Location: Southern Giants Rest Lightsword base, early morning [@VitaVitaAR][@FrogRFlowR][@Pyromania99] [hr] [color=fff79a]“I see…”[/color] Sorcha responded to Niall’s summary of events. [color=fff79a]“Niall, I believe you should know that Tuatha is almost certainly the same one that attacked Airedale only a few days ago.”[/color] The Queen leaned over the table, staring at the map as she’d study the map that Niall had provided for her. [color=fff79a]“Not so fast, Luna. They may be related - but it seems like the red-haired Tuatha and these bandits here are enemies. We can safely assume then, that what Vyrell and myself at least feared somewhat, is that the outlaws of Albion are still hardly united.”[/color] Sorcha inhaled, thinking a few moments. [color=fff79a]“And perhaps we could use the red haired Tuatha to our advantage. But that is neither here nor there for the moment. It will be something I discuss with Vyrell once we are back in Airedale. For now I agree with Luna. We [i]crush[/i],”[/color] Sorcha slammed her fist onto the table, the force of it causing the wood under the map to splinter from the impact just slightly. [color=fff79a]“These creatures.”[/color] Sorcha straightened her posture and looked at the three gathered knights, a fiery determination evident. [color=fff79a]“We can discover and figure out what they are up to once you three raid the base and we have more information.”[/color] She’d dust off the side of her hand that had hit the table. [color=fff79a]“I’ll leave the planning up to you three since I shall not be accompanying you. I will be staying here in case something…unexpected happens in your absence. The only thing I want out of this is that you three ensure that there are no survivors at all. Do I make myself clear? My mercy only goes so far and if they are colluding with Fomorians then they shall receive none.”[/color] Sorcha folded her arms across her chest. [color=fff79a]“Truthfully, Niall causing a scene may be more of a boon than a hindrance. One of their gates has been destroyed and I doubt they have had time to reconstruct it.”[/color] Sorcha would fall silent, letting Luna, Fio, and Niall lead the discussion from here and only having input if she was directly asked by the three. It shouldn't be that hard for them to come up with a plan. The main building built into the side of a large boulder that overlooked the rest of the camp. A destroyed gate. Sure an ambush was unlikely to work, but since when did proper knights rely on such underhanded tactics? [hr] A walk in the Meadows of Asphodel... [hr] [hider=A lost sheep and a goat] For the longest time, it felt as though he was caught in that single moment. A terrible fire, burning every single cell of his being. Armor melted. Flesh seared. Burned alive. It had thankfully, been only an instant in reality, but suspended as he was in this death like state for an indeterminate amount of time, feeling every bit of that fire that had ripped him from life was a particular kind of hell. One that would suddenly come to an end, as his life blinked back into existence. He was laying on surprisingly soft, but cold gray colored grass and looking up at a sky of blackness above. Behind him was the destination he had just made it through during his last encounter with death, a forest of decayed trees. And in front of him, the familiar sight of a maid that he had grown rather accustomed to meeting in these situations. [url=https://i.imgur.com/aufw9Zz.png]”My my…how many is that now? A dozen? Two? A hundred?”[/url] Truly I have lost count by now, sir.” Her name, as she tells it, was Survan Nemorine, and by now he’d realize that she was most distinctly not human if her goat eyes were anything to go by, her odd mannerisms and self admittance of being a ‘demon’. “You should really be more careful. Would be a shame if you were to…permanently end yourself.” Her tone of voice was quite dissonasant with her words. “Regardless,” She’d perform a deep bow. “Welcome once more to the underworld, wayward soul. You have trekked through the Sea of Ends, past the Obsidian Mountains, through the Red Palace of Mizushi, across the Rivers of Lethe and Styx, through the Forest of Petrified Souls…and thus, stand at the Asphodel Meadows. Only a brief little hop away from your destination now, lost little lamb.” [Color=darkorange]"This is the eighth time."[/color] Reinhardt replied curtly, breathing a deep sigh as his fingers pressed deeply into his eyes; vainly attempting to quell the incessant buzz of dull pain that lingered in his skull. [Color=darkorange]"Your attempts to feign concern for my well-being are neither convincing, nor amusing."[/color] With a grunt the Knight lumbered to his feet, massaging his temples roughly as his gaze would settle on the black sky above. [Color=darkorange]"Every time I end up here part of me hopes you won't be there… And yet every time, there you are– patiently waiting."[/color] A nihilistic chuckle carried forth from Reinhardt's breath, [Color=darkorange]"I can't ignore you, kill you, or run from you, much as I've tried…"[/color] He shook his head in silent defeat, finally meeting the unsettlingly calm, inhuman eyes of the demon. [Color=darkorange]"I’m still not sure why I’m required at this [i]’land of the unclaimed dead’[/i], but seeing that I seem to be the only soul down here with a demon attached to my hip– I get the feeling it’s not something I can refuse."