Living slow and loving fast.
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Post by aliyaah on Sept 21, 2023 19:09:57 GMT -7
Amaranthine Wars
This is a thread between Avinash ( aliyaah ) and Xerxes ( A z z y ). Prompt: Please ensure you have read the information regarding the plot here. At least three posts from each roleplayer are required for this thread for it to be considered as complete, however further posts are encouraged. Thread should be completed no later than January 21st, 2023.
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Post by A z z y on Sept 21, 2023 21:28:13 GMT -7
Xerxes had never ventured to these lands before, that much he was certain of. They were magnificent, stunning, a bowl of crystal lakes confined within porcelain mountains, trees lined the landscape offering shelter to both equines and avians alike. Xerxes had situated himself on one of the lower precipices of the mountains, a pedestal that allowed him a perfect view of the neutral land below him. He rested a hind dagger on its apex, nonchalant in his demeanour as his hellish gaze devoured the scene before him. His dial cooked, gilded chain shifting across the handsome plains of his features as it shimmered in the autumn sun. Avinash had chosen to personally side with Utopia, he had chosen to discard all that the Underworld had done, and continued to do, for his family simply because Rasa had offered him angels. The thought was enough to cause a caustic smirk to burn itself into his features - where were those angels now? Where were Rasa's rabid dogs snapping at his heels to see him off from a land he was likely not welcome in? Xerxes would have sighed, should he have had the need to do so. The war was unfolding slowly but the momentum it was gaining was impressive - and still, even with her beloved son now in the grips of the abyss, Rasa remained in her ivory tower, doing nothing, saying nothing, being nothing…
Her demeanour, her absence of passion for a prestigious role such as hers was growing infuriating - Xerxes could only imagine how little it did to inspire her angels. And given that none had dared to chase him off from this spit of land, that was evidence enough. Even after the raid the Helkaer had exacted upon these lands, the security they had been left with was laughable. No angels, no versai, no vigilum. Just a misplaced hope, a lie. His demons had been allocated lands of their allies and had made the effort to at least make their presence known, reaffirming that they were only but a summons away should they be needed. And if the need was greater than what they could give, Xerxes or Mictecacihautl were only a moment away. His inky lips twisted into a smirk, a brow quirked over a single orb as his dome shook in amusement. All bark no bite it would seem, when it came to Utopia. He was disappointed, but not surprised. Xerxes readjusted his weight upon the rock, all four knives planted evenly upon it. Why had he ventured to Eacarrah this day? Curiosity would be his first guess for he had not really frequented the neutral territory. His second guess would be that perhaps, if he was being honest, he wanted to remind the world he was here, he was alive and he was watching.
A warm breeze rolled over him then, a sensation almost long forgotten by the undead heathen, but with it came a familiar scent. Avinash. The young king was not too far away. Had he seen the bone Lord? Would he face him off, chase him from the lands he likely was not welcome in? Xerxes did not shift as he felt him approach, he did not acknowledge the mahogany King until he was close enough to touch, his attention remained on the picturesque landscape ahead of them. Mictecacihautl had chided Xerxes for not trying a softer approach with the neutral king, as had Akroma in a similar fashion. Yet he was not about to force Avinash into submission, if the neutral regent did not want to ally with thr Underworld that was on him. Xerxes could see their point in trying to persuade him otherwise, for it would be a loss to Rasa and Utopia and a gain for the Underworld. Yet in reality? Xerxes didn't care if Avinash didn't like him or what he stood for, Xerxes didn't care if he wasn't liked or admired by all. Quality over quantity, when it came to those he trusted and held dear. King Avinash, the behemoth uttered, yet he did not turn to look at him, his nordic vocals spewed into the space before them that overlooked the lakes below. I trust you are well? He queried with ease, flicking his cords against his fetlocks as he waited to see how the King would react to his presence.
aliyaah
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Post by aliyaah on Oct 7, 2023 18:55:35 GMT -7
Avinash's decision to side with Utopia might have been naive. The Underworld had done much for his family, particularly considering how they had once saved his niece's life. But at what point does one forego favours of the past, and make new, stronger bonds? Particularly considering those favours were made for the generations before him? It was immensely difficult. Akroma had questioned him on his decision, and he couldn't even blame her. She knew the relationship that the Underworld previously had with the Neutral Royal's, so recognized the gravity in his decision to side with Utopia. Heck, he even questioned his own decision. He had no idea if it was the correct one. Probably there was no good decision to be made in such a time of conflict, considering the circumstances. The Underworld had done this, but Utopia had done that... So which was better? He had spent hours mulling over these matters, taking into consideration all the factors before making his choice... A choice he felt obligated to make, for he did not want to be the king that stood idly by. At the end of the day, he had based his decision off of his personal experiences. He knew he would be judged for it, and he just had to be ready. Now, there were some situations where individuals could say that they owed no one else an explanation for their personal decisions... But unfortunately Avinash believed he was not at liberty to say such a thing, considering his royal title. Everything he did had to be carefully thought out, considering all sides, the benefits, and the consequences. He had done this. It did not mean he felt certain in his choice, unfortunately. But it did mean that he had reason behind siding with Utopia, as compared to the Underworld. At the very least, he had that to hold on to. When push came to shove, and if he was proven he made the wrong decision... At least he could say he had had the best of intentions. Foolish choices or otherwise.
