed keen on proving her point about being a better dancer than he'd given her credit for. “ You’ve presented me with a challenge, Kieran, and well... With my most recent experience, I believe tomorrow is never guaranteed, so why prolong what could be proven today? I hope you don’t mind entertaining the idea of a dance?” The thought of putting his hands on an Aloran, let alone dancing with one, would normally make Kieran sick to his stomach. But he braved the nausea so far, so he might as well keep following through. That she felt so comfortable ordering his servants around, however, was interesting. It was but another commodity he could rip away from her at a moment's notice, so he would allow such insolence for the time being.
"And miss out on a dance with such a dear companion? I think not," began Kieran as he arose. He stood still for a moment, taking in Ms. Akimi's every action as she did her best to familiarize herself with his room. How tragic it is that so much has been robbed from her already...there's so little for me to take myself. Even so, it spoke wonderfully to her resilience that Ms. Akimi can still find any confidence at all in her condition. She had a wit to her, humor, and such seemingly unbreakable positivity. But everyone had a weakness, and in due time she would reveal hers. For now, they would dance.
“I feel I should clarify: I never claimed to be an astounding dancer, only good. So, if you would like to join me in the steps of the suntrot, Mr.Price, you are more than welcome to keep me from bumping into any of your belongings. It’s quite an easy dance to learn. If not, I do believe this is enough space to prevent accidents. And Let us hope your imagination is as creative as mine.”
"Don't worry about a thing, Ophelia. You remind me of a rose-tinted canary, as your song has brought me nothing but good fortune. And as long as your melody remains in my ears, I do believe we'll be just fine."
As the violinists Ms. Akimi requested for began riffing off of the simple hum that came from her tender lips, the prince of darkness slowly strode towards her and intertwined their hands. Kieran wanted her to feel safe, as if nothing in the world could harm her whilst she was in his arms. A performer as astounding as her deserved nothing but the best before her big debut, after all. "Lead the way, won't you?" asked Kieran in a near whisper as he enjoyed the intimacy such activities granted them. With such closeness, he could see why so many people wished to bask in this woman's ever-radiant glow. It was as though she were a beacon for all those seeking her seemingly endless supply of aegis. Unfortunately for his leading lady, however, Kieran saw beyond the trap of her light.
And to orchestrate her downfall...would be the highlight of his career.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - Through The Darkness And Flames
LOCATION: Unused Building xxx COMPANY: Leylah xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Puttin' On The Ritz
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
To say the stranger wasn't impressed by Kieran's entrance, at least on the surface, would be putting it lightly. There was shock and awe at first, but it deflated before Kieran's eye far too quickly to be any fun. Almost immediately after getting as good a look at him as she could, the prince of darkness could tell that the gaudy acolyte apparently had higher standards than him when it came to creatures that went bump in the night. Well, excuse me for not being a giant ******** skeleton thing. Nevertheless, it seemed as though the dark priestess before him would be a tough cookie to crack. But her fiery demeanor earlier betrayed her attempt at giving him the cold shoulder; there was an inferno just waiting to be unleashed, and the prince was still quite curious as to what sort of arcane abilities that dice roll gave her access to.
"Oh goodie, another attention starved theatre kid. Tell me, do you always leer at women when they are showing devotion to the gods? Does it make you jealous of their attention? I can smell the loneliness roiling off you and those shadows. Mommy doesn’t have time for you right now so why don’t you run along lonely boy."
Aha! There's that temper I was looking for.
Turning away from him to begin packing up her things, she made a valiant effort to douse her frustration with feigned indifference. But Kieran knew better. Not long into her act did she begin attempting to really spot clean her little workstation, but considering how rundown the rest of the building was, were her efforts really worth the effort? Not to clean, but perhaps to keep her mind occupied? Wishful thinking, maybe, but he wasn't being given many options at this point. It was honestly rather rude considering how he showered her with praise; perhaps he should try something else instead?
"If you’re waiting for a kiss goodnight you aren’t getting one, so go creep somewhere else or you might just feel the wrath of these new toys after all."
On second thought, it seemed that more cracks were starting to form in that armor of apathy than she initially showed. But if she could so easily burn him to a crisp if she so chose to, why not get on with it? Was that a show of mercy like this idiotic academy would wish them to show to one another? How adorable. On the other hand, had he known all he'd get from her was a whole lot of nothing, he wouldn't have bothered with that grand entrance. Not many people got grand entrances from him, after all; they were special occasions, meant for only the finest of performers or audience members.
Kieran had initially thought he'd seen quite the showing earlier, what with the ominous chanting leading to pure fire and brimstone antics. This was not a show of strength; it was her feeble attempt at self-restraint. But for what purpose, he wondered. The way she looked at her sigils before it was as though she'd finally found water after being stuck on a desert for weeks on end. She was excited. She had to be, so why try to act otherwise? Just to keep it to herself? How dull.
"If this is a matter of stage fright, you really don't have to doll it up. It happens, friend. But sometimes you've just gotta get out there and face it head-on. Show it who's boss!"
Strolling over to her side, he flashed a small grin at the would-be wildfire. She clearly wasn't a fan of his antics, and he was hoping he could use that to his advantage. Perhaps in her fury she'd unveil whatever sort of inferno was now at her disposal. It was a dangerous gambit, sure, but if he wanted to get any information from her, it would seem he would find some other way to cater to her whims rather than shower her with praise. That was the problem with royalty; they were all so fussy. Kieran of course included himself as well, but he was far more deserving than the rest of those ungrateful children. They hadn't suffered enough; this one included, from the looks of it.
To put such devotion into a creature just to admonish it was a bit absurd, wasn't it? And judging by how she was giving the prince of darkness the cold shoulder, that disrespect extended far past her patron saint. But that was fine. After all, she wasn't the only one who knew how to drive a hard bargain. "How about a trade of sorts, great priestess whoever from wherever?" Calling upon the shadows of the night, his pitch-black darkness whipped out to grab some of the items she'd already stowed away. Ever highly did they dangle, the ebony limbs holding them safely in place for the time being.
"All I'm asking for is what you want too, deep down anyway, and I'll put everything back nice and neat. I mean, really, I've already seen your infernal dinner date or whatever. Must we really fight on keeping this part a secret? If so, please don't worry too much about my well-being. Here, I'll even go ahead and even the odds for us."
With that, whatever light that reflected off his singular eye dimmed. In turn, so too did the light leave the acolyte's right eye...and then some. In the blink of said eye, the only thing she'd be able to perceive with it would be ebony nothingness. Now things were even. Surely that'd be enough to change her tune, right?
"There, is that any better? I promise to put your vision back to normal when this is over. As a fellow creature of the night, you have my word. Now then, surely this is good enough of an excuse for you to cut loose a little. No?"
Kieran wasn't exactly in the mood to fight with this woman, but she wasn't leaving him with much of a choice if he wanted to see what her capabilities with lucky number 7 were. The area was a bit on the remote side as well, so it would be unlikely there was anyone around he could who would hear a cry for help. But he couldn't let his fears win out all the time, not if he were to get anything done in this world. If he were to conquer all, then let his fleeting worries be on that list as well. Besides, the little cult follower barely came up to his chest. Could she really be that much of a threat to the one true prince of Shahiti?
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
To say the stranger wasn't impressed by Kieran's entrance, at least on the surface, would be putting it lightly. There was shock and awe at first, but it deflated before Kieran's eye far too quickly to be any fun. Almost immediately after getting as good a look at him as she could, the prince of darkness could tell that the gaudy acolyte apparently had higher standards than him when it came to creatures that went bump in the night. Well, excuse me for not being a giant ******** skeleton thing. Nevertheless, it seemed as though the dark priestess before him would be a tough cookie to crack. But her fiery demeanor earlier betrayed her attempt at giving him the cold shoulder; there was an inferno just waiting to be unleashed, and the prince was still quite curious as to what sort of arcane abilities that dice roll gave her access to.
"Oh goodie, another attention starved theatre kid. Tell me, do you always leer at women when they are showing devotion to the gods? Does it make you jealous of their attention? I can smell the loneliness roiling off you and those shadows. Mommy doesn’t have time for you right now so why don’t you run along lonely boy."
Aha! There's that temper I was looking for.
Turning away from him to begin packing up her things, she made a valiant effort to douse her frustration with feigned indifference. But Kieran knew better. Not long into her act did she begin attempting to really spot clean her little workstation, but considering how rundown the rest of the building was, were her efforts really worth the effort? Not to clean, but perhaps to keep her mind occupied? Wishful thinking, maybe, but he wasn't being given many options at this point. It was honestly rather rude considering how he showered her with praise; perhaps he should try something else instead?
"If you’re waiting for a kiss goodnight you aren’t getting one, so go creep somewhere else or you might just feel the wrath of these new toys after all."
On second thought, it seemed that more cracks were starting to form in that armor of apathy than she initially showed. But if she could so easily burn him to a crisp if she so chose to, why not get on with it? Was that a show of mercy like this idiotic academy would wish them to show to one another? How adorable. On the other hand, had he known all he'd get from her was a whole lot of nothing, he wouldn't have bothered with that grand entrance. Not many people got grand entrances from him, after all; they were special occasions, meant for only the finest of performers or audience members.
Kieran had initially thought he'd seen quite the showing earlier, what with the ominous chanting leading to pure fire and brimstone antics. This was not a show of strength; it was her feeble attempt at self-restraint. But for what purpose, he wondered. The way she looked at her sigils before it was as though she'd finally found water after being stuck on a desert for weeks on end. She was excited. She had to be, so why try to act otherwise? Just to keep it to herself? How dull.
"If this is a matter of stage fright, you really don't have to doll it up. It happens, friend. But sometimes you've just gotta get out there and face it head-on. Show it who's boss!"
Strolling over to her side, he flashed a small grin at the would-be wildfire. She clearly wasn't a fan of his antics, and he was hoping he could use that to his advantage. Perhaps in her fury she'd unveil whatever sort of inferno was now at her disposal. It was a dangerous gambit, sure, but if he wanted to get any information from her, it would seem he would find some other way to cater to her whims rather than shower her with praise. That was the problem with royalty; they were all so fussy. Kieran of course included himself as well, but he was far more deserving than the rest of those ungrateful children. They hadn't suffered enough; this one included, from the looks of it.
To put such devotion into a creature just to admonish it was a bit absurd, wasn't it? And judging by how she was giving the prince of darkness the cold shoulder, that disrespect extended far past her patron saint. But that was fine. After all, she wasn't the only one who knew how to drive a hard bargain. "How about a trade of sorts, great priestess whoever from wherever?" Calling upon the shadows of the night, his pitch-black darkness whipped out to grab some of the items she'd already stowed away. Ever highly did they dangle, the ebony limbs holding them safely in place for the time being.
"All I'm asking for is what you want too, deep down anyway, and I'll put everything back nice and neat. I mean, really, I've already seen your infernal dinner date or whatever. Must we really fight on keeping this part a secret? If so, please don't worry too much about my well-being. Here, I'll even go ahead and even the odds for us."
With that, whatever light that reflected off his singular eye dimmed. In turn, so too did the light leave the acolyte's right eye...and then some. In the blink of said eye, the only thing she'd be able to perceive with it would be ebony nothingness. Now things were even. Surely that'd be enough to change her tune, right?
"There, is that any better? I promise to put your vision back to normal when this is over. As a fellow creature of the night, you have my word. Now then, surely this is good enough of an excuse for you to cut loose a little. No?"
Kieran wasn't exactly in the mood to fight with this woman, but she wasn't leaving him with much of a choice if he wanted to see what her capabilities with lucky number 7 were. The area was a bit on the remote side as well, so it would be unlikely there was anyone around he could who would hear a cry for help. But he couldn't let his fears win out all the time, not if he were to get anything done in this world. If he were to conquer all, then let his fleeting worries be on that list as well. Besides, the little cult follower barely came up to his chest. Could she really be that much of a threat to the one true prince of Shahiti?
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - Through The Darkness And Flames
LOCATION: Unused Building xxx COMPANY: Leylah xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Reptilia
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
The way of the world was a funny thing. So many rules and playbooks had been made up in the era of mankind that in this age there'd be far too many to try and count. Manners, expectations, morals; they were all manifestations of the human psyche, nothing more. For so long, Kieran thought he knew these rules. As far as he understood it, as long as he followed certain creeds and did what was "right", good would come from his actions. But he'd been so very, painfully wrong. The only people bound by these rules were those who were too weak to take command of their lives. The weak. And unfortunately, the woman before him seemed to fall square within that category of people.
