Chapter 1

[13:10] He starred vacant for a moment taking in the words of the two he spoke to if not but for a moment he had been offered two very separate versions of freedom one that encompassed his free will and another that explored the depths of his desire and he had no true calling to accept either but knowing they were offered gave him some.

"I do want power but I also want purpose. Freedom to accomplish my goals and the goals that will allow me to make a scar on this realm. Something that I have not been able to do in my past life. I want to feed on the person I once was and use that death as a catalyst of who I am supposed to be." He spoke although his voice was stained and weak his passion and depravity leaked through every word clinging onto the desire.

However his gaze now fixed onto Sohan. "I don't mind an odd adventure or two. You seem brave enough to march to your own tune and I accept that. However until I've found a purpose worthy enough to grow strong for I won't be of any use to you on your journeys.." he was reluctant to say more but for once his words weren't empty He saw Sohan's passion and was curious enough to where it would lead him.

Next the Nethradin, "Aretha I like the sound of your offer, If it can truly give me what I desire I might consider that an option...What can I gain from your help and to what ends will you help me?" He asked questioning exactly what the Helspawn had saw in him.
(Naborea)
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[13:19] Sohan nods.

"After all finding your own purpose is a whole adventure itself! That is what I did. I traveled all across Esshar by foot. I talked to everyone, saw everything and like that I decided what I wanted to do. I can't promise if it can work for you but eh better than nothing right?"
(Sohan)
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[13:22] The Nethradin turns towards the conversation she had stumbled upon, between one whom was something of her 'kin' and the mortal human.

Though even if he did not, she knew better. Yet even still, there were a few things that needed to be said. First, to the red-headed mortal. "I know not what she is trying to promise you, but I do know where you will go at the end of her promise."

"Tortured in Helheim, for all of eternity. I was born there after all, before Mother summoned me to Esshar and forged our bond." Was she blatantly cleaving apart the deal of her Helheim kin? Yes, yes she was. Ivory held no love for that place.

"That.. and if I had to make a guess, she's unable to offer you much more than an empty promise for now. However, plenty of mortals have fallen beneath my banner and sworn themselves to me not just because of what I can actually offer them, but by earned loyalty as well." After all, Ivory did have a reputation upon Esshar, for those who've been around long enough to hear of it.

"That, and even were you to perish..? Instead of eternal damnation and torture..? You would be at peace with Mother, Nyx." The brief pause perhaps implying something, but only to the most perceptive.

"I can't make you choose, free will and all.. but what I can do is ensure you understand options." With that..? She simply waits a moment before looking towards Aretha. "As for you.. I can extend you that same offer. A chance to become free from Helheim, with my assistance."
(Ivory)
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[13:27] Sohan says, "Oh this is all getting very confusing..."
[13:33] When Aretha was rudely thrown through the tear made in the weakened Veil, she was expecting difficulty. Obstacles and unwilling mortals who would cling to their souls and refute every advance. Instead, she found Naborea. Who was practically throwing his soul at the Servant of Hell. Her reserved posture was all she could do to keep herself from lunging forward, wrapping her arms around the boy.

He was going to be her first sale!

He was... going to be...

Who is talking?

Aretha turns stiffly, staring at the amalgamation of spiritual energies. Taking on that form? Corporate doctrine claims that is extremely unsightly and does not endear ones self to their potential client.

The reason was quickly learned, as the Nethradin froze with a worried smile.

He was supposed to be her first catch...

"... O-oh, don't listen to her... It's- really not that bad! The, um. Rivers are a wonder to drown-- swim, in... And your bosses pay well!" Who the hel was Ivory! "I'm- Not sure what your Mother is, but I'd rather not ruin my connections to be at... peace with... Nyx?" Aretha knew little about the Mires culture, only that she was thrown here because this place did little to maintain the membrane between the physical and Helheim.
(Aretha)
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[13:35] Novacrono Nero says, "Hm.."
[13:37] Like liquid shadows or Obsidian smoke another being came into Naborea's view, A creature not unlike the other yet he was not perceptive enough to glimpse into their difference as was confirmed by them he could tell at the very least they were of the same origin and nature. "Helheim? Nyx? I don't understand...You were trying to betray me...like everyone else?" He wasn't really one for paying attention but he didn't quite understand what Ivory spoke of yet their words seemed far more....experienced? Or perhaps more confident Than Aretha

Yet the thought of being tortured and brutalized in a place he knew nothing of didn't quite sound as appealing as did this Nyx. Embraced in darkness? He could barely understand the meaning behind the words and yet he found just like before the Nethradins words enchanted him.

