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[h1]The Blackness[/h1]
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The meeting had continued for another dreadfully slow hour until most of the nobles simply began their retreat back to their high tier estates. In the throne room remained only Helionna, face in her hands as she tried to stack small pebbles in an abacusian manner to evaluate the state of the state coffers.

[Color=plum]"Helionna… I'm glad you remained behind."[/color] came Laurien's whisper in her ears.

Helionna perked up and jerked her head around in search of the voice. “L-lady Laurien?”

[Color=plum]"Yes. I'm here."[/color] she said, floating down from the shadows to land in front of her. [Color=plum]"I've taken an interest in you, little one."[/color] 

Helionna swallowed. “M-me?”

[Color=plum]"Of course."[/color] she said sweetly, standing before her now with a smile. [Color=plum]"You did not bow, why is that?"[/color] she asked softly.

“It’s, it’s just…” Her eyes moved to the floor. It stared back with a stone-cold glare. “... You murdered her, didn’t you? My sister.”

[Color=plum]"Your sister… What was her name?"[/color] the Goddess asked.

Helionna frowned. “Of course, you wouldn’t know…” She put the stones away and got to her feet. “I’m sorry, lady Laurien, but I have matters to attend to.”

With uncanny speed Laurien rested a hand upon her shoulder. [Color=plum]"What was her name."[/color] she asked again, her smile turning into a neutral expression.

“Philia, my lady. Her name was Philia.” She twisted her shoulder. “Now would you kindly let me go?”

In the blink of an eye, Laurien's body changed to that of Philia and she smiled at Helionna. "She always was loyal to Polly." Her sister's voice said. 

Helionna froze. “Ph-... Philly?” She reached out to touch her.

"Yes… and no." Philly said, leaning into her hand. "This is nice, isn't it?"

“... What… What’re you doing to me? My sister is… My sister--” She felt the warmth in her palm and felt her throat choke up. “... Am I dreaming?”

"Yes. I'm dead. And Polly got me killed by going insane." Was her response.

“Yes, she grew… Ill of mind towards the end of her life, but…”

“Lady Laurien,” came a call from the doorway to the throne room, through which walked Enigmaron, the Laurien-loving officer from earlier, and a small number of nobles. “We have come as you requested.” She eyed the tearful Helionna and the very familiar Nebulite next to her.. “Ph-... Philia? How are you--”

Philia molded back into Laurien's shape and the demigoddess left Helionna in tears as she walked over to the others. [Color=plum]"Hello darlings. I'm glad you came. I was just asking Helionna some questions. She is not to leave the room."[/color]

The Nebulites stared in awe at the display until Enigmaron eventually broke out of the trance and saluted by hammering her chest with a fist. “Of course, my lady.” The officer next to her went over to stand behind Helionna, who had collapsed to her knees. “Now, how may we serve you?”

[Color=plum]"I have a gift for my most loyal. One that can be used in many ways."[/color] she hummed. [Color=plum]"Will you accept?"[/color]

“What is it?” asked one of the nobles.

[Color=plum]"Power."[/color] she whispered seductively.

The nobles grinned at one another; Enigmaron couldn’t help but smirk. Helionna sniffed and looked up with furious eyes. “What--... What will we give in return?”

[Color=plum]"Nothing but your loyalty and love. A simple thing really."[/color] Laurien said. 

“I’ll accept it with all the joy and love I can offer,” Enigmaron exclaimed and bent the knee. The officer and the nobles did as well. Helionna remained frozen, not standing, but sitting on the cold stone floor while shiny trails of tears dried on her cheeks.

[Color=plum]"Good."[/color] she whispered, looking at Helionna. 

The sound in the room, suddenly ceased as the sun seemed to disappear, leaving the throne room eerily dark save for a dark purplish hue upon the sandstone, filtering in through the darkness outside the windows. Laurien rose her hands as she shut her eyes. Almost immediately afterwards, unearthly voices began to flood into the room, whispering a language none could understand. It was unnerving, and frightening and elicited a sense of fear so profound, the very air felt as if it could snap.

Laurien’s body began to shake- no, vibrate, as a purplish smoke began to course through her fingertips and onto the floor. It enveloped the floor of the room quickly, bubbling and rising, growing thick as the whispers became chants. Laurien continued to vibrate, her serene image becoming but a blur, growing in a ghostly light as a scream echoed throughout the chamber. The purple smoke then grew still, before pulling back to amass itself within a ball above the chamber. There was a loud clap of thunder, and Laurien grew still as the power that had amassed shot out and into the bodies of the loyal Nebulites in attendance. 

