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 Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:34 pm
Solo: Taking Inventory II
While the dear, sweet kitten had born all of the direct pain of the morph from mortal to divine, the body itself remained exhausted, and the wounds that had been inflicted still ached. Phaedra ordered Jatasura to apply balm to the base of her feathers - the rakshasa stumbling and drooling a bit as he did so, wretched thing - and then curled into a sweet and restful sleep all her own.
She awoke smiling, a thousand plans clamoring for attention in her mind. At last, at last she was free to move without Nebula hampering her, free to devote all her attention and will to those she met and manipulated. The uncomfortable wild card was gone, and she was in full command once again. It was so important to know yourself, to control your every reaction, inside and out. She had been so chained by the kitten.
No longer. Never again. She was free now, reborn in truth, free of all pathetic mortal shackles.
Jatasura shambled after her as she walked around her chambers, getting the hang of true movement, remembering how to be once again. The soft sashay that was her usual walk came back to her quickly, the way to move her hips just so and place her feet just so to drive any mortal to distraction. The tail was a new addition, but a welcome one. The ears... were vexing, she had to admit, flicking themselves up and down in response to her emotion with no conscious input from her. That would need work, and practice. She could not be that easy to read.
Nebula's foolish chase after Trickery's Aoide had quite ruined the clothing she had been wearing at the time, to say nothing of the morph itself. Phaedra stripped the remains off with distaste, kicking them away from her for Jatasura to gather up. She ran her hands down her sides, exploring that as well. At least the velvety fur had turned out exactly as she wished. She twisted the tattered bow out of her hair and let it fall behind her. So long, but tangled and difficult to manage. Long hair could indeed be quite the delicious distraction, but it would take too much care to get it into serviceable shape. She'd have to tend to that later.
Phaedra paused in front of the mirror and stretched extravagantly, admiring herself, the new feathers fanning delicately behind her. The gem still gleamed in its socket, but she could see through it as easily as through the remaining eye. It was unsettling, unusual, beautiful.
Perfect.
She ordered the rakshasa to run a bath and shoved him in the proper direction before settling once more with a comfortable purr. Now to recline, to think about her many, many options, and choose one at her leisure. There was her ancient Fleece to recover, and her shelves were so very empty, and Jatasura to make offering of at last, and dear Jahara...
There was nothing better than the eve of opportunity.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:34 pm
Solo: Gehenna
Phaedra was napping when it hit, a sudden wave of power and wrongness that startled her up out of her resting place, fur on end and tail puffed out as if that feline still had control of her body. She crouched on the floor and hugged herself, all her usual self-assurance flayed away as the Wave swept over and outwards, sending a few shocks of pain radiating outward from her gem as she had done to the kitten so many times. She snarled at it but refused to cry out, gritting her teeth against the pain, her claws digging slightly into her arms.
And then it was gone, leaving her breathless, and leaving something else behind as well: a sense of profound change, of something at the core of All now radically, impossibly different from how things had been merely a minute before.
Phaedra stood up, slowly, once she was sure the initial event was past her. Her head was pounding. Should have kept the kitten around to take that as well. She took a few long, deep breaths.
That had hurt, but there was also something somehow... exciting, some dark undercurrent of a strange joy threading quietly through whatever had just happened. Despite the pain, she felt light-headed, a little giddy.
Something has happened to the Crown. And that was at the heart of the pain, she knew that much. "Jatasura!"
No slow, shuffling sound of movement answered her command, and Phaedra frowned. This was not the time for disobedience. He would pay for ignoring her. She shoved the door to the next room open with such force that it banged against the wall. Something cracked, but she didn't care.
The rakshasa was crumpled on the floor, his long, lean body folded up in a heap. Phaedra kicked him, then kicked him again when the first elicited no reaction. She leaned down and grabbed him by one ear, tugging upwards and revealing his face. Eyes blank. No breath.
"You-" Phaedra snarled as confusion gave way to anger. "How dare you die without my leave - you were mine!" She tore at him with her new claws; his body, already weakened from his Mindless state, gave way easily in the face of her rage. "You were for the Crown's honor, you-"
The goddess searched for an adequately foul word, and found nothing. Instead, she crouched and focused all her fury into physical blows, her eyelids narrowed to slits. His skin was quite easily shredded, and she tore chunks out of the muscles below, so few over his sharp and hollow bones. He was still warm. What she took, she flung away, heedless of mess or of anything beyond her anger at this thing that had happened, this thing that had caused her pain and taken away something that was hers.
By the time Phaedra's rage was adequately vented, the remains of the rakshasa were not remotely identifiable any more, and both goddess and room were splattered with gore. She stood up at last, panting, her arms tired from tearing and slashing, blood and unidentifiable things caked on her claws and between her fingers.
"I meant him for You, my Emperor," Phaedra snarled, then whirled in one sharp movement. She had nobody to clean up this mess.
She would ignore that, for now.
The goddess closed the door again with surprising delicacy, leaving the knob blood-smeared, then stomped her sticky way into the bathroom. She, at least, knew how to properly bathe. And when she was clean and composed again, she would go down and reduce whatever had done this to shreds, just as thoroughly as Jatasura's corpse.
No one takes anything from Greed.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:35 pm
Phaedra and Jahara: Gold and VenomProlixity Languor and wrongness, energy and lethargy; Jahara stretched the limbs of her body and turned to move towards the stairs, casting a scornful glance back over her shoulder. All well and good, but oh, now, now she must go and find her sister. Over the weeks she had spent controlling the body while Ixa slept, she had grown used to the way it moved; now she climbed the stairs with easy grace, though the dulling grip of what had happened dragged at her. She exulted and despaired. Sosiqui The water was running far too slowly for Phaedra's taste; the goddess scowled and paced, trying to get herself under control. She should not have been that violent with Jatasura, perhaps, but he had been a convenient outlet. Such a pity that she had not felt herself free to do so while he was still alive. There was a knock, resonating past the Labyrinth. She looked up, frowned. Who was seeking her now? She was in no state to receive anyone. Well. She looked enough like the kitten yet that, if it was someone she did not wish to see, she could present the face of a host insane. Surely Phaedra, Imperatrix, would not wallow so in blood and filth. And she would not, if only the water would pour faster. She gave the water another cold stare, then bent to rinse the worst of the gore from her hands and feet before wrapping a towel over her nakedness. That, combined with her long unbound hair, hid the wings quite well. There was the eye color, but anyone who would notice that would not have been fooled anyway. Phaedra padded to the door, took her shortcut, and pushed open the front door just enough to see who was there. "Who-"The towel fell in the next instant, and she shoved the door open completely. "My dear - Jahara, how good to see you well," she purred, delighted. There was something going on downstairs, but her sister eclipsed them all. Prolixity Jahara's face lit with delight. "And you, my dearest," she answered, standing to embrace her sister, unmindful of the blood. "Please accept my apologies for my absence. I have come home." At the touch of the bright feathers, she blinked, then smiled yet more widely. "Oh! You have begun to become yourself again?"Sosiqui "Indeed." Phaedra's smile grew wider, sharper. "No more need for my little kitten any longer. What of your own?" She released Jahara and took a step back, holding the other goddess at arm's length. It was Poison's own light glittering in the sphinx's eyes, but she saw no other outward changes. Then again, her own had been subtle. "Come in - there is something strange happening, but if you are here... well, then, I need no part of it." She made as if to draw Jahara inside, shut the door after them. Let whatever was making sounds downstairs have their play and hullabaloo without her. Prolixity "Eaten, now. Though she had not enough self left to struggle much nor comprehend what was happening to her," Jahara pouted. "Though perhaps it is as well. She had a strong will, before I broke her down." She dropped back to all fours and padded inside. "I have not yet the energy to change myself. I cannot wait to walk on two feet once more." She shook herself distastefully, resettling the wings and fur of her body. "I left the squeaking idiots to seek you out. What happens will happen, whether I am there or not." She lifted a dismissive hand. Sosiqui "Ah," Phaedra purred. "Then there is no more need for subterfuge. As much as I enjoy such games, I was long past tired of needing to do them when all I wanted was to talk to you plainly... and you know I am no good at all when it comes to what I want." She laughed, delighted. Let them hiss and spit at things; she would be happy here for now. Phaedra guided Jahara straight through the shortcut door - no need for puzzles with her - and into the main chamber. "Unfortunately, whatever occurred managed to take my slave along with it," she said, her tail lashing behind her; she frowned, turned her upper body, and caught it in one hand, glaring at it. "And with me still learning how to use what I have taken for myself... I did not give him leave to go."The smell of blood was quite obviously drifting from the closed door; the footprints were even more obvious. Prolixity "I, too, was tiring of it. She was a willful and contrary monster. I will enjoy being able to speak plainly." Jahara padded after her sister. "You have improved your chambers," she observed. The scent of blood made her faintly hungry, and her tongue flicked unconsciously over her lip. "He seems to have been of some use in easing your temper, at the least," she said. "Messy, perhaps. But satisfying? Unfortunate, but we shall find another suitable gift. I will help you." There was an advantage to the body she had taken, she reflected. There was no trace of squeamish horror over the gore that still decorated Phaedra's sleek fur; the monster's instinct said only prey. Sosiqui "Whatever has so inconvenienced me and taken what was mine will pay for it... in due time," Phaedra added, with a predatory smile. That could wait until after she had spoken properly with Jahara for the first time in this new life. "You must tell me everything - every detail, every strike in your sally against that willful creature. So bold, to take her even before your full ascension!" Nebula's soul had been too powerful for that, though Phaedra had to admit she'd enjoyed playing with the kitten. She realized the bathwater was still running. "Perhaps in here, my dear? If you don't mind. Blood is only fun up to a point." Phaedra examined the clotting blood around the base of her claws with distaste. Pretty soon she'd have to deal with the remains in the other room. Disinclined to such labor as she was, she was even less inclined to flies and other such things that sought out rot and waste. Prolixity "All in its due time." Jahara followed Phaedra towards the bath, seating herself tidily nearby. "I wore my pretty monster down to a thread," she explained. "Once we had convinced her to let me in, I was able to root myself, to take control gradually further. As she grew weaker, I consumed little pieces of her. She was little more than a simple child by the end." She beamed, a cheerful and wicked expression, and petted the jewel in her chest, luxuriating in the ability to do and think and speak as she wished without concern to her host. "You must tell me how you finished your own little kitten," she asked. "I would hear of her end. A pitiful little thing, but useful." Sosiqui "Mmm... delightful. The slow decay, the delicate insinuation - the subtlety, yes. One might foam up and collapse in a heap in one moment, but I always found such dozy declines much more... amusing." Phaedra smiled and slid into the warm water, ducking her head under to let her long hair float free around her for a moment, swishing it around to dislodge some of the mess before surfacing. "Little kitten... she was quite strong, if only she knew... and quite, quite insane, really. I had no wish to fight against madness until I had enough power." Madmen were dangerous. Wild cards. Elements uncontrollable. "I pounced all at once, in the end, let her know who was in control... and kept her just enough to take the pain of our joining. All according to plan." Prolixity "Delicious, my beloved, delicious." Jahara flicked her tongue against her lips, imagining Nebula's horror at the end. Such a pretty picture. "I tore my monster to bits, finally, when the End began. It cannot be said that I am not merciful. She would only have suffered in these days," she said, mocking, and laughed, pleased with herself. She crossed her arms on the edge of the tub and leaned against it, watching Phaedra and smiling. "Blood suits you, but elegance suits you better, sister," she mused. "When your temples have risen, you will shimmer with your gifts, always." Sosiqui "And you as well, a soft glitter and shimmer off the surface of your most treasured gifts... liquid jewels, sliding down throats, through veins." Phaedra purred and sat back languorously, letting herself drift slightly in the warm water. She reached up and twirled one claw through a clot of blood, swirling it free for a moment before it dissolved into the water. "Your blessings." Another crackle of noise from below intruded on her thoughts, and she scowled. "What is going on down there? They should hush, so genteel goddesses can relax and hold court in peace." Prolixity "Vials and bottles, glimmering, the true jewels within. Only a drop. Mmmmmmmm." Jahara hummed with pleasure, half-closing her eyes. "Incense and wine and fine, fine mixtures, to slow the blood and dizzy the mind. Once they danced for me, not knowing themselves anymore with the poisons in their blood," she said dreamily, imagining it. She frowned at the noise. "I am not concerned.When we wish, we shall go and see. I am content here now." Sosiqui "Mmmm." Phaedra ducked under the water again, frowning at her hair - it stubbornly refused to release some of the gore, and there were several nasty tangles forming. Not acceptable. Well. What need have I for the kitten's vanity? She smiled underwater, and came up again. "How nimble are you with a blade, my darling? The sphinx seemed agile enough." Prolixity Jahara stretched her arms, considering the question. "I think I could summon some degree of finesse," she mused. "I am growing accustomed to these hands, though being forced to go on all fours still irks me."Sosiqui "Here, then-" Phaedra leaned out of the bath, a gentle, languid movement, and unearthed a thin blade from beneath one of the attendant pillows. "A hidden blade is most useful - if you could, sister." She held the small knife out to Jahara, then indicated her hair. Prolixity "Only the tangles, surely," Jahara said, not quite asking. She took the knife and balanced it in her hand, getting the feel of it; then she moved closer and began to slice delicately through the worst of the knots. "You are always lovely, but I must confess I like your hair this way." Sosiqui "No, my dear - shoulder-length, if you could, all the way 'round. I would not ask it of you, but there is no-one else. No sweet Aoide patting up to do my bidding, no lovely men and women prostrating themselves before me in hunger and need..." Phaedra reached up one hand to gather up her remaining hair so Jahara could easily cut the tangled length off without difficulty. "They say, do they not, that cutting one's hair is a herald of change, of a new direction? I want none of the kitten's direction left to me. I will forge my own path, and it will be a way to glory," she purred. Then she turned, dropping the hair she'd so carefully gathered. "Come with me," she demanded, looking into Jahara's eyes, remembering the shade they'd been once, unstained by sphinx or mortal touch. "When I go. Come with me." Prolixity "Ahhh, I see, I see." Jahara affected a pout, but dropped it as Phaedra turned to face her. "Anywhere, my dear," she promised, her lips curling in a smile. "Anywhere." She leaned in close to gather up the tangled locks again. Sosiqui "Anywhere," Phaedra purred, her eyes slipping half-closed as she leaned in and pressed her lips firmly against Jahara's, reaching past that which had been Ixa, searching to drink only of Poison, to taste bitter draughts against her tongue. Prolixity Jahara hummed with pleasure and slipped an arm around Phaedra's shoulders, letting the knife drop to the floor. Small matters such as hair could be dealt with later.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:37 pm
Solo: The Week of Sloth
Whatever all the carrying-on downstairs had been about, the resulting strange barrier - and the gap it left when it had vanished - kept Jahara there for some time, which was delightful indeed. But when all had mended itself, and the other goddess departed, Phaedra found herself quite loathe to venture forth. That occurrence had broken things even worse than they had been before.
She so hated cleaning up.
So she ignored the world outside, ignored the slowly decaying mass in the other room, and lazed indolently in her bed. Let the others pick up the pieces. Let them do the work. She would come out when she pleased, and not a moment sooner.
