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  1. #1
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone

    How To Process Emotions When Faced With Your Worst Enemy

    Contains language. Sequel to Consider the Apocalypse as A Thing Unwanted and An Alternative Method For Gaining A Girlfriend
    Slowly I sat down before the board of three bearded old men and one enterprising young woman. Through a collection of eyeglasses, eyelashes and upraised drinking vessels they stared and watched me carefully, no words coming from their lips. Two were rigid in concern, one was relaxed with a smile playing on his face, and the last looked emotionally empty. With my face set to a state of simplicity and a determination to begin upon good terms with these people I kept my back straight and a readiness in my heart.

    “Greetings,” I addressed the four of them who leant in various manners upon the table. “I would like to begin by stating that I understand the unusual arrangements for this position, and I am in no way wishing that you guarantee myself an occupation based on whom may have made these.”

    There was silence in the room. I arched my eyebrow slightly as I curled my fingers around the folio case before me, that housed the abstracts of my finer essays and journal articles. Slowly my heart thudded, my introduction set. The other occupants - my interviewers and fellow creatures of keen study, all high elves, remained still.

    Patiently, I waited.

    One man eventually moved, hand rising to remove his small round glasses, revealing bright blue eyes.

    “Mr De’Erebus,” he said slowly. I gave him my full focus. “I cannot lie when I say I do not of what you are referring to.” A small smile lifted his features. “And how it relieves me.”

    “We would have given you a fair interview nevertheless,” spoke the one who had been smiling from the outset. Immediately I marked him as someone who potentially regarded Morningstar in a more positive light than I did, possibly even worked for him. In my new life here I would need to figure out who was placed here to spy on me, and who would be my ally.

    In regards to the latter the one who had spoken first was my current first choice.

    “There is potential for an occupation for yourself,” the first one spoke. “From what we have been told, your requirements are for a part time opportunity. Is that correct?”

    Pausing for a moment I sighed internally, before nodding. It was not what I desired it to be, but it was what was required. “Yes. There are … family matters I must attend to at times. Often they are unavoidable and spare me very little time to prepare.”

    The man who I had noted to be a 'fan’ of Morningstar raised himself straighter whilst the others remained as they were.

    My main interviewer continued. “Those matters can be taken into consideration. One of our key politics lecturers is himself called to court at unavoidable times so I am sure we can make arrangements.” He took a moment to glance down at a piece of paper before him. “You have worked in the University of Akashima and … a short stay in Alerar?”

    “Very short,” I nodded, remembering where I was, and that insulting drow was a good idea here. “The environment did not suit me.”

    “Nor does it many of us,” the man smiled at me. He glanced to his colleagues, then back to me. “It is standard practise for all of our staff, whether research fellows or advanced students, to teach to some degree, no matter what the situation. Madam Hera here is our main lecturer within pre-history, but is open to specialist input. Would teaching be something you could do?”

    “My last two occupations had primarily been of an teaching aspect,” I replied, “thus I can say I have experience in such, and would be more than willing to partake in such.”

    The man nodded, and the female seemed to relax from her tense position. She now leant forwards, “what are your current areas of personal research?”

    I answered without hesitation. The truth was that I was not a tiefling, as my appearance suggested, but rather a primordial. It was a term coined by us who had come right out of the void we called Khaos at the beginning of time and were created to serve the Old Gods. Some of us did not like the idea of being made to serve, like my brother Morningstar, who had recently had a point chant for controlling my life. The fact I had lived through history had made me an expert in it.

    “Primarily the earlier worship of the Thayne Jomil, and more recently the differences between the facts and legends of the Great Calamity.” I sat up a little. “The first is a personal interest, the other is … based in a wider context.”

    She was nodding, however when I first spoke. And she gestured to my folio. “Do you have your work in there?”

    Lifting it up I held it out to her. “Extracts of the majority of my papers from when I began teaching twenty years ago.”

    Madam Hera took it with some excitement as the original interviewer took back over, his round glasses now back on his face. “And what were you doing before those years?”

    “I worked in transport,” I said, the old explanation that was both lie and truth coming from between my lips. In fact I had been an indentured servant to the King Of Death, who had forced me to be the Ferryman of the souls he ruled over for some long millennia, during which time I had lost much of my power. “Which though sounds disconnected from prehistory did involve a great amount of work with some of the oldest ships and boats.”

    “A tiefling in shipping,” grunted the one who had not spoken yet. “It is not the worst we have employed.”

    “Varsil,” Madam Hera hissed.

    I made no reaction, only clasped my hands and watched as she began to flick through my folio.

  2. #2
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    Quickly the first interviewer, whose name, I realised, I still did not know, attempted to gain control of the interview. “Your race is not an issue, I can assure you, Mr De'Erebus.”

    Simply I blinked and waited for the next question, which came quickly, from the same one who seemed to be racist.

    “So how did you end up associated with a man such as-”

    “Do you have any other areas of knowledge?” the one with the glasses interrupted him.

    “Yes,” I replied, with a nod. “As some of my works that Madam Hera is looking through currently shows, I have skill in general history, early philosophy and sociology. Prehistory is my speciality, however.”

    “And have you experience of being a tutor?” Hera said, looking up, her eyes bright. “As in for our more experienced students? Our scholars?”

    Those young minds who decided, after their basic studies, to continue on with the potential to one day become lecturers or researchers in their own right.

    “I have some,” I regarded her, “and would be more than willing to take some on.”

    “With your need for irregular hours, it might work well,” she nodded, enthusiastic, “because I tell you, I am exhausted.” And she let out a light laugh.

    I could not help but smile. It seemed that there actually might be need for me in this great rock of a city state. Already I imagined that I would indeed be favourable associates with this Madam Hera, who it looked I would work with, or under.