The entire chamber, nay, the world began to flash in vivid scarlet before a simple snap, and everything was back to normal, as if what they had witnessed had never happened at all.

Laurien stood straighter, opening her eyes as a devilish smile graced her lips. She looked upon her people and knew that they were only the beginning. [color=plum]"Now listen… Listen and learn. "[/color]

She taught them how to use her dark magic, one she called, the Devil's Breath or the Blackness. She taught them how to manipulate it, how to use it to amplify their strengths and cure weaknesses through incantations. Words, sentences and letters that could be used to channel Devil's Breath properly. They had to speak what they wanted to do, but in time, Laurien told them it could be wordless. Then she taught the basics of hexing, small things akin to curses but not nearly as dire or far lasting, at least in the beginning, that was. 

She merely opened the doorway and explained that the more they delved into the Blackness, the more powerful they would become. As more and more possibilities were explained, Helionna felt herself more and more drawn to this power.

“This… This power… Could I change, say, the direction of dice underneath a cup?” she asked quietly. The others laughed at her.

“Oh, here she goes again,” one of the nobles taunted.

“It’s a legit question!”

“I would agree if you weren’t already massively in debt to half the court. That gold necklace will be going soon, I reckon.”

Helionna clutched the medallion about her neck and swallowed. “N-not if this Blackness can fix this. Can it, my lady?”

[Color=plum]"It can do anything you want. The solution to that problem could come in many forms. Practice and grow."[/color] she said with a smug smile on her lips. 

“R-really?” Helionna whispered and looked down at her hands with a crazed look. “Th-then…”

“How do we practice it? Are there any rituals you can teach us?” Enigmaron asked.

[Color=plum]"You practice like how you do anything else. Fighting, crafting, building and on and on. Do such practice in secret and with one another, there's no telling what could happen. Tell only those that can be trusted and do away with those who might speak unfavourably. I think you'll find that sacrifices are most useful. Rituals though… [/color] she mused, her smile deepening. [Color=plum]"You will have to explore that route, but there is one I can teach you, one that should only be used as a last resort until you are powerful enough to control what comes after."[/color]

She walked forward and began to run her finger in a circle in the air directly in front of her. Following her finger, a glowing ring of inky purple materialized, etched with demonic runes not unlike the ones that now married her body. 

[Color=plum]"This is a minor summoning seal. This knowledge will be imprinted into your mind, but take note. Drawing the circle is only the first part. The second requires a great deal of power or a blood sacrifice, to properly activate the seal. Doing so will summon a demonic entity. Be wary, for at your current state the creature will not be able to be controlled. The larger the seal, the more will be summoned and the greater the cost. They are more likely to devour you then to obey you. Understood?"[/color]

“Forgive me, my lady, but… What exactly is a… Demonic entity? What do they look like?” Enigmaron asked. The other Nebulites nodded along slowly. “See, we have used the term often, but it’s more of an insult than an actual thing. Are they… Like us?”

[Color=plum]"No… They are not."[/color] Laurien said as the ring pulsed. The letters warped into a shimmering opaque glass, before shattering out a creature withering in a mass of tentacles and eyes. It began to scream wretchedly from tiny mouths as the portal evaporated. Laurien looked at the withering thing and then snapped her finger, mutating the creature into a being of desire. The mouths and eyes retracted as it's flesh bubbled and grew. What began to take shape was a slithering creature of flesh, eyeless and mouthless. Like a giant worm, it slithered up her body and wrapped itself like a snake around her shoulders. 

She stroked the creatures head, and from it a mouth of tiny, ripping teeth revealed itself as it smiled awkwardly. 

[Color=plum]"Any more questions?"[/color] she said after a moment.

“That is… Horrifying! What use will such a beast have for us? Can it create gold? Can it make me more beautiful?” The nobles broke into a disorganised rabble, aimed more inwards than at Laurien. Yet even those who didn’t join them appeared skeptical; the general frowned at the spell.

“With all due respect, my lady,” she went, “what use is a creature of might that will likely kill us and is only really useful for murder? We have slaves that can murder in our stead.”

There came some disapproving hums. Enigmaron glared. “Oh come on, everyone does it.”

[Color=plum]"Be calm. Demonic summoning should only be used as a last resort. At least at your stage. But make no mistake, there will come a time when this city is under siege, when our enemies come crashing down with desire for revenge. All options will be considered to save yourselves and the people… Even if the option is unsightly and hungers. Let them feed upon your enemies."[/color] she said smoothly.