[/color] Again the Knight sighed, gritting his teeth as his gaze would scan the sunless horizon. [Color=darkorange]"Lead the way then. It’s about time we get this journey over with."[/color] “Oh? But I most certainly do care for your wellbeing.” She’d respond. “Even after you ignored me. Killed me, left my body to rot upon this land of the dead, I do still. After all, that is what was tasked of me…and far be it from refusing my orders, lost lamb.” She’d proceed to sit mid air, as though there was some invisible chair or resting place under her. She’d somehow manifest a teacup from her dress and proceed to have a long, drawn out drink of it as a few moments of silence passed. “Do not rush onwards, little lamb. This place is not for those who seek to run headlong to their fates. It is a quiet, lovely place and its inhabitants… usually kind. I’m sure you’ve ran into a Grudge or two on the way here. Let us take a moment to rest. Dying is painful, after all. I’m certain it’d be much better to proceed with a clear mind and as few ailments as possible.” A grin slowly crept across her features. “After all, each death of yours…tick tock, closer and closer, little lamb. Time will run out sooner than you think.” Reinhardt's eyes narrowed, [Color=darkorange]"Only a fool would trust a Demon; especially one presenting themselves kindly. Considering my circumstances, and the perverse joy you seem to get from the notion of my 'time running out'--"[/color] The Knight sighed, seating himself almost leisurely on the ground. [Color=darkorange]"I still think my actions against you are entirely justified."[/color] Elias gave pause for a long moment, his gaze sweeping the Meadows as he breathed deeply. [Color=darkorange]"Besides– to charge forth headlong into whatever lies ahead is my responsibility as a Knight of Reinhardt; a protector of Albion. Just as your apparent duty is to care for my well-being… Giving my heart, my body, and even my life; however many times I must, in defense of the people of Albion and the legacy I fight to uphold is the duty that I am burdened with."[/color] Another long pause followed as Reinhardt continued to admire the strange beauty of the Meadows surrounding him before beginning to ponder aloud. [Color=darkorange]"Those abominable masses of twisted, mutilated bodies… You called them Grudges? They must not be all that uncommon if you're concerned I'd encounter any here… I've only fought one thus far– after I'd killed you. At the time I'd thought it your doing; a means of avenging your death at my hands…"[/color] Elias sighed once more, placing a single hand flatly behind him as he'd recline slightly. [Color=darkorange]"This entire journey– our little foray through the lands of the dead…"[/color] he began once more, his eyes shifting back to Survan. [Color=darkorange]"You've never really told me [i]why[/i] you're guiding me… I've always found your choice of garb strange; it's as if you're presenting yourself as a maid. After learning what you were I'd initially thought it was intended to lull me into a false sense of security… But now I'm rather curious– [i]who[/i] or [i]what[/i] are you taking me to? And to what end do my summons serve?"[/color] “Ah, you humans do so love justifying murder with reason, logic, and faith. Why you do not simply allow yourselves to be honest with desires I will never understand.” A small smile, another sip from the teacup. “Would you prefer I dress in blood and gore? Took the form of a silver skinned demon with hooves for feet and that weeps blood and uses its severed head as a flail? Or perhaps you’d prefer my more seductive kin? I assure you I can do that just as well, if you’d prefer such company. Would those meet your expectations?” Survan tossed the teacup carelessly, though it never made it to the ground, disappearing just a few seconds before it shattered against it. “But that would be inappropriate. I dress this way, because this is what I am, and I guide you, because it was the task that was given to me. Perhaps you’d find it humorous, once you realize who I serve…but I was instructed to not say anything. As such, I do apologize, but I can not speak to who…however,” She’d hop off whatever invisible thing she was sitting on, taking another deep bow. “I suppose I can at least tell you your destination,” She’d make a motion with her arms towards the meadows. “Across the meadows, in the heart of the ashen sea of grass…you will find the home of the dead - Alavaris. And that, is where you will find answers you seek…and perhaps someone to help this little condition of yours.” She’d straighten her posture. “Now, I think I’ve said enough and you’ve rested enough. Lets not dally any more, lamb. For your time here is brief fleeting and next time may be your permanent internment here.” Elias' briefly improved demeanor visibly began to sour as he listened to the Demoness' reply. Every grating word she spoke slowly chipped away at the Knight's patience; grating away at him like few others ever could. By the time she'd finished her little tea break and decided that it was time to continue on the Knight seemed nearly ready to just push on without her, regardless of any objections she might make. [Color=darkorange]"Well then–"[/color] Reinhart scoffed as he hopped back to his feet; clearly tired of Survan’s company, [Color=darkorange]"It’s about damned time.