[Zohyd//]

Vision watched carefully as individuals stepped up to congratulate the new King before excusing themselves to allow the next to do the same. The ruling pair would be busy tonight and exhausted by the end of it all. Akroma would have her chance to speak with them just like many others. She noted Xerxes too wished to have their ear later when they had the chance, the wondering question of if his counterpart would join for that meeting quickly answered as the mahogany and ivory Lady appeared and approached the duo as well before wanting to also have her time with them as she excused herself and took her rightful position next to Xerxes. Akroma waited to feel something looking at the picture of the Hell monarchs yet she found herself uncomfortable numb. The bite of jealousy that often reared its ugly head was no where to be found. Instead her vision pulled easily from the ruling pair as it locked upon the feathered creature that now approached the duo. His roan and spotted mass was hard to miss. It was an individual that she knew of by name but had, shockingly, missed any encounter with despite their ruling at the same time. And while Akroma had put her ruling days to rest he had recently rose to power once more. His coronation something that the peasants from The Underworld were not invited to- despite it’s location being in the land of peace.

He too sought out their company for a later time and then left and began to pick his way through the gathering to settle amongst the others. His company currently unoccupied by another. The semi-leopard, overo wench did not waste the opportunity. Easily her sixteen point three hand frame maneuvered through the gathering- she had to work her way through a crowd more than once. Her gait elegant as she offered warm smiles and a few nods to those she passed. Yet her gaze always shifted back to her her target- easily admiring the Utopian leader. While he was not quite the specimen that Xerxes was she could not deny a physical attraction she felt towards the winged leader. He was easy to look at but surely unstable somewhere in the brain to wish to stand next to Rasa for a second time.

Akroma had chosen her path carefully, she wanted to come up beside Cadence for a more casual conversation than one head on. She didn’t want it to feel confrontational or political. And while she did not know much of the leader she only hoped for a somewhat pleasant encounter for their first, official meeting. Curvaceous frame pulled up beside his eighteen hand frame, she left enough room to be professional in the encounter. Lord Cadence, I doth believeth a congratulations art in order for ye as well. Her accented tones warm and smooth as they filled the space between the two. I be Akroma, pleasure to finally maketh thy acquaintance. I doth apologize for our paths not crossing sooner. Lyrics genuine and sincere- not something some would expect from the demoness. I am almost afraid to asketh- but how art mine own children behaving? There was light, humorous tone behind her question. While they were partly her they were also partly Xerxes. Akroma knew enough of Venari to know the fiend was dry, a bit cold, unphased and supportive of her twin. Akroma needed to speak with Everest and get to know him more- but did know he followed in the footsteps of his sire. She could imagine they were not the most pleasant of captors.




ooc;
➳ T e c h n o ➳ - Quicker starter for them!

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Cadence looked on as the many other bodies in the gathering made their way to congratulate the new Light King. The roan Lord hadn't taken to anyone's company in particular although he had a handful of individuals that he wanted to talk to while he had the opportunity to do so. His brown gaze continued to scan the crowd for familiar faces. It was strange, but he often found his gaze lingering on Xerxes. While he was distracted, he hardly noticed when a demon slithered up beside him. Cadence turned his head to peer at the individual who had decided to approach him. He couldn't say that a demon seeking him out was unexpected. Especially given the circumstances. What did surprise him slightly was how similar she appeared to Sephora. 

The mare began to speak, and her words held a thick old-world accent to them. He did not show any expression on his face until she introduced herself as Akroma. What little he knew of her was that she had once been the Dark Queen, as well as the Lady of the Underworld beside Xerxes. A small smirk crossed his features at her exaggeration of the two finally getting to meet. Akroma revealed some interesting information amidst her polite banter with the re-crowned Lord. She asked about Venari and Everest, her children. The roan lord allowed his gaze to traverse back to Xerxes a moment.

That was interesting. "Akroma, thank you for your congratulations. It is a shame we never met before. Rest assured, your children are well looked after. They are at best insolent towards us, but that's to be expected." Cadence commented in faux jovial tones as he peered back at her. He  remained still beside her. For now, she did not seem to be threatening him. He was trying to unravel the reason she'd come to speak to him. There was always some other motive for these things. "Tell me, Akroma, what is it I can do for you aside from supplying you with the thought that your children are safe?" He mused almost casually. Perhaps he had the wrong idea about this whole conversation.

