Witnessing a spiritual sacrifice first hand

[19:49] Thorn lets out a sigh- His words were cold and calculated, as if he had been repeating them over and over again- Practicing for this point. Thorn would take another step towards Dietfried. "For falling to corruption, being driven to 'villainy' by Dok-Zong." He shakes his head to and fro- To Thorn? It almost seemed obvious, the wording came easily.

"It's not up for discussion."

A hand sought to grab hold of Dietfried and.. Lug them off. Further into Moxtli, into the temple. But his movements slow, he awaited clear resistance!
(Thorn Meztin)
[19:58] For falling to corruption, being driven to villainy. Dietfried hissed a sharp exhale. The words struck home, and they struck hard, driving into him like each was a little dagger of its own. Searing away, twisting on the inside.

Despite his best efforts a faint tremble was apparent in his hands. And as Thorn reached out the young foreigner lifted an arm to bat his away. He was thin, though. Physically.

Still he prepared to fight for his life. Sapphire ethereal 'fires' that danced along his fingers. "I wont just let you drag me away to be killed for something I- I-"

"I'm not his, I was never his, why does nobody believe me?"
(Dietfried)

[20:06] A smile passed Thorn's face- almost as if he were taking some sort of pleasure from blatantly ushering someone's death- Or more harrowingly? Enjoying their attempts at slipping away, at fighting back. The Meztin's claws maintained a level of latent electricity crackling from his fingertips. The man hums softly- Shrapnel would begin to slip out from his sleeves and wrap themselves around his knuckles.

"Execution, yeah." He looks off towards Ektu, the man couldn't help but at least.. Explain. "As I've said before, they've been targeted by Dok-Zong in order to betray anyone not within the Shadowmire. They will be sacrificed to the spirits. Nothing more or less."

With that said, a bolt of lightning would shunt itself from his fingertips- Seeking to halt Dietfried's movements- Or at least invoke a reaction.
(Thorn Meztin)
[20:11] XUe shook his head, "Sadly Thorn knows the facts already, this one won't be up for discussion." He was already there with Kiemi'a for the duty to be dealt with, everything was ready in advance.

He was just waiting to get this over with- Go about his day, "Besides, this type of threat can't be taken lightly. Everyone knows the price of betraying Moxtli's tribes these days... Or at least I would hope." He glanced off to the side in order to recollect his thoughts on something else in the mean time.
(Xuelian Bei-Feng)
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[20:12] Kiemi'a sighs a sigh of disappointment, having known it would lead to this. A look of foreboding eventually met eyes with the condemned, as the law is to be abided. Sacrifice, though, is considered an honor. One that calls for death.

"It's a law unmoving, and cannot be escaped from."

He was ready to get this over with. He hopes. It's going to be a grisly sight, but one he shall see through.
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[20:19] Eliphas idly floated in the distance, lending an ear towards the entire ordeal as several members of the tribe gave their own opinions to what should be dealt with the person in question.

"I know my voice isn't much here." he offered, "But shouldn't we try to find a way to release them from this target? So they wouldn't abide by this... Dok-Zong's order?"

It was a suggestion nonetheless, but he knew how powerful the spirits were; and if they were able to summon to help them with their problem, wouldn't it make it a win-win situation?

"I believe Sibyl would propose the same thing.. Atleast give them a chance? Or else we'd be just like the Fireblooded. Osrona, even Achyon."

"I know how merciful you all are, and how your willing to give people a chance. Is it right to punish someone who has YET to betray us? If anything, if we're able to release whatever will make him betray Moxtli in the future. Perhaps they could be a spy for us? To give us more details on this Dok-Zong." he frowned. "I know that the law is unmoving, but he has yet to do anything right? Shouldn't we give them a chance?"
(Eliphas Aegeus)
[20:21] Sparks of electricity. Their gaze trailed to his hands, the metallic shards that danced with power. Neither of those magics were easy for them to fight. And they were outnumbered. Surrounded.

Dietfried's breath picked up the pace, the sensation of anxiety within him almost palpable on the air. Evident, alongside something slightly more sinister.

The fires along their fingertips started to darken in color. From that bright, wonderful sky blue to a deeper navy color. Like the sea in a storm. It crackled wildly, erratically. And that spiral upon their forehead started to come to life.

