[aliyaah]

Amaranthine Wars - Vigilum & Afterlife Leaders

Some days ago, the seers of Wild Equines were sent a vision by the mist of the Afterlife. This vision showed that if the war was allowed to continue on the path it was currently travelling, it would lead to the ultimate destruction of the world. Not wishing for this vision to come to pass, the seers travelled to Mount Vigilum to inform the Vigilum of what they had seen. Grimly, the Vigilum have set out with a goal of putting an end to the fighting, and saving as many lives as possible.

They heard of a great battle that would be taking place between the two feuding sides. By the time they had arrived, the fighting had already begun. They swiftly leap into action - intervening by summoning the leaders of the Afterlife, where they will insist upon peace talks taking place in between the Utopians and the Underworld. 

This thread will be between the Vigilum members, and one leader from each Utopia and the Underworld. This thread will be a rapid fire thread for the Afterlife leaders, and they are required to meet the below outlined posting requirements. This thread will count towards the result of the war. 

• Each Afterlife leader must post once every three days from the time the opposing Afterlife leader posted. 
• Each Afterlife leader must post a minimum of 400 words per post. 
• If the requirements are not met by one side, then the opposing side will gain the point towards the outcome of the war.
• The Vigilum are not required to follow this posting guideline - they can post as much as possible, however they have been asked to post a minimum of once a week to keep the thread moving. This once a week post only needs to come from one of the two Vigilum members. 
• The Afterlife leaders can post as often as they wish between Vigilum posts, they do not need to wait for the Vigilum to be posted (ex. It does not need to go Vigilum --> Underworld --> Utopia --> Vigilum --> Underworld --> Utopia. It can be Vigilum --> Underworld --> Utopia --> Underworld --> Utopia and so on, until the Vigilum post again).

This end date of this thread will officially be November 21st, 2024.

Please allow one of the Vigilum members to post first before having the Afterlife leaders enter. 

Sunfrost • illɘgal ◦ A z z y ➳ T e c h n o ➳ fleabittengray

[Sunfrost]

Duramus could scarcely believe how quickly things were progressing. After over a year of fighting, all the seers of Wild Equines had come to the Vigilum only a few days ago and professed that a great battle would take place between both sides of the war. If the fighting was not ended, then the realm had been destroyed. All seers had seen the same vision. It could not be doubted. Rather than question the source, Duramus had moved to action. Bishop joined the Vigilum immediately after the vision, and from there Duramus and Bishop had heard tidings of the great battle via the messenger bird system. They’d immediately set off barely days into Bishop attaining her new status, Duramus gently guiding them and with her wolf companion at their side.

Perhaps it was the otherworldly force granting them speed, but Duramus and Bishop arrives sometime in what looked like the middle of the battle. Duramus took one glance and immediately tapped into the Vigilum ability to calm all situations, projecting his voice and ringing the power of the River of Justice through it. His voice was heard everywhere at once throughout the battlefield. Stop the fighting, or all will be lost. Stop fighting, and return to your homes. Duramus paused for the briefest instant to teach Bishop how to tap into the ability, to feel that sixth sense that the Vigilum developed after drinking from the River of Justice and gaining their powers. It wasn’t long before Bishop’s voice joined his, doubling their power.

Thankfully, it was enough. The fighting stopped all around them, horses looking up as though jolted from a trance. Duramus did not miss the disgust and anger on many faces as they beheld the Vigilum at the center of the conflict, putting a stop to the madness and the bloodshed. He did not care. They might blame the Vigilum for this, target them after the war, but this was their duty and Duramus would die before he let anything stand in the way of performing it. The need for peace, the need for calm, burned through his veins like a fever. So he stood proud, undaunted, gray eyes neutral as they swept the field and called for peace. He started calling for something else, too, as the fighting around him dissipated. I call for the Lords and Ladies of the Underworld and Utopia. Come to us. It is time to talk of peace, not of war.

Duramus wondered if the Afterlife leaders would obey. If you do not have peace, then the realm will be destroyed. Every seer in the realm has seen this. Come to us, and we may prevent this from happening. His voice rang with the truth, his inability to lie shining through. His gray eyes shone with compassion as he viewed the bodies around him, all those too injured to leave or who had already died. He wished he could help them, but he could only help them all at the moment by ending this war. He waited as though made from stone, muscles relaxed yet heart racing, for the leaders of the Afterlife to arrive. He felt comfortable with Bishop at his side. He did not stand alone for the Vigilum anymore.



tagged// A z z y Fallen fleabittengray ➳ T e c h n o ➳ • illɘgal ◦
notes// Go go go

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Allies and enemies were all gathered together in a fray. It was hard to tell who was who in some instances, because the battle between the two sides was at its peak. Sweat, blood, low morale and exhaustion plaged the field, even for the Lord of Utopia. His body collided with that of a demon who he had torn open with his enamels. The smell of putrid, hot sulfur radiated and caused his stomach to churn uncomfortably. Their bodies collided again, and again. The battle felt endless, like slog of futility. This whole war was exercises in futility. Immortals who could not perish at odds, and the mortal realm continued to shatter and tear itself in two because they chose a side. Cadence felt immense guilt, and had tried to help where he could with his mortal allies. If it had been up to him, he'd never have involved them at all. That didn't mean he wasn't appreciative of the support, but it was safer if they stayed away.

A rush of air exhaled from his lungs as the demon collided with him yet again. Cadence had enough, and drug the beast to the ground by his nape. Until the two were so intertwined, it was almost impossible to tell where one started and the other ended. Just as Cadence went to tear the demon open anew, the battlefield fell silent. A supernatural silence that he would not have guessed came from the leaders of the Underworld. From the position he was in, he quickly freed himself becasue the summons from the vigilum was not something he could ignore. The summon felt and sounded familiar to him, but he couldn't recall the name of the one who'd pried him from the throes of battle. The roan cast an ominous glance toward the demon he'd been trading blows with as he departed. They returned an empty stare.

Usually that was the sign of a killer, and Cadence did not doubt that the demon would kill him if he was able to. The bodies on the field had ceased their fighting, almost as if bound by some invisible thread. It was eerie to come into contact with something that held a similar powr to the Afterlife leaders. There must have been at least a hundred bodies out here if not more of mortals and immortals alike. All bound by the ceasefire called by the Vigilum. Cadence walked on toward the origin of the summons, and the walk felt like the walk to the gallows. Each step that was taken, a sense of growing dread overtook him. The sentiment for the summons was that it was time for peace to ensue. Cadence wanted peace, but there was somethign else weighin heavily in the pit of his stomach.

The roan appeared before Duramus. His name came flooding into his mind once he saw the stag. He'd seen him several times at coronations. Cadence's amber eyes found those of the one who had summoned him. They were hollow and weary. The message that it this war would be the end of everything they knew had not been forgotten. That had been something that Cadence had worried about. "What makes you think that talks of peace will have the desired outcome? Utopia does not want to see the end of all that we know, but I cannot say the same for The Underworld." Cadene asked Duramus earnestly. His voice was tired.


SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost Fallen | 575 words

[A z z y]

A deep grunt was forced from the stagnant air sacs held within his ivory chest as he forced his horns into the breast of an angel, pinning his body against a rock. His grunt paled in comparison to the blood curdling sound that was released by his enemy, the pained gasps becoming soundless, imitating that of a fish out of water. Gasping for the very thing that drowned them. His adversaries blood spiralled down the contours of his horns, staining the marble fur of his facade a deep red as it coursed down his handsome features, the river styx upon the devil's face. With a final shove of the weight of his mass behind him, he drove his crown deeper into the bosom of the winged beast, more soundless gasps coming from them until their body fell heavy against his horns. It was a temporary death; their soul would return to the heavenly embrace of Utopia for a while only to be reforged anew. It was tedious - fighting enemies that could not die, brawling simply for the sake of it. Yet he remained true to what he had said from the get go - it never had to come to this.

As he withdrew his horns from the chest cavity of the angel with a vicious jerk, he allowed his hellish optics to scour the realm in which he now stood within. Beasts broke their bodies upon one another, blood stained the green blades red before fading into black, screams of war, screams of agony filled the atmosphere. And for what? Was this what Rasa had wanted? To involve so many innocents in a war that had nothing to do with them until she enlisted them? Did she feel her forces too weak within the heavens to keep the strength of the Underworld at bay? Was she too proud to admit she had made a catastrophic mistake in enrolling the mortal legions into this battle? All of these questions were silenced in an instant however, as those engaged in savagery seemed to all stop simultaneously. Xerxes turned his crown upon its axis, left then right, fury and confusion carving deep lines into his features. Deserters? Or was there something else at play? A voice rang out then, over the sounds of thundering hooves, causing a dangerous leer to cut into his features. I call for the Lords and Ladies of the Underworld and Utopia. Come to us. It is time to talk of peace, not of war.