"Perhaps you can answer something for me too... out of curiosity... do you know Sephora?" Cadence queried her. He had his own reasons for asking.  He wanted to know what other family his daughter might have connections to. All of which tied into trying to protect her despite the fact that she was technically an enemy of Utopia. That was only if she aligned with the Dark Kingdom. 


SPEECH

Gonna prioritize this thread so we can get to that war thread with them Zohyd// <3

[Zohyd//]

As she introduced herself to the roan, spotted Utopia leader she noticed his expression change as she revealed her identity. Her duo gaze followed that of his own and watched it land upon her ex-ruling partner, ex-lover and current ruled of The Underworld. Xerxes. Did the Utopian leader wish to speak with Xerxes? Did he still believe there to be more than there was between to two and wanted to catch the ruler's reaction to their conversation. While she doubted Xerxes would watch her like a hawk; the beast was not blind. He would note one of his demons speaking with a Utopian leader. I can calleth him over should ye wish? The offer a genuine one. She'd no doubt Xerxes would accept the invitation, but Tecca might not be pleased should the trio remain talking without her given she was the Lady of Hell now and no longer Akroma. But it was not her kin stuck in the Heavens above.

Akroma, thank you for your congratulations. It is a shame we never met before. Rest assured, your children are well looked after. They are at best insolent towards us, but that's to be expected. His gaze returned to her, Akroma allowing her own gaze to fall easily upon his attractive features. Trusting Utopia with her children's welfare was not something she could to. Cadence was unknown. Rasa had showed her true colors. Their support for the versai being long stemmed in a cultus group performing violent acts to convert others. They doth get that from their sire. she tried to allow a light laugh expel at the situation of her children still not home. My apologies for the headaches hey doth cause, A sincere apology belonging on the surface level. She would expect nothing less from her twins. Truly, she would want nothing less from them. Wreaking a bit of havoc in the lion's den wouldn't matter. Perhaps Utopia would think twice of trying to capture them in the future. Tell me, Akroma, what is it I can do for you aside from supplying you with the thought that your children are safe?

Feminine facade shook slightly, ebon locks bouncing effortlessly as she could not help but let a laugh slip through. I do not miss those days. Every conversation haveth but a reason attached to it. Everyone wanting something. She fell silent for a moment as her gaze scanned the crowd and mingling bodies before falling back upon the Lord of Utopia. I hath no other reason to seeketh out thy company today Cadence. Merely a formal, or informal, introduction. Whilst I would love to negotiate for mine own children's return, as any parent would, I knoweth when things art unrealistic and now is not the time. Dial dipping slightly as she offered him a warm smile across her velveteens. She would not wish to overstep whatever Xerxes and Tecca had going on and she doubted Cadence would overstep anything Rasa had planned herself. Did ye cometh back for Rasa, or Utopia? The question did not hold a motive behind it. Her gaze traveled towards the masculine frame on the outskirts belonging to Xerxes. Was her return selfish? The Underworld was better off without her as it was not a place she truly belonged. She brought the place away from it's core values and she had zero desire to take the throne again. Akroma had seen enough of Rasa to believe she, too, was not the best for Utopia. But did Cadence believe the same? Or was he encapsulated by the mahogany, Utopian leader?

Perhaps you can answer something for me too... out of curiosity... do you know Sephora? Duo gaze now jerked back towards the the roaned, spotted brute with a burning curiosity. Last she knew her daughter was still residing with Kraken in the Royal Lands after the attack on the Isle. Why was her name falling from Cadence's mouth? Her short time as Queen was during his reign as well- but could they have had many interactions? Sephora is one of my eldest daughter's, Cadence- her sire being Incognito. It was not information she ever hid and was not entirely sure if the beast had known the wimp of a King from so many moons ago. I understand she is not, realistically, reachable, both location and due to her state of mind, but did he know about her lack of memories. Is there a message ye wish for me to passeth along to her? Akroma tried to grasp at why the Utopian leader was asking about her daughter. She could not recall and immediate qualms with the Dark throne and Utopia while her daughter was leading- but Akroma certainly was not privy to all the information. Did he fancy the spicy, young witch? While her daughter would be a lustful desire; she doubted the two would have developed something further. Any other names ye wish to surpriseth with me to asketh about? The question rhetorical with a bit of a laugh- but did not stop her from truly wondering why the Leader was asking about her daughter. If he was seeking another target she would make him regret it.




ooc;
➳ T e c h n o ➳ - Sorry, for the wait! Next reply will be much quicker!

