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Post by aliyaah on Jun 1, 2024 19:27:59 GMT -7
His soul had been stolen. Which was... Weird, to say the least. Mostly because he felt no different. He felt no more unusual than he did every day. Yet he knew what had happened, and he knew what it meant. Due to his family's ties with the Afterlife, and his own sister having had her soul possessed by the Underworld once before, he was knowledgeable to what this entailed. Unlike Divine who had given her soul willingly, however, his had been taken from him. An act of war, surely. Whether this was supposed to serve as simply a demonstration, or whether the one known as Everest actually had plan for the Neutral King's essence, Avinash did not know - but he intended on finding out. The war seemed to be drawing to its close, for surely, neither side could continue on as they had for much longer...At least, not without irreversible consequences, even to the side of the victor. Taking that into consideration, Avinash had to acknowledge the options here. If Utopia won the war, they would surely insist on the release of whatever souls that the Underworldians held captive. But if Lord Xerxes and his cronies won? Then what did that mean for Avinash's soul? He did not want to consider that his death was anywhere close on the horizon, however, living in such perilous times - and holding the position that he did - meant that he could not rule it out as a possibility. In which case, if he did perish, he would come to be an inhabitant of the Underworld... Somewhere he truly did not belong. So, what choice did he have but to pursue this path, to determine what Everest's goal was here - and to attempt to secure Avinash's soul's freedom?
He chose Eden to speak to the beast, knowing that whatever otherworldly power the Underworldian did possess, he would not be able to use it here. Then, he could at least try to make for a more even playing field... Despite the fact that Everest already had the advantage. The sun lay low over the realm as the monarch approached the flowered meadows, dusk settling in and muting the ordinarily vibrant colours of Eden. The individuals here were filtering out, bringing an end to their business and heading to wherever home was to settle in for the night. But Avinash's assignment was only beginning. He did not know if Everest was expecting him - if the brute would have gathered that Avinash would protest the steal, or if he might have just accepted his fate. It was not, after all, as if Avinsh had the ability to take his soul back - that was something far beyond his control, and admittedly, his understanding. If Everest was not expecting the Neutral King's appearance, Avinash wondered if when he called to the immortal, whether his call would even be heard. He didn't really know how all that worked, but normally it did, when he came to Eden and asked for the right to converse with a being of the Afterlife. He would just have to try, he supposed. And so, the seventeen hand high sovereign drew himself up to a secluded portion of the pasture, wishing to keep their business to themselves, and called out gently to the expanse before him - "Everest, I wish to speak with you."
Tagged - A z z y with Everest Words - 500+ Notes - Just wanting to talk about his soul being stolen. <3
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Post by A z z y on Jun 6, 2024 21:42:11 GMT -7
Prior to, and after, his enslavement in the cells of the Utopian scum, Everest had made it his business to pick through the depths of his father's grey matter at every opportunity he could do. Xerxes had considered such enthusiasm admirable, a good and necessary quality for a potential King of the Damned. Everest had endeavoured to learn as much as he was able to whilst held captive by Rasa, mentally noting those who had ambushed him at her command, those who had done their best to aid him during the onslaught, those that visited his cells and those that didn't. It was both amusing and curious that none of those so emboldened by the rallying war cry of Rasa had bothered to meet with him when restrained by their realm. They stank of fear, perhaps the wrath of their lady was more than they imagined the wrath of the fiend to be, but in time they would soon learn otherwise. It was not just his own wrath he would hope to channel into these wretches, but that of the Underworld. It was why, from that very vein, upon his release and after he had gathered his strength, that he had begun to make divisive moves against those who had taken but not returned anything from the abyss.
The angel, Rhundurin, for reasons unknown, had created a daeva with a once lady of hell. A daeva that resided in Utopia no less - Everest wanted to know why, and he wanted the Underworld’s share. He had attempted the steal of Nixi’s soul, another who had taken from the Underworld but returned nought. In due course, Everest would ensure that Nixi knew of his intentions for her overdue repayment. And then, King Avinash, the leader of the neutral alliance. Everest did not doubt that this move may very well ruffle the feathers of Liberius, devoted mate to Avinash’s sister and sire of his niece, yet it was of no concern to him if the demon was disgruntled. If he wishes to lay with those that ally with the enemy, perhaps his loyalties were not in the right place afterall. Xerxes had explained the long relationship the Underworld had had with the neutral Kingdom, one that was held in good stead whilst his mother reigned, both in her mortal and immortal existence. She had returned Divine’s soul to her, keeping them as safe from the wrath of the Underworld as Akroma possibly could. Yet when she fell, and Xerxes offered them an alliance, albeit with conditions, they declined and sided with Utopia in a war of attrition, a war that Everest believed Utopia to be losing.