Xerxes felt a feral snarl threaten to rip from within him, the voice was not that of a Utopian, not that of those responsible, but of a mortal, a Vigilum. If you do not have peace, then the realm will be destroyed. Every seer in the realm has seen this. Come to us, and we may prevent this from happening. The behemoth knew the Vigilum could not lie, but for the seers to have received such a vision, one that did not come from the Underworld… that left one of two options. Utopia had pulled across neat little trick to close Pandora’s box that they had opened or the mists had sent a sinister warning. With his enamels set, the towering dreadlord turned upon his haunches and trudged through the carnage towards the source of the summons. His ivory coat was stained red, both from the blood of his enemies where he had felled them, and that of his allies where he had aided them. Injuries were dashed across his embodiment, but he felt no pain, no ache in his bones. Even as the sight of Durasmus came into view, with a weary looking Cadence standing before him, he felt nothing. Be that the power of the vigilum or the fact he had grown tedious of such interventions… if Utopia could not swallow their pride, why should he?

"What makes you think that talks of peace will have the desired outcome? Utopia does not want to see the end of all that we know, but I cannot say the same for The Underworld.” The tired speech of the Utopian lord caused Xerxes’ swarthy lips to twist into a grin smirk, his blood stained teeth flashing beneath the flesh as he kept his hellish gaze upon Durasmus. You know my stance on this situation, he addressed the bay beast with ease, his tones filling the gulf with the essence of truth. This was not a war he had started, this was not a war he had declared - this was, to him at least, a witch hunt, Rasa’s attempt to eradicate him and his demons for simply being what they were. Then, with callous tones, he directed his next set of words to the sapphire lord beside him, his hellish gaze sparkling. What makes you think I want my son to inherit a realm of ash and bones? He bit out, holding Cadence in his contemptuous gaze for a moment before finally he peeled his attention from him back to Durasmus. There was a warning in those words, a warning that whilst he may agree to a ceasefire, he would force such an order to be maintained.

Words: 875
Sunfrost ➳ T e c h n o ➳




Words

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

The familiar form of  Xerxes appeared like an omen as he strode through the battlefield. He was coated in a fresh layer of what looked to be blood. Cadence peered at his counterpart with a stoic expression. He watched as Xerxes joined the pair and addressed the Vigilum  first. Then he turned his painted face to the Utopian Lord and questioned why he thought that Xerxes didn't care to protect the world that his progeny would inherit. Cadence had to bite back the bitter laugh that threatened to slip off his tongue. The roan did not miss the warning and contempt that dripped from the dreadlords lips. But behind his eyes was nothing, they looked dead and empty. "Is that an invitation to speak on your behalf, Xerxes? I didn't peg you for the role of doting father." He murmered a jab aimed for the dreadlord. If peace was to be had, Cadence imagined that the Underworld expected Utopia to bow to them in exchange. He was tired, but he was also incredibly stubborn when he wanted to be.

"So if you want peace, what do you expect to happen? Utopia isn't going to throw themselves at your feet and beg for mercy. We aren't going to accept inequitable terms." The roan posed and then peered at the Vigilum who were present. He wasn't sure if they were going to be the ones to begin the negotiations, or if it would be left up to he and Xerxes to find a way to see eye to eye. That wouldn't likely happen alone, although at one point in time Cadence had actually enjoyed the company of the dreadlord. Not to mention that since his time in the mists, he'd begun to resent the broiling feud between two sides he saw as equal. His amber eyes peered into the fiery ones of Xerxes. Being in his presence still sickened him by nature, and he'd never been very good at overpowering nature. Cadence swallowed the lump in his throat and tried to think back to the time when he had once thought Xerxes to be at least someone to enjoyably converse with.

"Perhaps it is best to start with the discussion of prisoners. I expect that when we leave this talk, our angels and mortal allied souls will be returned and we will do the same. I would expect that the Underworld wants something similar or would agree to those terms?" The Utopian began. He hadn't ever ended a war before and did not know what that looked like other than trying to get back to a sense of normalcy.


SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost Fallen | 437 words

[A z z y]

He felt the scrutiny of Cadence boring into his musculature with unbridled disdain, a ravenous force that seemed to have consumed the Utopian since his return from the mists. Was he really the best fit for that position? Alongside the apathy displayed by Rasa, Xerxes could see now why the angels did nothing, he could understand their reasoning for a lack of ambition. They had everything they needed, eternal bliss, peace, love... and leaders that were bone tired. Offering little in the way of drive, why would they go above and beyond when their own leaders would not? The thoughts stewed in his grey matter, swilling about as he kept his attention upon Durasmus for a moment longer. It was then, the scathing tones of Cadence pulled his attention back upon his enemy once again. "Is that an invitation to speak on your behalf, Xerxes? I didn't peg you for the role of doting father." A small smile curled his swarthy lips then, a deep rumbling chuckle vibrating from deep within his heartless chest. You clearly have made your assumptions already... he raked his hellish optics over the brute beside him, surmising him as if he were little more than dung on his hoof. And I have no interest in investing effort to prove you otherwise, he flashed his enamels at the stag, a wicked smile curling his lips. Cadence looked exhausted, dog tired, but it was in these moments of exhaustion that Xerxes thrived. The game was in motion...

"So if you want peace, what do you expect to happen? Utopia isn't going to throw themselves at your feet and beg for mercy. We aren't going to accept inequitable terms." the words were spat from the Utopian, his eyes lingering on the Vigilum who had summoned them together. Xerxes flicked a single lobe in the direction of the bay stag, but he did not avert his gaze from Cadence. I did not mention peace, he corrected Cadence, his tones curt, poised but venomous nonetheless. Peace was a fools game, a balancing act between forces that opposed one another until the scales tipped in favour of one force or the other. Xerxes met the gaze of the blue hued beast with ease, holding his scrutiny as if it were feather light. Yet as he saw the shift in the other's oesophagus, swallowing his evident loathing for his opposition, Xerxes merely smiled, the subtle curve of his lips wrinkling his mug in the corners. "Perhaps it is best to start with the discussion of prisoners. I expect that when we leave this talk, our angels and mortal allied souls will be returned and we will do the same. I would expect that the Underworld wants something similar or would agree to those terms?"

Absolutely, he drawled, his tones filling with too much confidence, too much sarcasm, but he was serious. The trade of souls, mortal and immortal alike, was a fair starter. Yet he wondered what else Utopia would want from their enemy to enable a ceasefire, what else would they bleed from the Underworld's veins to end a war they had not started. Xerxes repositioned himself, his quarters swinging away from Cadence so that he now faced his enemy head on, a mere gulf between them; one that was comfortable, yet if he wanted to rip his face off... Stifling such thoughts, Xerxes studied the stag for a moment, silence falling between them. With his attention now entirely upon Cadence, and the figure of Durasmus little more than an angel on his shoulder, the devil pressed on. What else would Utopia ask of the Underworld, Cadence? What else can we do to end your war? The question was hissed to him, the two pools of fury set within his dome piece glowered with the flames of hell, flickering as he drank the image of the roan lord. Did it bode well, that Cadence had come in dragging his feet? Saying they would not answer to inequitable demands yet the very ruler of the Underworld was proving to be flexible and willing?

Words: 686
Sunfrost ➳ T e c h n o ➳




Words

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

It was apparent to the Utopian that Xerxes believed himself to be in the right, and superior to his counterpart. The roan stared at the ivory and ebony marred dreadlord with a dead stare as he stated in a very matter-of-fact way that Cadence had already made his assumptions. There was no assumption made, he could try and play it off leaving his children in Utopia all he wanted, but Cadence disagreed with that idea. Everest and Venari gained nothing from this outside of a daeva who had torn chunks from his wings that had since mended. "You seem fairly sure of yourself that I've made an assumption instead of an observation. I don't care if you try and convince me or not. I don't think nor care that much about who or what you are. We're not friends and neither of us has anything to prove or convince the other of." Cadence explained relatively neutrally.  All he'd wanted was the end of this war, It was tiring, and exhausting. But this was the exact sort of environment he expected a demon or their leaders to thrive in.

Xerxes refuted his point about peace, and Cadence actually laughed out loud. "The end of the war is only a ceasefire to you then? Aren't you tired of always being at odds? Sometimes I wish you had ended up in the mists too, and then maybe all of you would see things differently." Cadence said cooly, although he seemed more amused now that Xerxes seemed to think that with the war ending that things would carry on as it always had been. He had more to say on that matter but he refrained so as to allow Xerxes to provide an answer for what the Underworld would agree to. Unsurprisingly, he agreed that both sides needed the souls of their prisoners exchanged. That was something he anticipated, so he didn't feel any two ways about it.