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Akroma seemed to be far more gracious than his interactions with other demons. He had never encountered her when he was Lord before, but he knew she'd been one of the Ladies of the Underworld. She had been astute enough to catch his gaze traveling to Xerxes. Cadence hadn't hidden it, and Akroma had called him out on it in a polite manner. He found himself appearing a bit surprised but smiled dryly in response. "No need, I was just remembering a time when he'd left a rotten taste in my mouth. I had thought we had a good conversation and an understanding of one another when I was previously the Lord. I was trying to remember as well, you had stood beside him as one of the Ladies of the Afterlife, didn't you?" The roan queried her honestly. He'd been caught being a little more than discourteous to her so he felt it was owed. He shrugged his shoulders a little. "But all is past now. I don't need to be reminiscing while in conversation."

He somewhat apologized for his behavior. Akroma had surprised him when she explained they took after their father and apologized for the headaches. Cadence merely laughed in response. He appreciated the politeness, but he wasn't sure if he believed the sincerity of her words. They sounded genuine. "I find your apology for their behavior both interesting and refreshing. Tell me though, you must be a little pleased to know the thorn they've planted in our sides right? Not because your a demon or an enemy... but pride in knowing they do not go quietly... as a parent I could hope for nothing less for my children should they be taken away somewhere."

Akroma was proving to be more interesting than he'd anticipated. Yet he'd also felt similarly to Xerxes and that had burned him. Cadence studied the demon with a little less scrutiny. His guard was not down, but he merely appreciated her company in the moment. She admitted she did not miss the political game that one was always playing in a position of power. That conversation was so infrequently anything more than what someone could get out of you. His ebon tail flicked against his flank as he nodded quietly.  Akroma explained too she'd have attempted to negotiate for her children's safe return if it were possible.

Cadence could understand and appreciate that sentiment on a personal level. He would do almost anything for his children if it were possible. "You want to give them the world, and keep them safe. It is hard to do both. I can appreciate your honesty. I would do most anything for my children too. We will find the right time for such a discussion." The lord commented. He would make no promises without Rasa, but he did know he did not want this to be the state of things forever. The painted demon asked him next why he came back. The question surprised him a little, and he shifted uncomfortably. He forgot so often how little knew what had happened to him.

Cadence had been just like Nehemiah and was lost to the mists. He had no say in his coming back. "I didn't have a say or reason really. When I lost my position, it was because I was suddenly consumed by the mists. Rasa had told me... we had been mid-conversation and suddenly I was gone. My return is as much a mystery as my disappearance. As for why I stepped up again... It feels like home. Rasa is an important piece of that, and I love Utopia dearly. I've never been someone who enjoys idly helping when I can make a bigger impact." He answered her honestly. It wasn't like he'd get anything out of lying to her with that question.

"Would you take back the throne if you were presented the opportunity?" Cadence asked with a more genuine curiosity. Finally, his last question had been the one that seemed to really floor her. The lord wasn't surprised to hear that Sephora was one of Akroma's eldest daughters with a stallion named Incognito. His visage shook with no recognition of the name. "I can't say I am familiar with Incognito. I am not surprised to learn she's your daughter. She bears your resemblance which was where most of my curiosity stemmed from." He explained. It seemed Akroma knew of her daughter's state. There was more to it than that. 

"I have no message to pass along to her... more wondering if there was something we could do to help her... I suppose you will eventually learn of her existence. Sephora and I have a daughter together, Isolde. She is the result of Sephora stealing one of my own children and in exchange for his freedom, she desired a child from myself. Isolde is as much my daughter as all my children and I love her the very same as you do for Everest and Venari. She was, rightfully, concerned for her mother." Cadence explained.

