|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:02 pm
Nebula and Asherah: Introducing the Performermistalina13 Asherah had spent the last few days trying to decide her next move. Nebula's reappearance was unexpected but at least it would free her from this monotony. She craved to be by her mistress' side, where she belonged. The feline had hidden away in Morgan's rooms once Nebula had reappeared. It seemed the safest place for her to be. But she knew sooner or later someone would come calling and ask the inevitable questions. Sosiqui Nebula moved around her room, her hands full of plunder from the museum's vault, and tried not to think of that cursed room any more. The easiest way would be to simply lose herself in Phaedra's constant commands, drone-like... but there was a sort of madness down that road as well. The goddess was purring in delight over her new hoard. Mostly, anyway. Phaedra kept see-sawing from glee at the finds, to grumpiness at the apparent small size of their catch. That last confused Nebula deeply. Jewels and precious metals and all manner of rarities from the inner vault of a major museum and she still wasn't happy? Move that one - no, don't shed on it, or I swear I will order you to shave yourself! Phaedra ordered. Nebula sighed, and moved the appointed object half an inch to the side. "There?" It will do. For now. Again, satisfaction warred with displeasure in the goddess' tone. Sit. I wish to survey my findings.Nebula gratefully lowered herself to perch on the edge of her bed. She could feel the goddess rummaging around her remaining eye, taking snatches of sight. The feeling was bizarre. As Phaedra moved and muttered to herself, Nebula tried to think of other things. Dust under the bed, should clean it... wonder how my Lord's doing... funny little sound in the next room...
... sound?There shouldn't be anyone in there. Nebula stood up and turned, much to Phaedra's displeasure. Had that woman returned? Ooh, that woman... that woman... Jealous, are we?"Shut up," Nebula mumbled, and padded cat-silent out into the hallway to listen at the door of Morgan's room. mistalina13 Asherah's ears perked at the sound of someone in the hallway. Was someone coming? She stilled herself and listened. The footsteps were too light and there was no rustle of fabric, so it could not be the Worldshield. One of the Aoide then? She sniffed. Perhaps they wouldn't even stop long enough notices noise from this room? Even if they did, there was no reason she should not be here. This was her mistress' host's chamber. If she could no go out and search, this is where she should remain (even if it irked her to do so.) Her tail tapped lightly against the bedframe as it flicked in agitation. She needed to get out of this place if it was possible. Sosiqui Maybe it was her imagina- no! She'd heard the soft tap that time. There WAS someone in there. Nebula's fists clenched at her side. And what now, kitten? Do you suppose it is your Lord and his lover, tangled skin on skin? Hmmm? Phaedra chuckled, and Nebula's tail lashed back and forth. She didn't want to think about that. But no... no. She didn't feel him there. Maybe just the girl, then... Another sound startled her, and Nebula realized she'd put just enough weight on the door handle to turn it down some. Just as the person within had betrayed their presence, she'd betrayed her own. Now what, now what? The goddess was eager, amused, as if if the Aoide's every movement was a soap opera for her amusement. Nebula took a deep breath. Do what an Aoide ought, ask if there was anything to do, and then... leave, red-faced. She lightly pushed the door open a crack. "Forgive me, my Lady - is there anything I... can... do...." The scent wafted lightly past Nebula's nose. The same scent she'd smelled on her pillow, her sheets, in her room- mistalina13 Asherah had risen from the bed as the door handle began to turn, her muscles tensing. Someone had stopped by the door and was opening it. Very well. Time to get it over with.The feline smirked when she spotted who had opened the door. Nebula, the one she had pretended to be. And she looked upset by something. This was priceless...Sosiqui Nebula stared. It wasn't her Lord's... woman... at all! The face that met hers was nearly identical, almost, almost like looking into a mirror. But not quite. Not quite. And just like that, Nebula's shock flashed into hot anger, and she pointed one trembling finger at the interloper. "You. You. You did this." mistalina13 "I needed to be nearby. Your absence simply gave me an opportunity and I took it." Asherah smirked. "That's all there was to it." Her tail flicked idly back and forth as she watched Nebula. "But, out of curiosity, what do you claim I was responsible for?" Sosiqui "You..." Nebula snarled, all her fur standing on end. "You stole... me! My place, my Lord, my everything, they didn't even know I was gone when I needed help, and... this, this is your fault!" She jabbed one finger at her ruined eye, the gem gleaming in the socket. Yes, kitten, and? Show me your anger, show me what you'll do to keep what you most desire! Show me, Phaedra purred. "I don't know who you are, but... you'll pay for what you did. You'll pay!" And with that, Nebula slashed at the other's face, claws outstretched, aiming to cut across the other's eye. Exactly as had been done to her. mistalina13 Asherah moved slightly to dodge the blow at her face and reached to grab the Nebula's hand to keep her from trying again. "I'm an Aoide, same as you." She snorted. "We are replaceable, you and I...all Aoide are. But our lords and ladies pick favorites. Is that why you're angry, that you're not a favorite?" She glared at the other feline and tightened her grip. "If anything you should be glad you're on your way to freedom." Sosiqui "Let.. me... GO!" Nebula jerked away as hard as she could, but the other was stronger; she could not break the grip. "Freedom... this is your idea of freedom?!" The pitch of her voice tilted upwards, towards the hysteric. "I am going to die without ever getting what I wanted, and if it hadn't been for you... he would have come looking for me! I would have been safe!" Naive, Phaedra chuckled, but Nebula was well past caring. She tried to pull away again. mistalina13 "If he is what you wanted, you have no chance anyway." Asherah released Nebula's hand after another moment, ready to grab it again if the other did anything foolish again. "If one of them wanted you, they would've found a way to take you regardless." Her tail began to lash back and forth, clearly she was getting irritated. "Besides, is dying not preferable to the situation your in now?" Sosiqui "How dare you," Nebula snarled, and launched herself bodily at the other. mistalina13 Asherah snarled, the anger pent up from being stuck in this place was beginning to surface. She was ready when the other feline launched herself at her. "It would seem there is nothing left to you anymore..." She did her best to maneuver so as to pin Nebula to the bed, hopefully without too much of a fuss. "...not even sanity." She dug her claws lightly into Nebula's shoulders. "If you would wish to still serve your Lord before you perish...I would suggest shelving the fantasy that he might see you that way." Sosiqui Nebula hissed, then spat in the other's face. "You have no right-" "What in the name of the Twin Crown Himself is going on in here?" came a sudden sharp tone, and Nebula stiffened. Tian Yue... And now it gets even more interesting."Stand aside-" Tian Yue began, then paused. "Nebula and... I assume the one who served me under that name? No more of this, not in my chambers. Battle elsewhere, later, if you must.""Lord," Nebula managed, twisting away from Asherah as best she could. "I've found her, the interloper - do something to her! She did.. . she did... much to me!" "I assume you are under Tien's service, if you are in this room," Tian Yue said, addressing the other Aoide. Much to Nebula's consternation, his voice was not unkind. Firm, but not angry. "May I ask your name, and your purpose in serving as my Aoide?"mistalina13 Asherah let go of Nebula and drew back upon hearing the Dragon. "You are correct, my lord." She took a few steps back from the bed and Nebula before bowing. "My name is Asherah, I serve the Commedia Dell'Arte." She drew up again, to look him in the face, clearly unafraid. "I wanted to stay close for when I was needed by my lady...or her host." The last was added as an afterthought, mostly for Tian Yue's benefit. Asherah had no reason to like or dislike the girl, but her allegiance lay with Tien. Sosiqui Nebula stayed on the bed and fumed, trembling a bit with her anger. How could she just stand there and... bow to him and... ! She bit her lip, hard, and got a thin stream of blood running down her chin for her efforts. And her lord seemed blind to everything Asherah had done! He was even nodding at the whore! "I thought as much, when I found that the Nebula I thought I knew was someone else entirely - it seemed most likely that you were Tien's. Your Lady has gone far afield, it seems. Perhaps you should seek her out. I do not think it would be... prudent to remain here, for now." He glanced over at Nebula, and she stared back at him, trying to communicate a million things with her eyes. Punish her! Hurt her as she's hurt me! Please!Such wild desire, Phaedra crooned, and Nebula flushed under her fur. mistalina13 "That was what I had planned, to explain myself in the morning and depart afterward. I had not expected my Lady to leave so soon." Asherah nodded politely to Tian Yue. "I will ready myself to leave now, if you wish." Sosiqui "I think that would be best," Tian Yue replied, far too mildly for Nebula's taste. "Thank you for your service; though it was done under a false name, I have nothing to complain of otherwise."Nothing to complain of...! Nebula practically snarled at the Dragon, but she managed to choke it down. mistalina13 "Very well, my Lord. It has been an honor to be in your service, even if it was for a short time and I am delighted to hear I did not disappoint." Asherah smiled softly. "I apologize for the deception, but it was necessary. Might I speak to Toki as well, before I leave, to apologize to him as well?" Sosiqui "If you like. I believe he is in my chambers, cleaning as usual. Go quickly to your mistress, then. I worry for her host," Tian Yue added, more quietly. She was going to get away with it. Asherah was going to get away with... doing everything she'd done. Nebula shifted, and hugged her knees to her chest. mistalina13 Asherah reached down to retrieve a small bag from beside the desk. She had packed it days ago to be prepared to leave whenever it would be required. She slung it over her shoulder and bowed again to Tian Yue. "Thank you, my Lord." She rose and slipped past him out of the room and into the corridor, making her way quickly to Tian Yue's chambers to find the Rabbit.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:02 pm
Nebula and Tian Yue: Lashing Out
Nebula watched Asherah go, clutching one of the bed pillows tightly to her chest, so tightly that her claws tore rents in the fabric. How could he - why didn't he - doesn't understand - that b***h that b***h that b***h-
Phaedra chuckled, the sound a cold melody in Nebula's mind. Poor little kitten. Such a pity, such a pity.
"You shut up," she snarled, out loud, and her Lord finally turned towards her, one eyebrow raised in surprise. "Not you," she mumbled.
"I should hope not - what were you thinking?!" Tian Yue shook his head. "Attacking another deity's Aoide in my own chambers-"
"She - you don't understand! She stole... she stole me!" Nebula's hands clenched, and the pillow tore a little more, wisps of stuffing poking at the edges of the ripped fabric. "She stole who I was, and you didn't... didn't notice..."
Was it her imagination, or did a cloud of regret pass over his face, just for a moment? "I did not. But I had no reason to believe anyone would feign being you. She is one of the Trickster's retinue, and will go out to join her goddess." He turned back towards the door, his tail twitching once under his robes, making the fabric shift.
"Who?" Nebula gave him a blank look.
"Trickery. Tien. Morgan is now host to a goddess, like yourself... didn't you know?"
Good. Good. She's going to die. A twist of dark glee uncurled in the pit of Nebula's stomach. Good. I hope it hurts. I hope it hurts a lot.
Such passion, Phaedra crooned. Such anger.
You shut up! "No," she said, flatly. "You didn't say."
Tian Yue turned back to her, and she pulled the pillow up over her face a bit to hide her expression; in that moment, she looked very much the way her goddess felt, most of the time, her face marked with a predatory joy. "My apologies. At any rate, Asherah meant you no harm."
"I don't care. She did what she did, and I'll hurt her for it someday." Nebula's one eye glinted as she spoke, and at last the pillow gave up the ghost entirely and ripped right down the middle, spewing stuffing out onto her stomach.