Next the dreadlord asked what he could do to end Utopia's war. Cadence paused for a moment in silence, his composure didn't slip. If anything this negotiation seemed to be fueling him because he'd never wanted this war eitehr. He'd wanted diiplomatic strategies, but he had stood by Rasa even if he hadn't been eager to declare war. "What? Is that your  game? Try to appear as though you're taking the high road with this? Xerxes, drop the act, there is no negotiating nor end to the feud if you're going to put your ego in the way." He chastised his counterpart. As if he were in a position to do that. "I want peace. I'm sure all the mortals want peace. Why must we be at odds? Is it really worth it to swear to destrooy someone else because you disagree with how they run things? You say you don't want your children to inherit ash and ruin, but you won't concede to working with anyone you see as the enemy." Cadence explained, although he knew this was likely futile.

Cadence was fully prepared for Xerxes to laugh in his face and refuse the very notion. It would be a genuine surprise if it was any other response.


SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost | 533words

[A z z y]

Xerxes felt the blood that had dried upon his features crack, flake and peel as his smile widened, each word spat from Cadence did little more than amuse him. So quick to cast his judgement, so easily he spat his vitriol - yet was he truly any better than Xerxes? Cadence glowered at him, his pools two voids of nothingness, an abyss where perhaps the mists had stolen more from him than he could ever admit. What a crying shame. "You seem fairly sure of yourself that I've made an assumption instead of an observation. I don't care if you try and convince me or not. I don't think nor care that much about who or what you are. We're not friends and neither of us has anything to prove or convince the other of." Xerxes hummed in agreement, his ivory towers twisted forwards to face the bitter tones of the Utopian lord, attentive, drinking in each syllable like it was a summer wine. The devil found his crown bobbing in silent agreement, a thoughtful hum rumbling from deep within his chest as he peeled his scrutiny from Cadence to look at the battlefield around them. Silence lingered for a moment, a cold breeze tugging at the strands of Xerxes' braided tresses before he slowly allowed his scrutiny to fall upon Cadence once more. I wonder, he began, his features stoic, blank, yet his tones held an edge now, the political facade slipping. How is sweet Hymn fairing? What with him being left in the grips of Nemesis? What have you done, Cadence, to retrieve your son, hm? he paused, albeit briefly, as a sickening smile revealed his pearly whites below. Do you think Nemesis has shown him mercy? Do you think she has left him unscathed? He expected Cadence to brush it off, to continue down this apathetic trajectory Utopia strode down so often...

As Xerxes corrected Cadence on his choice of words, the blue roan angel scoffed a belch of laughter at the behemoth, rousing no reaction from Xerxes as the sound rolled into his grey matter. "The end of the war is only a ceasefire to you then? Aren't you tired of always being at odds? Sometimes I wish you had ended up in the mists too, and then maybe all of you would see things differently." The words of the King were petulant, childish, immature... surprisingly not what he had expected from Cadence given the situation, yet they merely caused him to pout mockingly in his direction. Why? So I can come back as despondent and listless as you? he began, his nordic tones biting with venom now, growing tired of Cadence and the bullshit he spewed. It is a ceasefire, a temporary peace. You are more foolish than I thought if you believed peace would last... he trailed off, his tones disappointed now. He had believed Cadence to be smarter than this, aware of the world around him in all it's depravity and decay. There was hope, love, friendship in abundance - yet equally there was pain, depravity, evil in equal measure. Xerxes did not care to change the nature of his supporters to fit those of Utopia, he would not condemn snakes for being what they were by their very nature alone. That was the job of Utopia...

What? Is that your game? Try to appear as though you're taking the high road with this? Xerxes, drop the act, there is no negotiating nor end to the feud if you're going to put your ego in the way. I want peace. I'm sure all the mortals want peace. Why must we be at odds? Is it really worth it to swear to destroy someone else because you disagree with how they run things? You say you don't want your children to inherit ash and ruin, but you won't concede to working with anyone you see as the enemy." Xerxes felt his lips snarl at the angel, the fleshy curves rolling back to reveal his pearly whites below. It was not I who declared war, Cadence, it was now his time to scold the angel, to remind him of exactly how this entire situation had come to pass. It was not I who dragged mortals and their world into a war that need not concern them... Xerxes moved closer to the Utopian now, almost nose to nose, his hot breath searing the chest of the God before him. It was not I who blindly followed orders of a leader who could not swallow their own pride in order to simply converse with me... another step, his hellish gaze boring down upon the Utopian by the height difference afforded to him.

Every trade was initiated by me. Rasa left Nehemiah to rot, and she'd have left you and Leviathan to rot too if I hadn't sent Artemisia to her with an offer to trade you for my children and Akroma, Xerxes had grown tired of being painted as the sole aggressor in this situation, his patience had worn thin and he would take no more. You are not innocent, Cadence. And that is why you loathe me so - I reflect back every awful part of you that the mist could not kill, that you cannot kill. You followed her orders blindly, you did not challenge her, you did nothing to stop this war from evolving and yet you think you are in any position to chastise me for being what I am, and have always been? his tones were eerily low, a dangerous pitch meant only for the bastard stood before him. He swung his nape away from Cadence then, his gaze cast over the desolation that had scarred the earth. Their blood - their lives - are on your hooves as much as they are mine... he confirmed, casting a lingering glance over the fallen before his hellish attention swiftly found the Utopian once again. You want my terms? Here they are. She steps down and I'll do the very same. You have your end to the war. But I will not force my demons, my followers, to enact the whim of the enemy who declared the war in the first place. We are not yours to command. - we never will be. HIs challenge was set now, his offer on the table. The souls in the Underworld would be returned in exchange for those in Utopia, and he would relinquish his position upon the throne if she did the same. He was ready to dispose of his ego - could Utopia do the same?

Words: 1000+
Sunfrost ➳ T e c h n o ➳




Words

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Xerxes, was... maddening to a fault. He was so blinded by his ego that he failed to see the attempts that Cadence was making to try and resolve this war that nobody seemed to really want. Not even himself. Yet the behemouth before him could not look beyond himself, or what he believed he had done right. Cadence would admit that he had made jabs at Xerxes on a personal level. He didn't exactly like the dreadlord, but he still saw him as an equal. Xerxes went on to drop the knowledge to him that Hymn was a prisoner of Nemesis. He was trying to get under his skin the very same way that Cadence had tried to get under his. His amber eyes remained cool as he listened to the ivory and ebony Lord before him. "It is hard to retrieve that which you are not aware is lost. Should I be more attentive and in tune with my children? Yes. War can make you look elsewhere I'll admint. I will retrieve Hymn and the matter of retribution will be handled separatley from this. Let's agree to move on from the topic because we do not agree. I'm not interested in further petty fights, even those I start." Cadence answered his counterpart.

The more he shared, the more Xerxes just bit back. Cadence was starting to grow frustrated, and more so that the Vigilum were present but didn't seem to provide much help in negotiation so far. He cast a glance toward them with his ears pinned slightly as the beast shot back at him. Another personal attack.  His facade changed then, and it was chilled. He was tired of trying to have the composure, and trying to be the good guy that everyone believed he was. Cadence could scarcely believe that anyone thought he constantly chose the right side. He tried to choose what was just, but he was fallible. "Enough. I have not been listless, and I have seen things you could not begin to fathom to imagine in those Mists. I have seen a clarity that so many scoff at me for. They all think that I am crazy to say that I want a lasting peace. Even though I was seemingly punished for not working to obtain that very thing. The things I could show you that I saw there... I don't see the Underworld as an enemy. You provide a place for souls to go who might not fit in with what we value. It's just another step of life." He shot back.

Cadence was the touchiest about the mists, but that was because he'd never showed anyone what he had seen there. It was impossible to tell if it had been a dream of his truest desires or a message. "Tell me, if not for its leaders, would you hate Utopia? Is it the name? Is it because you expect us to believe and be as chaste and good as possible or some other absolute fallacy I hear about who we should be or what we are?" The roan barked back in more semi-aggressive tones because the frustration was getting to him now. But then the hellfire king spoke again. Xerxes explained from his perspective. Utopia had declared the war, and he accused Cadence of blindly following through. But what he did not know was that nobody had tried to speak with him about their previous lord. Nehemiah who was both his predecessor and successor.

