bravery

Scouting the lands for anyone was going to be more common, with the war on the horizon anyone they could pick out would be useful. And with how common those ascended demons lingered around the bridge, and mountain beside the caves?

So many reports on them, but he had yet to encounter one. Irkalla being one of the main focuses, or even Tyranny himself. But instead, he was met with someone else, not by means littler than the other two people he hoped to focus... But one he had yet to meet.

On the cusp of Theria, a dangerous place to travel... Alexios makes his way forward, gazing over Morok and Carlisle.

"Huh..." Could he believe his eyes at first? He hoped there was more reasoning for this, but he had no time to question it. "Morok." For now, he focuses on the demon.

"I've hard quite a bit about you, causing trouble and capturing people. I don't know who Veronica is, but a few people certainly want her returned safely. What is your game in capturing them? To devour them? Experiment?" Waving his hand forwards, his eyebrows furrow.

"Out with it."
(Alexios)

She remains to be somewhat silent, her gaze travelling over those that were around in idle curiosity. Hands remain pressed behind her back, her head tilting ever so slightly in thought and curiosity. These people were not the ones that she were expecting... Especially, since they were so far away from home. Nevertheless, there seemed to be no movement from her other than a slight acknowledgement to those that were around. A careful nod. A gentle smile.

'Oh...So, she was able to convey the message after Yuri had attacked her. Interesting.' Nevertheless, to find that Myllenoris' men had responded so quickly might've proven Veronica's worth. Surely, they plan to exchange...Yes?

Or perhaps, there is much more to this than what she would have imagined?
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

Well, he wasn't certain where their venture would lead them, but he was prepared to follow no matter the distance -- and thus they moved north, up the mountains and towards Theria. How quaint a sight, however, to find such notorious and.. political figures? Carlisle, he meant. A quirking of his brow was offered upon noting her presence, though then Alexios addressed this 'Morok.'

A demon it would seem, one who mirrored a humanesque form. For what purpose? It didn't make much sense. Though in this moment, his first true venture out of the village in some time to come across such a scene, it was a bit overwhelming. He'd stifle the sensation however and press a stoic gaze upon the demon in particular, simply idling by for now as he was offered reprieve to respond to the High Lord.
(Appolus Granz)

"Ah, so that's the one the girl was talking about."

It was a brief conversation, though he does recollect the names which had reached his ears. To say he was enthused would certainly be a lie, especially when his sights flick between Morok and Carlisle.

"Regardless of what intention he has though, we'd like our friend back."

There's no immediate emotion visible within his vibrant gaze, but one could certainly feel the tension which lies within the air.
(Saewyn)

How is it like, to live the unchained life?

A long time ago, he's become the very thing that others reject- the necessary piece of chaos insurgency that could introduce something new to the rest of Esshar. Something that could, one day, break the mold that does not allow for the rest of humanity to become what they envision themselves to be.

For they remain flawed pieces of stagnated history.

Yet, the snake-eyes turn towards Alexios, as well as his entourage. Is it unexpected for him? Many times in the past he's been hunted by entire groups- at times, brushing side by side with death, almost falling to its clutches..

But does he ever fear for his own life?

"I'm surprised. A High Lord of Myllenoris, all the way out here... do you not have preparations to make? As far as I recall, Tyranny intends to siege you."

But he remains motionless. His impassionate gaze sparks up only once after he's accused of merely devouring people, or experimenting upon them in such manner.

"Devour? Experiment?"

"You wound me. To think of me as nothing else but another pest... hasn't humanity given me enough trouble already, trying to kill me at every turn?"

"Now they come here and insult my life's work?"

It's almost amusing... but surely, this is something beyond that. This is something that he was worried about, no doubt.

"I intend to repair the mistakes and flaws of humanity."

"I gather selected traits from people that I deem quality. Veronica was harvested for her ferocity - for her ability and want to protect another, completely selfless.."

