[A z z y]

His father had come to him in a dream, as he so frequently did of late, for it was the only time the two could seemingly converse in peace. The great white serpent had slithered up his leg as he had walked in fields of blue flowers, sliding along his shoulders until it was draped along the strong crest of the stallion. It hissed in tongues, words only meant for the first born son of the dark king, of the devil. It spoke of the plan, of how to retrieve the bloodline of the serpent from the nest of the rats, it showed Ragnar several who would aid him. It showed the child joining his side, the right side of chaos. Blood would stain the earth in this altercation, he was told to show no mercy, but only when the choice had been offered. Inact the exact misery and shame upon those who stood in his way as he had to done to the one who had killed the white serpent. The sun began to rise in the dream, and with a single flick of his forked tongue against the lobe of his child, the devil returned to the ocean of blue flowers. And as his lithe, silky embodiment hit the earth, Ragnar awoke. His lids snapped open, the pupils dilating then focusing instantly as he rose his cranium from the turf. The dawn was cold, his oxygen visible as it left him in twin plumes, the morning still, eerily so, an accurate representation of how the duo toned virile felt.

He felt nothing towards the crimes he had committed against the Versai, he felt no remorse for the assault upon their leader and what it was to result in. Where there should have maybe been a conscience, there was a void. He would take back what was as much his as it was hers, he would show his bloodline the life she could have, the life that was being hidden from her, blinded by the Versai no doubt. The son of the devil spent the morning leisurely - he ate well on forest fruits and dew sodden grass, he bathed under one of the larger waterfalls hidden within the forest. He preened and plucked himself into a vision of perfection. If this was the day he was to meet his daughter, his only child, then he wanted to look his best. The day dragged on though, the promise of the inevitable loomed over him like a guillotine blade, the drop imminent. He knew his sire would have informed the helkaer one way or another to join him, briefly he deliberated informing Thomasin, yet he knew how busy the dark regent was. Would she be irked to see him return with the child, knowing it had been plucked from the bosom of the versai, knowing that their wrath might soon follow?

The duotone behemoth departed from The Keep before dusk, the nights now creeping in earlier than they once had, allowing him an earlier opportunity to seek out his child. The atmosphere was a pallid lavender, golden along the horizon before the heavens were doused in obsidian. Ragnar moved through the lands he had been too only once before with ease, a sinister calm about him as he paced the treeline that ensnared the lands. Where were the helkaer? He paused, his hellish optics diligently scouring the murk of the forest. Should this go as south as his father had warned him, their assistance would be invaluable no doubt, for here he was outnumbered. His gaze levelled, certain that he was not alone, he continued on, remaining downwind, each step meticulously placed as to not alert anyone unnecessarily. As he continued, the sounds of youngsters at play caught his attention, and much like a lion on the gazelle, he changed his course, coming to a halt at the edge of a clearing where two youngsters were at play, one bearing the mark of a cambion. Dahlia? He queried with ease, ignoring the young male she was with, his features soft, the look of a father seeing his child for the first time. He silently vowed then to keep her safe, to take her from this cult and expose them for what they were and always had been.

fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳ illɘgal

Ooc// Ragnar for the thread. Figured we'd have the helkaer emerge when Xovad does, at the point Ragnar injures Hymn?

[fleabittengray]

and i won't take defeat

template by punki-chan of adoxography

It had been a lovely autumn day, late in the season, the air crisp and with the scent of decaying leaves. Valfrid had been out most of the day, and Allocen had gone to have a day to herself, leaving Hymn more or less in charge of his younger sibling. Dahlia. The girl was joyful and sweet, despite her heritage. She still was not quite certain what being a Cambion meant, but she knew enough that she had to be careful with how she interacted with others. Her father had been a Cambion, and her grandfather was the Lord of the Underworld. It was a complicated family, at least for the yearling, but she knew that she loved her brothers, her sister Lirana, and her mother very much. She had met Xerxes before, a few months ago, when she was still barely weaned from her mother's milk. She had no real thoughts on him just yet. Mother had instructed her to think carefully before forming an opinion on the demon, but was also doing her best to let Dahlia form her own thoughts and opinions. Dahlia didn't think too much about it, though, not really. She was happy with her life in the Highlands, first blood born daughter of a now retired High Priestess. Dahlia may be a Cambion, but she was happy and healthy and meant the world no harm. She knew to be careful when she played, as she was doing now with Hymn while they waited for the others to return home for the evening.

