shady alliance

Dun would offer a theatric bow as he arrived in the depths of the dreadwoods, the familiar pang of occultic energy almost an old friend after his distant years past in the comfort of the black spire's shadow. Times had changed, darkness rose, and chaos at last beckoned forth a change.

Thank goodness, he was getting bored.

"A summons, and so we are here. Though in truth, I suspect we all know why we are here. Still, formalities and all."

The old man would bow his head in respects to their hosts.

"The floor is yours, speak your parts noble hosts."
(Dun Task)

The Serpent knew what it wanted from life.

And it knew the goals that would be necessary to achieve this as well; perhaps, this is merely a matter of formality at this point, but it's still worth clearing it up regardless - to make sure that movement is made in the same accord.

"I'm glad you made it here."

A bit of politeness from the Serpent, but soon..

"As we already know why we've gathered here, I will merely re-cap - and then state what it is I personally foresee occurring from this alliance, on top of what others of my kind desire; which is capable to move in the same direction."

A pause, and he speaks.

"Myllenoris will kill you all. Or rather, try to."

"Their allies are located in Nysea from what I gather. Osrona is split - as it seems certain individuals, such as Misha, attempt to murder our kind; while Walter is more pre-occupied with personal vendetta."

"These sides are not to be trusted. They are enemy - until proven otherwise, albeit, with lesser focus than Myllenoris."

Surely, this had to be said; as many might think that Osrona entirely 'turns a blind eye', in reality, that was merely the case with only certain individuals. That did not apply to everyone...

"We will advance towards Myllenoris."

"We will seek to reclaim the Vale - as it holds distinct value to our kind." The snake-eyes briefly examine those present.

"In return, Theria will be secured from the dangers of Myllenoris, as well as the consequences of other nations inevitably allying to take you all down."

"I am sure none of you are foolish enough to not realize that it's inevitable they will unite together to bring death to you."

Theria, just like Demonkind, needs allies the most right now; this purpose is what defines them, and it is what drives them. This united goal is what would bring them under the same side, too.

"As for my own desire-"

"I know of an aspiring Riftmancer, and allegedly, succeeding Wayfinder among you all. I want to work with them - both to educate myself.."

".. and to create gate to Helheim, to recruit their forces for our own cause - and draw upon its strength for our own benefit."

But before they get 'spooked' by such notion, the Serpent is quick to assert the idea further, already elaborating on what exactly it would be.

"It will also serve as Theria's fail-safe."

"It's inevitable that they will unite to siege it. In case of failure, full force of Helheim's hordes will be unleashed onto attackers to repel them."

"To turn defeat, into victory."

For now, Fidi falls quiet; letting the rest go over this information and perhaps chime in.
(Fidi)

Dun would listen respectfully to the demon's pitch with a knowing smile; a sense of enjoyment in the facts laden forth by the demon presence as much as the black bile beating in his half dead heart at the mere thought of Myllenorris and Nysea. The former that had tried to kill his son, the latter that had sought to subjugate his people.

Never again. They would never be slaves.

"Yes, I've expected the elves to finally turn wise to my antics for some time. That I was allowed this many decades to act unimpeded was a blessing in truth, but I always knew at the end of the day it was gonna be us or them."

The elder would nod steadily.

"Nysea is filled with everything I hate, destroying them and their young spirit is as intoxicating a thought as breaking the back of the elves that stole Moonfall Village from the fun people that used to run it."

Never would parties be thrown again like Atreus Ghede's.

"Theria's army is one of the few in this land not ravaged by war; our blooded mercenaries with your demons? An army that could march this island flat. I have no interest in territorial gains for my city, the north has always and will always be ours. But I am happy to reclaim the Vale and Moonfall for its rightful owners."

Dun would nod firmly, tapping his chin with thought.

"I'll do you one better. I'm building a gate that will allow one to enter any part of the spirit realm, one that can remain open and shifted to the desired locale. Helheim's on my list; our efforts combined will ensure the project's success before my passing. I am certain the potential of such a thing will be easily used by one of your ambitions."

Dun would nod sagely, taking a thoughtful drag from his pipe before continuing.