“[/color] The Knight rolled his shoulders as he began his march, his eyes and step firmly set in the direction that the maid had gestured in. “For a lost lamb, you’re awfully dreary.” Survan responded, following along after Reinhardt. For the next little bit, the two traveled, and mostly had a one sided conversation between the two of them with Survan being the one who was having it. It was perhaps amazing, how much one could talk about nothing at all, and how much that nothing at all could be delivered in a mildly condescending and irritating tone like the demon could. Eventually, the forest behind them would disappear into the horizon as the two would come across a rather odd shaped cage embedded into the ground as though someone had haphazardly simply dropped it from the sky. The thing was hollow, about ten feet tall and inside a blue fire burned brightly, a slow warmth overcoming Reinhardt as he’d approach. “Ah, have I told you about these? Or have you run into one before?” She’d begin, though wouldn’t give him time to respond. “Spirit lamps. They help guide lost souls towards the City, you see. Even narrow-minded sheep like yourself could easily find their way to it.” Looking around, he could see several more in the distant, sweeping plains. “A perfect place for a bit of a tea break, hm?” Reinhardt paused for a moment, giving the lamp a solid look-over, finally opening his mouth for the first time since the two had resumed their trek toward the city. [Color=darkorange]"So that's what these are?"[/color] The Knight mused, reaching out with a single hand to gently run his fingers across it's frame, [color=darkorange]"I've seen them about; other souls following after them… Never quite knew their purpose though."[/color] Elais silently admired the strange lantern for a long moment, basking in the strange, calming light it offered. [Color=darkorange]"I would assume these also repel the 'Grudges' then? If not, I'd imagine these lanterns are little more than feeding troughs to those monstrosities…"[/color] The Knight went silent for another long moment before speaking once more; what irritation he had pent up seemingly dispersed for the moment, [color=darkorange]"I can't imagine how long it would've taken me to get this far just looking for these… Nonetheless, they'd certainly be preferable to the company of a Demon on a journey such as this."[/color] Reinhardt's brow furrowed as a sigh passed his lips, [Color=darkorange]"Yet, for some reason I've had the misfortune to wake up here with a Demon at my side instead. Every damned time without fail. Not even once… What the hell do you even do between my visits anyway? Do you just stand there waiting wherever I left off?"[/color] “Oh, curious about me little lamb?” Survan curled her mouth into a smile. “I drink tea, read a book…chat with my co-workers. Maybe take care of a grudge or two if it threatens the souls here. Maybe…toy with one or two, if they take my fancy.” It was difficult to tell if she was joking. Her tone was as serious as it always was. “Truthfully, little lamb…time isn’t the same here as it is in the world above. This is a realm where time refuses to move, after all.” She’d glance to the side, far off into the distance. “...now, lambkin, you are correct in saying that these usually ward off grudges. Normally they would.” She’d take a few steps away from Reinhardt. “They are particularly drawn towards those of lively dispositions as well as strong emotions.” From around the side of a lamp, a large skeletal and ghostly creature manifested, its large claw like hand clinging to the side of the lamp as it peered at Reinhardt beneath its dusty cowl. It was about half as tall as the lamp, and seemed to lack any sort of legs. In its other hand, it held a lamp filled with blue light as well. “These are pitiful sorts of grudges. They lack many offensive options…only hoping to lure lost souls to it with its ghost light. I do hope you have something to slay a spirit with, otherwise I suppose you’ll have to run.” Reinhardt's lack of amusement at the sudden turn of events was palpable. The Knight's fingers pressed firmly into his eyes as he expelled a heaving sigh. Shaking his head, the Knight looked to Survan. Then to the Grudge. Then back to Survan. Then to the lantern. To the hand that the creature was using to hold the lantern. To his own hand that touched the lantern. To Survan a final time. And at last settling on the faceless hood of the Grudge that sought to prey upon him. With a small jerk of his hand, Elias pulled the lantern from the vengeful spirit's grasp; raising it high over his head– [I][b]Crack![/b][/i] The Grudge hesitated as the first strike came down upon its hooded head; the entirely alien concept of it's prey fighting back seeming to catch the creature off its guard. Nonetheless it