Childish and innocent giggles and squeals left the chimeric yearling as she kicked up her heels, Hymn pursuing her at a safe distance with laughed peeling from his lips. She bucked, kicking her heels out toward him, but careful not to actually make any contact. She wobbled slightly, her limbs sore from training earlier in the day. She was at the age where her training was becoming more intense, preparing her for the dangers of the world they lived in. But she still had plenty of time to play, and Hymn, closest to her age out of all of her siblings, as more than willing to engage in her antics. "Come on, bro! You gotta be faster than that to catch me!" She called over her shoulder, seeing that he had slowed and was now looking toward the other side of the clearing. Dahlia, still giggling, skidded to a clumsy halt and turned around to trot over to her brother. "Hellooooo? Earth to Hymn? Whatcha lookin' at, broski?" But instead of laughing with her, Hymn pinned his ears and flicked his tail at her, hissing between his teeth. "Quiet. Someone's here." Dahlia huffed, squinting at where Hymn was looking, but to her untrained eye - she saw nothing. Shrugging, she began to turn away, figuring this must be some trick of her brother or something, when finally those innocent eyes of fire caught a glimpse of something. Someone.

He was big, standing taller than either of them. And he looked.. familiar, somehow, though she was sure she'd never seen him before. Curious, but old enough now to know the dangers of rushing right up to a stranger, Dahlia took a partial step back, concealing herself partially behind her older brother. Dahlia? Oh. He knew who she was? Her head peeked over Hymn's back, a cautious snort expelled from her nostrils. She could feel the tension in Hymn's body beside her. He was angry. So angry. But why? her ears perked forward, ready to address the odd stranger who knew her name, when Hymn nudged at her, a silent command to mind her tongue and say nothing. "You have no right to be here." Hymn spoke with the promise of violence. Dahlia gulped, glancing back toward the edge of the clearing where the large stranger was standing. Why was her brother so angry? He was never this angry! Val was always the one taking things seriously. So to see Hymn practically vibrating with rage... it frightened her a bit.


A z z y ➳ T e c h n o ➳ illɘgal
Words - 675
Notes - Let's get this party started...
Heaven's Hymn - 2 years 11 months - "Speech"
Dahlia - 1 year 0 months - "Speech"
Xovad / Valfrid - 6 years 3 months - "Speech"
Trinity / Allocen - 14 years 1 months - "Speech"
An autumn evening after Boudicca's Coronation

[A z z y]

The two toned virile stood motionless under the setting sun, golden rays dancing across his muscled hide in a glittering dance. He was spotless, if it weren't for the grey lines slashed through his hide - Allocen hadn't gone down without a fight and her story was still scarred into him. His crime was still visible to all who looked. Did this boy see those lines? Did he know what they meant, where they came from? Ragnar remained stoic, motionless as the colt placed himself between Ragnar and Dahlia, the young filly hiding herself away from the burning eyes of her sire. The child was readying herself to speak, so bold and brave, before being silenced by the slightly older male, his mug brushing into her, his eyes stern. You have no right to be here. There was a caustic edge to the tones of the golden spotted lad, a sincerity that should Ragnar push him, should he try to remove Dahlia from Lyracor, he would inflict some sort of pain upon him. It was a cute notion, and merely roused a lop sided smirk from the cambion. I have as much right as any, he began, his words low, the same ire that had been spat at him earlier matched and then some as he took a step into the light.

Dahlia is my child after all, he uttered, another step taken before he halted once again. The lengths of his obsidian tendrils slicing at his hocks in a similar fashion to that of a mountain lion. She is not safe with those who seek to eradicate her lineage, the towering behemoth spoke evenly, his words loud enough for the pair of them, let that seed of doubt be planted in her young mind, let her know what these miscreants really were. Ragnar rose his handsome features, seemingly looking straight over Hymn and to his daughter. Dahlia, please, I have come to take you home. It isn't safe here. For either of us. Despite never having sired other children, nor having parents that were particularly engaged in his upbringing, he spoke as if he was well versed in speaking to babes. He spoke as if he had known her since birth. Whether or not the child responded was immaterial - she would be leaving Lyracor one way or another. Ragnar exhaled steadily, his nares flexing as he looked away from the siblings to the setting sun, unbeknownst to him for the last time.

