Dun's Hot take on Demons

[17:49] Returning to the square, the Priest would take his post once more, standing tall and resolute. His blazing mana served as a beacon of warmth for Theria's people approach, though his energy also radiated a power. It was a blue flame that would not waver as the shadowy snake coiled around the statue to rest as it waited for the Master Artificer.

Looming over him, the Task would not seem uncomfortable as those crimson hues would glare at him with his answer. A short huff air of amusement would pass through his nose, a faint smile as he nodded.

"Isn't that us all."

Many restricted their lanes of opportunity with morality, but the Tasks understood what it took to obtain true power. To put body and spirit alike through mortal turmoil. Another nod given as their goals were known, though it seemed that his father would soon appear.

"Ah, and here he is himself. Father, Szora wishes to speak with you, and I have some materials for you to craft with.. I have also spoken with Scarlett of the Fireblooded, but do you think.. We could have another lesson soon? I have.. Questions."
(Revan Task)
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[17:50] Dun would arrive at last, a sense of relaxation in the old man's demeanor as he saw the demons and Therians grow alive at the drums of war. At last, their blood was flowing once more, and the Theria he had fallen in love with in his prime returned in his twilight days.

"I can offer you the lecture here and now my son, consider our serpent guest merely an observer who too can earn some insight on the views of the Fireblooded and our philosophy. Now that we're at war, I can truly explain my views Revan, I know you will understand."

The elder would nod firmly in respect to the serpent, then to Revan.

"Greetings, I am Dun Task, you likely know of me. Welcome to our humble mountain."
(Dun Task)
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[17:55] It was as they said.

Remain in Theria for too long and speak his name, and he shall appear. Perhaps in centuries to come the children might speak of it as folk lore? An impressive human with impressive ambitions. Or perhaps he was simply deluded and insane by now?

Either way.

"Greetings, Dun Task." The Serpent hissed, the discussion with Revan seemingly come to a halt.

"I've come a long way to speak with you, though it was no matter of severe importance. Merely an item I wanted to have you observe. Perhaps with your craftsmanship something can be done with it."

It was the best shot for the time being, anyway.

There was also a certain amusement found in his adverts for whatever reason. Perhaps a distant offspring of the demon spoken of, but for now he wouldn't speak upon it.

(Szora)
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[18:03] There would be a frown that would form beneath the helm as his father insisted on having the sermon here, though Revan would not fight him. Canting his head he was curious what his father meant by the Fireblooded and heir philosophy? Was it not to carry yourself like a dragon, to take whatever you wanted, to amass power and a hoard that you were proud to defend?

Valor, pride, wisdom?

"Very well, Father.. You have my full attention."

His lessons were far and few in-between these years, however, on the eve of war he would need all of the strength he could muster to overcome the upcoming challenges. Information was power in and of itself, so he would keep his mind and ears open as he let his father speak.

Occasionally the tainted black eyes would drift over to Szora, gauging their reactions and thoughts as the Elder Fireblooded would speak.
(Revan Task)
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[18:15] Dun would nod steadily, offering a glance over to both the serpent and Revan as he chuckled steadily to himself. It was an ideal time as any for a lecture of both how he acquired his views, and why the Fireblooded did what it did.

"Long ago Revan, in my youth, there was a demon who was not merely incredibly powerful, but something far more unique and respectable. He was a Therian, a ride or die shooter for my operations and a pleasure magnate like few could imagine. And beyond it all, beyond both of our immense powers and monstrous qualities. He was my friend. Slick Sicks, the hot springs king."

The elder of the Fireblooded would sigh in nostalgia, shaking his head with a firm nod.

"I've sensed your doubt. You don't understand how one can be a Fireblooded, who in theory serve Ryujin, and ally with demons? That is because the Osronan theological tradition commonly affects one comprehension in the manner that worship is universally a matter of FOLLOWING. It is the failure of their religion of stars and moralism."

Dun would nod steadily, taking an idle drag from his corncob pipe as he hummed to himself with cheer.

"We of the Fireblooded do and be as dragons Revan, live as them. Fierce, independent, determined and resolved with burning will. Prideful, wrathful, envious, greedy, lustful, these are the passions and emotions of life, of the natural order, impulses not to be restricted and tamed, but refined by the crucible of the world."

The elder would nod steadily, gesturing to the serpent beside him.

"The first lord of Helheim was appointed by Ryujin, who naps upon its highest rungs while the realms handle their business. Do you think he disapproves of the conflict and disorder in their realms. The damned are as much part of the natural order as anyone. Demons are reflections of our darkest psyche, our shadows, but there is no flame without a shadow Revan. And dragons admire strength, ruthlessness, determination, cunning, and industry above all else."

Dun would nod sagely.

"Demons and dragons are more akin than humanity in truth, the eternal struggle prevents stagnation, and was put in place by Ryujin for a reason. From the ash we rise my son, to the ash we return. To put it simply, Celestialism is a religion of stagnation, reptition and tradition, order."

Dun would ignite an etheric flame in the palm of his prismatic gauntlet, lapping and fierce.