He was aware of the target he was painting on his daughter's back with this information. It is unlikely that Isolde would go unnoticed forever though. "I promise I will do everything in my power to protect her, so think carefully on this information." It was a promise as much as it was a threat, that he hoped that  Akroma would understand. It was strange to have a tie to her in such a way. 







SPEECH

Sorry for the wait again <3 <3 Zohyd// <3

[Zohyd//]

No need, I was just remembering a time when he'd left a rotten taste in my mouth. I had thought we had a good conversation and an understanding of one another when I was previously the Lord. I was trying to remember as well, you had stood beside him as one of the Ladies of the Afterlife, didn't you? Xerxes leaving a rotten taste in the mouth of another did not surprise Akroma. Given the many Hellish Lords she had seen come and go for the Underworld he was one of the more fair ones- but he also was not to be crossed. Siding with those he personally thought of his enemy was a sure way to potentially have a conversation go South with the ivory beast. Akroma would not begin to guess what the conversation surrounded when the bad taste was left. And while she didn't know Cadence all too well, she knew Xerxes enough that she would not simply put all the blame on the Hellfire beast. The semi-leopard, overo wench allowed the first part of his sentence to go unquestioned while she focused on the later half. She nodded her dial slightly as her mix-matched gaze slid from Xerxes to Cadence; an easy task when both were attractive to look at. Aye, I roseth before him next to Artarius- a brother of Xerxes. But I did knoweth Xerxes would be taking thy Lord position shortly after. She had told Artarius that he would need Akroma by his side should he wish to hold onto his crown. Had warned him that his position was in danger and Xerxes was coming for it. Only she would do nothing to stop him from overthrowing his brother. I stoodeth beside him for many years in the mortal realm as well on the Dark throne. I also removed him from the Dark Throne, a necessary precaution that ultimately lead to his demise with the Versai. Akroma offered up a bit more- unsure of just how much history Cadence knew about herself and the fall of Xerxes and the death that placed him where he was now. Surely he would have heard about it- but what did he think of it?

But all is past now. I don't need to be reminiscing while in conversation. She hoped it was a conversation worth reminiscing for. She would not have minded if the roan, spotted beast wanted Xerxes to join; although they would more than likely have their own meeting at another time. I find your apology for their behavior both interesting and refreshing. Tell me though, you must be a little pleased to know the thorn they've planted in our sides right? Not because your a demon or an enemy... but pride in knowing they do not go quietly... as a parent I could hope for nothing less for my children should they be taken away somewhere. The information that Cadence had children himself was free but not something Akroma put much thought into. Muscular shoulders rolled slightly as the comment he said could go either way. Depends. I, too, hath been in the Utopian realm that rejected me like a virus. The pain is not something I seeketh mine own children to face and I knoweth the more of a pain they art- the less ye will ease their pain. So aye, I am pleased they art not going easily. But alas, knoweth they art probably not making things easier for themselves and hopeth they doth not go so far to a point they cannot return. She hoped the twins were smart enough to not push buttons that would lead their pain and suffering that would make them succumb to the darkness. They were incredibly strong and stubborn- but young and still learning their patience.

Her explanation of politics and conversations that always had a meaning behind- he seemed to nod his handsome dial as he agreed and understood. Any who held the positions of powers on Wild Equines would know and relate. You want to give them the world, and keep them safe. It is hard to do both. I can appreciate your honesty. I would do most anything for my children too. We will find the right time for such a discussion. Akroma had not always been the best of Mothers, and was still learning and trying. It was nice that Cadence could see she cared, where Xerxes would probably throw her past failures of motherhood in her face. Only it wouldn't be her who would get to discuss the return and safety of her children. I can only hopeth Xerxes and Tecca can have a civil discussion when that time dost cometh. There would be no denying the edge of worry that laced her lyrics. She would have to rely on a Lady with no tie or care to her twins to fight for their return and Xerxes, whom she obviously cared for deeply, but was not always the best with words and his tit for tat with Rasa got them where they were in the first place. Rasa and Xerxes were similar in more ways then they would like to admit- so far Cadence was proving to be more promising and understanding- but she would not fall blindly on such statement. Rasa had tricked her for years before showing her true colors.