"A concept rather alien to majority of humans, as I've observed."

They can claim that he's wrong all they want - but the Serpent wasn't going to be convinced otherwise. As a natural enemy of humanity, he got to see their worst traits, their worst nature... the most ugly, repugnant sides of it.

"But worry not."

"She's safe. A bit harmed because she tried to drive her sword into my flesh, but nothing she won't recover from."

"I was curious. Does Barrachan still want her? Or is it somebody else now?"
(Morok)

Jaeger had been taken to Theria by Gemini, engaging in conversation with the priest but parting ways with the man once he realized Theria didn't have much to offer. The panther spent his time resting within the snowy peaks and upon descending down the great stairwell he was met with an odd scene. Morok, or Fidi as Jaeger knew him, and Cilo were both standing there.

His eyes trailed off to another party not too far away from the base of the mountain. Alexios and Saewyn stood not too far off, presumably talking with the witch and demon from the snippet that Jaeger could catch.

"Huh."
(Jaeger)

He doesn't say a word.

Simply marches along with the High Lord, Sae, and Teraphim he's shared brief words with. Uncaring of where the trip takes him, while playing daunting melodies from the gifted lute. Only for the tune to come to a screeching halt as a single familiar face comes into view.

Morok.

Elisha closes his eyes, and braces for the worst. He could respect the boldness of coming this close into enemy territory, but he isn't her. Much as he'd like to be anything other than afraid.

He is fearful.

The memories of what Tyranny had done to him are suddenly fresh on the mind, yet his expression remains lax. Calm.

One more time. Keep the curtains drawn, one more time.

One hand slides into his pocket to hide any nervous ticks, while the other grabs hold of a cigarette. Aiming to calm his nerves despite knowing how this typically ends.

(Elisha Avery Ghede)


Raeliana says, "...."
"He does... But we are slowly running out of people brave enough to move across Esshar, and approach those that step out of line. Those that threaten our balance, and aim to bring ruin. Those people get lower each day... So it's about time, that I step out."

Taking a few steps forward, emeralds bounce from Carlisle to Morok, even to Jaeger that lingers in the background. Measuring them with his eyes, each corner of them studied to understand what he would be dealing with.

"Wound you without drawing my blade? I think that's a good start... And I will take any advantage I can get." Grinning, one hand rests on the hilt of his blade while the other remains on his hip.

"Repair the mistakes of humanity? To do such a thing removes what we make them human, do you fail to understand that? And that emotion is only foreign to most humans you linger around because those are the ones that aren't good, and probably need fixing." He brings a hand up, tapping the side of his head.

"I want her, she isn't an object for you to use. Nobody deserves to be used without consent, and you took them by force. So I want you to hand her back to me, surely that isn't hard for you to understand?"
(Alexios)


Carlisle ras Petrakis says, "Hmh..."
She glanced between the two groups, silent. Unsure what to do here- after all, she was just heading to Theria. For the time being, the Alchemist just settled in her place. Observing.
(Raeliana)

Bravery.

The words of the High Lord seem to mostly go in one ear, and then come out of the other; the threats that he decides to speak of, the 'qualities' of humanity and what makes them human? He doesn't hold any interest to that. To attempt to convince the Archon that has only experienced turmoil at the hands of humanity..

A futile task.

But there is a different spark of interest in those serpentine eyes that stare upon Alexios. Almost as if he's under a spell, he begins to float closer to him- disregarding whatever danger that may bring to come closer to them in such manner. After all..

He has long abandoned fear.
He doesn't fear - he knows, that one day, he will die.

All that matters is accomplishing his work. Even if they will be kicking and screaming, humanity must be dragged towards their future, one in which they do not focus on being so utterly horrible, so repugnant, so..

Disgusting.

"Flawed design.. and lacking perception. Much like many other, you think with heart." The serpentine eyes continue to examine him, but the fine digits of unblemished hands reach out- it's almost as if they would like to touch his face, but he comes closer awfully slow.