They had already secured a growing base of power and had begun to expand upon them if such was true what could be offered was more than simply just a purpose but belonging and possibly more.

"I-I don't really know what to say to that..." he stuttered for whatever reason the Nyx blessed Nethradin gave way to a sudden distilled fear that he had yet to know. And yet her words creeped into his very soul bring out his truest desire.

"H-how can I obtain this freedom...What must I do to leave a scar on this world that can never be removed?" He asked, No he begged if not for a moment of desperation brought out by his manifesting curiosity between these two seeming rivals. Towards the Empire, Towards Osrona. Towards everything that he was too weak to change.

In his lamentation he positioned himself not knowing if Ivory had the answers yet he asked whomever would give them to him.
(Naborea)
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[13:44] Sohan's words had been heard but perhaps more was at play when came to the Nethradin and their convincing nature? He heard the mans words if not from a fog of his mind being distorted by the foul magics that existed within the Shadowmire. And yet as his trance would break he responded. "I want to grasp it...something no one ever has and cannot take from me. I suppose I just need more time to decide who I want to become with this new name of mine."

He couldn't deny however that the thought of adventuring and being truly free drew him however to what extent that would be had yet to be decided.
(Naborea)
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[13:47] Sohan nods.

"All I can tell you is that it exists. To find what it is and then doing the deed, grasping it. Is entirely up to you!"
(Sohan)
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[13:53] If one were capable of perceiving such things present, they would be able to note that despite being a Nethradin, they bore no actual connection to the damned plane itself. Not any longer, at least.

"Not betrayal, exactly.. She is just doing what she believes to be her duty, to guide mortals to their damnation. Whereas through Mother, I do he opposite." Ivory's hand came to rise, briefly drawing a rune trailing in black miasma, it gave off the briefest sensation of a warm embrace.

The Embrace of Nyx.

Gone as quickly as it came, she continues. "Through me, one can reach the eternal peace that was taken from all things by the Light. The reason Helheim has souls to torture at all, was because all of creation was stolen from Mother's darkness." She explains, hand returning to her side as that rune faded away.

"In return for service in this life, I offer peace and freedom from this cycle of torment and suffering once you've passed.. Not to mention I can bestow the most loyal and dedicated with a fragment of my own power." A brief pause, as if the being was gathering her thoughts. "Though even still, I have much to offer anyone." Though Aretha herself still required addressing, didn't she?

"Mother, is the one known as Nyx, the Nightmother, and Primordial of Darkness. All of the creatures of the Shadowmire are typically her Children in one way or another, but I am of her own essence. A descendant, to use the mortal term." No point in hiding her ancestry any longer, since she had proclaimed it to the mortals when she assaulted Osrona's church.

"Even if she freed me because I am her own kin, I can ensure that you too are freed. It would save many potential headaches in the future.."
(Ivory)
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[14:04] He takes a step forward, Weakly clinging to every word as if he was some how drunk on the words sounds they made almost as if she sang them to him. And yet his desire broke through even her curse. His body and mind reacting almost as if activated as she drew that rune of pure night sky in the air.

"Your mother will free me from my shackles if I serve her? She will not take anything from me but instead give me all I desire? Its too good to be true..." That last part was emphasized by a crack in his voice, Tears streaming down his eyes as his he approached even further.

"I know little about what it means to carry darkness or what I will become but if It allows me the true freedom...A freedom aside from what the church tells me...or what the machine demanded of me and my family. I want it for myself. It is exactly the thing that no one can ever take from me." Hidden behind the eyes if just for a moment those who were in tune with black magics could sense a arise of darkness begin to grasp hold.

If not for a flicker he imagined what it would be like to have something no one could ever rob him of to be embraced ever lasting until his days end. An if not for a moment he struggled to regain consciousness almost as being high from the dark magic that had begun to corrupt him. And yet his expression returned and he spoke once more in a soft tone.