"The Fireblooded are a philosophy of chaos, brilliant and unrestrained in its freedom. That is the conflict at hand, morals have no part in it."


(Dun Task)
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[18:17] Dun Task says, "And yes, we can speak of that ring in all likelihood soon."
[18:18] Dun Task says, "To put it simply Revan, if Ryujin didn't like it, he could burn it down in a blink."
[18:18] Dun Task says, "His silence speaks volumes."
[18:22] The Kaor remained silent as the Elder educated his son. Some of interest to even the creature itself. Those dragons were always such an interesting concept.

"There is truth in what you speak." The demon hissed, folding arms before his torso.

"Our plans had aligned before we ever met to discuss any alliance. These things don't just happen." His glance shifted over to Dun specifically, "Especially between an independent settlement and a forest ridden with the creatures of the night." It spoke miles upon how tainted by the occult Theria truly was.

"Ah, speaking of such plans -- our expedition has been successful. We retrieved the reactor, one step closer to furthering our achievements. Now we need only lay claim upon that Vale..."

So close, yet so far. Szora could taste success.. yet he remained to bide his time in idle wait.
(Szora)
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[18:33] Revan would remain silent throughout his Father's speech, hearing of how his old man had made friends with a demon himself. There had been a few Revan had encountered he almost could see himself befriending, but his other allegiances always got in the way.

His father's insight was right, like many of the other Fireblooded that remained in Theria, Revan had his doubts about such an alliance, and what it would mean for their Dragons. However, he couldn't deny the eerie similarities the Elder proposed between humanity and the dragons.

"I.. Can not lie.. That is something I have realized binds us all.. Our pursuit of power, to grow stronger until something eventually surpasses us.. I know The Dark Lord has declared Ryujin has his quarry but.."

Who naps on the highest rungs of the realms.

Even Garljing didn't seem to stir as the Demons filled their mountainside with the cementing of the Alliance. A shakeof his head, there was another thing he noticed.

"I know that there is.. No such thing as.. Good or Evil.. Simply.. Desire and Restraint.. You've instilled this in me since birth, and it's a quality I've found in demons as well.."

Despite whatever reservations Revan had, he was truly fascinated by the creatures of the night that sought to consume and grow.

"I see.. It is.. All about keeping the cycling flowing and alive.. Through death and rebirth, we grow stronger with each sacrifice, and the harmony of this chaotic song we call live plays on." A horned helm would cant to the Elder, hoping he was pulling appropriately from the lesson.
(Revan Task)
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[18:42] Dun would nod steadily as he allowed Revan to absorb his lessons, clicking his teeth together with mild amusement as his son finally came to understand his way of things; it was good he was quick to grasp it.

"How many times have you, my sons, sought at one point or another to prove yourself to me? Now put that lense as Ryujin and the dark lord. There would be no dark lords without Ryujin, the spirit realm in its entirety is his demesne."

The elder would nod steadily. Theology was an amusing topic for him in truth.

"Conflict, war, struggle, these things build character and make warriors reach their true potential in the great trying grounds. Simply put, demons are good company Revan, and not our enemies unless they stand against us. They've aided Theria before, and now we march TOGETHER against stagnancy. Guide those that question and doubt in the Fireblooded as I have with this lecture."

Dun would nod steadily.

"If doubts and curiosity plague you, start here. I task you to befriend this demon beside us."
(Dun Task)
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[18:54] There would be a slow nod- was his Father to be Ryujin in his comparison? Each of his sons a Dark Lord that would climb each of the realms like the rungs of a latter as they reached for the pinnacle spirit.

Though hearing the remark about Demons being good company, he would chuckle. He had often made the comment he enjoyed the company of demons more often than that of humanity.

"I understand, father.. Since their arrival, I have spoke with several of our new allies.. Sparred with a number of them.. I showed Szora here around Theria, and was just getting a feel for them when you approached."

There was a cautiousness to the Task earlier with the arrival of the Demons and what it would mean for him as the new head of the Church, though gradually he seemed more and more at ease as the lesson went on. Even through his suspicions, he tried to be a warm host, treating them as any other guest to Theria's mountain top.

Though the helmet wouldturn to speak to the snake beside him, the one with great ambitions to get even closer to his own lord.

"I look forward to seeing what you're capable of, Szora, and to see what we each grow into through the crucible of battle."
(Revan Task)
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[19:00] Why would Dun Task recommend his boy become friendly with the Kaor? He should know well that these demons weren't exactly looking to be friends. Allies, at best, for now.

"Right." Szora hissed in response.

"And I you."

Though there were ways to speak to allies. Simplicity. Though his glance shifted to Jaeger who had recently arrived, nodding towards him.

"But yes. This war is mutually beneficial to our kind. It is only a matter of time now."
(Szora)
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[19:01] Dun Task says, "Quite."
[19:01] Dun Task says, "I can offer your people arms, armor, and enchantments as well."
[19:01] Dun Task says, "Though I need far more water and lightning crystals."
[19:01] Dun Task says, "For my scrolls..."