"But you are.."
"Exactly what I was looking for."

Does Veronica even hold any worth for him? He already harvested her.. he has no need to keep her around - but he was also aware that her presence in captivity would result in something; something like this. An idea quickly sparks in Morok's mind.

"Tell me.."

"You wish for her to be alive, to leave this captivity, don't you?"

The way how Alexios tries to admonish Morok for 'using' her go past him; at this point, it should become evidently clear that he just does not accept criticism or scold of any sort.

"I have an offer."

He comes close... closer. These pale hands try to reach out to Alexios, and a quiet remark follows- his eyes constantly staring into High Lord's gaze, mesmerized by the potential that may come with this.


"Allow me to experience.."

"Your bravery. Whether I harvest this trait of yours or not depends on your success... but if you agree to indulge me?"

"I will set her free. A promise of the Serpent."


Does Alexios even have a choice? She isn't here... even if he were to simply defeat Morok in this combat..

That would not free Veronica.
(Morok)

There seems to be a silence of some sort. Her head lifts briefly, her gaze fluttering towards those that were around. There seems to be no immediate actions other than the idle shuffle of her being. She takes a step forward in unison. But remains wholly neutral for the moment, mostly curious as to how things would turn out. Mostly...Filled with wonder about how things would fall.

After all...

If she doesn't have to battle, then what reason is there for her to jump forward? Instead, there seems to be an idle silence. A moment, in which, she merely remains to herself during the entire predicament, full-well knowing that this could easily backfire upon the serpent. After all..

Who would be so foolish to trust a snake?
What makes them so certain that he would release their friend?

What occurs seems to be nothing more than someone attempting to search for emotion for themselves. A vampire of the psyche... ".." Her gaze merely travels from one being...

To another, awaiting for movement that is not Alexios' own.
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

This demon was truly.. mad. Undoubtedly misguided. The more he listened to the speaking's of this serpent t he more confused he became.

Harvesting.. the qualities of a human? How? And for what purpose? His vague narration left much to be determined. He wouldn't speak of it, however. No, it was clear that this was Alexios' decision to make.. but it was certainly irking.

To go through this trouble for some girl, it's a great risk. Was it worth it? Was that even something to consider in a moment like this?

Lips pursed for a moment, remaining calm as he awaited Alexios' response.
(Appolus Granz)

A challenge in which both parties seemed to be more inclined to offer a single contender? It's not something he entirely agrees with, for there is absolutely no promise that they'd leave with what they wanted.

There were many familiar concepts that seemed to become apparent when he gazes upon the characters ahead, and where as many would find themselves anxious, he'd trained himself to remain calm during a time alike this.

Most important of them all however was Carlisle, someone he once believed he knew. Yet it'd certainly been another reveal among the masses. Trust, was not a concept he'd ever wield haphazardly, though such seemed to be a habit that'd been picked up by those changed by Esshar.

"Hmn.."

He doesn't move just yet, but one could visibly see his fingers drum along the hilt of his blade. If there'd been no movements from the additional opposition ahead, then he'd remain still as well.
(Saewyn)

Bravery.

Where Alexios possessed such a trait, he'd searched for it. Clawed through fear and despair trying to claim even an ounce of it for himself. Through logic and emotion he'd tried to convince himself that he is brave.

And had long since accepted that he isn't.

Yet, it never mattered in situations like this. Somehow, someway, he'd always forced himself to step forward in some compacity. Regardless of how foolish it seems to him.

Among the trio his azure eyes shift, saying nothing as he reaches for his lute. Silently wishing that she'd given him a reason to despise those before him.

As the current nagging in the back of his mind can only be blamed upon himself.

He reaches for his lute, and takes a few steps back. Feeling almost ridiculous without his rifle, despite how many times Kofe had bested him with this thing.