"Nebula..." Tian Yue hesitated for a moment, then shook his head again. "Stay away from her if you can't control yourself."
Make me, came the momentary defiant thought, and then Nebula cringed inwardly and ground the idea into the ground. There was a point where even she could recognize that she was going too far... "Fine," she mumbled, voice muffled by the pillow.
"... Good." Tian Yue sighed, then turned. But before walking out, he looked back at her. "And clean this mess up, please."
Once he had gone, Nebula uncurled, and took one long, raggedy breath. "Let that b***h clean it up. Let her do it. ******** her." Then the tears started, and Nebula picked up handfuls of stuffing and began throwing it as hard as she could, giving vent to her frustration as she wept, Phaedra's laughter underlying her every movement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:03 pm
Nebula and Tian Yue: What the Heart Desires
Nebula padded down the hallway towards her Lord's chamber proper, her tail swaying lightly as she moved. Despite everything, a few days of rest and a bit of time to calm down had made her feel a bit better - at least where her Lord was concerned. After all, he had been kind before...
Asherah was still a b***h and a whore, though.
Still, she was in a good mood today. For all it hurt to admit, some of the scattered hours since Phaedra had taken her had been among the best in her short life.
... Not entirely pleasant, any of them, but she had enjoyed what she had always wanted. Attention. Acceptance. Welcome into the household of Tien Lung, more than she'd had before, the earlier altercation not withstanding.
I am very good at giving people what they want, kitten, Phaedra purred.
He doesn't care for you. He cares for me, Nebula replied, unfazed. She reached the door at the end of the hall and opened it, her ears moving slightly to catch any sound. Where was her Lord?
A soft noise of moving cloth caught her attention. The bedroom! That was an excellent place to pounce. She smiled and tiptoed towards the doorway, and sniffed a bit at the threshold. Yes, he was in there.
"Good moo~orning, my Lord!" she said, loudly, beaming as she bounced into the room. He was near the bed, and she leapt with glee, wrapping her arms around his neck in an exuberant hug, throwing him off balance for a moment. Something crashed to the ground.
She didn't notice how he stiffened and tensed under her touch, but she did notice how he grabbed her wrists, made her let go. Moved her back and away.
She pouted. "What's-" And then she caught sight of the figure in the bed.
A tight coil of jealousy squeezed her heart at once. Who is that? That woman? No, the hair color was wrong. Blond?
"Nebula," her Lord said, and her attention immediately flew to his face - which, to her consternation, held a stern expression. "What are you doing?"
"Aren't you happy to see me?" She leaned forward and grinned.
"Nebula... I am tending to Evin, here." Tian Yue gestured to the person in the bed. "If you would clean up the mess you have made of his medicine?"
Nebula flushed red under her fur, and looked down at the floor. The mug her Lord had been holding was shattered, liquid seeping into the rug. She gathered the whole thing up inside the fabric like a sack and straightened. "... Sorry... I just..."
"Thank you... but please, tend to your own affairs today. I must look after the boy." And Tian Yue nodded a dismissal.
Nebula stood frozen, staring blankly as her Lord ignored her, turned back to the bed, focused on another- no no no no no. He's mine. That's MINE. You can't have it - MINE!
An undercurrent of divine laughter flowed through the torrent of her thoughts. Ambrosia, kitten! Sweetest ambrosia! More, more, yes... how much do you want? How much do you desire? What would you claim? Tell me more, more, more! Phaedra's own words dissolved into laughter again, triumphant and wild.
She staggered, then. Tian Yue did not so much as turn around as she stumbled out of the room.
want want want want want want
"What are you doing to me?!" she whimpered, under her breath.
Absolutely nothing, Phaedra replied, exultant. Absolutely nothing at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:05 pm
Solo: Lady Pandora
Nebula was curled tightly on her bed, fast asleep. Nearly every night she'd fallen into bed exhausted, with no time to enjoy a gentle descent into sleep - it had been a sharp plunge into unconsciousness every time.
Sleep was time. Sleep was energy.
Sleep made it easier.
Nebula's eyelids blinked open, slowly, and there was a faint swirl of peacock green among the red of her remaining eye. The edges of her mouth managed to lift into a smirk - barely, yes, but the expression was there.
Mine, kitten. Mine, mine, mine. Phaedra shoved her host's awareness, dulled and restrained by sleep, further back into their shared consciousness before dancing to the forefront herself. Every breath brought air into her lungs, and she was the one looking at the world through her eye.
All mine. Even if she couldn't move yet, or overpower her stupid host when she was awake, Phaedra snatched every moment she could at night. So what if the girl spent the day drained? She was immaterial.
The goddess extended tendrils of her power through her host, taking inventory. It was all so fiendishly slow. The Aoide was so amusing to play with, but everything else was completely unacceptable. This chamber was a hovel, the only god she had real contact with was insufferable, her treasures were so few in number that she was tired of them already, and she had no ability to go out and gain new acquisitions.
She needed people. Power. The hum and throb of a court around her to dance through and manipulate, calling mortals softly to her and then infusing them with need before watching them drown. Sacrifices to her own glory, all of them, and their desperately gathered treasures her own offering. Really, this Age her Emperor had ushered in was... not entirely to her taste. There was too much skimping, desperation of the wrong kind for her requirements. But with his help, perhaps a suitable place to begin could be found...
Phaedra hissed, slowly. It wasn't a true vocalization, but she could manage the deliberate wheeze of air even if she couldn't properly speak audibly yet. All my plans, all my needs, and here I lie trapped in this infant's body.
Her frustration and impatience lapped angrily at the edges of Nebula's consciousness. The Aoide shifted of her own accord and began to rouse, but Phaedra shoved her away, roughly.
No, this was no longer suiting her needs. This had to change. The girl would simply have to go out. It was high time that Phaedra made herself known to the Pantheon.
Time to dance, kitten.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:06 pm
Nebula/Phaedra and Destruction: Shall We Dance?Sosiqui Nebula, most emphatically, did not want to go down the stairs. "I won't!" she yowled, her tail bristling and her claws digging into the floor as Phaedra stabbed at her psyche from within. Every step was forced through great effort, but the goddess was determined. You will go, and you will go now. Do you hear me, kitten? I must see my Emperor, and I will not let the likes of you keep me from him. Phaedra hissed, low and predatory. Move. Now.Nebula fell to her knees, sweat dripping from her forehead. "I... don't want..." The idea of the throne below was terrifying enough; the idea of it being inhabited was... no! You fear him, as well you should - but what do you think his reaction will be if you keep me from him? Me, one of his beloved Seven? The goddess snarled, then shoved an image into the forefront of Nebula's mind. bloody heap twitching on the floor no skin no limbs still alive screaming-Nebula clapped her hands over her ears and let out an incoherent cry. "Stop! Stop stop stop!" Your dragon can't help you now. He's not in, and I am. Move. Phaedra said, sweetly. The Aoide swayed, then slowly stood up. She'd been broken, this time. She shuffled down the stairs while staring at the ground, moving numbly ahead. Phaedra began to purr as they approached the throne room. Ivynian  It was getting harder and harder to determine his form, to choose his manifestation. Destruction drew forth runes in the flesh of his body, trying to lock them for a time, to force the form. A name...he had a name. He had been named countless by the races created long ago, by the mouths that spoke over the ages. By his children and his wife, his lover. What had it been?One was approaching. Slowly, steps down stairs that echoed in the pools of his own influence. Destruction swayed, unsteady for a moment, each faint step a memory of gold and shimmering. Here at least was a gem of gems returned. Sosiqui Something was there - ! A sudden wild surge of joy tumbled Nebula's consciousness around like a toy boat thrown into whitewater rapids. Lord and Emperor! Phaedra cried out, and after a moment Nebula realized she'd spoken those words aloud as well, echoing the goddess. But, beneath Phaedra's ecstasy, the Aoide herself was terrified. She was what she was; she knew the power of the Twin Crown by virtue of her very nature. Nebula trembled and came to rest just inside the throne room, crouched in complete obeisance between the dragon statues. "L-lord," she managed, her mouth dry with fear. Ivynian "Closer, child.....closer," Destruction sat down slowly on his throne, narrowing his eyes to focus more on the small, furry form. The gem was where? He smiled.
"Perfect." Sosiqui Listen. Oh, listen carefully, kitten. Repeat every word I say to you. Repeat.Nebula nodded, dully, then listened in silence as Phaedra purred her request. "Greed sends her dearest regards and greatest joy to see you well, L-lord Destruction," she managed, her voice very nearly monotone. Oh. Greed, part of her mind echoed, but any surprise at the realization of Phaedra's domain was numbed by the goddess and the regard of the Twin Crown. "She cannot yet speak for herself, so I... I will speak for her..." Now, repeat exactly as I say! It is so useless that I cannot speak to him directly, useless..."I... I am reborn at last..." Nebula went on as the goddess dictated. "The promised time has come, Emperor and Lord." Phaedra's words echoed distantly through Nebula's mouth. "Such a world I have returned to. Such a marvelous world." Marvelous... she's a monster... Ivynian "I...welcome Greed, one of my seven. Your voice is comfort to my mind, and I look forward to the days when your hands pass over the eyes and minds of mortals in the world again. Guide them, Greed, to the ends that you may." He held out his hand, palm up in entreaty, "Come close, and receive favor, daughter of mine." Sosiqui But I'm not her, I'm not I'm not I'm not I'm-Move, Phaedra hissed, and Nebula stumbled forward, on her knees. Repeat - I apologize, my Emperor, for the unworthy state of my current vessel. Rest assured that once it is in my power, you will see no more of this craven crawling... but oh, Lord... Father... The goddess purred. I have waited so long for your favor. I hunger for it, as I do for all things.Numb, Nebula repeated this even as she trembled, Phaedra's rich tones reduced in her voice to a shaky monotone. Ivynian He laid his palm, heavy, upon her head, stroking his thumb along the soft velvet of one of her dark ears. "Your vessel is meek, but only at first....she is what she is, an Aoide. Nebula, you have not been gifted with generous patrons, nor do you live in a time of plenty. But your Queen, she is a symbol of plenty, feast for the few and bold, the cunning and wicked. Famine for those without the will to take what they want. Accept these first gifts for your mistress, and do well by them. They represent you both now, queenly and powerful." As he lifted his hand, spider strands of brilliant mana rained down like drops of blood from his fingertips. A netting of gold, dropped with tear-shaped jewels tamed into her hair. Next a dress of liquid gold, shimmering strapless and slit up to her thighs on both sides. Sosiqui Nebula trembled at Destruction's touch and at his words, but Phaedra would not let her twitch away from him, no matter how much she wanted to. His words flowed into her mind and mingled with the goddess' near-ecstatic thoughts. Powerful? Queenly?