Cadence grew very serious as he listened, and stared at Xerxes without breaking a second of eye contact. But he endured the tirade and vitriol until Xerxes came to the demand that would bring peace. That he believed would be the only way to achieve the end of the war. It was an impossible offer. "Utopia declared war." He agreed to start with. "We dragged the mortals in, and they did not need to be a part of our feud at all. I am all too aware of that fact, and I have never claimed innocense. Do not put words in my mouth. I am the last to ever think or say I or Utopia is innocent, especially when the mortals are the ones who suffer the most." Cadence asnwered gravely. The seriousness of his voice was heavy, and it as not likely that anyone had ever seen him in such a way before. The guilt he felt for all of this was immense, and probably far more than Xerxes would ever know.

"But I did not go in blindly, Xerxes. You are mistaken, and sorely on that. When I returned from the mists, I returned to a war. If I had known that nobody had come to speak with you about retrieving him, I would not have stood and aided Rasa. Contrary to what everyone seems to believe about me, I am capable of disagreeing with her and standing up to her, but I can only do that if I know the whole story. This war was not something I ever wanted, and I understand that you could not turn down the declaration of a challenge of that level. You and I are more alike than I think you would like to admit." Cadence said in an almost bitter way, but the sariousness never left his voice.

"But Rasa will not step down even in the name of peace. I accept my responsibility in this suffering, an I accept that Utopia is the aggressor and I can imagine I still understand why she declared war. I will not throw her under the bus, because I agreed to the war before I knew the full story. I will pay for that, I assure you, you do not need to remind me to feel guilty Xerxes." Cadence almost warned him with a strange smile on his face. "'You do not get to, or have to become a martyr. We are not commanding you or yours. I am here and asking you to work with me, not throw more fuel on the fire."


SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost | 1013 words

[Sunfrost]

Duramus wondered how this was going to go. He imagined both sides blamed the other and were not willing to set everything aside without gain for the sake of peace. Peace did not matter that much to them compared to the wrongs committed during this war. He also knew that it might make more sense to let the two sides talk at first, get their words out and express them, especially in the light of the battle just fought. Sometimes, a period of just…saying words and expressing emotion was needed, in order to get to calmer and more orderly discussion after. Duramus’s gray eyes watched carefully as Cadence, Lord of Utopia, approached him. Cadence spoke, questioning Duramus as to why he believed talks of peace would have the desired outcome, especially given he felt that the Underworld’s aims differed from Utopia. His voice was tired, reflecting plenty of Duramus’s own weariness. Dur inclined his head, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Cadence’s words but acknowledging them. He wanted to see what the Underworld representative would say.

It did not take long for Xerxes, Lord of the Underworld, to approach. Duramus knew Xerxes’s stance on this war – they’d spoken once in the beginning of it about that stance, and Dur doubted it had changed. His suspicions were confirmed as Xerxes addressed him directly, indicating the stance had not changed. The Underworld had not started this war, but they would finish it. Xerxes then began speaking to Cadence directly, asking him why the Utopian Lord thought he desired his son to inherit a shattered kingdom. Duramus stayed quiet as the two spoke back and forth, observing keenly and learning what he could from their words. He wanted to understand both sides and where they were coming from before stating anything, and he also did not want to structure their dialogue until it was time to do so. Duramus’s eyed narrowed as Cadence opened with a jab, but then talk turned to how Utopia would not accept inequitable terms. Cadence talked of prisoners, stating he imagined that both sides’ souls and prisoners would be returned. That seemed fair. Xerxes intervened, stating he did not mention peace – that certainly worried Duramus – but then Xerxes appeared to agree to the prisoner swap. That was progress, but what would he say next? Something brewed within the depths of those eyes. Xerxes questioned Cadence about what else the Underworld could do to end “their” war. It wasn’t a bad start to the negotiations, not as bad as it could have been.

Instead of answering Xerxes’s questions, Cadence jabbed that the Lord of the Underworld was trying to appear to take the high road and that he should drop the act as his ego was not more important than peace. That was an interesting assertion. Duramus wondered if that drove Xerxes, and he almost wondered if he cared. If it brought about peace, did the motivation matter? Duramus imagined Xerxes would have a fiery reply for Cadence’s words and was not surprised as Xerxes began to ask how Hymn was doing – apparently, the Lord of Utopia’s son was a prisoner of the Helkaer Commander Nemesis. Xerxes began to question Cadence’s care for his son and how Hymn was being treated. It was an off topic digression, a way to set Cadence on edge. Dur imagined Cadence would not react diplomatically and calmly to it. He was grateful that Cadence suggested moving off of the topic while also admitting fault. Both sides would need to do a lot of that to reach a suitable compromise and end this war.

Xerxes then jabbed at Cadence’s manner – all of them were tired, truly – and called this peace a ceasefire. Would a ceasefire suffice to prevent the destruction of the world? The vision the Seers received had not been that specific. Duramus watched warily as Xerxes closed the distance, standing nose-to-nose with the Utopian as he sneered at him. Xerxes shared that every trade during the war had been initiated by him, that Cadence should not act as though he was blameless, that Cadence just followed Rasa’s orders without question. Cadence’s response descended into the nature of Utopia versus the Underworld, of what souls resided where and the purpose each served. This was a philosophical discussion. Duramus was grateful when it turned back over to the declarations of war and the feelings associated with it. Cadence stated he had not gone in blindly, that he was capable of standing up to Rasa, and that he was a thoughtful leader. His tone was serious, the most serious Duramus had ever heard it. That meant something in these negotiations.

Xerxes then stated his terms – Rasa to step down, Xerxes to step down, souls exchanged, prisoners released, and the war would end. Startled, and questioning whether he should be, Duramus turned to Cadence, ears perked and listening for the answer. Would Cadence accept the terms? They’d reach an agreement sooner than he’d thought possible if so. Dur turned, doubting this would be suitable, and Cadence did not disappoint. Cadence stated that Rasa would not step down for the sake of peace, that he would not abandon her choice to enter this war and he would feel a suitable level of guilt. He also accused Xerxes of wanting to become a martyr. As Cadence’s words finished, Duramus knew it was time to speak and intervene. The Vigilum had called this negotiation. They would shape it.

Thank you both for expressing yourselves so far. I have not spoken up to this point so that I could be fairest to both sides. Cadence, I met directly with Xerxes soon after the war started to hear directly from him on his perspective. Another Vigilum met with Utopia and departed our ranks soon after. In order to be fairest, I needed to hear more of your perspective before interceding in this discussion. My apologies to you both for my silence so far. Dur acknowledged he had been quiet and in fault for his quiet, but his tones confidently rang across the battlefield. He was never ashamed to have listened. To attain a temporary ceasefire, both sides have agreed to the return of all souls and prisoners. No other provisions have been agreed upon yet. Xerxes has offered to step down if Rasa does the same; Utopia has refused this offer. Lasting peace will have to be found between the existing leaders of each side. Duramus wanted to summarize the negotiations thus far to ensure everyone was familiar with what had been decided and potentially buried beneath the weight of any insults thrown to either side.

I believe you each have a better understanding of each other now. I request that you refrain from any further comments meant to disparage each other or from discussion on the nature of Utopia versus the Underworld. We are here to discuss peace, not fling insults or debate philosophy. Duramus hoped any Vigilum influence he might have from the River of Justice would help the two be more inclined to listen to him on this point. It was essential that they focus strictly on what other concessions they desired in order to move forward. Philosophical differences and past wrongs aside, what other concessions are desired by Utopia and the Underworld to move forward to peace? Perhaps you would like to discuss the length of the ceasefire or provisions for Nephilims and Cambions? I understand Cambions were of particular interest you during the war, Xerxes. Is there anything about them that should be negotiated here to help bring about the end of the war? Duramus was fishing, truly because he had no idea what other concessions either side wanted. They needed to state and settle on something, and Duramus would be happy to work with them once it was out there for negotiation.



tagged// A z z y ➳ T e c h n o ➳ • illɘgal ◦
notes// Dur trying his best to get them back on topic haha

[A z z y]

He could feel his patience thinning, his resolve - his desire - to meet an amicable outcome was slowly disappearing into the ether. Cadence, much like the wretch he ruled beside, was seemingly so quick to dish out the insults, the personal attacks, yet when it came to a fair and just retaliation, he could not handle it. He had been the first to criticise Xerxes as a father, the first punch he had pulled. Yet when Xerxes clapped back with what he deemed to be quite a fair retort, he was met with arrogance. "It is hard to retrieve that which you are not aware is lost. Should I be more attentive and in tune with my children? Yes. War can make you look elsewhere I'll admint. I will retrieve Hymn and the matter of retribution will be handled separatley from this. Let's agree to move on from the topic because we do not agree. I'm not interested in further petty fights, even those I start." At the mention of retribution, Xerxes felt his inky lips twitch into a smirk, but he did not pass comment on that, not yet at least. Instead, the behemoth merely chuckled, an ominous rumble that vibrated from deep within his chest. Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone... he trailed off, his words an omen, a stark reminder that perhaps next time, before Cadence decided to pass his judgement on Xerxes, or anyone else for that matter, he should ensure his own ducks are in a row... Would Cadence learn from this lesson? Xerxes doubted it, but he felt no desire to lower himself to the roan's level.