But why?
Something external was feeding into her, she could tell. She was inclined to let others do the messy jobs anyway, unless there was something she could personally gain, but this slow, seeping lethargy was coming in from the outside, reinforcing that inclination. It didn't bother her, especially since it provided a most convenient excuse should someone take it upon themselves to harangue her for her laziness, but it was puzzling.
And familiar.
At last she crept downstairs, light-footed, cat-footed, and peered around the corner into the Throne hall. What she saw made her breath catch in her throat - no Form of the Crown, only a misshapen mass built out of what he had one been, the golden ornaments of her own reflection still caught here and there.
The window is broken...
And then, slowly, she knew, curiosity warring with the shuddering horror she felt at the sight of the foul chrysalis. "I feel you there, my sibling," she whispered into the empty air of the Throne hall, before giving in to her fear and darting back up the stairs, setting every trap in the Labyrinth on the way in.
Sloth. Dear sib, so long it has been... And yet, no deity sat upon the Throne. The lethargy radiated from no sentient, no resurrected source; it peeled away from the Form Defiled, and there was no gain to it.
And if it continues...
A shudder of fear and ecstatic delight shivered down her own form, and she had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming her blasphemous hopes into the air.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:38 pm
Solo: The Week of Envy
When the change came, when Sloth's influence slid away at the distant sounding of a trumpet, only to be replaced with a hungry jealousy, Phaedra trembled again. Yes, yes she recognized this as well. Envy, my dear, how I miss you. We ever were so well matched in our purposes.
She knew, without checking, that her sibling would not be seated on the Throne, any more than Sloth had. Sh'khin, now, would he dare such a thing? What of War, whom Plague had pronounced reborn, but she herself had not yet met? Or others? Surely others might be called into being if only for the hunger for power and delight that was promised for one shimmering, golden week.
Her tail swayed back and forth, slowly.
I have plans to make.
She did not know how long it had been, how long she had been lost in grim and joyous plotting, laying out moves and countermeasures behind slitted eyes. Phaedra was snapped out of her reverie by the sound of the outer door opening - and that was quite a surprise. Who would come to Greed and not knock, nor call out their name in supplication or question?
It was curious enough to bring her to her feet. She padded over to the wall that bordered on the Labyrinth, and listened. She had not turned off the traps. Whoever sought entrance would have not only the maze but also her tricks to deal with as well, though her contraptions were nowhere near as elaborate or stealthy as they had once been, when she and her domain had been in their shining prime.
Clanks, thuds, and the occasional yelp or sharply indrawn breath met her listening ears. That was the pendulum, that the tripwire... the needles... Phaedra's brow furrowed. Whoever was in there, they were rather good at dodging... or at suppressing screams of pain. She wondered which was which.
Finally, she heard the odd clopping footsteps in the room just outside. Phaedra padded smoothly back to her 'throne' and sat down, spreading her feathers behind her. There was another sharp swishing noise as the last trap triggered, a grunt as whoever-it-was dodged, and then a creak as the last door was carefully pushed open.
The visitor stumbled into the room - not wholly unmarked by the traps, as Phaedra noted with some satisfaction. There were thin cuts on the outside of both arms, and she was limping, but the satyr-like woman looked up at the goddess and immediately dropped to one knee. "Lady."
That was unexpected, and extremely pleasant. Phaedra purred quietly, then gestured for the penitent to rise. "Stand, and let me see you. Who seeks Greed, and to what purpose?"
The woman got to her feet again, and turned in a slow circle as Phaedra's gestures demanded. "My name is Avita, an Aoide of the Court. I would serve you," and the last was spoken with a surprising defiance, the Aoide meeting Phaedra's gaze dead-on, as if daring the goddess to dismiss her.
Phaedra chuckled. "Come here, my dear," and when the Aoide stepped into her reach, she held out one hand and stroked her fingers through Avita's golden hair. "Why would you serve me?"
"Because I seek power," was the response, nearly growled. "Power, and to fulfill my heart's desire of service. I would not let any other have you. Only myself."
Surprising words, if strange. Phaedra smiled. "You are jealous."
"And how else should I be, in these days?" Avita shot back.
"Spirit. I admire that," the goddess purred, and drew Avita closer in with a single claw under her chin. Then she cut, sharply, making Avita gasp, and blood came away on that claw. "I accept your service. Retain that fire, that daring, but remember your place. Are we agreed?"
"Agreed, my Lady. Imperatrix."
Phaedra's eyes narrowed with pleasure, and she delicately licked the blood from her claw. "Good. Very good."
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:39 pm
Solo: The Week of Lust
The distant trumpet banished Envy and summoned... a wave of desire that almost made Phaedra think her time had come, but as she smiled she realized it was yet another sibling brought to ascendancy. Ah, Lust, my dear, my dear... That brought a host of sweet memories to mind, and she smiled sharply. Memories of delicious days and nights, two types of desire warring in endless play.
Lust, too, would not be on the Throne below. She could not possibly believe her sibling would return without paying her a visit. Sad, that, but her impatience was growing. Surely, surely soon her own time would come, and then...
And then...
The thought alone was quite enough to arouse her even without Lust's influence hissing through her veins, and she called for Avita. The naked hunger in the Aoide's eyes when she explained her need was quite gratifying.
The sex, moreso.
[Author's Note: Post short because Phaedra is so very not PG-13. Sigh.]
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:40 pm
Phaedra and Malh'reth: Sheer ArtistrySkieBorne The sound of crickets chirruped and buzzed in the background as the setting sun set the sky on fire, throwing long shadows away from everything. The world was in an uproar and yet the elements currently seemed eerily calm… at peace, balanced. While storms still raged and the earth rumbled beneath people’s feet, it was a calming background to the previous weeks where few could find the energy to slip from their bed… or coveted whatever they might see.
A lone figure sat on the edge of a forsaken town, the buildings nothing more then burned out husks in which weeds now poked up through the floors. It hadn’t been that long and already nature was reclaiming the area. He’d wandered out this way to think and escape the riot of emotions that descended upon him recently. It was strange… this desire that sat coiled in the middle of his chest, ready to spring. Malh’reth wasn’t normally so easily distracted and it bothered him. Something was wrong. The world was ending and all he could think about were pleasures of the flesh…
Around him, the world thrummed in its inverted colours, vibrant hues against ceaseless blackness. The mage had gotten used to his new way of seeing, odd as it was and while it was easy to get distracted, it seemed a truer way of seeing things. Granted, he could only see silhouettes of the duller ruins, bright spheres of lights where the insects flew, and the sunset was nothing more then a gradient of greys in the distance but all he had to do to see something was touch it to know of it.
Idly, the Aurion crossed one leg over the other and flipped open his book, running fingers of the surfaces of the pages as a blind man might. About half way through, he found what he was looking for – a doodle of his home. He’d come seeking answers only to find more questions and as frustrating as it was, he was at least asking more pointed, directed questions as time went on. Pulling magic from his surroundings, Malh’reth set the image into motion and watched through fingers as people moved about in an idealistic representation. When a childhood friend of his walked past and paused to pick up a spilled box of fruit, desire spiked through him and he quickly closed the book, annoyed. Every time he tried to relax, to distract himself for but a moment sensual thoughts would invade.
With an exasperated sigh, the mage tucked the book away, “Get a grip already. There’s more important things then that.” Lifting his gaze to the sky above, he watched the lines of power undulate and pulse, thrown into chaos by the turmoil at their origin. “Like straightening those out for one.” Sosiqui The town was, if possible, even more ruined than it had been before, and that was depressing. Phaedra had no desire to scavenge where others had already looted; she should have been first, had her share at her leisure before the vultures descended. It was all backwards. But she was fairly sure what would come next, and that thought brought a rising tide of excitement that nothing could truly diminish. So many plans, so many possibilities. If what she had predicted was correct... And I must thank you, dear Lust, wherever you lay, for adding your own special brand of amusement to events. If only her sibling had corporeal form, then that would be something to truly remember! But, alas... The goddess prowled, looking for something to play with. Her excitement over future possibilities was quite enough even without Lust's carnal infusion. Avita was well enough, but she wanted something new, now. It was so rare to find everyone inclined to think the way Phaedra usually did all the time. And if she'd predicted correctly, sometime in the near future... the resemblance would be even greater. The goddess licked her lips in anticipation and padded forward, dark against the blazing sky. SkieBorne Tiring of his perch, Malh’reth rose and paced out a circle in an unconsciously measured step. There was so much to do yet and it was difficult pushing past these successive waves of influence. Turning to face the direction all the shadows stretched towards, he wondered if it would be enough and, in the end, what it would mean for him. It wasn’t melancholy that struck the mortal now but rather a sort of contemplative game of ‘what if’. What if he stopped fighting and gave in to the chaos that was consuming the land? What if he refused and instead pressed on alone?
And, most importantly, what lay ahead? What more would befall the world?
The rustle of fabric drew him from his thoughts as he rounded another portion of the circle, lavender eyes looking out over the ruins only to pause as a bright silhouette glowed not too far off. Fuzzy ears perked and he wondered why the figure was brighter then most – there was a halo of energy about her that was new to him. What was anyone doing out here? Perhaps it was a citizen of this place come back to pick through the remains once more? There was little left now, not of any value in any case.
Taking a few steps towards the stranger, he mounted the ruined steps of a wooden deck so he was a little higher up and waved a hand. Perhaps the company of another soul might help his odd moods and uncharacteristic urges.
Sosiqui Who was that? Phaedra's ears perked, betraying her interest; she frowned, inwardly. How dare they do such a thing, without her consent. Blasted reflexes. Someday, she would teach them, or cut them off for their insolence. Still, there was someone there - my! and so exotic a someone, too! That also piqued the goddess' curiosity, and she turned towards the stranger. "So it seems the world hasn't emptied itself of all life yet, after all," she purred, catching her tail in one hand. SkieBorne Malh'reth blinked at the feminine voice and smiled, gaze rising to watch the other's face even though he could not make out details. Bowing slightly, he swept out a hand as his smile shifted into a weary grin, "It's tried, believe me. Some hang on tighter then others. What brings out into these wastes? A lady such as yourself shouldn't be off on her own... especially in light of recent events." Gentlemanly concern laced his voice as he spoke, taking a few more steps forward to offer his long-fingered hand in greeting. Sosiqui "I appreciate your chivalry, good sir," Phaedra said, with a cheerful laugh. An old-fashioned one, this. A horn, and such splendid ears... wouldn't they be fun to tickle the edges with a fingertip? tonguetip? "But what of yourself? It seems to me that times are dangerous for everyone, not just women." SkieBorne "Do not worry about me, I can take care of myself." He waved off her concern when she didn't take his hand. She had such an interesting voice... lifting said hand, the Aurion held it out as a blind man might. He wondered if she was as interesting as she sounded and fought down the thoughts that rose as his imagination ran away with the idea. Coughing slightly to clear his throat, Malh'reth spoke softly, "Pardon me but your voice is truly intriguing... might I know the face that issues such sounds? My vision, you see, is not what it used to be..." Sosiqui "Know the face? What do you mean?" Phaedra affected innocence, and took the moment to examine the man's own face. Sight... was he blind? His pupils seemed to move about quite normally. But intriguing, that was good, very good. Especially if he couldn't see her. "If you explain yourself, perhaps..." She caught his hand in one of hers, let him feel the light prickle-touch of her claws. Playful. SkieBorne He smiled as she touched him, curling long fingers about hers with a light laugh as her claws pricked at his skin and raised goosebumps on his forearm, "This works just as well..." As her features came into focus Malh'reth tilted his head to the side with a curious look, "Such a fine face..."
For a moment he pondered exploring more... to slide finger tips up her wrist and then her arm... even moved to do so before he caught himself and coughed, "I see through touch as well, miss. I know by feeling." Smiling, the mage lifted his gaze once more to catch hers, "I see auras and ambient energy but to know detail, I must touch. It wasn't always like that... but that first wave struck my vision askew." Letting go, he stepped a little away and sighed as her image brightened back into the glow of the silhouette. "You have a beautiful face and a matching aura...?" He trailed off in the hopes she might fill the space he left with her name. Sosiqui "How interesting," she purred, her tail swaying slowly behind her as it escaped her grasp. He was feeling it too, she could tell. Pretty thing, so exotic and innocent. She wondered how much that horn would make on the black market. There were many stories about horns... aphrodisiacs, by rumor... No such thing was needed now, with the very air so charged. "My name is Phaedra. And yours?" SkieBorne Aphrodisiacs, perhaps. But an Aurion's horn was the root of their power... their connection to the world and the medium through which they channeled their magic. It was a powerful magical catalyst, to the point where the Aurion, if caught alone, were killed for the prize. Their horns fetched handsome prices in any market and even though the slaughtering of the peaceful people was technically illegal, no ruler would actively punish those who dealt in them - mostly because an Aurion could still survive without the horn, just as a ghost of their previous selves.
However, caught in the moment as he was, the normally attentive Malh'reth didn't even consider the possibility he might be becoming a target. He echoed her name, tasting it and finding he rather like how it rolled off the tongue; sharp but mysterious at the same time. Curious. He blinked at the question, slow on the uptake but bowed slightly to cover his fumble, "Please, call me Malh'reth. I am a traveling entertainer. It is a pleasure to meet you, Phaedra." Sosiqui "Malh'reth." Phaedra tried his name on her tongue, as he had, and smiled, eyes slitted. "An entertainer, are you? Show me a pretty trick, tell me a story, whatever it is that you do." Entertaining in more ways than one, yes. She clapped her hands and sat down in front of him. SkieBorne He blinked. Entertain...? Now...? Fidgeting, he bobbed his head in an indecisive manner before stepping back as she sat down. "Entertain you? Ah... alright then. As it is, I do both," belatedly, he fished around in his sleeve and pulled out a book filled with sketches and drawings, flipping through it for a moment before laughing to himself and closing it. He'd come across the drawing of the person he'd met while in Eamnonn's territory and this was the perfect chance to capture another intriguing person.
"But, I believe I know what might appeal to you, m'lady." Turning to face her, he reached out a hand, "If you give me your hand I shall draw a portrait of you." Already his free hand was moving, swirling magical energy about it as he began to paint with it. The colours shimmered in varying hues of gold, strong and bold against the backdrop of the sunset. When her silhouette was half-blocked out, he paused and smiled at her. Your hand once more...? Sosiqui "Ah, a wandering artist? No words for you, merely strokes and colors?" Charming, if not quite as good for her reputation; it would have been nice to leave him dazed, ready to wander forth and sing the praises of the dark goddess he had met at sunset. Such things were the start of legends, and legends were useful. Still, a portrait... she was a connoisseur of art, naturally, as she was a connoisseur of everything. Perhaps it would be entertaining. Phaedra held out her hand and touched her fingertips to his, teasingly, before tickling his palm with one careful claw. "Show me." How would he paint with tainted sight, she wondered. SkieBorne "Yes... and no. I am a story teller but my talent lays in bringing the imagination into reality. You see, I illustrate my legends." When her claws tickled across his skin, goosebumps ran up his forearm and the image wavered slightly. Letting out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, the mage shook his head, "And you are most deserving of a tale or two. It wouldn't do you justice to get the pictures wrong, would it?"