... both?Phaedra purred, the sound very low in Nebula's consciousness. Then something dripped down over Nebula's fur, unexpected, the feeling so strange that she finally did flinch a little. She stared down at her body as shimmering fabric rolled down into a dress, more beautiful than anything she'd ever seen before; reached up and touched the netting and jewels nestled in her hair. The treacherous thought insinuated itself into her mind - This is more than Tien Lung ever gave me-My Emperor is generous, Phaedra crooned, and Nebula echoed it aloud, a touch of wonder replacing a bit of the fear in her voice. I wonder if I might find a home, by your grace. A servant's room does not suit me, even if it is in the quarters of one of your Nine Kings.Ivynian "Thou shall not be beggared in my reign," he sneered, baring his ample razored teeth in disgust. "Look for the door made like lace of golden rutilated quartz, studded with rubies for payment of blood, moonstones for soul. These are your apartments here in the pantheon. The knocker on your door is brass, false gold, like a prayer to you for true wealth by any who seek you out. The handle on the inside is true gold, that you or those leaving you, have found a key to wealth." Sosiqui Thank you, my lord - your true offerings are most kind, Phaedra purred, and Nebula bowed again, still stunned by the gifts that covered her, by Lord Destruction's words. Queenly... powerful..."We thank you, Lord," she said, quietly. She was still afraid, but the goddess within her was protecting her, in a way. A very strange way. And what can Greed do for her most beloved Emperor? Phaedra asked, and Nebula relayed that as well. Ivynian The question set to him gave him a lengthy pause. Thought swam away along a hundred currents, none returning with anything useful. Images, images....just images of various times and places. "I have no needs at this time, and you are young yet. Focus on rebuilding yourself. Seek out your servants, your Aoide of old. Or gather among the mortals a coterie to see to your needs. The time has come to rely no longer on Tien Lung, you are your own Mistress. Independent, stately and honoured. Bend the masses with your charm and wiles." Sosiqui Needs - since when do I cater to needs? Phaedra purred. What do you want, my Emperor?The sensations that radiated from the goddess made Nebula's remaining eye go large and round, and she relayed the goddess' words with a blush creeping under her velvet-soft fur. The desire Phaedra was riding was not sexual, not really, but neither was it anything that could be called pure. Ivynian This seemed another hard thing. Was there a difference anymore? Lines felt blurry, let alone distinct feelings such as want or need. That may be the point anyway. To greed, wants had more weight, were the wine on the table to the cup of desire. Destruction's lips parted in a half growl, full lips down-turned around his fangs. This line of questioning was dangerous, somehow related to what he had been concerned with before she had come. He couldn't remember what it had been now. What did he want? "Something slips, a single gear removed or set a millisecond differently from the start has added to itself with every turn until seconds turned into minutes, now hours."Sosiqui You are wild, Emperor, Phaedra said, after a moment; Nebula felt the vague confusion the goddess radiated in response to the Twin Crown's cryptic words. Whatever it is you desire, I will find it for you as holy offering. In thanks for my renewal. Phaedra's soft purr resumed. Nebula could feel the goddess' thoughts - a gift from Greed, a true gift with no strings attached, was an incredibly rare thing, something offered only to her Emperor or those she deemed equal to herself. Ivynian His eyes half-masted as he drifted, lulled by the close thrum of her delicate purr. A finely carven figure upon a mauled throne. perfect angles and curves against chaos. Destruction drew a long breath, a final movement after a great stillness. "If you would serve, gift your aide, daughter. Gather to your self your implements of old, if you can find them. Let War know the same. Those of this dawning harvest soon. You should be with me , by my side, terrible and lovely unto despair." Sosiqui Implements...? The word vexed Phaedra; and Nebula felt the goddess suddenly burst into a flurry of mental movement, riffling through her own divine mind like a student searching frantically through textbooks. Is there something... important... damn! She snarled. Ask, kitten!"Lord," Nebula said, bowing her head, "Phaedra is concerned; she does not understand what you mean by 'implements'." She paused as the goddess muttered something. "If you mean her natural qualities or something else." Ivynian The edges of his eyes rimmed with smoke, like tears, which drifted up in black incense coils. The scent was rich, bruised fruit and thick brandies. Both mortal and immortal mind alike could see what their eyes could not of his words, flashes of memory locked away of palaces and princes, wanting men and sweet mourning. A celebration of her power in its zenith age, wrapped in worshiping limbs and garters, and everything had a price and interest to be paid. "Hear their voices calling brightly
for their mistress lost to time
Listen close, dear daughter, queenly
And remember of your tools divine"
"Let come the golden scarab with its bite
A grinning skull, for danger, wears on back
Who’s bitten once has want of all in sight
But thirsts forever for what gold they lack"
"A shining fleece, who soft the eye reflects
That given freely to the love adorn
Shall find their hearts with sorrow soon be vexed
And kingdom left bereft and bed forlorn"
"Oh see here are the marks of her domain
Ascension leaves us bound in her sweet chains."Sosiqui Phaedra stilled as memory wrapped around both goddess and host, curls of dark smoke twining around Nebula's form as if curious. Tools, tools... could I not be enough, on my own...?! Must I now rely on chattel, crutches to augment my insufficiency? For a moment she was almost outraged, though the anger had no target - unless it was her own weak state, and Nebula as well. Then the goddess settled again. A pretty puzzle, a riddle, yes... I will dance with you, my Emperor, she purred. Speak to him, thus:
Such lovely riddle, jewel of thought,
tempting puzzle, sweetest draught,
words spun from Your fairest lips,
bear challenge I cannot resist.
Jewelled wings entrance and bind,
clouding sense in thought and mind,
yet those who gaze into my eyes
are also bound and hypnotized.
But if You hold a quest for me,
say but the word and it shall be,
pursued with joy as holy task
o hunt! pursuit! a chase at last!
For ever, always, 'till infinity
Greed's desire shall always be
To charm and trance all flesh and bone
and lay it bare before Your throne.Once finished, Phaedra sparkled in joy at her own cleverness, and Nebula obediently repeated the lines, though she was sharply aware her delivery was nowhere near as smooth as the goddess' laughing, playful voice. Ivynian "No," Destruction’s face still looked in dream, complacent and fine chiseled. "Not crutches, but devices of power. Symbols of rank and station. A monarch relies not on his crown to give him power, nor his scepter to hold him aloft, but he may use them to demonstrate his might to lesser minds. To give them something to grasp onto and comprehend. Instilled with power themselves, a scepter or crown’s strength may be used in lieu, preserving for real need the personal reserves of a ruler.""These things...they will help you now. You are weak, whether that be your will or not, it is truth. But these things were left as I gathered what remained of your power for the stone. They do contain a fraction of your old power. Find them, Phaedra, and even in this early hour some of your potency you long for will be returned to you."Destruction's eyes widened at last, some waking coming back into them along with a greater fire in the far depths. Her final words were molten. The great wings twitched once, barely. restrained. "So sweetly singing that other prayers
were rendered impotent before her song,
and yet it is the opposite that stirs in breast
sundered heart
and finds there blood to feast upon.
But not all heart that stirs from stillness."Destruction cupped her cheek and gently traced the pad of his thumb across her lower lip. Sosiqui Nebula trembled at Destruction's touch, and she wasn't sure whether it should be her joy or shame that not all the trembling was sourced in fear. She licked her lips thickly, aware that Phaedra was purring wildly inside her mind. I will seek them out, and have them for my own again, sweetest Lord, the goddess said, exultant. Such gems, such precious things, such crowns - and a thousand more to be set upon your head, adorning every horn with glory and holy fire consuming all that Is.Ivynian  "And Avarice to unravel the world, lay it as garland about a waist of silver black and the bosom richly dripped with jewels kissed. Phaedra," His form shivered to the eye, all but one tail melting away as shining chains and runes replaced what had been plain. "Profit a prophet, your wines to my lips, mine to yours."He cupped her cheeks, shifting on his throne so bring them closer as he drew her up, "Such industry and want, but such gifts...then wear I you, and shall be comfited awhile, lovely one. Golden one."Sosiqui Such glory, Phaedra purred, ecstatic; Nebula found herself leaning into Destruction's touch - afraid to be where she was, but equally afraid to move. Flame is truest gold; blood, rubies spilled before Your throne. The heat of Your breath shall distill all things as a crucible, sifting away to ash that which is not pure and pleasing to You. A pleased shiver swirled down Nebula's back, sourced in the goddess' delight. I shall seek and I shall find... then bring, then bind. Wear Me only a little longer, Lord, and all the trials of Fading and Fall are made nothing... Ivynian "To want as you want," He pet down from face to shoulders and up again, enjoying the soft, black fur. "Only a little longer then, a blink in spans of ages where we may laugh together in time and think this all was but a song and trifled dance. Pleasant and wicked." He sat back very slowly, letting his fingers trail to the last, before the touch was broken by air. "Greed does not need luck, so I wish their blessing to you not. You have the greater gift of your wits to avail you in your challenges."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:08 pm
Silence, Greed, & Hosts: We All Want Too MuchSyrie  Colin found himself wandering in the charred area around the Pantheon. Despite how creepy and just wrong the dead area was, the blond dancer found himself coming out to this place to think about things.
And to chat with Endiovar. The god liked the stillness, the silence. Naturally.
Today, however, he was checking over the mental list of things he just had to get done before Endiovar took over his body completely. He was coming to terms with the fact that eventually he wouldn't exist anymore, and his biggest fear was not being able to set things up for those the loved: Illario. His mother and sibling. He would write a letter to Adrian.
Zio would be taken care of when Silence regained his powers. That was the deal - and the god-parasite within him had promised he would take care of that.
"And I still have to play with Topaz - don't forget, even after you're in charge. You have to play with her - I promised." Talking to himself again. Bad habit, but Colin just could not get it into his head that Endiovar would hear him even without the words.
The god gave his assent - truly, he was fond of Colin (though the boy was yet a tool to his rebirth) so he was making note of all these things deemed so important by his host. Once reborn, the God of Silence would try to see that Colin's wishes had been done. Then he'd move on.Sosiqui Phaedra had driven Nebula downstairs and in circles all around the bottom floor of the Pantheon, seeking someone - anyone - to meet. The goddess' desire for the ebb and flow of divine (or mortal) interaction, for the glories of the Court, hummed like a current in the back of both their minds. But they turned up nothing, to Phaedra's irritation. But she was no fool; there would be no disturbing the gods at rest. Now was the time to play nice and look pretty, her modus operandi of old. Instead, she spurred her host to the streets outside, cocky and heedless of any danger despite Nebula's protests. The Aoide sensed the other host before she saw him, feeling the featherlight pulse of divine power that was clear to all the servants of the gods. Who is it, who? Nevermind that; move, kitten! Phaedra darted back and forth impatiently, sending soft sizzles through her host's mind as she 'paced'. Obediently, Nebula padded around the corner until the source of the power came in sight. "Hello," she said, quietly. Syrie Colin felt a little pin-prickling at the back of his neck: Endiovar really wasn't much for speech, but he'd found ways that Colin understood to get certain points across - this time, it was a warning: something approaches.
When the dark-furred Aoide appeared, the dancer wasn't put off by her ears and tail - this girl looked like Topaz, that cat Aoide he'd met before...did that mean they were alike? Probably, but Topaz had not had something in her eye like this one did. A gem? That meant she was a host too...
"Hello yourself." The young man smiled at Nebula. "I'm Colin, what's your name?" Sosiqui "Nebula..." She tilted her head curiously at him. Yes, there was definitely power there, of some sort. She could feel Phaedra nosing around, trying to get a good view, shoving at the edges of her consciousness. "Nice to meet you... and your deity?" Who is it? Who, who? Mmm, there's a delicious trace to him... desire, need. My, my... what have you done for that desire, boy? Phaedra purred. Introduce me, kitten.Nebula squirmed a bit. "The goddess Phaedra sends her greetings." Syrie The cat-Aoide seemed...intrigued, and more than just a little bit as though she were uncomfortable - could anyone blame her though? No, certainly not.