    “With regards to what other work you are experienced in, would it be right in saying that you have ability in research itself. So that any major projects that the university might be undergoing, theoretical or otherwise …”

    “I will be more than willing to lend my assistance. When family matters do draw me away in terms of location I do have time in order to continue reading, studying and so on. A mind kept active is a mind in power.”

    “Exactly,” Hera smiled.

    It seemed I already had her vote. For me, it was the highest praise anyone could give.

    I saw the one in who had first championed Morningstar, and had still not spoken since, curl his lip as if he wanted to speak, but he did not. Instead he leant over and quietly spoke in the main interviewer's ear. The man paused, then nodded.

    “Unless there are more questions, I believe that is enough for us to consider, Mr De'Erebus.” He stood, and suddenly the interview was over. Placing my hands on the desk I began to push myself up, my eyes glancing over to where Madam Hera was pouring over my work.

    He coughed politely. “Hera. Mr De'Erebus is leaving.”

    She glanced up at me. “May I finish?”

    Pausing, I nodded, “of course. My current address is -”

    “Oh I'll bring them to your office,” she smiled, and buried her head back into the papers.

    Stunned silence fell like an avalanche. ‘My office.’ That statement presumed I had already been hired, and this was all a farce. In some ways it was - I knew Morningstar had pulled strings to get me this interview. A job had always been something of a certainty, but I had tried to make it clear from the outset that it was what I knew, not who I knew that would get me this occupation.

    Quietly I moved away from the table, looking away from them all. I gave a small bowl, as I spoke. “I thank you all for this opportunity,” I said. “I am currently residing at the Lingar Hotel, in Alanawé.”

    Then I rose and departed, leaving them all to their quiet world.

  3. #3
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    Barely had I collected my satchel and my coat from the cloakroom in the terraced building when there was a shout from behind me.

    “Mr De'Erebus!”

    Frowning and turning I blinked in the bright sunlight, aware of the gulls overhead. If one of them dared to poo on me I would gore it with my horn. Not that my horns were used as often as I was sure others were - for me it was far more of an aesthetic feature.

    The first man to have spoken - the primary interviewer - was hurrying out towards me. Now he was standing I could see that he was tall. White hair showed his age alongside his beard, as did his wheezing. High elves were supposed to cease to age, but this one seemed akin to a wizened human. Excepting the wrinkles.

    He came to me as I stood there in the light of day watching as he finished the last step towards me. Then he gave a dashing smile.

    “Good. Hello.”

    I inclined my head, happier. “Sir,” I replied, “I thank you for making the effort, but you do not need to-”

    “We wish to hire you,” he interrupted me. And I stood there, stunned, as my lips parted.

    “You …”

    “Indeed,” he nodded fast as he caught his energy.

    I pulled in a breath, my hand tightening on the strap of my satchel. “I … I do not know what to say. If you felt pressured by my brother in any way …”

    “We all have our black sheep in the family,” he smiled, now straightening again. Pausing, he took a moment to settle himself. “You seem genuine and vastly unlike Lord Morningstar. You have gained a place here by your own merit.”

    I looked away, my eyes moving to look at the terraces. They were a row of offices, curving alongside the street itself and edging down the hill. Grey stone and black slate tiling for the roof they were houses that did not scream learning, but had enough books at the windows, life within them and robed individuals heading in and out of the doors that one could assume. Behind them, standing bold against the sky, were the three towers that marked where the main university building was. When I had first come to Tor Elythis I had marvelled at the towers, but had come to appreciate the terraces more.

    “I never introduced myself - I am Magister Parin Hamil, however, as we are to work together, please call me Parin.” He extended a hand.

    Hesitantly, I took it, my heart thumping as suddenly the pieces of my life were falling into place once more. “Charles, please. Or Char.”

    He bowed his head, and I reacted in kind as we became properly acquainted. After a while he removed his hand from mine. “Hera will be delighted to show you an office tomorrow. If you do accept, which I presume you do, then be here tomorrow morning at eight.”

    I agreed. “I will endeavour to do so. There would only be one reason why I would.”

    “And we will learn to cope with your unusual situation.”

    They had given Morningstar the honorific of 'Lord’ which bestowed him with a resemblance of respect here. They had also named me as a tiefling, which inferred that they believed his was an aristocrat amongst demons. This placed him somewhere in the feudal system of the hells, which would explain to some degree his nature. I imagined he was to some of them as a king and a god, but to the rest he was a deadly noble who had a slightly nicer brother here. He was known here well, which was already a massive difference to my life at Akashima or Ettermire.

    It placed me at an advantage to some degree, in that I was related to the aristocracy, but also at a disadvantage - from the moment that I would begin my career here, I would be subject to rumours. I also would not know who was a spy for my brother. Already I knew that many of them did not care for his ways of threats and lies, but amongst them were those who followed his every word. They could be those who served him, knew the truth about him and I in our identities. Some of them could even be out in the open - like the one who had been terse with me at the interview.

    I did not know how my situation had been explained to them, but I knew that they knew I needed time away unexpectedly. Why I needed it was another matter, but I did not want to get into the conversation that every few weeks my brother might decide to kidnap me.

    “I will try to ensure it is not much of an issue,” I apologised. “Hopefully I will be able to have enough time to get a message to Madam Hera … or would it be yourself?”

    “Either, or,” he shrugged, in a very non-elf way.

    Taking a small step back I bowed again. “Thank you Magister Parin. I will endeavour to bring pride to your great house of learning.”

  4. #4
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    “And this …”

    She opened the door, revealing my small new office.