With her touch, her features came into focus once more - her clothing, her face... it all came into focus so that she was a glowing, brilliant being sitting before him. It made him pause perhaps a moment too long before he turn turned back to the painting he'd started. That he could see perfectly well as it was drawn with the magic of the area and had not a corporeal form.
Slowly, carefully, he began to paint her... a miniature form for now, standing about two feet high as it floated in the air. While he worked, he committed the shape and form of her to memory, thinking it would be a sad thing indeed to lose sight of Phaedra. A short period of time later, he only her face left and Malh'reth painted with caressing strokes, tender almost like a lover's touch.
When at last he finished, he let go and drew down to put it before her, "Does the lady approve? I am not quite finished but if this appeals to you I shall show you the finished piece." Sosiqui Now that, that was delicious - she could hardly hope for a better chronicler. Such a fortunate find! The goddess laughed inside as she saw how delicate, how soft and sensual his movements were. The magic itself was all quite interesting, but it was the artist she watched, her sides just barely vibrating with an inaudible purr. When he presented it to her, she smiled. "A splendid work, indeed. And what will you tell in your stories, Malh'reth? What will you say about Phaedra?"SkieBorne He puffed up with pride as she complimented his work and bowed in thanks, "What will I say? That a gracious, beautiful woman came out of the twilight to keep a lonely mage company, voice rich as the sovereign's treasury and a face that puts those treasures to shame. I will say know her and pay homage to the graceful spirit. Thank her for her company should she gift you with her time. It will be a story of circumstance and romance." His smile was soft as he turned from her, "That is, if you would allow such things... I do like to spin a tale based in truth."
Tugging on the ambient energy some more, he pulled the painting to him once more and appeared to destroy it as he hooked fingers into the smoky image and tossed it away. However, it didn't fade or go flying through the air as though thrown; the figure landed neatly on her feet with her back to them. A perfect copy of appearance, tangible and real it turned to mirror Phaedra's expression. Closing the gap between the copy and the pair, the illusion's movement misted and trailed like a ghost might, lending an air of mystery to it. With a proud smile, Malh'reth gestured to his summoning, "For I do not think you'll be forgotten." Sosiqui More delicious words, flattery and balm. Phaedra stood up in a smooth movement and walked around the illusory figure. Lovely, it was, though she noted a few small things that displeased her about her own appearance. She really would have to get rid of those blasted ears. "Such words and such artistry deserves a reward," she pronounced, her tail curling around to wrap around Malh'reth's ankle as she came to him, leaning close enough that her fur prickled along his skin. "Have you ever met a goddess, artisan? What tales do you have of the divine, storyteller?" If he was as good in bed as he was with words, that would truly be something. She might never let him go, then. Take him home, have Avita put a pretty collar on him, pretty ornaments worthy of Greed's property. SkieBorne His gaze flicked down to where her tail curled about his ankle then up again as she leaned in close, senses focusing on the brush of fur against skin. It was enticing, this half-sight that came with near-contact and for a moment he found no words. Coughing politely when mind finally overruled body, he answered smoothly, "You are too kind, Phaedra. Do not trouble yourself with this one, I have merely done as you asked. I would not charge you for it."
Lifting a hand, he brushed the back of finger tips against her cheek ever so lightly, almost worshiping in the movement, "I have been told these are the lands of the gods... to tell it true I would not be surprised if you counted yourself among them. And, though it may be blasphemy to suggest such a thing, if you are not this is a cruel world indeed. I have many divine legends..." He drew nearer, watching her lips for a moment before glancing up to those stunning eyes, "Yours, however, would be the crowning gem. Unsurpassed..." Sosiqui "You would be right," she purred, feeling his adoration radiating, like sunlight on her dark skin. "My dear sib's influence suffuses this land. I could offer no less." She never paid for anything, never. Rewarded, perhaps, as she wished. A different kind of play, this, with Lust's taint making everything easy, but delightful all the same. "The form you've made is quite pretty, but I can show you the difference between her... and me." She tried to draw him down, a tug on his hand here, a soft pressure on his leg there from the curling tail. SkieBorne He let her guide him, gaze caught in hers, focused solely on Phaedra. A flash of surprise lit up his eyes as she spoke, almost disbelieving, "This one would be honoured, m'lady." It was his turn to purr, carnal desire stirring as his hand played down her neck to brush against the fabric of her clothing. Cautiously, his face drew near hers as they settled, lips hovering but mere inches from hers, "May I...?"
All thoughts of fixing the end of the world had flown, his world now revolving around the goddess who had walked into his arms. Phaedra... a smile ghosted across his face as her name echoed in his mind. Sosiqui She lunged forward and nipped at his lip, tugging it lightly into her own, and holding it there in a hungry kiss. And one thing follows another...So it did.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:41 pm
Solo: Week of Greed - Ascension
Phaedra descended the stairs, her heart pounding, moving slowly and carefully lest her excitement cause her to misstep and trip. Surely. Surely. Surely her time was coming. Avita followed her, at a respectful distance. The Aoide had helped prepare her mistress, clothing her in the gifts of Destruction.
The goddess paused at the entrance to the Throne hall, her hands clasped in front of her, as if in penitence, suddenly hesitant. Was this truly her right? Truly? The chrysalis loomed dark and thick in front of her.
"Time," Avita murmured behind her, and then any other words the Aoide might have spoken were drowned in the sudden sounding of an unseen trumpet, blown by an unseen hand. The sound reverberated, and in the wall the next window trembled, then shattered.
A wave of power like nothing Phaedra had ever known rushed outward, and she spread her arms wide and welcomed it. It lapped at her, curled around her, genuflected to her as its master. Mistress. Imperatrix.
All around her was sparkling gold, filling her up from the inside out, spilling away to make all the world her own. An endless fountain, purest ecstasy. The goddess climbed the stairs, caressed the arm of the Throne. Golden light sizzled against her fur, tracing triumph and delight.
She turned in one smooth movement and sat down, her feathers fanning behind her; Avita dropped to both knees and bowed, so low that her forehead touched the ground. "Praise to thee, Phaedra Imperatrix, Golden Crown," the Aoide whispered, but the goddess heard it as if her servant had been standing right next to her.
Phaedra purred in sheer delight; none of the bodily pleasures she'd enjoyed in the last week had been half as good as this. Her raiment was not suitable for her station, not now; she reached, found power, used it. Jewels dripped out of the air to adorn her, trickling down her skin to form into delicate traceries that would make a master jeweler weep at the sight.
"Let Me see," she whispered, and her awareness flung itself outward, dizzying. Here Achai fallen, scraping at what remained; she infused the survivors with desire for food and watched them tear each other apart over a single apple. There sweet Malh'reth; so far away, too far, she bid him come to me, my dear, and knew he would.
"Let Me hear," she exulted, and the whispers of All gathered at her ears in obeisance, for her to listen or not, as she chose, at her leisure.
"Let it be known that Greed is enthroned." She was dizzy, giddy; she had been so blind, so deaf, so minuscule before and not known it. "Let it be known. Let it be known." Desire Me. Desire My presence. To look upon Me is all that you desire. She sent it radiating outward like another wave; Avita moaned with need on the floor below and crept to tremble at Phaedra's feet.
"Is it all you hoped for, my dear?" Phaedra breathed, reaching down one finger to tilt Avita's chin up.
"Yes," Avita wept. "Yes."
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:42 pm
Phaedra and Tian Yue: Before Her Throne
It seemed merely an instant, a few moments of Avita staring with utter wide-eyed adoration, when there was motion. At first, Phaedra was sure it was the mortals she had bid come pay her fealty, but instead a dully familiar face, gaping like a fish, met her eyes. Ah... Tien Lung. The game begins, does it? She knew her compulsion would not have worked on him. It must have been sweetest chance.
"... Phaedra?!" Tian Yue stared, incredulous.
"Yes?" She laughed, golden; and reached her power around him, nibbling at the edges. It was blunted, turned back by his nature, his vow to the Twin Crown, but she knew he could feel it too; feel it and do nothing.
"What... what are you doing?" He was staring at her, apparently too shocked to form a coherent objection to her presence.
"Ruling, My dear Dragon King, ruling in truth. Such a gift from what has become of our Lord." She gestured with one delicate hand at the Chrysalis. The Dragon King obediently followed her movement, then stared at the dark mass with even more horror than he had used on her.
The, without warning, he whirled on her, striding up to the Throne itself. "How can you do this?"
For a moment, despite herself, there was a flicker of fear before her internal dominance reasserted itself. "Do what?" she asked, innocently.
"This! Sit so indolently on... do..." He paused; she could see him grinding his teeth in anger. "Sit there, while this rests so close at hand! How dare you!"
Phaedra's eyes narrowed. "I do not sit indolently, Tien Lung. The Emperor is My Lord as well. My mere presence, My ability to even take this Throne is proof enough of that. Or have you forgotten the Seven?" And how dare you lecture Me so, upstart Dragon?
Tian Yue shook his head, slowly. "The Domains are enthroned, then."
She laughed again at his ignorance. "Indeed. A golden and exquisite week. You are in My Time now, Dragon King. Oh, fear not... I am not the foolish one you suppose Me to be." A cold anger crept into her mind, into her gaze. No, she had not forgotten her rage at the unknown ones that had done this thing. "Those who have so reduced My Emperor will suffer. I will stretch out My hand, My will. I will find them, and destroy them."
"Who are they? Where are they?!" Tian Yue slammed his hand down on the arm of the Throne; Phaedra just barely managed not to jump at the sudden movement and sound.
But she had the upper hand. "Ask nicely," Phaedra purred, and Tian Yue recoiled. I have you now, My dear Dragon. I have you all now.
"Ask... ask nicely?! Even now, you would..."
"I am Greed, My dear, now more than ever before," she said, smiling a trickster's smile. "I can See, I can Hear, I can Know more than you could ever dream. Gather this Court before Me and I will reveal what I See. Then you may all fly forth to action under My most glorious banner. You will do that, won't you?"
She could see the war in his mind; knew who would win. He had no choice, and she exulted internally when he bowed his head. "They will come," he said, through gritted teeth, "but not for any love of you."
"So long as they come. Such an honor, to see the divine gathered in court before My throne. Fly swiftly, dear Tian Yue. Perhaps I will reward you for such service."
He pivoted, sharply, and left the room, her laughter following him the whole way.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:43 pm
Phaedra and Malh'reth: Summons and ServitudeSkieBorne In the chaos that had surrounded the pantheon in the weeks after Samyaza made her presence known and Harmodius was forced into a cocoon, Malh’reth had been attempting to be of some use. He and his group had arrived on the scene late, people in disarray, the general mood severe. The mortal had been unsure at first but as the days progressed and unheard trumpets sounded, he knew something must be done.
Once he finally did have an idea of what was going (and got used to the idea of gods being as tangible as he was), the mage had started to help in what ways he could. Still new to the lands of the gods, he wandered mostly as he tried to piece together some idea of what had transpired and just what, exactly, the fall of the Twin Crown meant for him, the gods, and the universe in general.
It hadn’t been particularly successful however. He’d met a few Aoidei and had some run ins with the mortals that eked out their livelihood in the areas that surrounded the Pantheon but that was it – the tug of sloth and envy had gnawed at him unendingly, slowing his efforts to a near crawl.
And then he’d met Phaedra. Oh dear, sweet Phaedra. Drunk on lust, the mage had willingly devoted his time to the exotic goddess and even now, as the days swirled about him, he could not remove her from his mind for good or ill. She was a goddess, she was called Phaedra and her beauty was most ethereal, a perfect subject for his art; or so his fogged mind told him.
As the week drew to a close and Lust’s influence waned, he found he was coming back to himself. It was like walking through the edges of dense fog, catching glimpses of your surroundings, fleeting thoughts ran deeper, no longer shallow. Focus began to come back and the puzzle that was Phaedra started to fade.
Then, like a lightning bolt, she surged into the forefront of his mind, all thought swept away as though it had never existed. Shivering with an all-consuming desire, he lifted his head from his idle sketch and peered in the direction of the Pantheon. She wanted him.
And he would answer.
“Phaedra.” The single word, like a pebble dropped into water, spurred his movement. Sketch forgotten, fire abandoned and left to char the hillside, the Aurion began his trek to see her. He would see her.
Nothing else mattered.
- - - - - -
When the mage finally arrived, he sought out the Throne Room and stopped at the threshold, barely taking in what lay therein for his attention focused solely on the glory that was Phaedra. She looked like a Goddess now… the aura of power pulsing around her form making her appear as some primal force of nature to his altered vision. It stole away his breath, noticing only when his body demanded air and found it lacking. Coughing, he inhaled and stepped forward to cross the distance between the doors and the Throne… where he slid into a kneel like that of a proposing man.
Adoration, desire, relief… it shone in his eyes as he stole glances of her despite bowed head. Quietly, as to a lover, he whispered, “Phaedra….” Sosiqui A small mound of sweet gifts had piled gently at the foot of the Throne, offerings from dazed penitents who had no idea why they suddenly needed to offer their praise and dearest posessions to a golden Throne... but come they had, and their bewildered worship was ambrosia and delight to the Goddess Enthroned. But none of them had been the one she had specifically called... until now. "Malh'reth," she laughed, golden and giddy. "Welcome, my dear artist. See, I have laid out this pretty tableau for your painting, for your telling... for your legend-spinning." Phaedra stood up and leaned down, planting a delicate kiss on the tip of the Aurion's horn. "So good of you to come."SkieBorne He froze as she drew near, fearing to harm her as she kissed him and smiled, looking up when she drew away from his horn, "It is.... a wonderful background for your radiance, Phaedra." Rising slowly, he tore his gaze from her and looked around, noting the gifts and resplendence she had surrounded herself with. Fitting indeed.
"I could think of nothing else, Highness." Lavender eyes fell upon her once more, surprise and deepest triumph plain upon his face. "You... would have me chronicle your glory?" Sosiqui "Of course, of course... who best to render my ascension in glory than one who has experienced for himself?" Her eyes half-lidded, and a teasing smile played on her face for a moment. Something to remember me by. She didn't want this week to ever end, though in her heart of hearts she knew it would, and she would likely never have this power again - it was more than she had ever had, even before the Fading. Imperatrix in truth, now. "Write, draw, remember Greed's glory. All will know that I reigned above All, for a time."But I must make my mark in other ways. I must make them remember without such mortal aids, pretty though they may be. That was another thought. This was triumph and delight, no doubt of that, but she had to do something with this power. Something great. Something to ensure nobody would forget her reign. SkieBorne "No truer words have been spoken." He wavered for a moment, however, something within his glamor-fogged mind twinged and shrank away, disgusted with the goddess, straining against the bonds as she revealed what she held dominion over. Greed... He had not fallen into the arms of a good goddess but rather the embodiment of that which plagued his people. It shimmered in his features, hinting at his innermost thoughts. Anger, revulsion... fear, it boiled within him only to be whisked away by the dazzle of Phaedra.
Even if she was Greed incarnate... he wanted her. A power motivator, Greed. Perhaps when the influence faded as the others had he might find himself free but for now, he was at the mercy of the times.