“What could a grave robber looking understudy like you possibly want with what I hold? And resorting to threats? You will regret that.”
The strike against his face stung, but that pain was fleeting. All that pomp and attitude and that was the best she could come up with? What a cruel joke. Tracing his hand over where the woman struck, which from the force of the strike was likely red now, he couldn't help but laugh anyway. "I guess they just let anyone into cults these days, eh?" asked Kieran, who was barely able to contain himself as the words left his lips before erupting into thunderous laughter once again. It was only after a few moments that it eventually settled down, with the prince of darkness finally fixing his posture once he was done.
"Oh yes, you've certainly got me quaking in my boots now!"
Ever hurriedly did he bow several times over, a snicker bubbling to the purpose as he did so with both hands up to signal a surrender. He hadn't exactly been trying to keep an airtight facade with this woman, what with her otherworldly nonsense, but perhaps he should have if she was going to be so gods damned boring! He came into this neglected hall expecting eldritch horror, not act 1 side villain. Stopping his bowing, he then coyly took a look at both of his legs.
"Huh? Oh my, looks not. Better luck next time, Deary."
The shadows pooled further into him, tendrils swirling about his being and whipping about. Surely there had to be something more there if she was so quick to threaten him with whatever the hell her dice roll granted her. Or perhaps she was just bluffing? It would make sense, as she was coming across as quite the spoiled little heir. Maybe if she didn't suck the life out of things she'd have friends to do her little rituals with. What a startling disappointment this little outing is turning out to be. Taking a step forward, he stared down the dark priestess with an unimpressed scowl for a moment before giving the helpless sap a smile.
"That was a good first try, but it's missing some sorely needed pizazz," began Kieran again, his phantom limbs acting as though the items they held were becoming quite labor intensive to lift. Faking a yawn, he continued messing with little miss acolyte. "Now then, I believe you were going to make me regret my actions or something right? Well c'mon then. All this stuff you had for your unholy reliquary's getting preeeeeeetty hard to keep carrying. Wouldn't me to drop all of it at once, right?" Kieran hoped that this would be the push that this woman needed, because otherwise he really be s**t out of luck. Then again, he shouldn't be too surprised. Truly impressive human beings were one in a million, so it made sense that even among other royalty, most would up being just annoying little yappers with no real sense of what was actually important in this world.
"Or could your kingdom just not afford putting you through theater classes of your own?"
Then again, the prince of darkness liked to yap just the same. That being said, in his head he was crossing his fingers as he hoped that this angry little twerp had more fire to her than just he words. Perhaps he was simply asking too much of her. Perhaps she was just another sheep, following the rules society laid out for them with her strange ceremony serving as the only interesting thing about her. Kieran supposed he should try to make up at one point or another, but this brunette seemed so sure of herself when it came to putting him in his place early; wouldn't want to burst her bubble too quickly.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
The way of the world was a funny thing. So many rules and playbooks had been made up in the era of mankind that in this age there'd be far too many to try and count. Manners, expectations, morals; they were all manifestations of the human psyche, nothing more. For so long, Kieran thought he knew these rules. As far as he understood it, as long as he followed certain creeds and did what was "right", good would come from his actions. But he'd been so very, painfully wrong. The only people bound by these rules were those who were too weak to take command of their lives. The weak. And unfortunately, the woman before him seemed to fall square within that category of people.
“What could a grave robber looking understudy like you possibly want with what I hold? And resorting to threats? You will regret that.”
The strike against his face stung, but that pain was fleeting. All that pomp and attitude and that was the best she could come up with? What a cruel joke. Tracing his hand over where the woman struck, which from the force of the strike was likely red now, he couldn't help but laugh anyway. "I guess they just let anyone into cults these days, eh?" asked Kieran, who was barely able to contain himself as the words left his lips before erupting into thunderous laughter once again. It was only after a few moments that it eventually settled down, with the prince of darkness finally fixing his posture once he was done.
"Oh yes, you've certainly got me quaking in my boots now!"
Ever hurriedly did he bow several times over, a snicker bubbling to the purpose as he did so with both hands up to signal a surrender. He hadn't exactly been trying to keep an airtight facade with this woman, what with her otherworldly nonsense, but perhaps he should have if she was going to be so gods damned boring! He came into this neglected hall expecting eldritch horror, not act 1 side villain. Stopping his bowing, he then coyly took a look at both of his legs.
"Huh? Oh my, looks not. Better luck next time, Deary."
The shadows pooled further into him, tendrils swirling about his being and whipping about. Surely there had to be something more there if she was so quick to threaten him with whatever the hell her dice roll granted her. Or perhaps she was just bluffing? It would make sense, as she was coming across as quite the spoiled little heir. Maybe if she didn't suck the life out of things she'd have friends to do her little rituals with. What a startling disappointment this little outing is turning out to be. Taking a step forward, he stared down the dark priestess with an unimpressed scowl for a moment before giving the helpless sap a smile.
"That was a good first try, but it's missing some sorely needed pizazz," began Kieran again, his phantom limbs acting as though the items they held were becoming quite labor intensive to lift. Faking a yawn, he continued messing with little miss acolyte. "Now then, I believe you were going to make me regret my actions or something right? Well c'mon then. All this stuff you had for your unholy reliquary's getting preeeeeeetty hard to keep carrying. Wouldn't me to drop all of it at once, right?" Kieran hoped that this would be the push that this woman needed, because otherwise he really be s**t out of luck. Then again, he shouldn't be too surprised. Truly impressive human beings were one in a million, so it made sense that even among other royalty, most would up being just annoying little yappers with no real sense of what was actually important in this world.
"Or could your kingdom just not afford putting you through theater classes of your own?"
Then again, the prince of darkness liked to yap just the same. That being said, in his head he was crossing his fingers as he hoped that this angry little twerp had more fire to her than just he words. Perhaps he was simply asking too much of her. Perhaps she was just another sheep, following the rules society laid out for them with her strange ceremony serving as the only interesting thing about her. Kieran supposed he should try to make up at one point or another, but this brunette seemed so sure of herself when it came to putting him in his place early; wouldn't want to burst her bubble too quickly.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - A Power Struggle in the Dark
LOCATION: Meeting Room xxx COMPANY: Graham, Violetta xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Broken Boy
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
" No, I..."
Truly rousing words from his dearest older sister. Kieran rolled his eye as Violetta went right back to addressing their uncle, because god forbid she actually confront someone. How someone like her began such a prolific stabbing spree was beyond him. Was it really so hard to complete a sentence? Perhaps it was for the best that she was at an academy, then! But no, she seemed to yap away juuuuuuust fine when she also questioned Graham about the validity of his words. Right, just a coward then. Then again, it was to be expected from someone who was practically her mother's shadow her entire life. Here she was being given the black throne of Shahiti on a silver platter and all she could do was sulk and worry. Letting out a groan of disgust, the prince of darkness put a foot on the table to teeter in his seat with.
So this was what all of his work to restore his image after years of showing weakness was worth, huh? A sudden slap to the face while Ms. Business Casual, emphasis on the casual, got the crown. Looking up at the ceiling, a scowl had contorted his face with bitter fury. The shadows around him had begun to fester, tendrils creeping out from their normal shapes and spreading across the walls. Kieran quietly began to chuckle again as the white-hot rage had ascended into near-hysteria. Placing a hand over his face, he clutched his forehead as if to keep a hold of the jet-black malice that began to pour out of him.
Graham had been talking for some time now, speaking on his 10-step verification method or whatever, but Kieran couldn't find any reason to pay attention. His uncle was many things, but a prankster of this magnitude he was not. ”The same goes for you, if you feel up to it.” That comment caused a sharp "HA!" to abruptly come out of Kieran's mouth. Schedule a meeting with Father? They were his children, not his damn interns. And quite frankly, Kieran cared very little about following the king's rules after a decision of his as poor as this. If he wanted an audience with his deadbeat dad, he'd kick the door to that throne room wide open and demand answers with his hands on the old man's throat.
This was unacceptable. Completely and utterly unacceptable. What had Violetta done to be deserving of being a queen? Had there been blood pacts made behind his back? Was her overly timid attitude a facade, hiding the knife-wielding attacker within? Perhaps her brush with Aloran tyranny had done her some good, like it had for him. Was that possible? No, the idea only caused Kieran to laugh harder. And when Uncle revealed that the poor Deary was losing out on her marriage to Prince Stefano of Chronos? His rancor reached a fever pitch.
Letting his howling fit peter off, Kieran turned his face towards Violetta as he sat back down properly and gave her the most flippant little pout you've ever darn seen. "Ahhhh tough luck, sis! And I had my tux picked out this whole time and everything! You poor, poor Deary." The shadows from the ceiling trickled down, offering his sister a pat on the shoulder to support her in such harrowing times. Her life was just oh so difficult; now who would she spend her nights writing in her diary about? Dropping the mask of false concern, Kieran turned their attention back to their uncle.
"Now then, is there anything else important you have to tell us, or are we just sitting here for family bonding time at this point? Because let me tell you guys, I have far more important things to do."
That was more true than ever now. With the throne truly lost to him, his only hope for sound sleep was to find some form of entertainment beyond the three of them frowning longingly at one another. His former self was completely fine with playing the "who got ******** over by Dad the most" game, but at present no activity seemed more nausea-inducing. He also reminded himself that the throne of Shahiti would only remain relevant for so long. In centuries, or even millennia from now, the land of darkness as they know it would cease to be. But he wouldn't. Moreover, he could already think of the perfect pick-me-up after such shocking news. The ever-faithful Ms. Akimi would leap at the chance to watch him sulk; perhaps he would indulge her some.
Kieran rescinded his phantom limbs, returning their darkness to the shadows they originated from. He had half a mind to get up and go right then and there but decided not to. After all, he could still milk the moment a bit longer. Pointing towards Graham with a wild grin, Kieran decided to let his dearest uncle join in on the fun. "And don't look so glum, old man. With Father going nuts, this might be your chance to try and get something between you and little Miss Sunshine back on the table. I mean who knows, right?" While he knew it wasn't his uncle's fault that all this was transpiring, Kieran felt like shooting the messenger anyway. He had quite a lot of s**t to work through, and Graham always strove to be a supportive uncle; surely he'd be a good sport about it.
"Either that or you and Vi can go have a cry about your almost lovers together. Oh, the tragedies that this bloodline suffers through!" he exclaimed, raising his head up and bringing the back of his hand to his forehead as he continued to feign concern for his sister and uncle. As far as Kieran was concerned, though, such setbacks were a drop in the water compared to his own agony. Was that vain of him? Certainly, as was his right. Similarly, if he was going to have his birthright taken from him, he deserved to make it everyone else's problem as well. After all, isn't getting one another through difficult times what family was for?
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
" No, I..."
Truly rousing words from his dearest older sister. Kieran rolled his eye as Violetta went right back to addressing their uncle, because god forbid she actually confront someone. How someone like her began such a prolific stabbing spree was beyond him. Was it really so hard to complete a sentence? Perhaps it was for the best that she was at an academy, then! But no, she seemed to yap away juuuuuuust fine when she also questioned Graham about the validity of his words. Right, just a coward then. Then again, it was to be expected from someone who was practically her mother's shadow her entire life. Here she was being given the black throne of Shahiti on a silver platter and all she could do was sulk and worry. Letting out a groan of disgust, the prince of darkness put a foot on the table to teeter in his seat with.
So this was what all of his work to restore his image after years of showing weakness was worth, huh? A sudden slap to the face while Ms. Business Casual, emphasis on the casual, got the crown. Looking up at the ceiling, a scowl had contorted his face with bitter fury. The shadows around him had begun to fester, tendrils creeping out from their normal shapes and spreading across the walls. Kieran quietly began to chuckle again as the white-hot rage had ascended into near-hysteria. Placing a hand over his face, he clutched his forehead as if to keep a hold of the jet-black malice that began to pour out of him.