Xerxes watched as irritation smothered the gaze of Utopian, his ire leaking out as he cast a glare to the Vigilum. Xerxes did not follow his gaze, yet merely kept his own attention honed in upon Cadence, reading each and every line in his hardened face as if it were an open book. The mists had changed Cadence, for whatever reason, he had allowed them to temper and bend him into something new. Yet when Xerxes snapped back once again, the resolve of the Utopian King cracked, revealing the extent of the void the mists had carved out in him. "Enough. I have not been listless, and I have seen things you could not begin to fathom to imagine in those Mists. I have seen a clarity that so many scoff at me for. They all think that I am crazy to say that I want a lasting peace. Even though I was seemingly punished for not working to obtain that very thing. The things I could show you that I saw there... I don't see the Underworld as an enemy. You provide a place for souls to go who might not fit in with what we value. It's just another step of life." Xerxes listened attentively, but he did not care for the trials and tribulations of the spat-out-again lord. He could not find an iota of energy to pity the king, to care for his stance. Had he forgotten Xerxes had sat in the space between life and death? Had he forgotten that he too had been a denizen of the infamous mists before the Underworld chose him as it's rightful king? He said nothing in response, but his grin only widened, a mocking glow in his hellish gaze as shook his head disappointingly. He would not allow Cadence to lord his fall from grace over Xerxes as if it were a right of passage, as if he were now the all knowing and all seeing God...

"Tell me, if not for its leaders, would you hate Utopia? Is it the name? Is it because you expect us to believe and be as chaste and good as possible or some other absolute fallacy I hear about who we should be or what we are?" Xerxes quirked a brow at Cadence, his grin shrinking into a wry smile as he looked to the beast with a calmer demeanour. Does the shark hate the seal? he replied in earnest, his sentiment clear. He did not hate Utopia, he did not care for them at all, yet time and time again they came for him and the Underworld, time and time again they lorded themselves over all, believing themselves in a position to judge when they were not. Xerxes had perhaps once hated them, but now? Now he wouldn't flick the sweat of his balls upon them if they were ablaze. Let me ask you this, why was I the sole target of your wrath? Why was it my children? Why not Teca and her brood? You speak of hate as if I have not been the target of Utopia's since I took the throne, if not before... he would grant them agreement that the blood hued witch had been utterly useless in the war, yet the point remained - why was she not as much a target as he? If Cadence believed Xerxes to have a personal vendetta against Rasa and himself, it was only his retaliation for what he had been shown...

As Xerxes spoke of his persepctive, he could feel the weight of Cadence's gaze upon him, the heaviness that surrounded him. There was brief pause as Xerxes offered him his terms, yet he knew the answer before the words even left the mouth of the roan. "Utopia declared war. We dragged the mortals in, and they did not need to be a part of our feud at all. I am all too aware of that fact, and I have never claimed innocense. Do not put words in my mouth. I am the last to ever think or say I or Utopia is innocent, especially when the mortals are the ones who suffer the most." Xerxes did not respond, for he felt there was more to be said, yet the fact Cadence had partially acknowledged the role of Utopia in this dire escalation was almost a step in the right direction. Almost. "But I did not go in blindly, Xerxes. You are mistaken, and sorely on that. When I returned from the mists, I returned to a war. If I had known that nobody had come to speak with you about retrieving him, I would not have stood and aided Rasa. Contrary to what everyone seems to believe about me, I am capable of disagreeing with her and standing up to her, but I can only do that if I know the whole story. This war was not something I ever wanted, and I understand that you could not turn down the declaration of a challenge of that level. You and I are more alike than I think you would like to admit." You lie, Xerxes snapped back, instantly. You came back to a Godless Utopia, you came back to Rasa declaring a war, and you came back and followed her order to abduct my son. You did not challenge her, you did not stop to ask questions, you followed her orders like the loyal dog you are... Xerxes did not raise his voice, his tones were matter of fact. Whilst he had not been present, he had the story relayed to him by many of that fateful day, and all recounts were the same.

"But Rasa will not step down even in the name of peace. I accept my responsibility in this suffering, an I accept that Utopia is the aggressor and I can imagine I still understand why she declared war. I will not throw her under the bus, because I agreed to the war before I knew the full story. I will pay for that, I assure you, you do not need to remind me to feel guilty Xerxes. You do not get to, or have to become a martyr. We are not commanding you or yours. I am here and asking you to work with me, not throw more fuel on the fire." A harsh chuckle escaped him then, he had already been made a martyr by the very woman Cadence loved, but he was not about to dredge up old dirt. Before he had a chance to respond, the tones of the Vigilum cut in, causing a single ivory tower to flick in his direction. Thank you both for expressing yourselves so far. I have not spoken up to this point so that I could be fairest to both sides. Cadence, I met directly with Xerxes soon after the war started to hear directly from him on his perspective. Another Vigilum met with Utopia and departed our ranks soon after. In order to be fairest, I needed to hear more of your perspective before interceding in this discussion. My apologies to you both for my silence so far. To attain a temporary ceasefire, both sides have agreed to the return of all souls and prisoners. No other provisions have been agreed upon yet. Xerxes has offered to step down if Rasa does the same; Utopia has refused this offer. Lasting peace will have to be found between the existing leaders of each side. Xerxes craned his atlas across his shoulders to view Durasmus, a coy smirk deforming his obsidian kissers. Glad to see you've been paying attention... Xerxes commented dryly before returning his hellish attention to Cadence once more.

I believe you each have a better understanding of each other now. I request that you refrain from any further comments meant to disparage each other or from discussion on the nature of Utopia versus the Underworld. We are here to discuss peace, not fling insults or debate philosophy. Philosophical differences and past wrongs aside, what other concessions are desired by Utopia and the Underworld to move forward to peace? Perhaps you would like to discuss the length of the ceasefire or provisions for Nephilims and Cambions? I understand Cambions were of particular interest you during the war, Xerxes. Is there anything about them that should be negotiated here to help bring about the end of the war? Xerxes kept a single lobe twisted towards Durasmus, ensnaring his measured words with ease, but he was not about to cow before Utopia or this mortal mediator. I extend my offer of stepping down to Cadence, he began, speaking loud enough for the Vigilum to hear before he continued. As Rasa will not forego her ego for peace, will you? his hellish attention bore into him, unrelenting, his features void of emotion. It has nothing to do with martyrdom, but everything to do with what is right... he confirmed, if Cadence chose to believe his stance or not, Xerxes did not care, the Vigilum would know it was the truth he spoke. However, given that you've only just clawed your way back to power, I don't see you relinquishing it that quickly, he spoke this time with jest in his words, despite it being an observation, he sincerely doubted Cadence would be so quick to do the right thing, the just thing, at the expense of the crown not yet warm upon his head.

There was a pause as the offer hung heavily between the trio, yet instantly, Xerxes demeanour shifted, the calming aura of Durasmus waning as his fury returned. So, these are my final terms. You agree to them entirely, or your peace won't stand a chance, he spoke evenly, his tones ominous. He doubted Cadence would bend to his will, but frankly, he had no desire to entertain him any futher. Utopipa concedes, they admit they have lost this war and they admit their fault to all involved, he began, his gaze never leaving Cadence as he did so. Utopia will muster their angels to repair the damaged lands and tend to their own allies, the Underworld will aid their own without intervention or assistance from Utopia. I will honour my earlier terms of the exchange of immortal prisoners, however, it is up to the mortals to manage their own exchanges. Xerxes fell silent, if only for a moment, to study the features of his adversary before continuing, touching on a point Cadence had made earlier. Should you, or any member of Utopia, seek retribution against Underworld allies for crimes committed during times of war, the ceasefire is voided instantly. Those hellfire optics scoured the depths of Cadence's searching for a response before he came to his final set of terms. I will not leash my demons and allies indefinitely, I will not soften the nature of those who do not wish to be softened - so the ceasefire will last no less than six mortal months, no more than twelve. These terms however extend only to immortals - it is not the place of the dead to control the living... he came to a moment of silence, his salmon pink vernacular rolling against the rear of his bloodied incisors. Oh, one more thing... it was then his features seemed to darken, yet he was just as serious now as he had been at the start. I want yours and Rasa's wings to hang in my halls, a reminder to my legions and to you, of what you did and what it has cost us all, it would be a symbol of their defeat, and of the Underworld's victory. Xerxes fell silent then, this time without a further word as he awaited for the likely refusal from Cadence. If that were to be the path the lord would choose, Xerxes was done here - Wild Equines as they knew it would cease to be.

