[A z z y]

tw: some fruity language


Xerxes moved across the amethyst landscape with an unmatched inferno smouldering in those hellish eyes. Beside him, Sacoorah walked, a silence hanging between them that was neither comfortable or otherwise - it simply was. Xerxes could have destroyed the angel, he'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about it. Images of her snow white flesh left hanging on the gates of the Underworld as a symbol of what could have happened to Nehemiah, of how if it was Xerxes who had left him to rot, it would have been in a far more morbid fashion. If he had left the god to return to dust, he would have claimed it, owned it, embraced it. He would have shouted his victory over the utopians louder than any choir or siren could muster. He would have flaunted the dead relic before all… but it was not his decision to allow Nehemiah to rot. It had been Rasa's. Just as it had been her decision to send her child into the abyss to discern where their Lord no longer was. It had been Rasa's choice to send Leviathan into the belly of the beast and that was where he now lay, waiting, rotting, much like Nehemiah had done. Leviathan had been headed off by one of Xerxes' finest, yet was mercifully allowed to leave with his life… only for Mictecacihautl to lure him back in once more. He quelled the irritation that threatened to ignite within him at the thought of such an interaction, the sickly sweet way in which the blood and bone hued woman worked was beginning to gnaw at him. The time for pleasantries had long passed and he wondered if she would be so calm and casual if it were her children ensnared by the winged cunts.

Running the expanse of his tongue over the voluptuous curve of his jet stained lips, he spied the ivory angel beside him from his peripherals, a wry smile curling his mug as he pulled his scrutiny from her to the path ahead. He wanted his demon back, he wanted to see which foolish wretch had boldly taken the cursed spot beside the mahogany witch. He wanted to show them how it was done, how things could have played out if Rasa had just talked to him, if she had just swallowed her pride… none of this would have happened. Did the angels know that? Or had they been spun a lie, a farce? Told to believe that she was right, she was perfect, and that her condemnation of all was valid. He could have brought Leviathan, swapped him for his children but he knew in the very depths of his soul his brood would outlast the pain Rasa would feel, the pain he felt, with her child now in his clutches, at his mercy - something he was beginning to run low on as of late. Xerxes halted suddenly, the tip of his wing extended to halt Sacoorah in her tracks. Let us hope they return Baelrune in one piece, eh? He mused his nordic tones deepened by a dark humour that swarmed in his eyes. For your sake more than anyone else's… he wouldn't think twice about snapping her neck where she stood if he learned otherwise.

There was a pause as an eerie silence fell about the ivory duo, one towering the other, one waiting patiently to be returned home. Sacoorah's stay in the Underworld had been short but civil, no harm came to her, the weight of the abyss prevented from crushing her as it did so many. Would she be honest that her captivity had been a relatively easy one? Or would she tell the tale of a caged animal, beaten and prodded, whipped and forced into submission. Clearing his throat, the towering behemoth released an ominous rumbling summons into the ether, his hellish optics glowering up at the heavens. You have something of mine, Utopia, and I want it back… he trailed off, allowing the silence to reign, allowing the threat to linger heavily in the air. Lazily, he rested a hind dagger on its apex. Would it be both of the rulers of Utopia? Or would one or the other grace him with their presence? It would be in their best interest too, after all…


Wolf Heart fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳
The thread for Baelrune & Sacoorah to be traded.

[fleabittengray]

x

RASA

made by remi of rilla go! and adoxography

There was a surplus of demons in Utopia these days, but today, one of them was going to be leaving. Baelrune, the demon that had been imprisoned due to losing his battle against an angel, The Fallen. Rasa was proud of her angel for winning and securing a victory for the Heavens. Since Baelrune had been in Utopia, no other harm had come to him. He had been allowed to heal from the wounds received during his battle. He'd been kept alone, separated from the other demons - Venari and Everest - and had next to no contact with really anyone, as far as she was aware. The angels had not been banned from visiting him, if they so desired, but harming him had been forbidden. Rasa did not want to torture the demons. She knew they would be going through enough distress just being away from the Underworld for so long.