Questioning him of his return made his entire frame shift which intrigued the demoness with what might follow in his words. I didn't have a say or reason really. When I lost my position, it was because I was suddenly consumed by the mists. Rasa had told me... we had been mid-conversation and suddenly I was gone. My return is as much a mystery as my disappearance. As for why I stepped up again... It feels like home. Rasa is an important piece of that, and I love Utopia dearly. I've never been someone who enjoys idly helping when I can make a bigger impact. Intently she listened to him tell of the mists and his exit and return. So sudden and so unknowing. It was eerie to think of really. That any of them could just... vanish. What impact are you hoping to maketh on Utopia? The question that of genuine curiosity, no mailce insight. Forgiveth me. I hath seen Rasa rule for a very long time- cycling through Lords whom never seem to holdeth the throne long enough to maketh a change or impact. I hopeth ye hath more success than did. Her words light as she touched on her own failures and playfully winking towards the beast in light fun. Lords coming and going in Utopia was fact and not something she spoke down on for the matter. She was curious was Cadence wanted changed or how he wanted to help Utopia but understood that such information was probably not something he'd want to share with a demon.

Would you take back the throne if you were presented the opportunity? Dial shook as ebon locks bounced easily at the movement. The Underworld has never felt like home. Truthful words that any who knew Akroma could understand. I hath spent many years being harassed and torture from the demons within whilst on the Dark Throne. Vanth had stolen my soul not long after I had taken the crown, long before Xerxes was born. It was Rasa, at the time, who was the Afterlife figure that I did looketh forward to seeing. I spent years hoping she would taketh my soul so when I did pass I would not have to be with those whom loathed me. Another shrug of her shoulders, Alas, it never did happen. Something I am glad for now that I hath seen sides of Rasa I personally careth not for. Akroma knew he cared for the mahogany lady he ruled next to, so she made sure to keep her dislike for her on a personal level and not something she would force upon him. If there was a Neutral realm for the Afterlife- perhaps? But it dost not exist and the mindset of some extremists on both sides art archaic and exhausting. Akroma could not stand the thought process of all darks were evil and that all lights were weak and useless. It his my hopeth, that if/when mine own children return then I will explore reincarnation options. Not information she particularly cared if any knew. Who could blame her when she felt so.... out of place. She could not imagine spending eternity in the Underworld and would never seek out Utopia with Rasa's leadership.

I can't say I am familiar with Incognito. I am not surprised to learn she's your daughter. She bears your resemblance which was where most of my curiosity stemmed from. Fair, as Sephora was the one to look most like her out of all her children. But did not answer how Cadence knew of Sephora. I have no message to pass along to her... more wondering if there was something we could do to help her... I suppose you will eventually learn of her existence. Sephora and I have a daughter together, Isolde. She is the result of Sephora stealing one of my own children and in exchange for his freedom, she desired a child from myself. Isolde is as much my daughter as all my children and I love her the very same as you do for Everest and Venari. She was, rightfully, concerned for her mother. The information shared with her definitely took Akroma by surprise. While Cadence was clearly very attractive- she doubted Sephora wanted a foal with him for such shallow reasons. She knew the Helkaers had attacked the Dark Kingdom with a cambion army while her daughter was on the throne- Isolde probably came after the fact as a future preventative. I promise I will do everything in my power to protect her, so think carefully on this information. Isolde had sought out Cadence because of concern for Sephora? Sephora's mind was long gone- did she even know of Isolde's existence? Probably not. Would make sense why she sought the other half. But that was not her overall concern here. I thanketh thee for sharing this information. Doth ye knoweth where Isolde is now? His words of loving and caring for her made her to believe that she was likely in the Dark terrain somewhere. who else dost knoweth of her and the ties to thyself? I am not going to shareth this- not even with Xerxes. Granted he could go prying in her head if she wanted, Then ye art awareth that Sephora is not able protect Isolde. I can asketh Xerxes about returning her memories but Sephora dost not playeth nice always- might be safer for Isolde this way. But- She paused slightly as her gaze casually swept over the crowd and all the potential problems that just stood here not to mention the many more that lurked in the dark realm. If someone finds out, they art going to useth her against ye. I, too, will try to protect her on our side. Her gaze landed upon the cambion symbol on the new Light King, knowing it pissed Xerxes off and he didn't want it tied to a light. Will she be hunted down by Utopia or the Light alliance if she wishes to remain amongst the Darks? A genuine concern but regardless Akroma would need to find her granddaughter.