"I would do you one further, my friends and companions. Theria is a fortress, all it requires is an army to hold it. Once upon a time, long, long ago, I welcomed the demons into Theria with my cohorts, and its golden age arrived in tow."

The timeless jester would offer a light bow.

"I would welcome then in again, should they desire. The free city has much and more space, and with such an offer comes my expertise in arming and armoring your warriors. Not to mention a bunch of demons staying in the hotel sounds hilarious."
(Dun Task)

Having heard the declaration from Myllenoris on his family, Revan knew a meeting such as this would come about. Darkening the spot beside his brother Hades, the Fireblooded would scan the room through one golden hue. He was surprised to only recognize two of the Demons.

Revan had picked a few fights with demons before, but not out of hate, only the pursuit of power- something they all should understand. Though he wasn't concerned to be here, focusing again on Fidi, it seemed they would lead the attack against Myllenoris? Or-

The eyes would shift to his father, the Ring Leader of all of this. It seemed all of this fell in line with his wishes- and he even welcomed the Demons into Theria? Honestly it was an idea that delighted the Task, he found demons easier to deal with than people on many occasions. Revan simply understood how their minds worked, and it made for a smooth friendship.

Though he would think to his guildmates, the ones who were avidly hunting demons.. What would mean for them and their recently moved guild hall? Holding back a click of his tongue, not wishing to draw attention to himself, the horned helmed would bow slightly in thought.

He was going to have to do some finagling.

Though for now he remained silent, seemingly getting lost in thought, but still trying to take in the details of the others.
(Revan Task)

Willow stares. They continue to do so for quite a while, after all- The mask didn't give them much of a hint. Yet, something caused the smile upon the mask to widen just slightly. "Ooh- That's--"

"PFFHAH!" A little snicker came out from the person under the mask, before they tug their head down, quickly pulling the mask away. Their face was still hidden under a second layer of cloth now, instead of revealing the monstrosities underneath- But it still dripped with the rotten blood that still seeped from their skin.

Well, this was interesting. Their views... Aligned! Somewhat. Before the jester stared back at the demon. "Well, fine. Fine. FINE." Willow's face averted to the Task family. The other sides were not to be trusted, mh? Perhaps.

No sides were to be trusted. "Sounds like something uninteresting, that last helheim part, though. I don't like that idea. Sounds..." One hand went up to poke at their ear, before the mask was fastened once again. "Repetitive. Boring. boring, boring, boring, boring..."

A yawn came out of their lips. "Failsafes just means characters don't know when they should get pushed out of the script." They were going on another wholly, different subject now. "Not that I'd oppose to it. Hell, I'd even help it a lot, because it sounds like an interesting trek all the way up there. I just have to give my two cents on this."

What was Willow, if not always opposition? Until... They turned towards Dun. And plainly enough, Willow just said a single word in response to that, bemused to the end. "We're people with a common enemy, Dun. Not friends -yet-."

"Unless the demons are willing to hand me one single, tiny winy thing that I've been really, really craving."

"But. I think you can't." Distrust was bare. Why would they hide it, of all people? "We'll see once it comes to that point. We're here to make a deal about getting each one's back scratched. You scratch ours- By helping us defend if things really go south a lot... And we scratch yours, by helping you guys take over Myllenoris and the vale."

"That's as far as my proposal goes. I don't want to play pretend and say we're going to be best buddies and whatnot. I don't dislike you guys, don't get me wrong- But it also doesn't mean I like all of you. I like a few."

"To the few in your council? I'm willing to let them in."
(Willow)

"Happy to be here."

The Warlord would slowly fold his arms across his chest, as his one exposed eye flickered between all the figures present here. Four Demons, and a few of their minions. Minions? Servants? Eh, both of those titles probably applied here.

Though as Fidi began to speak, Valero's attention would focus solely on the great serpent, who he'd silently listen to until they had finished saying their peace.

After all they were guests here.

"See, I agree with ya' on a few things there." The Warlord stated, as glanced back over towards the rest of his party, as he attempted to gauge some form of a reaction from them. "I'll be real blunt."

"Myllenoris, and Nysea are filled with a bunch of self righteous dickheads who do fuckin' nothing of value ever. Yet, it's those very same fuckin' assholes who think they can march on the land of the free."