Honestly, she was more surprised this trade was happening for Baelrune and not for his children, but Rasa was not going to say no, not when it meant getting her friend out of the depth of Hell. Sacoorah was one of her best friends and it was her own fault for not blocking the damned steal. So much was going on, it was hard to focus on the steals, when they happened, and now they were paying for it. A huff was expelled from her nostrils as she walked, keeping a half eye on Baelrune who was beside and a little behind her. She was not using her powers to keep him contained. He could run, if he wished, but then that would ruin his chances. Because the second he ran, the deal was off, and she would drag him back kicking and screaming to Utopia until he learned his lesson.

When they finally got to Eden, she searched for the location where she would be meeting Xerxes, her teeth clenched and her withers twitching with unease. The large stallion towered above even her height of 17 hands, tall and bulky, but Rasa did not fear the bastard's height. Glancing toward Sacoorah, she gave a subtle incline of her head and then turned her attention back to Xerxes. "I believe you have something of mine as well, Xerxes," she spoke, keeping her voice neutral as much as she could. "And I think it's time you give her back."


A z z y w/ Xerxes, Wolf Heart w/ Sacoorah, ➳ T e c h n o ➳ w/ Baelrune
398 | Rasa
Hope this works <3
20 years 1 months, summer, after Hunroor's Coronation

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

There had been a summons to exchange prisoners bertween Utopia and the Underworld. Cadence had been equally as surprised as Rasa in their choice to exchange Sacoorah for Baelrune. To some degree that made the roan Lord far more suspicious pertaining to their reasons. Who would choose an unrelated demon over their own children if not for the chance to gain intel into Utopia amidst an ongoing war. Much like Baelrune though, they were kept mostly isolated from the angels and pertinent information that was shared within their domain. Cadence had been the one to go and retrieve and escort Baelrune to Eden. He had indicated this to Rasa so that she needn't wait so long for him. The unruly demon had been healed, though Cadence would've liked to have left him to suffer. 

Perhaps that was unkind, and so he'd bitten his tongue when Rasa had allowed for his wounds to be healed. The striped hessian had not ceased his incessant talking about how The Fallen had thrown him over the Kunipar cliffs that had led to such awful injuries. Cadence ignored the demon as he prattled on in an irritating fashion. He was well aware that it was intended to get under their skin. Baelrune had been kept isolated, and he was probably desparate for some sort of communication at this point. He was little more than a child who craved any sort of attention after being left to their own devices for too long. Any attention, even negative, was good. As the duo entered Eden, he could feel his powers slip away from him.

It was uncomfortable, but at the very least the same would happen to the Underworld leaders as well. He spotted both Rasa and Xerxes with ease and managed to snag Baelrune by his mane when he tried to run off ahead to Xerxes. He might not have his powers, but he certainly could use his teeth to keep the demon restrained. He was undoubtedly relieved to be out of the painful atmosphere of Utopia. Cadence flicked his ears as he managed to catch the exchange of words between Rasa and Xerxes. A frown crossed his features as he settled in beside Rasa. Baelrune looked smugly toward Xerxes with a flick of his tail as he remained politely behind both Utopian leaders.

"I'm surprised that you'd choose a demon that is not of your own blood over your own children." Cadence commented dryly. It was unlikely that the alabaster and onyx king would divulge his reasons why. Perhaps he would surprise the roan and answer honestly. 