Truly, he believed the targets of his plot to consider this the work of Xerxes. It was not. Xerxes had no hand in this nor an idea that Everest was seeking settlements for debts long overdue. If they wished for peace, it would be in their best interests to play along with Everest, but even he was not so naive as to think the rats wouldn't go running to the bosom of Rasa for protection. A wry smirk cut his handsome features in two, as those Atlantic optics scoured the murk of the Underworld - when he wasn't in the mortal realm brawling or causing mischief, he was in the abyss, plotting, scheming, recharging his batteries for the next encounter. An encounter that seemed to come quicker than he had imagined, given that the Utopian he had plucked from the heavens had not yet shown their face. "Everest, I wish to speak with you.” The words entered his grey matter as if whispered into his auds directly. Without wings he could not soar, he did not possess the level of power his father did and so he turned on his hocks, limbs extending into a majestic thrice beat as he powered towards the gates of Hell and subsequently Eden.
As the terrain shifted from hellscape to lush meadows, he slowed slightly, his eyes and ears darting here and there almost maniacally as he sought the source of the call. Like a shark on a scent, he seemed to prowl through the emerald blades, his crown rising as a lone mahogany and ivory splashed figure stood alone in the distance. With his features void of emotion, he moved forwards with ease, his towering frame closing the distance until he halted before what he now assumed to be Avinash, if only by the description alone. The fiend did not dip his crown to the monarch, he did not offer pleasantries for he did not know how. Instead, he merely levelled his gaze upon the neutral regent, his lobes twisting forwards to show that Avinash had his full and undivided attention. Yes?
aliyaah
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Post by aliyaah on Jun 26, 2024 20:20:24 GMT -7
It was not long until the Neutral King was attended to, the fiend that Avinash had summoned finding him with apparent ease. The beast was a commanding presence, drawing the youthful monarch's attention while they were still quite some distance apart from one another. The obsidian toned hessian bore a demeanour that boasted both intimidation as well as charisma - but the royal found he was more so mastered by the former. Everest's gaze moved in a fashion that was almost uncontrolled... Somewhat spastic to a degree, as if he almost could not maintain his composure. The demonstration wore a semblance of being unhinged, and it was that which made Avinash gathered that this creature was dangerous. Very dangerous. If the neutral had been on edge before, it was nothing compared to what he was now. His musculature beneath his dual-painted coiled from preparation and stress, tensing to a degree that was uncomfortable. He knew he should not feel this way - after all, they were standing amidst Eden... And from what he had been educated on, there was no way that Everest could launch an attack here, be it physical or other worldly. Still, that did not mean that unpleasantries could not be exchanged, and if Everest's mere presence indicated anything, that was more than likely going to come to pass.
What surprised him, at least, was that he found familiarity within the other. As Everest stalked forwards towards him, King Avinash came to realize that he recognized the beast. It took no time to recall from when he had last seen the beast -after all, such an individual was hard to forget. Though much had changed since that time, Avinash remembered the event well - it was, ultimately, Rasa's announcement that had acted as the catalyst for this war. It was when she had called a gathering of Afterlife inhabitants and mortals alike to announce the disappearance of Lord Nehemiah that Everest and Avinash had crossed paths, even if indirectly. They had both been present to witness the broadcast. From what Avinash could recall, with the news that had been relayed across the lands, Everest had fallen upon a wretched fate in the hours following the Utopian statement and landed himself as their prisoner. His capture, and the retaliation of the Underworld, was what had officially brought life to the war. While those spreading news of the war be it from the Neutral Kingdom's own surveillance or otherwise, had done their best to keep Avinash informed, he had not heard of what had become of the fiend. Clearly, whatever happened had been in Everest's favor, considering he was evidently free of his enslavement and was wreaking havoc against the allies of Utopia. With all this in mind, the royal simply muttered a "Mmm," as he remembered Everest's identity, as if it now made sense why this individual had taken Avi's soul, and watched the large creature finalize his approach. When Everest halted, he offered no demonstration of respect, but simply held the neutral's optics on the level. "Yes?" He asked plainly, as if he did not know why Avinash was there. Equally as transparent, the bay tobiano responded, "You have my soul. I'm here to ask what you intend of it."
Tagged - A z z y with Everest Words - 500+ Notes - I'm writing it as it having been common knowledge of Everest/Xerxes' children having been captured, then Utopians being captured and how that subsequently lead to the declaration of war BUT if you don't want that please let me know and I'll edit my post.