"Nebula. That's a lovely name." He paused - his diety? Oh, right. "Endiovar. God of Silence." Colin paused yet again and rolled his eyes before directing words at the diety housed inside himself, "Your title is obnoxious, I'm not going to spill it every time."
For once, Endiovar spoke inside Colin's head rather than simply giving the youth the sensations of displeasure. 'When you address another diety, you must use titles. ' The god was not angry, but he felt that titles were important - gods and goddesses reborn may only know the former titles!
He did not recall any goddess named Phaedra...but that was not uncommon - he had always stayed much to himself. Sosiqui Silence? Oh. How dull. Phaedra huffed for a moment before continuing her scrutiny. And my domain, kitten?"Um. Ruthless Desire; Greed." Nebula bit her lip, then nodded quickly as Phaedra continued to prod at her mind, hungry for information. "She says she can tell you... have a great need? desire?" Syrie "Sachem Aphonic; Silence." The blond smiled a little though tiny warning bells were going off in his head - a goddess of Greed? Oh goodness. "We are pleased to meet you both."
'Be warned, young host. A woman having ruthless desire is not one to trifle with. Guard your secrets well lest we both pay for it.' Endiovar felt that he should have known her, but alas, his memories were as dull and dim as the area around them was charred. His warning was the least he could do for the young man housing him.
"Mmm..that's right. It's what gained me the gem and Endiovar from Lord Harmodius." Though he was warned, he saw no reason to hide how he had received the god-parasite. Sosiqui Phaedra grumped at that answer. The desire was going to destroy him, all well and good - but it was going to benefit that other god, not her! That was entirely unfair. Still, it sounded like a delicious tale. What could you desire so much that you would take on a god to get it, boy? Power? Or..."I'm sorry, she's really curious," Nebula apologized, with a sigh. "About what you wanted so much that you'd take a god's gem to get it... I guess I'm a little curious, too," she added, peering at Colin. "I didn't... didn't want this, so..." Syrie
Colin cocked his head at the cat-girl, but continued smiling; he supposed that the situations in which each person got their gem were interesting to another (really, it was, he just...didn't think about it much). What drove them to accept the god-parasite?
"You didn't?" The blond was a little dismayed that someone would have a gem forced upon them -- that was something to ask Nergal later...or perhaps Lord Harmodius himself?
"I guess it's very different for everyone then, huh? Me, I wanted it. I wanted very much to protect someone I cared for...and, I have to admit it...I desperately wanted revenge." He shrugged and rubbed at the back of his neck a little, fingers slipping around to the front to finger the black plug in his ear absently. "Thinking about it now, it's pretty stupid, but at the time Lord Harmodius presented the gem to me...it was the answer to my prayers." He'd been so angry, so wounded and hurt that night in the chill and the dark...Sosiqui Phaedra purred, the sound low and rich as it rolled through Nebula's mind. Such delicious desire... that desperate hunger, yes, show me more... The goddess' full attention was on Colin now. A beautiful offering. Such a lucky god, Endiovar."Um," the catgirl stammered. "She thinks Endiovar was lucky to have found you." The emotions emanating from Phaedra were very nearly arousing, and that was just plain disturbing. She sanitized the goddess' words as she could, making them more fit for public consumption, less bizzarely... predatory. Syrie
There really was something almost creepy to the pauses in their conversation; Colin knew that it was just the goddess inside Nebula speaking, but there was this odd feel to it - totally unlike the pauses caused to his speech while feeling for any input on Endiovar's part (though as per usual, the God of Silence was being, well...silent.)
Nebula was definitely hiding something from him. Like any cat, her ears and tail told more than perhaps she would want known. The blond dancer didn't comment on what was left unsaid, but he nodded a little bit and then laughed. "I don't know that he's lucky, but I'm what he's got. He doesn't say much. Does the goddess Phaedra speak much?" Really, he was curious about what it might be like to have a deity willing to speak living inside...Sosiqui Nebula nodded. "All the time." Whether I want her to or not.Tsk, kitten. You know my voice will be the last thing you ever hear... you'll just have to get used to it. Phaedra's tone was sweet, but there was a thread of wildness running sharply through it. Your voice, now... how wretched. If only I could speak on my own...Nebula's eye lost focus and for a moment she felt the edges of her lips twitching, beyond her control - but the sensation failed quickly, and Phaedra radiated a wave of displeasure. Too weak, damn it. Too weak. You vex me, kitten.The pause as Phaedra spoke had been awkwardly long, and Nebula quickly sought to fill the void. "Um. Yeah. She... talks a lot," she said, weakly. "She'd rather talk herself, but she can't. Not yet." Thank goodness...The time will come, kitten. It will come.Syrie Another pause - Nebula and Phaedra must be conversing...and he couldn't help but send a little mental poke to his own, non-talkative god. "Huh...I bet that's nice - you might actually get some answers. I had to go see Lord Harmodius for answers...and then I bumped into Nergal outside the Pantheon and he was able to give me some more."
"Before that, I guess I'd forgotten that I wasn't going to be me much longer...."
'You listen very poorly, Colin Hargrove...' Endiovar chided his host gently, the words sliding through the blond's mind like soft silk; very unlike Phaedra's insistent and bossy "voice". 'I do not jest when I say to be wary of what you tell this Goddess - she will find ways to use what you have told her to her advantage. Such is the way with Greed...'.
How he knew, he did not know - but this goddess, Ruthless Desire was not unknown. Greed and desire was well known for causing the destruction of many a man...their deaths, so it was quite likely that both Endiovar and Nergal had been in many an encouter with Phaedra. Sosiqui Nebula's laugh was a little hollow. "I'm not me anymore. I'm not sure I've ever been me." Words she hadn't said, not to Tian Yue, not to... well, anyone. Who else was there? Toki? No. No one else. Telling this stranger and his strange and silent god... they could know. She didn't live with them, see Colin's face day in and day out. Syrie Definitely something "up" with this little kitten...she was obviously not a happy camper with her god-parasite.
"What do you mean by that?" Her words were cryptic and piqued not only Colin's interest, but that of Endiovar. Was he not the one that could hear the words she wasn't saying? Interesting indeed... Sosiqui "I only wanted... my Lord's approval and... and he never..." And the tears came, finally, stinging on the edges of the gem and trickling down her cheek from her one good eye. "He never," she wailed, sitting down abruptly. "And then I... and she..." She gestured vaguely at the jewel. Syrie Oh s**t. Oh s**t. As a guy that had dated his share of women (as well as men), Colin could easily recognise the look and sound of a girl about to start crying.
Big softly, from the first hiccoughing words, he'd all but been reaching for Nebula. There wasn't anything he could say - he didn't know the catgirl's Lord or anything about her situation save that she was the [mostly] unwilling host to the Goddess of Greed - but what he could do was drop to his knees in the ash and the dirt and pull the darkly furred girl into his arms so he could pet her hair and make soft "It's okay" sounds.
That is, if she'd tolerate that. Sosiqui Nebula stiffened at Colin's touch, then melted into it as she sobbed. She hadn't cried about any of it before, not really, and all those unshed tears came out now in force. In a way, it was better that the person holding her now was a stranger. No ties to break, no impressions to shatter, nothing. Syrie The cat-girl could sob in Colin's arms for as long as he needed to, he wasn't going to make her stop, she needed to cry - both Colin and Endiovar understood that - and so she would get no hassles from him.
Silent...no words, they were meaningless just then; only soft, comforting hands on her hair, her shoulder. Petting. That was it. Until she cried herself out. Sosiqui Phaedra muttered and grumbled in the back of Nebula's mind, something about foolish kittens and over-charitable idiots, but the Aoide didn't care. Finally, finally... she was done. She hiccuped and coughed and pulled gently away from Colin, wiping at her red and swollen eye. "I'm sorry, sorry... but... thank you..." Syrie Nebula was snuffling now, but her crying seemed to be done - the girl had sobbed for what seemed like ages. After she pulled away, the blond dug into his back pocket and offered her the rumpled piece of cloth he kept as a handkerchief.
"It's okay, here...dry your eyes..." Er, well...she only had one eye, but he didnt' bother correcting himself. It wouldn't matter to the other host. What would matter was that he was understanding: that was the whole of it. Understanding. Super scary to think that you weren't in charge of your own destiny: scary enough to want to cry about it the way she had.
"You gonna be okay?" Sosiqui "For now...? I guess, yeah..." She took the handkerchief and stared at it for a second before blowing her nose into it, hard. Then she peered up at Colin with an odd expression. "Why are you so nice to me? You don't even know me." So disappointing. Such lovely and delicious desire, enough to throw one's life away, mitigated by this... this disgusting display, Phaedra said, snidely. Syrie Why was he being so nice to a girl he didn't know from Adam? He didn't know, not really...maybe he was just that nice a guy..or maybe it was just that he felt a sort of sorry kinship with this poor, traumatized girl.
"I don't know. I guess maybe it's 'cause we've both got the same sort of future?" Being taken over by a god, losing themselves and very likely those they loved in the process. Sosiqui "Maybe," Nebula admitted, trailing one claw through the thin layer of ash on the ground next to her. "I don't know anyone else who's like me... well, I don't think I know anyone else." Ixa...Jahara, Phaedra purred. "Everyone else is... either Aoide or Star or god and what do they care? What do they care?" she mumbled. Syrie "Neither did I really...I think this whole thing is a pretty lonely place to be for anyone. No point in being a d**k to a pretty girl in need."
Charming little S.O.B.
"In my case, everyone's really weird...cat or animal or alien or god...I was really freaked out at first. I'm getting over it." The blond squeezed Nebula's shoulder gently. "Hey, you never know...they might care, but what can they do? Rock and a hard place, right?" Sosiqui They can do nothing at all. I am your inevitability, kitten."Pretty?" Nebula blinked, ignoring Phaedra and tilting her head in Colin's direction. "I... really?" She looked down at the scribbles she'd made in the ash. "I guess. Rock, yeah. Literally. In my damn eye." She laughed once, a harsh and depreciating sound. Syrie Endiovar would have agreed with Phaedra on that: neither human nor Aoide could do anything to change the fate they had accepted (inadverent or no).
Colin had less trouble with the concept than Nebula, but it seemed (from the look of the eye-socket around her gem) that she'd been...infested not that long ago; she hadn't had time to make peace with herself, with her diety.
"Definitely pretty." Even with the big golden gem peering at him out of where her eye once rested. "That's a really wierd place to put your gem...I stuck mine in my hip." And it itched and the skin there was changed and freaked him out. Illa didn't seem to be too weirded out by it though, so he tried not to worry when he noticed that the discolouration was spreading. Sosiqui "I didn't choose," Nebula said, and her hands clenched into fists. "I didn't choose to put it there," she repeated. "She did it. She did it all." Simply improving it, kitten.Syrie Hunh...now that was intersting - so not everyone got the chance to"pick their poison", so to speak.
"She? You mean the Goddess?" It didn't make much sense to him, really...how could a Goddess trapped in a gem make someone do something? That was a question he would pose to Nergal, next he saw the godling - Endiovar wasn't forthcoming with information any more than he usually was. Sosiqui "Yes..." Nebula twitched, and her tail lashed back and forth. "I didn't know what the gem was. I picked it up in a museum, looking for something to bring to my Lord as a gift... but it was so pretty... and I held it up to look through it at the light... and..." One last strangled sob escaped her. "I hate her," she hissed. Phaedra said nothing, only radiated a smug amusement. Syrie
"I'm sorry it happened like that for you Nebula...I wish I could say something that would help, but I think that...in the end, both of us just have to deal with it." Colin sighed a little and rubbed at his left hip, where Endiovar's gem rested securely in his flesh.
