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 Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:57 am
"Ah, my friend, you've no idea as to what madness truly is." Altais waved a hand, as if dismissing the idea. "But if the world were to be saturated with blood, I would not be complaining in the slightest. That would mean far more business for not only my guild, but for my Brothers as well. In a way, we'd a bit indebted to you for the favor." He let out a laugh. "Fancy that; a Demon indebted to a man." He snorted and shook his head, the tails of his blindfold following the motion.
"As far as boy King Azreth, I've crossed paths with him several times. Once when he was perhaps ten winters, when his father was still alive. Myself and his father had done business together before -- the Guild sort, of course -- and I had wanted to make a Contract with him, but sadly that damned Morpheus got to him first. Though, now that's he's gone, perhaps I'd have a chance. . ." He trailed off for a moment, thinking, before he shook his head. "No, the other's Mark is still on his chest." He let out a small, lamenting sigh. "But the last time I saw him was about a year ago. And actually, there was another Althos beside him; an Alchemist. Funny looking man, with an odd hat and that same red hair you boast." He rested his chin in his palm. "Your cousin Zel, I presume. I imagine you've quite a grudge against him if I can feel your anger this easily. But no, I haven't met the Grand Magus."
The Demon called to the Barkeep for a refill on both their drinks, setting a full crown on the bar's counter to cover the remaining orders for the rest of the evening. "I would ask why you hate him so much, but I'm sure I'll find out in due time, one way or another." He clapped the man on his shoulder. "But, as you said, one way or another, it'll be taught in lessons for thousands of years to come. I just do really hope that plenty of blood is spilled in the process. It'd be nice if I had some weight to throw around in the Abyss." He gave Cairne a dry, amused smile.
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:17 am
Obliging the truth with a smile, Cairne laughed to himself. "Perhaps not. " Indeed, the thought of a demon indebted to a man would be most unique. It hadn't happened in a while, at least not in any books Cairne managed to get his hands on when he snuck into the Grand Archives. Nor the old tomb he stole -- ahem, borrowed without any intention of returning-- held any but a flittering that it may have happened once. Women were involved. It got boring quickly. "I would be quite worried if I ever earned that. What next? Gods? " It was humerous to think such nonsense. In his soul, Cairne knew it woudldn't happen. He would be long and happily dead when Gods kneeled before any man.
The story of the assassin's interaction with the king's youth was interesting information. What was most interesting was the confirmation of rumors about the child bound to a demon. It brought a calculated smile to Cairne. Oh, that must burn Zel up knowing he failed at such a high level. This was going to be the thing his dreams were made of for the next few years, no doubts. "Yes. My cousin. The Grand Alchemist assigned to the Isle by the Arcanium College, Crowned Alchemist to the Deservian line, and grandson of the great Grand Magus of Azreth." Cairne sniffed and shrugged before grinning. "My blood line is filled with important people. Then my father decides to join a cult, raise demons, damn my family to death and ruin all chances I had of becoming the Archmagus like I dreamed. "
Cairne pasued and realized he had said something that he probably shouldn't have. Did it matter? Not really. He held a grudge of power, of knowledge, of learning against his cousin. After all, Zel was the only 'living' heir on the island once Grand Magus Gramma Nam died. Would he take Zel out first? Would that do the most damage? He pondered this while a finger traced the rim of his almost empty mug. "Blood damned me, and blood will be damned in return. Then? The world." Really, the world? Probably not. But he would have to take out the entire Arcanium if he took out both of the major players on the island suddenly.