"Speech"
A z z y fleabittengray Roman Wolf Heart

Illustration by Darkrise

[Wolf Heart]

She had lost count. How many times had she been snagged from the warm embrace of her home?  Three?  Or was it four now?  More?  Yet, no matter how many times she'd been snagged from Utopia, her captivity had not been cruel. As a matter of fact, aside from getting fatigued by the heaviness of the atmosphere of the Underworld, she had remained relatively unharmed. It was strange. Apparently, today the behemoth that had taken her had called for an exchange of prisoners. It was to be her for a Demon. She quietly paced beside Xerxes, though his strides were larger than her own, yet she stayed close beside him as it seemed to be the best option.  They paced for a while and she looked side long at the stud as he spoke to her, Let us hope they return Baelrune in one piece, eh?  For your sake more than anyone else's… She did not miss the dark humor in his baritones, nor did she miss its extension to his voids. Yet, when he halted her she felt she could breathe a little easier. You have something of mine, Utopia, and I want it back… Just a few steps and she would be going home once more. Her pale, icy, sapphire orbs drifted forth toward the lands ahead of her. It wasn't long before her pools fell upon a familiar and comforting sight. Her friend, Rasa had come for her, she recognized the Demon and then her gaze fell upon a second familiar face, Cadence.  They had both come. She gave her friend a small inclination of her own tiara and a small wistful smile, before Rasa spoke back to Xerxes, I believe you have something of mine as well, Xerxes, And I think it's time you give her back. Saco barely managed to keep her chuckle from slipping free of her muzzle. Classic Rasa, the first true friend she had ever made upon her rebirth to the Afterlife. No matter what happened next, she would always be thankful it had been Rasa she had met first, the mare looked out for her own, and especially for her friends. Standing beside the pale Demon, Sacoorah was the image of calm. Slender crown held slightly askance, and high but not overly so, her blue tipped wings resting lightly against her sides, and pale, icy, sapphire orbs neutral and calm. Once the words were spoken it would all be done with...until the next time that was.   Word Count: 416 "Speaking"  Listening  Notes: A z z y, fleabittengray, and ➳ T e c h n o ➳. Here you all go. Sorry it took so long to reply.

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Baelrune

Baelrune had been kept isolated in Utopia for awhile now. It had been long enough to make him restless. He was in the heart of an enemy's territory, and it caused him pain, and yet he could do nothing to wreak havoc on them. The striped hessian was almost eager to be led away for this exchange that the Underworld wanted to make. His red eyes flashed to orange and then yellow as he almost gleefully pranced along behind the roan Lord of Utopia, Cadence. The bronc had kept him contained whilst they were within Utopia, but the moment they set foot in Eden, Baelrune tried to make a break for it. He was swiftly met with the teeth of the Lord upon his nape and felt the tug backward as he was halted in his tracks. A sly smile slithered across his face as he fell back in place. Why did these Utopians think he'd just fall into line willingly? "At least it's true what they say about Utopia not being shy about using force." Baelrune commented gleefully, although the duo seemed to mostly ignore him.

They were awfully boring, but he knew it was because they wanted to prevent any ounce of enjoyment he could grasp from irritating them. The hessian knew he was likely to get under their skin, even if they didn't show it. That was triumph enough for him, although it didn't even come close to the fact that the angel who'd dragged him here had thrown him over the cliffs. Baelrune meandered behind Cadence almost politely, as he took a few seconds to admire the flowers as if he cared about them. It had slowed them down significantly enough for Rasa, Xerxes, and the unknown prisoner angel to arrive in the clearing. They arrived just in time to hear the tail end of their conversation. Baelrune allowed a sly grin to slide across his face as he peered at Xerxes. He was a little surprised that they had come for him, but he would never mind being rescued so that he could begin to cause chaos.

"What a model prisoner. She didn't even try to run off on you once you hit Eden!" Baelrune piped up in an attempt to antagonize the imprisoned angel and perhaps allow a prickle of irritation to slide through the group of Utopians. Baelrune would say nothing pertinent around the enemy, and he looked to Xerxes for guidance. As far as he was concerned, he was free the second they hit Eden. This little exchange was nothing more than a show.