Only to be damaged by the strike. Electricity caught them just as they reeled back to throw hands with the Voice, and they staggered back from the impact.

Still standing, yes. But they had lost their armor a while back. Taking the full brunt of the blow was enough to stun them a bit. It didn't make things better. The foreigner's eyes started to glaze over with the same energy that swirled within the spiral upon their forehead.

"I was getting sick of this charade anyway. I'm glad you've given me a reason to try and strike you down where you stand at last." As he spoke his voice reverberated, carrying a warped sort of tone. Perhaps a bit slower than it should have been.

The foreigner raised their hands again. "Come on, I'm not going down without a fight."
(Dietfried)
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[20:24] Eliphas Aegeus says, "... Aah.. Forget what I said then."
[20:26] Eyelids flitter - perhaps it was the matter-a-fact light of it; the means of just.. - saying it, there, outright, so blatantly; it abided by that of law, didn't it? But - still; she couldn't just.. sit there- hum. . drum fingers against her knee, could she?

"-.. Targetted? What- is he, bound ta' the fate o' inescapable betrayal? Can- perhaps.. we not think'a an alternative - t'so casually speak'a draggin' a lad t'his death is--" A hiss; perchance she had not truly integrated into Moxtli after all - her and the cultures did not align, and.. now she's met with recollections; The Xiang Wu Case, Moxtli's WORST Installment thus far, "-.. icky; this 'as the same energy as failin' t'fix somethin' so instead o' fixin' it y'shove the whole thing beneath a rug," A palm presses to her sheath - the fingers curling around it slight, "It is law, isn't it? It's - what's supposed t'be, isn't it?"

Serpentine slits land and take ahold of both Xuelian and Kiemi'a,

".. Textbook stuff - follow it word fo' word. . be it the procedure t'mop a floor or- in this case, mop a man inta' his grave," a squint, "-.. this is a- polite proposal; may we put this on hold t'gauge the full extremi--"

fight fight fight fight.
(Ektu Grace)
[20:43] Thorn seemed to have some modicum of relief, his finger seemed to wriggle a bit as he found his task and job as a whole to become just a tiny bit easier. The Ookami's gauntlets would find themselves constructed around him. His arms cascaded by crimson pieces of shrapnel. "For once, I am absolutely- Wholeheartedly certain here. There is no chance for Dietfried. I'm not 'sweeping it under the rug'. If it was as simple as 'figuring it out' I would have." There had been so much time since Dietfried's arrival into Moxtli, even if it was easier to simply end them- The idea to save a life would still be rather precedent.

Thorn took a breath, a platoon of clouds began to swirl and expand around him, heading towards the skies and hanging above- A drizzle beginning to set in.

"Thank you for your compliance, but it'd be easier for you to give up." For both of them. The Storm that hung above would await any other sudden movements. Frisson of excitement covering the man's body.
(Thorn Meztin)
[20:44] "I would agree if this wasn't the reason it's complicated..." He stated to Ektu as the fight ensued, he knew more than he let on but going into details would be annoying.

"It's not that I don't... agree with you, but there are some times even I have to bite the bullet and know there isn't much more we can do." Just like before, to which he exhaled deeply to look into the sky just thinking about Andromeda dropped his mood down.

"It's... started anyway..." He stated scooping Kiemi'a into his arms and stepping back, "Let Eznite decide the fate of the two, a battle of blood and honor.
(Xuelian Bei-Feng)
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[20:46] Honor combat. At least he knew that much in this culture. The sparks didn't faze him when hostilities began to rise, though he wasn't the one baring steel. Or arms for that matter. He would have raised arms if one were to break out...but it seems Thorn has matters taken care of. He allowed himself to get picked up by Xue to stand by the sidelines as blood was to be shed in Eznite's name.
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
[20:57] It was hard to listen to, the voices of so many others who seemed to pass by unfazed. Not even realizing they were being threatened. But, who would really care about that?

Dietfried narrowed their eyes as the stormclouds darkened overhead. A faint chill curled at the back of their neck. Their hair stood on end.

"I wanted freedom." His voice still seemed to warp. Reverberating. Echoing as though other voices joined his. Something about the glow that glazed over their eyes, the spiral upon their forehead. It had certainly changed them.

Navy blue energy started to blaze brighter around their form. Burning from their eyes, searing off their back, their shoulders. The faint hint of rain that scattered down hissed and turned to steam before it hit them.