"I... I will, Phaedra. I will spins tales of your greatness. Of your glory." It was an unusually simple reply for the mage. His fervor and devotion wavering slightly. Sosiqui "Yes..." She felt the flow of desire falter, smirked for a moment. "Yes, you will. You will render My glory and that of My reign, my dear Malh'reth... such a kind, talented artisan. I would not dream of trusting such a task to any other. You will have fame and glory from it, I doubt not." And you want that, don't you? You desire to be known... perhaps your little quest is only for that, hm? Altruistic purposes notwithstanding, perhaps deep underneath... some little core you won't admit to yourself? She picked at his motives idly. "But moreso, you will have my favor, and my thanks for a difficult task well done." SkieBorne Her words resonated within in... drew him closer, looking into her eyes with a determined smile for yes, underneath it all, he wanted glory... to be known and have praises sung to him. He would have his place in the history books... And all that it would cost was a simple favour for the Goddess of Greed, not too high a price. He could swallow his pride and his morals for a few brief days could he not?
And then she spoke of gaining her favour and he couldn't help but laugh, appreciation ringing out. "Your favour gracious Goddess? I could wish for no more..." Wouldn't that be something? To wheel and deal with the incarnation of Greed? Again, it sounded like a good prospect and he couldn't truly refuse.
"I would be glad to serve for the simple act of recording your reign..." The fog closed over once more as greed tugged at his mind, "All aspects of it." Tentatively, he reached out to touch her face with a smile.
He could pry himself away at any time... he was sure of it. And so, he would serve - for now. Sosiqui She let him have that touch, that momentary brush of skin against velvet-close fur. "Of course. After all, have I not called you to the heart of what you sought? Behold, your answer-" Phaedra reached out with one finger, to touch his chin, guide his gaze away from her and towards the chrysalis. SkieBorne His eyes remained fixed on hers as she turned but as the chrysalis came into view in his periphery vision, Malh'reth's gaze snapped to it and he stilled. He wasn't sure what he saw... it was too bright and dark at the same time, making him squint and look at it sideways. "Wha-what is that?" Quiet, almost a whisper, he stepped closer to her, seeking protection from something he new instinctively was well beyond his ability alone to remedy.
"Is.... that why the worlds are falling apart? That is the center of everything?" He sounded appalled, disbelieving and yet morbidly intrigued. What kind of god was that? Was it even the so-called godking? He couldn't tell... couldn't see detail beyond the show of light his altered vision perceived. Sosiqui "It is, or was," Phaedra replied, and for a moment true distress crept into her voice. Only a moment. "Lord Destruction, but something has changed Him most grievously. The snarl will engulf All, I fear. So now you have your answer... what will you do now? Will you dare bring this news back to your people? Better to remain, I fear. Earn your fame as I ask, and let gods sort out this unhappy tangle."Looking at it, at his look of horror, made her feel very alone, suddenly. On top of the world, highest of high, holiest of holies and alone. SkieBorne His gaze flicked to her briefly, "Was... What changed Him? This.... Destruction?" Were all the gods embodiments of things mortals tried (and failed) to avoid? First Greed, now Destruction? It was... confusing and daunting.
Stepping away, he turned his back to the Chrysalis and sighed, shaking his head. "I... came here to find answers. You're right... I cannot go back bearing such news, it will only stir the chaos that is certain to have taken over." He put hand to his forehead and closed his eyes. What did he think he could possibly do? He spun dreams into reality but they were ghosts, illusions... he had not the power to affect change...
Let the gods sort things out...? He turned then, not to Phaedra but to the Throne upon she she had sat when he had entered. Malh'reth was not a stupid fellow by any means and the gears began to turn. If he could not help, why could he not find someone to do so? The center of all lay in that bizarre cocoon and yet... Phaedra sat on the Throne.
Lavender gaze turned back to her and for a moment, he sensed her feeling of loneliness but it was fleeting and he wondered he had seen anything at all. Returning to her side quickly nonetheless, he gestured up at the Throne, "I cannot do anything but record your glory... and illustrate dreams but do you not sit on that Throne? Doesn't the Ruler only have access to such a thing? That's how it works in the lands I hail from... is it the same here, m'lady? If you rule, cannot you do something of import?" He smiled tenderly, "It would be a glory would it not? To turn the tides and rescue the worlds? I have no doubt you could, Phaedra. It would be a gem in your chronicles." Hope entwined with confidence and danced with the greed that lurked at the back of his mind. To think he, a mere mortal, might witness such a thing and it was all his to recount. Sosiqui For a moment, there was anger in Phaedra's gaze. Does he truly think I haven't thought of such things? True, it was often to her advantage to appear more foolish than she really was, but that was borderline insulting. "Of course," she snapped, and her tail lashed awkwardly at her side. "Do you truly think me such a fool? This may have granted me power, but it has also taken from me what was mine. No one does that and goes unpunished, no matter what pretty things they may grant in exchange." The words were hissed, cold. And then, as if it had never happened, her face was soft and smiling again. "Fear not, Malh'reth. I will give you plenty of... fodder."SkieBorne Malh'reth shrank away as she hissed, fear making his blood run cold and made him stutter as he tried to recover of his mistake. He'd overstepped his bounds... "N-no fool. Far f-from it, Golden One...." His gaze had dropped and he looked away, mind working over how to approach this... she seemed to respond only to compliments and flattery...
Even though she calmed, Malh'reth didn't go closer again. Lifting his head once more, he struggled against the influence that had called him here and lavender eyes flashed with answering temper. It subsided quickly, however, as he was not foolish enough to risk her ire and instead settled on moving on. "Fodder...? Fodder indeed. I look forward to the miracles you are sure to work." He smiled, bowing slightly as he spoke. Sosiqui "Of course," she said, absently, looking back at the Chrysalis now, a worry-line creased between her eyes. "Do you fear it, the End of Days lying in flesh before you? Can you, mortal as you are, even conceive of such a thing?" Phaedra's words were partly for Malh'reth, partly for herself. She was. She was afraid of it. "And all the world stretched out before me in its vastness, with no idea what I should be looking for, listening for." She shook her head, sharply. "Omnipresence, feh."She could never appear anything less than strong, no matter what. To do otherwise was to display weakness to others, and Phaedra knew very well what could happen to weakness in the hands of a ruthless being. She had done so many times to others, herself. SkieBorne "I feared it even before I came here." He spoke softly, looking to the Chrysalis as well, "The rot and fading we were experiencing.... nameless, faceless, it is terrifying." Even now, he wasn't sure what to make of the fallen godking.... it disturbed him and yet there was a certain calmness within his soul. The source of destruction was a living, tangible thing.
It gave hope. Foolish hope but hope nonetheless.
"I may not understand the scope of which you speak," he turned to Phaedra, a thoughtful expression upon his face, "But the universe has existed under your care for countless eons. This mortal, at the very least, has faith in you." A wiser approach, perhaps. And what more could he offer, being a mortal? Sosiqui "Hm." She smiled, then, a genuine smile. She could feel the tiny spark of belief in his soul, even so, and that was something that could not be faked or demanded. True, she could try to kindle it, but the catching was a decision that had to be made by the individual. So who, then, is the god? The one with power and endless existence, or the one who sustains such with will alone?"Well. I thank you for that, Malh'reth," Phaedra said, with a nod. "If only others could be found with such faith. It is a hard thing to find in the face of all that has happened." She knew she was being almost dangerously candid with him. She should save such things for Jahara only, her Emperor only. But the one was not here; the other, likely beyond hearing. SkieBorne "Others will be found. When I return I will be sure to plant the seed of faith within my audience members. We... grow up thinking gods are just legends. There's already a base to work from even if they will take some convincing." He laughed softly, "Though I suppose I should be careful in describing the dark and beautiful goddess I met one evening in the woods." He was referring to her being Greed and it still made him cringe slightly inside. But, all things given, she'd done nothing more then offer greatness, protection... company and knowledge. Things he couldn't really say no to and all in return for his recording her glory.
Dealing with the devil wasn't so bad, perhaps.
"I will tell stories of the gods - you and any others I meet." She would be special though... for she was his introduction in the realm of the gods.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:44 pm
Phaedra and Jin Huang, with Malh'reth: All That GlittersIthiltari After speaking with his brother - so good to see him again - Jin Huang slipped inside the Throne room, unsure of what exactly he was going to see. The malevolent chrysalis was unexpected, and something Jin did not want to dwell on overlong. Greed enthroned had already gathered a small group of mortals to herself, and an amused thought corssed the dragon's mind. Gathering all his power, Jin hid it, only exerting himself enough to move the body of his host. How long would it take the Goddess to realize? Probably not long, but it was something he could not resist doing. Stifling a grin, Jin Huang silently approached the Throne and the Goddess seated there. Sosiqui With her little would-be bard safely ensconced, Phaedra turned her mind back to pleasure. Destruction's long Age, however, had rather sucked the fun out of that. People brought their most treasured things, but what good was a ratty stuffed animal, a battered army ration, or a weapon? True, there was some glitter, but not anywhere near as much as she wanted. Destruction had squeezed out much of people's excesses and reduced them to the bare knife-edge of survival.
Boring.
Another penitent shambled up, and Phaedra gave the man a dubious look. "And what do you bring to the Golden Throne?" Usually she didn't address them so directly, but usually they stopped further away. Ithiltari "Alas, I bring nothing," Jin Huang replied, truly regretful. He hadn't really anticipated anyone on the Throne, and that lack of foresight was problematic now. Brow furrowed in thought for a moment - had he really left with nothing of value on him? - Jin's smile returned. There was something. It was small, admittedly, but he hadn't quite been able to convince himself to leave everything at home. "Ah, I lie. I forgot. A trifling bauble, a trinket really. Nothing worthy," the dragon said, amused. A quick hand darted into his pocket and back out, pulling a small ruby out. "I hope it suffices for the moment," he continued, offering it to Phaedra with a bow. Sosiqui Ah- Now that, that was more like it. Phaedra examined the facets. Small, yes, but it was flawless. So difficult to find, in this Age, when people thought that jewels of any stripe were equal to wealth and piled them together... and the diamonds scratched the other jewels, and what was the world coming to?
But who was this to name a flawless gemstone a trinket in this time of strife? Phaedra gave the man a narrow-eyed, assessing look. That attitude was extremely unusual. "A trinket that could equal weeks of food for you and yours." Not that such would matter, with the compulsion. Things would be brought whether they willed it or no, but saying such things in the process was definitely an anomaly. Ithiltari "Assuming I could find anyone to buy it," Jin replied amicably, withdrawing his hand once the gem was taken. Privately, he considered the gem to be the least part of the treasure he had found, right before the Wave, but if it impressed her, so be it. It did make him glad that he had left the rest at home, however. "But why would I want to sell it? It is - was - mine, and only for you would I part with it." Dragons and greed did tend to go hand in hand, after all. It made a fitting enough offering for the embodiment of the largest part of his nature. Sosiqui She laughed, then, delighted. Now that was an attitude worthy of her Throne! "I see, I see. A worthy choice, an excellent benediction. What is your name, my dear?" Such a human could be excellent for her purposes. "And do you enjoy giving this to me? Is it your delight, your true wish - or does it hurt you, does it tear from your soul? Tell me, truly." Her eyes narrowed in pleasure, and she lessened the compulsion around him. "Tell me how it hurts," she purred. SkieBorne Malh'reth was rather bored as well. There were only so many pictures of offerings you could sketch, draw, and animate in the glory of the Goddess you served when those coming all started to the look the same - he was also pretty sure Phaedra had collected a startling amount of well-worn teddy bears and toy dolls.
Thus, when the newest worshiper arrived and came so close to the throne, he blinked and paid closer attention, furry ears perked forward and head tilted to the side as he listened. It was frustrating, sometimes, to see only auras. After the monotony of the last while, the strange... difference about this man offered a reprieve. It was subtle... and he knew not what to make of it.
Unconsciously, he took a step forward out of curiosity.
Then he blinked again, seeing the dull outline of a gem pass from his hand to Phaedra's. A trinket...? Times were rough and he held a gem as nothing but a bauble? His head tilted to the other, one ear flicking as he doodled the strange exchange.
"Yes, a name would be appreciated." He spoke quietly, mostly to himself. Names were important in the making of records. Though he fell silent, expression darkening a bit at her last comment. Deep inside, he struggled against the compulsion that had made him agree to do this and lost once again. Ithiltari Jin grinned sharply. She hadn't guessed? Oh, this was too fun, too fun. "I've had many names," he replied slowly, wondering if now was the right time for the reveal. "Delmin Brock," he said finally, plucking absently at the hem of his shirt. It hadn't been the man's real name either, come to think of it. "Oh, it pains me slightly to part with it," he continued with a widening of his grin. "Not so much as it would, were it not offered to you." At least she could appreciate the gem, unlike many who had received gifts from the Treasury. The lessening of the compulsion was not something he truly noticed. This was Greed and he would happily stay here for a while longer. A flickering glance was cast to Malh'reth when he spoke, but Jin quickly dismissed him as a pretty pet. Sosiqui "Flatterer," she purred, then twisted the compulsion to bring him closer-
And met resistance. Sharp, sudden, the power did not wave through him as it had the others! Her eyes widened, then narrowed again, and she drew back from her 'plaything'. "You are not telling me the truth, Delmin... the host's name, I presume." He could only be that, a host, with her compulsion blunting itself against him. His act had been so complete, she hadn't noticed. "Primordial, Dragon King, which are you? Name yourself, and your purpose in presenting yourself in this manner." Did he mean to deceive her? Did he think her a fool? Ithiltari Jin took a step backwards as Phaedra's mood shifted. Ah! Something had given him away. No matter. "His name, yes," he agreed, nodding his head slightly. "My name is Jin Huang." He paused, offering another bow. She might recognize the name - or it's literal translation. "The Dragon King Futs Lung," he finished the introduction, remaining where he was, but taking a deep breath and allowing his pent up power to trickle forth and add truth to the claim. "My brother mentioned you were seated on the Throne. I had not meant to offend," he said by way of apology. Hopefully she would forgive him the small game. Sosiqui For a moment she stared, taken off guard.
Then she laughed, a genuine laugh that trailed off into a chortling purr. "Futs Lung, is it. Now two Dragon Kings have come to plague me on my Throne. But you... you were always my favorite." She leaned forward and made to snatch at the proffered gem. Ithiltari Jin Huang let her snatch the gem away, amused. "You do remember me. I am honored, Lady," he said, bowing his head slightly in a far more genuine display of respect. Tian Yue had not seemed to bear any love for her in this incarnation, that was true, but Futs Lung had ever held a different view on Greed. "Thankfully, that was mine, and not the Crown's. Else I could not have made the offer." An old game, there, one only dimly recalled in any specific moment, but fondly remembered nonetheless. Sosiqui "And how on earth did you find such things in these times? Selling apples on a barrow, perhaps? A fine task for a Dragon King." She held the ruby up to the light, then called a chain to cup around it, pulling fine golden strands out of the air. "Your master would benefit most from other treasures, I think." A vague look of unease flitted across her face; as if to obscure it, she hurriedly braided the now ensnared ruby among the rest of the gems in her hair. Ithiltari "A hidden trove I had long since forgotten about," Jin replied easily, rocking back in his heels slightly at the display of trivial power. So easy to do, when one was seated upon the Throne. "Thankfully, I have servants with far better memory." He cast a flickering glance over the chrysalis as she spoke, missing entirely her unease. "If only it was something in my keeping," he whispered sorrowfully in return. "I would gladly empty the vaults of all they contained, if it would aid Him." Sosiqui "Even I..." She hesitated, just for a moment, but no - for him, she would; wasn't there that cache in her rooms from Achai, that she'd been saving? She'd wanted it for herself most direly, which was why it had to be for Him? "... would do the same. But this lot would save nothing" She gave the piles of mostly-not-glitter a withering glance.