Words: 2200+
Sunfrost ➳ T e c h n o ➳

ooc// the wing thing he is serious about, would sort of expect Rasa/Cadence to walk around with feathery nubs at least until the ceasefire has finished... sort of a trophy for him, and a mark upon them... <3




Words

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

Cadence could see the patience beginning to wane on the  behemouth's face, as the two carried on before the Vigilum. The roan lord had to admit to himself silently that he  was simultaneously impressed by their silence and unimpressed by their so called mediation. He didn't feel it had been helpful thus far, but his  attention to Xerxes who reminded him to let the one who was without sin cast the first stone. "As if there are any who are free of sin." He murmured, but it was not meant to continue the conversation. The ivory and ebony hessian went on to ask rhetorically if the shark hated the seal. "I doubt that it hates the seal. Survival and hate are very different things." Cadence answered him, although he anticipated that Xerxes wasn't asking and probably didn't really care for a response. But what he asked next did make him curious. Why had he alone been targeted. That answer was obvious and easy for Cadence to answer. Teca did not threaten him, she did not seem dangerous and if she was she never showed it. 

"Honestly, because Teca was not a threat, and if she was she never bothered to show it." Cadence did not say more because he had found the lady disrespectful and annoying but she'd never gone out of her way to seriously try and damage Utopia. Xerxes had, and he'd been effective at doing so. "Respectfully, you have been more capable and accomplished damaging or harming Utopia or its reputation than anyone who has stood beside you in my personal experience." The answer was honest, he didn't really care about the appearance s at the moment.  Next Xerxes accused him of lying. Cadence merely laughed.

"Lie? I do not lie, even if it earns me the ire of those I call allies. I can prove it to you. Take a look." Cadence said ominously as he opened the connection for Xerxes to peer into his memories to the day he'd returned. There was not a trace of a conversation about how nobody had spoken to Xerxes for Nehemiah. He also let him see into the memories he'd had where he'd been consumed by the mists.. "Do I lie, Xerxes?" Cadence challenged him with a growing heat in his voice.

Before the two could say more, Duramus finally interjected and Cadence felt himself swelling with disbelief that he'd not been taken seriously. What he'd said was not philosophical, it was what he had wanted. His expression changed only slightly to one of mild indignation. Rasa probably would've scolded him if she had been here, but he could beg for forgiveness later. After the Vigilum finished, Cadence remained quiet for a moment. He drew in a few breaths as he thought to respond but he had lost his patience by now. Xerxes beat him to acknowledgment and tht was just fine.

"Respectfully, Duramus, I find that perspective wholly unhelpful. I wasn't being philosophical, the goal of peace, and an extended peace is not an ideology. That is my goal. That is what I am asking for on behalf of Utopia and the mortals." He stated cooly. It probably would not win him points but he decided to try and be as kind as possible about feeling misunderstood. He had at least asked what would be an appropriate set of consessions, and he figured that it made sense to wait to hear Xerxes undoubtedly bastardly demands.  His counterpart again extended the offer to step down if Cadence himself would. That was a conflict because while he understood that would be the right decision, he still wanted to at least try to right things himself.  

He looked conflicted as he stared into Xerxes eyes now. "We both know that neither of us is stepping down." There did not need to be anything more said. The demands that the dreadlord gave to him as non-negotiable were only half as bastardly as he had expected. "Utopia can concede and admit loss in this war, as well as accept responsibility for igniting it." Cadence agreed, because it was true. "Utopia will not seek retribution for actions taken during the war, but we will reserve the right to retaliate for anything from here on forward of transgressions made against us unrelated to the war." He asnwered. "We will not interfere with the rebuilding of your allies by your demons and vice versa. I agree that we are not meant to soften those who do not want to be softened. Mortals should have the autonomy to discuss prisoners, we should only interfere when asked to interfere." Cadence again agreed, and he failed to truly understand why Xerxes didn't see how similar he and the monstrous king were.

The last request was for both Cadence and Rasa to give up their wings. He was not going to agree on behalf of Rasa, but he decided that he'd be petty in response to this. "Oh and one mroe thing. Take mine, right here, right now. Rasa will not be handing hers over but I request that you let me give you one more gift after you take them." Cadence answered in a borderline challenge. He knew that Xerxes would not hesitate to act on the Utopian's invitation to rip his wings from his body right here and now. 

"By the way Xerxes, you bastard. I don't hate you. Never did." He again extended the invitation for Xerxes to see how he truly felt about him if he chose to take the offer. But he couldn't resist calling him an bastard. If he looked he would see that Cadence did respect his counterpart and even found debating philosophy with him entertaining. 



SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost | 953 words | ily sunfrost I'm sorry this came out the way it came out a;fdj, also Cadence is actually unironically inviting Xerxes to take his wings now and he will be hella mad if Duramus interferes lmfao

[A z z y]

TW: Gore/Violence

Xerxes wondered if their brawl had been physical and not one of wit and intellect, who would have conceded first? Would Cadence have been forcibly crushed by Xerxes or would the alabaster behemoth have met his match in the blue roan king? He studied the physique of his opponent, appraising the chiselled outlines of his muscles that bulged through his pelt. Physically, perhaps Xerxes would have had a fair trial - yet when he looked into Cadence's amber gaze, he stood by what he said earlier. The lord was listless, despondent, evidently exhausted by the continuing warring. "As if there are any who are free of sin." Which was exactly Xerxes' point. How was Rasa and Cadence in a position to judge anyone, let alone Xerxes, when they were not free of sin, when they were just despicable as the rest? The Devil did not raise this point, merely keeping his musings to himself for now. It would be wasted breath, wasted energy and time that neither of them wanted to invest in this discussion anymore than was necessary. "I doubt that it hates the seal. Survival and hate are very different things." Cadence responded to Xerxes' query and once again he found hismelf wondering if Cadence was aware he was onto the answer once more. The Underworld did not hate Utopia, not in it's essence, yet the threat it posed to their livelihoods, to their very souls, was reason enough to continue to devour it. Whilst the ceasefire seemed to be more of a possibility than a pipe dream, it begged the question, how ravenous would the Underworld be upon it's end?

The dreadlord had asked why the Utopians had only come for him, why they had only endeavoured to hurt him and his family, seemingly avoiding his then Queen with their assaults. "Honestly, because Teca was not a threat, and if she was she never bothered to show it. Respectfully, you have been more capable and accomplished damaging or harming Utopia or its reputation than anyone who has stood beside you in my personal experience." Xerxes kept his twin towers facing Cadence as he spoke, a humourless chuckle rumbling through him as he found himself agreeing with Cadence - yet it was not a thought that ever crossed his mind. Whilst Cadence was quick to bring up Xerxes' ego, the pallid beast now found him questioning the extent of his narcissism. Perhaps he could do better in future... Xerxes allowed a small, genuine smile creep along his inky kissers then as he took a step back out of the personal space of the angel. Don't... you'll make me cry, he winked at Cadence then, a fleeting glimpse into their past interactions before whatever had tainted it came to pass. It was not something Xerxes lingered on, until this very meeting; he had many friends who became enemies, many enemies that became friends. Their relationship to him, and likely visa versa, was seemingly transactional.

Xerxes accused Cadence of lying, yet it seemed the Lord had misplaced his accusation. Xerxes had no doubt Cadence had done his time in the mists, he had no doubt that the angel returned when war was imminent. But it had not started then, it was started moments before Everest was abducted. Yet he didn't feel it pertinent to correct the Lord for his confusion, especially not as he laughed heartily in his face. "Lie? I do not lie, even if it earns me the ire of those I call allies. I can prove it to you. Take a look." With that, his physical vision was blurred, what he saw Cadences' truth - no one had discussed the fall of Nehemiah, but then the vision shifted to Cadence's experience in the mists. Harrowing, would have been a fair description, yet it didn't sit with Xerxes as gospel. Were the mists subjective? Did they reveal the darkest parts of one's self, peeling back their psyche to ensure they face their demons? "Do I lie, Xerxes?" There was a gravelly tone to his words now, a challenge. The devil met his gaze with ease, holding it steadily as he mulled over his response. You do not lie, he confirmed, before going on to say, But I would not take your vision as truth, he ended carefully, silently wondering if Cadence had taken that vision indeed as a gospel, as a true omen, and maybe not what it perhaps could have been... a sleeping soul's dream.

