Frekr the Failure

[18:59] A Knight? Frekr had been a Knight, in Torgon's eyes? That sends his shoulders into another convulsion, accompanied by that horrible wheezing sound that might be mistaken for laughter. If Frekr had been a Knight then Vekel really was a God.

No, Frekr had never been a knight. He had been a bullheaded Vanir child that threw himself against every foe that stood against him. He had been a foolish fool among even fools.

Frekr was no Knight.

He was just Frekr. Frekr the Failure.

Eventually, Frekr composes himself and with a nod to the First Dullahan's words, reaches up to the grinning golden skull that hid his true face. As his fingers make contact with it there is a series of clicks and a hiss. Then the mask slides back into the hood and reveals something any mortal would call a horror.

Frekr's once handsome face wasn't there anymore. Rather, it has been melted away along with large chunks of muscle underneath. His eyes are blackened and warped by the Occult, and his jaw hangs agape - useless without the muscles that would have motivated it.

Then with a twist of his hand gold begins to flow from somewhere inside his robes - up over his jaw any into his cheeks, forming makeshift wires and pulleys animated at least temporarily by his magic.

"So be it... I will... Speak. Quickly as I... can... as I am..." Came the words, his mangled jaw moving slowly, unnaturally. Frekr could only manage so much with such an improvised technique, afterall. "A Knight... I am not. A merchant... A craftsman... And many... more things. But never... a Knight." He'd continue with that wretched wheezing noise that barely passed as a voice.

"I will not... die honorably... if I am killed... I will just... die. No. That is not... My Lot. If anything... I seek to live... A most profitable... life." Taking a deep breath, Frekr shifts his gaze to Dok Zong standing nearby. Fora moment there is a surge of emotion as energy flares to live around him - energy shot through with the dark, twisted influence of the Occult.

But then he rips his gaze back to Torgon. "I offer... information... I offer...cooperation." Another long pause, "I offer... Oshikawa . . . Akumu . . ."
(Frekr Gullmunr)
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[18:59] Nanzo says, "Lots of vampires attacked."
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Orichalcum (x6) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Nyeshk (x3) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Tuna (x5) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Bream (x3) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Bass (x5) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Trout (x4) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has taken Bass (x5) from the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Bass (x5) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Salmon (x5) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Sardine (x5) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Haddock (x4) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Black Trout (x2) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Tilapia (x3) into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Sinka into the chest.
[18:59] Nanzo has placed Alessa (x2) into the chest.
[18:59] Varshan folds his arms over his chest and leans against a tree. His lifts his brows up a little bit as he watches over the scene unfolding. His red eye glows softly under his hood as he peers.

Briefly he looks around and even up into the trees. A small smirk forms on his face before his gaze once more goes forward.
(Varshan)
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[18:59] {Lost Restrained RPB against Nauticus}
[18:59] {Won Restrained RPB against Nauticus}
[18:59] The biomagic was not an unwelcome gift- something even the Vampires of Asphodel hadn't been able to provide. Frekr sighs as he feels the healing take place, and reaching up to touch his new skin he forms a wicked smile blinking several times to moisten his ever so dry eyes.

"Now, tha's much better..." He'd murmer, before looking back to Torgon and offering a simple nod of thanks. "In some ways, y' are right. I fought f' Gods tha' cared naught f' me, I fought f' m' people, b' ne'er in th' name o' Honor as a Knight. Nae… Only e'er out o' kinship, or obligation. Now? I'm nae a Vanirhallan - not wha' people would label as such. Though I d' still hove a fondness fer many o' the Vanir people, and would not soon betray them outright." Frekr replies, getting used to the newly reformed muscles.

Then cracking his neck, Frekr replaces the mask - mostly out of the sense of comfort it brought.

"As fer cleansin'... Well, perish th' thought. This curse o' mine 'as brought power, an I intend t' learn t' harness it's boons. Which is wha' brings us t' Akumu." He'd say, crossing his arms and staring up at the lord of the Mire. The truth was, he just wanted to use Torgon and his resources, just as he planned to use so many others, all for his own personal gain.

Of course, in doing so he'd no doubt be branded a traitor to every faction on the face of Esshar if it ever came out. But if he was already Frekr the Failure, would becoming Frekr the Traitor be so much worse?

"He's nae y' enemy yet, b' his beliefs defy yers an' mine both. Th' powers he serves bear no fondness to the Three, nor t' Mother Nyx." Frekr says, and as a show of respect uses his metal magic to pierce his finger with theinside of his own gauntlet, holding it out so the drop can fall to the ground between them - beside the Amulet that once belonged to Darkness.