The Neutral King sighed as he continued on his journey. Today, he was once again travelling to the mainland of Eacarrah. With the hardships it had faced prior, Avinash was being diligent in ensuring that it faired well. And when he arrived at the familiar territory, it was made immediately, and evidently, that he had picked a good day to assess the wellbeing of the domain. For once he crossed into Gavin's lands, reaching the higher points that allowed him to look down over the magnificent lake, his attention was brought to the presence of another. None other than the demonic lord, Xerxes. Standing stoic, overlooking the lake as the warm breeze gently pulled at his ivory whipcord. Avinash paused for a moment, taking time to consider how this encounter might unfold, before walking forwards to halt at the heathen's side. "King Avinash" the ginormous behemoth greeted him firstly, then adding with civility, "I trust you are well?" The youthful king was careful to not allow a change in expression upon his visage, one which would surely demonstrated the uncertainty and unease that arose in him at the sight of Lord Xerxes. Why was the Lord of the Underworld in his kingdom? Why was he in Eacarrah? The bay tobiano gazed at the other brute, but Xerxes' attention was directed outwards to their surroundings. Picking his words carefully, the royal responded. "Lord Xerxes. As well as can be expected, considering..." Avinash heavily implied that one could only be so well during a stressful time such as this. "You appear to be no worse for wear considering the conflict." The younger noted, not visibly seeing any sign of strife upon the deadened soul. "What brings you to the Neutral Kingdom today?" He then inquired, wondering if the response he was to receive would be an honest one.
TAGGED - A z z y with Xerxes WORD COUNT - 600+ MUSE - NOTES - <3
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Post by A z z y on Oct 9, 2023 10:59:28 GMT -7
Xerxes remained painfully at ease as the neutral regent moved alongside him, whether from will or duty, the towering beast could not decipher. The chirping of birdsong ricocheted about the mountains, echoing from deep within the dense woodland that lined the base of the rocky inclines. Xerxes kept his attention honed in on the world around him, his hellish eyes fiercely ablaze on every shift in movement, every shadow that danced. The mahogany and alabaster King seemed to take a moment to deliberate the greeting from the heathen, why Xerxes could not discern. For whatever mask the King wore, the Devil could peel it back to reveal the truth beneath. Was the neutral king at ease with his decision? Did the threat of carnage keep sleep from blessing his weary mind? Xerxes could almost sympathise for it was not so many years ago he had to make a choice - a choice in a war that was not easy and perhaps not right. It may have even played into the very reason as to why Avinash was so reluctant to side with the Underworld. But he had made the choice to protect his Kingdom, after all, the fury of the neutrals was little in comparison to the flame and wrath of the helkaer. He had had lands and their inhabitants to keep safe, he had not long removed the helkaer from the throne they had stolen from his father… he could not risk another attack at that time. And instead of improving his defences, he had opted to bolster his offences, rightly or wrongly.
The neutral monarch spoke, a single bone hued lobe twisted down to ensnare the words of the King. Lord Xerxes. As well as can be expected, considering… the silence that ensued was enough of a worm on a hook, this time the behemoth turning his attention to devour the state of Avinash. Xerxes trailed his scrutiny over the regent, scouring his frame for signs of war, of injury, if anything he looked tired. A thoughtful yet agreeable hum rolled from within his muscled chest, his atlas bobbing silently in acknowledgement - war was exhausting. You appear to be no worse for wear considering the conflict, Avinash observed, rousing a small smile to curl the inky lips of the fiend, a chuckle peppering the silence that followed the mortal's assessment. Death has some perks, Avinash. Many shortcomings, make no mistake, but there is some joy to be had... even if it means I no longer have scars, There was no malice in his words, there was no evidence that he was prodding and poking at the mortal, if anything this was turning out to be a civil engagement, thus far. What brings you to the Neutral Kingdom today? The question of the monarch caused Xerxes to turn his handsome countenance to face him, a mischievous shimmer flashing in those hellfire eyes.