    It was a tinier space than my own in Ettermire, and far more regular than that in Akashima, which had been with as many nooks and crannies as a person had limbs. This was an even square, with a single multi-paned window set into a wall and heavy curtains draping around it. A lonely desk was pushed up to one side, with a heavy chair slid in behind it. The wall opposite them was dominated by shelves, some of which already had occupants in the place of a dying plant and two old cob-webbed books. The whole space was large enough to house perhaps two more chairs comfortably and that was all. It was just slightly smaller than my delightful cell within Morningstar's home. Overall it was made of a cherry wood, with crimson and mulberry coloured upholstery. It was clean, and ready for my occupancy, as if they had expected me from a week ago.

    Twisting to her I nodded, “thank you, Madam Hera.”

    “Oh Hera please. It will be Char also, and the students will call you professor …”

    “Rivers had been a name I have gone by in the past,” I advised, “De’Erebus is foreign to many. Charles is actually not even my original name.”

    “Aside from Vasil you should not find too many racists here,” the elf sighed. “But it what name you desire to be known by that matters.”

    “Either,” I said as I took a final step into the room and looked around it. My eyes moved from the chair, the window to the plant and I slowly placed down my bag. “If you do not mind my asking, Madam … Hera. You mentioned senior students. How many do you have?”

    “Ah,” she nodded, and stepped in behind me. “Well. I am the only full time prehistory professor. All the others also teach history, or archeology. I currently am trying to run the course for the undergraduates, as well as support six full time senior students with their research and projects. It is with those that I can see you being invaluable.”

    “Certainly, I will do what I can,” I nodded, setting my satchel down on the ground. “And teaching?”

    “There are many students who say that they are struggling with the ideas of the events of the Great Calamity, and the worship of the Thayne thereafter. A lot of the focus from them is on the Raiaeran Pantheon so …”

    I nodded, “naturally. They are their gods.”

    “With your current research on the Thayne, it might be worthwhile setting up … a lecture a week, for instance, on that subject.”

    Agreeing with her I smiled and cupped my hands before me. “The only issue will be if - if my brother-”

    “If you prepare your lectures a week beforehand, and aim to have their notes to me by the time of the previous week, then that will cover any emergencies.”

    I let out a soft sigh. “Thank you, Hera.”

    She looped back a strand of her fine silver hair, and blinked at me with her golden eyes. “Your situation is exceedingly unique, Charles.”

    Part of me wanted to ask, wanted to know what she thought went on during those days. But I could not ask, without causing suspicion. Simply, I smiled in gratitude, and clasped my hands before me.

    “My brother and I have a great amount of differences, and in an ideal world-”

    She shook her head, raising a hand, “say no more. Raiaera may seem idyllic to many, but it is still a country with its flaws. There are many still in this city who are not aware of who your brother is, and the power he wields, and so you may find yourself going through a whole day with no one connecting you to him. For your absences we will simply say you have other work, which is true in itself.”

    It was … sort of. It suggested what she thought I did - worked for Morningstar part time by my own free will. Connected to the truth as it was it still made me grind my teeth in frustration, and need to force myself to hold a steady composure.

    “I thank you, Hera,” I said, “for all your assistance. I hope to make a successful new start here.”

  5. #5
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    And I did.

    After the first week I took on two of her senior students full time. Both were high elves; one named Quentalë Tur, the other Astalde Aria, the latter who was of an ancient line of famous bards. Quentalë was investing his time in understanding potential feminism within the first major, ancient civilisation that spanned much of northern Raiaera. Astalde was personally focused and was trying to understand the precise origins of bardic tradition, focusing on Khal’jaren, the sage god. These both I had curiosity over, wondering what they might discover in their research and had already encouraged Quentalë to travel north to a ruin recently uncovered.

    I prepared and presented my first lecture to a wide-eyed, eager audience. There were more than a hundred students, some of whom stared at me in horror as I strode in. I could hear whispers of, “so it's true … they did hire a demon.” Subtly I smiled, the eyes of many high elves and the spare human watching me as I laid my satchel on the front desk and looked at them.

    “My name is Professor Charles Rivers,” I introduced myself. “My expertise is in early Thayne worship and the aftermath of the Great Calamity. Madam Hera has asked me to speak to you once a week on these particular topics. What I plan to do during this lecture is introduce myself and set out a plan for the next few weeks.” I leant forwards onto the desk, surveying them as easily as I had done with every class beforehand. “I encourage questions, conversation and post-class discussion. I only ask that you follow one simple rule: respect.”

    I paused, and they waited upon me with baited breath, the room perfectly still and silent as I held them hostage. A smile came to my lips, and my heart raced as I gazed about the new world I had come to, and the opportunities before me.

    “To begin …”

    The search for my home was somewhat more difficult. I began with living directly out of the hotel, and thus the need to find a home, now I had a job, was somewhat urgent. Without any knowledge of the city and any other direction I began by asking Hera where were good locations. She ended up taking me herself the next day to apartments that could be leased near to the university itself. As the university was near the centre of the city, this meant that there were numerous ones, and none too close to the edge of the island, where the sea was a constant threat.

    A note, however, appeared in my office the day after. It was in a scratchy, spidery hand and informed me that I had a meeting arranged with a Sadoran Adar the next day, who had an apartment that would fit my requirements. The note told me a precise time and place. It took me a moment to take in the information and remember that my brother had requested I take an apartment in an area of the city he approved of. Sighing, I took up the letter and memorised the time and place.

    I arrived at the appointment with time to spare. It was a tall, three storey building, tucked in amongst similar but smaller types, down a narrow alley. Around a ten minute walk from terrace building with my new office it was certainly convenient, but lacking the brightness that I had seen in other locations. Standing of the door I waited for some time, only the city gulls for company, before a shadowy figure appeared down the road. It took me only a short while to match scowl to elf, and figure out he was the same Morningstar fan from my interview.