Within their hands they drew forth the flames that danced around them. Even with fingers trembling, they prepared to fight. "I wanted a normal life."

"I wanted a family. I wanted to be wanted so badly it hurt. It still hurts. It still burns. Dok was the only one that ever freely offered that to me." They shifted their weight.

Then in a flash they were a distance away, yet the magic they had built between their palms remained. In an abrupt burst it moved in a shockwave outwards, aiming mainly for the ookami before them. With it came a wash of their emotions, all the pain and the fear they were feeling now.
(Dietfried)

[21:12] A lamentable cause, so many had returned to the Shadowmire- To Nyx's supposed grasp to look for family- While a noble cause, it had the effect of turning others against the world in the name of rebellion. Thorn's smile would eventually fade, a frown replaced it as Dietfried's reasonings reverbed within his head. He sighed,

Seeing the effects of the corruption take place right before his eyes? It was sickening, detestable. The gray clouds above would cry out against the world- As if holding unto the Meztin's emotion, tumbling forth. They would eventually turn to steam but ultimately-

A bolt of lightning struck down the heatwave, the gout of flame had been blitzed by a thunderous cacophony of electricity. "Ektu. It's deep-set. It's been far, far too long- An unwilling man cannot be changed without it, if it came to my attention earlier- There would have been a chance. But now?" Thorn's gauntlets began to beat dully, as if taken a life of their own, a heart yearning for combat.

"The world is against them. They have nowhere left to run, their choices are to be sacrificed by the spirits or by some other entity far more brutal than our sacrifice." Was there truly no other choice?

A harrowing storm of shrapnel would begin to swirl around Thorn, awaiting any more resistance.
(Thorn Meztin)
[21:14] Moving to the side along with Xuelian, Kiemi'a, and Ektu. The Aegeus remained silent, steel blue eyes moving to and fro. Cautiously watching the voice of Moxtli confront Dietfried.

It was evident to see, almost sad. Eliphas pitied the man, maybe he was gullible, maybe it was all a façade. But where the man had stood, he couldn't help but come to understand that they were led astray. Found no other way out so they took the extended hand that was given to them.

The winds around them pulled at his clothing as his hairs stood at ends, static filled the air as Thorn stared the man down.

Only if...

After hearing Thorn's words, only for Xuelian and others to follow up. Eliphas couldn't help but watch Thorn carefully. Eyeing their movements as he realized that it wasn't easy to rule, no. That being the head of a nation, a tribe was only a task for those befitting of such a purpose. Not by choice but by purpose. They had to do the things people wished not too. Commit deeds that they'd otherwise not want to.

It was for that, he respected Thorn.

Hostilities were on the rise as tensions grew. There was nothing else that he could do.
(Eliphas Aegeus)
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[21:23] Xue lowered his head. Dietfried was his friend after all, a stare to the pavement to get his breathing in order- Shaking his head again.

"It's like someone told me with Crave... I tried to help her well after she tried to take my blood at multiple points in our weird friendship.

If someone's unwilling... they end up using you- So when things bubbled up to the surface for Thorn, I couldn't just... Ignore that possibly happening to Moxtli."
(Xuelian Bei-Feng)
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[21:25] Kiemi'a reached for Xue's hand for a firm grip. He knew this was hard, but it's all come to this...
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[21:25] Tension grew to a breaking point. In a cacophonous roar lightning struck down against the blast that had meant to engulf the Meztin in ethereal flame. Without a weapon to channel their energy? It was overwhelmed by the electrical strike. Forced downward.

In the smokey haze afterward, through blurred vision, Dietfried could see the man still standing. And he wavered on his feet. The echoes of thunder rolled across the land.

With them the words echoed in their mind. Within their ears. The world is against them. They have nowhere left to run. No where that they wouldn't eventually be found. The Mire was being invaded more and more frequently. Asphodel and Achyonite troops made their way through without care.

When Sebastian had found them on the beach Dok didn't even bother to lift a hand. The foreigner barely drew a single breath.

Then with tears rolling down their cheeks they slowly fell to their knees. The impact of hitting the stones caused the fires around them to flare for a moment, before finally breaking. Dispersing. Only steam remained.

They couldn't change. They wouldn't be given the chance for mercy. They couldn't escape. There was nowhere safe they could run to. They could hardly fight. Without a real weapon they were useless.