With the next round, Cairne was thankful that the keeper knew his routine of alcohol and water. He sipped at the ale and smiled, "There are more reasons than that. But yes... If all goes according to plan, it'll be quite the upheval of power. Once that is done... then maybe I'll let you take my soul. "
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:35 am
Altais' eyebrows rose halfway to his hairline. "Your father called Demons? Did he happen to form a Contract with any of us?" Altais was honestly intrigued; it really wasn't every day when you met the ancestor of one who called up those form the Abyss. "But why would your father's sins be placed on your shoulders? I mean, sure, you're not keeping the best of company these days," he grinned and continued on, "But why would they think to damn you? It's not like just because your father called us up that you'd do the same." He paused for a moment and once more took his blindfold off, letting it hand loose around his neck. He was comfortable with Cairne, and he needn't worry about losing control when there wasn't any violence around. "Er. You haven't called any of us up, have you?" He looked askance at the man, not believing Cairne would be so stupid as to do so. Everyone -- even peasants -- knew that if one consorted with Demons, there was always an untimely end.
"Regardless, taking the world would be a simple matter for you, friend." The Demon let out a rolling, half-maniacal laugh. "Especially with one of my kind and power at your side. Besides, now I have even more motivation to help you succeed in your conquests." He tipped the man a wink. "When you're old in feeble, I'll be in the prime of my life, and then your 'maybe' will turn into 'please, take it, and make me strong again, O Demon of Might and Power." Altais snorted into his now-empty mug and waved his hand for a refill, looking at it forlornly. "Damn. One huge downfall about being from the Abyss -- you can never get drunk."
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:07 am
"Usually it falls upon the Grand Magus to sentence deaths. But it was harder than normal. See... She's my grandmother. She was ordering her son's execution. She didn't even knew I existed because of the lack of communication. And I don't know what he did. All I know is that when his friends gathered and a nice looking lady was amongst them, it was time to go 'visit' the neighbors for a few days." Yeah, human sacrifices. Cairne hadn't been stupid. His father had been deep within the black arts. But for all that he knew, and learned from his father about the arts, he adopted only the shadows. They didn't call the dead, they didn't summon demons, and they appeared to keep the demons away and at bay. But as for why it happened? He didn't have a good answer. Was ' that is the laws of man's magic' a good answer when the demon pointed out the very flaw Cairne had about the whole ordeal? "I don't know. After I hunted and killed the bandits, I learned that maybe they had been too blood thirsty. My father was the only one that was supposed to die. My mother and I were just 'job perks' apperntly. Needless to say, they didn't live long after. " He grinned and shrugged. There was more to his whole story, but Altias would learn of his escapades with elven rangers later. That part was a bit more happy and enjoyable. And bloody.
The glance and the pointed question made the Shadow King growl, "That is magic I wouldn't touch regardless of any circumstances. No offense, but the contracts aren't exactly in my best interests ever. I'd need to hire a country of attournies to get out with my skin at minimum."
"Pheraps I will beg. But I'll need to live to see it. I've accepted that I'm damned. " He chuckled and sipped at his water thoughtfully before another fit of laughter took him. "The thought of living forever... as tempting as it is, doesn't sit well with my concious. But we'll play it by ear. " He said with a slight smile, and chuckled as the demon lamented over the drink. "Maybe not. I'll let you know how it feels in the morning. "
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:43 am
The Demon listened quietly while Cairne explained the story, making no comment nor interrupting. His father seemed like a right b*****d, and Altais could certainly understand why the Shadow King harbored some bad feelings about it all. Still, it was nothing compared to the Courts of the Abyss, but then again, the Brothers didn't have feelings or even have the word 'love' in their vocabulary. He tilted his head back and looked up at the sagging ceiling. "I wish I could say I understood, but that would be a lie. And even though our lies are impossible to see through, I don't really see a point to it unless it benefits me." He turned to meet Cairne's eyes -- so like his own -- and lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "I didn't have a family, even before I became a Demon. I grew up in the town of Corsairh in the Lands Below -- a stinking, rotten city. I had been on the run from three goons trying to capture me to sell me to a brother when I lost them in an alley."