"What must I sacrifice to have mother embrace me for eternity...Loyalty flesh? Blood? What must I do to earn her gifts." He was convinced this was a path he could walk down. He'd have to commit his rage and hatred into something. "I seek permence. If I can leave a scar on this world that will plague it for eternity I will invite any amount of darkness into my soul..."
(Naborea)
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[14:08] Oh, damnation. This was not going the way Aretha wanted it to at all. Naborea makes a bold claim, which was not entirely inaccurate. "I only offered you something I once accepted myself." Or so he claimed, all that time ago. The imprint of the memories were buried deep within her, but the images themselves? Static cast to the wind.

"I don't want to betray you. You would have been told all of the associated risks." She looks over her shoulder, glaring at the fellow Nethradin. "After we talked in private." Fat chance of that happening now. "But I'll give you a bit of advice too, hun. See that other being? She's just like me. She wants your soul to empower something greater than either of us." For Ivory it was a Primordial of Darkness. For Aretha? Financial growth.

After all, Capitalism was the root of many evils. It only made sense a certain niche in Helheim would result in its embodiment. "But, if you give it away, that's it. You are done for. You are doomed into a life of power and an afterlife of suffering but potential in Helheim, or you join with an Eternal Dark with this Nyx being. In either case, you are better off going for neither deal if one or the other upsets you-"

While Aretha was talking, Naborea took the initiative to completely disregard her.

This whole situation left a poor taste in her mouth. And she did not even have taste buds.

Naborea is written off.

To the fellow Nethradin she looked. "I'm not looking for a mother, especially one that would still hold me captive. I'll stick with the devil I know."
(Aretha)
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[14:20] "All who accept her, become her Children in some way or another. And all she desires in return, is for all that was taken to be returned. That is why I was brought here in the first place." To execute the will of Nyx, not just as her loyal servant, but as her family.

However, there was a motion made to his tears. "..There is no need to cry, just the opposite. Reach for that flickering dark within yourself and pull it to the surface, and soon enough..? I can bind you to Mother through me." As she had done for plenty of others, at this point.

"Aside from what I've already said..? Nothing. The binding I would place upon you would mark you as one of Mother's own, and as long as you serve she and I upon this plane..? Then that is where you will go upon your death." A trade of a life's worth of years, for an eternity's worth of peace.

Attention shifting, she once more addresses the words of her 'kin'. "Another difference between you and I.. I was never a mortal being at any point. I was born as I am now." A being that had always been what she was.

"However, she is right. Mother grows stronger with every bit that was taken from her that is returned, but.. such is only right, right..? We can help her regain all of it, and then everyone may share in that same bliss." Ivory certainly knew how to make her case, but perhaps it was with he sincerity she spoke with.

A brief narrowing of white luminescent eyes, upon the other's form. "You wouldn't be held captive, it is the ultimate form of freedom. Though perhaps your time among us will begin to shift your perspective, just remember what I've said." That despite it all, the Shadowmire belonged to Nyx, and Ivory would only let a being of Helheim go so far before she felt the need to curb such growth.

If it went out of line, that is.

(Ivory)
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[14:22] Amelia had quite honestly come out here for white noise, the tuning out of most of this did quite well... Though, along in her mind, she found herself hearing quite a bit of the conversations. It was... distracting.

Though, not that she had room to complain. She had made her way out here on her own will. They were all already out here.

Glancing to Naborea, she'd finally speak- coming to stand at the same time.

"Ultimately, my opinion matters little when it comes to you as I see you as nothing more than a clueless dog, lost and alone, looking for a purpose when you truly have none because you refuse to give yourself one..."

She'd merely stare for a few moments.

"But I believe you should just use the life you have and actually make something of it. Giving it away, regardless if it is spiritually or physically, is a waste. The power offered may be great, but nothing you couldn't achieve on your own by other means. If you really wish to make a mark on the world... Do it yourself."
(Amelia von Stein)
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[14:25] Sohan raised his hand looking at Ivory.

"Heyo I have a question. You speak of eternal piece...but what do you exactly mean by that? I know normally when we die our soul gets cleansed and reincarnated by the stars so I'm guessing serving Nyx prevents this from happening right? Then what happens exactly when a follower of Nyx dies?"
(Sohan)
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[14:30] Aretha stared at Ivory with a knowing look. She had been part of more than enough team building exorcises (Catch your co-workers fall into a pit of razor sharp daggers. Reveal a secret or lose your sight for all of eternity. After work debauchery) to know the essence of a cult when she saw one.

In Aretha's eyes, this was just another soul being bought.