The world is against them.

The weight of it finally came crashing down on their shoulders. It was such a fragile existence they had lived in for so long. With tooth and claw they had fought.

Since they were thirteen years old, they had fought.

Their eyes never broke from that glazed-over look, but tears were visible upon his cheeks.

"I'm.. so tired.. of fighting, just to exist."
(Dietfried)
[21:44] Thorn makes a precise hand gesture; the gesture resembles an orchestra conductor bringing the choir to a full stop. Thorn fell ominously silent as he stared directly at Dietfried. There was hardly any place to move, the Meztin found themselves scratching at the back of their neck as he hummed- Was there any other choice? Were the foreigner's actions truly inconsolable?...

Familiar words danced across the air- Thorn's frown seemed to be glued to his face at that point, footfalls were made across the stonework. Lights and ssparks unfold with a click, casting electrical light onto the ground that would hang over Dietfried. Eventually, every survivor and fighter would have to find their end. "Then allow me to give you a chance to rest."

The light rain would halt entirely, the metal bits and irons would fall unto the ground as a hand would be placed upon the foreigner's shoulder. "Accept your fate, it's... It's the only way." A singular nod was given before alabaster manacles would manifest themselves within his hands and.. They sought to wrap themselves around Dietfried's wrists and eventually- If none would stop Thorn, the criminal would be dragged further into Moxtli.

A few nigh-silent words were shared between Dietfried and Thorn. A smile would be forced.
(Thorn Meztin)
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[21:44] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "...Wait- Thorn."
[21:47] It wasn't in the Pelleaux's favour to dictate Dietfried's fate, and though he knew very well of the Man's transgressions, it didn't stop Angelo from stepping forward, shuddering in his step.

A hand extended forth, almost grasping at the Meztin's shoulder.

"You're not going to kill him, are you...?"

His eyes widened, revealing a pair of golden pupils, reeking of sentiment. Dietfried was still very much Human, a mortal that made mistakes, and could be forgiven.

That's what they promised him, right?
(Angelo ven Pelleaux)
[21:49] Elys simply stands and watches, looking between the Prisoner and Thorn, then at Angelo and the others.

"I don't think we have any right to dictate what happens in Moxtli." A light roll of his shoulders. "We can't really question what they do with prisoners, but..."

Detachted like he usually is, he only takes a step away to watch it unfold.
(Elys Gardios)
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[21:49] The sight of Thorn Meztin standing before Dietfried in what seemed like a hostile manner was taken in. Of course, having just arrived Lucian knew not of the context of the situation, nor what was going on.

Moxtli was meant to be a place where Dietfried could find solace, and yet such hopes seemed to have washed down the drain, but what led up to it all?

Lucian came to a stand, deep blue eyes focused upon the two.

This wasn't his home, it wasn't his place to make any sort of rash actions, but at the least he could try to understand; though with the promise of a chance to rest, as well as Thorn urging him to accept his fate, one could only surmise what would happen next.

"What's going on here? Did he do something wrong?" The Pelleaux questioned, hoping to at least get some sort of explanation.
(Lucian ven Pelleaux)
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[21:49] Kiemi'a holds an arm out to Eliphas to prevent him from intervening.
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[21:53] Allow me to give you a chance to rest. From anyone else, they weren't sure they could accept it. Even now the spiral upon their forehead burned with that sickly energy. Their eyes glazed over with the same venomous purple tone.

It burned. The world spun around them. They felt it pushing for them to stand again. Pushing to fulfill its hunger.

This time he couldn't even claim that he was right. Those soft, muttered words had their eyes widen slightly. For several long moments he was utterly still, aside the tremble evident in their form.

Then slowly, he bowed his head forward. There's only six feet between me and a good, long nap. The sounds of the Pelleaux's voices reached their ears faintly.

He glanced past Thorn toward the two. It was fairly obvious to see the corruption in their magic. The sickly presence of something awful wafted on the air, and that spiral- That spiral. How many times had Dietfried claimed he was in control?

Manacles wrapped themselves around the foreigner's wrists. And they didn't stop him.

