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Post by aliyaah on Apr 17, 2024 13:43:29 GMT -7
Amaranthine Wars
This is a thread between Leviathan ( fleabittengray) 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 August 17th, 2024.
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Post by fleabittengray on May 23, 2024 4:07:35 GMT -7
Leviathan And there's no need for prophecy From the start we knew that we would break vow And there's no need for prophecy Building walls, just to watch you break them down He'd finally been released from the Underworld. His body and mind had not suffered as much as poor Cadence had. Cadence had been battered and beaten. Leviathan had not been, aside from having feathers from his wings taken by another Daeva - a Daeva of the Underworld. He'd been curious and worried but had known better than to ask questions so he had remained in silence as the girl torn feathers from his black and white striped wings. He'd steeled himself against the pain, because it could have been so much worse, and then he had settled into his cell to wait. And wait. And wait. Shortly after the girl had gathered his feathers, he and Cadence had been taken to Eden to be traded for Venari, Everest, and Akroma. He'd wondered if that would mean the end of the war but alas, battles still ravaged the mortal world. Leviathan was sick of it and he just wanted to go into The Howling Keep and speak with Nessa, to make sure Teca had made good on her promise of keeping his best friend safe. He had not yet been able to visit her, however, because he knew that wandering into the Keep now, while Utopia was declared an enemy, was not a good idea. He did not want to get Nessa or her family in any trouble, nor did he want to get in any trouble himself. Yet, he did have an idea that had been nagging at him for several hours now. The Daeva soundlessly walked across the sandy shores of Opaque Beach, a frown etched deeply into his facade. Every so often, his feathered wings would shift and ruffle against his sides. He knew he was just a boy, still in his youth, but perhaps he could do something. Show some initiative. Or at least, learn more from his enemy than he'd been able to learn while in their grasp. Xerxes had rarely visited him in the cell he'd been kept in, but it was the very same beast that Leviathan was determined to speak with now. Deciding he may as well get it over with, Leviathan continued his walking at a slow and easy pace but as he moved he sent a summons to the dread lord. "Walk with me, Xerxes," was the silent voice that called out for the Lord of the Underworld. He hoped that Xerxes would oblige him, at least for a little while. Leviathan | 409 | A z z y w/ Xerxes notes | this should be good timeline | 3 years 9 months, spring, morning "Speech"
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Post by A z z y on May 31, 2024 5:42:02 GMT -7
The bone hued behemoth ground his molars down upon one another, the muscles and sinews winding and releasing like a trebuchet mechanism as he deliberated on what has come and what was yet to pass. The trade had been completed, his children and Akroma, for Leviathan and Cadence, everyone was back where they belonged, but it wasn't enough to stop the war machine. Xerxes cast his mind to the day of the trade, Leviathan in good enough health, Cadence beaten and battered, a hint of what was to come. Yet his brood, particularly Everest, whilst not harmed directly by the Utopians, had endured over a year of residing in a realm that wanted nothing more than to push him out like pus from a wound. Everest looked haggard, he looked broken but those ice hued eyes were burning with a rage second to none. Xerxes’ own wrathful gaze paled in comparison to the look in his son's eyes as they had transferred prisoners. He wasn't done with Utopia, oh no, this was only the beginning. Was Utopia prepared for that? He doubted it. Xerxes studied the flames below as they writhed and spat embers into the dank miasma of the abyss, whatever would happen next in this series of unfortunate events?
Walk with me Xerxes, the summons was whispered into his grey matter as if the very lips of the speaker were beside his lobes. The voice was surprisingly recognisable, one he had not expected to hear from for quite some time. One that he had hoped not to hear for quite some time. The alabaster beast chuckled, a dark ominous sound that rumbled from deep within his muscled chest, those hellish optics flashing in the murk. Xerxes deliberated on what Leviathan could possibly want, and more importantly, if he would oblige him. The notion of being summoned by the child of Rasa, someone who not that long ago was bound to the depths of the Underworld, was not something that sat particularly well with the devil. He found the daeva to be somewhat aloof, speaking as if he knew and had experienced the plight of the mortals first hand, as if he knew how the big wide world worked. Yet it seemed that children born into death went one of two ways - they either claimed to know it all, to be relatable, approachable, safe… or they took no interest in it, believing themselves to be of a different breed entirely and a different breed above all else. He could not discern which was worse.