Graham had been talking for some time now, speaking on his 10-step verification method or whatever, but Kieran couldn't find any reason to pay attention. His uncle was many things, but a prankster of this magnitude he was not. ”The same goes for you, if you feel up to it.” That comment caused a sharp "HA!" to abruptly come out of Kieran's mouth. Schedule a meeting with Father? They were his children, not his damn interns. And quite frankly, Kieran cared very little about following the king's rules after a decision of his as poor as this. If he wanted an audience with his deadbeat dad, he'd kick the door to that throne room wide open and demand answers with his hands on the old man's throat.
This was unacceptable. Completely and utterly unacceptable. What had Violetta done to be deserving of being a queen? Had there been blood pacts made behind his back? Was her overly timid attitude a facade, hiding the knife-wielding attacker within? Perhaps her brush with Aloran tyranny had done her some good, like it had for him. Was that possible? No, the idea only caused Kieran to laugh harder. And when Uncle revealed that the poor Deary was losing out on her marriage to Prince Stefano of Chronos? His rancor reached a fever pitch.
Letting his howling fit peter off, Kieran turned his face towards Violetta as he sat back down properly and gave her the most flippant little pout you've ever darn seen. "Ahhhh tough luck, sis! And I had my tux picked out this whole time and everything! You poor, poor Deary." The shadows from the ceiling trickled down, offering his sister a pat on the shoulder to support her in such harrowing times. Her life was just oh so difficult; now who would she spend her nights writing in her diary about? Dropping the mask of false concern, Kieran turned their attention back to their uncle.
"Now then, is there anything else important you have to tell us, or are we just sitting here for family bonding time at this point? Because let me tell you guys, I have far more important things to do."
That was more true than ever now. With the throne truly lost to him, his only hope for sound sleep was to find some form of entertainment beyond the three of them frowning longingly at one another. His former self was completely fine with playing the "who got ******** over by Dad the most" game, but at present no activity seemed more nausea-inducing. He also reminded himself that the throne of Shahiti would only remain relevant for so long. In centuries, or even millennia from now, the land of darkness as they know it would cease to be. But he wouldn't. Moreover, he could already think of the perfect pick-me-up after such shocking news. The ever-faithful Ms. Akimi would leap at the chance to watch him sulk; perhaps he would indulge her some.
Kieran rescinded his phantom limbs, returning their darkness to the shadows they originated from. He had half a mind to get up and go right then and there but decided not to. After all, he could still milk the moment a bit longer. Pointing towards Graham with a wild grin, Kieran decided to let his dearest uncle join in on the fun. "And don't look so glum, old man. With Father going nuts, this might be your chance to try and get something between you and little Miss Sunshine back on the table. I mean who knows, right?" While he knew it wasn't his uncle's fault that all this was transpiring, Kieran felt like shooting the messenger anyway. He had quite a lot of s**t to work through, and Graham always strove to be a supportive uncle; surely he'd be a good sport about it.
"Either that or you and Vi can go have a cry about your almost lovers together. Oh, the tragedies that this bloodline suffers through!" he exclaimed, raising his head up and bringing the back of his hand to his forehead as he continued to feign concern for his sister and uncle. As far as Kieran was concerned, though, such setbacks were a drop in the water compared to his own agony. Was that vain of him? Certainly, as was his right. Similarly, if he was going to have his birthright taken from him, he deserved to make it everyone else's problem as well. After all, isn't getting one another through difficult times what family was for?
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - A Power Struggle in the Dark
LOCATION: Meeting Room xxx COMPANY: Graham, Violetta xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: This fffire - New Version
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Kieran had absolutely no damn clue how to play a fiddle, but he knew how to play his sister like one. Not that it was difficult; the poor Deary was never good at keeping her cards close to her chest. With the slightest provocation, she followed her stage directions perfectly and cried out in protest of his teasing. Ah, but I was hoping for a voice crack. Something to strive for, then. While he found some satisfaction in the turmoil he did cause within her, grinning in delight at her outburst, he couldn't truly enjoy it. She was still in his way now. But maybe that was the point. Maybe Father wanted to see what he was capable of when he was backed to a corner. The old geezer only had Kieran's own statements to go off of in regards to the last time he clawed his way past all who stood in his way. This time, however, he'd have far more eyewitness reports.
Violetta would go on to mope about how this wasn't on her. How she and uncle both could see through his "act." When the ******** did either of them become an expect on all things Kieran Price? Aside from the occasional game of "Pit One Sibling Against The Other" that father would put them through, what exactly did she think that she knew about him to make such accusations? Graham seeing something was far more reasonable. Nothing real, of course, but he had a far clearer image of Kieran's former self to desperately cling to. Unfortunately, that man was long dead. Sooner or later, they'd have to come to terms with that.
And of course Violetta would take absolutely zero accountability for this whole debacle. No, not poor, poor Violetta. It was never her fault for anything. And while she had a point this time around, it didn't make the behavior any less grating after having had to hear this exact number countless times in the past. "It's my mother's fault I never got to see you growing up!" "It's father's fault that we were treated the way we were!" Even now, Kieran sincerely doubted that Violetta was smart enough to see the truth in father's brutal teachings. To kill or to be killed was the way of the world. Did her own brush with death not expose her to that already?
No, of course not. Someone as weak-willed as her wouldn't be able to stomach it all. After all, up until her recent stabbing spree she always needed someone else to save her. And apparently today was a return to form.
Dear, sweet uncle Graham was quick to come to her aid, offering detailed musings on the prince of darkness's current mental state. But alas, he too knew jack s**t about how he was doing. He was right about Kieran's joy of manipulating others, though; kudos for figuring that much out at least. Perhaps I should give him a treat for at least being half right. Then again, he also seems to be under the impression that he scares me with that little shadow hand trick of his. Back in the negative points he goes. To Kieran, this was just further proof that neither his uncle or his sister had much of a grasp of who they were currently talking to.
Once upon a time, Kieran might have feared retaliation from Graham. The ugly duckling had been involved in more combat overall than Kieran, after all. But with his eye now opened to the base truth hidden behind all things, the prince of darkness could see his uncle for the two-bit snake that he was. The man's ability to compel others to voice their desires might be of some use on the fat pigs that litter the Shahitian elite, but Kieran already had no problems stating his goals. As for Graham's ability to turn into the abyss itself, what threat was that to Kieran? The shadows themselves already bowed down to his will. If anything, his dear uncle only made himself vulnerable to the same rule. Something he'd certainly have to test out.
" Do you think he'd even want to listen to me or is he planning to use me as a puppet?"
But that would have to wait. For now, he would stay quiet for a moment as his family began to consider what Violetta's usefulness as queen would actually be. While he agreed that she'd likely end up a pawn of some kind, he was far less panicked about it than either of them were. In fact, the thought of it helped to ease his furious heart. Finally things are starting to sound sensible again. Of course, he couldn't let the scene stay so gloomy for long. What fun was there in that?
Thankfully, both of them got back on script in a heartbeat when he made that comment on marriages. Violetta once again condemned his words and Graham once again attempted to deescalate the situation. What lovely, predictable archetypes they fit themselves into. ”Go do your important things. I got nothing else to say.” There was a slight lift to Kieran's head as his cold stare met his uncle. His smile had long since faded, and his mouth was now slightly agape as he considered whether it'd be worth playing this scene out any further. Ultimately, he decided that this little skit had gone on for far too long already. "Y'know what? That sounds like a great idea." From the ceiling, shadowy tendrils shot down to wrap under Kieran's shoulders and lift him off his chair. Once gaining a firm stance, he rescinded his phantom limbs.
Turning away from them both, Kieran took a step towards the door before stopping. "But don't think this is over, dear family. I hate to say it, but the two of you will find that I'm quite the sore loser. Displeasure to speak to you both, as always. Ta-ta!" With a wave of his hand, the two of them would lose their ability to see. And by the time it returned, Kieran would be nowhere in sight.
On his way back to his quarters, Kieran found himself unable to contain his fury as he stopped to slam the side of his fist against a wall. "Dammit!" Taking a moment to catch his breath as his heart pounded in his chest, dread began to creep its way around his form. Even if he just intended to use Violetta as a puppet of some kind, wouldn't it be better to just have someone who actually wanted to carry on his dark legacy at the throne? Perhaps it was paranoia of betrayal that drove this choice. A fear that one day Kieran might topple over everything Desmond Price stood for in the name of his own eternal law. As Kieran's hand loosened upon this realization, a wild grin returned to his face for a moment.
You're showing weakness in your old age, Father. You'll come to regret that.
With that, Kieran regained his composure and continued his walk back to his room. This was not the time to lose everything he had built here. As much of a setback as today's events might have been in the short term, his long-term aspirations remained unchanged. Whether it was in days or in decades, he would be king over all. So what if he now had another person to step over before then? Kieran had sold his soul to devils countless times since the night of his dark rebirth; one more sin would not deter him. No matter the cost, he'd see to it that his birthright was returned to him. The only path left for him...was straight ahead.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Kieran had absolutely no damn clue how to play a fiddle, but he knew how to play his sister like one. Not that it was difficult; the poor Deary was never good at keeping her cards close to her chest. With the slightest provocation, she followed her stage directions perfectly and cried out in protest of his teasing. Ah, but I was hoping for a voice crack. Something to strive for, then. While he found some satisfaction in the turmoil he did cause within her, grinning in delight at her outburst, he couldn't truly enjoy it. She was still in his way now. But maybe that was the point. Maybe Father wanted to see what he was capable of when he was backed to a corner. The old geezer only had Kieran's own statements to go off of in regards to the last time he clawed his way past all who stood in his way. This time, however, he'd have far more eyewitness reports.
Violetta would go on to mope about how this wasn't on her. How she and uncle both could see through his "act." When the ******** did either of them become an expect on all things Kieran Price? Aside from the occasional game of "Pit One Sibling Against The Other" that father would put them through, what exactly did she think that she knew about him to make such accusations? Graham seeing something was far more reasonable. Nothing real, of course, but he had a far clearer image of Kieran's former self to desperately cling to. Unfortunately, that man was long dead. Sooner or later, they'd have to come to terms with that.
And of course Violetta would take absolutely zero accountability for this whole debacle. No, not poor, poor Violetta. It was never her fault for anything. And while she had a point this time around, it didn't make the behavior any less grating after having had to hear this exact number countless times in the past. "It's my mother's fault I never got to see you growing up!" "It's father's fault that we were treated the way we were!" Even now, Kieran sincerely doubted that Violetta was smart enough to see the truth in father's brutal teachings. To kill or to be killed was the way of the world. Did her own brush with death not expose her to that already?
No, of course not. Someone as weak-willed as her wouldn't be able to stomach it all. After all, up until her recent stabbing spree she always needed someone else to save her. And apparently today was a return to form.
Dear, sweet uncle Graham was quick to come to her aid, offering detailed musings on the prince of darkness's current mental state. But alas, he too knew jack s**t about how he was doing. He was right about Kieran's joy of manipulating others, though; kudos for figuring that much out at least. Perhaps I should give him a treat for at least being half right. Then again, he also seems to be under the impression that he scares me with that little shadow hand trick of his. Back in the negative points he goes. To Kieran, this was just further proof that neither his uncle or his sister had much of a grasp of who they were currently talking to.
Once upon a time, Kieran might have feared retaliation from Graham. The ugly duckling had been involved in more combat overall than Kieran, after all. But with his eye now opened to the base truth hidden behind all things, the prince of darkness could see his uncle for the two-bit snake that he was. The man's ability to compel others to voice their desires might be of some use on the fat pigs that litter the Shahitian elite, but Kieran already had no problems stating his goals. As for Graham's ability to turn into the abyss itself, what threat was that to Kieran? The shadows themselves already bowed down to his will. If anything, his dear uncle only made himself vulnerable to the same rule. Something he'd certainly have to test out.
" Do you think he'd even want to listen to me or is he planning to use me as a puppet?"
But that would have to wait. For now, he would stay quiet for a moment as his family began to consider what Violetta's usefulness as queen would actually be. While he agreed that she'd likely end up a pawn of some kind, he was far less panicked about it than either of them were. In fact, the thought of it helped to ease his furious heart. Finally things are starting to sound sensible again. Of course, he couldn't let the scene stay so gloomy for long. What fun was there in that?
Thankfully, both of them got back on script in a heartbeat when he made that comment on marriages. Violetta once again condemned his words and Graham once again attempted to deescalate the situation. What lovely, predictable archetypes they fit themselves into. ”Go do your important things. I got nothing else to say.” There was a slight lift to Kieran's head as his cold stare met his uncle. His smile had long since faded, and his mouth was now slightly agape as he considered whether it'd be worth playing this scene out any further. Ultimately, he decided that this little skit had gone on for far too long already. "Y'know what? That sounds like a great idea." From the ceiling, shadowy tendrils shot down to wrap under Kieran's shoulders and lift him off his chair. Once gaining a firm stance, he rescinded his phantom limbs.