"I propose tha' in lettin' m' live an armin' m' with one or two o' yer… Knights... " He'd gesture towards Dok Zong as an example, since Torgon used the word with such a loose meaning, "T' eradicate th' last scrap o' Void Worship in th' land, an' claim th' treasures an' relics th' old Sorcerer has in his possession f' ourselves. I donnae want much, jus' the goblet tha' gave m' th' accursed blessin' I now bear, and t' destroy th' book th' bastard possesses. E'erythin' else - includin' his body, steeped in power - is yers."
(Frekr Gullmunr)
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[18:59] "You're speaking all of that in front of my Denizens, warriors and soon, commanders, child. I know very well and also you know that our intentions are to use each other but I'm also bound by honor. I use the power of my denizens for a King is naught without his people. If you join us, I'll give thee the same treatment I gave an old one. You'll be bound by an oath, if you break it. The Mire will know and we will outright hunt thee like an animal."

He looks to the others, A king doesn't rule alone.

"And what all of thou say? My people."

An Ex-vanir that wants to Join the Mire for his own goal. A strong ally nonetheless but also a dangerous one. Oaths are important to the Mire and it's clear that he would attack his own people sooner or later.

The King crosses his arms and waits, the words of the child and of his people. Torgon, the so called monster waits.
(Torgon)
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[18:59] {Won Restrained RPB against Nauticus}
[18:59] Gilligan says, "Kill them."
[18:59] Frekr Gullmunr says, "Kill y'self."
[18:59] Frekr Gullmunr says, "Noise twat."
[18:59] Gilligan exclaims, "Vanir shit!"
[18:59] Torgon says, "Stop with the name calling."
[18:59] Tu-Kong exclaims, "...MAN!"
[18:59] Torgon says, "And just answer the damned question."
[18:59] Torgon says, "After it, be quiet and wait."
[18:59] Gilligan says, "My answer; Nay. Kill the Vanir. Don't let them join the mire."
[18:59] Gilligan shut up afterwards. Torgon had once said 'no mercy' to any vanir. And now, he was willing to allow one to join them? Less and less trust for the Armor man. Less and less. She didn't understand.
(Gilligan)
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[18:59] Dok responds with a light and bone chilling laugh, his arms folded as he looks upon Frekr with a light tilt of the head. His laughter could be heard in the center of the mans forehead, even slightly should he have managed to take care of the mark.

His arms fold, the luscious coat of living earth clinging to his skeletal form.

"He is one of mine, even should he fail to admit it. It was only a matter of time that he return to me, to us and to the Dirt." He'd speak, his voice almost like an eerily soothing melody that escaped the metal skull.

From what Frekr would notice there had been much that had changed about the construct.

"Should he break his oath, I will consume him just as I had done Olrok."

Had he a tongue he would lick the lips he also lacked, his deathly endless smile shimmering in the light, the shadows of his empty eyes cast even deeper by the glowing spiral on his skull.
(Dok Zong)
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[18:59] Nestis watched the confrontation with a curious eye, studying Frekr from her spot in the crowd. Her expression was indifferent, yet curious, as she examined the Vanir with a cold, clinical stare.

"I say let him in. Were he to betray us, his life will be over quick, yet..." She clicked her tongue. "He may be useful. Very useful."
(Nestis)
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[18:59] Varshan's eyebrows raise up as the question is directed to all of them. He glances around at the other Mirefolk. As he thinks about it, he remains leaning against the tree. His lips push into a thin line and he thinks this situation over.

"If they want to join, I say let them." He answers simply, raising and lowering his shoulders as he shrugs.
(Varshan)
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[18:59] A proposal from both ends! An interesting transgression to say the least one that caused the Fae to enter a deep thought. On one hand a new ally could prove beneficial help strengthen their numbers once again. Yet a warning already given if said oath was to be broke. The details of which would be grime indeed for the one seeking the Mire's aid.

Yet the Fae stood in silence, unable to truly provide answer. It knew not what could become from allying with such so it listened and Gilligan's position was spoken loud and clear. A refusal from the jump but how would the others fall? Tien couldn't help but wonder as he considered the options.

Based off transgressions it seemed the others on the other hand would accept such. Yet warnings of impending doom was given in exchange an interesting exchange. Eventually the Fae would simply shrug from high in the trees. His voice projecting outwards.

"I don't know." the ultimate conclusion. As he knew not what should be done here.
(Tien)
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[18:59] Is usually wholly content to reside within the background, but her opinion was requested, and in this way she would serve as a confidant. Though, truthfully she valued her own word very little.