"Speech"
fleabittengray A z z y Wolf Heart here's a rusty Bael

_{image by firelotl of instagram}

[A z z y]

The ivory heathen remained silent after he had summoned the heavens, standing dutifully beside Sacoorah, posied and prepared should the wretched creature try to balk. For her sake, he prayed she would not be so foolish when faced with the opportunity of freedom. Xerxes studied the world arund them, flowing oceans of swaying amethyst lavendar, a cool breeze, a relentless sun. Perfection, to many. But a shield and a scapegoat for others. Here, he was no better than the mortals, reduced to the same boring existance he had endured moons ago. Still, there was a smug sense of pride in the decision he had made today. This exchange was one of many signs that perhaps he was a better leader than Rasa, a more proactive leader, a more capable leader. She had not defended the steal, she had not challenged it, neither had her newly crowned, yet reclycled, lord. Much like Nehemiah, she had chosen to do nothing. But unlike Nehemiah, Sacoorah would not rot. She would not return to ash like the previous lord. Why? Because Xerxes was being proactive, every positive step he made forced the spotlight of negativity upon the heavens. What a silly notion, to believe they could win the very game the devil had created.

After a while, movement drew his attention from the world around them to an approaching mahogany figure. She drew to a halt before Xerxes, trailing her gaze over the ivory angel before finally resting her attention upon the devil himself. There was tension in her jaw, her lips a thin line of determination, her muscles quivering along her withers with what? Concern? Adrenaline? Who could say. "I believe you have something of mine as well, Xerxes, And I think it's time you give her back." The devil allowed a small chuckle reverebate from within his muscled chest as a wry smile curled across his lips. Was it not I who called upon you for this exchange? Careful Rasa, you're beginning to sound as if you haven't an original thought floating about in that skull of yours... he mused, his nordic tones dripping with ire and amusment as eventually, two more figures joined them. Cadence and Baelrune. "I'm surprised that you'd choose a demon that is not of your own blood over your own children." Xerxes briefly cast his attention over Balerune, assessing him for damage before returning his optics to Cadence, unwaivering, unshifting. Funny, I sort of believed the same of Rasa... yet by all accounts, Cadence, my children are thriving depsite their current predicament. If I were you, I'd be turning those concerns of yours inwards, for I belive the reach of the Underworld is far greater than you would like to believe... his attention slid to Rasa with a wink, a snort of amuement rolling through him. Did the Utopian leads know that a daeva had been formed and given willingly to the Underworld since Everest had been a resident there, by one of their own angels no less?

"What a model prisoner. She didn't even try to run off on you once you hit Eden!" Balerune's words caused him to pull his scrutiny from the ruling pair to his demon, a small huff of asmusement forced through his nares as he looked to the striped devil. A model prisoner or a typical Utopian, you tell me... he would play along, he would continue to irk them as much as he damn well wished. Here they could do nothing to him, he was untouchable as were they. Still, once the jab had been delivered he turned to look to Cadence and Rasa fully. You have declared a war you will not win. Blood will be spilled because of your ignorance and your pride. Lives will be lost in your name that needn't be. Let it be known that it was I who arranged this exchange. let it be known it was the Underworld who chose action instead of inaction, his wing arched then, poised to allow Sacoorah her freedom, but ready to close in on her once more should the Utopians try anything foolish. Your son will remain in the Underworld until you are ready to swallow your pride. He will not suffer, as Nehemiah didn't, but time is a creul master and his strength will only last so long. Mark my words. It was confirmation that Leviathan was in his grasp, it was a threat that he would destroy the daeva, but also those related to Cadence. Xerxes would not stop. The lid had been lifted on Pandora's box and none would be able to close it.

fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳ Wolf Heart


Words

[fleabittengray]

x

RASA

made by remi of rilla go! and adoxography

Cadence came along shortly after her, with Baelrune in tow. Rasa looked across as Sacoorah, offering a small smile at her, hoping her friend would forgive herself and Cadence for missing a steal. The imprisoned demon was being obnoxious, making comments, trying to flee to Xerxes's side. The Lady of Utopia had to stop herself from rolling her eyes at his antic, allowing her gaze to focus on Xerxes, partially narrowed as her rage simmered, boiling just beneath the surface. "I'm surprised that you'd choose a demon that is not of your own blood over your own children." The comment came from Cadence and though Rasa said nothing, she did agree with the comment. She had figured Xerxes would be keen to have his children back. Had hoped he would use Leviathan in a trade to get them back, even if she probably wouldn't have agreed to it, anyway. Levi may be able to get some helpful inside information... Maybe. She hated to use him like that, though, despite the boy being more than willing to help.