To imagine your world aflame, he began, an evidently humorous undertone to the words. To envision your subjects begging for mercy… bla bla bla… he trailed off, a clear indication that on this occasion, such morbid thoughts had not yet crossed his mind. Not recently, anyway. Flicking his long ivory cords against the curve of his fetlocks, the towering beast readjusted his weight upon his knives, squarely placing them upon the slab of rock beneath them. If I am to be honest, I am here out of curiosity, he admitted, his nordic tones easing slightly as they left his vox. I wanted to see these angels Rasa offered you in the flesh, as it were. To get a measure of the opposition both my demons and I will surely encounter… he trailed off, his features shifting from playful amusement to stoic disappointment. Yet here I stand, arguably the biggest threat to your existence presently, without hide nor hair of an Utopian in sight… the words of the undead bastard trailed off, yet there was an edge to the tones, a disappointment in Rasa, an indignation to the notion that it was she who made a promise, it was she who declared war and yet it was she who did nothing. It would be the mortals who would pay for this war, not Rasa or Xerxes, did they see that? He hoped they would, before it was too late. His atlas turned then to ensnare the King in his relentless scrutiny, I could eviscerate you where you stand, Avinash, he paused, his titian depths scouring the emerald depths of the mortal king, seeking the emotions he may endeavour to smother. And there would be no witnesses… how does that male you feel? It was not a threat, he was not here to sway Avinash to the Underworld, but if the inaction of Rasa said more than the action of the Underworld, then who could blame the Neutral King for switching sides…
aliyaah
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Post by aliyaah on Dec 19, 2023 20:26:38 GMT -7
When the dread lord turned to set his gaze upon the bay tobiano, Avinash could have sworn he could physically feel those vivid, titian orbs rake over his skeleton. Scrutinizing… Judging. Perhaps assessing what kind of involvement Avinash might have had in the war so far, what kind of interference he had ran for Xerxes’ demons and allies. And therefore, potentially determining how the Lord of the Underworld would handle this situation. The Neutral King could not deny that he felt intimidated, even though his role in the conflict so far had been minimal. ”Death has some perks, Avinash. Many shortcomings, make no mistake, but there is some joy to be had… even if it means I no longer have scars.” The even chords left the blackened maw of the great beast. Yes, the monarch could certainly see how there were perks to the Afterlife, considering the powers that came into an individual’s possession once they reached either the heavens or hell… In addition to the fact that they seemed to life an everlasting second life. But surely these things came at a cost. Aside from death… Was there more to pay? ”Do you consider it to be better than living your mortal life?” The youthful king inquired, his query both curious but innocent, genuinely seeking Xerxes’ opinion on the matter. If he could, would Xerxes ever consider trading his place as ruler of the heathens to return to the life he once had? Or was that a world he had happily left behind?
”To imagine your world aflame. To envision your subjects begging for mercy… bla bla bla.” Xerxes commented almost too casually. The words perhaps meant nothing to the demon, but it spoke volumes to Avinash. They touched on his greatest fears, his deepest anxieties. To imagine those who depended on him, and those who he loved, suffering… It pained him immensely. But he could not dwell on such thoughts at the moment, not when he found himself in such a precarious situation. He wondered if Xerxes knew how much Avinash cared for his kingdom, and if that was why he had chosen to use such language… Or if he had just happened to be making an educated guess on the royal’s feelings, an attempt to stir the pot of mental anguish. Then, in response to the investigation as to what had brought Xerxes to the Neutral Kingdom, the answer was provided, ”If I am to be honest, I am here out of curiosity.” Simply satisfying a curiosity? That left Avinash in disbelief. Surely so deep into the war there were more pressing matters for Xerxes to attend to. ”I wanted to see these angels Rasa offered you in the flesh, as it were. To get a measure of the opposition both my demons and I will surely encounter…” This made much more sense - sizing up what barriers his alliance might face. ”Yet here I stand, arguably the biggest threat to your existence presently, without hide nor hair of an Utopian in sight…” The silence fell between them, uncomfortably, as Xerxes made Avinash realize that indeed… He was unprotected. But surely, the vigilant guardians would be alerted to Xerxes presence and be close by in no time… Right?
”I could eviscerate you where you stand, Avinash.” The demon commented, his words lethal. Avinash refused to look away, despite the chill that ran down his spine. ”And there would be no witnesses… how does that make you feel?” He forced himself to remain calm, collected, despite how his instincts shouted at him. They told him to flee, told him he was in immense peril. But he could not back down. So, he responded earnestly, ”No different than how I already feel. I am not, nor have ever been, naive to your potential. I understand the threat you have always posed. Which is why I have always endeavored to tread carefully in your presence.” Cocking his dial ever so slightly to demonstrate intrigue, the young steed then inquired, ”But then, why don’t you annihilate us all?” He paused for a moment, before then explaining, ”Surely, the living who have stood by the Utopians have hindered your progress. It seems as though it would not even cause you to break a sweat to burn us all. What stops you from that?”