The fight was gone from them now. But they lifted their head enough to offer a few whispered words in return.
(Dietfried)
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[22:05] Eventually the Voice would turn to face the Osronan's behind him- How many times had he heard it all? How many times had he conferred to the judgment of others? To trust in their ability to protect... Tawny hues flicked from Angelo and Lucian, "They're beyond saving, pal." Thorn took no great pain or pleasure from explaining such, "Taken away by an insurmountable amount of corruption.. That germinated throughout the years, that brought them to this."

A hand gestured over to Dietfried, beginning to shake his head to and fro. His expression turned sullen as he began to lead the foreigner away.

"As I said before, if I could save them? I would. I'd rather have a guarantee rather than a possibility." The man paused in melancholic reflection. "Understand that it's something I must do."

If there was nothing else stopping him- Thorn would lead him off towards the temple.
(Thorn Meztin)
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[22:10] A decision. As far as his glances had received, Dietfried had suddenly come to terms with a cruel fate. Yet again, another person the Pelleaux had come to respect, would be murdered without resistance.

His hand pulled back, landing softly toward his torso. Angelo wasn't content with this.

But he wouldn't dare argue against it, nor find the power to stop it. Relationship betwixt Moxtli and Osrona was vital, to sever it now was the ideology of a fool.

Especially, when he's come to indulge in the Cities pristine structures, and it's tranquil environment.

"If you don't mind, we're coming along. I have a question to ask, Thorn.

What makes you think he's irredeemable?"
(Angelo ven Pelleaux)
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[22:10] Beyond saving.

It was all too reminiscent of that fateful day in which a young Lucian had watched the execution of Jigan - the only answer given as to why being that, 'it was the only way.'

Despite every fiber of his being screaming at him to do something; to refute Thorn's claims either verbally or physically, Lucian stood there.

Unmoving, simply looking towards Dietfried with sorrow filled eyes. He had tried, right? But trying never was enough.

Wordlessly, Lucian moved to walk past, stepping outside of the tribes of Moxtli with his head lowered.

Despite Angelo claiming that the two of them would be coming along, it seemed his brother would be left alone to do so.
(Lucian ven Pelleaux)
[22:20] A quick and simple: "I do mind." THe man made no attempts to halt them from following, but his words were there hanging in the air. "As I said before you arrived, an unwilling man cannot be changed. His tears are because of his fate, it was one bad decision after the next that led him down this path... If there was any other way, I would've found it by now. He's been within Moxtli for a few years now."

The Ookami clenched a fist and sighed, lamenting his sluggishness- It could have been different. But not anymore.
(Thorn Meztin)
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[22:20] Kiemi'a sighes, hanging his head low in solemn silence.
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[22:20] Sibyl Cirque whispers something.
[22:26] Dietfried barely had the will to do anything anymore. Or so it appeared. It was only because of the constant tugging that they were moved along toward the temple.

What makes you think he's irredeemable? Did he do something wrong? You're not going to kill him are you? What's going on-

The foreigner hunched their shoulders, pressing their hands up against their face. Covering that spiral ever as much as they could. It couldn't hide the venomous purple light that spilled forth. "I didn't.."

"I never.. really.. escaped him." The words were muttered, though they were aimed at no one in particular. Just a whisper, one that seemed to echo quietly. Almost as if other voices spoke with him.

"I can't, I.." His voice trailed off. Was he trying to apologize?
(Dietfried)
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[22:27] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "--"
[22:27] Angelo ven Pelleaux asks, "Then you'll end it like this?"
[22:27] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "Without even a single-"
[22:27] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "...It doesn't even matter, does it."
[22:27] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "This is the third person I've let die."
[22:28] Thorn Meztin asks, "I'm sorry, pal. You'll... Get it next time..?"
[22:28] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "There wont be a next time."
[22:28] Angelo ven Pelleaux says, "I cant save anyone."
[22:29] Thorn Meztin says, "Don't say that. Anything is possible- It's just about the effort."
[22:29] Xuelian Bei-Feng says, "...Thorn."
[22:29] Thorn silences hismelf, meandering forth.
(Thorn Meztin)
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[22:29] Xuelian Bei-Feng says, "You and I both know effort doesn't always cut it."
[22:29] Thorn Meztin says, "Kiemi.. Xue.. Please prepare him for.."
[22:30] Thorn Meztin says, "Sacrifice."
[22:30] Xuelian Bei-Feng says, "Okay."
[22:32] Kiemi'a nods.
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[22:48] In preparation for this ritual, Kiemi'a made sure there was no way for the condemned to escape, staying vigilant of the back end. As well as ensure the ritual would at least go on painlessly. With whispers to the spirits, he murmured a prayer to them to put Dietfried in a wakeless slumber until he wills to awaken.