Turning away from them both, Kieran took a step towards the door before stopping. "But don't think this is over, dear family. I hate to say it, but the two of you will find that I'm quite the sore loser. Displeasure to speak to you both, as always. Ta-ta!" With a wave of his hand, the two of them would lose their ability to see. And by the time it returned, Kieran would be nowhere in sight.
On his way back to his quarters, Kieran found himself unable to contain his fury as he stopped to slam the side of his fist against a wall. "Dammit!" Taking a moment to catch his breath as his heart pounded in his chest, dread began to creep its way around his form. Even if he just intended to use Violetta as a puppet of some kind, wouldn't it be better to just have someone who actually wanted to carry on his dark legacy at the throne? Perhaps it was paranoia of betrayal that drove this choice. A fear that one day Kieran might topple over everything Desmond Price stood for in the name of his own eternal law. As Kieran's hand loosened upon this realization, a wild grin returned to his face for a moment.
You're showing weakness in your old age, Father. You'll come to regret that.
With that, Kieran regained his composure and continued his walk back to his room. This was not the time to lose everything he had built here. As much of a setback as today's events might have been in the short term, his long-term aspirations remained unchanged. Whether it was in days or in decades, he would be king over all. So what if he now had another person to step over before then? Kieran had sold his soul to devils countless times since the night of his dark rebirth; one more sin would not deter him. No matter the cost, he'd see to it that his birthright was returned to him. The only path left for him...was straight ahead.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - One Letter To Live
LOCATION: His room xxx COMPANY: Ophelia, Orby/Nadine xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Shattered Mirror
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
As detestable as it was to witness the Aloran mouse scurry about his quarters once more, there were a handful of things that kept Kieran from completely losing his sanity around his leading lady and her little ball of sunshine. For starters, the exuberantly timed putter-patter that could be heard as she made her way inside told him that she had grown to quite enjoy these little get-togethers they were having. It was honestly such a wonder how she'd lived for so long when she could so gleefully step into danger, and he experienced some delight in knowing that he'd be the one to end her streak. And despite being so meticulous in just how much of the room she would swipe at with her grubby paws, the amount of ground she felt compelled to cover lessened each time she came his way. Not only did it make her time there less of an eyesore, but it also meant that there was less cleanup needed after every visit. How considerate of her.
But alas, this was a suffering that he himself had signed up for. Kieran could've easily left the freakishly chipper tea addict to her own devices long ago. He had every opportunity to free himself from the horrors that only a walking poster child for "a smile a day keeps the inferiority complex away" campaigns all around Lomacht could produce. Listening to her blither on day after day about her daily goings-on as if her life had any significance at all was maddening. Even her scent was gag-inducing; without fail, she always smelled like the kind of candy one would rot their teeth away eating without a second thought.
And yet he persisted. Why was that? It certainly wasn't just to have a laugh about it all once his quarters were secure. It wasn't his commitment to being a man of the stage, either. Still, the answer was a simple one: Alore deserved to suffer. And in any way he could manage, he would cause the land of light great suffering. He would take the lies parroted by its soft-hearted people and shove them right down their throats with his bare hands. His vengeance was eternal and all-encompassing, for there was nothing they could provide to him that would ever equate to what he'd lost.
“We’d like nothing more.”
On top of that, his carefully curated kindness was beginning to bear such delectable fruit; how could he stop now when he was close to such a sublime climax? Each word that came from her mouth was absolutely dripping with comfort. Through their steadily increasing number of misadventures, Ms. Akimi had so firmly come to believe that something of significance had been fostered between them.
Such feelings of comradery had seemed to foster great things within the mouse; of most interest to him at the moment, bravery. Though the wavering that existed within every fiber of Ms. Akimi's being persisted, the swaying was tighter than it had once been. More controlled. A fire had been lit within her that had been trying to chip away at his endless darkness for days now. But a mouse could only ever produce a pale imitation of real human interaction, and the cheery little rodent would only glean what he wanted her to. Still, she was not without her occasional tricks.
“And how did you come to understand that?”
aNd HOw DId YoU cOMe tO UNderStAnD THaT? Yes, let me just go over the full scope of my reach. After tea, I'll go over my plans for the subjugation of all under my soon-to-be-eternal rule. It'll be such a treat!
A coy smile rose across Kieran's lips as his damsel continued to question what constituted his sphere of influence. However, it didn't seem that she was that concerned about the matter. Did such attention tickle her fancy? Oh, my dear, sweet damsel. What trouble will such delusions bring? Cocking his head to the side, he couldn't hand out a treat for his most perceptive little house pet. "Keeping tabs on you, hm? How scandalous of me," teased Kieran as the damsel shook her mangy little head. Ms. Akimi moved on to discuss her relationship with the head chef, but for Kieran, the sentiment lingered. As stupid as she was, he reminded himself that she wasn't blind. Well, not completely anyway.
That being said, she was still far too trusting. Expecting confidentiality from the prince of darkness regarding people he loved to ******** with was like trying to teach a tortoise to run—lunacy that only someone who fed their ego as if it were starving to death could accomplish. But it wasn't time to lift the veil from her eyes just yet. Kieran brought up his right hand in a three-finger salute, as if to signify absolute integrity with his words. "This information never leaves this room. Cross my heart and hope to die," replied Kieran with a playfully solemn look, tracing his left hand across his chest to make an X. At the very least, this wouldn't be the first time a worker at this school's life was in his hands. The worthless little s**t who had opened the door to his room without his consent during his first playdate with Ms. Akimi learned the hard way that even the simplest of failures would not be tolerated.
Speaking of intolerable acts, the continued blabbering of the pink-haired damsel should've been considered worthy of corporal punishment by now. A hand of iron? Was that even sanitary in a cooking environment? And why the ******** would Ms. Akimi bother to find out so much about the help to begin with? Other than to serve her own best interests, Kieran couldn't understand it. Luckily, that seemed to be exactly her angle. “ With how cold it’s been, I may have requested we indulge in some of the cozier delicacies from your kingdom's palate.” And there it was. Try as she might to hide her selfishness, such greed lies at the very core of human nature itself. No amount of smiles and whimsy could change that.
“ It’s family tradition to try experimenting with new things as the winter solstice approaches. So, perhaps you wouldn’t mind sharing a homeland staple with me?”
"The only thing I can think of minding is that you hadn't invited me sooner. I'd be delighted, Ophelia," said Kieran with an absolutely rosy tone. Yes, the crown prince of Corthyr would be ever-so-delighted to be a part of such a cherished tradition with a dear friend like Ms. Akimi. Hints of her family life had been sprinkled into their conversations for weeks now, and he knew that the little parasite put certain events with the rest of her pigpen on the highest of pedestals.
Once again, the bond between those of shared blood was a concept that eluded his understanding. What secrets were hidden in the warm embrace that only people with the shared burden of a family name could produce? He'd seen it, yes. So many times had he witnessed a parent love a child or a sibling love another. Compassion like that was deeply embedded into the rules of society...as such, it must be as fake as the rules that made up this modern world of theirs. The people of the world had long since decided to chain their true selves with barbed wire disguised with such nice words as "structure" and "decorum."
And yet so very often, exceptions were found to these rules. Parent would betray child, sibling would betray sibling. At the drop of a hat, laws and procedures could be manipulated or outright ignored in the name of those with the power to do so. That was the only real rule of this world: with absolute power, one could rule absolutely. To call such strength corrupt was to turn a blind eye to the corruption that lay waiting in the depths of society regardless.
What would Ms. Akimi do when it was her turn to be introduced to the only facts that truly mattered in this world, Kieran wondered. Would she cry out in agony? Sink into silent despair? Crossing his legs as they awaited the extra special tasting menu that Ms. Akimi had apparently planned out for them. Swaying his foot up and down as he occasionally glanced at the door to his room, he wondered what sort of almost well-documented nonsense she'd gotten the iron-handed chef and her merry band of poors to create. Would it even be edible? The land of poison wasn't exactly well known for making the healthiest things to digest, after all. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, that had been accounted for.
"Have either you or Nadine ever had Corthyrian cuisine before? Actually, is that something she would remember? Does she seem more or less aware of the life she led prior to...this?"
Not finding himself all too concerned on the matter, Kieran decided it best to focus up and begin poking the bear that was Ms. Akimi's shining stray. What forces still bound her to the mortal realm? Was it just the gravitational pull that was the damsel's haunting charm? Was it simple force of will? And what sort of life did she have now? Was it indefinite? Was a mortal tether a requirement or just happenstance in their case? Was this a feasible backup plan in case finding corporeal immortality bore no fruit? A concerned eye glanced towards the strange creature, hopeful that he could determine the viability of her current predicament. Brows furrowed, as if to convey concern toward the glowing s**t stain before turning his attention back to the damsel.
"Ah, forgive me if I've become too inquisitive too soon. Would I be better off by asking where you two met...?" he asked, hands coming up to gesture awkwardly between Ms. Akimi and Nadine. Much like what this persona of his was trying to convey, Kieran reminded himself that a slower pace would be needed to properly dissect the symbiotic relationship the two Alorans before him seemed to have.
Averting his gaze from them, he looked towards his dresser. As he began to feel the phantom draw of those rings, his expression deadened. For as much as he hated to admit it, he could see similarities between himself and his leading lady that left a bitter taste in his mouth. Ghastly apparitions had tethered themselves to the both of them in a way that they would never be able to be free from. Did Kieran mind that? At that moment, he was unsure. Despite experiencing a sense of euphoria on the night of his rebirth, could the tragedy that preceded the joys of freedom ever truly be washed away? Perhaps not, considering his lack of success thus far. He could spend an eternity trying to separate the two and never escape their twin grasp on his soul...how wasteful of him.
Then, there was a knock that freed him from his thoughts. Blinking, he called for them to enter before finally bringing his attention back to his guests. "Well ladies, let's see what you have in store for us." His smile made a faint reappearance as the various pots, plates, and cups were placed on the table between them. As he scanned their spread, though, it wasn't the tea or the food that caught his eye. An envelope had been carefully nestled under a plate carrying a slew of utensils. Don't tell me I've acquired a secret admirer. Or is this from one of Ms. Akimi's many suitors? Carefully removing it from under the plate, he found that it was most certainly for the village mouse. Not only was her name on it, but a family crest as well. Ah, yes. Make the letter for the blind woman as ornate as possible, that'll win her over. They just don't make lover boys like they used to, huh? Stretching his arm out, Kieran offered it to Ms. Akimi with renewed warmth on his face. Such absurdities were amusing enough to bring his spirits back up; he'd really have to thank the dumbass who sent this at some point for his contributions to a forever black society.
"It seems as though you have quite pertinent mail, Ophelia. Will you be able to read it with Nadine by your side, or shall I assist you?"
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
As detestable as it was to witness the Aloran mouse scurry about his quarters once more, there were a handful of things that kept Kieran from completely losing his sanity around his leading lady and her little ball of sunshine. For starters, the exuberantly timed putter-patter that could be heard as she made her way inside told him that she had grown to quite enjoy these little get-togethers they were having. It was honestly such a wonder how she'd lived for so long when she could so gleefully step into danger, and he experienced some delight in knowing that he'd be the one to end her streak. And despite being so meticulous in just how much of the room she would swipe at with her grubby paws, the amount of ground she felt compelled to cover lessened each time she came his way. Not only did it make her time there less of an eyesore, but it also meant that there was less cleanup needed after every visit. How considerate of her.
But alas, this was a suffering that he himself had signed up for. Kieran could've easily left the freakishly chipper tea addict to her own devices long ago. He had every opportunity to free himself from the horrors that only a walking poster child for "a smile a day keeps the inferiority complex away" campaigns all around Lomacht could produce. Listening to her blither on day after day about her daily goings-on as if her life had any significance at all was maddening. Even her scent was gag-inducing; without fail, she always smelled like the kind of candy one would rot their teeth away eating without a second thought.