The interruption from Durasmus, whilst entertaining to Xerxes, had touched a nerve with his opponent, indignation crashing onto his features. "Respectfully, Duramus, I find that perspective wholly unhelpful. I wasn't being philosophical, the goal of peace, and an extended peace is not an ideology. That is my goal. That is what I am asking for on behalf of Utopia and the mortals." The words of the Utopian caused the behemoth to stifle a chuckle, his incisors creeping out to wedge themselves into his lower lip, silencing the amusement that threatened to escape. Xerxes shifted his gaze from Cadence to Durasmus, curious as to how the mortal mediator may react - would he react at all? Partially, he agreed with both Durasmus and Cadence - but this was one fray he'd quite happily observe from the side-lines. Durasmus had moved on to lead the conversation down a more tactile path, encouraging Xerxes to lay down some of his own terms. Whilst he expected Cadence to decline the majority, if not all, of his requests, he had not expected him to agree with the majority. Yet one sticking point remined... "We both know that neither of us is stepping down." That came as no surprise to Xerxes, yet the shadow in Cadence's eyes casted doubt - perhaps not now, but soon... the virile did not respond, he merely smiled down at Cadence, his features placid, receptive, as he awaited the rest of Cadence's response.

"Utopia can concede and admit loss in this war, as well as accept responsibility for igniting it. Utopia will not seek retribution for actions taken during the war, but we will reserve the right to retaliate for anything from here on forward of transgressions made against us unrelated to the war. We will not interfere with the rebuilding of your allies by your demons and vice versa. I agree that we are not meant to soften those who do not want to be softened. Mortals should have the autonomy to discuss prisoners, we should only interfere when asked to interfere." Xerxes nodded his atlas in agreement, only adding one additional caveat to match that of Utopia's. The Underworld will reserve that very same right, if a fire was ignited by Utopia, related to the war or not, revenge would be equal. Yet it was the final agreement, that truly caught Xerxes by surprise. "Oh and one more thing. Take mine, right here, right now. Rasa will not be handing hers over but I request that you let me give you one more gift after you take them." A darkness befell the Devil then, his features shifting, his gaze seeming to glow in the meek light of the setting sun. Without warning, he lunged forwards, his teeth bared as they plunged into the bone and cartilage of his feathered appendage.

As his fangs found purchase within the muscle and sinew, he used the weight of his mass and the strength within his coiled nape to tear the wing off, leaving little more than a bloodied stump protruding from Cadence's left shoulder. His mass seemingly slithered backwards, his position now squarely before him. I will take her wings, or I shall take something far more valuable, he whispered his oath, a promise to Cadence as he stood before him with his blood dripping from his inky lips. You do not deserve to have the weight of her sins held against you - she will pay. The words were hissed at the God before his body recoiled once more and the action of severing the appendage from Cadence's embodiment was repeated, this time on the right side. Xerxes spat the wing atop the other one beside him - a partial symbol of his victory. Words came from the bloodied creature then, words that snagged in his lobes for a moment. "By the way Xerxes, you bastard. I don't hate you. Never did." The darkness that had slithered across the devil's features moments ago shifted, softening almost. I know, I never hated you, he replied in truth. And you are better than allowing yourself to become her scapegoat - do not punish yourself for her crimes again. The interaction had almost become cathartic, therapeutic almost. The towering behemoth stood beside the piled wings, his hellish eyes glancing then to the Vigilum, still doused in Cadence's blood as he appraised him. Rasa must supply something of equal or more value than what Cadence has sacrificed - then you shall have your peace treaty.


Words: 1500+
Sunfrost ➳ T e c h n o ➳






Words

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

TW: language, gore, violence 

Cadence wasn't surprised that Xerxes had found his honesty on Teca amusing. If he knew anything about the dreadlord, it was that he had a relatively sizeable ego. It was one of the few things he found particularly annoying about Xerxes, but that was the extent of his disdain. His sentiments about not making him cry made Cadence offer his own dark chuckle in response. If his honesty was amusing, so be it. The lady that stood beside Xerxes had not been more than a pain in his ass. Then there was the silence as the two exchanged a few moments where Xerxes got to see what Cadence had experienced in the mists. The return to Utopia and what that had been like. The hellfire king agreed then that the roana did no lie, but that what he had seen may not have been the truth. That was something he had considered and he nodded silently. Regardless of if it was true or not, it had changed his perspective on things. "Truth or not, an experience is an experience and prone to changing the views of someone. It certainly changed mine."

Cadence answered carefully. Utopia and the Underworld were at odds in many ways, and it was likely to be the case into infinity. There may be a world or time where they could've worked together, but his dreams of peace would only ever be dreams. The lord knew that and respected that, but that didn't mean he wouldn't fight for it. Who seriously wanted to die and then be at an eternal and silent war? There was enough conflict in one's mortal life, nobody wanted or needed more in the afterlife. But it was the world they lived in. Xerxes listened attentively as Cadence explained his agreement and reservations about the future state of their relationships. Xerxes reserved the same right annd the Utopian lord nodded silently. Then at the invitation to take his wings, Xerxes lunged.

Cadence braced himself and soon the pain flooded his body, but he grunted and focused on breathing. Breathing although he did not need to. It was a comfort. It had ached in ways he'd never imagined, but he had never been one to shy away from physical pain. Cadence had always had a very high tolerance for pain. Each rip and tear of his wings until they were cleaved jaggedly from his body was felt. His body trembled with the leftover memories of his nervous system, in this semi-physical body granted to him by the afterlife to walk the mortal plane again. Cadence almost felt alive again and his body was on fire. He could scarcely focus, but he focused on breathing until the pain dulled enough to cease interrupting his awareness.

Xerxes retreated and vowed that he would take something as valuable as Rasa's wings, if he did not get her wings himself. Cadence remained silent as he was returning to a more aware state. The pain came in waves and he was forced to focus. He commented that Cadene was better than becoming a scapegoat, but he didn't see himself that way. In a weird way, this exchange was gratifying and freeing to him. He had liked the painful reminder, because it was a permanent lesson he would never forget again. At the admission that his counterpart did not hate him, there was a small smile caught between understanding and a grimace of pain. Cadence exhaled again and then inhaled slowly as he listened to the devil speak.

His sentiment was clear, Rasa had to pay in equal measure to what Cadence sacrificed. Xerxes interpreted it as the Utopian Lord was trying to absolve and consume Rasa's sins. While that was only partially true, it was not the whole picture. "That is something we must come to an agreement on. It is difficult to speak on her behalf when she is absent. She did mention in passing to me something about daeva. How could we make something happen with daeva, that would be an equivalent to what I have given?" Cadence spoke in even tones, all of his focus was on managing the pain that radiated through his form. Utopia would heal it, but here it was slow and painful.



SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost | 710 words | boop

[A z z y]

Perhaps he should have been more agreeable with Cadence as she spoke of Mictecacihautl, perhaps he should have been more receptive of the truth he had spoken of the missing Lady's abilities, or lack thereof. Why waste more breath on the deserter? He had been left high and dry, again. Much like Akroma, Teca had also seemingly vanished when needed the most. Xerxes had had to fight this war, a war he had not intended to partake in, a war that he did not want, alone. He had had his children taken, his realm and followers targeted and it was he who had stood in solitude against their adversaries. Xerxes did not know where the blood and bone hued wretch had gone, but he hoped for her sake, she never returned. The conversation shifted then to the roan lord’s vision, of what the mists had done. Xerxes couldn't decipher whether or not Cadence was satisfied with his response, but it seemed the time for satisfaction had long passed. Xerxes eyed Cadence as he spoke of his perception of the vision he had seen, as he spoke of what had changed him so since their very first encounter. "Truth or not, an experience is an experience and prone to changing the views of someone. It certainly changed mine.” Had Cadence encountered Xerxes prior to his death? He couldn't truly remember, but he understood the sentiment. Xerxes had lost everything… and in losing everything had become the most dangerous creature to walk this realm and the mortal one.

The attack upon Cadence had been brutal, savage but brief. The claret that had escaped the lifelines of the Utopian spattered across his face and chest, adding a fresh sheen to the already dried blood that adorned his pelt. His hellish gaze bore into Cadence as he steadied himself, like a wolf on the injured lamb, Xerxes watched. He said nothing, he did nothing, but he continued to watch until finally he righted himself. Xerxes could have offered him reprieve, he could have masked the agony that likely coursed through his enemy but he did not. Xerxes had blanketed Nehemiah in a protective force, he had kept the teeth of the Underworld at bay and for what? Nothing. Rasa had not tried to save him, no Utopian had dared cross his boundaries until it was too late. So now, as Cadence found strength within, continuing through the agony that racked him, Xerxes did not bestow mercy upon him, he did not offer aid in any form. The bleeding lord before him had asked Xerxes to take his wings, and so he did. Yet as the beast regained composure, he found a response to the final part of Xerxes’ requests. "That is something we must come to an agreement on. It is difficult to speak on her behalf when she is absent. She did mention in passing to me something about daeva. How could we make something happen with daeva, that would be an equivalent to what I have given?”