pressed forward; claws outstretch– [I][b]Crack! Crack![/b][/i] The following two strikes sent the spirit sprawling to the ground, the hooded figure scrambling to turn tail; having given up it's quarry in favor of surv– [I][b]Crack![/b][/i] The fourth strike flattened the creature on the spot. But every cautious; and not wanting to chance a surprise attack, sat and watched the freshly made pancake– until he swore one of it's claws twitched. [I][b]Crack! Crack! Crack![/b][/i] Reinhardt stood from his crouched position; having thoroughly and unceremoniously bludgeoned the Grudge to the point he was certain it wouldn't be getting back up. Dusting himself off, he hoisted the lantern onto his shoulder and shot his accompanying Demoness a disgruntled glare before continuing on his way toward Alavaris. [Color=darkorange]"[i]Very funny Survan.[/i] I think I'll be holding onto this for the moment in case you feel the need to make any more jokes."[/color] The skeletal creature shrieked, its easy meal proving not to be so easy at all. Instead, it was summarily beat into the ground with its own fake lantern. The creature would thus cease moving only seconds after, its body turning into what seemed to be dust leaving only the cloth that was once on its body behind. “My, whatever do you mean?” The demon smiled. “Its my job to make sure you get to the city unharmed…you don’t think I’d intentionally put you in danger, do you? Perish the thought. I do have plenty of jokes, though. Perhaps you’d like to hear one?” Reinhart scowled at the notion; pursing his lips as he held steady pace, [Color=darkorange]"I feel as though you'll say it regardless…"[/color] The Knight sighed in quiet defeat, [Color=darkorange]"Just get out with it then."[/color] “Still so little trust after everything I’ve done.” Survan responded. “Perhaps you’d have preferred if I led the little lamb to a slaughterhouse instead? Regardless, if you’re so eager…ahem,”Survan once again propped herself up on her invisible seating. She'd cross her legs, holding a hand to her chest and seeming quite pleased with herself with what she was about to do. “Do you know why the little sheep mistepped and fell to his death?” She’d pause for a moment. “No? Well, I guess a little goat must have pulled the wool over his eyes.” She seemed to be waiting for applause. Reinhardt abruptly stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes narrowing to slits as he carefully appraised the ground before him, around him, and behind him. His head turned to regard Survan– slowly, carefully, examining her. The Knight grit his teeth as he mulled over his thoughts. [color=darkorange]"Then the goat should tread carefully–"[/color] he responded tersely; brandishing his newly acquired bludgeon toward the Demon, [color=darkorange]"For surely– the Goat must understand… Even Lambs have teeth, and the one it considers a plaything may soon tire of the ruse."[/color] “My my, you asked for a joke and here you are upstaging me.” The demon replied, a slow smile curling upon her lips. “Do be careful the lambs blunt fangs do not bite off more than they can chew.” She would hop off her invisible seating walking brusquely past Reinhardt. “For he should remember, the goat was only tasked with bringing him…whether in two pieces or not. And trust me, little lamb,” Caprine eyes turned towards him as she’d swivel her head just slightly to peer at him. “I would be quite interested in seeing just how easily something unbreakable…breaks.” A quite obvious threat, as Survan would return to her usual nonchalance quickly after making it. “But let us continue as friends, hm? Much better that way, wouldn’t you agree? If nothing else, lamb…trust that even if I do not like you, I have my orders to bring you to someone that has answers about your predicament.” The Knight held his scowl firmly as his narrowed eyes followed the Demon closely. Though he certainly didn't trust this creature– wasting his strength at the current moment would be a mistake… Especially if wherever Survan was leading him turned out to be a trap. Reinhardt's expression soured further; his arm returning the lantern to once again rest upon his shoulder. [Color=darkorange]"I've decided against giving you the satisfaction of further wasting my time… If your deluded mind wants to label such as [i]'continuing as friends'[/i], then that's of no concern to me."[/color] “Haaa, Mistress, why do you always give me the annoying ones-ah.” Survan paused, not walking much further as she’d instead look out over the meadows. They were at the crest of a small hill over the meadows now, and in the distance Reinhardt could see something. A large wall, seemingly spanning the entirety of the blackened horizon. Beyond it, a massive, sprawling city unlike any he had seen before. Buildings with construction that were completely foreign, perhaps of a completely different era than this. Looming over the city was a massive cathedral, and beyond it, it seemed the city rested against a massive cavern wall. Was he underground? “It seems we are almost to our destination, lamb.” She’d say as she’d start walking again. “Do watch your step.” The Knight stood in shocked silence atop the hill’s crest; swallowing dryly as he stared in awe of the monolithic City that lay before him. The Cathedral alone dwarfed the entirety of Airedale, and though he’d never actually been there– Reinhardt imagined that even Harzel itself; the largest City in Albion, would only barely rival the gargantuan Shrine. [Color=darkorange]"So this is Alavaris…. It’s even bigger than I’d imagined."