"But let us talk of better things. You are late in coming, Futs Lung. How much of the Crown's treasury could I have plundered in your absence?" She shook a finger at him, scolding. "I might even have touched some of it." A game, that. Sneak in, or try, and lay a fingertip on a bauble before being summarily caught. A merry game. Ithiltari Jin arched an eyebrow at that, but conceded the point. Of the Court, she had only truly respected the Crown, and to offer her gifts freely to Him would be within the scope of that respect. It would, of course, pain her, but it could be done. "I would have returned sooner, had I known you roamed freely," he said back, only a faint light of disquiet hinting that there was another reason for his current state. "Daring woman, indeed. Who knows how the spells and guards have gone awry in my long absence. I would not like to begin my inventory with the addition of you to the vaults," he continued, mournfully exaggerating her fate. It was more likely they had all expired, leaving the Treasury unprotected. Sosiqui "The treasury is upstairs," she assured him - that had been one of the other things she'd done with the Sight, spy on the Pantheon. Good blackmail material, that, but the glittering endless rooms had drawn her attention quite effectively. "Some of it is ordered, too, as if someone was there recently... that wasn't you, then?" Ithiltari "No, that was not," Jin confirmed with a frown. Who would have dared to not only enter the Treasury, but to put any part of it in order? There were few enough who had had permission in ages past - of course, Harmodius could let whomever he wanted in. "I can only hope and assume it was someone there on my Lord's orders," he admitted. One more thing to worry at and about, as if there were not plenty of others. Sosiqui "Alas, I had other games to play before thinking about resuming our old tricks and tropes, my dear... Jin Huang, is it, now?" She tilted her head to one side. "Like subduing my host. And then, tsk, all this happens not two days later. Terribly inconvenient. So that little shuffle can't be blamed on me." Ithiltari Jin nodded absently to confirm the name. "I imagine that if you had gotten in, it would not be ordered in any sense of how I mean the word," he said dryly. Large parts would likely be missing, although that might be - blasphemy - uncharitable for him to think that of her. "Was she truly that troublesome?" he asked, curious. His first, failed, host had been quarrelsome, although he privately conceded his own handling of the situation might have contributed to that. Delmin was, of course, himself, and wasn't likely to be any trouble at all. Especially if he remained as he was. Sosiqui "Oh, no... but she was amusing," she purred, with a pointed smile. "Alas, Tien Lung thought she belonged to him. Such a pity to disabuse him of the notion. Aoide, so rich and delicious. But you, my dear... you know that I get what I want, don't you? Perhaps I have that great pearl I so coveted, upstairs in my chambers at this very moment." Ithiltari Ahhhh. That explained much of his brother's dislike. A bit of defensive anger worked it's way through his system at the information, but with a mental sigh, Jin released it. Stealing an Aoide was quite a line to cross, but if anyone would do it, it would be Greed. Entirely her nature to do such things, and Jin could accept that. "At some point, whether anyone likes it or not," he agreed, before casting a very sharp glance at Phaedra. She wouldn't! "Oh? And had the thrill of the chase gone out of that, then?"Sosiqui Phaedra sighed, and affected a bored pose. "Alas, it has been frightfully dull. I've only managed to topple one metropolis, yet. Working into these close-knit little clusters of desperation that mortals fall into... well, this power has broken them of that, but this world just doesn't suit me, my dear." She traced along the line of the Throne's armrest. "You'll need to fix it, you and your brothers." Ithiltari "But not until after your time is up?" Jin asked innocently. He couldn't blame her, not really. This was, literally, something that only happened once in a lifetime. Who could pass up such? "I would see the Crown and Court returned to glory," he continued fervently, as if making a promise. "But I have little enough knowledge of what has transpired, let alone how to fix it." Tian Yue hadn't known, either. Had none of his siblings made it to the Pantheon after the Crown's transformation? Sosiqui "Perhaps... though, if you can manage it sooner, I value my continued comfort and safety over all this. It is temporary anyway. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one bauble for another of greater value," she said, with a sigh and a flip of one hand.
Phaedra glanced down at him, then. "I... know little enough myself. We are scattered, like flies. A terrible thing." There was a tone of vague frustration in her voice. Ithiltari "Pragmatic, as always," Jin murmured at her response. Dying so finally after such a short time ascended seemed like a waste to the dragon. There wouldn't be a second - or third - chance if they failed to set things right. "The Court has not gathered?" he asked, vaguely surprised. But then, if those who came first were not the sort to have spent much time there before, then it was unlikely they would have done so now. Sosiqui Phaedra shrugged. "If they have, I did not know it. What you see here is all I have seen since taking the Throne. If you can bring more, then please - by your leave, Futs Lung." Ithiltari "How singularly frustrating," he replied. He made a small, dismissive gesture. "I find it unlikely any would gather on my word alone. Then there is, of course, the problem of finding anyone else to gather before you, or the Throne in general." He knew, now, three gods. There were ancient alliances and relationships, of course, but rebuilding such things took time - and introducing himself with a request to gather before Greed Enthroned would likely not do much for him in the long run. What little of that remained. Sosiqui "You will manage, I've no doubt. Ask your brothers to help you, they seem gregarious sorts. Ever so noble." Her tone was flippant, impudent. "And if you wish to see me... you know where I am, for now. Or later, upstairs, behind the door of jewels with the brass knocker. I'll turn off the traps for you, my dear, unless you'd rather exert your lovely Delmin..." SkieBorne Primordial... Dragon King....? His gaze flicked to Phaedra as she spoke those unfamiliar terms and wrote them down along with the other's name then paused and glanced up, brow furrowing. Why were there so many names? And what, praytell, was a host? He had thought the gods were... as they were. The way Phaedra spoke it seemed like the one standing before her was some sort of parasite...
Frowning, he wrote out his attempts at the other names below Delmin Brock and idly traced question marks beside them. He certainly didn't look like a dragon... but was that difference in his aura the signature of being such? What was a Dragon King? As they turned to idle banter (or at least idle from what he could tell) he tuned the conversation out while his thoughts turned inward.
Since falling into step with Phaedra he'd come across all manner of information but nearly as many, if not more, questions. He would ask her but after watching her deal with her visitors and knowing her domain, he doubted it would be a good idea to pursue further contracts. This current one was enough.
Perhaps, though, and his gaze lifted once more to peer at Futs Lung, it might be an idea to speak to the dragon king. The title sounded important and the two seemed to at least get along... he could step away for a moment or two to speak with this Jin Huang. Ithiltari "They do seem to have a natural inclination for it," Jin replied affably. Not all of them, of course. He did not, for instance, tend towards any sort of heroic impulse. "Delmin's hardly fit for navigating your Labyrinth, even with my aid. Perhaps at a later date I'll be able to find my way through." Not quite like a sphinx, with their nearly obsessive love for puzzles and riddles, but Jin Huang held a a lingering respect for the maze, often navigated simply for the pleasure of doing so. An interesting intellectual challenge. Sosiqui "Perhaps when you are more recovered from your long time away, then." Phaedra glanced down at Malh'reth. Her little pet seemed more curious than simple recording would warrant. All to the good, in this case; Futs Lung would not lead him away from her. Instead, she gestured at the Aurion. "My aide and chronicler in this golden time, Malh'reth. He is mine," she added, and flashed the artist a quick, bright smile. SkieBorne One ear tilted, leaving him with one tilted up and the other laid back in a quizzical manner. A Labyrinth...? He had not yet been up to Phaedra's chambers and hoped that what they were speaking of was something simple... or, better yet, that he wouldn't have to actually navigate such a thing.
He started when she called his name and blinked, looking slightly guilty even while trying to appear as though he was simply recording. Her claiming of him rubbed him the wrong way but he suppressed the frown in the hopes that she might actually send him along with this dragon king without his having to ask. "Yes m'lady?" Stepping forward, he came up even with her and bowed his head, sketchbook held up against his chest. Ithiltari "I look forward to the occasion," Jin said with another bow of his head. Before he could search for something else to say, she introduced her pet, a member of a race Jin could not ever remember seeing. But then, that meant little enough, these days. "What foresight," he murmured appreciatively. "There will always be a memory of this, then, for however long the world will last." Sosiqui "Indeed... and I aim that that shall be quite a long time indeed." Phaedra's gaze darted quickly to the chrysalis, then back to Malh'reth and the Dragon. "Alas, I fear I should bend my gaze upon All once more, and continue seeking what I can. You may tend to your needs if you require it, my dear artist," she added, glancing down at Malh'reth. "Best to have you do so at a time when I am idle than when I may have need of your abilities." SkieBorne Malh'reth smiled, "I hope my tales of the Gods and Goddeses I meet here will spread when I return home, yes. I have faith the answer will be found." And at that, he cast a glance Phaedra's way, gilded with hope.
When she spoke once more, his eyes widened and his smile grew larger, "Thank-you Phaedra. I shall return." Offering a deep bow, he then turned to the dragon king, careful not to turn his back on Phaedra completely.
"Would you mind if I walked with you? There is much to learn and record, I've come to realize." He laughed softly, "More then I could have imagined upon coming here." Ithiltari "By your leave, Lady," Jin replied, sweeping an elegant bow. He was about to turn and leave when Malh'reth spoke to him. "Greed has granted her permission for you to leave her side, and so I have no issue with it," he said as he started to slowly walk away. "Was there something in particular you wished to speak with me about?" SkieBorne The mage nodded as he began to walk along with Jin, "Yes. I wish to ask you some questions... I have only come here relatively recently and while Phaedra's been kind enough to take me under her wing in return for my recording her glory," a small smile at that for he could not argue the fact, "but I have come to realize my understanding of the situation is... lacking."
Pausing as he flipped his pages open, he ran fingers over the paper to skim them, "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation and there were a few terms I am unfamiliar with." Looking up, he spread long fingers over the sketchbook's page, "Would you mind helping me fill in the gaps? I want as complete a story as possible for when I return home to tell the tale of the gods I met here." As he read the words Dragon King, a frown flickered across his face and he offered a hasty sort of bow, "Er... highness?" Inwardly, he winced. What a wonderfully smooth cover.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:45 pm
Phaedra, Tian Yue, and Lucius: What Remains In Broken Places...?Ivynian The letters of the word b r e a t h e had become a mantra, and the repeated in-and-out a form of meditation while waiting for everything inside to settle into remaining so. Time had passed in obscurity, if it still passed. If it hadn’t died like everything else must have in the Pain. He could stand again, tattered edges of comets trailing his tails and steps, bright plasma light to burn off and fade like disappearing bread crumbs of the way he went. There was no telling who or what may be down there now. The upper halls were quiet as they ever were. Some doors may never be opened by their owners again…if any of the younglings had met their end. It was a house of cards, poised in the eye of a tornado. The definition of his own edges felt blurred, half real and yet not. Both a particle and a wave. Destruction must be down there beneath it all. If he found ruby slippers he would scream. He did not pause on the stairs. “It has been sometime since you stood by my side here at the Pantheon. “
“It has, Lord.”
“Titles are not necessary between us.”
“Esteem makes for the heart its own necessity.”
White is warm, definition of strength and smoothness, a hand that gentle breaks between the spaces of feathers overlapped. Father. Always your hands lift my wings and hold me up. Were there voices below? He could not tell, and leaned more upon the rail while the splitting of his skull beneath the ex-brand worsened and throbbed. “Have I brought you hence before?”
“No”Sosiqui His brother had gone, and technically Tian Yue had no reason to remain in the Pantheon - not with knowledge to gather and Phaedra's ruthless demands to appease (and how that rankled, but such power, such ability to seek out whoever had done this thing, was not something he could toss away for petty grievances).
Yet the Dragon King found himself loathe to leave, this time. Had he and Zhijian not left before - even on business of their Lord's - could they have turned the tide against whatever had so fouled and defiled the Form of the Crown? He did not want to lurk in the Throne Room, feeling Phaedra's knowing eye on him always. Instead, he stationed himself outside, near the stairs, a momentary vigil. Something to appease the angry, guarding dragon.
He had been there, silent, with one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ignoring the slow stream of penitents summoned by Phaedra's geas; they ignored him, for the most part. But then came something, someone, that he could not ignore. Never ignore.
"Lucius," he said, surprised by the sudden swirl of stars that descended the stairs. But he seemed stumbling, weak - damaged, perhaps, by what had happened? But the mark on him had changed...
He was on the stairs, leaning hard, failing? Tian Yue hurried, not daring to touch but with worry plain in his eyes. Had this turned everything, everything to dust and gone, bleeding and wounded, the walking dead? Ivynian Here was a someone. The images faded, chased by scales and stars and familiarDifferent tones that chilled his spine just the same. He looked over, waiting for his eye to focus. The same that had brought him back his treasure from some far forgotten reach. That had fashioned it. "TienLung..."
No, different. Not in this life. He is different.
"What has happened? Harmodius...The brand burned away, my powers are unbound." Though my hands are not. "The throne....what has happened to the Throne. There are trumpets in my mind, through my bones they echo. It's all gone mad inside, churning. "Sosiqui His powers unbound... then he is free? There was a small, inner leap of exultation, but he quashed it quickly, shoved it away. "I do not know what did this - I was gone, away, at the doorstep of the Ancient Pantheon. But there is a thing, a foul egg, a chrysalis in place of the Crown... and the ancient Aoide we met in that far place spoke of the end of the world..."
No, it couldn't be allowed. It would be too cruel. It would not be allowed-
You were right, you were right - something has done this, but one hand alone surely could not have felled the Crown so completely. He must have been disposed - you were right, god damn everything- This he did not say, dared not say. He would not burden Lucius with more guilt. But the what-ifs chased their merry path all around in his own mind. That, too, he tried to ignore.
"He - it - is in the Throne Room. The fate-stones in the Ancient Pantheon spoke the name Gehenna, and told foul futures. Let me help you-"
As we were to go before the Crown together, as you wished. Too little too late. Why does it always seem so? Ivynian “Aoide? We? Ancient Pantheon?” He was coming into the middle of a longer tale. A bound hand moved from its press against the stair banister and opened out to the familiar. More reaction then thought, he accepted help from this dragon in such an hour. Ge-he-nna…The syllables sounded almost pleasant, a soft chain of mild sounds. The name lacked any of the staccato feel of war drums or the screams of mortal minds. “Risen from the bones and sinew of the old order comes the maw….”