    Deeply, I sighed, before stepping out, not bothering to unfold my arms. “Sandoran Adar, I presume.”

    He grunted as he came to me, dark hair framing his sharp features. Immediately he stretched out a hand and I saw a shine of light. Frowning I caught glimpse of a set of iron keys.

    “The rent is three hundred gold per month,” he said with a sour tone. “It has been emptied already for your convenience.”

    “I would prefer to see the property first, before I accept thank you,” I replied tersely.

    “He said it was yours,” he frowned, “and would accept his decision.”

    Stepping back I released my arms to gesture at the door, “if I could see the property first, Master Adar.”

    The elf growled at me, lip curling with disgust. “You are not worth his attention.”

    “Well he definitely disagrees with you on that,” I answered, and pointed again.

    Rolling his eyes he walked forwards and let me in.

  6. #6
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    I ended up not quite accepting the apartment, but persuaded Sandoran Adar to show me another one he owned. This was close to the tall, grimy alleyway, and was brighter and bigger.

    There were four rooms, inclusive of a kitchen, bedroom, front room and bathroom. It was not precisely ready to move in, with crates taking up most of the floor space, but I managed to say that I would pay four hundred per month, and could give him a few days to allow me to move in. The day after I conducted my first lecture I took my few belongings there, and settled in. From the kitchen with its cast iron stove and heavy wooden preparation table extended a balcony, and it here that I spent the first part of my first day.

    I turned the front room into something of a library, gaining shelves from a local carpenter. Laying the floor with rugs I made it as comfortable as possible. The bedroom was not difficult as there was already a large wooden double bed, and it was a matter of buying blankets for it. A small chest held my few clothes and I arranged for a cleaner and laundry maid to come in once a week.

    It was on the second full of living in my new home that I received a knock on the front door. Carrying my glass of wine through I opened it, stunned to see a black haired human standing there.

    Dressed in an elaborate bodice and skirt Regina del Kant elegantly smiled at me. My eyebrows rose as I took her in, with her tall form and slim figure, lips pursing slightly. She was the closest thing I had to a girlfriend, and also was devoted to my brother as both one who honoured him akin to a god and working for free for him after he had appeared to her at the age of five.

    “Regina,” I breathed.

    “Hello, barbarian,” she leant forwards, and I did not move or resist as she placed a kiss on my lips. She used her apparent pet name for me, describing what many of Morningstar's thought of me as, because I had refused my brother's offer of fealty several times.

    When she moved back, I was also smiling. I had a hand up against the door post and leant against it when she moved away, rather delighted.

    I was there for a moment too long. “Are you going to let me in, then?” she asked.

    Quickly I straightened, nodding and moving back. I noticed at this point that she held a basket in her hands, that one might expect to belong to a fruit picker. Carefully she carried it as she came in, eyes glancing around the room as I let the door shut behind her.

    “So,” I twisted around, looking at her, my wind glass still in my hand. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

    “Can not a girl see his man?” she asked, moving to the single armchair in my front room and setting the basket on it.

    “Yes, but usually you are busy with … other duties,” I replied, having never seen her out of Morningstar's court.

    “Hmm,” she nodded, and she sat down on the arm of the chair. “I am.”

    There was hesitance in her voice. I raised a brow. “But …”

    “Fine, I do have a purpose,” she replied, sighing. “But it does not have to be carried out for … three hours or so. I came early you see, with permission.”

    Slowly I set my glass down, folding my arms across my chest. “What are you here for then, aside from sex?”

    A deep frown appeared on her face. Eyes narrowing she glared at me. “Fine. I will not be subtle. I am here as a delivery girl.”

    “Of … what?” I asked, looking at the basket, “is there food in there?”

    “Oh I am not delivering anything to you,” she folded her arms, her tone short and sharp. “Rather I am …”

    And a sparkle blossomed into her eye. My brow rose slowly as I began to understand her meaning. Breath caught in my chest as my heart thumped and all I could think about was Morningstar and his audacity to do such a thing. To not come here himself - to send Regina.

    “Fuck me …” I whispered. “The bastard strikes again.”

    “We'll go now then,” she snapped, beginning to rise and her hand pulling back the fabric that covered the top of the blanket.

    Instantly I reacted. “No, wait,” I said quickly, my body jerking forwards to stretch out a hand towards her. Into my hand a small black coil of energy popped, about the size of marble and entirely ready to defend me. It was my main form of magic, as destructive darkness energy that could drain feeling and matter.

    She glanced up to me, her eyes wide. Carefully I closed the fingers around my palm, snuffing the darkness out. Jaw tightening, I lowered the hand and watched as she deeply frowned.

    “It calls itself to existence,” I explained , rapidly, “but only my will can shape and manipulate it.”

    “I know you would not have harmed me,” she replied, dryly, “but it just goes to prove how much of a barbarian you are.”

    “Wonderful,” I said, not sure which her statements I was referring to. Maybe both. “Now, you said three hours?”

    Slowly, she nodded, “yes …”

    “Right, how long this time?” I asked her, as I strode to a shelf where paper and pen was ready for my daily thoughts and musings.

    Regina took her hands away from the basket and folded them across her chest. She was still in a mood with me, but at least seemed to have been persuaded to not take me now.

    “I do not know. At least today, perhaps more.”

    Two or three then. I nodded quickly, grabbing a piece of paper and beginning to scribe a note addressed to Hera. I wrote that I was bidden away on ‘family business’ (I used the inverted commas) and that I expected to be gone only a few days. I added that notes on Quentalë's recent chapter draft could be found in a drawer in my office desk. Reading over the page once I found it to be satisfactory and I folded the page into a letter format, before looking at Regina.