"I mean, I chose this - and you didn't - but...there are a lot of things I'd like to still do as me, and I'm not sure how long I'll have to do them." Which was why he could empathize, really he could. Not wholly, but enough that he felt really badly for the kitten.Sosiqui "It's okay... I'm... glad you care," Nebula said, with a sigh. "Is... is your god kind to you?" There was a thread of envy in her voice. Phaedra chuckled. Syrie Colin didn't know what to say to that - Nebula was obviously troubled. Oh, but wait! She'd asked a question he could answer for her: "I guess so. He doesn't tell me anything, but...he's not torturing me or forcing me to do anything." Sosiqui "You're lucky," Nebula said, a wry smile quirking at the edges of her mouth. "Be glad." Syrie Oh, definitely he was lucky. If there was one thing that he was learning from all this...it was that he could be far, far worse off than he was.
Endiovar may not have told him things, but really...he had it pretty damned good. "I am. And I'm sorry you're having trouble..." The dancer sighed a little, his shoulders slumping forward eloquently because he knew that there was nothing he could do for the unfortunate girl before him. "I just...hope things work out. For all of us." Sosiqui "They won't... but thank you anyway," Nebula said, her smile genuine now. "For everything." Phaedra snorted. Syrie What Colin wanted to say was that she was wrong,but he didn't know that she really was. Perhaps for him things would work out in a somewhat acceptable manner (though ye gods, why had he been allowed to find a little bit of love due to the gem in his hip only to have to lose that for the same reason?)...but Nebula? If Phaedra really was as Ruthless as Nebula seemed to feel that she was, as dangerous as even Endiovar felt...then could he really try to say that things would work out?
No. He couldn't. Not without making an a*****e of himself. All he could offer was his ear and his shoulder for whenever she might need it. "Don't worry about it Nebula. Look, if you ever need me...I can give you my address? I don't live alone, but uh...I don't think Illa would mind you coming by." Sosiqui "Um... if you want to?" Nebula bit her lip. She wasn't sure she wanted to inflict Phaedra on more people again, but... "I wouldn't mind. If you don't mind, that is." khiarhu
"Absolutely." He would just have to explain a cat-girl to Illa...though uh, since his room mate was an Andorian alien from the future, he didn't think there'd be too much trouble there.
"I don't mind at all, I'd invite you there now, but...you know, time's running out for me...and there's someone at home..." Now he was fumbling. He was thinking of home and Illa and all the things he needed to say/wanted to do.
Colin didn't want her to think she wasn't welcome or that he didn't care - because she was and he did. It really was just that thinking about home reminded him that there was a blue-skinned alien with light grey eyelashes waiting at home for him...and that he really wanted to be there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:09 pm
Solo: Of Power and Pity
Nebula trailed slowly back to the Pantheon, having left Colin with both reluctance and relief. He had been kind... but there was only so much she could take, at the same time.
In her mind, Phaedra clucked and fussed and radiated amusement. Kind, was he? Dear kitten. That was only pity.
I don't care. It was still nice, Nebula shot back, her claws scraping through the ash as she moved, a small cloud rising and settling behind her feet. Nicer than you.
Do you want to be pitied? Tsk, tsk... that look in his eyes, the care, the concern... the reflection of your own brokenness. Surely you want more than that, kitten.
Nebula stopped walking. Wh... what do you mean?
Hm. I wonder. Phaedra was coy for a moment, then sighed. We are stuck with each other, dear kitten - but arousing pity, getting attention because you are pathetic, because people feel sorry for you... there is an alternative. My Lord made you feel... strong. Beautiful.
The goddess' words rolled like honey across Nebula's consciousness, and she drew her arms in to hug herself, sinking down to her knees in the ashes. He did, she admitted. There was the hairnet and the golden gown, too, back at hom- back in Tien Lung's servant quarters.
Wouldn't you like Colin to look at you like that? An image flashed through Nebula's mind, the man's face, but subtly different - a look of awe, even worship, on his face. Others followed. Toki, Asherah...
Tian Yue...
Nebula shivered. What she wouldn't give to have him look at her that way-
Yesss. Yes, exactly. Phaedra purred. Queenly, beautiful... vessel of the Imperatrix. Awe and wonder at your strength... power is so much better than pity, kitten. Dominance, not subservience. You crave it, don't you?
"Yes," Nebula murmured out loud, hugging herself a little more tightly.
Let me guide you, kitten. Even as Shaiming shared the boy into his power... so can I do with you. Queen. Beautiful. Another image, this one of Nebula in state, robed, brilliant, surrounded by admirers and beautiful things.
She moaned, softly. The need was so great it was nearly physical.
Yesssss.
... What do I need to do?
Only follow me, kitten. Only follow me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:09 pm
Solo: Taking Inventory
An hour after Nebula had fallen soundly asleep in her bed, Phaedra opened her eyes... well, eye, really, but the goddess could see the world flecked in gold through the jewel. A faint smile twitched on the edges of the feline Aoide's lips.
And here we are, kitten. Here we are.
The day had been quite fruitful, really. The little kitten had submitted perfectly to her machinations and carefully crafted images, as Phaedra had known she would. She was so transparent, really, her needs so base and obvious that a child could recognize them. So easy to produce the perfect golden apple and conceal the fishhook inside.
The goddess purred quietly as she took inventory. Tomorrow they would move; this she had already decided. No more dwelling in these servant's quarters, not when her Labyrinth awaited. She was sure it would be perfect for her needs. Her Emperor always provided. The gifts he had offered had been marvelous; the help he'd given her, the leverage in Nebula's mind, had been of incalculable worth. She would not have gotten this far so fast without it.
Thank You, my Emperor. Yes, I must remember to thank him for it. Later, when this child won't care what I say, and there are no more pretenses. It's always such fun to drop the mask and reveal the illusion. So pleasant to watch them squirm in the trap they put themselves in. Her eyelids blinked over red eye and golden gem, and she took a deeper breath, enjoying the sensation.
Now...
The goddess took inventory. Not of her hoard - that was already done, and it was so terribly small in any case - but of her host. Features named, examined, discarded or kept as was her whim. The black fur, yes... I'll keep that, but we'll have it shorter. Velvet, yes, close in. So tempting to touch, so beautiful. She purred at the thought of countless hands reaching out to caress the softness of it, in wonder and boundless desire. The ears... no. Too easy; they're like shouting your thoughts to the world. I cannot be that easy to read. Off they go! The goddess imagined them peeling away from the Aoide's head in a soft spray of blood, red like rubies.
Rubies. She'd have to get some of those.
Tail... Phaedra mulled over that for a while, then decided to keep it. The feline aspect is alluring, attractive, the wet dreams of a hundred men. Claws... if possible, of course. So charming, painted gold... so tempting, dragged with a light touch down the arch of a lover's back.
So useful, pulled with delicate care across a fool's throat. More blood; more rubies. She felt her host's mind shift uneasily, plagued by nightmare as Phaedra's thoughts began to creep into her dreams.
Well, then.
One ruby she would not keep, she knew. The red eyes would have to go. Too dark an aspect, more of the demonic than the mysterious... no. Pop! and away we go. In her mind, Nebula's remaining eyeball burst in a bright waterfall to reveal the bright peacock-blue beneath of Phaedra's own gaze.
A moan escaped from Nebula's lips, and in a rough movement the goddess was tossed back into the subconscious as the Aoide jerked upright, clutching her blankets to her chest, panting.
Inside, Phaedra smiled, and curled delicately to her own sleep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:11 pm
Solo: The Third Step
Nebula took a deep breath. This place was the only home she'd ever known... small room, windowless, but mirrored and comfortable. To her... to her, it had been a haven. A little space in the halls of her Lord that was hers. Even when he'd pushed her away, she could always come here - still within his court, his care. He had never thrown her out.
It's not worthy of us anymore. He's not worthy of us, Phaedra said, quietly. Come. Let us quit this place, this servant's hovel. We deserve better... More images in her mind, a palace, a temple surrounded by ardent worshipers. A beautiful place, a resplendent, gold-clad figure with black fur being attended by breathtakingly beautiful beings. This is what awaits us, in time. What is this to all that? The goddess scoffed. Cut ties, kitten.
Everything she owned, and everything that Phaedra had taken for herself, lay in a bundle on the bed. She'd taken the sheets to wrap it all up in; hopefully Tian Yue wouldn't mind. Phaedra most likely wouldn't want to give them back in any case. The feline Aoide shook her head and bent to shoulder the bundle, then left the room without a second glance, holding her head up even as her throat tightened.
I'm only moving down the hall...
Not so, kitten. Not so. You are moving into your own life, your own rulership, Phaedra purred. I let few things go, but I drop the unworthy and the worthless. There is no need to profane yourself with such trash. Oh, don't even bother with that, the goddess added as Nebula hesitated, slowing as she approached the door that led into Tian Yue's quarters.
But...
You're only moving down the hall, right?
But you said-
You can always come back here to visit. Come, come. Phaedra's impatience flowed through her mind, tinted her vision. You don't owe them anything. Not now, not with me, dear kitten.
I... Nebula paused, the moment agonizing as she wrestled between choices. Then she shook her head. You're right.
Always, kitten, Phaera purred, pleased at how easy it had been to tip her host's mental scales of judgment. Now... forward. A few more steps.
The Aoide took a deep breath, then moved on, stepping away from the door and opening the one that led out into the hall. She hesitated one more time, looking at the stars and dragon on the main door that led into Tien Lung's chamber.
Then she turned, and moved down the hall. Somewhere was a door made from golden rutilated quartz... a door with a brass knocker, a doorway just for her.
Good kitten.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:12 pm
Solo: Into the Labyrinth
Beyond the golden door, revealed with a turn of the cold brass handle, was a warren of rooms. It smelled of ash, as if the entire place had been burned out in a sudden fury of white-hot fire with great precision... and, considering Who had given them these rooms, that was entirely possible. Nebula stepped inside and let out a long breath as the door clicked shut behind her.
Ah... Phaedra trembled with joy inside her mind. So beautiful.
"Beautiful?" Nebula said aloud, wrinkling her nose. She stood in a tiny space barely bigger than her own room, windowless and lit only by a torch. Oddly, there were many niches cut into the walls, lined with empty shelves, and several doors branching away. She padded over to those doors in sequence and opened them; they led only to tiny twisting corridors. An experimental trip down one of them led only to another door, another small rounded room, torchlit and shelved, with yet more doors leading away. You have weird taste.
I certainly do not! Oh, beautiful, Phaedra purred. It is a tiny microcosm, a gorgeous version in miniature of my Labyrinth. Oh, it was great once... and such guardians, such beasts protected it, and such wonderful things they did to those who would steal from me. The goddess' tone turned predatory, tinted with a dark and joyful bloodlust, and a series of images that made Nebula twitch flashed through their shared mind.
But this? This... this is all empty! And it's so small!
The joy is not in finding something filled and waiting - the joy is in filling it. There are so many choices, kitten... so many options, so many ways. Phaedra was radiating a hungry ecstasy now, and Nebula found herself trembling a little in response to the goddess' desire. There were plots and plans beginning to form, and she was dimly aware of the sudden seethe of the goddess' thoughts.