His gaze grew distant as he thought back to the night that changed everything, over two hundred years ago. "I hadn't eaten for four days and hadn't slept for six. When I made it out the other end of an alley, I saw this clean, huge manor -- the only place like it in the whole city. I thought that if I could just make it to the side door there that I'd make it through the night. A blizzard was coming on, I had a huge gash on my ribs, blood was flowing, and I had four broken fingers. I figured if I could survive the snow, I'd worry about the rest in the morning. Ended up passing out on the drive. When I woke up next, I was in a warm bed near a fire, and I met Alston, the guy who rescued me." He laughed then, a bitter sound.
"I thought he was an angel, friend. He gave me food, my own room, clean clothes, and he even gave me my name and made me his heir. I didn't have one since my parents weren't around, so I'd always been called 'boy' or 'kid.' That alone meant more to me than anything else. So, naked and crusted with dirt and infested with lice, I got down on my knees there and grabbed my twin blades from the floor. Crossed 'em over my chest, drew my own blood, and pledged my life, my heart, my body and soul to Al." Altais smiled, a hard edge to his lips. "Didn't known then that he was a Demon, and I had just signed away my whole life."
He took a breath and lifted his tankard to his lips for a drink, only to realize it was again empty. He cursed under his breath and rang for another, taking a long drink before continuing. "Following that, Alston began training me in how to kill, how to deceive and manipulate, preparing me for the day when he'd Turn me. Couple years passed, and I was happier than I'd ever been. I trusted Alston with my life, and when he asked me to go see some of his friends and do him a favor, of course I readily agreed. Got to this Alchemy lab -- Alchemy hadn't been around for too long back then, you know -- and they hooked me up to some sort of machine. I was wired to this device, which was in turn wired to a sort of -- portable Summoning Circle. Long story short, they fused my Soul and a Demon's Spirit into my body, and here I am." He laughed, the sound not quite sane. "Now we're inseparable -- I'm him and he's me, and no way around it. But it's not so bad, really, now that I accept it. It's just who I am now, and to be honest, I'm glad it happened." That one was a lie, but no one save Altais himself knew.
The Demon stretched and blinked before clapping Cairne on the shoulder. "Sorry bout that. Haven't told anyone that in a century. But yes, I agree with you. Contracts will only come to bite you in the a**, one way or another, friend."
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 3:18 am
The response brought a quirk to his lips. Ah.. yes, he liked how honest this person--demon, excuse me-- was. His story wasn't one for empathy or sympathy. Few people could understand just why and what Cairne had hopes for in his futile plot for revenge. "I can appreciate the honesty. " And left his little soul tale at that.
What he hadn't expected was a recalling of Altias' life below. It was curious. Did Cairne feel pitty? No. Why should he? He heard stories of that city. None but the strongest would have survived, and apparently the strongest had and won. It was unfortuante ( or fortunate) that it had became a demon. What was curious was how it happened. It made Cairne tilt his head to the side as he pondered just how that would have felt. Similar, yet it had been right to the child's face. That was a clever ruse. Painful... but clever. And quite the sour lesson.
He had doubts that Altias was truely happy with the arangment, but didn't feel like pressing the issue after the snarl over lack of drink. Creation was a touchy subject. And, Cairne being Cairne, liked living a little bit too much to test those dangerous waters. "Ah. ...Ah? " He was drawn out of thought when he was touched on the shoulder. "Indeed. And as I said before, a country of lawyers. " With that he raised his glass of water and took a sip. Was it a toast? Just a friendly gesture.
There wasn't much else to be said, but Cairne was enjoying himself. He was sure whatever minion the man had brought with him was mingling in the crowd and watching him like a hawk. That was the way of things like this. "So, that ship you came in on... ?" he asked, trailing off because he had no idea what went on with a ship. He probably would learn and utilize it to his advantage, but it really wasn't something he was familiar with.