“What enemies? The Dari?” Enigmaron scoffed and many of the nobles laughed. “Savages with no concept of civility nor unity. They raid in packs because they cannot feed themselves - they are instinctively drawn to take from others. Such lowly life forms couldn’t possibly hope to form any army that would actually threaten Laurienna.”

The demigoddess began to pace as the demon around her neck lifted it narrow head to look at the General. [Color=plum]"But what if they did? Would you be prepared to fight a united Dari army? And not to mention any outside threat you cannot see. Would you be prepared? Would any of you?"[/color] she said narrowing her eyes.

“There are no outside threats sizeable enough to challenge Asteria, Laurien. Starforged weaponry, flying soldiers, the protecting Natal - all of these have made our lands unconquerable. The only possible threat would be Talemon to the northwest, and we would be warned months before their armies would arrive.” The nobles nodded along confidently. Helionna swallowed and raised a hand.

“What?” Enigmaron asked.

“Apart from the summoning of demons, my lady, what other power can we use?” The others hummed agreeingly.

[Color=plum]"If you say so."[/color] she whispered at Enigmaron before turning to Helionna. [Color=plum]"Come here. The rest of you gather round."[/color]

Helionna approached her timidly while the rest did as they were told. Laurien smiled at her as the demon around her neck, curled tighter. [Color=plum]"You desire coin, a stepping stone to greed or perhaps a coping method… Regardless, you need to quench it."[/color] Laurien reached out and tugged at the necklace around her neck, and then took it from her. Within the palm of her hand, and with a free finger, she drew a rune in inky purple in the air above it, and showed the symbol to Helionna. It looked like gibberish at first, but slowly she came to realize that it said, 'Forget me not', before the symbol leached into the necklace. Laurien then handed it back to Helionna. 

[Color=plum]"Put it around your neck."[/color] Laurien said.

Helionna blinked. “What did you do to it?” She lowered it down over her head and let it hang down over her chest.

Laurien snapped her fingers and the necklace ended up back in hand. She wore a smug smile on her face. [color=plum]”That, my dear, is how you use a hex to get your fortune back.”[/color] she then handed the necklace back to Helionna again. [color=plum]”One time use, you’ll have to hex it again for it to work. As you grow, however, I can see you expanding such trickery and put it to good use. Be careful now, for now they know a secret.”[/color] 

Helionna blinked and rubbed her thumb over the sigil. “How… How will it help me gain all my wealth back? I’ve gambled it away, it’s long gone. Will it, perhaps, have it arrive back in my home vault?” She turned to the other nobles. “And stop eavesdropping, you!” They all grinned menacingly and rolled their eyes.

Laurien leaned in next to her right ear, [Color=plum]"Sell it, or something else, and when you have the money and you know the item is out of knowing eyes, summon it back."[/color] she said, kissing quickly on the cheek.

Helionna flushed, looking at the medallion intently. “Yes… Yes, this is perfect. Laurien, thank you so much. Thank you!”

“Lady Laurien, if you would indulge me,” one of the nobles spoke.

Her eyes fell upon the noble in question, a man of starry green. [Color=plum]"Yes, Alonis?"[/color] she asked.

“Would you oversee us practice for a spell? I reckon we could have a slave summoned up here and see what we can perform.”

“Oh, yes, a splendid idea,” a number of the others went. Enigmaron nodded approvingly.

[Color=plum]"Of course my lovelies."[/color] she mused, petting the demon on its head.

“Guards,” Alonis called. A pair of palace watchmen, starforged halbers in hand, came over and saluted. “Go into the lower tiers and find us a human or something. Age is irrevelant, looks are irrelevant. If it breathes, it’s enough.” The guards, though reluctant, saluted again and ran off.

“A human? In the palace? An outrage!” a noble named Xenoluna shouted. Alonis wagged a finger.

“Now, now, my lady, it will not live long and it will be used to empower us, which is more than can be said for what it would be doing in the streets, gods be good.”

“The slaves will be scrubbing the floor for days after that filthy human’s been here,” Enigmaron sighed.

[Color=plum]"Ah yes, an unfortunate side effect of nebulite reproduction. Oh well."[/color] Laurien said.

“Who’s idea was that particular quirk, if I may ask?” Xenoluna voiced in a surly manner.

[Color=plum]"Orvus most likely."[/color] she shrugged.

“... Not to be rude to the gods, but… Was he, um…” Xenoluna made a face, “of a perverted character?”

Laurien giggled. [Color=plum]"He molded all of you after me, so. Perhaps he is. I doubt any will ever ask."[/color] 

“Odd creatures, the creators. I will be extra observant next Floodfeast to see if His Lordship brings any similar strange gifts this year.”