    “I need to deliver this message.”

    Pursing her lips she nodded. “How long will you be?”

    “The university is only a five minute walk,” I explained. “You can come with me if you are that concerned.”

    Shaking her head she replied. “No. I am fine.”

    And I paused before I sighed and walked over to her. I had upset her, plenty, both by inferring that all she wanted from me was sex, and insulting her employer and man she respected as god. Despite the fact I had thought the first, and did not agree with the second, the guilt still savagely burned within me. When I got to her she was gazing at me with large, gorgeous eyes, and her lips were a thin line.

    “I am sorry,” I said quietly. “And I promise to come with you, without a fuss.”

    She blinked, and a softness came into her eyes; even though she did not speak I knew she forgave me. Leaning towards her I kissed her head.

    “Barbarian,” she murmured.

    “Indeed,” I agreed.

    And I left.

  7. #7
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    When I returned I discovered she had found my bedroom. On the bed she had draped herself, and she was extremely naked. My jaw dropped, eyes widened at the apparent complete forgiveness I was being given.

    “You …”

    “Just come,” she lifted up a hand from her olive tinted perfect form. Holding it out to me as an invitation she welcomed me home. “And we'll forget our differences for now?”

    A smile flickered across my lips. Though the dynamic in this relationship was not ideal, I was delighted at this form of surprise so early on. My heart rose to a tempo of excitement, and I began to work on my shirt as I moved over.

    “I am willing,” I said warmly.

    And we had two hours of sweet, gentle romance.

    Afterwards, I sat on the edge of my bed, looking at my discarded clothes. Regina leant against my back, belly first. Her fingers tangled slowly into my hair and ran the length of my horns. Extending as they did from my temples and arching back it took her some time to trail her hands the full length of them, however the longer the better. I felt strangely elated at the sensation, calming after the storm we had created in my now messy bed.

    “Do you know why you look like a tiefling?” she asked, after a moment of silence.

    I frowned. “I would say tieflings look like us. We were there first.”

    “And all of your kind … primordials, they have horns?”

    I nodded in response, though was careful not to lower my chin too deep so as to upset her trailing touch. “Some even have tails. But I cannot tell you why. It is what it is.”

    Gently she leant to kiss my bare shoulder. “I do not mind what features you may have. You are handsome at least.”

    “And you are very beautiful,” I murmured in reply. It was satisfyingly different to have this conversation. Most of ours was playful banter about how each other was wrong, and now here we were discussing how attractive we found the other.

    “Thank you,” she rested her chin on my shoulder. Tilting my head down I regarded her as she grinned at me.

    “Hello barbarian.”

    “You probably could come up with some other insults,” I mused.

    “Mmmm. Idiot. Primitive. Uncivilised. Erroneous. Fool. Heretic.”

    I laughed and raised a hand to curl my own fingers into her hair. “Thank you for being so honest.”

    “Well you are something of a heretic,” she kissed my neck again. “Maintaining an incorrect doctrine outside the established hierarchy.”

    “Or just belief in myself, my own skills and a desire to never run the risk of being called someone's property again …” I replied.

    She paused, and looked up at me. Slightly, I smiled. There was a pause between us, where our eyes remained in constant watch. Slowly she blinked, mouth lacking in a smile but still joy in her eyes.

    Leaning over my shoulder she gave me a quick last kiss on the lips before she slipped off the bed. “On that, we should probably start heading.”

    My heart fell. I had hoped to distract her to some extent, and have her not thinking about our expected journey to Morningstar's court. But she was what she was - a loyal servant, worthy of praise for that dedication. As I watched she strode towards her underclothes and began to pull them on.

    “Do you know if I have clothing there now?” I asked.

    She nodded a little. “After you spent a few days with us last time, those clothes you left are now waiting for you, available. I believe he actually calls the room yours.”

    “Of course he does.” I stretched as I prepared to get up. Looking around I spotted a book on the small cabinet that I had been reading recently. Getting up I took a small step to gather it up, then began to look for my clothes.

    “Things would be a lot easier if you did swear fealty to him,” she sighed.

    I shrugged on my trousers over my undergarments. “Unfortunately that is never going to happen, so you will need to deal with the pains of a long distance relationship,” was my response.

    “Are you bringing that?” she appeared before me and gestured to the book.

    Now she was in her dress once more, her black locks cascading wonderfully. In her hands also was the picnic basket, with a blanket hiding it's contents. Nodding, I held out the book and she took it from me.

    “Remember your boots,” she lightly said.

    “Mmm,” I grunted, amused that she thought I could forget them.

    As I found them, beneath my shirt, I found another book. This Regina took from me, slipping it beneath her blanket, as I tugged on a clean shirt. Boots laced and buttons secure I spent a moment musing with the cuffs before she appeared at my elbow.

    “Are you ready?” she asked.

    “As I'll ever be,” I picked at a stray thread.

    I saw her nodding, and then gently she took my hand. A smile began to come over my face as she slipped her fingers in with mine, and she pulled my hand back towards her face. I began to turn, smiling and watching her, when the unexpected happened.

    Suddenly her other hand moved and a golden tinted metallic cuff was suddenly being fixed around my wrist.

    I let out a groan. Trust her to distract me. Regina simply laughed as she pulled my hand around my back, sharper this time, then reached out to grab my other hand. I barely resisted, knowing what she wanted, and what the consequences were of fighting this. Some of my power blossomed in readiness, eager to be free, but I willed it back down. Less delicate now she pulled both my arms around, and shoved my second hand into the second manacle, closing it shut with a light click, so that my two hands where now firmly bound behind my back. Slightly, I bent over from where they were cuffed at the small of my back, and she appeared at my front, ecstatically beaming.