He's cut off by his father's rather loud proclamations. Which results in a squint from Valero.

"You're real keen to just give things away, aren't ya' father? We have a common enemy, but we aren't friends just yet. So cool it." Valero sighs, as he refocuses on the task at hand. "Anyways... It seems like we were already in agreement about most things anyways."

A quick nod follows.

"Myllenoris, and Nysea need to be reduced to rubble. Either that, or repurposed into something far more entertaining." A hand would motion towards his father. "As he had said mere moments ago, we're already working on establishing a connection to the spirit realm. Which obviously includes Helheim. You assistance would be rather swell."

-But."

Valero halts to listen to willow, before slowly nodding his head along to his fellow Warlord's words.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, but I'll try anyways. Should Theria fall under siege, we'd expect your aid. As for when you decide to retake Moonfall? We'll be right alongside you. Which, for the record I think we should strike before they get the chance to strike at us first."

"Better to keep the war on their turf than ours."
(Valero Task)

Against his usual persona, Hades floats into the tiny shack and finds himself a location to dwell while the others open the conversation.

When the messenger had been sent, he had a strong idea of what the agenda would likely be. An alliance of some form was a given. But the details were the important parts.

Eyes trail from Blaidd to Fidi and back as the conversation gets underway.

Everyone seems to get a turn to state their intents and desires from the proposed arranged, yet he remains silent for a while longer. Mulling over certain key phrases and formulating some of his own to retort with.

But once their father speaks, he realizes that there are several agendas at play, even within Theria. Then again, he was no Warlord. Running the free city was no objective or aspiration of his. If Valero or Willow had qualms with the bold proposal, then they could speak on it.

Once the other voices from their group had been heard, the scholar speaks.

"There will be war. But what if I told you that you were all thinking too small?" An opening line to pull attention to him.

"This battle is bigger than opposing factions. Men and demons bleed. But so do Primordials." Hades floats off of the wall and into the center of the room, pulling a flask from within his vest. One filled with a black ichor that swirls about endlessly in every possible direction. "Valero and I have proof of that. And when a Primordial is slain, the benefits are far greater than any claim of land or victory." Even if the Amalgam was but a premature Primordial in the infantile stages.

"I am Hades Task, the magi who brought the art of Riftmancy back to these lands. But beyond that, I am a man who seeks to shatter the limits of what we as humans and you as demons have been awarded by the powers that be.

Let us march together and claim victory over Nysea and Myllenoris. But beyond that? Let us slay Aschea herself. In doing so, I believe that we can unlock a potential that none of us were ever meant to have."

And he leaves his words there for a moment, waiting to see how they are received. It was a near-impossible goal. One too big for the average demon or man to aim for. But Hades was no average man - and the goals he reached for were an indication of that.
(Hades Task)

What an interesting bunch, these Therians turned out to be. The Task family, and company, perhaps. Though finally once there was a silence filling the room, the Serpent would hiss out.

"Yes, most of these terms were already aligned for us. We are not friends, no, we are of mutual benefit to one another."

That was what mattered at the end of it all, anyway.

"What we do outside of conquering Myllenoris and conjuring a portal to Helheim, by whichever means, I care little."

Though, a serpentine glance did shift about the room. Crimson sights absorbing the visages of all present.

"Among Theria's ranks there are those who fancy themselves Demon Hunters."

His glance fell upon Task in specific. "One has taken my interest, and the interest of my Kin. Thyrne." Was that his name?

"In any case, this will disrupt any alliance of ours -- no matter how temporary it may be, should they choose to act upon those self appointed titles."

Something best spoken upon now, before issue arises. "What would you lot say about that?" Then a glance towards Hades as he had spoken the most notable of goals. "Slay Aschea?" The demon chuckled a bit. "A fine enough objective, but is the Primordial not already slain? Sacrificed for her people?" Szora gestured a shrug with a waving of it's tail and some shifting about.

"Taking over the Vale is perhaps as close as we come to slaying Ashea. Disrupting their balance, their spirits -- no telling what chaotic forces will be birthed from our charge."

Enticing to consider.
(Szora)

So many concerns.

To not give things over, or to not let Demonkind stay in Theria.. in all honesty, Fidi could care less about such things; it earns a somewhat bemused stare towards those that would speak out in such manner - but not because it surprises him that they said it... because it surprises him that they think that's the topic at all.

"Perhaps I haven't made myself clear immediately."

"But I don't have any interest in staying over in Theria as if it were a hotel to me, or loiter around for no reason." Couldn't they tell that this is an alliance because their interests are aligned?

But...

"Keep the city. Keep it all to yourself. I only care to work with the Riftmancer, and I only care for results. As for your father's offerings.."

A glance given to what Dun said.

"Your father is being polite. Mannered, to extend an olive branch amidst the forming of alliance and show good will."

"A trait you would be wise to inherit."

To think that Demons hold any particular interest to 'stay' in Theria, or take the city, or anything of the sort is... utterly silly. At least to Fidi; the plan was never that, and it never would be.

Why would they want that place, anyway?

"Regardless.."

"I find myself interested in what Hades suggests. Moreover, I find myself interested in seeing the function behind his skill- that of Riftmancy."

"I would personally seek to learn that, and contribute to the workings myself."

"I approve of these ideas, beyond agreed warfare."
(Fidi)

An observant in the meeting room.

Jaeger's personality was never going to fit into politics, he was far too prone to anger and even his previous run-ins with Therians hadn't been swelled. In fact the panther attempted to kill Arch in front of Valero, only to stop himself before the action was concluded. There was ample reason for the Tasks, and Willow, to not trust a demonic force. This being the first formal meeting was well - not ideal. From general acquaintances to outright allies within war? It seemed far too fast to be happening in this manner.

But some were all for it. The Demons had nothing to lose, the entire Abyssal Covenant wanted for this small allegiance to occur. Though only Dun and Hades task were just as eager. The others showed some sort of hesitation, citing the likes of 'friendship' to be the reason they held off.

Fidi had told Jaeger of his 'Unleashing Helheim' plan, it was an interesting one. The potential for destruction should it succeed was great, almost too great for Jaeger to not side with it.

His own interests laid with the witches. Not aligning himself with them but the power the head, the heights of manipulation they could achieve.

"Slay a Primordial? And you've done so already? That's a tall tale.

But that's certainly to be done after Myllenoris, and well...the rest of the world is under my - hm..-our- hands.

My interests are in destruction. As Fidi said I'm content with living in these woods while we have no true territory to our own. It's not like your entire kingdom would be quick to accept their new friends. I've seen plenty of Drakanites in my day, plenty of non-dragon Therians as well. Most have tried to kill me. If this is to happen that certainly has to change.

Betrayal wouldn't bode to well for anyone."
(Jaeger)

Blaidd listens upon the throne, the Elder Kaor parsing the options avalible to this newly formed defensive pact. The whisperings of a gate to the spirit realm? That was a far more interesting prospect than anything else said in this room.

Everything was going according to his plan.

Hades spoke of killing gods, Valero of conquest in Nysea, and Dun Task in exploring the spirit realm. This was to be a union made in Helheim; the pieces were there to utterly savage the forces of Nysea and Myllenoris. A wave of demons and utterly devoted Drakenites who would kill any in their path.

"It is settled. We will march together, I do not have any interest in holding land to the North; the Vale shall be our prize. When it comes to the exchanging of knowledge, our sides should share whatever it can to bolster our forces. That being our connection to the Occult, and whatever you can muster in Riftmancy."

A laugh comes at Hades' attempt to slay Aschea. What great fun. "My use of the Vale would likely draw the ire of whatever is left of that beast. By that time, the killing of a God would simply delight me. What a great idea."

He looks to Dun. "Now, the logistics of our march. The Dreadwoods is our natural staging point, and Theria yours. What was your plan should Myllenoris declare war for that first battle?"
(Blaidd)

"Then we're in agreement."

A nod follows, as Valero unfolded his arms once more, letting them simply dangle by his side, as he gave a slow nod of his head. "I've already pledged my support to my brother in his attempts to slay Aschea. So that'll be one Hel of a time."

A wide smile crept across his face, as the prospect of slaying a primordial once more crossed his mind. Should they succeed in their efforts, their names would be legendary.

Valero would glance back at his father, as Blaide questioned him, before focusing back towards Blaidd.

"Why let them declare war first? The opportunity to strike first still resides in our hands, and I think the obvious target would be Starfall. If we take that, our siege of Myllenoris becomes just a tad bit easier."
(Valero Task)


Valero Task says, "-Oh you said. Should they-... Eh. My point still stands."
Dun would offer a light bow as he chuckled idly, the right offers made at the right times to gauge a full picture of what exactly the demons desired in the great conflict to come. His comfort with the fell beasts went beyond the affinity his sons bore; he'd spent much time with a handful of the ascended demons in his prime.

Good company always, bar the occasionally weird neck sucking of lesbaric intent. Haunting...

"You can learn something about diplomacy boys. You say things that sound vaguely nice on paper, see the other side's view, and progress forth with options based on such feedback. This is how a concord is met effectively, rather than needless one upsmanship and squabbling."

The elder would nod sagely, it was the truth of things.

"Don't worry, you did make yourself clear. Such wording was necessary to arrive at this point. How better can allies be made if not from genial conversation. Your people are welcome tovisit and sharpen their talons against our warriors in combatives was the true meaning of my intentions. It will allow me to adequately arm them at the least."

Dun would nod sagely, this was the way. He still had to track down a descendant of Sicks to run the bathhouse....

"I say they asked me for a confession? They'll get one. Once the announcement is made from atop the mountain of our stance, the shockwave will be released. Those that stand against us will, and they will in force. The battlefield should be Starfall, it represents the failed Conclave best for theatrics."
(Dun Task)

A glance is paid to Fidi. The smiling mask widens for a second, before a tongue leaves its inside- It is purple, and leaves a trail of a black, thick ichor in its wake. "Your other councilm-- Councildemons are just politely turning down the offer instead of trying to gather favor to inflate their egos."

"A trait you would be wise to learn." Yet, their gaze changes to the side, towards the others. Not a lot of the logistics actually went through Willow's mind; They worked best on their own and with a small squad, in very precise operations instead of working in front of a war.

Everything was a symphony, and too many people trying to take roles just makes it confusing. For now, Willow's interests were mostly pushed down; It would be best to just wait until the meeting was over, if not for that snap back at the snake demon.

"We'll just hit at Starfall- But we can wholly ignore the place and just push for the city itself. They're... On our side of the continent, after all."

"If we can get Osrona on our side, Starfall is a safe bet. Otherwise, eh... It'd be better to raid their villages and raid them until we can properly surround their routes."
(Willow)

So then, what they wanted was somewhat clear.

He listens to the words offered by each party, but does not seem entirely sold. Not on his father's stance on politics. Not on teaching riftmancy en masse to their currently loose allies. And certainly not in regards to bringing all of Osrona on board.

When Willow brings that particular point up, Hades turns towards him and shrugs.

"Don't aim to recruit the Dead City. Just take the Vigilant, under Walter's command. Romani would sooner blow a gasket, and there are no other notable fighters within their ranks that could be of use in this."

In comparison to Myllenoris and Nysea's elite, at least.

"We've laid down a solid plan moving forward, then. The only other matter I'd like to address are the supporters you have. How many are loyal to you, and how many are just collecting information?" He looks to the tiger demon and then beyond it, gesturing towards the far corner of the room.
(Hades Task)

Fidi listens.

And what he concludes is that they're more than set and ready to move on with the next stage of what it is they planned; the remarks of Willow that attempt to poke and prod at the ego of Demons go unnoticed - neither the favour nor such poking were relevant to the Serpent.

He wants results.

Results is something he would get, one way or another. Although, it seems that while there are many other things discussed as well, Fidi only has one last remark.

"This plan is good enough." Both in terms of their strength for assault, as well as what they plan to do with it.

Yet, the gaze turns to Hades.

"I will find you later, Riftmancer. There is much yet to do between us both." And it's not as ominous as it sounds..

"It seems that all points are covered, then. I see no reason to trot around this discussion any further."

Unless someone wanted to bring up a wholly different point.

An unlikely situation, and the Serpent was looking to end it here. There were many things to do, many things to accomplish..

Why waste it all on talk?
(Fidi)