Um... sure, she thought back, weakly, and tried a few more doors while Phaedra was absorbed in her brainstorming, trying not to pay attention to the few bright flashes of terrible clarity that infringed on her own thoughts. Then, suddenly, she opened up a door to a burst of sunlight and space, and stepped into-
Ah... my sanctuary, my home, Phaedra said, coming back to pay attention to the outside world with a wriggle of pleasure. The room Nebula entered was much larger than the warren of the Labyrinth, a soaring sanctum with still more shelves set into the walls and the outside wall almost entirely made of glass. The view was stunning - or would have been, had it not faced onto one of the largest lava pools in the garden. The heat shimmered outside the panes, and Nebula wondered that it hadn't melted.
My lord is too kind, Phaedra crooned. Too kind. Now, kitten... let's prepare.
Nebula put the bundle down, and carefully unwrapped it, wearily accepting what had to happen next. Where do you want everything?
Good kitten, anticipating my needs, the goddess said, radiating approval. The gold and silver scepters on that shelf there, I think, and...
Nebula sighed, and began to move as the goddess whispered near-ecstatic shelving decisions into her mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:12 pm
Phaedra, Jahara, & Hosts: AnswersProlixity The temple was much as she recalled it, monolithic and impressive, no matter how hard Ixa tried not to be impressed. Gods lived here. She shuffled her wings, folded them tighter, let the core of anger in her glow brighter so that she could draw on it for strength. A superficial form of courage, perhaps, but a valid one nevertheless. O my lord and master, whispered the honeyed voice. Father and beloved, you have returned, and we rejoice!Ixa shuddered at the eager devotion in the jewel's voice, and hoped as fervently that whatever the voice was calling to would not appear. What would that thing within the sphinx's body so slavishly devote herself to? Ixa didn't even want to think about it. She made her way inside, stepping slowly and silently in the dark and brooding spaces. Up the stairs. She remembered where Nebula had taken her. Behind her thoughts, she could hear the jewel's feverish excitement and the low, avid drone of what might be a prayer. The intruder in her body seemed to be paying little attention to what she thought, for once, caught up in a disgusting and shuddering delight. Sosiqui Beautiful, Phaedra whispered. Nebula was examining herself in the mirror, adjusting the jewel-adorned hairpiece that Destruction had given them. She was likely to wear the golden gown to rags, but the Aoide hadn't taken it off since it had been given - and that was a good step. Very good. What now? Around the tiny filled space, the one corner of the great room that had been adorned, was nothing but emptiness, void waiting to be filled. It excited the goddess every time she saw it, just thinking about what she could do next, and flickers of that eagerness slid through Nebula's consciousness occasionally too. It was a place of her - their - own... no demands, no servitude. Other than to Greed, that is. But wasn't the Goddess herself also bound thus? Mmm. Outside, I think. There must be more that we can ferret out together, the goddess in question purred. Okay... Nebula got up, studied her reflection - Charming, kitten - one more time, then padded through the large room and then through the warren to the main door, which she opened, and- Oh - oh, sister, and suddenly Nebula froze as a wave of dark joy flooded her. The she looked, saw what Phaedra saw, and the glee emanating from the goddess was suddenly eclipsed by Nebula's own shock. The figure in the hallway was Ixa, and- "Oh no," she whispered, sinking to her knees and staring at the sphinx with a fixed look of horror. "No." Yessssss. Prolixity And yes, as though called by Ixa's thoughts, there was Nebula - emerging from another door? Ixa began to step forward, taking a breath to ask, and damned be the consequences. Then. A surge of red. Blood and wine, garnet and ruby, sick sweetness in her throat, and without her command, Ixa's body froze in place. Muscles locked, like rigor mortis, and wasn't that just a lovely thought? "Sister," her mouth said, in that purring, sliding voice. "I have missed you!"No, Ixa spat, and struggled with all the considerable willpower she had built over hundreds on hundreds of years. Get out! Get off! This is MY BODY! She forced her way through the bindings the jewel had imposed upon her, feeling the strain like muscles tearing. I will speak for myself, the voice snarled. "No," Ixa snapped back, and stepped gingerly forward to offer her hand to Nebula. The feline girl's expression, at least, told her all she needed to know. The girl was no actress, and her shock and horror spoke volumes. She had not known. Sosiqui For a moment, Phaedra pouted, a bit sour - Already able to speak? Hmph- but then she purred with satisfaction. Do tell Jahara that it is my great pleasure to see her well - and that I do hope she is enjoying the gift you sent her.Nebula, mute, was in the process of taking Ixa's hand when the goddess spoke that last part, and she nearly fell down again. But I didn't!!Didn't you, when you told her where my hoard was? Well done, kitten. Well done indeed.A little whimper escaped Nebula's throat. "I'm so sorry," she managed, looking desperately at Ixa. "I'm so sorry... I didn't know... I..." My words to Jahara, kitten. Now.Nebula swallowed, and made it to her feet. "Phaedra says... says that it is her pleasure to see you well, Jahara, and... and that she hopes you... you ... enjoy what was sent to you..." Her voice fell to a bare whisper, and she swayed slightly, utterly miserable. Prolixity Ixa caught Nebula as she swayed. The girl was emitting sheer misery, an almost palpable thing, thick and sour. "I can see that," the sphinx said, more gently than she had meant to. She tried not to let pity show on her face. Nebula had not been strong, she thought. A child caught in a web she did not understand. Her claws extended slightly as she listened to the words Nebula conveyed. So it had not been Nebula, but the goddess-thing within her that had sent her to this. "Jahara, is it," she said aloud. "So it does have a name." There was a surge of that thick red presence again, but Ixa was prepared for it this time. Her brows drew down, and her lips drew back from her teeth as she fought the invasion. A second passed, then another; Ixa shoved with all her might, and Jahara fell back, hissing with rage inside Ixa's mind. You will tell her that I do indeed, and that I thank her for her gift, the jewel snarled. "I won't tell her a damned thing." Ixa refocused on Nebula. "She is angry with me. I may be ill a short time," she said, quietly apologetic. Sosiqui Phaedra's emotion narrowed into a pinpoint of anger, all of it focused on Ixa, and Nebula suddenly found herself reeling, the area around the gem in her eye exploding into throbbing pain. She let out a hoarse cry and scrabbled instinctively at the cold surface of the jewel. You will let my sister speak, or the kitten will writhe in pain at your feet, and you will have only yourself to blame, the goddess snarled. Tell her that. Oh, tell her.Nebula gasped for breath, and her words were harsh, barely managed between cries. It hurt... so much... "Ph-phaedra s-says to... aaah! t-to let... let Jahara... speak... ******** STOP IT!!" She curled in on herself. "Or... she... will... keep hurting... and... Ixa, please - it hurts... it hurts..." Her words subsided into a shudder and a whimper of pain. Prolixity Jahara began to laugh. Ixa struggled with her pride, but only for a moment; she could not allow this pain to continue, poor Nebula, poor child, pawn of something old and horrible and unkind. "Phaedra, you are more a monster than I have ever been," she said, rapidly, coldly. Then, with a mental spit of disgust, she ceased to resist Jahara, moving aside for the other presence within her. Jahara surged upwards in a thick and gleeful tide. "So sweet and so clever!" she chirped delightedly. "Oh, I am so grateful that you are here."Sosiqui Thank you, dear, Phaedra said, sweetly, and then the pain was gone and Nebula collapsed completely onto the floor, gasping as the goddess went on as if nothing whatsoever had happened. Do tell my dear sister that she is most welcome, and that I hope her newest acquisition becomes more tractable before too much longer.Nebula swallowed hard, then relayed the words in a hoarse whisper, as Phaedra hummed contentedly within her mind, an inane sing-song of satisfaction. Prolixity "I shall have her controlled yet," Jahara said complacently. She was very still, though she wanted to run her hands over her hair and body, luxuriate in the fullness of her control; but still she was not strong, and it took concentration to control the voice. "Itis only a matter of time. I grow in strength. Soon perhaps we will be able to speak directly." She smiled a charming smile into the golden gem, ignoring Nebula. The host was still inconsequential; her sister would wear the Aiode's body as a fine garment soon enough. Beneath the surface, Ixa simmered, her anger making a ridge of fur rise slowly along the base of her spine, above her lion's tail. Jahara made a note to herself: find a way to contain the sphinx, keep her locked out of this nice strong body's responses while Jahara held sway. Sosiqui Yes - I am stronger since having seen our Lord, but I cannot yet control even the tongue. Such a strange thing, such a silly thing. Phaedra pouted while Nebula relayed that. But what does it matter? We will master them in the end, and they will know their place.Queenly, you said... Nebula managed, throwing the thought resentfully at Phaedra. Perhaps, but I am Imperatrix - I outrank you, kitten. The goddess chuckled, and it was not a nice sound at all. Continue: Sister, how have you fared since your rebirth? Is this marvelous world to your liking? See how our Emperor has prepared the way for us! I simply cannot wait until I can move my power through those crouching in the rubble. Perhaps it is more fun to move in times of prosperity, but there is so much potential here as well...Nebula relayed, blankly obedient. For now. Prolixity "I have been waiting, gathering my strength," Jahara answered. "It is difficult, but it will grow easier." She would grow stronger, wearing away at the sphinx's mind. She would eat her host, piece by piece. Anticipation roiled in her, almost causing her to lose control. She took a careful breath and reined in her emotions. There would be nothing good in losing the fine threads of her mastery when her sister had given her a chance to take it. "Oh, the world has become beautiful," she breathed, eyes shining. "Ash and darkness, and I can feel its need for us. So much joy, so much potential! Is our Lord here? I have missed him so ... " There was avarice and madness in her eyes, the abject devotion of a fanatic. You're disgusting, Ixa said softly. Sosiqui He is indeed! Phaedra's response was joyous, and Nebula kept repeating the words as the goddess directed, her voice falling almost into a monotone. She could feel Phaedra's particular joy at the desire and avarice reflected in Ixa's changed face... so terrible, so strange. She wished she could close her eye, but she was afraid to even try. I have seen him, sister, and he stands in dark glory. He gave me gifts, Phaedra went on, with a possessive purr. And rooms to call my own, here. Nebula had fallen in front of the entrance to their chambers, and she turned her head at Jahara's prompting to stare blankly up at the delicate metalwork on the door. Prolixity "Oh, glory, glory," Jahara purred, and was pleased to feel the body respond to her emotion with a faint frisson of shivers down the spine. Excellent, excellent. It would be hers. "This is your place, your very own?" Her eyes flicked over to regard the ornately decorated door, though she did not turn her head. "It suits you, sister."What is she? What are you? Ixa stirred, curiosity mixing with her disgust and frustration. "My sister, Avarice, and I Poison," Jahara answered indulgently. The sphinx had resisted her, but she had also responded beautifully to Phaedra's manipulation, and perhaps if she allowed her host tidbits now and then there would be less struggle. Sosiqui It is, it is - but so empty, yet. Phaedra scowled, mentally, and the edges of Nebula's lips twitched slightly downward. Only a little, but the Aoide felt it and shuddered violently, forcing her face into a stiff mask of resistance between words as she continued to relay for the goddess. Still, there is all that terribly empty space that needs to be filled... whatever shall I do? She laughed, pleased at the prospects ahead. Plots and plans swirled on the surface of Phaedra's thoughts, licking over into Nebula's consciousness. Some of them made her shudder again. Prolixity "Why, fill it up with beautiful things," Jahara laughed. "I am sure I can find a few things suitable to your regard. I had something in mind - but it did not work out properly. I