And yet he persisted. Why was that? It certainly wasn't just to have a laugh about it all once his quarters were secure. It wasn't his commitment to being a man of the stage, either. Still, the answer was a simple one: Alore deserved to suffer. And in any way he could manage, he would cause the land of light great suffering. He would take the lies parroted by its soft-hearted people and shove them right down their throats with his bare hands. His vengeance was eternal and all-encompassing, for there was nothing they could provide to him that would ever equate to what he'd lost.
“We’d like nothing more.”
On top of that, his carefully curated kindness was beginning to bear such delectable fruit; how could he stop now when he was close to such a sublime climax? Each word that came from her mouth was absolutely dripping with comfort. Through their steadily increasing number of misadventures, Ms. Akimi had so firmly come to believe that something of significance had been fostered between them.
Such feelings of comradery had seemed to foster great things within the mouse; of most interest to him at the moment, bravery. Though the wavering that existed within every fiber of Ms. Akimi's being persisted, the swaying was tighter than it had once been. More controlled. A fire had been lit within her that had been trying to chip away at his endless darkness for days now. But a mouse could only ever produce a pale imitation of real human interaction, and the cheery little rodent would only glean what he wanted her to. Still, she was not without her occasional tricks.
“And how did you come to understand that?”
aNd HOw DId YoU cOMe tO UNderStAnD THaT? Yes, let me just go over the full scope of my reach. After tea, I'll go over my plans for the subjugation of all under my soon-to-be-eternal rule. It'll be such a treat!
A coy smile rose across Kieran's lips as his damsel continued to question what constituted his sphere of influence. However, it didn't seem that she was that concerned about the matter. Did such attention tickle her fancy? Oh, my dear, sweet damsel. What trouble will such delusions bring? Cocking his head to the side, he couldn't hand out a treat for his most perceptive little house pet. "Keeping tabs on you, hm? How scandalous of me," teased Kieran as the damsel shook her mangy little head. Ms. Akimi moved on to discuss her relationship with the head chef, but for Kieran, the sentiment lingered. As stupid as she was, he reminded himself that she wasn't blind. Well, not completely anyway.
That being said, she was still far too trusting. Expecting confidentiality from the prince of darkness regarding people he loved to ******** with was like trying to teach a tortoise to run—lunacy that only someone who fed their ego as if it were starving to death could accomplish. But it wasn't time to lift the veil from her eyes just yet. Kieran brought up his right hand in a three-finger salute, as if to signify absolute integrity with his words. "This information never leaves this room. Cross my heart and hope to die," replied Kieran with a playfully solemn look, tracing his left hand across his chest to make an X. At the very least, this wouldn't be the first time a worker at this school's life was in his hands. The worthless little s**t who had opened the door to his room without his consent during his first playdate with Ms. Akimi learned the hard way that even the simplest of failures would not be tolerated.
Speaking of intolerable acts, the continued blabbering of the pink-haired damsel should've been considered worthy of corporal punishment by now. A hand of iron? Was that even sanitary in a cooking environment? And why the ******** would Ms. Akimi bother to find out so much about the help to begin with? Other than to serve her own best interests, Kieran couldn't understand it. Luckily, that seemed to be exactly her angle. “ With how cold it’s been, I may have requested we indulge in some of the cozier delicacies from your kingdom's palate.” And there it was. Try as she might to hide her selfishness, such greed lies at the very core of human nature itself. No amount of smiles and whimsy could change that.
“ It’s family tradition to try experimenting with new things as the winter solstice approaches. So, perhaps you wouldn’t mind sharing a homeland staple with me?”
"The only thing I can think of minding is that you hadn't invited me sooner. I'd be delighted, Ophelia," said Kieran with an absolutely rosy tone. Yes, the crown prince of Corthyr would be ever-so-delighted to be a part of such a cherished tradition with a dear friend like Ms. Akimi. Hints of her family life had been sprinkled into their conversations for weeks now, and he knew that the little parasite put certain events with the rest of her pigpen on the highest of pedestals.
Once again, the bond between those of shared blood was a concept that eluded his understanding. What secrets were hidden in the warm embrace that only people with the shared burden of a family name could produce? He'd seen it, yes. So many times had he witnessed a parent love a child or a sibling love another. Compassion like that was deeply embedded into the rules of society...as such, it must be as fake as the rules that made up this modern world of theirs. The people of the world had long since decided to chain their true selves with barbed wire disguised with such nice words as "structure" and "decorum."
And yet so very often, exceptions were found to these rules. Parent would betray child, sibling would betray sibling. At the drop of a hat, laws and procedures could be manipulated or outright ignored in the name of those with the power to do so. That was the only real rule of this world: with absolute power, one could rule absolutely. To call such strength corrupt was to turn a blind eye to the corruption that lay waiting in the depths of society regardless.
What would Ms. Akimi do when it was her turn to be introduced to the only facts that truly mattered in this world, Kieran wondered. Would she cry out in agony? Sink into silent despair? Crossing his legs as they awaited the extra special tasting menu that Ms. Akimi had apparently planned out for them. Swaying his foot up and down as he occasionally glanced at the door to his room, he wondered what sort of almost well-documented nonsense she'd gotten the iron-handed chef and her merry band of poors to create. Would it even be edible? The land of poison wasn't exactly well known for making the healthiest things to digest, after all. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, that had been accounted for.
"Have either you or Nadine ever had Corthyrian cuisine before? Actually, is that something she would remember? Does she seem more or less aware of the life she led prior to...this?"
Not finding himself all too concerned on the matter, Kieran decided it best to focus up and begin poking the bear that was Ms. Akimi's shining stray. What forces still bound her to the mortal realm? Was it just the gravitational pull that was the damsel's haunting charm? Was it simple force of will? And what sort of life did she have now? Was it indefinite? Was a mortal tether a requirement or just happenstance in their case? Was this a feasible backup plan in case finding corporeal immortality bore no fruit? A concerned eye glanced towards the strange creature, hopeful that he could determine the viability of her current predicament. Brows furrowed, as if to convey concern toward the glowing s**t stain before turning his attention back to the damsel.
"Ah, forgive me if I've become too inquisitive too soon. Would I be better off by asking where you two met...?" he asked, hands coming up to gesture awkwardly between Ms. Akimi and Nadine. Much like what this persona of his was trying to convey, Kieran reminded himself that a slower pace would be needed to properly dissect the symbiotic relationship the two Alorans before him seemed to have.
Averting his gaze from them, he looked towards his dresser. As he began to feel the phantom draw of those rings, his expression deadened. For as much as he hated to admit it, he could see similarities between himself and his leading lady that left a bitter taste in his mouth. Ghastly apparitions had tethered themselves to the both of them in a way that they would never be able to be free from. Did Kieran mind that? At that moment, he was unsure. Despite experiencing a sense of euphoria on the night of his rebirth, could the tragedy that preceded the joys of freedom ever truly be washed away? Perhaps not, considering his lack of success thus far. He could spend an eternity trying to separate the two and never escape their twin grasp on his soul...how wasteful of him.
Then, there was a knock that freed him from his thoughts. Blinking, he called for them to enter before finally bringing his attention back to his guests. "Well ladies, let's see what you have in store for us." His smile made a faint reappearance as the various pots, plates, and cups were placed on the table between them. As he scanned their spread, though, it wasn't the tea or the food that caught his eye. An envelope had been carefully nestled under a plate carrying a slew of utensils. Don't tell me I've acquired a secret admirer. Or is this from one of Ms. Akimi's many suitors? Carefully removing it from under the plate, he found that it was most certainly for the village mouse. Not only was her name on it, but a family crest as well. Ah, yes. Make the letter for the blind woman as ornate as possible, that'll win her over. They just don't make lover boys like they used to, huh? Stretching his arm out, Kieran offered it to Ms. Akimi with renewed warmth on his face. Such absurdities were amusing enough to bring his spirits back up; he'd really have to thank the dumbass who sent this at some point for his contributions to a forever black society.
"It seems as though you have quite pertinent mail, Ophelia. Will you be able to read it with Nadine by your side, or shall I assist you?"
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - One Letter To Live
LOCATION: His room ► Dungeon xxx COMPANY: Ophelia, Orby/Nadine ► Ophelia, Orby/Nadine and a special guest xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: What's Justice? ► Land of the Dead
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
At the mere mention of a letter, Ms. Akimi tightly compacted into a ball of nerves. Wobbly hands flailed out aimlessly, desperately trying to remember their intended path. Eh, if I had vision that bad I'd be afraid of having to read something too. But what else has got you so scared shitless, my damsel? Kieran frowned, deeply concerned by this sudden turn of events. Was it love unrequited? A stalker? A forecast for cloudy skies, signaling time away from her precious sky-bound mother? Or perhaps the father of flesh? A curious free hand went over his mouth, his index finger tracing his brow back and forth as he continued to question what was going on in that peanut-sized brain of hers.
The prince of darkness brought the envelope forward so that the blind mouse could stop swiping her paws at random. It was getting sad, and not in a way that was enjoyable to watch. While she continued to grasp at straws with her mouth, her hand caught on quickly. It made sense, though; that vermin like her could speak in the first place was no small miracle. When she did, he half expected her to snatch it from his hand and scamper off like the worthless little rodent she was. Instead, she froze. From that, Kieran surmised that whoever wrote this had quite the pedigree to them. Or at least quite particular tastes in stationery. Raising a brow, he bent forward slightly and tilted his head in an approximation of worried discontent as her strained voice weakly finished the sentence that she'd seemingly forgotten that she started.
"Ophelia....? Come now, surely your land's taxes aren't that bad this year," Kieran joked in cautious tones, hoping to stir his damsel out of her frozen state. Nadine rushed to Ms. Akimi's side as he did so, her detestable light shimmering with varied brightness as if to also try and get the damsel's attention. Did she sense that the self-proclaimed witch she'd become a familiar to was distressed? See it? Just how did she perceive the world in her current state? And what terrible luck to be stuck to Ms. Akimi of all people on top of being reduced to a simple orb. Then again, since she was presumably also from Alore, it made sense that she would fall prey to Ms. Akimi's smoke and mirrors act. Unfortunately, the sound of Ms. Akimi's shaky voice pulled him from any further pondering on the matter.
“I’m so sorry it’s Loran, I.. I-I… He’s been– I’ve been waiting for news. He was supposed to be here months ago and I–”
An icy blue eye brought her right at the center of his gaze, giving Ms. Akimi every bit of his attention. It's what any good friend would do in a situation like this, and he and Ms. Akimi were as thick as thieves! If only all of her stammering wasn't so damn grating to hear. I-I and h-he and a-and woe is me and holy s**t, this is the worst performance she's given thus far. If anyone can hear this, please find a way to bring us back to Arioso or something. Goodness. For what felt like an eternity, Kieran watched as Ms. Akimi finally started getting to the actual ******** contents of the letter. Sure she was blind, but did she have to be so slow too? It was incredible how ignorant she was to how much she practically invited people to despise her. Or was that just her really committing to the bit? Normally he'd offer applause for such efforts, but there was such a thing as too much scenery chewing. And as far he was concerned, she'd left her bite marks on the entire theater at this point. He'd have to work with her on that in the future.
“It seems I actually desperately require some assistance,” said the damsel after seemingly wrestling with that choice for a long while. Kieran didn't really get it; did she think that made her seem more sympathetic? Honestly, she was so lucky he wasn't one to break character. If she heard the director's notes he had for her here and now, she'd most certainly shrivel into dust. Instead, the prince of darkness ever-valiantly rushed to her side in her clear time of need. "...Of course, Ophelia," responded Kieran solemnly, taking the letter from her and kneeling down beside her. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.
"Alright, here goes. My dearest Sunspot–"
Hunching inward as though he were getting more engrossed into the letter's contents with each passing word that left his throat, Kieran made sure to speak at an even pace as whoever wrote this gave Ms. Akimi the most generic message ever written. Matters that weigh heavily on his heart? Requiring an open heart and mind? Oh, you poor thing! Now just what news do you have for us, Loran? Is Father sending her home after hearing of her rather salacious hobbies around here? As he read on, however, he was surprised to find genuinely juicy details regarding the Akimi duchy's currently sorry state. Beef between them and the Rousseaus? Wasn't that the name of that foul-mouthed barbarian that was always shouting her business for all to hear? Good luck with that one, Dearies. Still, Kieran was careful to keep his voice even and his face distressed. The captions he envisioned for his lines asked for him to be terribly troubled, not terribly tickled.