Emotionless gaze cast towards the Vanir, taking measure of his worth from what limited info she could gather. He offered little to instill confidence save for empty words that she was all too adept with.

"The Mire needs allies -- any and all the help that it can get. He is a dreg who can give naught but words. I would allow him to join, but refuse him the men he requests, until he can offer something in return. It is unwise to take speculation as payment."
(Illythia )
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[18:59] A furrowing of his brow; a curling of his tail. The Prince is left to ponder, being asked a question when he least expected it...well, it was for the people of the Mire that is. Frankly, he was indifferent to the situation, although there was a tint of intrigue in the individual regardless....a possibly powerful ally, not really caring for what schemes they may plot.

After all, it seems pretty fun does it not? He looks outwards, to the trees, to the skies, to the faces of his kin before looking back to the grass.

His arms fold as they shoot a quick glance to Gilligan, a hint of understanding behind their refusal to accept such an individual as he had rather keen senses himself. Some history, although he was oblivious to such, not thinking any further than that they wrap their tail around their waist once more, eyes glancing finally over to the king.

The words of the others now helping his decision.


"Yeah, as they said...may as well let em. They look kinda strong! Kinda wanna know some more as well, maybe...perhaps? If they'll be killed for doin' anything that's well, outright betrayal then I see no harm...that's your two cents from the GREAT Tu-Kong of th' Black Trail."

Also nodding at Illythia's words....they did need allies, perhaps one to fill the void that Valar left? A fleeting hope for the Simian....perhaps an impossible dream as well.

They maintain their smile.
(Tu-Kong)
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[18:59] The Mutant known as Nanzo for all his blessings and curses wasn't very keen on politics of any nature. So far he'd learned that everyone betrayed you at some point or another. Be they other Mirelings or be they outsiders. It didn't matter very much. Still, this was a strange situation but as they spoke of the Void?

Well, his curiosity was peaked! The cosmos was his area of focus and oft he'd heard soft whispers from Crom Cruach of the space between stars. Now they had a Vanir, albeit one he'd not fought yet, asking for their help in fighting a champion of such things?

He was showing a bit of restraint as he listened to Gilligan, Dok, Nestis, the rest yet to post. They where all saying one thing or another, use the Vanirhallan, kill them, they didn't know. Really, what a strange choice that lay before them.

Finally, he took a step forwards Towards the Vanir! Peering at them curiously for a moment. Then they spun back and looked up at Torgon. "Nanzo the Mighty, wants to fight this Sorcerer. I say we help him here! Take the treasures. Then kill them before they can betray us! But I want to fight this sorcerer first."

He wanted to use them as an avenue for another challenge it seemed.
(Nanzo)
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[18:59] Frekr takes a moment to snap back at Gilligan before he crosses his arms, looking at the others. At this point, he would accept whatever outcome - If he had to swear an Oath of Fealty, then he didn't mind that so much. Oaths he understood, but they were fickle things. He'd sworn an Oath to Garljing, one he could never break so long as he lived. He'd sworn an Oath to Araceli, one he had no intention to break - afterall, it was only that he serve her so long as he claimed Asylum in her walls - and now, he had the opportunity to swear an Oath to Torgon.

An Oath to do what, though? Join the Mire? That was easy enough, afterall, what was the Mire but a living collection of abominations? He'd fit right in. Though, he'd have to demand certain allowances if he did join - such as that he not be made to turn directly against the Vanir he thought of as his family, and the most precious jewels of his hoard - though he wouldn't ask that any of the other Mire lurkers show mercy against those he called his kin. If he ever needed, truly needed, he would make a choice between them.

Otherwise?

He'd let the world keep turning, and what would be would be. So long as he maintained free will and was able to serve Himself above all else, Frekr would get what he wanted.

He'd use everyone around him, every asset he could. He'd take, and take, and take, and take, and TAKE. Until he had what he wanted.

And Frekr wanted it all.

His eye twitches as one of the Mire dare to call him a dreg with nothing but words to offer. Gaze shifting, he stares at Illythia for several moments. "It seems the vast majority of your people are for my joining, though some doubt my usefulness. So allow me to prove I have more t' offer than Oaths - or Lies - whichever you believe them to be." Frekr says with a casual shrug before reaching into his cloak and pulling out a crimson gem, which he tosses towards Torgon. A spellstone, a rare one of some value.

"That is but a fraction of the wealth I 'ave accrued in recent years. I am owed money by many, an' I always collect on m' debts. I have acces t' th' Vanir, t' Asphodel, t' Achyon'. I was one o' th' greatest contributor's t' Aesirheim, an th' main reason a tower now stands where once only dirt hovels once were." A pause, and a dismissive wave towards Illythia.