"What a model prisoner. She didn't even try to run off on you once you hit Eden!" The snarky comment came from Baelrune. Rasa huffed softly, turned her head to peer at Baelrune. "She has manners." That was all she said and then was looking forward again. Was it not I who called upon you for this exchange? Careful Rasa, you're beginning to sound as if you haven't an original thought floating about in that skull of yours... More snarky comments from Xerxes this time. Rasa just blinked, staring at the leader of Hell. No matter what she said or did, she would always be wrong and weak in his eyes, so why entertain his comments? Funny, I sort of believed the same of Rasa... yet by all accounts, Cadence, my children are thriving depsite their current predicament. If I were you, I'd be turning those concerns of yours inwards, for I belive the reach of the Underworld is far greater than you would like to believe... The wink had her feeling disgusted, but again, she was still and silent. She had no idea about the Daeva, had she known, she would have stripped the angel involved in it of their wings and sent them right to Asphodel, marked as a traitor.

A model prisoner or a typical Utopian, you tell me... He was calling her weak. Because Utopians were all weak, right? All useless, worthless, pathetic... Of course, Rasa knew that wasn't true. It was annoying that everyone seemed to think otherwise. You have declared a war you will not win. Blood will be spilled because of your ignorance and your pride. Lives will be lost in your name that needn't be. Let it be known that it was I who arranged this exchange. let it be known it was the Underworld who chose action instead of inaction. Again, it was her fault that demons had taken Nehemiah. Apparently, this was all her fault, despite the Underworld literally starting it all. Your son will remain in the Underworld until you are ready to swallow your pride. He will not suffer, as Nehemiah didn't, but time is a creul master and his strength will only last so long. Mark my words.

As much as she wanted to scream at him, Rasa kept her cool. Best to stay completely neutral and not give anything away. She just blinked, nodding, her jaw clenched for a moment. "Noted." She flicked her tail, glancing at Cadence and then back at Xerxes. "Now, give me back my friend."


A z z y w/ Xerxes, Wolf Heart w/ Sacoorah, ➳ T e c h n o ➳ w/ Baelrune + Cadence
600 | Rasa
Apologies for the quality, rough day today <3
20 years 1 months, summer, after Hunroor's Coronation

[fleabittengray]

➳ T e c h n o ➳ Bump!

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Xerxes was clearly pleased with himself. He acted as though he were superior in comparison to both himself and Rasa. Cadence wondered how he ever found conversation with his counterpart to be entertaining. Perhaps he'd not displayed such a grandiose ego. The roan lord listened as Xerxes prattled on with both jabs and threats towards the Utopians. He spoke of how far the reach of The Underworld was, but wasn't that usually how these things went? That the other side believed, usually falsely, that their reach was far more widespread than it was. Or that they underestimated the other side entirely. Cadence remained silent, but a little more amused by the display from the both Xerxes and Baelrune. Rasa bit back at Baelrune who commented on Sacoorah's state, as Xerxes threw another jab their way. Cadence found all of this more amusing, and he found the attempts to get under his skin were best dealt with by ignoring them.

He'd found it was common that they were looking for a specific reaction, and denying that reaction was a satisfying personal victory. As he remained quiet, Rasa demanded their friend back. He was still unsure of why Xerxes would be so unconcerned with Everest and Venari remaining in their grasps until it was revealed that he had Leviathan. Cadence didn't react outwardly to that. That made more sense, but perhaps he also viewed their imprisonment as a strategic advantage. "I don't think you can get any more cliche than the pair of you, Xerxes. You brazen understimate Utopia. You're confident that you will win this war but you only have your version of events without knowing your enemy. Better kings have fallen for less. " Cadence commented cooly, with a bemused smile on his face. The lord wondered how the two demons would respond. He'd share later with Rasa of his assumption or speculation about his children potentially being strategic.