Slowly, his hellish scrutiny returned to the colt, his lobes beginning to sink against the dome of his atlas. His embodiment seemed to grow, the once relaxed stance now solidifying, his once rested daggers were now square upon the turf. I don't want to hurt you, boy, he half whispered half snarled, but his words were true. So we can do this the easy way or the hard way, the choice is yours but the outcome will be the same - the ominous undercurrent to his nordic accent would not go unnoticed as he took another step towards the pair. Dahlia will be leaving Lyracor. The silence hung between them, the ball well and truly in the court of the foolish child before him. Well? Step up or step aside… he had done as his father had asked, he had offered the child a choice. If he chose violence, Ragnar would respond in kind. Behind him, the sound of hooves through the undergrowth could be heard, yet the setting sun only caused the shadows to darken, the unknown assailants hidden by such. Another step was taken towards Dahlia and her ward, how the lad would respond was entirely up to him…


fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳ illɘgal

Ooc// one more from Gray & I then bring in the ladiesss

[fleabittengray]

and i won't take defeat

template by punki-chan of adoxography

Hymn would not admit it, but he was scared. Downright terrified. He was confident in his abilities to defend himself as needed, but the outright fear of failing Dahlia had his chest feeling incredibly tight. Outwardly, he gave no appearance of his anxieties, only a stone cold determination to not let Ragnar anything near his sister. The light was fading as the sun set, by Hymn could see the scars that littered the taller hellion's pelt. He wondered - which scars were from his mother trying to defend himself? And it had his blood boiling, the rage mixing with his fear. A muscle in his jaw twitched as he clenched his teeth together, every muscle in his body ready to launch himself at the older brute the second it was determined that he needed to. The appaloosa had his gaze zeroed in on the intruder. Dahlia was always peering at him, more curious than afraid - she did not know reason enough to fear him, not yet, but the way that Hymn was reacting had her worried. I have as much right as any, Dahlia's ears twitched, wanting to question what that meant, but the way Hymn huffed out a violent rush of air at the comment had her hesitating. "Walk away now. I'll give you one chance to just leave." The warning was spoken in a tone full of cold hatred, his ears pinned so securely against his skull they were nearly lost within his wild mess of a mane.

Ragnar took a step out of the tree line and into the remaining light of sunset. Hymn felt bile churning in his stomach, anxiety twisting up inside of him, but he held his ground. Dahlia is my child after all, Another step forward that had Hymn snaking his head out in warning, teeth bared, but Dahlia... Her eyes went wide, blinking at the stranger. "You're my... Dad?" she squeaked out, startled by the sudden information. She had never imagined meeting her Dad before. Had wanted to, but she remembered the weird look in Mom's eyes whenever she asked about it, so she had stopped. She didn't like that look... it made her nervous. She is not safe with those who seek to eradicate her lineage, Taken aback by the comment, Dahlia frowned. But it was Hymn who spoke. "We've left you all alone. That's plenty more than what you deserve." The youth was struggling to stay calm. It was getting darker and he swore he could hear the sound of more equines in the woods, hidden in the lengthening shadows. He had to do his best to hold them off until Val got here. He had no other choice.

Dahlia, please, I have come to take you home. It isn't safe here. For either of us. Confusion played across Dahlia's face and while she remained on the opposite side of Hymn, cautiously keeping her brother between herself and her father, she did look almost... conflicted. "But... but this is my home! I... if you want me to visit you somewhere, though, I... maybe... I can do that?" She tried a smile, but it wavered as her own adrenaline started to kick in. What was going to happen? Was she going to be forced to leave Hymn and Lyrarcor behind? Her ears tilted back, more a sign of discomfort and not aggression. Together, the Cambion and Nephilim stood to face the other, older Cambion. Dahlia heard a faint rustling in the forest beyond Ragnar but figured it was just a deer or something. Maybe even a fox, merely passing by. Such an innocent thing, the mind of a child.