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 3:32 am
"Ah, the Sky Adder. If anything makes me happy in this cursed world, it's her. Stole my heart right out of my chest." The Demon let out a sincere laugh. "She's a big three-master, with four engine rooms and the best Moonstone generators money can buy. If you'd like, I'll take you out on her on of these days -- needless you'll need transport somewhere. Two hundred feet long and five hundred tall, from keel to deck, and the center mast is another eighty." The assassin beamed. "Got eight huge cabins, mine included, has over two hundred rooms, a small aquarium, an Alchemy lab, library, dining room, full kitchen. . ." He trailed off with a happy sigh.
"It's way more impressive if you actually see her, to be honest. But she can accommodate about ten thousand of my men if I packed 'em in real tight, and if you and your men need transport, I wouldn't mind doing it in the slightest. Sailing the skies is like nothing you've ever experienced before, Cairne. You just lose all your worries as soon as your feet hit the deck, and once you're above the clouds, you forget everything down here even exists." He winked at the man. "Truly is wonderful. You ever flown before?"
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 3:52 am
The man loved the ship. The whole thing sounded like one of those luxury cruise ships from the way it was described. He would have doubted the man could afford it, but that was nonsense. The business Altias was in was filled with good money if you knew where to look.
The description started to soon sound like a sales pitch, and no one really trusted salesmen. Unless they're dead. Then they get an arrow through the head.
Now back on Ale, Cairne took a drink and thought it over carefully. Flying was dangerous..., "I cannot say that I have ever had the pleasure of flying in anything larger than the ferry's to some of the outlaying villages. Perhaps I should at least see what you are talking about. " An easy smile grew on his face, "Perhaps another time when I can get away. I have a few things to attend to. But your Sky Adder sounds like quite the sight. I've seen her naught but from a distance. "
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:41 pm
The assassin nodded before giving the man a seated mock-bow. "Of course, Majesty." He wrapped slender fingers around his mug, looking into the ale's depths, as if seeking answers and finding none. It had taken him almost thirty years to save up for the Adder. She had been worth every coin, and she truly was his pride, but remembering the hard road it had taken to get where he was was a sobering thought. All the times he had thought he was going to die, with nothing but the Demon for company, all the times he wondered why he was trying so hard to make the Serpents a success. . .
But in the end, it all had payed off, and Altais had bought the Adder and came here, to begin his Guild anew. Of course, thrice a year he took a two-day trip to the Lands Below, to check up on the Serpents down there, but the Isle was his home now. And even though he had no family, had no house, that was the way he wanted it. Demons had no capacity for love -- even the feelings Alston had for him were more akin to the affection for a prized pet. Affection and ambition were all that was left to Altais now, and he was content with that. "That she is. Perhaps, one day, when things settle down, I'll have the time to take her out for a few weeks." He offered the Shadow King a smile. "But I've a feeling that, after meeting you, things are going to become far too interesting to leave."
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:32 am
A bow? Why did he get a bow? It was a title and didn't mean that he was royalty. Cairne had to reel in the silent anger and tempered such thought with a reassuring ' he's just being human'. It was human nature to try to goad other's into reacting. He settled for a snort and a long drink of his ale. With Cairne's head lofty and his body feeling slightly fuzzy, he wouldn't really be of much use to anyone.
And his mind was a bit duller, or was it swimming to try to keep up with the proper conversational responses?
"If what I think may happen does, then there might never be a time to go up into the sky. However, I find myself with a few weeks of downtime and between jobs, the following on an outlaying island to the south east to be exact. It would spare much headache in the end, would it not? "
There were also many other things to discuss, such as the locations of certain cities Below and how exactly their organizations would interact with one another. No doubts there would be tiffs in the beginning, most likely caused by Cairne's own men who would no doubt be put off by just the sheer cleanliness and order. It would be a good time to weed out those that would dare harm the overall goal he had. None but the insane would follow Cairne's actual goal.