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Post by A z z y on Jul 10, 2024 6:27:00 GMT -7
The fiend kept the bone and earth hued stag in his scrutiny with ease, those icy optics honed in on him like a hawk upon the shrew. It made absolute sense that such a child king would choose to ally with the Utopians, to risk all for the carrot of protection she dangled before him, yet what had he received? Land guardians who did nothing? The hollow words of a woman who had not dared to intercept this steal? Had the Underworld kept their word - some could argue yes. The Underworld had done more for the neutrals than Utopia ever had, perhaps. However, what was done was done. Avinash had made this choice, and now he and his kingdom would have to endure the suffering of consequences. Everest sliced his cords against his hocks silently, the once gentle wafting soon became an almost vicious motion, like that of an enraged predator. If it weren't for the constraints of Eden bearing down upon them, he may very well have torn the face from the skull of the neutral king. Not because he hated Avinash, he did not know him, but simply because he could. Because he wanted to. A thoughtful Mmm resounded from the neutral regent, as if putting together pieces of a puzzle, as if something had clicked into place.
Everest did not react, the relentlessness of his gaze did not falter upon the king, it did not waiver as he drank in all the subtle shifts and jumps of his facial features. "You have my soul. I'm here to ask what you intend of it.” The monarch queried of the fiend and Everest could not help the devilish leer that slithered across his lips then, revealing the pearly whites hidden behind his kissers. One could argue that technically it isn't yours - at the moment… he mused, his tones smug, sarcastic, as they dripped from his lips. Nonchalantly, the towering beast rested a hind dagger upon its apex, his embodiment almost taking on a casual demeanour despite the raging inferno in those Atlantic optics. In short, I intend to keep it, came the answer Avinash sought, his muscled shoulders rolling under the polished obsidian epithelium in an approximation of a shrug. What else had Avinash hoped for? That the son of Xerxes, the biggest risk to Rasa and her allies, may willingly hand back his quarry without stipulation? His gaze narrowed a fraction, the left corner of his lips curling into a wry smirk for a moment. I suppose that is not the answer you wanted…
There was a brief pause, Everest peeled his gaze from the mortal as his handsome countenance surveyed the picture perfect realm they both stood within, imagining it ablaze for a brief moment. You do have options, of course. Allow me to keep it, safe and sound. Or, find me a soul of equal value to yours, and I will return yours to you, those pallid cerulean pools slid back to Avinash slowly, studying his reaction as he did so. You chose your side, despite all the Underworld has done for your family, and so you shall suffer for it, lest you settle your debts, another pause as he cocked his jaw slightly, a dangerous shimmer entering his callous gaze. I am sure I could arrange for Rinoa and Liberius to have some quality time in the depths of the Underworld, perhaps even Divine could join them… the threat was there, a promise to. Everest was not his father, he could not turn the other cheek, he would not turn the other cheek. If Avinash wanted peace from Everest, from the Underworld, he'd best learn to play this nasty little game…
aliyaah Ooc// no worries re your post! Sorry this is so awful x.x
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Post by aliyaah on Jul 11, 2024 13:03:21 GMT -7
Avinash's inquiry seemed to draw a sort of entertained sneer from the other, as if the king had offered the deadly brute a reason to gloat. And indeed, Everest had addressed that by stating, "One could argue that technically it isn't yours - at the moment…" If he hadn't been so tense, the neutral might have laughed at the joke - Everest wasn't incorrect, after all. But the stress he bore upon him denied him that light-heartedness, and the comment rolled right off of him. "In short, I intend to keep it," Simple. In short - but what was the long version? What was the plan? Pursuing further information, for what he truly sought, Avinash asked, "Keep it regardless of whether there is a war occurring?" The Underworldian curled his lip, his taunt worn evidently upon him "I suppose that is not the answer you wanted…" Of course not. Who would want their soul stolen by the enemy, after all? "Well, no. Not what one would hope. But it would be foolish to have expected anything else." The sovereign stated, shrugging his shoulders - less so out of an act of casualness, and more so from trying to dispel some of the pressure he bore.