"How kind of you not to allow him to perish to the mists.... And yet, all's fair in love and war." Cadence commented, an unspoken threat. The superiority that he felt over Utopia was sickening. Yet, he didn't think it would be wise to take that entirely off the table during the war. Cadence didn't want Leviathan to perish to the mists, and by threatening to let Everest and Venari do so would add fuel to the fire. But perhaps it would make Xerxes think about things a little more. Cadence didn't believe his counterpart was stupid, but rather blinded temporarily by the events. Both sides had an advantage over the other in many areas. He cast a glance toward Rasa and hoped she would know that he was only trying to get under the demon king's skin. If she disagreed, she could berate him for it later. 

"Speech"
A z z y fleabittengray Roman Wolf Heart  Sorry for the wait, this is a hot garbage

Illustration by Darkrise

[fleabittengray]

Wolf Heart Bump!

[Wolf Heart]

OOC: Are we still posting in this thread? If so I'll try to post her this weekend.

[fleabittengray]

Wolf Heart I believe so, yes.

[Wolf Heart]

Listening to the exchange taking place between her captor and her close friends, Sacoorah stood silently by, elegant, ivory pins flicking every now and again to take in what was being said. Picking on one another seemed to be the thing these Lords and Lady were doing to try to annoy one another it seemed, yet, neither was allowing their displeasure to be seen across their facades. Sure, it was strange that neither wanted to bring back their own blood, but the ivory angel could see why this was so, perhaps, without saying it, they were hoping that their kin would be able to work from within their prisons. A small, near imperceptible smirk crossed her velvety kissers, they were smart, every last one of them. When her captor poked fun at the way she was behaving, the mare heaved a small, soft sigh from her maw, she had been a captive more in her life than she would admit, she just knew she was better off being diminutive and obedient than confrontational. When Xerxes' wing shifted to allow her to return to Rasa and Cadence's sides, she didn't immediately step forth, she simply looked from Xerxes to Rasa and Cadence and then her gaze shifted to Baelrune.  Perhaps it would be best for her and him to step out at the same time to return to their respective homes. Yes, at least that way, neither one had an advantage over the other, she didn't miss that his wing, though moved to allow her to leave was still ready to reclaim her in the chance that someone made an aggressive move toward the other, another reason she didn't step out right away. After a few more moments, and Cadence had spoken his piece, the silence fell between them all.  A couple more minutes passed and Saco turned her almost white, icy blue pools toward the Alabaster beast beside her, "Do I have your permission to return to my family M'lord?"  Sacoorah asked him softly, towers tipped his way as she tried to keep another smirk hidden as she waited to see if he would even tell her she could go. Even if he didn't give her spoken permission, he did remove the wing he was using to stop her from her path so she figured the answer was yes, but she had to be polite, it was the way she had been raised by her momma and daddy and it was how she would continue to behave.  When it seemed that enough time had passed and she had given the other a proper amount of time to respond to her inquiry, Sacoorah took her first, tentative step back toward her family. As much as she despised calling Xerxes M'lord, the disgust was never evident in her voice or across her facade, nor was it in her orbs. She had been raised to have manners, she had been raised to respect everyone above her in status, and as such, she was always on her best behavior around pretty much everyone. Another step forward and she stretched her blue tipped wings just a little before settling them firmly against her sides once more, another step and she arched her nape and carried her crown and her tail in an elegant fashion, gracefully she continued forward, she was going home. She had to hold herself back from running to the embrace of her friends, her true family, it was hard, but no one would be able to tell as her excitement wasn't evident anywhere on or around her frame. She was going home!  She was once more released of her confines in Hell and was able to return to the welcome grasp of Heaven, the one place she felt truly at home. One step at a time drew her closer to her family.  Word Count: 640  "Speaking"  Listening  Notes: A z z y, fleabittengray, ➳ T e c h n o ➳, Here you go I am so, so, so sorry I left this thread hanging for so long with my outta the blue hiatus, but here you go, finally.