A song was sung in whispers, filling him with repose. Drowsiness gradually take him, and he would find himself falling asleep on the spot in preparation for sacrifice. At least he deserves to go out in peace.


(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[22:54] Xue stretched for a moment after the long drama he mentally checked out from, stomping the ground twice to check something. With a cant of the Head the Half-Kitsune tied Dietfried to a stake in the middle of the Sacrificial alter. Made completely of Stone... and a dip in the floor to catch the ashes of fire... Which wood was placed around.

The redhead took out a stick- Going to another fire to ignite it, but it was here when the illusion started.

He sliced into his own arm dripping blood into the four torches around the room- "Great Spirits of Moxtli- Lend me your ear.
Tlalli, Eznite, Xoltonal, Ixtlitli- We call upon you four to help us.
Dietfried's appearance, our tribute to you.
Allow the spirits to engorge in the blood I offer today in exchange." Kiemi'a was expected to offer his own next, Eli should follow since he wants to be an apprentice.

He'd heal his own wound, and those whom followed suit.

The sacrificial alter was waiting to be lit by the illusionary flame- Made by temperature, illusions, and light manipulation to make it identical to the real thing.... Xue had even practiced making the burning look real, making the illusion flawless.

He handed the torch to Thorn, he'd light it himself but silently Xue wanted to focus on the next part the best he could.
(Xuelian Bei-Feng)
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[23:03] The Voice stood within the heart of the temple, tugging the foreigner along before eventually bringing them unto the sacrificial alter itself- While many fires raged around, the braziers were only for show. The plan strictly was to exsanguinate and eventually burn the sacrifice to ashes soon after. Thorn hummed softly as the two shamans began to prepare for what was to come- The Meztin seemed to be confident in Dietfried choosing their fate, making no attempts to confine him or even isolate him beside the shackles that kept him in arms reach.

Surely the illusory flames would grant Dietfried an unimaginable flammability- Or at least, their clothes would certainly do the job. And as the torch was brought into his hands, Thorn would raise it in reverence for the spirits before ultimately- And very carefully bringing the torch forward, bit by bit- As if he were gauging interest or even, allowing anticipation to rise.

A few words shared with Dietfried as well as Xuelian.
(Thorn Meztin)
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[23:13] Bound to the altar. In chains. A pyre built around them. If only they could hear his heart racing in his chest. The anxiety was real. The fear was real. The tears were real.

Dietfried had been here before. In another time.

Their fingers curled so tense that their palms bled. Until the song started to drift into their mind. And peace, real peace, started to pull its way across their form. Eventually they came to kneel, their head dipping forward. Lifting, again, and drifting forward once more.

He blinked once. Twice. Then his eyes remained shut. His breath was slow and even at last. Though adrenaline had been pounding through his veins but a moment ago. The song overpowered his waking mind.

Soft words. A mutter from the man that would see him burn away. If he heard there was no visible sign of it.

Instead, as the flames were brought forward, as they sprang to life across his form? He tensed again. Only partly awake. Their sense of fear had shut down. But they could still feel the heat rising.

Within the light he weakly tugged against the chains, his voice not a scream or a wild yell of agony. But soft, pained cries, partly suffocated by the smoke. The last few dregs of resistance as their will screamed inside for them to keep. On. Living. Keep fighting. Stay alive. Stay alive.

A final few words could barely be heard above the roar of the flame. "Please forgive me.."

The edges of his skin started to blacken. His clothing and hair seemed to burn quickest, turning to ash soon enough as he collapsed within the pyre.
(Dietfried)
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[23:31] Xue started with using a bottle of oil and dumping it on Dietfried, in reality it was water but the illusionary coloration said otherwise. He made sure Dietfried was SOAKED, which would be used later in the illusion. There would be nothing left but ashes in the illusion... which he planned for by putting literal oil on the wood.

He'd whisper to Dietfried and then Thorn.

He waited for Thorn to touch Dietfried to which... The heat hit as the illusionary fire sparked to life like an inferno, a bright hot light. Hot enough to cause panic because it was too hot. The flame was bright and intense- The heat filled the room due to how he forced the cold out... The raging wildfire sent blistering heat out, even Xue was sweating because he wasn't manipulating the temperature around himself.