Steeling himself, his lids closed over those fire hued optics slowly, dousing him in darkness as he transcended to the mortal realm. The sound of crashing waves upon the shore echoed within his skull and the scent of the sea breeze teased his nasal passages. As his lids opened, he drank in the image of the bay, his dragon-like wings clasped neatly to his barrel as he stood within the surf. The white crested waves kissed his canon bones and sent diamonds of salt water to adorn his underbelly, adding an almost ethereal sparkle to the devil. He had arrived ahead of Leviathan, situating himself just around the peninsula, knowing that it would be a matter of minutes before Leviathan rounded that point and saw the devil within the waves. Minutes dripped by, but soon enough, a black figure appeared in the distance, traversing in his direction, wings and horns a dead giveaway that it was indeed Leviathan who approached. Xerxes studied him whilst he was far away before returning his attention to the horizon and the gulls that soared in the ether. Once Leviathan was in ear shot did Xerxes finally speak, yet he did not turn to look at him. What do you want, Leviathan? he queried, his nordic tones void of emotion, his features stoic as he awaited a response, silently curious as to how this would play out...
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Post by fleabittengray on Jun 4, 2024 13:52:55 GMT -7
Leviathan And there's no need for prophecy From the start we knew that we would break vow And there's no need for prophecy Building walls, just to watch you break them down While he walked, waiting for the Lord to hopefully arrive, Leviathan thought. He always had been a rather serious brute, even as a child. The only one to ever really see him fully relax and have fun was Nessa, usually. She knew him best out of everyone he knew. She was his best friend and he feared deeply what Teca might do to her or her family. He really did not want any trauma to come to his best friend, especially if he were to be the cause of said trauma. He wondered if he should bring up the topic of Nessa to Xerxes, should he arrive to speak with him, but Leviathan wasn't sure about that. The deal had been made with the Lady of the Underworld... but that did not mean that the Lord of the Underworld would honor it as well. Frowning all the more, he kept his eyes focused on searching the beach. Opaque Beach was meant to be a land for the Light aligned equines to gather in, yet here he was, summoning a ruler of Hell to it. The irony was not lost on him. He was starting to lose hope that Xerxes would show up when, up ahead, he saw the still figure of a very large equine standing within the waves. It was clear that it was Xerxes, his white hue sticking out within the blue of the waves but if his color hadn't been recognizable, his horns and wings would have been. Leviathan did not quicken his pace, though he kept his eyes on the Lord. He saw how Xerxes first looked at him and then out toward the horizon. What was the dread lord thinking, the boy wondered, and would he allow a prince of his enemy to pick his mind? There was no fear as he neared the hellion, but he was not going to foolishly disrespect the man, either. Leviathan had been trained how to fight, yes, but Xerxes was older, with years more of experience and tainted darkness. Leviathan had never fought a true battle, not until he'd been confronted by the demon that had tried to stop him from returning home during his scouting for Nehemiah. What do you want, Leviathan? The Devil did not look at him as he spoke. Leviathan walked out into the waves near the larger beast, keeping enough distance between them to be polite - and safe, should he need to retreat quickly. The water did not splash around him as it did to the Lord. It simply passed through him, unable to interact with his Daeva form. "To talk to you," the boy stated simply, his gaze for a moment settling on Xerxes and then turning out toward the horizon. "We did not get to talk much, while I was in the Underworld."Leviathan | 472 | A z z y w/ Xerxes notes | xxx timeline | 3 years 9 months, spring, morning "Speech"
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Post by A z z y on Jul 18, 2024 5:57:40 GMT -7
Xerxes’ gaze did not falter from the horizon, his titian optics two glowering pits that could also match the sun’s intensity. A single lobe twisted upon his atlas, the satellite keeping Leviathan in its range, ensuring the devil knew his location at all times. He did not trust the child of Rasa; if she had any sense, she would have instructed the babe to strike first, think later. Yet knowing Rasa as he did, seeing the lack of effort and input her angels had exhibited since her declaration of war, he doubted she had departed any inspirational wisdom upon her son. Leviathan drew ever closer, and for a moment Xerxes pondered the notion of cutting him down now, pulling him limb from limb so that Rasa may very well take him seriously. He imagined the beast laying dead in the water, face down, wings splayed upon the surface. He imagined his death rattles, his end. It did not bother him as it perhaps should have done, a father himself, the very idea of losing Everest in such a brutal fashion did not raise any feelings from the beast. It was only as Leviathan drew beside him, that he silenced these nefarious urges… for now, at least.