”It should not be now. I have to see it.” Ridiculous, he could already feel it, see it from where he was. Knowing that Harmodius, or what had once gone by such a name for countless ages of men, was there was enough to focus every returned thread of his power and mind there. It throbbed inside, shifting turmoil of an unfathomed body within a place half realized. He knew the outside, but deeper in it reached out of what Existed. A blacker epiphany that crashed together with other images, bringing another tempest to the fore. Lucius ground his teeth, “Please…” Shai- No, different- “keep me focused on the here and now.” Sosiqui "Please... keep me focused on the here and now.”The request, unbidden, sent a tiny shiver down Tian Yue's spine. It echoed with a thousand past memories, finding ancient resonance. A touchstone, then... and now...? But he is here, isn't he?
... perhaps the wires bind the Form, but all else...
He would take up that service again, then.
"I will explain later," Tian Yue said, quietly. "For now..." He reached out and put one hand on Lucius' shoulder, then hesitated before offering the other to Lucius' own bound pair. "It is this way. Greed is there, Phaedra, on the Throne. She may be unpleasant; I will stave her off should she put her nose where it does not belong." His eyes narrowed for a moment. Ivynian “Those are not names or titles I recognize. A latecomer, then, to this living farce. Well, she woudl be hard pressed to match the majesty of her predecessor to the throne.” Pretender, usurper. Though his heart knew it was not so. Each of the brides and bridegrooms to Destruction's powers would have their 'hour in the sun'. Three-minute happiness. Youngling. He had already suffered them all before they were remade. The damnable reason for this mess in the first place. The dragon's hands were solid, and unconsciously Universe's shoulders unwound by degrees to a more manageable stress. Those last few steps were less laboured dragging, and he straightened to full height and slowed to walk with poise instead of desperation. If some troublesome cur saw fit to wait and live beside the festering of the world....they were not the sort to desire council of any kind with. Bidden or unbidden. And the less she had to comment on the better. Sosiqui That made Tian Yue smile, even if wryly. "That is only too true," he murmured, and straightened himself up next to Universe. An quiet approach to the Throne, together; more resonance."Back already?" came Phaedra's bored tone, and then a sharp intake of breath as she realized the dragon was not anywhere near alone. "And this is... ah, of course. Universe, I see the binding. Such a shame.""We are not here for you," Tian Yue said, firmly. Ivynian See the binding? As though you have seen anything of me to so casually call my title like a horse at a track, child. Lucius paid the voice that came from the Throne itself no heed. It was a seat, a chair to be sat in or discarded and another found. Just like the current occupant. His gaze, the moment passed the archway between the spaces, locked on the chrysalis. "What has happened to you, Lord?" The whisper was a hiss from his parted lips. What indeed. There were bones bent back from scales and flesh, wrapping something. Inside was outside but what did that mean? What had always been kept away from them, kept Outside...out of him and out of Gaia, was there. Growing. Gehenna itself, once beyond the seeming of Destruction, name eaten. Gehenna was the return of the Void. "And there is no word of what caused this? How-"No, no need for a stupid question. Of course they didn't know how. Most of them didn't even remember their own right names, their loves, or where they had left their last bodies, let alone how they might possibly reverse a mistake. A thing the Should Not Be Yet. There must, in that simple wrongness, be a way to engineer it. "He thought of nearly everything, once upon a time. Nearly. There must be some contingency. Harmodius knew the half of himself unbridled was dangerous. 'Destruction by nature will end everything, even itself, however a heart may desire otherwise'....Bridled. By a heart and will of man. "
I struck a blow near to his heart with a sword forged of things Neverborn, never touched by hand of Creation. Pieces, things, from a within a wall, far....far away. Perilous rare the magic and material of that sort that remains on this plane....remains? Was left here, left behind after losing a war. I remember....That was the resting place of the banished. The Name-Eaten and Name Eaters. Sosiqui Phaedra's face twisted in anger for a moment at being so summarily ignored. She was ruling, she was enthroned - and yet, her ascended power lapped at the primordial Universe as ineffectively as at the Dragon Kings. Perhaps she could demand, peck and poke at him until something happened - but what then, after this golden time was over, when she was reduced and he would still be exactly as he was? She wasn't stupid. The goddess contented herself with squeezing the arms of the Throne, hard, and extending her ear to hear their conversation. Tian Yue heard Universe's soft whisper, echoed it in his own mind. Looking at the Crown so defiled made part of him want to run and never stop, give in to unfeeling fear - and another part fly, and roar, and dig claws and teeth into everything until the cause was itself twisted and flayed.
At Lucius' question, he shook his head. "I returned only recently, and have not had a chance to find out what caused this, for myself." He glanced briefly at Phaedra; his jaw worked, for a moment. "The fate-stones in the Ancient Pantheon named Gehenna, showed three paths tot he End. One showed a binding, but... the end was eventually the same." Like the Fenris-wolf. Mythology. A college classroom, somewhere, worlds and an eternity away. For a moment he could taste the chewed pencils.Ivynian “But a binding that bought time, nonetheless, did it not? Is that itself not reason enough to enact it? Binding….he used to wear manacles. “ Clear the body of the Crown sat in his memory, glorious, unchanged, perfect. Artifacts of majesty and magic adorned him, but it was the bands, runed and hewn to attractive ends to grace the limbs of their Greatest that caught his attention. “Universe, at your pleasure, Lord!” an Aoide’s voice rang.
The crown stood at the approach, a clattering rain of jewels and chiming accompanied.
”Fair seeming in completion. But why, Lord? “
”It is nature to be balance and imbalance, child. Imbalance is chaos and discord, it cannot seek the other, so it must be enforced until the proper time. While there is both in each of us, Gehenna rules the greater part of the final peril. There is little need to subject what Is to undue portions when the pendulum swings to that left. “They were made for Destruction. Each Primordial had contributed. “See there, how they glitter, 13 bands connected by fair chains, all studded and wrought like living, breathing metal and jewel. Always there, shining. “He walked slowly, with Tian Yue’s help, all the way to the summit of the dais, up to the chrysalis. His eyes did not seem to behold it, but he stopped a foot from it. “He never took them off once they were forged. Where are they now. Why are they not here? Where are they?”The stars were shifting beneath his skin. Glitters of red and garnet, sapphire and diamond blue-white. “where are they” Sosiqui No cat's foot-fall or bird spittle to bind this one, then. Another glimmer of memory, soft and distant, but this one accompanied by scales, not stars. "Chains... no, not my office. One of my brothers, surely." But all he could see was scales and links, lying soft next to each other, and a quiet hiss of draconic chuckling that time had long since sucked all meaning from. "If such a thing can be found and time bought, then it should be done."
Still, that memory followed upon another one, words spoken under the sky of a dying world. "The bindings remain lost, the mirrors are gone, the circle of pillars stand half toppled in disarray." Tian Yue shook his head. "He told me that, to seek the Dragon Kings, bring us together. I tried to gather them, but they... were not to be found..." And where were Yu Five Claws, Ti Lung, Shen Lung, Mang, Great Chien-Tang? No, Yu had been named by the fate-stones. Four dragons, missing. Where had Shenlei gone, and Kawagiri? "They are want in their duty," he growled, under his breath, and he had to try hard not to grow claws in his frustration.
He turned, snake-quick, to stare at Phaedra on her Throne. "The Manacles. Where are they?" he demanded.She was startled by his sudden movement and drew back, the sudden direct words echoing loudly in her ears. "Will you-" No. No. That was not the time for that. He was beyond pushing, beyond play.
Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy, and good with catsup.
"... I will try to See," she said, under her breath. How infuriating. The presence of Universe had shifted the Dragon's demeanor entirely. She concentrated, spreading out her vision with the Power billowing for her from the Form Defiled, but...
"I don't know what I'm looking for or what direction I should even look at," she said, waspishly. "Give me more details, O Dragon King."Consternated, Tian Yue turned to Lucius. "She may be able to help... are you strong enough to lend aid, now?" He squeezed the other god's shoulder, very lightly. Ivynian “There is not much else to spend strength on in this age. “ More importantly, they would all have a much faster, perhaps more gruesome, end then they had all conceived of if they were not putting out their greatest efforts. How did it come this far?He put that distraction from his mind, while the other voices and faces crowded around. Stretching out thought was like extending his bad wing, stiff and clumsy at first until light and mana flowed again through the old, familiar channels. He had not extended his power…perhaps not since Panacea came to him and asked for the place of Aristogeiton. To mortal minds it was a lifetime away in more pleasant hour, before chaos had taken up reign here in the bastardized throne of the Twin Crown. ” Imbalance is chaos and discord, it cannot seek the other, so it must be enforced until the proper time.”
“ While there is both in each of us, Gehenna rules the greater part of the final peril. There is little need to subject what Is to undue portions when the pendulum swings to that left. “
“Our generous Lord FutsLung will keep theem in the stead that I do not bear them personally. They are precious, and should not be misplaced. “
But we all fell. Faded. Died. Only Creation stood at last. Destruction….Destruction fell back when the bones at last had crumbled to ash in his arms. The manacles were for Destruction. Harmodius took them off. Creation took them off. In the final battles, ridings, musters, the last deaths…it was just Creation that walked. He did not wear the Manacles. Futs….the last bones of the golden scale….“The Manacles lie with the parched bones of the Golden and Jeweled. In Yggdrasil, in the of what Is, that connected Gaia’s blood and mana into All….when indeed she was one with it and it lived. But it is massive, everywhere if you know the paths. I cannot find better. I am only loosely connected to it.”The boughs of the great body lifted its countless bare fingers up into his body, brushed as a mother would the neck and cheek of her child. A shoulder, a knee. They had been tender, long ago. Sosiqui "Yggdrasil... the bones of the Ancient Pantheon, then, could it be..." Tian Yue murmured. So many treasures left in the corpses of dragons. "I was there, Lucius. I touched Yggdrasil not even a day ago." Well, the flux had twisted time around, but the remembered sensation of the cracked bark on his skin had not faded more than that. "And Futs Lung - he is here, he is reborn! Surely he will remember the place where he fell. I must-" No, he made himself stop. The will to action was strong, now that there was a path to follow, but there were so many other concerns.
"Phaedra. There is a Gate in a world called The'ta'naa. It leads to the Ancient Pantheon still. Find it, follow the mana to Yggdrasil's bones. Send your Aoide. Find Jin Huang, and tell him. He may know where to refine your search." The words were spoken quickly, but in firm command.
Then he turned back to Lucius, quiet. "We will find them, and bring them. And then..." He made himself look at the chrysalis. "Binding... but we cannot bind alone, or else..." The image of the fate-stone flashing obsidian emptiness crawled through his mind. "Is there more that you recall? You need not carry it alone. Try-" and he stopped, an ancient echo ringing through his mind, lover. He caught the word just before it left him, aching.Phaedra bristled at the commands - oh, she could refuse, the words were on her lips... but then what? The two of them together could very well take her down, even now.
Snarling inside, she bent her will and power to Tien Lung's demands. The name made it easier - there, a shiver of mana along What Is, a dizzying sway of snow and harsh chill, crumbled statues linked with such a blaze that it seemed impossible to miss. Follow it, and-
The sight made her breath catch, just for a moment. "The Tree. I can see it. Down... along the bones..." A place to look. She sent her awareness skittering along the roots. So vast, so massive, crumbled and broken. Ivynian  Twisted were the million paths, the veins, of the World Tree. The lifetime maps of the Ageless that had tread the ways bore here and there as once-living reliefs, smoothed into the wooden surface upon the inner walls. There were dwelling places, ante chambers, great highways and pixie-width byways doubled back and forwards in countless fashions. If there was order, it was impossible to guess at upon first looks, quick searching. Down, further down into the heartwood and roots, the chambers long dark and no footfalls for ages out of mind the paths wound, until they opened out into the greatest chamber her mind had yet conceived. Huge, pillared with twisting, elegant knots that bore within them the likenesses of fair guardians...perhaps they had been living things once. The smooth floor was hewn with the death spasms of giant claws. Treasures scattered, some bent beyond recognition from the same catastrophe. Her eyes then spied it, the great bones of a wyrm far too lengthy and massive to belong to any but on of the kings. Treasure and artifacts there were in great stores nearby, netted and stacked as though they had once been brought there by dragging. The remains of a bit and harness were close, spat upon a pile of jewels and since rotted apart. There was no immediate sight of some great bindings, but the count of chests and cases, still whole and glimmering in hollow, silent gloom was promising. Such a thing could very likely be there. Ivynian “Always things dwell at the edges of my conscious now, waiting their turn to halting-scramble to the fore and break apart the current. Phantoms far too real. “ You get what you most deserve. Memory of ages packed into a skull bound by mortal conception. Primordial power was never meant to be so fastened in to mortal jewelry...this body. Body body body..“There was something before...he was talking about a place...never before been. He was about to explain something. No, it is gone now. Displaced by other things.”The stars slowed and ceased their dizzy shifting beneath his form. He scanned the room wearily, the myriad of gifts that littered it surely as the ash had once done. The altars before the dragons remained empty. Of course. Tian Yue had called her Greed. All for one.
The windows, some are missing? The air from without fouls the room and covers even what glitters in the death of the outside. But who would dare?
"The windows, Tian Yue?" Sosiqui So much so much so much- Phaedra bit her lip in frustration as her gaze flicked across distant root-paths, a trickle of blood winding its way down her chin. Down, down, down, down, downdowndown-
A sudden expanse flashed, and with it, brightness - color, sparkle, sure to catch Greed's eye. She veered her awareness back at once, circled hungrily. Gems and shimmering things, hidden for time out of mind, and ivory in their midst in an unmistakable shape.
"I have it," she breathed, licking her lips slowly, tasting the tang of her own blood. "Such wondrous treasure..." Her gaze flicked back to the Throne room, eye and gem focusing sharply once more on Tian Yue. "Bones. Dragon bones.""Good," Tian Yue said, with a sharp nod. "Remember their location, and send your Aoide, as I said. Jin Huang must know..."
Lucius' words drew his attention back to the elder god. "The windows?" He glanced up at the shattered glass and empty frames, and at those still left intact.Phaedra interrupted, with a throaty laugh. "That I can answer for you, Universe. They shatter all alone each time a new power comes, with the blast of a trumpet unseen. First Sloth, then Envy, then Lust. After Me, no doubt the others will follow."Tian Yue's eyes narrowed. "And at the end... Lucius, if the Domains are being freed, then... it is as if all the attributes of the Crown are being unmade. Destruction's first, and then..." His eyes traveled down the row of windows. "They mark our time... the time we have until...?" His gaze slid uneasily to the Chrysalis. "The bindings must be found. We must have as much time as we can."
I cannot lose any of this again. I cannot lose you again. A distant heartache. He could not see the Pantheon fall once more. Not by Fading, not by Gehenna. Not by anything.
"I will help you," he said, quietly, to Lucius. "We... I did, once... surely Tien Lung could do so again?" Ivynian Trumpets...It remained on the edge, coming no closer to realization. It was part of it, the mythology of the end. Did it matter? Lucius' eye followed the twisting stonework from the mantleplace of the hearth at the back of the chamber, up to the trefoil-like windows and Great Rose that headed the room. A Beast, crowned in horns with a nest of coils behind it that smote the sky that tore apart the fallen, living body of another, perfect and fair to look upon. “That is the end. That is Harmodius.” The words were harsh, gravel turning over in his throat before settling again. Until he tried to croak again. Facing it, the left held a being made of something like dichroic glass, flame-winged and tailed. Jeweled. The right, a man. He was steel-eyed, a mouth lined with sorrow and smiles. A King of old accounts and days that did not walk in modern, disillusioned worlds. The top, Mother, impossibly solid and timeless, majesty on her brow and strength in her infinite body. Connections...there was purpose to it all. He had been told once, plainly, by his Father. A rare confidence, close, and crystal tears had danced on the knife-edges of worry and eyes. The Crown had been....wounded. Not in body.