But Loran wasn't out of show-stoppers yet. "I worked with an underground network to burn away the plague that is shahiti; to relieve the world and our homeland of its dark tendrils..." Considering that his homeland was still in one piece last he checked, the little Aloran that could most certainly didn't. But an underground network? Dark tendrils? Such phrases were eerily reminiscent of...
As the gravity of Loran's actions revealed themselves to be heavier than Kieran ever could have imagined, the prince of darkness found himself truly disturbed. But not for what this meant for Ms.Akimi. "The third grievance...concerns the conclusions drawn from my overreach; in desperation. I found myself bartering with forces I had once sworn to combat." This merely had to be...some sick coincidence, yes? And yet Kieran could nonetheless feel his heart rate begin to quicken. And as he continued to read on...it became clear that this was no mere coincidence. Flashbacks assaulted his vision, hampering his ability to read. That man...the instigator of his rebirth...could he be—
...That b*****d did mention that he wasn't a natural blond. Never would I have guessed that it was changing from ******** pink of all things.
Although he continued to read to Ms. Akimi with minimal pausing, Kieran's hands had tightened around the paper. There was an unnatural stiffness to the shadows all around them. If light flickered, they remained still. The slight fidgets and shifts in posture between the two of them were ignored altogether, for the darkness was now on standby. When it dawned on him that the false idol's hands grasping his own, involuntary flex almost threatened to rip the paper in two. But he resisted. Not because he gave a flying ******** about his "role" at this point. He didn't care about Ms. Akimi's feelings. Every breath that she drew was one less than she deserved. But to act on those feelings here and now would surely lead to ruin. Although her suffering was always his inevitable goal, the stage had not yet been set. Too many variables, followers of this fallacious goddess, threatened to ruin him if he didn't handle her downfall carefully.
"...Yet I trust you will find the means to persevere in this unfamiliar existence. Yours eternally....Loran Akimi."
End scene. Ms. Akimi's small, fragile hands released him from their frail grip. “Brothers. They play such cruel pranks.” Denial. The shaky, haphazard denial of a weak-willed sycophant who couldn't handle that she had lost her ever-important shoulder to cry on. Then again, he was no better.
There was such unbridled fury that wished to rage freely, but it was being kept from spreading by a haphazardly constructed wall of logic. Rules. The very sort of safety net he had sworn himself from ever using since that day. There was a civil war within his mind. On one side, there was the part of him that wished to tear his damsel apart right here and now. The part of him that yearned for Emery and spurned all who had a hand in her demise. Her brother had tried his best to keep Ms. Akimi from such a cruel fate, but the chaos that ruled this world denied him such control over the future. However, the other side of Kieran argued that he could not risk his eternal rule by eliminating the rat here and now. Her friends would surely take protest and his very mortal form could not take on the entirety of her cabal at once.
A sudden jolt brought Kieran out of his thoughts, spurred by the visage of her outstretched hand coming into his field of view. She had said something. She wanted the letter. She wished for something from him. From him. Although his mind had gained solid footing in reality, images of that night continued to violently assault his vision. Images of her. Emery... If only that worthless pest understood the pecking order around here. Then again, why couldn't she learn? Why should he continue to shelter this porcelain doll from the world? My Emery, she was taken from me... How long could he really swallow down his pride for this false idol? The shadows began to tremble, the wall he put up clinging for dear life.
SO WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO STILL BE HERE!?
Urged by the scream that bellowed out from the bottom of his heart, Kieran stood. He then turned to step right in front of Ms. Akimi. His hands dropped, the letter falling to the ground. Kieran hoped that his dead gaze burned right into her soul. If those of the Akimi bloodline even had them to begin with, anyway. "My dear, sweet Ms. Akimi..." His face lifted higher, idly staring to the ceiling as he paused. Slowly, his mouth opened and stretched out into a wild grin. "I'm afraid you're out of lines for a few scenes. Don't try to add extras." With that, phantom tendrils snapped out from the walls like vipers. Ensnaring Ms. Akimi in the blink of an eye, they rapidly rescinded and slammed the rat's head right against the wall. Walking over to check if his goal had been met, he experienced a euphoric thrill as he stood over her unconscious body.
And thus, there was finally silence.
Final preparations were now in place. It was quite the elaborate scene to put together on such short notice, but Kieran wasn't too disappointed by the work his peons were doing for him. Threats of violence sure got the servants around here to work! The string section was a little slow on the uptake, though; he wouldn't forget that any time soon. The prince of darkness brought his hands above him, making a trio of loud claps to get everyone's attention. "Alright, folks! We're gonna go through this one more time. Now I'm not expecting perfect performances, but do at least try to keep ******** time. That goes double for you, Ringo. Am I making myself clear?" Ringo attempted to protest, but was swiftly silenced by a vine of shadow that wrapped around his neck and lifted him into the air.
"I said...am I...making myself...clear?"
Ringo violently shook his head up and down, making Kieran perk up and smile. "There we go! Music to my ears." With a sharp turn of his head, Kieran refocused on his audience. A part of him wished he'd amassed a larger viewing party, but there was an intimacy here that he would've missed out on otherwise. Nodding in self-satisfaction, he got into position. "On a one, a two, a one, two, three, four!" As the strings got to work, the prince of darkness closed his eye and quietly hummed along to better check if they were following the right melody. They were from Musique, so he'd expected them to get a hang of things faster than they had. He'd really have to have a talk with the headmistress later about her herding policies. Or the "hiring" process, as the softhearted like to call it now.
As the short intro continued, his mind drifted off to all the events that lead up to this wondrously macabre production. The image of a demon reborn came to mind, rising to stand above the wreckage of the camp that had detained his former self. The cackle that had rung out echoed in his ears as that final strum led into the horns. It brought a smile to his place. Keeping his eye closed, he drew in a deep breath. It was his time to shine now. With that lead in of the trumpets, his mind was split into two camps. This time, however, they worked in tandem. Past and present combined, informing him of his future.
"The minotaur's my butler, Cyclops my valet! A centaur drives my chariot that takes me down the way!"
"Through a river made of fire, through a street that's paved with bones! I got a dozen Zombie Skeletons to walk me to my throne!"
"In the Land of the Dead! Heck, boy, ain't it grand? I'm the overlord of the underworld 'cause I hold horror's hand! In the Land of the Dead, I'm Darkside royalty! I'm far renowned in the underground and you can't take that from me!"
"WOOOAH!" "WOOOAH!"
"WOOOOAH!" "WOOOOAH!"
"WOOOAH!" "WOOOAH!"
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! My head!"
"Cerberus my lapdog is loyal as can be! My bed is made of skulls, I'm in the lap of luxury!"
"I got a Dragon's Blood jacuzzi, the Gorgons think it's cool! And a seven-headed hydra living in my swimming pool!"
"In the Land of the Dead! Heck, boy, ain't it grand? I'm the overlord of the underworld 'cause I hold horror's hand!"
Kieran was really getting into it now as he neared the end of this quaint little number. The crown might've continued to elude him, but taking the life of the sister that Mr. Akimi fought so hard to protect would sate him for a good while at the very least. As deserving as he was to rule over Lomacht with an iron fist for the rest of its days, some things were just more important. As he swayed to the rhythm, the faint clicking of two rings held by a necklace resonated strongly within him. After months of sequestering himself to his role as friendly Corthyrian prince, it felt so good to just be his normal self again! Though the consequences of his actions could very well bring him to his demise, at least he'd go down a proper Price. A proper husband, even. Imagine that.
"In the Land of the Dead, I'm Darkside royalty! I'm far renowned in the underground and you can't! Take! That! AWAAAAAY FROOOM MEEEEEEEE! No you can't take that from me!"
Stretching out his arms to strike a pose, he basked in the afterglow of an impressive performance in heavy breaths. That was definitely the best try of theirs yet. However, it was still lacking in a few spots. The brass section was a bit off-tempo at times. Not Ringo, though. Real improvements on his end. "Well, this was a really good rehearsal. I think we've really got something here. Let's say we pick this back up...a week or so, we'll say? Oh, and remember to have your memory erased on your way back! Or chance it and don't. Your choice," said the prince of darkness with a big ol' smile on his face. The servants quickly rushed out of the room, save a couple he kept by the gate to make sure he and his new pets stayed undisturbed. It was time for him to teach them their first trick: play dead. And he wouldn't rest until the two of them had it down perfectly.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
At the mere mention of a letter, Ms. Akimi tightly compacted into a ball of nerves. Wobbly hands flailed out aimlessly, desperately trying to remember their intended path. Eh, if I had vision that bad I'd be afraid of having to read something too. But what else has got you so scared shitless, my damsel? Kieran frowned, deeply concerned by this sudden turn of events. Was it love unrequited? A stalker? A forecast for cloudy skies, signaling time away from her precious sky-bound mother? Or perhaps the father of flesh? A curious free hand went over his mouth, his index finger tracing his brow back and forth as he continued to question what was going on in that peanut-sized brain of hers.
The prince of darkness brought the envelope forward so that the blind mouse could stop swiping her paws at random. It was getting sad, and not in a way that was enjoyable to watch. While she continued to grasp at straws with her mouth, her hand caught on quickly. It made sense, though; that vermin like her could speak in the first place was no small miracle. When she did, he half expected her to snatch it from his hand and scamper off like the worthless little rodent she was. Instead, she froze. From that, Kieran surmised that whoever wrote this had quite the pedigree to them. Or at least quite particular tastes in stationery. Raising a brow, he bent forward slightly and tilted his head in an approximation of worried discontent as her strained voice weakly finished the sentence that she'd seemingly forgotten that she started.
"Ophelia....? Come now, surely your land's taxes aren't that bad this year," Kieran joked in cautious tones, hoping to stir his damsel out of her frozen state. Nadine rushed to Ms. Akimi's side as he did so, her detestable light shimmering with varied brightness as if to also try and get the damsel's attention. Did she sense that the self-proclaimed witch she'd become a familiar to was distressed? See it? Just how did she perceive the world in her current state? And what terrible luck to be stuck to Ms. Akimi of all people on top of being reduced to a simple orb. Then again, since she was presumably also from Alore, it made sense that she would fall prey to Ms. Akimi's smoke and mirrors act. Unfortunately, the sound of Ms. Akimi's shaky voice pulled him from any further pondering on the matter.
“I’m so sorry it’s Loran, I.. I-I… He’s been– I’ve been waiting for news. He was supposed to be here months ago and I–”
An icy blue eye brought her right at the center of his gaze, giving Ms. Akimi every bit of his attention. It's what any good friend would do in a situation like this, and he and Ms. Akimi were as thick as thieves! If only all of her stammering wasn't so damn grating to hear. I-I and h-he and a-and woe is me and holy s**t, this is the worst performance she's given thus far. If anyone can hear this, please find a way to bring us back to Arioso or something. Goodness. For what felt like an eternity, Kieran watched as Ms. Akimi finally started getting to the actual ******** contents of the letter. Sure she was blind, but did she have to be so slow too? It was incredible how ignorant she was to how much she practically invited people to despise her. Or was that just her really committing to the bit? Normally he'd offer applause for such efforts, but there was such a thing as too much scenery chewing. And as far he was concerned, she'd left her bite marks on the entire theater at this point. He'd have to work with her on that in the future.
“It seems I actually desperately require some assistance,” said the damsel after seemingly wrestling with that choice for a long while. Kieran didn't really get it; did she think that made her seem more sympathetic? Honestly, she was so lucky he wasn't one to break character. If she heard the director's notes he had for her here and now, she'd most certainly shrivel into dust. Instead, the prince of darkness ever-valiantly rushed to her side in her clear time of need. "...Of course, Ophelia," responded Kieran solemnly, taking the letter from her and kneeling down beside her. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.
"Alright, here goes. My dearest Sunspot–"
Hunching inward as though he were getting more engrossed into the letter's contents with each passing word that left his throat, Kieran made sure to speak at an even pace as whoever wrote this gave Ms. Akimi the most generic message ever written. Matters that weigh heavily on his heart? Requiring an open heart and mind? Oh, you poor thing! Now just what news do you have for us, Loran? Is Father sending her home after hearing of her rather salacious hobbies around here? As he read on, however, he was surprised to find genuinely juicy details regarding the Akimi duchy's currently sorry state. Beef between them and the Rousseaus? Wasn't that the name of that foul-mouthed barbarian that was always shouting her business for all to hear? Good luck with that one, Dearies. Still, Kieran was careful to keep his voice even and his face distressed. The captions he envisioned for his lines asked for him to be terribly troubled, not terribly tickled.