"To talk to you,” came his retort, the words rousing a smirk from the dreadlord, yet his attention never left the line where the sea met the sky. Shifting his mass within the waves, his once cocked rear hoof now planted itself with the sands, his embodiment seeming to grow more, as if that was possible. "We did not get to talk much, while I was in the Underworld,” Leviathan continued on, this time rousing a reaction from the bone hued virile. Viciously, his crown swung to face Leviathan, a devilish grin cut into his swarthy lips as his hellish optics scoured those of the daeva for a moment. No, he agreed, his words thoughtful, No we did not, he hissed, the subtle sting of sarcasm filtering into his syllables. Would you like to come back? I am sure I could make time for you once this war has ended… he chuckled slightly, knowing the answer the child would give before he heard it. Of course he didn't want to come back, why would he? He had chosen his side, and now he would suffer for it…
Xerxes chuckled, the rumbling sound from within his chest reminiscent of thunder, ominous, threatening, rolling into silence. With a playful wink, Xerxes turned his attention then back to the sky line, his enamels boring down upon one another as he did his best to ignore those carnal, animalistic urges… to sink his teeth into Leviathan would be a joy second to none, but for now, he would stifle those needs. What do you want to talk about, Leviathan? He asked, his tones almost bored. How many times would he have to hash this out? The irony of it all was not lost on Xerxes… afterall, if Rasa had chosen to talk to him, over declaring war, he doubted he'd be stood here now with Leviathan…
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Post by fleabittengray on Aug 10, 2024 16:34:18 GMT -7
Leviathan And there's no need for prophecy From the start we knew that we would break vow And there's no need for prophecy Building walls, just to watch you break them down Xerxes was interesting to him. He found the Underworld intriguing, but had no interest in ever joining their ranks. However, what better way to defeat your enemy, than to get to know them? His mother was biased toward all things demons and darkness, but Leviathan was more cautiously curious. Would he ever want to leave Utopia, his family, and align himself with Hell? No, he couldn't see that ever happening - but what if he could help bridge the gap between them? His mother would be angry with him for having this discussion with Xerxes, for putting himself in danger, he was sure of it - but would she not be pleased if he could make some sort of deal with the Devil as well? Something that would benefit Utopia and the Underworld might capture Xerxes interest... in theory, anyway. Levi was here hoping to test that theory, without testing the limits of the man's patience. Both of the Afterlife entities - one still more a boy than a man, the other more than double his age - gazed out into the horizon in silence. Xerxes stood much taller than him, but honestly, who didn't the Devil tower over? He was massive! Levi wondered what Xerxes had been like as a child. Had he ever been innocent, or had his innocence been ripped away from him much too young? Had there been trauma and abuse while he grew into the man he was today - ruler of the legions of Hell, and a former Dark King as well? There was much about Xerxes that Levi did not know. But then again, Xerxes didn't know much about Leviathan, either, other than he was Rasa's Daeva son - a supposed Prince of Utopia. Levi always chuckled at the title of Prince. He didn't feel like a prince. He was just... Leviathan. Just a boy trying to make peace with the world. If not for his sake, than for Nessa and her family. He did not want his best friend to live in a land constantly ravaged by war. As Xerxes swung his head around, sudden and vicious, Leviathan tensed, readying his body for an attack - a bite, at the very least - but other than that, he did not move. And Xerxes? He did not bite at him, either. Levi turned his head in Xerxes's direction, still tense, but his expression calm as the Lord grinned at him. No, No we did not, Levi did not miss the sarcasm dripping from Xerxes's lips. He chuckled quietly, corners of his own lips curling into an amused grin. Would you like to come back? I am sure I could make time for you once this war has ended… Levi quietly considered the question, watching as Xerxes winked and then looked back out toward the horizon. "Perhaps a visit could be arranged," he finally stated, his tone careful and calculated, waiting for the Lord's reaction. What do you want to talk about, Leviathan? Right. He has summoned the Lord here for a reason. "Well..." he started, trailing off quietly as his own head turned, eyes gazing back out toward the horizon. "I want to get to know you. Not just as an enemy, or as Lord of the Underworld. I want to know you as Xerxes." It sounded so simple, and logical, at least to Leviathan. "The Underworld and Utopia are constantly at each other's throats, but we hardly know anything about each other. Why do we even hate each other? Because Utopia good, Underworld bad?" He huffed softly, a thoughtful frown replacing his former grin. "Maybe if we all just... got to know each other a little better, we could prevent future wars from happening, at the very least. I don't expect us to suddenly be best of friends and have eternal peace, but... I think we should start somewhere, to make a change that will benefit both Utopia and the Underworld, as well as the mortals."Leviathan | 664 | A z z y w/ Xerxes notes | interesting o.o timeline | 3 years 9 months, spring, morning "Speech"