Hymn immediately knew the situation had become dire when Ragnar shifted from a more relaxed pose, to a threatening position, raising himself to his full height. He was a couple of inches taller than Hymn, but also had many more years of experience. Hymn knew he had a small chance of winning this fight - but if Ragnar had someone hiding in the forest to help him... This was going to go poorly, very quickly. I don't want to hurt you, boy, Hymn's weight shifted, readying himself for an attack. "So leave," he hissed, giving Ragnar just one more chance to turn around and walk away. So we can do this the easy way or the hard way, the choice is yours but the outcome will be the same - Ragnar stepped forward. Hymn's pulse quickened. Dahlia will be leaving Lyrarcor. This was the calm before the chaos. A brief moment of calm. Well? Step up or step aside…

The Nephilim knew what he had to do. A shrill cry left his lips, a warning of Danger! for anyone that herd it - the command to run and get help immediately. He could only hope that, perhaps, Lirana was around to hear it and get the help he knew he was going to need. Dahlia jumped at the sound, having only ever heard it in practice situations. Never something like this. Her heart dropped and as her brother took a predatory step forward toward the man that called himself her father, she whimpered. "Hymn, no!" she pleaded, but her brother was already stalking closer to the other beast. "Please don't fight, guys! Can't we talk 'bout this?" And it was enough to have Hymn hesitate, for a moment, to glance back at her from the corner of his eye, but he knew there was no chance of talking their way out of this.


A z z y ➳ T e c h n o ➳ illɘgal
Words - 922
Notes - Tagging Indi for visibility. Lirana is now free to post as getting help. <3
Heaven's Hymn - 2 years 11 months - "Speech"
Dahlia - 1 year 0 months - "Speech"
Xovad / Valfrid - 6 years 3 months - "Speech"
Trinity / Allocen - 14 years 1 months - "Speech"
An autumn evening after Boudicca's Coronation

[A z z y]

TW: spicy language, mentions of gore

Was it right, what he was doing? Was this the best course of action to ensure the will of his father was enacted? Save the cambions from those who would not utilise them in the correct way? He could feel the colt's hatred boring into him, he could almost imagine it as a physical being but whatever hatred the child before him held, it paled in comparison to the hurt he had endured since learning of his sire's brutal and untimely end. "Walk away now. I'll give you one chance to just leave.” Ragnar quirked a brow and released a bitter, callous laughter, his own lobes twisting back against the flats of his dome. Well, you're certainly more generous than your mother, at least I get a chance… he trailed off, the meaning behind his words evident in the weight of his hellish gaze upon the other stag. Did it excuse what he had done to Allocen? Probably not, but without his onslaught, sweet Dahlia would not be here. His hellish gaze moved to the filly for a moment, his titian pools softening upon her briefly - this was not how he had wanted to encounter her. As he stepped forwards, announcing his claim to the spawn before them, the flicka’s eyes went wide, realisation dawning upon her. "You're my... Dad?” Had she been told how she had come to be? Or was that to be another dirty little secret?

Ragnar nodded his dome solemnly, but with a shimmer of something else shining in his eyes. As he was about to speak, to confirm the query of the youth, the elder of the two cut in. "We've left you all alone. That's plenty more than what you deserve.” That once softened demeanour hardened once more, an audible snarl vibrating through his vox as his muscles tensed again beneath the mahogany ink epithelium that barely contained the ire within him. Your bitch of a mother is still breathing, is she not? That's far more than what she deserves… Ragnar spat the words like bile from his mouth, his rage morphing into something concerning, the loss of control he had felt when he encountered Allocen was beginning to creep in once again. He softened that aggression again, pleading with his daughter almost, hoping she would see reason. But why would she? Evidently brain washed by the Versai, the child responded. "But... but this is my home! I... if you want me to visit you somewhere, though, I... maybe... I can do that?" Ragnar smiled at the child, a genuine smile, a smile of warmth, a smile that held a love for something, someone he had only just met. It was as if it was woven into the very fibre of his being.

Maybe, Dahlia, maybe… he spoke softly, a fatherly wink sent in her direction before turning his attention to the colt once more. Their exchange shifted and he offered Ragnar one more opportunity, and briefly, as he looked to the child, his child, he seriously debated it. Was this right for her? Was this right for Xerxes? What about him? The choice was taken from him then, a shrill warning scream leaving the colt, announcing to all that there was a snake in the grass, that danger had entered their lands. "Hymn, no! Please don't fight, guys! Can't we talk 'bout this?” Ragnar frowned, his lobes sinking against his poll, as a silent snarl rippled through his own embodiment. He would not die as his father had done - he would not go down without a fight. And so, as the colt’s call to arms was silenced, his youthful naivety showing as he dropped his attention from the threat, Ragnar released his own war cry. A deafening bellow erupted from him, an ominous booming sound that not only would rally his allies but would certainly rouse the attention of the versai. He was here, he was not alone, and blood was to be spilled.