shall make it up to you."Damned right it didn't work out, Ixa growled, her anger threatening to snap her back into the top of her mind. It's not yours.Quiet. I am quite capable of making you very uncomfortable, my sweet, even now. Jahara's strength was beginning to ebb, but she held tenaciously to the body. She had not yet had enough time, and she had not spoken with Phaedra in eons. Sosiqui Did you, Phaedra crooned, her attention instantly focused. How kind, how very kind to think of me. I have some treasures from the museum where we lay for so long. We came back and smelled fear and blood, and I saw your jewel gone and hoped-!And I hoped the opposite, Nebula thought to herself after she finished repeating Phaedra's words, her heart sick. But she was right all along. Prolixity "Oh, a lovely gift, that will suit me so well." Jahara giggled. "A bit of your influence in this one, sister; I felt her come for me, so hungry for what was there, and it only took a little push. Oh, embodied again, such a fine, fine thing."Rage. Ixa snarled wordlessly, hate flickering into flame in her. The intensity of the emotion burned at the edges of Jahara's consciousness, and the goddess sighed. "I begin to grow tired," she said ruefully. "I am still newly awakened, and this one is strong, and so beautifully angry now. She belonged to our Lord too, I think." That barb was aimed at Ixa, and Jahara felt her host flinch and growl. Sosiqui I knew she was mine, and yours, the moment I saw her. So helpful, so sweet, I had to return the favor by giving her a gift. Phaedra giggled, girlishly, and Nebula nearly choked on the words, but a warning twinge of pain made her finish the sentence. Even the Dragon Kings are under my mastery, though they may deny it or claim to be unaware. Yes, only a little bit... that's what everyone says at first. Only a very, very little bit. Nebula felt her lips twitch upward unbidden in a smile, and she forced them down again with a look of desperation in her eye. Please, please... stop...Ah, alas, Phaedra said, ignoring Nebula. We must meet again, often - such pleasure your company brings me. You understand, she added, with another quiet purr. The only other gods I've met have been such terrible sticks in the mud. So terribly boring. Prolixity "Often, oh yes. I shall petition, if I can, for a place in this beautiful temple," Jahara said, her eyes half-closing with lazy pleasure. "A little is never enough." She took a firm hold of control over the body and used the last of her strength to lean forward, only a little stiffly, and kiss Nebula's cheek. "Until we meet again, dear sister," she whispered, and let go. Ixa surfaced in a rush, her hackles puffing out and her pupils shrinking to tiny dots. She rocked back on her haunches and hugged herself for a moment. "I'm sorry, Nebula," she said with as much dignity as she could muster. Sosiqui Farewell, my dear, Phaedra replied, and then the stiff face of the possessed sphinx was right there and a kiss brushed Nebula's cheek, and the pleased shiver response that came from the goddess was not entirely pure. The Aoide abruptly felt the need to shower - And then Ixa was there again, back in control, and Nebula dared to finally raise herself from her prone position, still trembling a bit at intervals. "I-it's okay. Not your fault. I'm the one who should be... should be sorry. I told you to go-" She drooped, partly because of exhaustion as Phaedra channeled her own weariness merrily into her host and tugged at her energy reserves. It wasn't worth fighting - not now. But Ixa had been very brave. Don't even think about it, Phaedra said, sharply. Prolixity "I might well have found it myself, given time," Ixa answered. "I don't blame you, child." She licked her lips, grimacing slightly. The taste in her mouth was probably psychosomatic, but it was there nevertheless, bitter and foul with faint sugary overtones. The taste of foulness overlaid her mind too, like a coat of sticky sweat and dirt, except that it was entirely internal. She cautiously stretched, making the fur on her back lie flat again with an effort. "I think I need to bathe," she said, a note of disgust in her voice. The flesh around the jewel had reddened, making her scars stand out starkly. Jahara stirred contemptuously, faint strains of mocking laughter drifting up from where she lay. Sosiqui "Me too," Nebula agreed, twitching; her tail was puffed out like a bottlebrush. "Um... at least your... your jewel is in a better place?" she offered, weakly. If Jahara had taken Ixa's sight, she wasn't sure what she would have done in response. Credit my sister with some originality, Phaedra snorted. Do calm yourself, kitten. It was nothing personal.Right, Nebula thought back, sourly. Thanks.Prolixity "Someone had made a necklace of it," Ixa said, a little sourly. "I tried it on, more fool I." Her hand came up to rub at the curved surface of the jewel. She caught herself before she could scratch at the inflamed flesh, and yanked her hand quickly away, folding her fingers under to place it on the floor. "I hope you will be - " she paused, hunting for words. All right was impossible, awkward, transparently false, and would force Nebula to lie to her in courtesy's name. "I hope she will not punish you too harshly," she rephrased. Sosiqui "I don't think she will," Nebula said, with a sigh. "I... I did what she wanted." Such a good kitten, Phaedra agreed, still quite pleased with herself. There will be cream tonight.Nebula was strongly tempted to tell Phaedra where she could stick the cream, but that would have prompted punishment, so she kept a tight lid on the thought and gave Ixa a weak smile instead. "You, as well. But... um. Don't think that... that all the gods are like... like them. They aren't. My lord... he is kind. There are others, too. Kind. Not like these." She'd never met anything like these. Prolixity Ixa nodded, somewhat relieved; she nodded again to the second part of Nebula's statement. "I have met one," she answered. "After she - after." She smiled painfully. "I recovered in his household. There was peace there, and kindness, and they brought me to believe what has happened." How such different gods could all be gods still stretched her credulity, but the old stories did speak of gods of kindness and gods of cruelty. She sighed. "I can help you to your chambers, if you need help," she offered. Maybe. She was a little shaky from the force of her emotions, from the energy it had taken to restrain Jahara, and from the weariness the goddess had left in her wake. Sosiqui "That's good," Nebula said, quietly. Peace, kindness... Fool's treasures, Phaedra snorted. You cannot hoard peace or caress kindness. Best to take what you can touch, and damn the rest.She shook her head, half at the goddess, and half at Ixa as she drew herself up to her feet. "Thanks, but it's okay... the door's right there, after all." She made a face at it. "Uh. I'm not sure if... if you ever want to come back, but you can come in if you want. Whenever. I'm not living over there anymore." She waved one hand down the maze of hallways in the vague direction of Tian Yue's door, wherever it was. The layout of the Pantheon's upper floor seemed to twist and move depending on what was needed, and other factors she couldn't begin to understand. Prolixity "Thank you," Ixa said quietly. She was unsure if she could stomach visiting the rooms in which Nebula and the goddess who rode her lived, but the courtesy of welcome was an ancient one, and not one she would lightly snub. Perhaps, had she met the girl when they were both still in control of their bodies and destinies, there might have been a kind of friendship. As it was, they were still bound together by the circumstance of their meeting and the kinship of the jewels that had taken them. "I think I owe an apology to your Lord," she continued. Nebula's master no longer, perhaps - she suspected that Phaedra would tolerate no other mastery of the body she had taken over. But the feline woman's devotion had been clear, and so Ixa would continue to refer to the other god as such until corrected. "And to you. I have been a skeptic too long. It is - was - a difficult habit to shake." The admission stung slightly, but her conscience urged that honesty. She had not been much in the habit of hiding what she felt unless it was necessary. Her skepticism had certainly been written in her face when they met before. Sosiqui "No... not to me," Nebula said, biting her lip. "I should keep apologizing to you for a really long time, if anything... I don't think you offended my Lord either... he was worried when we found the vault, um." She shuffled, awkwardly. "He agreed with your writing. He... tries, but Phaedra is... hard to deal with..." Oh, so it's my fault now, is it? Say nothing of your own ineptitude and wild impulses...Shut up!Prolixity "I don't blame you," Ixa said again. "You did not know, and you wished to be kind. I will remember the intent." An inept and badly judged kindness.You've said enough.I've barely begun, my sweet.Ixa twitched. Would Jahara be this active and vocal constantly now? She had grown used to the jewel's presence as a silent sense of smug malice, but having the goddess's voice taunting her from within was rather worse. The sphinx smiled stiffly. "Does she speak to you often?" she asked Nebula. Sosiqui "All the time," Nebula said, shortly. She didn't mention the wonderful things, lately... the soft purrs of approval, the gentle urgings. The praise... her tail twitched back and forth. Cruelty, kindness, and now cruelty again- Cruelty? No. Blame your friend for that, for standing in my way. A flood of warmth washed outward from the gem, and Nebula shivered slightly. It felt nice... "Y-yes. All the time," she repeated, in almost a whisper. Prolixity "Ah." Ixa folded her fingers and rested her hands on the floor to keep from touching the jewel. The almost-alive feel of it continued to draw her to touch it, even though she knew what it was. The faint pulse of pain that had radiated from it began to fade, though she could still feel Jahara watching and listening. "I will - go and find a place that can hire a bath," she said after a moment, shaking herself. Sosiqui "If I had one, I would let you use it," Nebula said, regretfully. Tian Yue had a bath, but even she knew that she had no right to offer that. "Um. Be... as well as you can be, Ixa." She bit her lip to keep from apologizing again. In her mind, Phaedra stirred one more time. Farewell, sweet sister. Do come again, she said, and prodded her host to relay the message. "Er. Phaedra says... farewell to Jahara, that she is her sweet sister... and to come again." Prolixity "And you as well," Ixa answered, rising slowly. Tell my sister farewell, unless you would like to lose all you have eaten. Such an undignified exit that would be. Jahara pulled, just a little; Ixa felt her stomach roll. The sphinx grimaced, and spat, "She will make me ill if I do not say her farewell." That had best be enough!For now.Ixa passed a hand over her eyes, nodded to Nebula, and turned to go. She had seen a motel on her way here, a cheap and dirty place; it would nevertheless have a bath and a bed, and would take her coin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:13 pm
Solo: Labyrinth of Dreams
Phaedra's jewel reflected the flickering light of the single torch that she'd had the kitten keep lit, the magical flame throwing dancing shadows through the vast space of her sanctorium. It had been quite a fruitful day, really. Well, the sphinx forcing her hand had set her back a bit with the kitten, but a few shots of soothing emotion, some skillful words and a few subtle prods at her host's mind had brought her back to a confused reconciliation.
Foolish creature, trying to keep my sister from me. I will have to ask sweet Poison to particularly punish her for that, later, the goddess thought, giddy with anticipation. Her beloved sister... so long it had been, inside the hazy and distant world of the jewel, dreamlike. She had always been aware that her sister was there, maddeningly close but unable to be touched or spoken to through the sharp walls of crystal that enclosed them both. And now, to see her here in triumph... splendid. Simply splendid.
And now... and now.
A soft shift in the plan, I think... yes. Keeping accord is one thing, but I may need to move beyond such silly boundaries as I did today... yesss. The ghost of a predatory smile appeared on Phaedra's lips. No, no, kitten. I'm not going to devour you.
No. I shall shape you into my own image, form you, mold you, and one day you'll open your mouth and the one who speaks will be me, and you'll never see it coming. Little kitten, little bird in a gilded cage...
She was such a lovely little pet. Such fun to play with. The goddess entertained the thought of keeping a fragment of the Aoide around after she had gained full control, a sweet small toy to enjoy, a talisman against boredom. With such entertainment...
Yes. How charming, my own little friend to keep near me all the time, at my whim. The smile on Phaedra's face deepened. Dear, sweet little kitten. Pretty little doll.