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Post by A z z y on Aug 15, 2024 9:52:29 GMT -7
The alabaster serpent remained motionless within the surf, the salted waters rose and dipped with every passing wave that the ocean concocted. They rolled easily by the two undead beasts, the white crested apexes sending a spray from them as their tops curled in, similar to the tightly coiled nape of a war horse. All before they crashed into the shore behind the ivory and obsidian bastards. Xerxes kept a single tower upon Leviathan, his own hellish gaze scouring the gathering clouds that darkened the distant horizon. A storm was coming. At last, as Xerxes suggested the possibility of a return visit, the child of his enemy spoke then. "Perhaps a visit could be arranged,” his words were measured carefully, deposited into the small gulf between them with caution. Xerxes grinned, his swarthy lips splitting in a handsome smile before a dastardly chuckle rumbled from within his pectorals. Perhaps… Xerxes agreed, an ominous aura to the word uttered as it dropped between them. If Rasa believed a victory or even a loss would be enough to satiate Xerxes’ need for retribution she was sorely mistaken.
Leviathan seemed lost to his thoughts, the heathen king having to prompt him to return, to reveal to the Devil why exactly the Utopian Prince had called upon him. “Well…” he began, trailing off as his own eyes turned towards the skyline. "I want to get to know you. Not just as an enemy, or as Lord of the Underworld. I want to know you as Xerxes.” The beast could not help the small smirk that crept upon his lips then, a mischievous sparkle entering his gaze as he too kept a weathered eye upon the distant horizon. "The Underworld and Utopia are constantly at each other's throats, but we hardly know anything about each other. Why do we even hate each other? Because Utopia good, Underworld bad?” The younger entity huffed, a quick expulsion of carbon forced through his nasal passages at what Xerxes could only assume was what appeared to be the basic level of the situation. No, it was far too nuanced than what the onyx hued lad believed.
"Maybe if we all just... got to know each other a little better, we could prevent future wars from happening, at the very least. I don't expect us to suddenly be best of friends and have eternal peace, but... I think we should start somewhere, to make a change that will benefit both Utopia and the Underworld, as well as the mortals.” Xerxes felt his brow furrow, grooves of doubt cutting into that handsome physiognomy, his hellish optics rolling in their sockets to land upon Leviathan with a wry smile, a smile that didn't quite match his eyes. Tell me, what change would you suggest? And what change could benefit the Underworld that your mother would support? Xerxes humoured him, his tones inquisitive, it being his turn now to probe and pry. Careful, we don't want to step on any toes... he joked, his nordic tones dripping into the gulf between them. There was a pause, the cacophony of the gulls drowning out the moment of silence as Xerxes gathered his thoughts. You do know me, Leviathan, he began, his words even. You know me because you are cut from the same cloth. It was my destiny to become what I have done - what is your destiny? he turned the question back to the daeva then, his lobes twisting upon his atlas to show where his attention lay.
If he'd have had the necessity to inhale, he would have done, yet instead he remained motionless within the surf, his hellish optics twisting in their bony incarceration to view Leviathan once more. Do you know why Utopia is failing? Xerxes shot the question at him, his scrutiny never leaving the face of the daeva as he watched for his reaction. It is because you seek to control, much like you are now, the latter part of the sentence was spoken wryly, as if Xerxes was onto the game Leviathan was playing. If I was to have chosen Utopia, I would be shamed, forced to beg for forgiveness, forced to change the very essence of my soul and for what? To be in Rasa's good books? To be able to live in a world where the only difference between the Underworld and Utopia is the landscape and stringent rules that if you do not adhere to, you will be banished? he paused, allowing Leviathan a moment to truly consider his words. Do you believe Utopia will win this war, truly?