With Hymn momentarily focused upon Dahlia, the stallion took his chance. Leaning back upon his hocks, he launched forwards, his limbs closing the short distance with ease before he was upon the colt. With his lips pulled back and his jaws agape, they quickly found their target - Hymn's exposed jugular. Clamping them shut, he could taste blood, he could taste the pain he was inflicting and it only spurred him on. Using his size and experience, Ragnar dragged Hymn to the floor, releasing his grip upon him only to keep the colt in place by his knees folded upon Hymn’s shoulders, raising his head only to drive it down, biting and grappling with anything he could get his teeth into. It was in these moments that the flurry of beasts from his side and both the side of the Versai seemed to go unnoticed. Hymn would die, but that would be fair, afterall, Xerxes had died. A life for a life, the balance to be restored…

fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳ illɘgal
Ooc/ powerplaying agreed to by Gray 💜

[illɘgal]

The last two weeks had passed quickly since the wraith and Xerxes had met on that stormy night. The assignment he had presented to her had been deliciously tempting and, in the end, the Helkaer had no real reason to decline. Why would she? A kidnapping and an attack against the Versai? How could she say no to that? Upon her return to Sinheim, she had time to plan out her personal involvement and had sought out Nemesis the following day. The phantom was not too prideful to not to ask the General for help in the matter, knowing that the bay had more experience than she did and most likely knew the Versai lands better. Knowing that Dahlia was young, Harlan took it upon herself to approach one of her children without her usual malice and distaste. The cream and white colt was far more stable than his twin and had seemed to master a disturbing charisma that the wraith felt was necessary for the plan to flow more smoothly. Theseus was roughly the same age and if his acting skills were up to par, he could prove to be useful for the first time in his young life.

The days were spent plotting and preparing her son for his role, and when it was finally time, Harlan felt her usual confidence and a thrill of anticipation. To her eldest's credit, he was almost eerily calm as the pair dipped into the cool streams beneath her land before violently rolling in the dirt that littered the caves. Harlan was careful to cover her brand in case any witnesses were left alive and might see it. While she wouldn't truly care if the Versai sought retribution after tonight, it was ultimately better if she was not easily identifiable. She was still new enough to the position that it might give her time to execute a later plan she had began to craft - and it started with how Theseus behaved tonight.

After the Helkaer and the colt were absolutely filthy, they left the wolves at home and moved silently through the desolate landscape. The sun had almost completed its descent as their paces slowed and the private's magenta eyes carefully scanned the thick grove of trees. She noted there seemed to be no guards, but there was a more recent scent hanging in the air and a familiar one nearby. She did not acknowledge Nemesis not out of disrespect, but out of focus. There was no time for greetings and hushed words, only action. She saw a tall shadow weaving through the trunks deeper into the trees, and Harlan nudged Theseus forward and began to follow the shape. Once they had gotten close enough to see a very recognizable marking on the giant stallion's face, the wraith only allowed her gaze to linger enough that he may feel it sear into his flesh. That was greeting enough.

Mare and colt remained downwind and circled out and away from the stallion. His shadowed figure was barely in view when they caught the sounds of children playing. The Helkaer steered her son further away from who she can only assume was Ragnar and remained deep in the shadows when the clearing started to become visible. The sounds had quieted, and Harlan could just barely hear the trio of voices as Ragnar broke the peace. She listened to the younger stallion try and chase Xerxes's hellion out and had to resist the urge to laugh outright. That poor boy had no idea what was coming. As Dahlia learned that her father was standing in front of her, the Helkaer began to quietly move through the shadows to continue circling the clearing again. Theseus stayed close, his attention wholly focused on his mother, waiting for her signal. Their goal was to be close to Dahlia but not entirely behind her. She was sure Ragnar would find some way to keep the smaller stallion occupied.

The pair paused and settled back in when she was able to see the two toned filly more clearly. Both equine's ears snapped back at the youngling's call, though Harlan wasn't concerned. Let them come. She knew of her son's appetite, much like her own. Perhaps they both would be able to get a snack in tonight. She watched the brutality unfold before her with a curve to her white lips. Yes, there certainly might be a time for a taste of flesh. Mother and son watched the display of violence with matching looks of hunger on their faces, both fighting the urge to join in. Not yet... Not yet...