It would be such a pity if you broke.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:14 pm
One For Each Outstretched Hand I: Calling Gently
Nebula was re-arranging the treasures again, letting herself grow lost in fascination as she gazed into the bright facets of the gem-topped scepters, and ran her fingertips gently down the soft filigrees and swirls in the metal. It was all beautiful, and hers. Theirs.
More to come, kitten, Phaedra purred, her voice warm and sweet to her host's mind. So much more.
I know, Nebula thought, moving her hands so that the light from the nearest torch made a burst of bright reflections spring from the jewel's surface; a secondary flare came as the light touched the gem in her eye.
Phaedra pointed that out, too. See, such a lovely glory on the wall - you're part of it, kitten, yes.
"Yes," Nebula said out loud, her voice barely a whisper.
Satisfied, the goddess left her host to her fascination and dove under the surface of Nebula's consciousness. There was very little memory of her own that was of any use to their current situation, but she had found flecks and hidden eddies in her host's mind that fascinated her. Nebula's soul was ancient, steeped in a power that could only partly be accounted for by her Aoide nature, but so much of it was tangled up, chained by fears and inhibitions and sheer lack of understanding.
Such a shame, the goddess thought to herself, prodding at some of the mass. The potential is so very delicious, but it will take time to unlock... still... yes. Nebula's memories were only short and sharp, containing mostly thoughts from her current existence; the tiny handful of older ones were also buried, small and fragmented - but the power was unmistakable. No wonder the girl had called to her.
If I can only unlock this... free her from her insecurities... I shall never be able to make my way in this world with a timid and fearful toy. And the idea of waiting even longer to pursue the goal her Emperor had set her was beyond frustrating.
Phaedra shoved at the mass harder, and felt Nebula snap into awareness. What are you doing?!
Softly, my dear kitten; there is merely something here that I wish to remove, Phaedra replied, soothingly. If only you could see it - your soul is bright with power, but chained so cruelly. Who could have done it, I wonder?
An ancient piece of memory bumped into the goddess, and there was a momentary flash of insight - anger frustration devouring devouring devouring how could he how could he kill him kill them all so lost so alone forever and ever- Phaedra shuddered and pushed the fragment away as hard as she could, and it bobbed away from her, slipping neatly away before Nebula's own mind could focus on it.
Perhaps that was the answer - an ancient soul, but bound... bound by her very self, it seemed; wrapped in a deep loathing and insatiable hunger, desire for the impossible, so intensely that it buried everything that had made that being anything resembling intelligent. And then had come a new life, and with it a wash of Lethe to remove all but a handful of memory - and this stumbling and desperate creature was the result.
Phaedra laughed. It was beautiful; she would have congratulated the one who had created the exquisite trap if she knew who it had been.
Phaedra! Nebula's insistent mental cry shocked the goddess out of her contemplation, and she had to resist the urge to snarl and claw at her host.
I'm here, kitten.
I don't like it! It feels funny, whatever you're doing!
If you're going to be the queenly goddess you see in your dreams, we must share everything with each other, Phaedra purred, sending gentle waves of warmth to wrap around her host's thoughts.
...? We?
Why should we not ascend together, dearest kitten? A gift for you... for all you will do, she purred, sending encouragement and a predatory glee to wash through her host's mind.
Nebula paused for a long time, and Phaedra saw a tendril of the self-loathing that bound Nebula's soul suddenly snap and dissolve. I...
Queenly and beautiful. Together, the goddess crooned.
A shiver of desire ran through her host, and Phaedra quietly reinforced it with a string of mental images, impressions and emotions culled from her own finest moments. After a moment, the Aoide moaned aloud, the sound distant as Phaedra drew her focus inwards, beckoning.
Yes. Just like that. Forever. Another thread snapped under the squirming touch of Nebula's need; Phaedra encouraged it with pressure of her own. We must go forth together, my dearest kitten... my princess. We must go forth and do what our dearest Emperor has given us as holy task. He gave you such gifts - what do you think he'll give you when you return in such glory? She punctuated the question with a spark of memory, the climax of some long-ago night spent with a particularly skilled courtesan, and the satisfaction from Nebula's reaction to that was nearly as good as that night itself had been.
I...
Snap.
Good kitten.
Nebula opened her eyelids, and a slow smile spread over her face. She put the scepter down carefully, then drew back and stretched with grace - true grace, not tinted with clumsiness and insufficiency.
Just like that. Like how I remember, how you see in my thoughts... so beautiful. Speak my words in your lips; become the goddess to the world that you will soon be in truth.
"When do we leave?" Nebula murmured aloud, and her smile showed her fangs.
At once, Phaedra purred, vibrating wildly; another thread tore away under her influence. At once.
Such a good kitten.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:15 pm
One For Each Outstretched Hand II: The Evening Tide
Nebula didn't have much, but what she had she took - clothing, food taken from the kitchen downstairs, but none of the treasures. I will not give what is mine - what is ours, kitten - to anyone, the goddess said firmly, her voice cold when Nebula suggested it. The Aoide quailed before her disapproval, but Phaedra had quickly followed with a gentle warmth. There are other ways.
Where are we going? Nebula had packed the jeweled hairnet and golden dress; they would gather too much attention, but they needed to come with her for now, at Phaedra's insistence. To your old Labyrinth?
That place is long since gone - I saw to it with my own hands. Do you know how I came to dwell in your lovely gem, my dear kitten? My power was fading; I saw the inevitable coming and rebelled against it. My doom came by my own choice. With my last power, I brought the Labyrinth down in flame and crushing rock, shattering all that was within it even as my own self was nearly destroyed. Thus, no-one would ever lay their filthy hands on what was mine. Better for it all to fall to ruin then be defiled so. A curl of malice came from Phaedra's mind. I had not thought anything survived - no, nothing did, I know it. But for the fleece and scarab...
What about them?
Someone took them, Phaedra said, her voice dangerous, hot with barely-controlled rage. Someone took what was mine. And they will suffer for it. We will make their neck flower with jeweled blood, dear kitten. It will be so beautiful.
That sounded a bit intense, and Nebula bit her lip. We... it will?
Yes, darling, the goddess said, predatory. Yes. Now... we must go somewhere... as far as we need to be. I do not know where to begin, but I know it is not this place. My Emperor is my dearest Lord, but he has drained this place dry. I need people, movement, power... a place clinging to life in all its excess and debauch. We need a great city, kitten. Do you know of such?
Um. The Aoide squirmed, her tail curling lightly around one ankle. No.
She was expecting anger, but it did not come. Instead, the goddess merely sounded thoughtful. I see. Well, who would know, who would know... hmm... perhaps your little sphinx friend, Phaedra purred.
Nebula's tail fluffed out, and she twitched. No... I don't know where she is, she added quickly. She did not want to see what Jahara had done to Ixa. Not now. Toki?
Hmm... Phaedra mulled this over, then sent a quick pulse of approval. He will do. We can... practice, dear kitten. She purred again, and a warmth spread through Nebula's mind. Oh, this would be fun.
Practice...? Nebula hesitated, doubtful.
Now, now, dear princess, darling kitten... think! We cannot be tentative, we must be strong. Powerful. Queenly. We must be able to walk into a room and have everyone in it stop and look at you... no matter what else is happening. Such authority, such mastery... it is the first step towards claiming your destiny.
I don't know if I can...
Of course we can, Phaedra said, impatiently. You are not alone, remember? You have me, kitten. Another quick purr of warmth. Think about how it feels when you imagine yourself standing over everyone, their eyes on you, seeing your beauty and strength... keep that feeling, nurture it. Act as though you feel it every moment. Let it drive you, princess.
Nebula shivered again. Okay. I'll... I'll try. We go now?
We go now, Phaedra confirmed, her voice honey-sweet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:28 pm
One For Each Outstretched Hand III: The Fourth Step
Toki was not difficult to find; simply entering Tian Yue's Aoidei quarters brought the servant blustering in, bristling in annoyance at the unwanted intruder until he realized who she was. "Oh! Nebula, Lady Greed," he said, and immediately slipped into a bow.
Nebula paused for a moment, enjoying his obeisance to her, and Phaedra subtly reinforced the emotions, giving it more of a thrill, sending a gleeful frisson down the catgirl's spine.
Now, kitten. Remember how it feels to be a goddess. Hold it tight; use it as your touchstone. Use me as your touchstone, she added, with a purr.
Nebula took a deep breath, then gave Toki her most charming smile. "You may rise," she said, in her grandest tones, but she felt the words shift before they left her mouth as Phaedra exerted her influence in tiny threads upon her vocal cords - changing the words, making them soft, sultry.
The Aoide before her scrambled to his feet, surprised, a slight pinkness visible on his cheeks. Phaedra laughed in Nebula's mind. "What brings you back here? Our Lord was worried-"
"I have a task to fulfill, given to me by Lord Harmodius," Nebula interrupted, following Phaedra's prompting. "Where is the nearest large city? It needs to be large, bustling, still full of activity and some prosperity..."
Toki looked startled. "The Twin Crown? You? Er... yes, of course, of course... large city. There is Koiso, but it is flooded out... hmm..." His forehead creased as he thought, but then the other Aoide brightened. "Perhaps Achai. It is not nearby, but there is a portal in one of the travel agencies here... One Step Travel, I believe the name was..."
"And where is that?" Nebula said. She felt Phaedra tugging her lips into a gracious smile, and for once let the goddess have her way. The blush on Toki's face deepened a bit, and that was extremely satisfying.
See how very, very simple it is, my dear kitten? Voice and smile and body language is all you need to bring so much of the world under your thrall.
Yes... And she did see. A curl of contempt crept through her thoughts. It was simple, too simple - true, Toki wasn't exactly a sterling example of a hard nut to crack, but... this was further than she'd ever gotten before.
"It's down Chestnut Street, past the Wildflower Suites and then left on First... then right again on Market," Toki said, interrupting her thoughts. "One Step, yes. There's signage inside; if there's power, you can get through. I've been there a few times to get supplies." He brushed awkwardly at his bunny ears, making the fabric flop back and forth.
"Thank you," Nebula said. Phaedra whispered something, and she stiffened for a moment, then nodded and took a step forward, bending to lightly brush her lips against Toki's cheek. The Aoide instantly turned bright red.
"Ah, er... no problem? But wait!" he added as Nebula turned to go, and she glanced back at him with a flick of her hair, arching one eyebrow delicately in question. Phaedra radiated warm, thick approval, and she laughed, inside, along with the goddess. This was fun!
"Yes?" she purred.
"Our Lord could aid you-"
No, Phaedra said, sharply. I will not have dragons meddling in my business. Listen, and say thus; he will report to his master. The goddess paused for a moment, then sent the words for Nebula to relay.
"I am on the Twin Crown's business; surely you do not think he would ask something of me that I could not manage?" Nebula said, trying to pitch her tone as sweet as Phaedra's was in her mind. "I will be fine, Toki. But thank you for your concern. It's very sweet."
With that, she pivoted and only stumbled a tiny bit before leaving, her tail swishing back and forth, and the instant the door was closed behind her she clapped both hands over her mouth to muffle her laughter.
His face-!
Excellent, kitten, Phaedra said, radiating a benevolent warmth to her host. You are doing quite well. Only continue on this path and our success will be certain.
That was... that was actually really fun! He's such a stick in the mud, Nebula thought as she shouldered her pack and headed for the stairway.
See? Power and authority, presence and voice... and the world is yours, the goddess purred.
I see!
How wonderful!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