There are no sudden actions, only preperations.
(Elisha Avery Ghede)

Did he think with heart? When such pure crystalline essence flowed through your core, you couldn't help but move each fiber of your body to match it. And that embrace that floats around him constantly, as if a protective guard hangs around his body. Ashcea's blessing was potent enough to make the air thick, if not show in those eyes of his.

So for Morok to come closer, and extend out his hands? Even if slow, that presence of his mother would be felt in full force. A repellent to such touch, and desire to drain what emotion he held onto.

Even for Morok being a demon, Alexios's next actions were rude, and certainly not befitting any kind of royalty or High Lord. To bring his hand up, and slap the back of it against Morok's to send them away. "I'll pass." As he knew to give himself up wasn't an option, even if it meant they wouldn't get Veronica back today.

"But I do have an idea in mind for you to experience my bravery, one that many people lack these days. To either be stupid and throw themselves into the maw of death or simply hide away until they are forced to fight. I'm neither of those, and you'll understand that now."

The hand that slapped Morok's away, elegantly move with the wind to touch against the hilt of his sword. And upon contact of such a blade, that wind only becomes stronger around himself. The blessing of Aschea amplifies, and an outline of arms come to wrap around his back in an embrace dangling over his neck.

Wordlessly, a strike is sent outwards to chop horizontally across the stomach of Morok in an attempt to cleave him in half. And if the Demon didn't move to defend himself or avoid it? He would most certainly feel the full weight of Alexios's strike, and that wasn't something you wanted to be on the receiving end off.
(Alexios)

Disappointing.

Humanity would rather distrust everything they hear, no matter how beneficial it could potentially turn out for them. The very same flaw that does not allow them to cooperate and work with one another in a manner that requires real trust... for they would rather walk around on tip toes against one another, seeking for reasons to undercut somebody else..

Anything, just to avoid their own greatness.

The resounding slap! against the Archon's face does little to move him away, but it does inch his face elsewhere; the expression of his face seemingly turns from something less than excited, to something annoyed..

To downright angry.

"--Ah."

"Unfortunate. You do possess this bravery, but I'm afraid you're entirely useless otherwise."

"Just another parasite after all."

So very few could truly impress the Serpent with what he desired. The sword that raises to suddenly flick against his flesh and sunder him apart meets nothing but shadowy essence, one that immediately disappears before Alexios after being struck. These shadows reform elsewhere..

Just slightly ahead of the Teraphim, but at safer range.

"You know."

"If you agreed to indulge me, just like I said, I was actually going to let her go. But.. if you would rather let her rot instead of taking a chance?"

"I'll make sure to let her know."

A smile. Even if Alexios were to win this battle, he already lost half of it - Veronica would not only remain in captivity, but now, she's in bigger danger as well. Although, when these shadows deepen around him and stretch towards the Teraphim..

There's only a brief remark.

"But this is fine. This is... absolutely fine."

"I will just harvest you anyway."

"On my own."
(Morok)

{RP BATTLE} You have WON round 1!

Shadows deepen.

They rake and strike against the High Lord of Myllenoris; the powerful winds of Morok's enemy most certainly become a problem that he cannot easily defy- for it is something that cuts into his very flesh. How troublesome... he remembers facing off against another with very similar technique, but this?

This is a bit different.

The presence of Teraphim affinity makes it more difficult for him to wear down Alexious- an opponent that would, in time, become a threat that is very difficult to deal with. The same could be said about the Archon.. for as much as he remains an ascended demon, he was the youngest of the bunch.

There are threats even bigger than him.

"Ahahaha.."

"Look! Look at you. Powerful. Mighty... and even willing to take a risk of fighting me."

"I even feel pain from these cuts, you persistent wretch."

Blood splatters across the ground, both his own and that which belongs to the High Lord. Each time that he's caught up in the metaphysical storm, the raking shadows wound him more and more..

"Tell me."

"Why couldn't you just accept my offer? Even if you lost this fight - she would be free regardless."