Harlan
Theseus

TAG fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳ A z z y
WORDS 769
TIMELINE Fall, after Boudicca's coronation [Theseus is just under a year old]
Let me know if anything needs changing!

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Nemesis

Harlan had approached her a mere two weeks ago for assistance with a task put forth by Xerxes. It had been an interesting request, they were to take a youth known as Dahlia from the Versai. Nemesis was a little foggier on the details and how she related to dreadlord beyond potentially being a Cambion. The dark bay shrugged her shoulders as she crept through the unfamiliar terrain of Lyrarcor. She was a shadow to Harlan and her son Theseus. It was still early, but Nemesis had the potential to be carrying her own Cambion to add to her army. One to join Murmur and Yvette and the rest of them. She stalked through the woodland with an unusual quietness to her gait. Nemesis was accustomed to hunting, but it was rare she got the chance to hunt her own kind. An enemy was a valuable trophy to add to her belt, whether they were maimed or killed. The Helkaer General had brought with her a pair of wolves to assist with the capture of the child.

She circled opposite of Harlan just beyond the edges from where she spotted the gathering of equines. There was a stallion who they had followed in that Nemesis could hardly remember the name of in the excitement of what was to come. They exchanged words, and the child cried out for her sibling not to fight. She had to bite her tongue so as not to cackle ominously from the woodlands where she and Harlan and Theseus were circling their victims. They waited, and waited, and waited for the cue. It happened quickly, in just moments the stallion who bore Xerxes' facial marking lunged at the younger paint stag. The one Dahlia had begged not to fight. It was at this breaktout of violence that she stopped. 

The two wolves at her heels stopped in unison as well. Nemesis silently jerked her head in either direction for the wolves to spread out to cover more ground. If need be they could assist in the distraction to keep both Dahlia's seeming siblings preocupied while the procured the child. Nemesis wanted to hear from Xerxes exactly what he'd intended to do once they had her within their grasp. If she would not submit to the dreadlord, would her ability be stripped if she was a Cambion? Nemesis couldn't be sure, but she held her breath in anticipation for the signal. The General didn't doubt that Harlan was somewhere within this same tree cover as hungry as she for their task at hand. Harlan had been a great addition to their brotherhood.

I'm sorry this sucks so much and that it took so long to get y'all a post. I figured we'd wait for another round before the Helkaer swoop in and collect Dahlia?
A z z y fleabittengray illɘgal

_{image by firelotl of instagram}

[fleabittengray]

and i won't take defeat

template by punki-chan of adoxography

TW: Violence, blood, gore.

Hymn knew that he and Dahlia were in danger. He just had to hope he could hold them off from hurting or taking Dahlia until help arrived. Was he capable of that? He hoped so. Well, you're certainly more generous than your mother, at least I get a chance… But it seemed Ragnar was not going to take that chance. Hymn was furious but he was also frightened. He was still young, just shy of 3 years old, considered still just a boy by most. This was going to be a chance to prove himself, to use what he'd learned in training sessions against real enemies. Your bitch of a mother is still breathing, is she not? That's far more than what she deserves… Hymn's jaw clenched, teeth grinding, and behind him, Dahlia huffed softly, not liking the fact that this stranger - her father - was calling her mother nasty names. Allocen wasn't cruel or wicked. She had made mistakes, terrible mistakes, but she had learned from them. Why did everyone continue to hate her? To hate the Versai in general, when there had been changes made? It confused her. It confused Hymn, too, but mostly? It made him angry. Just because they were living in the Highlands did not make them cruel beings. If anything, it proved that they were the opposite.

Maybe, Dahlia, maybe… It gave Dahlia hope - if only for a moment, but that all changed. So quickly chaos erupted. Hymn knew his mistake as soon as he'd made it, looking away from Ragnar, even just a glance, but it was too late to correct it. Within seconds, Ragnar, older and more experienced, was upon him. He let out a squeal, tried to call out for Dahlia to run, but from the woods others were emerging. Panic in his eyes, and then pain. Ragnar went right for the jugular, and Hymn's distraction and moment of panic would prove to be a deadly mistake. Teeth latched onto him and he tried to pull away, aware of Dahlia's screaming, frantically begging her father to stop, to let Hymn go. His pulse was loud in his ears, but despite the adrenaline that coursed through him, the boy could not free himself from the Cambion's grasp. He struggled relentlessly, the pain like venom in his veins. He gave his all to stay on his feet, but larger stallion had too good of a grip on him and was able to wrestle him to the ground.