    “There,” she said, satisfied. “All ready.”

    “Bound and ready for transportation,” I rolled my eyes. I tested the manacles, easing my wrists apart, and found a light bell sound filling my ears - the sound Morningstar's chains apparently made.

    Quite delighted with her distraction she nodded, and looped an arm with mine, her other holding onto the basket. “Come along prisoner, I need to deliver you.”

    And she raised a palm. Within was a pulsating white stone. Tightly, she held onto me as the world spun around us, and I was pulled from my new life for a brief encounter with my brother.

  8. #8
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    We landed in a brief and dull glimmer of light, our shoes impacting onto soft earth. It took me only a few seconds for my eyes to adjust.
    We were in a field of grass, with a clear blue sky above. In this way green and azure stretched for seemingly endless miles, broken only by yellow wheat to the east, and a large white building behind us. As I looked at the building, with its peaked roof, simple structure and marble façade, I felt partly relieved. This was practically my second home now, and though every time I was here more pains came, at least it was where I was familiar, and wanted.

    Linking her elbow through the loop of my arms, Regina began to walk. Bound as I was it was awkward, but there was little point in resisting now as he began towards the temple-like structure.

    As we gained closer I could see the huge, wooden double doors that made up the entrance. I could also tell the shape of the west was slightly more than the east, with a pronounced edge. Within this extra space I knew that offices, the kitchens and rooms for the staff thrived, as well as a staircase resided that led to the cells - and 'my’ room. Nearing the door I could hear a multitude of noises coming from within, as well as I could see rapid movement, of a lot more people than was usually in the main hall of his court. Frowning a little I turned my head to Regina when a man stepped out from the door.

    He seemed to be a farmer. Dressed in fine clothes he bore a pitchfork and was chewing on hay. Presumably he worked alongside the wheat fields. When he spotted Regina and I he nodded, and waited for us to come closer.

    “I see you managed to pick up your package, then,” he joked.

    “Apparently so,” I replied, and the farmer looked at me in surprise.

    Regina laughed, and tightened her grip around my arm, pulling me closer with a light chiming noise. As if I was going to run now. Her hand settled gently over my forearm where she could attain it, and she began to partly pull me inside, speeding up our pace, and leaving the farmer in the dust.

    I said nothing, but found her 'encouragement’ to be wildly unnecessary. I reacted with a short hiss, muttering quickly to her as we passed into the shadow of the temple.

    “I'm not going to run, Regina.” Though it was the first time I had ever been bound with my hands behind my back under Morningstar.

    “I know,” she nodded, yet still she kept her hold, as the noise beyond the doors truly came to ear.

    It was fairly loud, with a myriad of different voices. As I looked in I could see the court had entirely changed. The structure was still there - the hundred foot long audience chamber, with its twin marble pillar rows to either side and the mighty dais at the back, where his oak throne wrapped in gold decoration sat. Aside from that much had been draped upon, or had life around. Whereas I was used to an empty hall, here life lurked now in every corner.

    Crimson and rich, royal green material hung in banners and swathes around the pillars, dressing the place in colour instead of white. It also adorned the shadow walls beyond the pillar barrier, careful of the lanterns that burned in nooks. Over the top of this fabric miles of ivy had been dressed, filling the room with an earthy smell, and curling in random forms over the uneven surfaces. Three groups of five people were working with exceptionally tall ladders to currently rearrange some of the ivy. An overseer rushed from one group to the next.

    The floor itself had been spread with bracken and dried flowers, in scatterings that added to the natural scent of the place. It had been pushed into various piles at the pillars as people walked, but still a collection of three people strode around, evenly distributing it. Behind them an inspector walked, nodding slowly.

    Currently they were heading towards the back of the room, and that brought my eyes to the throne. Elaborately, it had been lovingly dressed in the same emerald fabric, that twisted out from it in rivers. On top of this golden painted ivy hung, as well as branches of juniper berries. Behind the throne itself a massive banner had been placed, that showed a large, golden and emerald snake coiling around green ivy on a black field. It took me a moment to understand, but eventually I found myself nodding as Morningstar became the snake itself.

    Beyond that, people were what took up the rest of the room. Currently a group were pushing a pair of plain, large thrones into a place that was a fair thirty feet from the throne. Other groups were in discussion, whispering as they tugged on jewelry and adjusted their fine clothing. I was thankful that I had kept on my working trousers and placed on a clean shirt. There were some though with a clear lack of clothing, and these were four young women who had little but a bustier and a light skirt of material to cover them, who laughed between themselves at the foot of the dais.

    “B-brother?”

    I heard a gasp, and turned to see a tall, handsome female hurrying towards me, her black hair coiled up in a bun at her head. It narrowly avoided her dark horns rising from her crown. Green eyes blinked at me, matching the green silk dress she wore. Instantly I recognised her and spoke in awe.

    “... Nyx?” I noted she was entirely unbound.

    Regina stepped back as Nyx, one of my sisters and personification of the night, came to me. Eagerly the woman who I had not see for perhaps three thousand years suddenly drew me into a hug. It was awkward and unexpected but I was appreciative of it.

    I observed her, eyes moving up and down her form. Slowly I realised that because she was here and unbound she had to have given her fealty at one point to Morningstar.

    “When …”

    “Oh about five hundred years ago now,” she waved a hand. “There's also Geras,” who was our brother who had powers over aging, “Hemera,” who was Nyx’s twin and was associated with the day, “and Moros sometimes appears. Though he is currently on holiday.” From what I knew of one of my youngest brothers he was a doomsayer - that being he could bring about doom. He had powers of prediction that were legendary.