ooc;
➳ T e c h n o ➳ - It just kind of took off haha

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Akroma had proven to be a much more interesting conversational partner than other members of the Underworld he'd encountered. Cadence was still sore that he'd ever considered the chance that the two factions of the Afterlife could work together rather than against one another. After all, in many ways, they were very much the same. They provided a home for souls and were only separated by the moral compasses each soul held. It was not so different from the alliances that made up all of Wild Equines. It would also seem that his conversational partner had a wealth of experience and knowledge when it came to the history of this place. She divulged she'd been Dark Queen prior to Xerxes' birth and ascension to the throne. Akroma also revealed that it was her who had removed him from his throne which was the precursor to his murder by the Versai. That too was a sore spot for him, because he loved Allocen so deeply. Yet her actions had been enough for him to break off their relationship before he disappeared into the mists.

It was only recently that he could not deny the feelings he had for her. Allocen in many ways had become a shadow of herself since they'd first met. Cadence remained quiet as he listened to Akroma share her side of things. It was particularly interesting that she knew Xerxes would be coming for the hellfire throne that his brother held.  "I wasn't aware of how ingrained you were into the history of these lands." Cadence commented appreciatively. His tones were respectful. That was something he rarely encountered from those of the Underworld. Akroma stated she hoped they wouldn't cause too much trouble for themselves. The worry in her voice was apparent, as all good mothers should worry for their children. After all the child does not ask to be born, but they do require the love of their parents. Not all children felt that love. Cadence nodded in agreement when she expressed hope that Xerxes and Teca would handle the conversation with care. The roan's ears flicked backward at the mention of Teca. He was still beyond irritated with her for turning up at his coronation.

"Yes well, as much as I dislike the pair, Xerxes seems the more sensible of the two in that regard. It would seem the new Lady doesn't have much in the way of manners, and seeks to ingratiate herself with those in power through flattery." Cadence spoke disdainfully about the her Lady. It was beyond the simple idea that he was of Utopia and she was not. It was very obviously a jab made from a personal encounter. Akroma asked him next what sort of impact he'd have wanted to make while in his position. He frowned thoughtfully at the question because it was not something others asked him often. It was also not a path that was very clear. "I suppose that is something that is a work in progress. A positive impact. Perhaps to be the safety or solace someone needs, because not all ever encounter that. To bring a sense of justice to the world... but perhaps that is dreaming too big. I am not sure I have a concrete answer for you now, but I hope that someday I will. That someday I will be looked at with the same type of respect that such a long career as yours would earn one." The lord answered truthfully.

It was perhaps a gross oversimplification of what he desired. Cadence didn't want to share everything freely with someone who was technically an enemy. There was still the chance she'd use this information against him. What Akroma said next surprised him. How The Underworld had never felt like home, and the reasons why. That she had once wished for Rasa to take her soul and in the years of encounters between them, that idea had soured. Given the current standing between The Underworld and the Dark Kingdom, he'd never have guessed they didn't get on. Cadence could imagine how difficult that would have been to go and lead legions that despised you. His features softened slightly and he wondered if she'd ever change her mind now. Akroma expressed her desire to explore reincarnation.

Given that she wished for a neutral location of the Afterlife that was not Asphodel, that sounded to be the most reasonable outcome. Still, he felt compelled to ask if she'd ever change her mind. "I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been. Yet also speaks of your strength. Is there no way you would ever change your mind? Would you no longer choose Utopia because of Rasa, even if there were others there who wanted you?" Cadence asked earnestly. He found it both disappointing and hard to believe she'd have lost that desire entirely. He had only faintly veiled his desire to have her switch sides and join them. He actually enjoyed talking with her, and it was very saddening to know how Utopia had failed her. Rasa was a dear friend, but she was imperfect too. "Perhaps reincarnation is a good idea though. I can understand how exhausting all of this can be."