But Loran wasn't out of show-stoppers yet. "I worked with an underground network to burn away the plague that is shahiti; to relieve the world and our homeland of its dark tendrils..." Considering that his homeland was still in one piece last he checked, the little Aloran that could most certainly didn't. But an underground network? Dark tendrils? Such phrases were eerily reminiscent of...
As the gravity of Loran's actions revealed themselves to be heavier than Kieran ever could have imagined, the prince of darkness found himself truly disturbed. But not for what this meant for Ms.Akimi. "The third grievance...concerns the conclusions drawn from my overreach; in desperation. I found myself bartering with forces I had once sworn to combat." This merely had to be...some sick coincidence, yes? And yet Kieran could nonetheless feel his heart rate begin to quicken. And as he continued to read on...it became clear that this was no mere coincidence. Flashbacks assaulted his vision, hampering his ability to read. That man...the instigator of his rebirth...could he be—
Quote:
"You know, big guy, this gorgeous little minx reminds me of someone close to my own heart. She's a firecracker just the same. A fellow woman of the craft, too! It's a real shame what I'm gonna have to do to yours, though...oh well!"
...That b*****d did mention that he wasn't a natural blond. Never would I have guessed that it was changing from ******** pink of all things.
Although he continued to read to Ms. Akimi with minimal pausing, Kieran's hands had tightened around the paper. There was an unnatural stiffness to the shadows all around them. If light flickered, they remained still. The slight fidgets and shifts in posture between the two of them were ignored altogether, for the darkness was now on standby. When it dawned on him that the false idol's hands grasping his own, involuntary flex almost threatened to rip the paper in two. But he resisted. Not because he gave a flying ******** about his "role" at this point. He didn't care about Ms. Akimi's feelings. Every breath that she drew was one less than she deserved. But to act on those feelings here and now would surely lead to ruin. Although her suffering was always his inevitable goal, the stage had not yet been set. Too many variables, followers of this fallacious goddess, threatened to ruin him if he didn't handle her downfall carefully.
"...Yet I trust you will find the means to persevere in this unfamiliar existence. Yours eternally....Loran Akimi."
End scene. Ms. Akimi's small, fragile hands released him from their frail grip. “Brothers. They play such cruel pranks.” Denial. The shaky, haphazard denial of a weak-willed sycophant who couldn't handle that she had lost her ever-important shoulder to cry on. Then again, he was no better.
There was such unbridled fury that wished to rage freely, but it was being kept from spreading by a haphazardly constructed wall of logic. Rules. The very sort of safety net he had sworn himself from ever using since that day. There was a civil war within his mind. On one side, there was the part of him that wished to tear his damsel apart right here and now. The part of him that yearned for Emery and spurned all who had a hand in her demise. Her brother had tried his best to keep Ms. Akimi from such a cruel fate, but the chaos that ruled this world denied him such control over the future. However, the other side of Kieran argued that he could not risk his eternal rule by eliminating the rat here and now. Her friends would surely take protest and his very mortal form could not take on the entirety of her cabal at once.
A sudden jolt brought Kieran out of his thoughts, spurred by the visage of her outstretched hand coming into his field of view. She had said something. She wanted the letter. She wished for something from him. From him. Although his mind had gained solid footing in reality, images of that night continued to violently assault his vision. Images of her. Emery... If only that worthless pest understood the pecking order around here. Then again, why couldn't she learn? Why should he continue to shelter this porcelain doll from the world? My Emery, she was taken from me... How long could he really swallow down his pride for this false idol? The shadows began to tremble, the wall he put up clinging for dear life.
SO WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO STILL BE HERE!?
Urged by the scream that bellowed out from the bottom of his heart, Kieran stood. He then turned to step right in front of Ms. Akimi. His hands dropped, the letter falling to the ground. Kieran hoped that his dead gaze burned right into her soul. If those of the Akimi bloodline even had them to begin with, anyway. "My dear, sweet Ms. Akimi..." His face lifted higher, idly staring to the ceiling as he paused. Slowly, his mouth opened and stretched out into a wild grin. "I'm afraid you're out of lines for a few scenes. Don't try to add extras." With that, phantom tendrils snapped out from the walls like vipers. Ensnaring Ms. Akimi in the blink of an eye, they rapidly rescinded and slammed the rat's head right against the wall. Walking over to check if his goal had been met, he experienced a euphoric thrill as he stood over her unconscious body.
And thus, there was finally silence.
⏲ Some Time Later ⏲
Final preparations were now in place. It was quite the elaborate scene to put together on such short notice, but Kieran wasn't too disappointed by the work his peons were doing for him. Threats of violence sure got the servants around here to work! The string section was a little slow on the uptake, though; he wouldn't forget that any time soon. The prince of darkness brought his hands above him, making a trio of loud claps to get everyone's attention. "Alright, folks! We're gonna go through this one more time. Now I'm not expecting perfect performances, but do at least try to keep ******** time. That goes double for you, Ringo. Am I making myself clear?" Ringo attempted to protest, but was swiftly silenced by a vine of shadow that wrapped around his neck and lifted him into the air.
"I said...am I...making myself...clear?"
Ringo violently shook his head up and down, making Kieran perk up and smile. "There we go! Music to my ears." With a sharp turn of his head, Kieran refocused on his audience. A part of him wished he'd amassed a larger viewing party, but there was an intimacy here that he would've missed out on otherwise. Nodding in self-satisfaction, he got into position. "On a one, a two, a one, two, three, four!" As the strings got to work, the prince of darkness closed his eye and quietly hummed along to better check if they were following the right melody. They were from Musique, so he'd expected them to get a hang of things faster than they had. He'd really have to have a talk with the headmistress later about her herding policies. Or the "hiring" process, as the softhearted like to call it now.
As the short intro continued, his mind drifted off to all the events that lead up to this wondrously macabre production. The image of a demon reborn came to mind, rising to stand above the wreckage of the camp that had detained his former self. The cackle that had rung out echoed in his ears as that final strum led into the horns. It brought a smile to his place. Keeping his eye closed, he drew in a deep breath. It was his time to shine now. With that lead in of the trumpets, his mind was split into two camps. This time, however, they worked in tandem. Past and present combined, informing him of his future.
"The minotaur's my butler, Cyclops my valet! A centaur drives my chariot that takes me down the way!"
Quote:
Immediately after finally shutting Ms. Akimi up, a shadowy tendril crawled up from under his front door to alert his servants to enter. As they did so, Nadine tried to make a run for it. But she had no such luck. A myriad of phantom strands wrapped around her and strangled her in place while a stray limb closed the door back shut. Kieran was careful to use just enough force to keep her steady, for he was unsure as to where her shreds would go if he tried to pop her like a balloon. Venomous whispers from Kieran commanded one of the servants to quickly grab a large mason jar, which she was soon stuffed into. As for Ms. Akimi, Kieran had different plans.
"Through a river made of fire, through a street that's paved with bones! I got a dozen Zombie Skeletons to walk me to my throne!"
Quote:
With the more elusive of the pair of Aloran trash dealt with, Kieran made a pointed stride towards the quarters of one Izolda Egorova. She gazed upon him with her usual amused indifference, but Kieran made it clear that he had no need for her taunts or her games. He needed storage space, plain and simple. No, not just that. A stage. The professor offered a dungeon to him if he paid her to rent it, and though he knew that such a transaction was merely another ploy from the dark magician, he didn't have time to barter and he was damn sure he wasn't going to beg for anything right now. Agreeing to the hag's terms, he quickly had a couple of servants obscure themselves and begin discreetly setting up the stage as per his instructions.
"In the Land of the Dead! Heck, boy, ain't it grand? I'm the overlord of the underworld 'cause I hold horror's hand! In the Land of the Dead, I'm Darkside royalty! I'm far renowned in the underground and you can't take that from me!"
Quote:
Hidden deep within unmarked regions of the main school building and disconnected from the Uilum magicks that lit the rest of the campus, there was a dungeon perfectly suited for his needs. Bringing Ms. Akimi and her glowing pet, he had his servants make sure to mask the sight of them, the sounds they made and even their scents. He was almost certain that such talents would otherwise go to waste, so Kieran hoped that these peasants understood the opportunity he'd given them and made sure not to waste it. Torches were intermittently placed upon sconces littered across the halls to provide dim, eerie lighting that would be just good enough for the musicians he'd need. Chaining the pink-haired rat down, he and his men then proceeded to place Nadine too far from arm's reach but hopefully close enough that the vermin might pay witness to her own downfall. But simple torture wasn't all he had in store for her. No, no. She deserved far worse. The world did.
"WOOOAH!" "WOOOAH!"
"WOOOOAH!" "WOOOOAH!"
"WOOOAH!" "WOOOAH!"
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! My head!"
"Cerberus my lapdog is loyal as can be! My bed is made of skulls, I'm in the lap of luxury!"
Quote:
Wasting no time, Kieran sought out the ever-ardent Oliver Ospina. Mr. Ospina and Ms. Akimi had experienced what was certainly a breakup for the ages, but why leave it at that when he could make it so much worse for them both? After all, he could see the longing in Ms. Akimi's eyes. Things were not as clear cut as either of them would likely say that they were. For love lingers. It festers. It never truly dies. The song and dance these young lovers were tip-toeing through was a tale as old as time. How droll. Finding the little birdie that couldn't knees deep in a plethora of books, none of which he likely understood given the size that his brain shrunk down to half the time, the mention of his sweetheart in danger spurred him to action. It was sort of adorable, really. Unfortunately for Mr. Ospina, though, he was not the hero of this story.
"I got a Dragon's Blood jacuzzi, the Gorgons think it's cool! And a seven-headed hydra living in my swimming pool!"
Quote:
Bringing him down dark hallways, he waited until he got nods of confirmation from his servants before swiftly knocking the idiot out. Although, in all fairness, he was far more clever than the average bird. No wonder he and the rat got along so well. Kieran had Mr. Ospina chained across from Ms. Akimi, who for once played her role perfectly. Who knew she could do helpless captive so beautifully? Ah, what bliss. As for her faithful manservant, a power dampening collar was placed around his neck. Another expense from Professor Egorova, but money well spent. After all, he couldn't have the bird brat going off and tattle telling. No, his feathers would be plucked tonight.
"In the Land of the Dead! Heck, boy, ain't it grand? I'm the overlord of the underworld 'cause I hold horror's hand!"
Kieran was really getting into it now as he neared the end of this quaint little number. The crown might've continued to elude him, but taking the life of the sister that Mr. Akimi fought so hard to protect would sate him for a good while at the very least. As deserving as he was to rule over Lomacht with an iron fist for the rest of its days, some things were just more important. As he swayed to the rhythm, the faint clicking of two rings held by a necklace resonated strongly within him. After months of sequestering himself to his role as friendly Corthyrian prince, it felt so good to just be his normal self again! Though the consequences of his actions could very well bring him to his demise, at least he'd go down a proper Price. A proper husband, even. Imagine that.
"In the Land of the Dead, I'm Darkside royalty! I'm far renowned in the underground and you can't! Take! That! AWAAAAAY FROOOM MEEEEEEEE! No you can't take that from me!"
Stretching out his arms to strike a pose, he basked in the afterglow of an impressive performance in heavy breaths. That was definitely the best try of theirs yet. However, it was still lacking in a few spots. The brass section was a bit off-tempo at times. Not Ringo, though. Real improvements on his end. "Well, this was a really good rehearsal. I think we've really got something here. Let's say we pick this back up...a week or so, we'll say? Oh, and remember to have your memory erased on your way back! Or chance it and don't. Your choice," said the prince of darkness with a big ol' smile on his face. The servants quickly rushed out of the room, save a couple he kept by the gate to make sure he and his new pets stayed undisturbed. It was time for him to teach them their first trick: play dead. And he wouldn't rest until the two of them had it down perfectly.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - All Day, Every Day, Therapist, Mother, Maid
LOCATION: Sun Room xxx COMPANY: Mary (w/ Joby) xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Rainbow in the Dark
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Even as the rose before him rose to greet him, Kieran could not yet discern if she were spectre or reality. If the child she wished to obstruct his vision from was fact or fiction. As she denied him her offspring's visage, Kieran would instead focus on Mary's features. There was a struggle in the way she looked at him, which was to be expected. The poor Deary had likely placed her faith that if they were to one day reunite, it would be the Kieran Price of old that she would be greeted by. The frailty in her voice as she so weakly defended her actions further proved her disapproval. But did she have any idea what the sight of her did to him?