    Slowly I nodded, now with a list of names for the four of my siblings who had fallen under Morningstar's persuasion. And I was his … pet project. “I see,” then I smiled. “It is good to see you. This is …” I glanced to my side.

    “Oh I know Regina,” Nyx said with a beam. “Hopefully she can help to bring you around.”

    “I see,” I looked to Regina who was still holding her basket and looking very pleased with herself. “And what is going on here exactly?”

    “I have visitors,” came a grunt from my other side. Looking over I finally saw the lord of the court striding over to me.

    Impressively tall Morningstar was a well-built man with large horns jaggedly arching away from his face. His features were rugged and handsome, with chocolate hair draped in curls around it and his skin pale but flecked with crimson. A small, simply golden circlet was set on his brow. Today he was dressed in fine crimson robes, that were trimmed with golden thread, with thigh high boots.

    He looked me up and down slowly, before he shook his head and gestured at me with a wagging finger. “You will need to change.”

    “Forgive me,” I replied sarcastically, “nobody informed me that there was going to the Emperor of Akashima's ball.”

    “There is little time for you to go back,” he muttered, ignoring my comment. Pursing his lips he turned and called out a name I did not recognise. A young man, in sharp dress that had the same snake and ivy embroidered into the shoulders hurried over. He went into a deep bow before rising.

    “Find Char here some decent clothing,” he said.

    And he waved a hand. There was a light chiming and suddenly my hands were no longer bound behind my back. I let out a light sigh, though when I brought them to my front I could see the manacles themselves that restrained my power were very much there.

    He breathed in sharply, observing me, and then coughed for attention. I looked up into his eyes.

    “When you are done, come to meet me up there,” he gestured at the back of the room.

    “What visitors?” I asked in a low voice. “Who are you expecting?”

    “You will see in due course,” he snapped, and on his heel he turned. Smartly he stalked away, eyes narrowed and tension in any step. Clearly he wanted to make the largest impression possible, and all of us were part of that.

    “Ah … sir?”

    I looked over at the man whom Morningstar had called over and blinked. He was gesturing towards the side of the hall. Nodding once I twisted to Nyx and managed to embrace her. Then I smiled briefly at Regina who brightly replied.

    “I'll see you later.”

  9. #9
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    Now in some more thematically appropriate clothing for a soirée, I was shown the way across the hall by the attendant - not as if I couldn't find it myself. I was now wearing clothes that I would have courted some hundreds of years prior, with breeches, a cotton shirt and over that a loose robe of elegant description that had little decoration but a neat cut. When I gained back into the audience chamber of Morningstar's court I saw that many of the attendants had now move aside and the bracken and dried flowers were nearly scattered without any upset. There were no more ladders, no more groups of discussion but rather a gathering was now near the throne. I spied Nyx, alongside Hemera and Geras as she had mentioned - the former with golden hair and short of stature, and the latter a greying man with a permanent frown. Upon seeing me Hemera beamed, whereas Geras just scowled.

    As I stepped into full sight, Morningstar twisted around, breaking from the crowd. He gestured at me once, and I sucked in a breath as I resisted rolling my eyes. A moment of quiet descended as many of the people there, which included the scantily clad six I had seen before, watched me approach, my hands buried into pockets.

    “Silence is all I asked of you,” he looked at me right in the eyes, as he pulled himself.to a halt before me. “Your appearance here, but remain silent.”

    My brows rose as I asked again. “Morningstar, who is coming that causes you this amount of tension?”

    “You'll see soon enough. Now, can you manage being quiet?” he snarled.

    I observed him for a moment, knowing that if there was something I needed to say, depending on the situation, I would say it. If it came to preserving my life most definitely. But else - this was not my audience. As my eyes flickered around I realised that most of what this was, was a show. A demonstration of power, with his most useful tools displayed.

    Sighing softly, I nodded once. A short-lived satisfied smile came to his face before he stepped back and pointed to a place to the direct right of his throne.

    “Stay there, don't be a fool.”

    “But I am so wonderful at it,” I grinned, but I began to walk.

    When I passed Hemera she gave my arm a small squeeze. As I passed by the main crowd and started up the steps, Morningstar grandly motioned. Twisting around as I came to the right side of his throne I watched as the various groups split and settled into places that had apparently been prearranged. Hemera, Nyx and Geras came to settle in front of me, the six ill-dressed women draped themselves onto fine cushions to the left. Another set of courtiers arranged themselves behind the girls, and a last group of mortal aristocrats and royalty whom had pledged themselves to Morningstar lastly took place on stools in key locations. And in the centre, holding himself with purpose and pride, sat Morningstar in his throne, eyes focused forwards.

    Folding my arms I leant back against the wall and allowed myself to prepare to be either entertained or bored as silence fell across us. I noticed one of the scantily clad women lean back against Morningstar's leg and he draped a hand over her shoulder. There was a long moment of silence as we seemed to all be waiting for nothing. Morningstar glanced at me slightly, and I raised an eyebrow back at him, and he frowned.

    “A little more decorum, please,” he murmured.

    I paused and looked around me, seeing the others standing in perfect straightness, hands clasped before them or held at their sides. Neat, orderly, elegant. This was not a place I wanted to be and it was not constructive to any of my research. But this was his home, and his pageant that, for whatever reason, I was part of. Huffing I leant away from the wall and stood taller, though pushed my hands into my pockets. He narrowed his eyes at me a moment, and opened his mouth - when a loud drum sounded.

    His visitor had arrived.