Xerxes allowed a snort of amusement to roll through his nasal passages. You have managed just fine thus far, he retorted dryly on the topic of speaking on behalf of his counterpart. He had not considered the utilisation of Daevas in this exchange, for he did not want any Utopians within his legions, he did not want to have to endure the politics that may likely come with such an agreement. His lips wrinkled at the edges as he flicked his ivory cords against his hocks in a vicious whipping motion. I do not want any members of Utopia lingering in the Underworld once the war has ended, Xerxes confirmed in serious tones. What purpose would a daeva serve him if allied to Utopia? Would they try to infect the minds of his demons? Would they try to turn them against the Underworld and see the light? Would they be privy to information that would not be suitable to their ears? Not to mention that Xerxes found Leviathan utterly insufferable… pushing the thoughts of the half-breed from his mind, he considered the extent of Rasa’s pride. According to Cadence, she would not step down, she would not give up her wings but she would potentially send one of her daevas, possibly even her own child… So where exactly did she draw the line? That being said, he began, his tones taking on a graver tone as he levelled his hell fire gaze upon the King. Rasa will bear me a child, the child once born will come to live in the Underworld, he spoke his final dastardly offer with ease. That is my final offer, Cadence. Take my proposal back to her and ensure she heeds this warning - her pride will damn the mortals to eternal suffering should she decline. It was the truth, should his last and final offer be declined, then the Underworld would swallow the world whole if the mists did not. Xerxes looked to Durasmus then, his gaze to burning coals set within their sockets. Have you anything else to add? I think now is the time we let Cadence fl- he stopped himself there, stifling a grin as his gaze darted to the severed wings at his feet. Make his way home to learn exactly what Rasa will do to save the mortals…



Words: 893
Sunfrost ➳ T e c h n o ➳




Words

[Sunfrost]

Glad to see you’ve been paying attention. Duramus barely acknowledged Xerxes’s words. He’d expected such a remark from the Lord of the Underworld. He found Cadence’s response more surprising and had to sit on the sudden urge to snap something back or react in some way that would ruin the neutrality of these negotiations. Dur knew his son Ruse probably would have found some way to say something in a sassy but neutral manner, but Dur was not his son. As it was, Dur found Cadence’s judgment of what he had said to be wholly unfair. Dur had been speaking largely of peace, whereas Cadence had spent time comparing Utopia and the Underworld and the different characteristics of who would go to either side. Every part of that was philosophical, yet Cadence appeared to have thought that Duramus wasn’t taking him seriously. And to tell Dur, a member of the Vigilum, that the goal of peace wasn’t an ideology? Dur was offended, but there was absolutely no point in telling Cadence that. He would go back to the Mount and digest this later, or retire on the spot, he wasn’t sure. It was comments like this that made Dur consider stepping away sometimes, for the sake of his sanity.

Having decided not to respond, Dur listened as Xerxes extended the offer of stepping down if Cadence would step down. Xerxes appeared to not be offering it seriously, though, so now he offered his final terms – Utopia conceding, admitting to losing this war, admitting to causing this war in the first place. Utopia and the Underworld each to help their own allies and their damaged lands. Souls to be exchanged, but the mortals to conduct their own exchanges…that could be dangerous. Dur made a mental note to ask what each side would do if the mortals did not honor the exchanges. No retribution against either side for acts performed during the war for at least six months, no more than twelve. Dur thought things were going along well, until Xerxes then demanded that Cadence and Rasa give him their wings to hang in the Underworld. That, on top of everything else? It was too much! But it was up to Cadence to determine if that was enough, or ask Duramus for his opinion. Dur doubted it would be the latter. He listened intently as Cadence agreed to everything. His eyes widened as Cadence not only agreed to give up his wings, but invited Xerxes to take them now.

Before Dur could say even a word, Xerxes reacted, ripping off the first wing with aplomb. Eyes wide, Dur watched as Xerxes ripped Cadence’s wings from his body, leaving only bony stubs in their place. He was horrified by this turn of events – it was so unnecessary to add this onto everything else, and for Cadence to agree! Xerxes lectured Cadence for taking the fall for Rasa, which…Dur almost agreed with. Xerxes turned to Dur, stating that Rasa must supply something of equal or more value to ensure the peace agreement. The bay draft mix nodded, his eyes and face disapproving of the blood dripping from Xerxes’s mouth and of the wings on the ground. That had been violent and unnecessary. But if those were the terms they were agreeing to, they were honorbound to stick by them. Dur eyed Cadence, knowing he was in pain and physically restraining himself from offering to help or heal. Cadence had been oddly prideful and seemed to think the Vigilum useless. Let him come ask for help if he needed it; Dur found himself not in the mood to offer such aid, which was highly unusual for him.

Dur listened as Cadence listed that Rasa had mentioned something about daeva and how that could play a role in the agreement. Xerxes stated he did not want any Utopians lingering in the Underworld after the conclusion of the war – but weren’t daevas of both sides? Dur listened as Xerxes then demanded Rasa bear him a child, who would live in the Underworld. He directed Cadence to return to Rasa with the proposal. It seemed peace now hinged on whether Rasa accepted the proposal. Xerxes asked Duramus then if he had anything to add before letting Cadence go. Trying to restrain the sarcastic comment that he wanted to make, Duramus neighed If Cadence and Rasa accept these provisions, then I have no concerns with these being the terms by which we reach peace. Should the mortals refuse to negotiate amongst each other even with the war’s end, your assistance may be requested to overcome any remaining roadblocks. The Vigilum will assist with all negotiations as asked. Contrary to popular belief, we can actually be helpful. Dur snorted, frustrated with himself for letting that final sentence slip out, but the truth that bound all Vigilum had compelled him to add it. Well, there was no point hiding how he felt now, so Dur went ahead and added dryly Should Rasa choose to reject these terms and no other negotiation is made, we’d also appreciate a heads up that the world is about to end.




tagged// A z z y ➳ T e c h n o ➳
notes// He got a bit sassy, rare for him haha

[➳ T e c h n o ➳]

TW: language, gore, violence 

Cadence remained quiet, as he was focused on tolerating the waves of pain radiating through him. It was growing more dull in the same way that this conversation seemed to be coming to a natural end. He did not take the bait of Xerxes commenting that Cadence speaking on behalf of Rasa had gone on just fine so far. The roan  just watched him, and kept his peripherals focused on Duramus. Xerxes went on to respond that he did not want any Utopians in the Underworld. That was fair, but that wasn't what he had meant when he suggested the Daevas. However that too got skewed by a request that gave Xerxes more power in this situation. That was inevitable. The dreadlord demanded that Rasa give him a daeva as the final provision. He felt disgusted by the thought of offering someone else's body in exchange for peace. Cadence hoped that Rasa would not hate him for this. He was faced with this choice or the total destruction of Wild Equines as they knew it.

"I will speak to Rasa." Cadence confirmed, it was the only thing that was left to addess in this conversation. Duramus then joined in on the conversation again, and inquired whether Utopia would accept these terms, and ultimately he had to. He ewas given the illusion of a choice, but really he had none. Duramus added in a jab of his own, that insinuated that Cadence thought the Vigilum were useless. The anger and weariness from the war grating on him was too much for him to remain tolerant. Cadence's ears pinned back and turned his gaze to Duramus. "Utopia accepts the conditions, but that wasn't what I said or meant and you know it." Cadence snapped at Duramus.

"I don't feel you understood me initially and claimed I was waxing philosophical when I was asking for Xerxes to find common ground. Feuds don't matter if the mortals suffer. Especially to the point of us being the cause of their end. Don't put words in my mouth because I found one statement unhelpful." The utopian snapped again, but this time it waas from the pain. Xerxes comment about letting Cadence return home grated on his nerves but he said nothing in response. The brown eyes of the Utopian remained locked on Duramus. He had to return to Rasa, but he was not yet done speaking with this Vigilum who seemed determined to misunderstand him.

"You and I will speak privately after this, Duramus." Cadence stated. 




SPEECH

A z z y Sunfrost | 420 words | I know this is over the 3 days I think? This is for the sake of wrapping up the thread since the end date for this was November 21st