Hymn landed heavily on his side with a pained grunt, eyes frantically searching for Dahlia but from his position he could not see her. He could only flail helplessly as Ragnar held him pinned to the ground, biting and tearing into his skin. He felt weak, too weak to even try to lift his head. His thoughts were in a whirl. He could feel the blood oozing out of him, from various wounds, but the one on his neck was the most severe. It bled profusely. Was Dahlia still screaming, or as that just his imagination? Had she been attacked? He could not see. His vision was starting to fade, blackening around the edges. He did not want to die. Not like this.

--

Xovad was feeling relatively okay today. His wounds from his fight with the Helkaer mare, whose name he had learned was Nemesis. He was left with scars to remember her by - as well as the tax upon his land that she had demanded. She demanded from him either a Cambion or a Nephilim - both of which he had as herd members. Both of them his siblings. However, there was no way in hell that he was going to give up either Hymn or Dahlia to the Helkaer! He would rather go himself, but alas, that was not what she wanted. And a tax would remain upon Lyrarcor until it was paid - all for him losing his battle against her. He'd gone out to the Free Lands to clear his head a bit, and now was returning to the Highlands feeling just a little better. A little calmer, even if he didn't have a goddamn clue what to do about the tax. He wanted to consult with his Sisters about it, but just had not found the time. It was weighing on him heavily, though. He was going to have to figure out what to do, and soon. Nemesis was not a patient woman. More of a monster than a woman, really. And to think he'd just gone for a conversation, and had been forced into a fight! That just went to show that type of heathens the Helkaer were...

He sighed, beginning up the path that would bring him to Lyrarcor, going at a slow pace since he wanted more time to think - but that time was ripped from him as he heard from within the borders the sound of Dahlia screaming. And it was not playful screaming. That was fear. True horror. Red eyes going wide, Xovad did not hesitate to throw himself into a headlong gallop in the direction of the screaming. The closer he got to the area, the more scents filled his nostrils - and one of them was all too familiar. Nemesis. Fuck.

Though his lungs were screaming to air already, Xovad pushed himself to run harder, to run faster. He arrived at the edge of the clearing, leaping over a cluster of bushes. He took just a millisecond to survey the scene. A trio were surrounding Dahlia, herding her away, and Hymn. Oh, god, Hymn! He was sprawled upon the ground, the familiar figure of Ragnar pinning him down and gnawing at him. He knew he had to make a decision. Go after Dahlia, who did not seem harmed, but was being taken away - or try to get to Hymn and make sure he didn't die. He could still see some faint movements from his brother. He prayed that meant there was still a chance of survival.

Not hesitating, the Versai charged at Ragnar. He was running on pure adrenaline, not thinking but just acting. He lunged at the beast, grabbing at one of his ears. He barreled into the other, trying his best not to do extra harm to Hymn in the process, and using his momentum managed to at least knock Ragnar off of his brother. The Versai stumbled, knees scraping across the earth for a moment before he regained his footing. He turned back to Ragnar, red eyes full of fire and disgust. Without a word, he leaped forward again, before Ragnar could regain his own footing completely, and before he could think twice about it, he latched his own teeth against Ragnar's throat. Blood flooded his mouth but he dared not open it to spit it out. He kept his grip on Ragnar's throat, crushing his windpipe while trying to get him away from Hymn. God forbid he lost his grip, he was not going to allow Ragnar a chance to get back to Hymn and finish what he had started.


A z z y ➳ T e c h n o ➳ illɘgal
Words - 539 (Hymn/Dahlia) - 640 (Xovad)
Notes - Not the best post since I feel icky but I tried <3
Heaven's Hymn - 2 years 11 months - "Speech"
Dahlia - 1 year 0 months - "Speech"
Xovad / Valfrid - 6 years 3 months - "Speech"
Trinity / Allocen - 14 years 1 months - "Speech"
An autumn evening after Boudicca's Coronation