There may be nothing more here. The memory must come, but certainly not in the presence of the parasite on the throne. Keep wit about yourself. It is time to go.
"I think there is not else to be found immediately in this place. But there is meaning here. If it can be known." Sosiqui Tian Yue stared up at the trefoil windows as if he'd never seen them before. The Beast reminded him of the fate-stones, of the fruitless battles. How long had that been there, staring them all in the face? How many signs and portents were all around them, waiting merrily to be recognized for what they were, and all the gods too eroded and made blank by Fading and rebirth to understand until it was too late?
His tail lashed behind him, and he resisted the urge to grind his teeth in frustration. "We will find that meaning," he muttered, under his breath. A string of fine promises he wasn't sure he could keep - but did he have a choice? It seemed not.
Nothing else to find, and he could feel the tension under his hand that rested on Lucius' shoulder still. "Where will you go? Your stars are pale again." Tian Yue glanced down at Universe's still-bound hands. Why did that remain when the brand seemed to be gone? "I would walk with you for a time, if you will allow it."Phaedra watched them, her eyes narrowed; Avita was at her hand, waiting, but she would not fly on a Dragon King's orders alone. Only with her mistress' permission.
And Phaedra would not turn and stare at the windows until after they had gone. She would not gawp and stare like a fool, not in their presence. She had been made foolish enough already.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:46 pm
Phaedra and Nergal: Old Gods, Old NamesThabara Nergal's attention, when he entered the Pantheon through the main door, was almost immediately drawn towards the throne, the golden figure lounging lazily on the twisted seat. What Right did she have...?!
His eyes narrowed, surprised by the surge of immense dislike he felt at the mere sight of that golden goddess. He had never seen her before, not in this life at least, and yet.. and yet..
Avaritia.
Slowly, things were starting to make sense. If it was indeed Her time to ascend to the throne - and the air was thick with the influence of her domain - then..
He needed to know.
He turned, looking over the small group which had followed him inside. "Go on," he said softly, addressing Echo directly. "Go ahead to Light's room while I pay my respects to the throne." He took the blue-haired goddess' hands into his for a moment, and breathed a chaste kiss upon her forehead. "I will be with you in a minute - this will not take long."
Then he turned and strode towards the throne, not looking back, hoping that Music would heed his words. He did not want to give Greed even the slightest chance to mess with the gentle goddess. Sosiqui Such a motley crew before her Throne - no wonder her Emperor had been so displeased, with the state of things. Mortals came glazed, dazed, barely understanding the import of what they saw. Their offerings were pathetic. If this was what they brought when forced, she could only imagine the paltry and empty things they offered of their own wills.
They had forgotten the Ways.
A flash of white caught her eye. White- that was strange, in this landscape. What had been white was usually reduced quickly to gray or worse, tainted with ash and the radiant foulness of the Age. Purity was to be treasured.
... But the dead, those remain pure, do they not? Even when they shouldn't?
A slow smile curved across Phaedra's face. "Welcome, Underworld." Zero Dream Echo glanced at him, worry in her eyes. Was that.... really safe ? But.... she had been right there, as well. He deserved to see for himself - maybe he would see, understand something that had eluded her.
"Be careful." She whispered softly, before turning and leading her little group upstairs. Thabara The unusual cold that seemed to come with his presence, was enough at least to make the mortals shift out of his way, many of them bearing an expression as if someone had just stepped onto their graves. But it only lasted for moments - a little longer for those who'd been within the vicinity of his wingspan - before their senses were enraptured anew by Greed's golden glory.
He did not stop his pace until he stood right in front of the dais, his alabaster-white skin and formal appearance a stark contrast to the goddess' lavish luxury of black and gold and glittering gems.
"Avaritia," he said, inclining his head politely, showing only the barest minimum of respect. He did not smile.
There was the cocoon the others had talked about, a strange shape turned inside out. Changing.
There were the windows, masterpieces of stained glass, telling the story of the Making of All That Is. Four of them were broken. Shattering glass. A trumpet blown. "What is the meaning of this?" Sosiqui "An old name, that." She reveled in it for a moment, her feathers lifting slightly behind her. "From an old..." She let that trail off, just into a smile. She would not say friend, but if he wished to fill in the blank himself, with his word of choice... then she could learn from his reaction. Learn how he had changed, or failed to change.
"Something terrible has happened to our Lord, as you have no doubt divined." Phaedra indicated the Chrysalis in a slow nod. "Surely you have felt the touch of other influences. Sloth, Envy... Lust." She lingered on that one, just for a moment. "Sadly, they were not available to take the Throne. But I am, and I have, as is my right. Does that answer your question?" Thabara The judge's lips pulled into a thin, mirthless smile, not doing her the favor to complete the sentence. He hated this careful tiptoeing around at another's court, were things unsaid could mean just as much as things said. More even. He'd never been good at this game, avoided it whenever it had been possible. Let them come to me instead. Sooner or later everyone did.
"I have felt it," he admitted, keeping his tone as neutral as possible. But he cast a short glance at the small group ascending the flight of stairs towards the upper floor, lingering on Echo's white-clad figure - and the tiny, wispy flames which trailed after her - for a moment longer than was probably wise.
"Yes, that answers my question, to an extent." War, Famine, Plague.. Those would be next, he was almost certain. He had been familiar with those. But after that, it got hazy. There must be more, there were more windows that remained still unbroken. Countless deaths, and he was not ready. As if that would matter.
"Do you know what brought this about?" The more important question remained still unsaid. Did she know what could be done to stop it. Sosiqui Phaedra spotted the glance, registered it, and filed it away. That, that was interesting... but now was not the time for needling Underworld, as amusing as the prospect might be. She looked down at him with a frown, instead. "I do not. If you do, tell me." It was not a request. Thabara "Mind you, I was not here myself when it happened, so my information is only second hand." He turned, looking over Greed's worshipers while carefully weighing what to tell her, and - more importantly - what to withhold.
"From what I heard, this was a single grigori's doing, who escaped her exile in the Ashlands. She fled, but she took with her a prize, an arm of the Empress. She goes by the name of Samyaza." Sosiqui "Grigori." Another old word, that summoned to mind whispers of ancient things, and time of great glory for her brother War... but little else. "I see." She filed the name away, Samyaza, with narrowed eyes. So that was who to blame.
A name, a species, and little else. Such a small thing to search the whole of All for, but she would not prostrate herself before Underworld for knowledge. For a moment, Phaedra pondered trying to force it out of him, but if he had not seen...
"Who did see? Who was there?" she demanded. She would find a better target, someone more pliable than cold Underworld. "Second-hand information is of little use to me." Thabara "The Empress of course, Kishara. But I know not what state she's in, or where she may have been brought to heal." That was information he certainly would like to have himself. "Most others present were younglings, hosts." Like hell he was going to mention that Echo had been there. He did not want Greed anywhere close to her, nor his children. Children. The thought was strange, still.
Eamnonn had been there as well, but he - just as Illumin - had been involved directly with bringing Samyaza to this plane, so he quickly discarded the idea of mentioning him. They did not need Avaritia messing with their leave. Who then, who? Had anyone else been mentioned by name? Ah.
"Gianfar," he said, firmly. Echo had mentioned him while she had packed, how he had seemed strangely familiar with the grigori. Lien had spoken of him too, a while ago, seeming rather fond of him. "He is Knowledge." There, that hopefully should give her what she wanted.
"A question for you then, Golden One." He stepped back, quietly counting the windows. Four broken. Ten more remaining. "What happens when the final window breaks, do you know?" Sosiqui Phaedra filed those names away as well. She was, frankly, surprised that he was answering her questions without protest or chastisement. Perhaps rebirth had made Underworld less hidebound and stuffy. Or perhaps he simply didn't want to risk her wrath.
That was a nice thought, but she doubted it was true. He had never been afraid of her.
"Oh, that," she sighed, leaning her head on one hand. "The End, I suspect. The Influences are peeling away from the Form now. When we Seven are ended, then..." What followed? She wasn't sure. "Then will come other things, none so kind. Ask your Knowledge if you seek a scholar's detail." She said it in a bored tone, as if she had better things to worry about than the world ending. Thabara The End. He had feared as much, but it was another thing to hear it said out loud in so casually a tone. "Perhaps I will." Ten more windows. Ten more weeks. If we are lucky, that is. Who knows what the influences will be..
No more time to waste.
He turned to leave, but then he paused. There was one more thing.. And it was too important, too dangerous in nature to not to mention it. "That grigori woman.. There is a reason as to why she took off with Gaia's arm. The plane to which her kind was exiled could only be reached through Gaia's flesh, and now.. it is likely that she seeks to free her kin." Sosiqui Phaedra blinked, then frowned, her tail tapping against the Throne as it betrayed her unease. If one such creature had done all of this...
"Passing strange," and by that she meant not just the actions of this Samyaza, but Underworld himself as well. He was being practically cordial, and that was odd enough to nearly set her off-kilter. He was supposed to be the stone and ice to her laughing mockery. Thief of the Dead. Jikininki.
Barbs came to mind, and died on her lips. She could not manage it. Thabara Nergal quirked a brow, taking note of the goddess' unease. The gods knew, he had more than enough practice deciphering the body language of anything feline by now, thanks to basically tripping over those annoying furballs every single day.
Greed was not her usual self, it seemed, which was strange, as one would expect her to be even more so in her current position of power. He had expected her to taunt him, to point out how many of the riches presented to her had been stolen from the tombs and crypts of kings and nobles - he had recognized quite a few - but she didn't. And, honestly, he wouldn't even have cared, if she did. Not now, not anymore. Strange how his priorities had shifted.
He wondered if it was perhaps simply that - the Throne, the responsibility that came with taking the Crown's Seat. Don't be ridiculous. She, least of all, wouldn't let herself be bothered by responsibility. But certainly the End of All could not be in her interest either? There was no point to be gathering all those riches if one couldn't keep them..
That he himself might have something to do with her apparent unease did not even remotely cross his mind.
He turned fully and looked her over, a lone, elegant figure in ebony and gold, like one of those art deco statuettes. He remembered distinctly how put off he had been when he had first laid eyes upon the Throne - that there was only one, when he knew for sure there'd been an Empress at His side, reborn even. There'd been two thrones at the heart of his own realm - even long after she had been gone, never to return from that futile quest of hers to save him, and his domain.
But before that..
Before Ankou, even..
"It is quite lonely up there, is it not?" he asked absently. It was not meant to taunt - she, least of all, would wish to share, such a thing was wholly against her nature. But.. he saw no one else of his kin around. She would want to be admired, remembered. Golden, shining glory, everlasting.
Everyone wished to be remembered, once their time was over.
He shrugged, not really expecting an answer from her. What would he do, had he the right to ascend to the Throne? But he had found nothing which referred to the Realm of the Dead when he had skimmed over the stylized motives of the windows, and - honestly - why should there be? What raison d'être was there for him, if All was going to End?
"Give my regards to War, should he appear to take the Throne," he said, and turned to leave, for real this time. He had wasted enough time here.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:49 pm
Phaedra and Adrian/Ankou, with Malh'reth: A Courtly SummonsSosiqui The Golden Court, she would call it; so she would have Malh'reth write into the annals of history. (That alone was enough reason to repair the mess that had been made of things; she wanted far more time for her reign to awe historians. Centuries. Millennia.) It was a fitting name, even if not many of the mortals she called actually had any gold or precious things to bring. But so short. She had to make the most of it, and collect as much of both treasure, fame, and power as she could with her now-vast resources. Knowledge, too. And yet she had to remain here. She had already learned that to leave the vicinity of Throne and Form was to lose what she had gained. She was, effectively, trapped, even if she could send her senses flying far and wide. She had to know what to look for. So Phaedra sat on the Throne, and accepted offering and obeisance, and brooded. Zero Dream They where gone, now - and that left him alone. It had been easy enough to ignore the odd feeling that had been nagging at the back of his mind when he had the set of deities to focus on, as well as the task of retelling Ankou's instructions from the doors. But now ? The god was quiet, still resting and slowly recovering from his little stunt - he still had the linger of an headache, he wanted out of here and go bum off someone's bed for a nice long nap...
But something kept graping at him. Pulling him. In despite all common sense speaking against it, he ventured into the throne room - it was full of people... maybe it was what had drawn the underworld's attentions. He mingled at the back of the crowd and froze when he saw just who was sitting on the throne.
What the hell...
She was different, of course. Peacock feathers, a single blue eye when it used to be red. Still that eerie golden gem. At least, the host was free... hopefully. It was the first time that he could see the differences - and eerie similarities in between host and freshly reborn deities.
Would Ankou look that much like him ? Would he have the same face ? Lyra...
Everything, all his instinct screamed for him to turn and leave before she noticed him - but, he noticed all the late that he could not move, as if entranced.
He was frozen. Sosiqui A flash of red caught her eye, even as Underworld's pale flesh had drawn her attention earlier. Was that-It was. A sharp smile spread across Phaedra's face. "Why hello, Adrian. You're a week late, you know."Zero Dream Yellow eyes narrowed at that one comment. "Oh, trust me, I am not late for anything - who knows where you've been after all." He muttered, still trying to will his body to move. It would not listen.
Ankou, what the hell are you...Nothing !The small edge of panic in the god's voice was enough to know it wasn't his doing. If it wasn't Ankou, and if it wasn't HIM...
Why the hell couldn't he turn and leave, why couldn't he stop looking at her, at the eye and gem ?
Most importantly, why was he feeling drawn to her ?! He had to constantly resist the urge to move... toward her. Sosiqui Phaedra's brow furrowed, and she arched one delicate eyebrow at him. "Who knows where I've been? Surely you can think of something better than that. What's important isn't where I've been, but where I am."She gestured for him to come closer, with one claw-tipped finger. Zero Dream She beckoned him closer and something inside him tugged, shifted, spirally out of his own control. It was almost like Ankou taking over, but yet that was even worse than his own vivid fears since he was still at the forefront, seeing it all unfold.
I don't want this, I don't want to, don't...
One step. Then another. The more steps he took, the smoother his walk became, the harder resistance became.
"Let me... go...."
He stopped right in front of the throne. Sosiqui Good, good. She hadn't been sure that would work on a host. "I thought you'd like to see my rainbow." Phaedra cupped her hands and called power into them; jewels dripped out from between her fingers, a golden curl of chain supporting them, growing like a living vine. "So much more valuable than mere water and light. So much more permanent. A thanks, payment for services rendered." She put a soft but unmistakable emphasis on the word payment. Zero Dream He shivered, when she spoke. With her so close, even his thoughts became muddled, hazy - he could register Ankou screaming at him, trying to snap him out of it, but not what words where spoken. With not enough energy to take control of the body itself, it was the only thing the god could do, all but trapped inside his own gemstone.