  10. #10
    Althanian

    EXP: 8,146, Level: 3
    Level completed: 79%, EXP required for next Level: 854
    Level completed: 79%,
    EXP required for next Level: 854


    Professor Charles's Avatar

    GP
    1,050

    Name
    Charles Rivers
    Location
    Corone
    Loud and raucous they came, each beat of the drum like a mighty presentation that struck over our small but mighty party with power. We could hear them thunder over the fields outside - that beautiful grassy eternity that never seemed to have a dull sky. My hands tightened into fists, and I narrowed my eyes as a shadow began to fill the doorway to Morningstar's audience chamber. I suddenly found myself not wanting to be there, not wanting to be part of this. My eyes glanced over to the easy escape - the door that led to the library, and beyond that the stairs which descended into the dungeon and the small cell that was likely waiting for me. But it had books and a familiarity at least.

    “Everyone hold,” Morningstar commanded in a quiet voice, as the drums got louder and the shadow in the doorway loomed larger.

    He addressed not only me, I realised, but the others in our party. Looking around I could see several people tense, some of the mortal aristocrats hesitate, and even one beginning to rise out of his chair, but Morningstar was having none.

    “Settle,” he hissed.

    I drew in an unsteady breath and forced my sight back to the door. Figures began to form - two were at the front, though still remained in uncertain identity. There were two drummers, the source of the noise, striding to either side of the group. A grand retinue including courtiers in colours of black and purple, bannermen holding standards and what looked like bearers of food and was that a barrel of wine being pulled along.

    My brow furrowed slightly as I tried to assess who it was. Still, the faces were not clear, so I concentrated on the banners to see if any familiar designs could be noticed. I was not hugely well versed in the heraldry of alternative demi deities and supernatural royals, but I hoped I could remember some facts. Black and rich plum purple seemed to be the dominant colours, alongside silver and white. Not only were the courtiers dressed in this, but also the banners seemed to be of it, also the drums and …

    My blood began to run cold as I first noticed the purple skull, set onto the black background. Stylised, it could have been mistaken from afar for many things, and was not the clearest, but now that the party was halfway across the floor, it was more than than obvious. White thread picked out the edges of it, and when one began to look they saw it everywhere, from the tabards of the barrel bearers to the drums themselves. It was a proud skull, with horns curling from its temples, that were exactly the same shape and size of the man who strode at the head of the party.

    I found myself growling under my breath, and let out a quiet curse. “Fuck you, Morningstar,” I muttered, so that only he could hear.

    It was for no small reason that he wanted me here. My past was far more tied with the current man and his wife that were coming to meet Morningstar than anyone else. My heart thumped, I dug my nails into my palms and cursed those things around my wrists that currently stopped me from blasting the black-robed figure directly from the earth.

    For it was the self-styled King of Death himself, a minor god of death, also known as Morté, lord of the underworld Rahl. I had served for over five millennia as his ferryman, and only just been freed. Now here he was back in front of me, and I wanted nothing more than to see him gone.

    Low, I hissed, my eyes not daring to look to the left of Morté, where my once lover, Sephora, still loyally strode.

    “You're with me now,” Morningstar whispered to me, his eyes intent and forwards, “not him. Remember that, Charon.”

    “I'm not with-”

    “And you said you would be silent,” he replied, hissing. “Be so for the remainder.”

    It was a command, nothing more. He held no 'or’ or 'unless’ in the air, even though there was one. There would be consequences. What he wanted was to display his power here, and me being here would directly reflect that what he had when compared to Morté. I had to ask myself who I respected more, and I knew right away that it was Morningstar. He was a villain, but not as much as the wretch who strode towards us, and with him I still had freedoms.

    I tightened my jaw and squared myself, going still and quiet. I saw Nyx throw me a glance, with an upraised eyebrow, but I ignored it and instead looked incredibly bitterly at the man who had broken so many promises. Just why Sephora was still with him, I would never know.

    Slowly Morté smiled, his dark personality reflected in his darker hair and eyes. He let his gaze sweep over the entire Morningstar party, as he continued to stride forwards, slipping around behind the two plain wooden thrones that had been set there for him and Sephora. When he saw me his head tilted slightly, and he focused in on me, breath slow.

    Then he grinned and spoke as he sat down into the chair, relaxing into it easily. “I see you have something that belongs to me.” His eyes moved from me to Morningstar.

    I gritted my teeth together, biting back a string of curses.

    Morningstar blinked slowly, not even flinching. “I believe you have the tense wrong, Morté. The word is 'belonged’, not 'belongs’. You gave him up, he is very much mine now.”

    You better only mean that in context, I growled internally, as I bit back my words.

    Morté raised a hand and his party began to settle around him. His wife came forwards and settled into her own chair, though her lips were drawn and would do as little talking as mine would, I was sure.

    “I could very easily take him back.”

    “Unless you want to start a war, I would deeply discourage that,” Morningstar replied tersely. “What is a man's stays his, until you or I, or he gives it freedom. That is a law that none of us can deny.” He tapped a finger on the edge of his throne, “but that is not why you are really here, Morté. You did not come all this way to reclaim back a ferryman, did you?”

    For those who did not get the context thus far, they now most certainly did. Various eyes flickered to me, and tried to ignore them, instead keeping my burning hatred directly on Morté. Here I had been, hoping to never see the man again, and now he had rudely forced his way back into my life. Nyx shot me a concerned look, seeing me focusing on Morté for all my life was worth, but there was nothing she could do. There was nothing any of them could do. This whole situation … it was far too late now.

    I didn't care anymore. I twisted away my head and lifted my arms to fold them across my chest. I stayed where I was and silent, but fuck his decorum. Staring at a place beyond the two thrones opposite our strange group I focused on the grass beyond.

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