"You do have options, of course. Allow me to keep it, safe and sound. Or, find me a soul of equal value to yours, and I will return yours to you," The gargantuan creature offered. Avinash was surprised, and perhaps that emotion flickered in his orbs for a moment. He couldn't determine whether the pitch was Everest demonstrating his ability to be diplomatic, or whether there was a trick at play. Perhaps, for example, he would have enjoyed seeing Avinash desperately try to get his soul traded for another - to have the young monarch show that he treasured his own inner self over someone else's. Well, that certainly was not going to happen. "You chose your side, despite all the Underworld has done for your family, and so you shall suffer for it, lest you settle your debts," And that was that, wasn't it? Everest had called out what was entirely true. Avinash had made the decision to side with the Utopians, despite whatever relationship he - or rather, his family - had held with them in the past. All things considered, both Utopia and the Underworld had aided the Neutral Kingdom in one way or another, the Utopians much more recently. The Underworld's actions had been years prior, yet it was still something that kept being mentioned, kept being lorded over them. Akroma having given Divine's soul back was not a trade - it was an offer of their friendship. Avinash's participation in the war had nothing to do with their friendship. He could imagine the Underworld would expect something different were the roles reversed, yet here it was being mentioned again. Nonetheless. It was Utopia who had offered his kingdom aid while he was king. And it was the Underworld who had threatened him... So he did not regret his decision, even if he was now having to pay the consequences. A violent look crossed the fiend's visage before he then added, "I am sure I could arrange for Rinoa and Liberius to have some quality time in the depths of the Underworld, perhaps even Divine could join them…" Avinash's facade turned flat at the mention of his family. Evenly, yet forcefully, he responded, "They will not be involved." That Everest would even consider such a thing was a joke, and surely he was merely attempting to get a rise out of the king. "You are right about it being my decision, and I take oneness of that. I simply wished to find out your intentions so I could decide upon mine." He wasn't sure exactly what that would be yet... Likely he would have to confide with those wiser than he, such as his council. Then, not wishing to leave Everest's intimidation tactic unchecked, Avinash commented, "I can't imagine Liberius would take kindly to someone essentially threatening the murder of his child and mate." He frowned - he knew not of how actively Liberius was involved in the war, or what kind of relationship he held with Everest... After all, it had been quite some time since he had seen his brother-in-law, and yet... He could not picture that the demon would handle the lives of those he cherished most dearly being toyed with.
Tagged - A z z y with Everest Words - 700+ Notes - <3
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Post by A z z y on Jul 23, 2024 6:47:16 GMT -7
"Keep it regardless of whether there is a war occurring?” The mortal quizzed him, causing the fiend's atlas to tilt on its axis slightly, a shimmer of mischief entering those sapphires. It almost felt like a trick question, so foolish, so naive, yet Everest merely bobbed his atlas in silent acknowledgement of his question. In response to his probe, Avinash retorted "Well, no. Not what one would hope. But it would be foolish to have expected anything else.” Everest pursed his lips together in a pout, mockingly offended by the mortals assumptions of him, no matter how correct they might be. And why is that? The fiend quizzed, a brow arching slightly in turn with the corner of his lips. Are we so predictable? Everest almost knew the answer the mortal may give, and there could be some truth in it. Yet was Avinash so ready and willing to roll over and show his belly? Was he so at peace with the notion that this is what the Underworld is like and therefore what else could he expect? It was a dangerous line to tread, afterall, the Underworld had tried to he better, it had tried to be nice… it had tried to be what it was never meant to be and it had failed. Whatever encounters Avinash and his kin had had with previous Lords, ladies and demons would soon be a distant memory…
As he offered Avinash a way out, a resolution, there was what could be considered as a flicker of surprise in those emerald eyes of his. Was that surprise at diplomacy, at there being an option out that didn't include violence? Perhaps, but unless Avinash acted on that, it made little difference to the fiend. He continued on with little reaction from Avinash, until he mentioned his niece and sister, whereby a veil seemed to fall across his features. Had Everest hit a nerve? Undoubtedly, it would seem. "They will not be involved.” A small smile curled Everest's lips, accompanied with a thoughtful him that resounded from deep within his chest. It was a sound of doubt, a sound that may remind the mortal king it would be wise to not underestimate him. He was not his mother, he was not his father - to the mortal king, he was an unknown, an anomaly. He was uncharted territory; if Avinash wished to see his sister and niece with the light in their eyes until their natural dying day took them, he would do well to keep in the good books of Everest. "You are right about it being my decision, and I take oneness of that. I simply wished to find out your intentions so I could decide upon mine.” The voice of the regent pulled him back to the present, his lobes twisting on his atlas to incarcerate the words. And your decision is…? My earlier offer stands true, your soul or one of equal value and I shall leave you and your kingdom alone, lest our paths cross out of necessity. War, for example.
Yet the King was not finished, Everest's jab earlier had been enough to work it's way under his epithelium like a parasite. "I can't imagine Liberius would take kindly to someone essentially threatening the murder of his child and mate.” It was Everest's turn to roll his muscled shoulders now, an offish shrug given to the mortal. In truth, Everest had not encountered the notorious Liberius, he had neither seen nor heard evidence of his endeavours to further the victory of the Underworld, which begged the question, was he worth knowing at all? No, I can't imagine he would, Everest replied thoughtfully, yet after a brief pause continued to say However, he is in The Underworld for a reason… what goes around comes around for those deserving of it… Everest trailed off, allowing the King a moment to ponder his words. Did he think the demon was a soft gentle soul? Did it not occur to him that he had likely committed heinous atrocities that he showed no remorse for to end up in eternal damnation? With a flick of his obsidian cords against his fetlocks, he fell silent, allowing Avinash the time and space to think on his next move, if he had one.
aliyaah
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