fleabittengray sorry, sleepy muse is not good x.x
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Post by fleabittengray on Aug 23, 2024 9:15:05 GMT -7
Leviathan And there's no need for prophecy From the start we knew that we would break vow And there's no need for prophecy Building walls, just to watch you break them down He was walking a fine line right now. He was taking a risk, talking to Xerxes out in the open for anyone to see and spread rumors about. Those rumors could get back to his mother, back to Nessa. He was worried of something like that happening but this was a conversation that he felt needed to happen, and there was no time like the present, right? Perhaps… The Underworld Lord spoke in response to Leviathan coming to visit his realm, but Levi spoke no more on the subject. All would be told in due time. He had to speak carefully. He knew that Xerxes was a tricky one, manipulative - he was the Devil, after all - but Levi could only hope that this would work out. That this conversation wouldn't be all for nothing. Because Leviathan would never forgive himself if this was all for nothing... if this was just some facade that Xerxes was putting on, not really listening to him, only calculating when the best moment to strike was. At least the Hellfire Lord let Leviathan speak without any interruptions. Levi hoped that was a good sign, a sign that he was listening and interested in whatever ideas that the Prince of Utopia had to say. Once he finished speaking, the charcoal turned his head to look at Xerxes, mud-red eyes peering at him in a way that was suspicious but hopeful. What would the fearsome Lord say? Would he be willing to hear him out? Or would he laugh and mock the young prince, leaving him to return home empty handed. Tell me, what change would you suggest? And what change could benefit the Underworld that your mother would support? A crooked, sheepish smile appeared on the young lad's face and he chuckled. "I doubt mom would be happy about us having this conversation, but she'd be willing to hear me out." He paused, ears twitching aside his horns. "Perhaps both the Underworld and Utopia could find a way to utilize our Daevas as messengers, of sorts." He spoke carefully, keeping his tone neutral, and Xerxes spoke once more. Careful, we don't want to step on any toes... He laughed then, shaking his head and looking out toward the waves and the horizon. "I'm going to have this same conversation with mom as soon as I can, Xerxes. Nothing changes unless some toes get stepped on every now and again." Such words of wisdom coming from the mouth of one still so young. A brief lull in conversation and then Xerxes spoke again. You do know me, Leviathan, You know me because you are cut from the same cloth. It was my destiny to become what I have done - what is your destiny? Cut from the same cloth? Well, now, Levi wouldn't go that far. Xerxes was brutal and could be cruel. Levi was far from either of those things. "What was your childhood like, Xerxes? Where did you grow up?" He sighed, an unnecessary breath into the atmosphere. "Do you think how we were raised, where we were raised, plays a part in our fate? In our destinies?" He quieted, listening to the gentle lulling of the waves around them. "I never had a mortal life. And I'm not so sure I even believe in things like destiny. I think we're all a product of our environments, in one way or another."Do you know why Utopia is failing? Levi's eyes narrowed out toward the horizon, ears twitching back half-way before perking forward again. He was intrigued to know Xerxes view of Utopia. It is because you seek to control, much like you are now, To that, Leviathan had to scoff, giving a cheeky grin. "Me? Control you? Come now, Xerxes, you're positively massive - and something tells me you wouldn't be controlled very easily, size differences or not." That was putting it lightly. Xerxes struck Leviathan as someone who liked to be the one in control. Of all things. If I was to have chosen Utopia, I would be shamed, forced to beg for forgiveness, forced to change the very essence of my soul and for what? To be in Rasa's good books? To be able to live in a world where the only difference between the Underworld and Utopia is the landscape and stringent rules that if you do not adhere to, you will be banished? Did he really think that his mother would banish him or not give him a chance, if he asked for one? Do you believe Utopia will win this war, truly? The question didn't quite catch him by surprise, but he still huffed softly at it. "I believe our chances are slim, but there is still a chance. But, Xerxes," again, he looked at the larger stallion, "there are no real winners in a war. War effects everyone, even those not immediately involved in it. It is full of traumas and tragedies. There is nothing good that comes out of war, we will all lose something." He looked down at the water then, wishing he could feel it surrounding him, but he could not. "My mother doesn't want others to beg for her forgiveness, by the way. She believes that those that were the ones hurt are who are due an apology, and the only ones that can forgive. Oftentimes, her tasks given to those seeking to join Utopian are related to helping others in difficult situations - regardless of who they are. She's helped her enemies before, and she would do it again. Surely you know about Gidge?"Leviathan | 933 | A z z y w/ Xerxes notes | dun dun dun timeline | 3 years 9 months, spring, morning "Speech"
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