"How new are you to the Isle, if I may be so bold to inquire, Altias?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:13 pm
The Demon saw the anger flare in Cairne's eyes before the man regained control over himself. Altais arched an eyebrow, his words dry. "Cairne, I'm a Demon. Mocking comes as natural to me as breathing does to you. If you take offense to anyone who mocks you, then doubtless you will fail before you begin, yes?" He took a drink of his ale, glaring down at it once the mug hit the counter again. Maybe one day he'd find a way to get drunk like these humans. Granted, it probably wouldn't bode well for his self-control, but hey. Maybe that meant it'd be easier to draw someone into a Contract or something.
"It would, yes, were you to visit the Isle on the Adder. She could get you there thrice as fast as some lopsided ferry." Altais rested his chin on his hand. "That's a tricky question, really. I was here once before several years ago, when the current King was just a boy. His mother had been a sacrifice to call up one of the Brothers. The cult who did so had bound him and drove him mad, so I had to send him back to the Abyss. That was when the child was about seven, years after his mother had died." Altais caught the barkeep's attention and ordered a fine wine, his tongue tired of the harsh bite of the ale. "I returned to the Lands Below for eleven years, and have been here for four this time around. I set up base in the Red Circle for the Serpents, and since then have been managing the Guild, certain parts of the Red's crime, and have been pirating here and there."
Cairne seemed to be succumbing to the liquor's effect. Should he remove the effects from the Shadow King, or would that only make Cairne more upset? Cairne was the only one who knew who he was and hadn't tried to either kill him outright or run away screaming. Altais tilted his head to the side, glacial eyes searching the depths of his mug for some answers. Finding none, the Demon simply shrugged and let the man know. "I promised not to trick you into a Contract, and you can take me at my word on that. But you seem to be feeling the effects of the liquor, and I can remove the drunk if you desire."
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:39 pm
Had he really came off as that? Cairne frowned in thought and decided it wasn't worth the effort to remembering that far behind. "I get that. I'm still not used to my shiny title, is all. Kinda a sobering reminder of what I have to do. " Aka: everything. He rubbed his temples with a hand, trying to keep himself from laughing again. Laughing seemed to be the best option in cases like this. Then again, he was laughing at a demon. That right there was messed up. He couldn't help it, Cairne let out a small undignified giggle, "It was the tone, I swear! And that ride would be most graciously accepted. Means more time to pretend I'm still that humble ranger and not some tattooed guy in a cape. "
Still slightly laughing from the mirthless tone before, he had to try quite hard to pay attention. Something about stats, and a really, really, really interesting bit of history that he had no idea about. That sobered Cairne up just enough to listen. Really, he listened. Not just with his ears, but he studied the entire movement, posture, tone, and attitude of the teller. That would explain the Deservian King's affinity towards demons. And it would prove all those rumors true. Cairne also put a few pieces of his own families past together and came to a very good conclusion that perhaps his Grandmother's act had been justified. But a 'perhaps' was hardly enough reason to call of his plans for revenge. The child king did, eventually, summon up a demon of his very own. Shouldn't he also be punished just as severely?
It was hard not to smile with such a delicious thought dangling just within his reach. It wouldn't be too hard. You just climb up one of the walls, sneak in and get the boy while he's sleeping with a bit of slow acting poision from just a pinprick... It was the ale talking. Cairne reeled himself back from wherever his mind had been and focused. A cure? No...he just needed the edge off. "I'm going to have to decline your gracious offer. A few rounds of water should stem my headache come tomorrow morning, as well as actively kill this slight buzz. Though I do need to pardon any rude and insulting things that may come, and perhaps actions. "
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:58 pm
Altais saw the way Cairne studied him when he spoke of meeting the King, saw the way he took in everything as the Demon told his tale. And something behind the man's eyes made Altais think he was plotting something, but what he couldn't be sure. Shrugging it off, the assassin merely offered the man a smile. "Of course. Water will do you good, then. And as for your title, it's best you get used to it now rather than later, yes? Any followers you pick up will undoubtedly begin calling you many titles, and without a hint of mockery in their tones." The Demon laughed. "But you never have to worry about that with me, Cairne. For as long as we are together, you'll always get mockery, though I assure you, it's not meant to hurt. Only to remind that even you are mortal, and all Kings fall from their thrones eventually."