Kiemi'a had aided him in the noise the fire made- While the four torches which used actual fire went into an inferno themselves. Each glowing in a different color relative for a great spirit.

A deep red, Eznite.
A pale blue, Tlalli.
A bright yellow, Ixtlitli.
A darker green, Xoltonal.
Though flames split from the four making a black and a white flame both floating in the air. Representing Saekanis and Asena.

He shifted the earth below Dietfried- Snapping the rope as he fell into a hole, the earth over him closed and moved far away. Into the wall, a glowing crystal showing the confined space. A small part in the wall open so if he so chooses to watch his mock execution, though he could now hear it as well. Replaced with a good bit of blood for the spirits Xue had harvested.

"Now great spirits, Asena, and Saekanis as witniss! Allow this sacrifice to ENGORGE the Spirits! Allow the Essence from it to return to the lifestream!" All sixe flames jumped onto the alter... The Illusion stopped as a literal multicolored inferno burned everything inside that alter... With the oil... Only ash remained... The harvested blood gone entirely, whether it was burned away or the spirits indeed took it? That was up to the interpretation since it was bathed by fire, and unseen to those outside with the intense bright light.

(Xuelian Bei-Feng)
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[23:42] Though he knew not the inside conversation, he had to keep up this ritual, carry it out as intended. The implements were but a facsimile of the real things, and in order to keep up the act, he created noise to make it as convincing as possible. Crackles, wooshes, fluid, each sound was carefully replicated to make real, complimenting the shift in temperature.

He kept his eyes shut, knowing that despite it all, he was averse to witnessing death. It's a genuine act of him.

And on this day, Dietfried was dead.
(Kiemi'a Shezorei)
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[23:46] Accenting the beats as he goes. A simple little cadence. He seems to be making it up. Thorn watches the flames set Dietfried alight- Not a smile nor a frown, the Meztin could only help but watch- It was out of his hands now, there were no opportunities to claim nor any moments where he could perform. His hands cautious as to not be torn asunder by the flames.

Dietfried would die, transformed to ash and consumed. Eyes shut, there would have to be an announcement- For the very world to know the fate of the corrupted spawn of Dok-Zong, while they never had a family that returned the affection and love...

At least in death, they were surrounded by those that cared- Even if only for their own purposes, to suit their own needs, to accomplish their purposes.
(Thorn Meztin)
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[23:50] Eliphas remained silent as he watched the sacrifice take place.

It was.. tough to say the less, but it had to be done. Right?

As Kiemi'a had constructed a barrier to imprison Dietfried, The Aegeus moved to their side. Sapphire hues locked on the actions of the head shaman and the voice. Watching them as they performed acts upon the traitor of Moxtli.

He watched with awe as pain stung at his heart.

The ritual carried on, colorful flames erupted; each one representing a different spirit as Xuelian called them forth. Cornering Dietfried until it covered them whole. Slowly, their form would peel away. Bit by bit they'd slowly come to nothing but ash. Consumed by the very flames that were curated for this very task.

Not wavering or frantic, he remained still as he watched their spirit disperse along with the flames. Leaving nothing by ash behind.

Silently, he'd slightly bow his head towards their remains. Hopefully they'll find rest wherever they'd remain.
(Eliphas Aegeus)
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[23:56] Oil poured across his form. And the heat of the flames grew ever hotter. They roared around him, stealing the breath from his lungs. Terrifying was one way to put it.

Colored flame danced around him. The brilliant venomous purple of that spiral glared within, almost defiant in those last few moments. Before. At last. Sputtering out. The fires burned away at that lingering scar. His flesh. His clothing. It was getting hard to think straight.

Even the calm of Kiemi's music couldn't keep that final, brutal shriek from leaving the young foreigner's lips. The last bit of life he had in the agony of the encroaching, colorful flames.

But within the pyre he had fallen. And soon no more than ash remained.

No more than ash, as the heat swallowed them whole.

Within the heart of the temple, Dietfried was slain.

And into the earth the rest vanished. Whatever remained as the fires faded was no more than ash. He hadn't been carrying much with him, he hardly had pocket change on a good day..

Memories, and ashes, were all that remained.
(Dietfried)