"Tell me, High Lord."

"Are you stupid?"

Mockery. And yet, the echo of Helheim is shown with the crystal of Lady Erie's Greed trying to grasp upon the essence of Alexios. Any moment now..

And the Damned could walk this earth, even if just for a bit.
(Morok)

Hard to reach... A less crazed version of what he experienced in the last war, which meant if he put his mind to it... That blade of his would land, and landing such would be devastating.

Shadows was another thing he never had experience with, only having lost to such when he was much younger. And even now, he had not grown much since then. The only difference was a crown sat atop his head, one he never asked for.

So he's smacked back, illusions trick the mind before shadows collapse in on it. Digging into his flesh to tear it open for a second, blood spewing out across the grassy fields beneath Theria.

"Laughing... Is that a trait all you annoying little cretins have? To buzz around my head, acting as if you are doing anything but running from your fate."

Aschea's blessing works during combat, fixing up those wounds created by his shadows. Unlike other Teraphim, his healing accelerated during moments of passion and heat. And thatvisible touch of his mother, only got stronger as he was backed up into a corner.

"You don't anything about my pain, as these cuts and marks, you leave on my flesh mean nothing. Things I have felt time and time again, but how many times have you felt such dig deep? I'll give you a soft reminder, a little taste."

Lowering himself down again, he prepares to swing forwards and strike at Morok again. But another question arises, was he stupid?

"Not even close, to accept your offer would be stupid. Surely you demons are smart enough to know that? Anything involving you would be stupid, and those allied beside you are only waiting for that clock to tick down-- And you all turn, to strike them next."

The wind flutters around him, as he grits his teeth. "Let's hope such reign ends with me..." And he shifts towards him, marking their second round.
(Alexios)

Morok has lost 14 vitality from this battle for three hours.

{RP BATTLE} You have WON the battle!

Alexios has sustained an injury in battle...

Alexios has rolled 2 or over: they may escape capture attempts (unless otherwise specified)!

How utterly presumptuous.

But can he be blamed? When most Demons hold no interest outside of ruination of humanity and eternal conquest, it's easy to presume the rest of them are the same. Though... is it to say that Morok was any 'friendlier' to humanity? No. Of course not.

He is not just their enemy.
He is 'the' enemy.

One whose motives remain bizarre, puzzling and full of chaos insurgency. Even his allies did not always understand what goes on inside Morok's mind.. to subject himself to such dangers time and time again - to strike odd deals and provide strange offers, such as the one he just gave to Alexios.

A true definition of chaos incarnate, perhaps, but..

"Such a shame!"

"Everytime you say all the same. You make me want to hurt you, make me want to drown you in pain.."

The quick work of the blade earns enough to wound the Archon, to spill his blood some more- but as much as Alexios comes terribly close each time to bring him down after all.. in the end, it's just not enough.

So close.
Yet so far.

"But it's okay. I'll show you what I meant..." The final struggle- the exchange of clashing blows, one in which the High Lord manages to wound Morok with a severe cut; blood spills from the Archon, but at the same moment..

The weight of gravity comes crashing down. The shadows tear and rake against him, and the hands created from darkness capture him momentarily. And it is here, where he's weak enough, the crystal of Lady Erie's Greed begins to hungrily devour his essence; linked with the Serpent, it shares the bond necessary to produce such effect.

"We wouldn't be here without you.."
"Let me show you how much I appreciate you."

Where he remains captured within the shadows, the form of the Archon smothers him from behind- the lips placed upon the base of his neck, fangs sinking into him, soon to introduce the venom. Here, he becomes fully exposed to the glory of Helheim that Morok has been taking his time to master..

A revelation of the windows that leads to the realm of the Damned. The scorching heat of dark flames enough to singe his flesh- and the spirits of the Damned that stare upon him, his eyes forced to look forward as the Archon poisons him.