[/color] He stared at the at the towering Cityscape, his eyes trailing from it’s deepest roots to the utmost peak of the cavern wall it seemed to rest upon. [Color=darkorange]"And where in Alvaris are we headed?"[/color] “You are heading towards the Cathedral. That is where she waits for you.” Survan responded, turning to face Reinhardt. “Alas, little lamb, this will be where we part. I am not allowed in the city.” The demon’s expression for once, did falter from its usual display of callous mirth. The demon's mouth ever so subtly fell downwards. “I suppose I shall have to get my entertainment elsewhere, oh well.” She’d position herself on her usual invisible seat, legs crossed playfully as a teacup manifested in her hand. “You’ll be on your own here, unless another of us decides to take pity on a lost little lamb. Do try not to cause a ruckus or disturb the residents of the city. This is no place for those still counted mostly among the living.” Reinhardt's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he grit his teeth in another moment of long silence. [Color=darkorange]"Good riddance. I wish good luck to whatever poor soul is burdened with your company next… They'll certainly need it considering what you classify as [i]entertainment[/i]."[/color] Survan didn’t bother to reply as the Knight trudged onward toward the City of the Dead. His journey continued. [Center]Alone.[/center] By the time he was standing before the massive walls of the old, dead city his entire body would feel light, as though he was perhaps either drunk or was trying to move through a thick fog. His movements slowed, reaction time slowly began to go. Indeed, as he approached and stood before the gate it began to grow somewhat translucent…and as his feet finally hit cobblestone, his vision would go completely. … Sometime later, Reinhardt would find himself waking in a field of blasted trees and ash that the dragon had burned to cinders. He had been out for a few hours now. Finding his teammates may be a good idea, but where were they? [hr] [hider=A demon and her mistress] Watching Reinhardt leave left the demon known as Survan without much to do again. She watched him trek all the way across the rest of the plains and then towards the city before ultimately his journey through the underworld once more came to a close. Briefly, she wondered how long he’d be away this time? Last time…for those in the underworld, it had been nearly a year as far as she was concerned. Of course, that was merely because time in the underworld was stagnant. It didn’t flow. Neither forwards nor backwards by decree of her Ladyship. “Survan, you seem bored. Perhaps I should assign you more work.” “Perish the thought, Mistress.” Survan immediately responded, being drawn from her thoughts with a deep curtsy to the woman in front of her. “I was merely lamenting the loss of entertainment again in my long, ever so dreary life. I don’t suppose you’d like to entertain me again like you did when you were such an adorable little child?” “If you want entertainment, there’s always room in the Abyss.” “Mistress, please. I may be a masochist that devours the violence of others but I don’t fancy having my own soul eaten.” Survan responded with tut. “So what do you think of him?” “The boorish knight?” Survan sighed. “Tsk tsk, so angry yet so delicious. I dearly wanted him to try and fight me again. I would have had his head on a silver platter. Such a shame his reason to avoid a fight won out in the end…or perhaps I just needed to prod harder? You do so ever have a habit of finding such…difficult to deal with, don’t you?” “You’re one to talk, Survan. You could have easily riled him up to try it again, even if it would have mostly assuredly been a death sentence for him.” The black haired woman exhaled, the chains on her wrists and ankles clattering lightly in the breeze. “Do you think he shall be useful? Or should I merely fix this aberration before it becomes worse?” “It is truly hard to say, Mistress. Personally? I don’t think he’s worth it. Foolish knights like him are so easily susceptible to corruption and influence. He’ll be so blinded by loyalty to that foolish creature that he won’t realize what he’s doing. I doubt he’ll care much to listen to outsiders like us.” “Hm…perhaps, but if we can, that would certainly make things much, much simpler, would it not?” “Ever the optimist despite your gloomy appearance, aren’t you my ever so pretty Lady Rifelshka?” “Optimist? No. I’m simply taking into consideration my assigned role here to make less work for me later. I would much rather spend all day in my house having Nynette make tea for me, thank you.” “You really must invite me to these tea parties of yours every now and then…” And so, the two continued to speak about nothing at all for quite some time… [/hider] [/hider]