A deep breath did follow. A bit of pep and cheer returns to the spectral being. This was a failed transaction, best to move on. "Oh, she sounds wonderful." An absolute lie, but spoken with enough earnest energy to maybe give doubts. "But, I'm afraid my boss would not take kindly to me skipping out on my contract..."

Aretha was not destined for field work forever... Some day she will earn a comfortable promotion. "So, I just really cannot justify giving myself over to her." Alas.

Today has taught her that the Mire was largely off limits to soul procurement services. "Well, have fun with the boy. He seems eager enough to die... A shame, that." The Nethradin then began to walk towards the steps, passing by the duo.
(Aretha)
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[14:32] Sohan waves a goodbye to Aretha.
(Sohan)
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[14:52]
{LOAD GAME}

[15:01] His gaze adjusted towards Amelia who interjected into the conversation they were having while he knew his words had no weight behind them he spoke them regardless. if not to defend himself but to defend Ivory and her ideals. "What do you know of my life? When all I have known is suffering and loneliness and you want me to just accept my place in the world? Why...when I can accept this offer and become something that is no longer me, No longer the weak child who begs for food. Why can't I be the one everyone respects and fears..."

He had begun to dismiss the other Nethradin her words falling on deaf ears compared to the Nyxspawn he found her words far more comforting and twisted than the others if not for his intrigue he saw vision in her. More than just platitudes but actions.

His tears began to dry as he listened to the Nyx blessed speak as he listened to her speak of her mother and how it could replace the emptiness within him. "I have never had anything to give me hope or inspire me. Being a dog for someone else master plan is enviably all I can be used for and if this goal is worthy of me I will be determined.

He felt the flicker of darkness rice if not for the elation it felt to use magic that hinted towards the taboo. That he knew was tainted. And it excited him. "I don't care if I have to erase who I am now to become someone else, I've done it so many times...Just as I did with the machine...As I did after they abandoned us..."

His hand rose towards Ivory "I will accept your binding when it is worthy of me to your mother and myself please show me the way of the darkness so I maybe embraced by Nyx. How do I control this power?" He wanted knowledge now more than anything How could he reinvent himself into one who is envolped into the Darkness. He was nothing but a moldable clay who acknowledge his failings as a human


(Naborea)
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[15:01] * You have been awarded 5 Roleplay Points! *
[15:03] Amelia just leaves with a sigh. Another fool.
(Amelia von Stein)
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[15:06] Addressing Sohan first this time, she speaks. "Through learning of Mother, and devoting oneself yes, their soul will make it's way to Mother."

"I've briefly glimpsed her realm, when she spoke to Nestis, myself, and a few others.. Just the barest glance, we were offered gifts in return for a service." The closest she had ever come to truly witnessing her own heritage.

"It's there that one will reside for eternity, without harm, without suffering, just utter peace." There was no other way to describe it, and she had felt it's direct touch even if for but a moment. Not like the vague sensations her runes gave off by comparison.

Though it appeared her 'kin' was leaving. "I think you could, you simply do not desire to. My ancestor was a Marquis, the very same that created the first of my heritage with Nyx."

"I was able to escape Helheim's grasp just fine, and you could do the same. Should you decide to." Ivory herself was living proof of that much, but there was nothing else to say. Aretha would be allowed to leave without hinderance. Those pure white slits shifting back to Naborea.

Amelia's words aside, the choice would be his in the end, and Ivory was sincere in all she said and promised. "Then for now, I ask that you grow yourself as yourself. Learn and become stronger, so that you may endure the mark."

"And soon I will help you, or at the very least allow others I've assisted help you as well." Though for now..? She needed to find Nestis for a meeting on another matter. "Until the marking is done however, you are welcome to reconsider if you would like.. but.. so far none have regretted their choices. Nor do I expect them to."

"Now though.. I need to find someone for a different conversation, so I will leave you with this. All of that fear and doubt you feel, learn to wield itlike a sword, instead of letting it stab you like a knife. It should be your weapon, not your hinderance."

(Ivory)
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[15:11] Sohan waves at Ivory.

"Alright, this explanation really did not satisfy me so I'm expecting you to explain it to me further next time alright?"

(Sohan)
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[15:13] Then he lets out a sigh with a smile.

"I really don't mind whatever Nab chooses to do so long as he doesn't hurt anyone not himself and ends up being happy with his decision."
(Sohan)
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[15:46]