"Left t' my machinations, I will build nations an' profit from th' wars they wage without e'er needin' t' lift a finger on th' battlefield. S' not strength I offer, b' knowledge, wealth, an' power tha' a King such as y' self should b' able t' appreciate." Frekr says at last, turning his gaze back to Torgon.

"So if y' like th' sound o' that, I'll swear an Oath t' th' Mire - with only one addendum. I will nae b' robbed o' m' free will, if I am t' raise a blade against any tha' know m' t' be a friend it's m' choice t' make, nae yers. Otherwise - I am at yer service."
(Frekr Gullmunr)
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[18:59] Gilligan scoffed. She had zero trust for the Vanir at all, and the only valid oath that they could possibly swear that would mean anything, would be to vow their soul tio the mire. And if they died? Their soul would go to Nyx.
(Gilligan)
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[18:59] Gilligan says, "They should vow their soul to Nyx."
[18:59] Gilligan she suggested.
(Gilligan)
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[18:59] Frekr Gullmunr asks, "I could, b' then I wonder which God would take m' when I die? Garljing, whose black blood I bear on m' skin? Th' Void, which claims m' thanks t' Akumu's damn book? Or Mother Nyx, wit' such an Oath?"
[18:59] Dok Zong says, "The Dirt, will take you. As Dictated by the mark I gave you long ago."
[18:59] Dok Zong says, "Should you seek to know more, seek me out."
[18:59] Dok Zong says, "It will be good to.. Catch up. Heh."
[18:59] Frekr Gullmunr says, "Hmmhmmhmmhmmm... S' amusin' t' think m' wretched soul is in such high demand."
[18:59] Dok Zong says, "I've no care for souls."
[18:59] Gilligan says, "I'd rather have your life right now, mhm. Your body, it would be great use... But they havevoted. Tch. "
[18:59] Tu-Kong exclaims, "Oh? OH?! HOW SO?!"
[18:59] Gilligan Muttered something incomprehensible. Torgon had gone back on his words in her eyes.. And she didn't know how to manage it. The aura around her, crackling, and her claws flexed at her sides, and then.. She turned.
(Gilligan)
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[18:59] Torgon couldn't care less to Gilligan at the moment, they've voted. And she lost. Again.
(Torgon)
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[18:59] Tien was an undecided vote but majority pointed towards let them in but kill if needed.
(Tien)
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[18:59] Dok remained silent, Gilligans incessant whining becoming something like the sound of flies
(Dok Zong)
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[18:59] Torgon hears each of their words. As always, Gilligan wanting deaths, useless deaths. A dark tendril snatches the spellgem and locks it within the armor. An oath...oaths are important things to bind one to the Mire.

"A soul is naught nowadays for one can sell it for..a mere spec of dust but thy oath will be a special one. You will pledge loyalty to the Mire, you shan't give any information from the Mire to others, you'll fight for us and even kill those that were once thy friends. Your soul? I could care less since the Void already taints it. Your will is your own but your actions they're ours. Never lift thy blade, magic or hands against a Denizen and it'll be good enough. Have I forgotten something?"

The last question is more to the Mire denizens than to the little Vanir. Wealth..useless but the Mire needs it.

"Hm...and some of them wants to test thee. So I guess you'll show them your worth while the Mire proposes and makes the Oath to bind thee to us."

Gilligan's incessant whining is one of the Reasons why Torgon is less and less patient nowadays. The King keeps his arms crossed as the dark tendril come out so he can check the spellstone. While the others are free to speak, as always.
(Torgon)
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[18:59] Nanzo whispers: I know he speaks funny but this one's tongue is the danger King.
[18:59] Torgon says in telepathy, I'm well aware.
[18:59] Dok tilts his skull towards Torgon, keeping silent though his endless gaze was fixed upon Frekr
(Dok Zong)
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[18:59] Nanzo scratched his head as he went over what Torgon's oath was. Then he blinked of course the King had covered what he mentioned already. Nanzo nodded.
(Nanzo)
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[18:59] Frekr holds his hand as Torgon speaks and casually overlooks one of Frekr's terms.

"I donnae mind 'avin' t' fight f' th' Mire if pressed, b' as I said, m' one an only term is tha' in doin' this I retain th' choice o' who I cross blades with when it comes t' those th' were once - and many whom still are - m' friends. Simply put? Th' Vanir are part o' m' hoard, each one o' them is a precious gem, treasured more than m' own life. If y' can't respect tha' one request, then negotiations are off an' y' might as well strike m' down where I stand."