Thirty minutes passed before the guards returned, a maimed and struggling human child locked between them. She was crying, her rags sogged around the collar from the streams of tears running down her cheeks. She couldn’t say a word before the nobles all scoffed with disgust.

“Ugh, it’s so ugly! You just had to find the ugliest one, didn’t you?” Xenoluna complained.

“The lords and ladies made it clear that looks were unimportant,” one of the guards defended.

“Well, yes, but this? I would hardly wish to--”

“Be quiet, Xenoluna. Our subject is acquired. Lady Laurien, how should we proceed?” Enigmaron asked.

[color=plum]”What do you wish to achieve?”[/color] she asked, eyeing the child. 

“Why, power, naturally. Human children are an untapped resource and let’s face it - they likely won’t live long after all. If what you say is true, we can trade the soul of this creature for magical might.” Alonis rubbed his hands together. “For now, I would like us all to achieve beautiful looks.”

[Color=plum]"So be it. With the knowledge I have given you, create a circle with the child's blood and write the incantation runes within it, without killing her. That is vital. Her life force needs to consumed upon her death when the circle is complete and the words said. When the process begins… It will come naturally to you."[/color] she whispered.

“Fantastic. Guard, your dagger,” Alonis commanded. The guards brought the struggling child over as the nobles formed a circle. The closest guard unsheathed a knife and gave it pommel-first to Alonis, who held it high for all to see before sending it down in a swift motion to slice off the child’s hand. The girl screamed in agony and blood gushed forth onto the floor in multiple puddles.

“Ugh! I got some on my dress!” Xenoluna complained.

“Must she be so loud?” Enigmaron seconded.

“The faster you draw, the faster she’ll shut up. Guard, hold this.” Alonis gave the guard the still-attached hand, which the guard clutched tightly. The child sat on her knees, squealing, while the nobles dipped their fingers in blood and drew like their lives depended on it. Before long, a circle similar to the one Laurien had showed them before laid prepared. This time however there came new words in the form of runes. Each an expression of what was wanted; Beauty. The Breath began to take root in the seal, growing with power as it did so and glowing with energy as the child's blood filled the cracks and lines and began to have a mind of its own as it formed smaller, more precise runes. 

Dark whispers began to flood the room as the fanatical process consumed their minds. Until at last the final rune was set within the circle. The seal began to glow brighter, signifying that the time had come for its completion. 

“It’s working! It’s working!”

“I know it’s working! How do we complete it?”

“Shut up, you two - it’s supposed to come forth naturally, like an instinct.”

As they focused and let the Blackness guide them, the words deciphered into a phrase, over and over again; 'KILL. CONSUME. ENHANCE.' and one by one they began to chant the phrase in the devil's tongue. Alonis then took the mewling child from the guard, who by that point had lost far too much blood to remain wholly conscious. He placed the limp girl in the middle of the seal and the runes began to wrap themselves over her skin, becoming burned into her flesh as her body grew black and shrivelled, her life essence flowing freely amongst the Nebulites as they consumed it with glee. The seal then shattered as the girl died, and her body turned to ash before them. Laurien could hardly contain her giddiness as she looked upon the enhanced Nebulites… The beginnings of Devils.

[hider=Summary]
After the Nebulite Noble meeting, Helionna sticks behind and is confronted by Laurien over some things. Helionna was the sister of Philia, who Laurien probably killed. Laurien then changes into her, and Helionna breaks down. The other loyalist Nebulites show up and she offers them power in exchange for their love and loyalty. Being the greedy fucks they are, they agree readily. She then gives them the ability to practice Devilry, (which I think I did a good job of explaining how it works in this post) and then teaches them how to do basics, before they ask to learn rituals and what not. SO she teaches them how to summon demons, but they don’t find the idea very appealing. 

SO then Helionna asks for a specific spell, or hex, that can help her. So Laurien teaches her that and Helionna has some hope for once. Then another Nebulite asks if she can oversee them practice a ritual incantation, which quickly turns into a sacrifice. And so unbeknownst to them she teaches them how to do that. 

Next thing you know, a human kid gets sacrificed so the Nebulite ‘devils’ can become more beautiful and it works. Laurien is giddy about this, and the post ends. 

Happy Spooktober!
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[hider=MP Summary]
Laurien & Arya;

Start 3MP & 8FP

(Mutated a demon into a demon of desire for free, basically a Spy)

-2MP to teach Devilry to Laurien’s most loyal followers.

-1FP to teach sacrificial magic

-1FP to teach demonic summoning

Ending 1MP & 6FP

3/5 of Devilry Portfolio
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