He admitted. It wasn't a weakness to admit such a thing. He'd quickly proclaim someone as delusional if they did not feel exhausted by all the political back and forth for something that was so trivially different. Akroma seemed surprised to learn of her granddaughter's existence. She did share that Sephora's state was potentially safer for Isolde. The painted mare asked him if he knew where Isolde resided now. Cadence frowned again at that question. Last he had heard she was in Lachlan Breck. That land was no longer where the Dark Throne was seated. It was entirely possible that she lived in the same location as her mother now.

"Isolde remains in the dark kingdom. I believe she was in Lachlan Breck when we spoke last. I am not sure if she went with them to The Howling Keep or if she chose to go and reside with Sephora. As it stands, she does have a target on her back with regard to Utopia. I hope that I can make the argument that if she is not involved in the war then her kingdom's status should be irrelevant. Perhaps she can be protected by the fact that I am the Lord of Utopia and I am willing to disagree with Rasa on this. A dark equine is not an enemy simply because of where they live. They are only an enemy if they act maliciously towards Utopia or its allies." Cadence answered her. He was thankful that Akroma would try and protect his daughter. He hoped that was the truth.

"I appreciate you looking out for her too." He offered appreciatively.





SPEECH

Sorry for the wait again <3 <3 Zohyd// <3

[Zohyd//]

Not once did Akroma felt she shared too much with the Utopian Lord before her. None of this information was secret or unknown. If Cadence had truly wanted to do his digging he would have found the facts out relatively quickly. There was a difference between one offering up the information and another or making one dig for it. Akroma was building a rapport with the Lord. Something many might question given the status of the war and them being declared enemies- but to any who truly knew Akroma would not be surprised by such a move. I wasn't aware of how ingrained you were into the history of these lands. Her duo-colored gaze shifted to many of the new faces surrounding her as she responded with a bit of humor laced into her lyrics Aye, I hath been around for a minute or two. A soft smile pulled at the corner of her kissers as she was appreciative of the ability for the two to communicate so easily and with respect. He owed her nothing. She was his enemy and a peasant in comparison to political stature.

A shift in his demeanor changed as she commented on Xerxes and Teca, something a bit of surprising given one could have such sour taste to react so just at the mention of another. Yes well, as much as I dislike the pair, Xerxes seems the more sensible of the two in that regard. It would seem the new Lady doesn't have much in the way of manners, and seeks to ingratiate herself with those in power through flattery. Akroma could have almost sighed of relief that it was not Xerxes Cadence despised so, but Teca and it seemed personal. A part of Akroma wanted to ask the Utopian Lord if he could blame her, but the compliment would be far too flirtatious and bold for the semi-overo, spotted wench to say in a first encounter. Had they known each other a while she would playfully make the jab to try and lighten the sour turn this had taken at the mention of the Underworld Lady- but the two were not there. Akroma had seen the Underworld Lady pregnant more than not- so her flattery must be working on most. But it's not as if Xerxes was innocent of keeping it in his pants as well. I see it hast not worketh for all in power. She offered him a playful wink and showed she understood his comment came from an experience he had himself. Akroma would not probe the Utopian Lord about it though- the juicy details were probably not appropriate for such a meeting. Some treateth the position with respect.... others, Her gaze landed on Teca for a fleeting moment before leaving, Treateth it like a beauty contest and fail to add any value but muddy up the gene pool with those that art willing. Teca was not the first or the last to be accused of such a thing. Those in power have been doing it long before any of them were alive in the mortal realm. My apologies for her lack of respect and professionalism. Whilst not mine own responsibility and holding said position once before, it dost not bode well for the Lady of the Underworld title. Akroma did not place Teca on the throne but she felt annoyed by the actions of the Lady. Not all acted as such and it gave the Underworld and the position a classless image. However, she doubted it anyone in the Underworld truly cared.