The way he said it wasn't a threat; merely a statement of fact. In the last two hundred years, he had seen many great men fall, from war or old age, and Altais hoped that however he fell, Cairne would attain his ambitions beforehand. In fact, he meant to make sure of it, one way or another. The Demon stretched his arms over his head before replacing the blindfold over his eyes, ensuring that as the hours wore on, he wouldn't be tempted to lose his control. "So tell me, Cairne, how many men have joined your cause thus far?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:12 am
Used to it? Cairne swore he wouldn't ever get used to it. Being out in the open wasn't his thing. It never was. It probably never will be. Heck, he truly hated being the center of attention. Why he ever aspired to rule over all of mortal magic was beyond him right now. At least he could count on constant mockery. That enough was comforting in a way that he knew would grow annoying. He could plot assassinating children later, there was mockery to be had. "That would be welcomed, especially when everything moves along. After all, nothing lasts forever. Better laugh while you can, don't they say? " He chuckled again, accepting this new and odd friendship that was developing with ease.
With a few sips of water under his belt, Cairne gandered a guess of his numbers. It was harder than it should be, which told him that perhaps now wasn't the best time for numbers. Still, he started tallying on his fingers, counting in some weird way that made sense to only him, "Probably no more than six-hundred currently. We're in negociations with a few of the western raiding parties that wouldn't mind some different kind of work. They want the king gone, I'm still trying to convince them that it isn't the king they don't want, but the parties below that hold more threat. The concept is apparently a bit much for them. " Cairne shrugged and glanced over as he observed the demon, "Apparently 'presumputious' is a fighting word. ' Indoubtibly' seems to cause bloodlust, and ' High Tea' is an insult most foul. Clearly they've taking a dislike to nobles."
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Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:28 am
Altais couldn't help it; he laughed. A loud, macabre sound, like a thousand souls all wailing and laughing at the same time, as if both pain and pleasure were so intertwined that none could tell the difference. It fell from the Demon's lips as if nothing else in the world mattered save for mirth. Tears formed at the corners of Altais' eyes, saturating the silk of his blindfold, and the assassin rested his forehead on the bar's scarred and worn top, catching his breath in heaving gasps. "H-High Tea," he managed to choke out after several moments. Oh, Abyss, humans never ceased to utterly amaze him. The thought that he was once one was impossible -- never did he act like these people on this floating hunk of rock. No, the humans up here absolutely confounded him; how could such petty things insult them when there were thousands of other things to worry about? Finally, the man got a hold of himself and he slipped a forefinger under the hem of his blindfold, wiping away his tears.
"Ah, Gods. You humans never cease to amaze me, Cairne. Really, if I could, I'd spend the rest of my some-odd-thousand years up here with the likes of you. All of the Elder are so serious and have sticks up their asses, save for a select few, and it absolutely boggles me that they don't come up to man's realm every now and again. You humans could make a badger laugh, I swear." After another chuckle, the Demon's face once more became a mask of polite neutrality. "Back on topic, six hundred isn't a bad number. It's nowhere near what you need for what you're planning, but you can count on a good three thousand of my men swelling your ranks if you need them -- which I don't think you will. You have this natural sort of charm, this inherent quality that makes souls want to follow you, really." The Demon smiled, showing his fangs. "If only I were so lucky."
Altais took a swallow of his wine, allowing the flavors to rest on his tongue for a moment. "However, I've a feeling that in the next year, your ranks will easily grow threefold, if not ten. As more men hear whispers of the Shadow King -- and provided you make known what it is you stand for -- they'll come flocking to your banner in droves, friend." The Demon nodded, completely serious. "If you're patient -- and it seems to me that you've got plenty of patience -- then you will find many men who wish to join your cause, Cairne."
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