Beautiful tinted want to leave want to stay...
...Want.
He lowered his head. "...Beautiful." The word came out before he could even stop it. SkieBorne The Aurion stood to the side of the throne, out of immediate eyesight but as another person approached the throne, he stepped forward to watch and record. His little sketchbook was in hand as he idly wrote down the person's name and then sketched the scene.
Adrian was it...? Well, Adrian seemed to have a problem with Phaedra. And Malh'reth knew it was pointless to fight her call... it enveloped and overwhelmed. Curiously, he glanced up at the goddess and blinked at the strong of priceless baubles. He had a fondness for gems... all Aurion did. The bigger and shinier the better....
Generous, she was. Sosiqui She purred, her tail-tip delicately tapping on Adrian's leg. Oh, the god inside would probably dislike her for a while, but that particular bridge had been burned on their first encounter. May as well make the most of it. "So much friendlier than your brother." Phaedra reached out with her free and actually patted Adrian on the head. All that marvelous red hair. "You can keep that," she added, jingling the chain of rainbowed jewels in the other hand, waiting for him to take it. She had no idea if it would stick around after her time Enthroned was over, but she didn't care that much. Zero Dream It was probably a good thing that Ankou could not break out, as the headpat would probably have resulted into a few projectiles flying in her direction. The god was seething, fuming under the surface - almost as angry as he had been after knowing his brother had gone missing. If this got to Nergal's ears, he would never hear the end of this.
But, try as he might, he simply could not break through both his host's resistances and the glamour Phaedra apparently held over him. He had simply lost too much strength following the soulines - and while he was regaining it much faster than he had initially, this was not enough. That, and he had never taken Adrian over by sheer force - even with his will mostly broken, this was harder than he expected.
There was nothing he could do. Yet, at least."I shall." He warped his wrist around the chain - slow, deliberate movements, like a jeweled bracelet covering half his forearm loosely. He stopped but a touch away from her hand, as if teasing. Sosiqui "Now..." She took a moment to revel in her control. He was so close... but there were better uses for him than that. She hadn't obtained the riches and success of her past by giving in to her hedonistic urges at every opportunity, after all. There was a time for play, and a time for other priorities. "The other gods will listen to you, I think. Such a well-mannered young man." Her hand trailed down from the top of his head along his cheekbone. "I need those who have seen the Grigori. Samyaza." She spat the name. "The Empress, perhaps. Knowledge. Anyone who was there. Find them." Surely there had been others besides, but Underworld's second-hand information was doubtlessly incomplete. "I must know more so I can stretch out My hand." Zero Dream What is she... ?As with earlier, Adrian did not hear him. He only heard her, and leaned into her touch. This would be complicated - the ones he knew with such information where long gone by now.
"I shall be on guard."
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:51 pm
Phaedra and Sh'khin, with Malh'reth: The Golden CourtSizzla Sh'khin descended the steps from his quarters, feeling her presence grow stronger as he approached the throne room. The week of Greed had called him here, wanting to pay respect to one of his sisters who now sat upon the throne of Harmodius. He had questions. Many questions. For he himself wondered if his own week would come. Would he have the chance to sit upon the throne? And if the opportunity presented itself to him, would he take it?
He entered the throne room at about the same time as a female aoide who looked much like Yersinia and Arov, and as she bowed deeply to Phaedra, who looked ravishing, dripping in jewels and gold, he as well dropped into a low bow.
"My sister, I have come to pay my respects," he said, rising from his genuflection. "I could feel your presence here, and now I see you have ascended His throne. How are you enjoying the power?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. He rather enjoyed seeing Phaedra command the throne -- she looked beautiful and frightening, all at the same time. "You look magnificent my Lady." Sosiqui There was an Aoide, a horned one like Avita, but any attention Phaedra might have given her was quite stolen by the appearance of a familiar stained and rotting form. "Ah, my brother..." She stood to greet him, walking a few steps down the dais, a genuine smile on her face. "Such glory will be yours, in time, though I doubt it will be as aesthetic as mine." Sizzla Sh'khin gave the goddess a knowing grin. "Yes, I quite doubt my reign will be as lovely as your own, at least to the eyes," he agreed, watching as she stepped down slightly to meet him. He approached the throne, and glanced around the room, the unsettling chrysalis looming. He noticed that a man was standing next to the throne, a book and pen in his hand. It looked as if he was scribbling down notes. Perhaps for the annals of history? He would have to remember such necessities during his own ascention. "Have you obtained a pet?" he asked casually, glancing toward Mal'reth.
But the man was quickly forgotten as his eyes rested once again on Phaedra's. "When your time came, did you feel it happen? Was the rise in power so substantial?" he asked, genuinely curious about how she had come to power. "I have a hard time imagining how it will be. What powers has the throne allowed you, sister?" His thoughts of ascending the throne were greedy ones, this was true, but in this week, it was something that had been on his mind. Sosiqui Phaedra's gaze flicked briefly at the Aurion. "Of a sort, yes," she said, but she had different things on her mind now... and what Sh'khin asked next struck to the heart of them. "All at once, so sudden... intoxicating..." Phaedra turned slightly, her feathers rising a bit with the movement. "If I wish, I can see anywhere, hear anything... my own abilities are much improved... yes, enough power that I barely know what to do with it." She laughed, but it was forced. Greed was meant to be reckless, self-serving, demanding - and yet now she had a responsibility to her Emperor to do what she could to help him. Loyalty and the desire to survive demanded it. And it was so far outside of her realm of experience that it set the whole world even more awry. The goddess had more to fight than these Grigori; she had to battle her very nature. Lonely, isn't it. Damn Underworld. "... Knowing that, now, I hope you'll have more time to lay plans and gather knowledge than I did," she finished, quietly, reaching up one hand to brush his cheek. Sizzla Sudden. Intoxicating. Power like he had never experienced. The want for such power and influence had grown exponentially inside him, and just talking to Phaedra about it had made him desire it even more. It was not like him to want such things, but in the presence of the goddess, anything and everything was NEEDED, necessary.
As she spoke of her new abilities, his mouth dropped open a bit, an awed look coming over him. "See anywhere and hear anything?" he asked, thinking immediately about how he could put such power to use. And how would his own powers improve? What destruction would his domain be capable of dealing? Again, he could only think about power, and wanting more of it.
"I do appreciate your bluntness sister," he said, allowing her to brush her fingers against one mottled cheek without hesitation. He trusted her completely. "It is good to know what to expect, though I assume it is overwhelming at first."
There was a pause as he thought about his last meeting with Eddard. "Unfortunately, I fear I do not know much about our Lord and the End. I have only heard bits and pieces about the battle with the Grigori and I know no way to help Him on my own. How are you helping Him?" he asked, wondering how Phaedra had used this immense power thus far. Had she been able to make a difference? Had she stopped or slowed the progression of the endtimes in any sense? "Do you know of a purpose I could have, a use?" Sosiqui "Hm." A soft smile, again. "Hearing and Seeing All That Is is considerably less useful without the ability to know what you're looking for. Even knowing what I do about the Grigori..." She sighed, her feathers drooping against her back. "The phrase 'needle in a haystack' comes to mind. No wonder they were able to war against the Crown in ancient days. But now you know, and you know sooner than I. You will have time to think. To know what to expect." The wasted time niggled at her like an itch she couldn't scratch. "To not be overwhelmed, as I was. If the Manacles of the Crown are restored... then that will be one thing I have done." Helped to do was more accurate, but she wasn't going to concede quite that much. A pittance, it seemed, with the power at hand. "If only I knew their true names. Then..." Her other hand clenched into a fist at her side. Sizzla "Has no one come to you to ask for information?" he asked, wondering why, if she had all of this power, no one had come to her yet. "I am afraid I am rather out of the loop on the happenings of the Pantheon," he admitted, only hearing about the events of the Grigori's arrival from Eddard. He glanced over at the chrysalis for a split second, but his gaze quickly returned to the throne.
"I am glad you have given me this warning sister. I must get more information before I have the opportunity to ascend and obtain the powers you now hold." He paused, thinking on her words. The Manacles?
He gave her a curious, quizzical look. "Could you tell me, as my memory is not what it once was -- what are these Manacles which you seek? What true names do you search for? I have the desire to help in some fashion, but I feel I am worthless in my current state..." Sosiqui "I have tried on my own. Dear Winter was most informative... but bend my will as I might, All That Is... it is too large. The only reason I was able to find the Manacles is because Universe narrowed the field somewhat." Oh, that rankled, that bit hard - she had not wanted that help. She had needed it, but she had not wanted it. Such absolute power should not require another. By all rights, she should have been able to take All in a moment- "But you should know what I do, dear brother." She turned and moved to sit on the Throne again, though this time she sat on the edge, resting her elbows on her knees, cradling her chin in her hands. "A Grigori, a being of the Ashlands - perhaps you remember. They warred in the past, against the Throne and against All. Now they do so again, it seems. She called herself Samyaza, but that is not her true name." Her tail lashed again. That, that - oh, what glory that would have been, to find the b***h and lay her low but nothing, nothing at all answered her call. It was wrong. She would suffer for that too, for frustrating Greed so. "I recount only what Neva said. That foul, traitorous thing came before the Crown and used some power to lay Him low." Her claws twitched against the skin of her cheeks. "He is now as you see Him... and she wounded also Gaia, Kishara, taking her arm. The b***h carried the arm away with her, I am told, and worked another magic to trap the gods who fought her within the Pantheon." She had seen that power from the inside. Hadn't cared. Jahara had been there. "And that is what Winter heard and saw, and what I know - except for what Underworld said." Her eyes narrowed. "He said the plane the Grigori hail from a plane reachable through Gaia's flesh, and that the b***h may free her kin using the arm she took. And I can do nothing to find them, or stop them." She sat up, and slammed one hand down onto the arm of the Throne, fingers spasming in impotent rage. Sizzla Winter. Universe. Both were gods he had not yet met. There were so many now, it seemed, though so weak they were... Perhaps upon his own ascention, those he did not know would come to him. There was a great desire inside him to meet his brothers and sisters.
"It seems you have acquired quite a bit of information," he said, as she finished the story, scowling as he thought of the vile beast -- the Grigori who had brought Him down. "I thank you for the detailed information, my sister. There must be much more to this than I can fathom. I remember few of the details of the Grigori from past ages -- much of what happened before the Fading is beyond the grasp of my memory. A haze has washed over most of my memories, though I find them returning day by day."
As Phaedra explained the ability of the Grigori to free themselves through the flesh of Gaia, a rage grew inside of Sh'khin, and he could not fault Phaedra for growing angry, slamming her hand onto the throne. He wanted to hurt the Grigori -- this Samyaza that had caused them all so much trouble and the undoing of All. He recalled the face of Gaia -- Kishara. The angelic, determined and wise goddess who had given Iris solace so many months ago. Her arm had been removed and used as a portal? It was unfathomable!
"There is nothing you can do?!" he asked, almost shouting in frustration as the weight of what had happened finally rested upon him. "There has to be something," he said, brooding as he laid his chin in one hand, thinking. "Someone has to know more." SkieBorne His hackles rose at being named a pet, ears laying back against the sides of his head and chin lifting in a show of pride. He was here because they had an agreement and an Aurion honored his contracts. Boldy, he'd taken a step forward but paused as Phaedra spoke, essentially dismissing him back to the shadows. With a flat look, he remained were he was - if he was to be her herald was he not due some of the glory? Such that others might know his name?
His attention turned outward, away from the greedy little thoughts that swirled in the back of his mind as the two began to speak in earnest. He called her sister? Ascending the Throne? It didn't take long for the mage to realize he was watching a conversation between the gods and smiled to himself. How interesting. That was what had happened. He had only know bits and pieces up until now, never the whole story. The information Phaedra was revealing was enlightening at the very least and he couldn't help but wonder if Greed realized she was giving without receiving. Better to remain quiet and record as he'd been instructed to do.
In any case, he thanked her silently and jotted down the names of the other deities she had mentioned.
Gaia (Kishara?) and Winter.
Something picked at his mind. But why the dual names for one but not the other? He would have to ask for clarification once the opportunity presented itself.
Malh'reth winced as Sh'khin questioned her ability to do things. He'd done so inadvertently and had seen a flicker of anger... what would such a blatant insult do? Wisely, he stepped back out of immediate view in the hopes of avoiding notice. Sosiqui "I found the Manacles," Phaedra snapped, bristling. "Do not yell at me, dear brother - I am doing what I can with what is given me." Then she calmed, though her tail lashed at her side. "Universe said the Manacles could buy us time. I have sent message to Futs Lung to retrieve them. If you know the True Name of the Grigori, then tell it to me and I will let all my power fly in rage - but without that..." She pounded the arm of the Throne again. "Seek Knowledge, perhaps. He was there, named by Winter and Underworld both. Or the Empress herself. Prepare yourself well for this, my brother. Move in strength with foreknowledge, as I was not able to do." Sizzla Sh'khin winced a bit as she snapped back at him. He had not realized how harsh he had sounded, and the frustration that rolled off of him had a sharper effect than he would have liked. "I am sorry, my sister. I know you are doing all you can, and it is appreciated. It is just frustrating to hear about such things and not know if there is anything that can be done about them," he replied sheepishly to her fierce retort. "My apologies."
He turned from the throne and paced the room quickly, listening to her advice and memorizing who he would need to speak to. Knowledge. Gaia. He would find them, request their presence and try with all his might to find the Grigori or another piece of the puzzle. Perhaps he did not have to wait until the week of Plague either...
And then there was a fleeting thought: Underworld. It has been so long since I have seen him. Not since my rebirth have I heard from Nergal. I wonder what he may know...
As she gave her final words of counsel, he turned once again to the throne, bowing deeply in respect. "I shall, dear Phaedra. You have been quite informative, and for that, I am appreciative. I shall seek to find what is needed before my time, so that I am prepared for what is to come. I wish you luck sister. I hope you can do more for Him while you still have the power of the Throne." Sosiqui She sighed, and stood up, descended the dais partway to go to him. "It is lonely, on the Throne. Underworld was right about that, at least. Learn what you can, and ascend in full glory, Sh'khin." Phaedra reached out for him once more. "You... heh. You always were more even-tempered than I. You will do better."She leaned down to kiss his forehead, not caring about the boils. "Go well. Brother. Use your temper to do what I cannot. My reign will come to an end soon. I'd rather keep my life for longer than what the windows number."Sizzla He walked toward the throne to say his final goodbyes, reaching out for her hand and placing a light kiss upon the top of it, bowing his head to her again before looking into her jeweled and bright-blue eyes. "Thank you sister. Your faith in me is encouraging."
He was surprised at her gentleness after the recent outburst, and had not expected the kiss on the forehead. Few made physical contact with him, and he was pleased that she seemed to favor him. He had only encountered her once before, but whispers through the Pantheon had made him slightly wary of her. Now, there was relief, and the feeling that she was an ally.
"You shall have many more days, if I have anything to do with it," he said, determination in his voice. "I will do my best to change What Is and What May Be," he smiled, hopefully. "Be well sister." With that, he turned back toward the far end of the room and headed toward his apartments.
Now, he had purpose.
He would first search out Knowledge so that he could prepare for what would come.
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