TAGGED - A z z y with Xerxes WORD COUNT - 700+ MUSE - NOTES - <3
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Post by A z z y on Dec 31, 2023 1:59:28 GMT -7
The heathen lord kept a steady eye upon the neutral regent, not our of fear or respect, but out of curiosity. Curiosity that stemmed from his own experiences as a mortal, as a king. The decisions he had had to make, the lines he had had to cross just to ensure the safety of both his home, kingdom and self still echoed in his grey matter yet they were now but footnotes of a different life, a life long lost. ”Do you consider it to be better than living your mortal life?” the innocent inquisition from Avinash roused a small smile, the corners of his swarthy lips twitching upwards as he deliberated a response. Yes and no, in equal measures, he began, deciding that this time he would indulge the neutral king in some of his more private thoughts. I do not miss the inevitability of death, and I am rather fond of the gifts death has given me, he began, choosing his words carefully. Death was but a deep and long sleep, the final rest. But when those one loved remained, the pain caused by death was a larger fear than death itself. But I do miss the feelings that accompany life - the warmth of the sun, the bite of a winter wind… little things one takes for granted. Xerxes could feel the effects the wind had upon him - the shifting of his tresses for example, but not the caress of the invisible palms as they moved over him. Do you fear death, Avinash? It was his turn to pry now, curious as to whether or not the young King had even pondered such ideas.
As Xerxes answered the query, albeit jokingly to start, as to why he was visiting the neutral lands this day, he could almost sense the palpable energy of anxiety that rose within the mortal regent beside him. Xerxes stifled the urge to chuckle, he kept his insidious thoughts to himself, although the temptation to possess the young Kings mind to show him such images was strong, he resisted. There were those, namely Akroma and Mictecacihautl, who believed Xerxes’ handling of his last encounter with Avinash had been too strong, that too much of his iron fist approach had caused the mortal to bow out of an alliance. Xerxes vehemently disagreed with both maidens - their personal views and wants were reason enough for him not to seek a resolution to their qualms. Akroma had her own personal alliances to the Neutral Kingdom and Mictecacihautl simply believed in quantity over quality. The neutral kingdom would not engage in heinous crimes to further the reach of chaos, they would not stand beside the Helkaer should it ever be asked of them. Xerxes would hazard an educated guess that perhaps the only reason they might consider a formal alliance would be to remain protected from the Helkaer. And yet in doing so, the quarry of the syndicate would be narrowed down further. It was a relationship that had more complicating facets than he would care to admit or dwell upon. The die had been cast afterall, and Avinash had chosen his side.
As the dreadlord highlighted the precarious situation Avinash now found himself in, with none of these guardian angels to hand nor a solid witness should Xerxes choose to destroy him, the regent seemed to take a pause before speaking. ”No different than how I already feel. I am not, nor have ever been, naive to your potential. I understand the threat you have always posed. Which is why I have always endeavoured to tread carefully in your presence.” The chin of the behemoth seemed to dip slightly, a nod of understanding and acknowledgement. Wise, was all he said before Avinash continued on. ”But then, why don’t you annihilate us all? Surely, the living who have stood by the Utopians have hindered your progress. It seems as though it would not even cause you to break a sweat to burn us all. What stops you from that?” Xerxes chuckled, an ominous thunder that loomed deep within his chest, his hard features seeming to visibly soften a fraction as it was now his turn to deliberate a response. Because you have been conscripted into a war that you need not be involved in, he began, his tones candid, truthful. Rasa’s call to arms should have been for her angels alone, yet she cannot rally them effectively, his gaze swept over the beautiful lands of Eacarrah, absent of the protection she had promised them.
I stand by what I have said since the start, this could have likely all been avoided had she put aside her pride and spoken with me first. Instead, she chose silence and allowed Nehemiah to rot… he trailed off, his muscled shoulders rolling in a shrug beneath his bone hued epithelium. In response to her own lack of action, she declares a war and steals my children… My ire is a personal one towards her, not her followers. You are doing what you think is best, and for the time being, so am I. That was not to say that Xerxes would not resort to annihilation should it come to it, but for now, the choice remained. Those who went for his heart and throat would be met with the same vengeful jaws that swung at him and they would receive such rage tenfold. Do you think you are doing what is best? he queried the King once more, curious to know how he felt in the situation he had been forced into due to matters that did not concern him.
aliyaah
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