I suppose that is something that is a work in progress. A positive impact. Perhaps to be the safety or solace someone needs, because not all ever encounter that. To bring a sense of justice to the world... but perhaps that is dreaming too big. I am not sure I have a concrete answer for you now, but I hope that someday I will. That someday I will be looked at with the same type of respect that such a long career as yours would earn one. Patiently she listened to Cadence's answer and what he wanted for Utopia and the impact he wished to have upon his realm. Safety. Solace. It sounded promising to her. I hopeth thy career leads ye to more success than mine own, Cadence. At least ye art already dead and the mother of the one ye once loved cannot come to murder thee. Humor before her tones became more serious, I hopeth ye can reform Utopia. Safety and solace is most definitely something everyone deserves. I wish ye luck on making the changes ye findeth most impactful. A dip of her dial as she truly wished success on the roan-spotted beast. Utopia needed to be re-built from the ground up, but she did not openly say so. The Underworld probably needed the same thing, honestly.

I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been. Yet also speaks of your strength. Is there no way you would ever change your mind? Would you no longer choose Utopia because of Rasa, even if there were others there who wanted you? It was a bold question to ask given the information she had just told him and with the Lord of the Underworld just out of earshot. Akroma did not dare let her gaze move to Xerxes to give him reason to think this conversation was something he needed to listen in on. Was Cadence saying her wanted her in Utopia? It would be a powerful, political move and something to throw in Xerxes' face. Removeth Rasa from the throne and then we can talketh. Verbal confirmation that Rasa is what caused her the most conflict in such a place. But Akroma did not wish to get too far into the conversation- not here. Rasa was a non-negotiable to her and something she knew Cadence would not change. His idea of taking her from the Underworld was best to be buried away. Perhaps reincarnation is a good idea though. I can understand how exhausting all of this can be. Feminine facade nodded as she agreed with his comment about how exhausting it was- no need to follow it up with words. Hopefully Xerxes would hold up his end of their deal.

Did it look back on her that she did not know of Sephora's daughter? Akroma was Lady of the Underworld at the time and it's not like she was trying to be a better mother at the time. When she caught wind of Sephora being in danger that's when she took Venari with her to try and track down her daughter for help. She'd still have gone if she knew it would be her downfall from the throne, but would have told Xerxes and communicated with him so it wouldn't be her downfall with him. While to two had found a sense of friendship- she often wished they could be where they were at before she left. But it was too late and too much had happened throughout their history to just go back. Isolde remains in the dark kingdom. I believe she was in Lachlan Breck when we spoke last. I am not sure if she went with them to The Howling Keep or if she chose to go and reside with Sephora. As it stands, she does have a target on her back with regard to Utopia. I hope that I can make the argument that if she is not involved in the war then her kingdom's status should be irrelevant. Perhaps she can be protected by the fact that I am the Lord of Utopia and I am willing to disagree with Rasa on this. A dark equine is not an enemy simply because of where they live. They are only an enemy if they act maliciously towards Utopia or its allies. The black and white bullshit that Akroma despised about so many equines. She had partly gotten Underoath to see otherwise only she now believes his was a one-off case of love and lust as his actions still had said otherwise. Twin audits flicked back at his words as she was annoyed by the way Rasa wanted to view others that were not Light. Could Cadence see now why Akroma didn't want to join Utopia as long as the mahogany leader stood by his side. What type of target art we talking about specifically? What is Rasa potentially going to do? Akroma needed to know and be prepared, but wasn't sure Cadence would share considering this was a grey matter. Did Thomasin know of Isolde's lineage and family ties? Did she know that one in her herd potentially had a target on her back? To complicate this more- Thomasin is also my daughter. Should Utopia seeketh out Isolde and harm Thomasin in the process... I am looking out for both my granddaughter and daughter. I hopeth the Lord of Utopia can understand should issues arise. Did Cadence know Thomasin also came from Akroma? Did he realize that while he might do what he could to protect Isolde- Akroma would be doing her best to protect both. Sephora's exchange for Cadence's own children certainly put them all in a bit of a tricky situation that no one would know how it would play out until the day came where the sides were forced to face one another.



ooc;
➳ T e c h n o ➳ - Took longer than expected to get a reply, but here you go! I was trying to work towards a way where they could eventually end conversation so this could finish haha Buuuuut, sometimes Akroma has more questions!