And it was more than just her eyes. Her voice, her sun-kissed skin, her golden hair; the entirety of her person caused memories of a life long since left behind to try and force their way back to the surface. Flashes of moments past assaulted him in their desperate attempts to regain a foothold on him. Letters passed through a doorway. A fae girl who Perhaps she would remain a phantom to him forever more from that alone. One final, unintended spell that would haunt him forever. But maybe it wasn't just him that the spell had affected.
Looking down, he saw a book on the ground by where she'd been seated. Eoe. Have such hauntings been a mutual exchange, then? From its shadow, tendrils arose to lift the book up and bring it to him. "Duty, huh?" asked Kieran absentmindedly as he took the book in hand. As the shadows rescinded, he took time to observe it and feel its weight. A dry chuckle rumbled in his chest. Lifting it was effortless for him, but was it as simple a task for her? Or was this her only way of connecting to a brother long since deceased? Was this a cherished memory she'd return to or had it truly taken her this long to get around to reading Eoe's work on her own? While the idea of searching his memory to try and confirm the latter was tempting, he knew not to indulge such a thought. Surely it would ensnare him entirely.
"Something like that, yes."
The prince of darkness took a step closer to her. If he were ever to excise this poltergeist feeling, he could not stray from it. Kieran would extinguish its power head on. "As for the boy, tell me, Ms. Malachi: what would you like to hear so that you stop acting as though I wish him harm? His name? His birthday? His favorite food?" With a gaze so piercing it might drill a hole right through her skull, there was only barely restrained frustration in his voice. Her arriving here had clearly cursed them both, so why go through with it? Why subject her child to such strife and then act as though her first instinct is to protect him?
It wasn't entirely her fault, though. Such hypocrisies were the building blocks to the society she likely still filtered her experiences through. And with a life like the one she had led, it made sense for her to need structure to cling to. What a pity it was that her chosen ideology failed her so miserably. His features relaxing, he offered her the book. "Do I frighten you, Deary?" As she was once a trusted audience member, Kieran was quite curious as to her thoughts on his new form. Ms. Malachi had faced many a demon in her life; if he had sparked even a sliver of that same primal fear within her, then he had truly achieved his goal of becoming an infernal creature. And if she could rise above that fear once again, perhaps she too could rid herself of the dark magic that had her in a strangle hold. Oh, what charities he granted her.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
Even as the rose before him rose to greet him, Kieran could not yet discern if she were spectre or reality. If the child she wished to obstruct his vision from was fact or fiction. As she denied him her offspring's visage, Kieran would instead focus on Mary's features. There was a struggle in the way she looked at him, which was to be expected. The poor Deary had likely placed her faith that if they were to one day reunite, it would be the Kieran Price of old that she would be greeted by. The frailty in her voice as she so weakly defended her actions further proved her disapproval. But did she have any idea what the sight of her did to him?
And it was more than just her eyes. Her voice, her sun-kissed skin, her golden hair; the entirety of her person caused memories of a life long since left behind to try and force their way back to the surface. Flashes of moments past assaulted him in their desperate attempts to regain a foothold on him. Letters passed through a doorway. A fae girl who Perhaps she would remain a phantom to him forever more from that alone. One final, unintended spell that would haunt him forever. But maybe it wasn't just him that the spell had affected.
Looking down, he saw a book on the ground by where she'd been seated. Eoe. Have such hauntings been a mutual exchange, then? From its shadow, tendrils arose to lift the book up and bring it to him. "Duty, huh?" asked Kieran absentmindedly as he took the book in hand. As the shadows rescinded, he took time to observe it and feel its weight. A dry chuckle rumbled in his chest. Lifting it was effortless for him, but was it as simple a task for her? Or was this her only way of connecting to a brother long since deceased? Was this a cherished memory she'd return to or had it truly taken her this long to get around to reading Eoe's work on her own? While the idea of searching his memory to try and confirm the latter was tempting, he knew not to indulge such a thought. Surely it would ensnare him entirely.
"Something like that, yes."
The prince of darkness took a step closer to her. If he were ever to excise this poltergeist feeling, he could not stray from it. Kieran would extinguish its power head on. "As for the boy, tell me, Ms. Malachi: what would you like to hear so that you stop acting as though I wish him harm? His name? His birthday? His favorite food?" With a gaze so piercing it might drill a hole right through her skull, there was only barely restrained frustration in his voice. Her arriving here had clearly cursed them both, so why go through with it? Why subject her child to such strife and then act as though her first instinct is to protect him?
It wasn't entirely her fault, though. Such hypocrisies were the building blocks to the society she likely still filtered her experiences through. And with a life like the one she had led, it made sense for her to need structure to cling to. What a pity it was that her chosen ideology failed her so miserably. His features relaxing, he offered her the book. "Do I frighten you, Deary?" As she was once a trusted audience member, Kieran was quite curious as to her thoughts on his new form. Ms. Malachi had faced many a demon in her life; if he had sparked even a sliver of that same primal fear within her, then he had truly achieved his goal of becoming an infernal creature. And if she could rise above that fear once again, perhaps she too could rid herself of the dark magic that had her in a strangle hold. Oh, what charities he granted her.
OOC:
Beyond The Time
Dapper Dabbler
Guild Thread - All Day, Every Day, Therapist, Mother, Maid
LOCATION: Sun Room xxx COMPANY: Mary (w/ Joby) xxx CLOTHING: Outfit xxx AMBIANCE: Build God, Then We’ll Talk
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
And just like that, Kieran could see the flash of hope in Ms. Malachi’s eyes start to slip away. Ever since she first recognized him, it was like there was some lingering thread she could see in him that some small part of her hoped she might be able to tug on. It was getting to be such an eyesore, and when you only have the one strain like that is a truly serious concern. "Don’t call me that," If only his ears could experience such bliss. Instead, the poltergeist before him would wail on about how he was “patronizing” her. What, would she rather him speak to her as if they were of the same status? Oh what pretty lies he fed to her in those halcyon days. And how sad it must be for her that those days are long past.
Oh well.
"What kind of question is that? As though you–you didn’t come in here just to frighten me?"
”Is that a yes, then?” asked Kieran, cocking his head to the side as he smiled devilishly at her. His amusement furthered when she ripped the book from his hand as if she meant to do something with it. Then again, with the way it trembled in her grip, perhaps she had. Anticipation built up within the prince of darkness. Was she going to strike him with it? Face her fears head-on? Kieran smiled amusedly at the thought. Unfortunately, the banshee before him had no such tenacity. What a pity. Bringing his attention back to that sun-kissed face of hers, Kieran placed a hand to his chest as if affronted by her accusations.
”Act a boggart, Ms. Malachi?”
While he spoke, Ms. Malachi would experience the light leave her eyes. Literally. As her vision was sent to the all-black, Kieran would take a seat behind her, with the spectre still between himself and her little ghost kid. ”Whose to say I haven’t become one already?”, said the prince, his voice sinking into dull, bitter notes as he allowed her vision to return. His smile now faded, he rested his arms atop the sides of the bench as he peered up at the rain bellowing down from above. If only it were enough to drown them both completely.
No, that wasn’t what he wanted. He was undeserving of death at this point, quite frankly. Undeserving of the chance to see her again. That the thought enticed him again must’ve been the work of the magicks that tormented them both. Nothing more. Still, that he wasn’t the only one suffering in this reunion brought him some perverted sense of comfort. And now that she could see him for what he is now as opposed to what he was, there was one more shred of his past self that could finally be laid to rest. If only the prince could toss him into a hole in the ground entirely. But that day would come soon, he reminded himself.
In the meantime, he figured he might as well get comfortable during his stay in purgatory. Crossing one leg over, Kieran nudged for Ms. Malachi to sit back down, a flash of mischief in his frigid eye. ”But since you’re clearly not ready to act on that malice and exorcise me quite yet, you might as well sit down. Enjoy the rain with me! We’ll gossip, reminisce. Maybe get into why you’re here instead of dancing around the subject. It’ll be fun!” For all of his supposed subterfuge, she’d been keeping her cards close to her chest as well. And yet somehow he was the only bad guy here. What a joke. Honestly, she should be lucky that he even allows her to draw breath after suffering such insolence from one of lesser status.
Tapping a hand on the space beside him, he impatiently awaited her arrival. Or the full brunt of her ire. Either would be good, really. But that half-assed spite she was pulling with him so far? That wouldn’t do. She could do so much better, if only she allowed herself to. And being the casting director that he was, Kieran couldn’t help but try and get her to reach her full potential. If he could rouse such delightfully anguished dialogue out of a mouse of all things, Kieran could do even better with a fully-functioning human being. The hold his visage had on her already faded considerably; surely it wouldn't take long now to rid her of it entirely.
OOC:
"Speaking #2a0f0b""Thinking"
And just like that, Kieran could see the flash of hope in Ms. Malachi’s eyes start to slip away. Ever since she first recognized him, it was like there was some lingering thread she could see in him that some small part of her hoped she might be able to tug on. It was getting to be such an eyesore, and when you only have the one strain like that is a truly serious concern. "Don’t call me that," If only his ears could experience such bliss. Instead, the poltergeist before him would wail on about how he was “patronizing” her. What, would she rather him speak to her as if they were of the same status? Oh what pretty lies he fed to her in those halcyon days. And how sad it must be for her that those days are long past.
Oh well.
"What kind of question is that? As though you–you didn’t come in here just to frighten me?"
”Is that a yes, then?” asked Kieran, cocking his head to the side as he smiled devilishly at her. His amusement furthered when she ripped the book from his hand as if she meant to do something with it. Then again, with the way it trembled in her grip, perhaps she had. Anticipation built up within the prince of darkness. Was she going to strike him with it? Face her fears head-on? Kieran smiled amusedly at the thought. Unfortunately, the banshee before him had no such tenacity. What a pity. Bringing his attention back to that sun-kissed face of hers, Kieran placed a hand to his chest as if affronted by her accusations.
”Act a boggart, Ms. Malachi?”
While he spoke, Ms. Malachi would experience the light leave her eyes. Literally. As her vision was sent to the all-black, Kieran would take a seat behind her, with the spectre still between himself and her little ghost kid. ”Whose to say I haven’t become one already?”, said the prince, his voice sinking into dull, bitter notes as he allowed her vision to return. His smile now faded, he rested his arms atop the sides of the bench as he peered up at the rain bellowing down from above. If only it were enough to drown them both completely.
No, that wasn’t what he wanted. He was undeserving of death at this point, quite frankly. Undeserving of the chance to see her again. That the thought enticed him again must’ve been the work of the magicks that tormented them both. Nothing more. Still, that he wasn’t the only one suffering in this reunion brought him some perverted sense of comfort. And now that she could see him for what he is now as opposed to what he was, there was one more shred of his past self that could finally be laid to rest. If only the prince could toss him into a hole in the ground entirely. But that day would come soon, he reminded himself.
In the meantime, he figured he might as well get comfortable during his stay in purgatory. Crossing one leg over, Kieran nudged for Ms. Malachi to sit back down, a flash of mischief in his frigid eye. ”But since you’re clearly not ready to act on that malice and exorcise me quite yet, you might as well sit down. Enjoy the rain with me! We’ll gossip, reminisce. Maybe get into why you’re here instead of dancing around the subject. It’ll be fun!” For all of his supposed subterfuge, she’d been keeping her cards close to her chest as well. And yet somehow he was the only bad guy here. What a joke. Honestly, she should be lucky that he even allows her to draw breath after suffering such insolence from one of lesser status.
Tapping a hand on the space beside him, he impatiently awaited her arrival. Or the full brunt of her ire. Either would be good, really. But that half-assed spite she was pulling with him so far? That wouldn’t do. She could do so much better, if only she allowed herself to. And being the casting director that he was, Kieran couldn’t help but try and get her to reach her full potential. If he could rouse such delightfully anguished dialogue out of a mouse of all things, Kieran could do even better with a fully-functioning human being. The hold his visage had on her already faded considerably; surely it wouldn't take long now to rid her of it entirely.
OOC: