dreams

It's akin to being a watch.

Somebody to watch over those that deserve it. Archon or not, one must look out for their allies in this world- lest they quickly discover that they're left entirely alone. Even the greatest Archons in existence throughout the history relied on their allies to perform certain tasks.

Then why shouldn't he?

"Hrm.."

Throughout this entire time, he remains silent for the time being. Methodical, as always.. and keen on ensuring that his allies are holding up well - otherwise, they would not only drag themselves down, but potentially him as well.

"If you say so."

In the end, he seems more worried about this than amused. Knowing her, she would no doubt get over this eventually, but.. how long would that take? How she would fare exactly with this?

These variables remain unknown.

"Of course."

"What is it that you had for me?"
(Morok)

No matter how she breaks, she always remains regal. Opulence and vanity found, in which, her hand carefully presses against her cheek within the hood. The devilish outtake of the woman lost upon the gentle smile that is shown at the brim of the cloak. She is shrouded...The promise of more exchanged as she carefully brings a hand within her pocket. Gifts. Why is it that this one seems much more worried of what she could have instore...Rather than amused?

Is it because she promised him? Does he anticipate the feelings that one could possess? Either way, what is offered is nothing more than a childish antic...A hand carefully passing over towards the Demon. A rich, chocolate pudding extended in his direction.

"The first gift."

Shesays.

"The second requires you to close your eyes." She adds with a nod. "You can trust me...I'm certain that it won't be painful." Perhaps, as a means to make him all the more nervous. But who knows...?

As hurt as she might be, she finds fun in the unorthodox. And discovery...Discovery is something that she is enamored with.
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

The life of a demon rarely implies genuine amusement.

While being here could imply a degree of relaxation and being free of any worries, this also remains an aspect of something wicked- something that could take her mind away if she's not careful, and he knows that all too well. After all, if she were to subject herself to such gruelling thoughts that chip away at her mind, there might be nothing left eventually.

An unfitting companion to the Archon.
And he would hate to discard her.

If he can help it, he would rather avoid reaching that point- although, thankfully, she seems to be holding up fine. Maybe it's just like he said - it's a temporary thing, and time could heal both her heart and mind, much like it healed Jianyu. An impressive feat, considering that nowadays they do not even wish to see the source of that toxic relationship they once shared.

Instead, they're wholly focused on their work.

"Chocolate pudding.."

"I see you memorized my tastes well." Is it strange for such a great being of immense power, an Archon, to have a sweet tooth? There are particular oddities about every single Archon that he noted..

Irkalla has become rather aloof, always dreamy; Tyranny seems to be a living 'comedy', having a time of his life. And Morok?

He's reserved - but awfully keen on taking sweets.

"I trust you enough not to injure me or do something horrible when I lower my guard..."

It might sound like something amusing, but to a demon, it's a great deal. Usually, they cannot lower their guard around anyone - because everyone wants to kill them.

There were only two people in entire world he could lower his guard with; to that end, his eyes close.

"Continue."

He awaits, sightless.
(Morok)

"...You threatened me over what would happen if I were to lose the cacao seed. I'm almost certain that it'd be difficult for me to forget it." she says in response, the gentle smile becoming a Cheshire grin. She shouldn't...But she cannot help it. After all, it's not often that a being of massive power would be attracted to something sweet and endearing. Something as problematic as chocolate...But surely, he knew what would occur. Nevertheless, there seems to be promise within her being..

"That's your first mistake, Fidi, you trust me." she says in response. "How could you possibly close your eyes infront of someone like me...Do you know what I could do to you?" she questions briefly, both hands carefully extending. They frame his visage for the moment....Her eyes closing...

"No matter what you feel, Fidi...Do not move. Do not open your eyes until I say so." After all, one might claim it to be rather discomforting. But the truth of the matter is that this would be something brilliant for her to.

The promise of discovery caught within temptation. Anticipation gathering when the presence of others spill past her fingertips....The essence of souls being torn asunder soon spilling forth, permeating the area in raw, unnatural power. Where there is warmth to those around, there would be a different feeling for the archon.

He would feel the illusory shift of her magic-...The promise of chill starting from his toes and rising towards the top of his head. His breathes becoming apparent as the shift occurs. And then-....

All things falter around the two.
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

Morok falls into a deep sleep...

Carlisle ras Petrakis falls into a deep sleep...

Does he live in fear, ever?

She should know better by now that he's almost insane when it comes to this aspect- that he lives without fear to the point that he might as well die just because he's grown that careless. Even experiencing these dangers is always a tempting endeavour for him, and now, when he's grown to be something more..

Why wouldn't he push for something greater too?

"I make no mistakes, Clio."

"I only make bold moves."

How... arrogant. How utterly cocky of him to even say such a thing; but perhaps, it is this arrogance and fearlessness that garnered him attention of Helheim and all those that watch from beyond- an amusing Archon to spectate, of how he's so readily throwing himself away to the greatest dangers..

Only to walk away scot free.
A daredevil to the core.

"I'm fully aware of what you can do to me."

"But I know that you won't do anything to harm me."

"You simply won't."

To some, it could be almost unbearable- to listen to his sheer confidence, unmatched by anything else in this world. And yet, while he remains still despite such threats, eventually, his eyes open..

Only to see before himself a twisted realm.
One that belongs to the Dreamscape.

The snake-eyes carefully examine everything around him. They take in every single detail.. but instead of being terrified, his facial expression mostly bears absolute calmness, and a hint of curiosity.

"Interesting.."

"A realm very similar to that of Helheim. I should actually examine this place more."

They often say that Helheim is a place of nightmares on its own, and he seeks to attune to it, doesn't he?

"But why bring us here?"
(Morok)

"That's what you choose to believe in, Fidi." She says in response. "Understand that we are two different beings with two different goals. We might align with one another-...But I don't mind challenging you." she says in response, perhaps, purposely pushing her luck with the haughty archon. After all, "You're awfully confident in yourself...I know it's the thing that helped you get this far, but don't readily accept something from us witches." After all, they come with many stipulations and danger. And this...Could easily be just another means to harm his inner-psyche. Although...

From how high-saddity he is, she doubts that she could actually do anything to bring him harm. Instead, there seems to be a pause of some sort. "You opened your eyes before I could change things..." She says, her gaze narrowing slightly. "This was supposed to be your journey to understand what it is like to feel things. But if you're looking to explore, Fidi, then by all means." she adds in response.

"In the end, this place is both of our minds together. If you want a different scenario...Then you could most certainly change that." A twisted realm meeting them half-way. Inconsistencies found within ideas...But it does not stop her.

"I am delivering on a promise. I suppose. To show you what it is like....To feel the things that us humans do. But I've a feeling that you've discovered that, haven't you?" she questions, her head canting...

"Perhaps...You are not as naïve to things as I thought that you are." After all, when she first asked him such a question, he seemed much more...'new'...to all things. But now, with time passing..

Perhaps, he has already grown accustomed to these things. "Mayhaps, I did not think things through...." A shift in place. A flutter of the gaze...
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

This trust.

Between a witch and a demon. Two beings of the dark that aren't really supposed to trust anybody to begin with- but to say that he would ignorantly trust just about anyone would be foolish. After all, Carlisle was an established ally with whom they shared quite a lot. And besides..

She saved his life before.

"I do not accept anything from any witch, Clio."

"I know that you will not choose to harm me in any manner because you already saved my life once - even from practical point of view, that makes no sense for you to do that."

"Not only you would waste your own work, you would lose an ally whom you helped grow."

Whatever actual emotional investment there might be, he explains it from methodical, rigid viewpoint- an objective truth one could say. But is he wrong? Would she really jeopardize all of her effort for a moment of vanity that gives her absolutely nothing? Would she throw away everything just to be punished in return?

No. She's not stupid like that.

Yet, despite her comment, he keenly takes a look around- soon, the runes of arithmancy and Helheim are produced at his fingertips, the shadowy manifestations of the mastery he's been constantly pushing forth. Helheim is said to be the place of desolation, anguish and despair..

And to learn emotions is to inevitably be more attuned to Helheim.

"I see."

"It's an interesting thing that witches can produce a gift like that. Most interesting.."

Yet, his gaze turns to her.

"Jianyu has been teaching me some about human emotions. About the way how certain things feel, about how people react to different gestures."

"But they taught me gestures of appreciation, bond and friendship." A pause, to which he adds.

"What would you teach me, then?"
(Morok)

She knows it all too well. The difficulty in proving that she, too, could just as easily be harmful to him, when in reality, her own presence had always been a boon to his existence. She fought for him in the past. Jeopardized her own placement by attacking the drakanite that once stood before him. So, she can only imagine just how amused he might be that she would even mention such a thing. As if she could have the capacity to destroy herself in such a manner...To potentially bring harm to an ally for little to no reason.

But there seemed to be a thought of some sort. It lingers within the back of her mind...Different, conflicting emotions found upon her being."..The Dark Lord offers us many ways to convene with others, especially, if it'stoo dangerous for us to walk about and confront others." She says in response. "This world is what we normally have all control over...Although, I suppose those with a strong enough will could change things to their own liking." But overpowering a witch at her own game?

Carlisle has yet to hear someone take control over a dream that hasn't been rightfully relinquished over. But to digress....There seems to be a pause of some sort.

Perhaps, there is far too much distrust. Perhaps, she was far too selfish. Either way, the woman would shift briefly. "There are many things to discover...But I feel that it isn't in my place to teach you." She takes a single step backwards.

"..But that all depends, Fidi." she questions. "What all are you willing to do to learn?"
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

So quick to retract her own statements.

But it doesn't amuse the Archon in the slightest. What it brings about is a subtle frown.. about how she claims that this isn't her place to teach him about such things- for while she explains rather impressive applications of the gifts that Dark Lord offers to them, it seems that she's terribly uncertain and lacking confidence.

Something he would have to fix.

"Clio."

The shadows stretch- in this dream, not only she had control.. and while her own was superior, his control over warping shadows was made to plant the runes of Arithmancy and complex spatial magic- one that is closely related to Wayfinding, yet bears attunement to Helheim at its core, different in nature.

A touch at this place.. to see how spatial magics would even react to a place like this. Were they going to react in no way in particular? Were they going to actually somehow work?

While he tests this theory, he speaks out.

"You took it upon yourself to bring me here."

"It means you already made up your mind about teaching me - regardless of what I had to say."

Does she not see that she already made this decision, doing a conscious effort to bring them here, to Dreamscape, long before saying anything else?

"Humans often flail about."

"They make up their mind about something, then go back and forth on their decision. Such people are about as compelling as waste on the streets."

"You will not be allowed to be the same way."

Strict... but in a way, he will shape her to be something better - both for himself and herself.

"Now, show me."

"I am willing to do many things to learn - within reason."
(Morok)

There was something that compelled her to do this. Something that had drawn upon her own insecurities and wonder, her own suspicions that would drive all things forth from what one would have imagined. It must've been difficult to understand. To speak of such notions that would require one to lift the 'proverbial' mask and expose themselves and yet...He calls out to her all the same. "This isn't something easy as a mere gesture." she says in silence.

"Don't command me, Morok." Stubborn to a fault. Willing to turn away from something that she had started when he was willing to see all things through. Nevertheless, what she had desired to teach him what the more...Darker side of emotions. But how he would react-...She is uncertain. Nevertheless, the scene would slowly begin to shift. "It's difficult for me." After all, just as she had shown him this, she too, is still discovering herself and her own desires, and her goals. Nevertheless, the attempt is soon made...

"But I won't run from the gifts that I wanted you to have." If he had the desire for them, then it would be manifested within the form of the rainforests. Where dreams and aspirations are shrouded beneath the canopies....Where the fresh rain gently pitter-patters atop of their heads as she would step forward..

"...I'll let you have them, but first, I want you to answer." she says in response. "Have you...Ever felt envy before?" Surely, he has never. "Have you ever felt what it was like to want for nothing, but to just...Want?" There seems to be a raise of the hand. It presses lightly upon his chest and raising ever so slightly.

"It's a suffocating thing."
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

Could she not see?

This want to see her be more confident and strong in mind is something that would be accomplished one way or another. He does not need her to 'obey' his words, or for her to follow his command unquestionably. All he needs her to do is to step up against such words spoken..

And she does just that.

"Good. You're learning already."

That's all he remarks in regard of her small protest. Was it a ploy from the very start to see her regain this confidence, this mental strength? Did he lead her into this from the very start? It certainly seemed that way...

But what remains a strange entity to him is the fact that this place almost does not exist in terms of space- that no matter how far these runes try and mark it off, they simply fail.. wavering and vanishing into fine dust.

"Similar to realm of Helheim.."

"Yet it's not that all the same."

His attention turns towards Carlisle. If he wanted to understand this aspect better, he would need to acknowledge humanity better - mainly because the place of the Damned is comprised out of humans in surprisingly vast numbers. It could almost be rather alarming to most, but it's something he cannot neglect.

A necessary step in his true ascension.

"Envy?"

Did he feel it? His mind wanders back to his memories of the past, of the times when he was merely another Kaor in this world; just a Serpent that didn't have much going for him.

"...I remember feeling it, yes."

"I was envious of humans. I was envious how they could have all those nice things.. friends, warmth of one another, even lovers. They could have it all, and they would never value it.."

"They are so despicable, so disgusting. Unworthy, decadent... never knowing struggle, except an occasional display of violence."

"Yet, they have it. Why?"

A feeling that he was given an unjust hand, ever since his birth. To look this human, he had to work so much, to do so much.. and even now, it just doesn't feel the same- even this light pressure on his chest seemingly alleviates nothing.

"Why do they deserve it?"
(Morok)

She feels his pulse underneath her thumb once more. The gentle thrum against her palm brings about a flutter within her gaze- a careful narrowing soon occurring as she murmurs. "If this is about confidence, Fidi...Understand that I'm not lacking in that department. Not desiring to be cliché and losing one's father is much different than self-depreciation." There seems to be a smile though, despite the carefully tightening of her grip around his being. "I know my worth." But it wasn't enough to suffocate him. Instead, it was the hold that continues onward.

"..And while this might be a temporary set-back, I will not lose myself to it. I am a capable woman, despite what many others might think. You don't have to treat me that way." She adds in response, her chin lifting ever so slightly as he other hand raising carefully.

"We've all been scorned at one point or another. Treated unfairly and always being left with the question of why." Fidi's hate for humanity is felt. A bitter resolve gathered upon the tongue...A moment, here she speaks. "The world is an unfair place...We're dealt with the hand and unfortunately, you and your brethren got the worst end of the stick." But it is not as if he had chosen to be born as a demon, right?

Instead, he came from another man's nightmare. Spawned from dreams and aspirations turned sour and wrong...But his directive? His directive from the Dark Lord will always persist. "It's hard...To not sympathize with you, but there's much other emotions todiscover." She adds in silence.

"Like the last time that you've felt anger....Or true pain. Not the kind that exists within your body, but within your heart." The nature around them continues to flourish. Within this area, he is a snake within the garden....All things he touch becomes tainted, wilting...Rotting.

"Was it the same then?- when they beat you down? When you were starving and none would move to feed you? Or...Is there more?" Humanity is disgusting, but there's much more to learn here. And many more gestures to find. For they've been through one sin and are now heading towards the next few.
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

The pulse that tells of constant abuse ever since his awakening to this world. This hatred for humanity that he was bearing did not come out of nowhere- it was something that was caused by humans themselves.. and while demons are always a natural enemy to humanity, in the end, they only made it worse.

Far worse than it initially was.

"No. Your confidence might not be shattered."

"But you seemed to be swallowed up in the sorrows that could very well kill you one day, if you're not careful enough." It's an odd sense of worry for her, knowing that if she were to fall, he would be left only with one reliable ally in entire world. And it's rather clear..

He wants to avoid it at all cost.

"The world being such unfair place is the reason why I want to change it. Never again it should persist in the way as it is right now." True revolution, in a sense.. but what it would entail?

That remains to be seen.

The other emotions come to flourish as something else; as a droplet in the rain of endless cascade that seemingly has no end. This anger that she speaks of, this true pain? It was a daily experience for the lesser being- of being thrashed around by stronger magi without a care in the world... of being abandoned in a manner that could spell his death.

Some were lucky at birth.
Some were lucky to be born.

And Morok- or Fidi- is the latter. He was lucky to be born, and the entirety of his life was a struggle; one that is reflected upon impassive, cold eyes, a contradiction of golden eyes that hid the cold fury within.

"...It was the same, I believe."

"But with time, their treatment changed - that from disregard and humiliation, to attempting to eradicate me as soon as they could."

"They realized I was a threat. They had to get rid of it."

But they failed.
He ascended.
(Morok)

"..I watched my father die, Fidi." She says in silence. "I did not stop his killer, but...I think the most frightening thing is what he discussed already." The truth of the matter is that she had wanted it. And also, didn't desire it. "If he were hateful to me- as the rest of those in the city were, then I could care less. But he cared for me, as much as I care for you. He'd fight on my behalf if I even willed it." she goes silent for the moment. "He believed in me- and it's hard for that to go away, but I can promise you something." She says. "I will not allow my grief to swallow me. I may be upset-....You might've seen me nearly kill Redwood, but I won't lose myself to it." She is far beyond that point.

"I was preparing myself for this loss-...I'm okay, Fidi. I promise." But it seems that she was moreso talking to herself over that matter. As if she could say it enough times so that it would be true, because she knows within her heart of hearts that it isn't okay. It's sickening...It's harsh and terrible. But...

"...I'm starting to begin to realize that what you profess, however, is what you truly wish for. Fidi, as much as humans have hurt you- you don't want to kill humanity off...No, I figure that it'd be far too easy for you." The hand raises briefly, grasping upon his chin.


"You want to change all of us, don't you?"


She adds. "You want us to realize the things we do...How cruel we are, how futile the things we aspire to are...So that we can become better. Are you looking to make humanity evolve, Fidi?" she questions. "With your ascension...Is this what you will use your anger to do?"

(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

As long as she would not be swallowed by it, he has no reasons to remain worried about it all. To hate her would be to lose a valuable companion- a loss he's neither willing to experience nor ready for it. While he can't fully relate to the feeling of a fatherly figure, what he can relate is someone treating him differently, despite the expectations of a demon being something rather negative at all times.

All humans sought to eradicate him.
Save for the few.

"I understand."

"So long as you will be okay, then I have nothing to worry about."

But while she makes a discovery of what he professes for, it's rather strange to him. Has he been dishonest to her, or to Jianyu? Did he try to avoid telling truth in some manner, or did he not strive towards what he desired for? All these things and more could only suggest that he's actually working on the necessary steps to push for something greater.

To change humanity for better.
To evolve them beyond their pitiful state.

So far, he was steadily nearing that goal. Before one would make such a change, they need strength... and this Ascension was just a beginning for him.

"Killing humanity is not possible."

"There are too many of you, and quite frankly, I will always remain outnumbered. Besides, what will it do?" It's another question, beyond just mere practice that would be simply too overwhelming.

"I could kill a dozen. A hundred. A thousand. But what does that change?"

"Humans would be fearful. They would look for someone to coddle them, to protect them - their animal instinct taking over to save their own lives."

"It will not change anything."

It doesn't mean he'll just leave them alone or be patient about it. No, to change humanity like this, their existing foundations must be broken, first.

"I'm angry at humanity for all that they are."

"And I intend to channel this anger to change them once and for all. I will drag them kicking and screaming if I must."

"But so long as I live, they will be forced to change."

A threat? No, a promise.

One that will come true. One day.
(Morok)