He'd say with the confidence of a man well and truly prepared to die for his convictions. Frekr was a greedy creature, above all else. If he couldn't have what he wanted, all of it, then none of it was worth anything - including his miserable life.

"I can promise nae t' knowingly lift m' blade, magic, or hands against th' Denizens o' th' mire. I can promise nae t' betray yer secrets, f' they will b' treasured as m' own. B' I cannae promise t' slay m' Kin anymore than I would promise t' throw all th' riches o' th' world int' th' sea."
(Frekr Gullmunr)
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[18:59] Tien sits in the tree in silence at this time observing the proceeds
(Tien)
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[18:59] Dok Keeps his silence and his stance, after all either of Frekrs choices were of benefit to the Skeleton as either choice led to eventually one death or many. All came to feed the dirt in the end, He wouldn't, however, pass up a fight should the need arise.
(Dok Zong)
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[18:59] Nanzo pondered for a moment about that. Then he simply looked up towards Torgon and spoke again. "I can fight the Vanir. I want to fight the sorcerer. Make him swear to see us as kin as he sees the Vanir and the same effect will be gained! After all he's clearly willing to die for them."

He paused for a moment and then looked at Frekr! "Or give'em to Dok and Gilligan! That is Nanzo's thoughts."
(Nanzo)
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[18:59] Nestis stares at Frekr for a few, long moments, then nods.
(Nestis)
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[18:59] Dok nods in response to Torgon
(Dok Zong)
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[18:59] Dok Zong whispers something.
[18:59] Dok Zong whispers something.
[18:59] Dok Zong whispers something.
[18:59] "Hm..Can fight others but can't fight your own people but what if they fight you? Is what I wonder. The oath is there for thee to pledge, I won't ask thee to fight your own people unless you wish so but as for Achyonites, Vampires, Osronans and whoever else that comes to us. You are fighting."

The left gauntlet hods Frekr hand as the chains of Burden starts to unveil, unwrap around the armor and coil around both hands. Frekr just needs to say each word now and he can feel, this is different from an 'Oath' to the gods. This is a pact between a being that can mark you to die at any given time during your whole life and once marked.

You will die.

For the Toll Beller is always there to guide thy soul.
(Torgon)
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[18:59] Frekr nods, and gestures to Nanzo. "Perhaps it will become as tha' one says. Perhaps I will come t' see y' as Kin, as I do th' Vanir." He'd muse, then extending his his hands to either side, leaving himself vulnerable as if to be struck down.

"So be it. Let th' words b' heard b' wha'ever powers tha' be. I pledge m'self t' the Mire, an will fight yer enemies as m' own should th' need arise - until such a time as m' usefulness no longer outweighs th' risk I pose an' y' choose t' take m' life." Frekr says, a maniacal grin behind his mask.

Oaths and Marks. He was collecting quite a number of them, making himself into quite the fickle creature. He'd make deals to get what he wanted.

Deals for Wealth.
Pacts for Power.
Alliances for Influence.

He would do exactly as he said - he would raise nations, playing everyside that could be played until they were either eradicated and there were no more sides to player - or he was dead.

Such was the aspiration of Frekr the Failure. Such were his machinations.
To seize all the things others had - all the things he wanted - by any means necessary.
(Frekr Gullmunr)
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[18:59] A suitable response, one that Dok seemed to favor. His coat of living earth churns softly as he lets his arms fall to his sides, slipping metal hands into pockets that formed as he reached for them. The Metal Skeleton tilts his head once more, standing tall at his Kings side.

"Seems we will finally get a chance to.. Know eachother." He'd say, his smooth voice dancing across every stone as he spoke, almost as if it came from him.

"Perhaps we might come to some.. Fruitful experiences of our own heh.. Moreso than our first meeting it seems." He taps his forehead lightly, something that Frekr might feel where the construct had carved into him.

"Inevitable, that we meet again, no matter how long it's been."

If he still used the mud to make a face for himself he would be smiling however he much preferred keeping his bones bare and wearing the earth itself as a coat. Who didn't love a nice earthy coat after all?
(Dok Zong)
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[18:59] "And remember, no words about us. About plans nor anything out of here. You're an ally for now and I hope this will stay."

The chains of burden wraps around his wrist but it digs deeper, it goes to his soul and wraps around the wrist of his soul. Binding him to the Dullahan.

"Betray us. And your body will be hung on a tree to water the Mire."

Simple words of warning to the boy. Torgon is almost happy...if he could even feel happiness, he would be happy for having pursued such child.

Plans are in motion as the hand retracts to his side.
(Torgon)
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