"Look at what you made me do.."
"This is all your fault."
"Isn't it?"

The echoes of Helheim's terrible influence permeates across their surroundings; it becomes difficult for Alexios to breathe- his heartbeat quickens due to venom, he begins to sweat, panic overtakes his mind.

Since when did it begin to blur? When did he begin to hallucinate?

"And we're just getting started.."
"Come visit again, won't you?"

It is only after this mutter that the fangs of the Archon exit his flesh- the shadows rudely shove the man that slapped him towards his own allies.

Even if he was truly helpless, Morok had no interest to have him. To capture him so soon.. where's the fun in that?

"I told you, didn't I?"

"I will harvest you, one way or another.."
(Morok)

Strong enough, but not fast enough. Unable to reach his opponent, just like before. Slowed down, blinded, forced still, and for his blade to go through their body.

It felt like each stride he made was utterly countered, and no matter how many times he felt he got them in the corner... It meant nothing, as each swing had an opening before the next one. Delay in his movement, which would be the opening Morok abuses each time he finds himself cornered.

Was this even a danger for Morok at this point? It was laughable for how one-sided this whole conflict was, and for the High Lord to be danced around so easily? The future just looked grim, cold, and darker than ever before.

And that crown on his head becomes heavier than ever.

"You talk too much."

But he couldn't help but the question in his moment of being toyed with, why were all these people so annoying? To yap away as much as they could, did they expect some kind of rise from him? He just found it redundant and repetitive, they all talked the same to him.

So he slashes again, causing the wind to burst out of his blade. But that explosion of wind only cuts through the shadows, left to find nothing on the end of its sharp edge. No flesh or bone, but air against air.

He had to bide his time while having no time at all. How do you win against that? Another version of themselves, continuously moving in to attack. And the other moving, the one he had to strike. And this repeats itself, just like he had said. He was trying to swat a fly, and he just couldn't seem to get it to stay still long enough.

Until that blade cuts across the Archons stomach, finally cutting into flesh which he could recognize. Emeralds focus on the blood drawn, but that moment shifts quickly.

Gravity tugs him down, leaving him vulnerable for those hands of darkness to blind him. Poking at his essence and claiming pieces of him, sucking away at what it could get its hands onto. Followed by those teeth, sinking into his neck uncomfortably. Forced to gaze upon an unsightly horror of hel, one that even the crown rejects with its ghastly call.

A reminder of when he placed it upon his head, the voices of the damned whispering to trick his mind. But that one face he recognizes quickly pulls him back again, but not until that poison is forced into his system.

An eruption of wind causes shadows to blow away from him, as his vision blurred but he felt his legs still strong. Even if he was the High Lord, and his purpose was to fight things like this. He would know when the more important times rose, and the command would need to be shouted out.

'Come visit again, won't you?'

"Disgusting..." So with a deep breath, he shouts out to those he came with. "Time to leave!" It wasn't gracious at all, it was simply a call for escape... And what little window of opportunity they had to do so.

Making sure they followed, he departed.
(Alexios)

Echoes of Helheim scream across the land.

First it was Veronica's own damnation, found in the desert- but now it was the damnation of the High Lord that came for the woman to be freed. While these echoes screamed across the land, the finer control over technique, one re-discovered by Hades Task, allowed him to manipulate the essence that served as a fuel in order to close out such gates.

Complex runework and arithmancy was involved, but one that would not be inscribed by his real hands- instead, the shadows extend out as extra appendages, working on finer manipulation of such tact. But as Alexios frees himself, and intends to leave..

"So soon..?"

"No matter. I have what I wanted.. and if you listened from the very start, then you would have what you wanted too."

A sly smile pertains to his features. The presence of Helheim's energies was only a foreshadow of what's to happen in the near future- for now, this was merely the stage of refinement. But for now..

"We'll meet again."

"I'm sure of it."

The Archon stays where he is. Watching..

With utmost interest.
(Morok)