IC: Forced Reality

[StrawberryGashes]

The Unseelie could not believe her ears, one moment the rodent was telling her he wished to return to the land of love and light, and then in the next seeking the aid of a Dark Goddess? ”Hypocrite!” Lady Rat spat towards him, teeth clenched as hand furled into another punch wanting to taste his pale flesh. Glittery orbs looking over at the slaves, eyeing then up and down with a callous cold stare, feeble beings of flesh they were, not even beautiful so Lady Rat could not understand what any Dark Goddess could relish in such a pathetic sacrifice as these two dregs. ”You know nothing of sacrifice now do you. Have you not even considered for one moment that you look down on me, and yet you are no better?” A sly slant forming over strawberry lips, a mocking leer because she knew what she was about to say was correct and now she had the Seelie in a cherished game of cat and mouse, and she was no mouse.

”Giving them to this Dark Goddess” Gesturing to both the slaves with a rude flair of her waving hand ”Murder makes you worse that I, for I have never killed when the existence of my people were not threatened. You see, what you are about to do. What I know you are about to do in even a sin in the eyes of your kin. You’ll be marked, thrown from your sleepy lands to a world dark like mine. I do not think you have the stamina to be excommunicated. Not since you speak so fondly of returning.” Lady Rat’s voice was of pure ridicule. The Unseelie Court may be the surge of the fey in his eyes, but at least they did not fall so hard from their principles. Didn’t turn their backs on their ethics and always kept the way true, as true to their black blood as possible. This was too rich, to see a Seelie fall from grace was every dream come true to the Dark Fey.

She cared not if he was becoming feisty, he did not have the skill to sever her essence from this world and from the world of the fey. That was no longer in his power, for as he had stated, he grew weaker the longer he remained in this world. The longer he was kept from fulfilling his quest with this Dark Goddess. So, the long he stuck around chin wagging, the weaker he got right there before her eyes. But now what was this? A flutter of magic only to fizzle when if hit against he energy of centuries, black eyes gazing over to the naked wretch. Hand coming up in front of her, swooping across in the action of a harsh slap. One projected directly from her energy and mana, a slap that would be felt in severe red welts right across the right cheek to the left. A force that would send her flying through the air only to land hard against the roughness of a massive tree trunk.

”Do not try your pitiful magicks on me, weak human for I could crush you like a little bug and grant you that wish of meeting the Dark Goddess far sooner than what you expected.” It was no idle threat, that could be seen in the blaze infuriating within her eyes, like lamps lit in the darkness. Gaze flashing back towards Mallebron ”I suggest you tell your, miserable offering that the next one who tries infantile magicks on me, will learn what it means to suffer. I could destroy you all and not even blink. Even that precious Dark Goddess of yours.” Lady Rat had many experiences with so called Goddesses, most of them turned out to be over glorified humans caught in the vanity of their own ego’s. Not one had been formidable enough to stand against her, so this adventure would perhaps prove to be interesting, if not, she would kill them all and be done with it.

[Lammashta]

[align=justify:4f92b8485a]Lammashta followed at a close distance. Merging in and at from the mitigations of darkness and moonlight, like a shadow. There was a specific purpose for her meddling, to watch and report to the dark goddess herself, Atra’Lamia. Dedications had to be maintained and it were true that every goddess needed her bath of blood to replenish. The dark priestess owed Atra’Lamia her life, she had plucked her from the fields of Elysium, the valley of shadows and back into the flesh. Everything would be dedicated to her, life and death beyond. The real blessing was that Lammashta was given her otherworldly powers obtained in the underworld, powers stolen and diabolized from hapless shades and spirits. Essences of once powerful sorceresses, witches, warlocks and formidable creatures, Lammashta giving what powers that were needed by the goddess. She had plenty enough to share. Not that she had much choice.

Even if she was detected by the all-seeing eye of the fey, they would miss her and see only but a shadow waving in the breeze from the forest that surrounded them. The flutter of owl wings, or the scuttle of unseen creatures. Her form blended into that of the shades, even though she was also awarded the skill of fleshshifting. A spirit to move into body was the greatest of all awards for services yet to be done. And she had every intentions of making them real, done and delivered. For now all Lammashta had to do was watch and follow. The foolish little fairy was doing all the work for her, all she had to do was make sure their paths did not stray from the way of the dark temple. It all had to go perfectly, not one thing was permitted to go wrong otherwise she would be dragged back, clawing the earth and screaming for all the demons and angels to hear.

There was no way that Lammashta wanted to return back to that wet, damp place. To hear the screams of the tormented, the moans of the sorrowful and the gnashing of teeth- did nothing for her. Did not turn her on in the slightest. Her role was relatively minor, this was all she had to do to receive freedom, however deep down inside she knew Atra would never give it. Any fool could see that, and any fool who thought otherwise was definitely a fool. To the cloaked woman, throwing her essence away. Making rude comments that her power surpassed Atra’s? A growl escaped Lammashta’s throat, one easily mistaken for an alteration in the course of wind or hidden beasts in the undergrowth of hawthorn and bramble. ”Foolish beast!” she muttered to herself. That one would suffer well in the jaws of obsidian horror, to be drained of all her powers and mana, left with nothing but the misery of broken shell.

The idea of the high and mighty being crushed as she watched did strange things to her insides, how they turned and churned in the pit of her stomach waiting with great anticipation. She enjoyed watching creatures cringe in agony at the hands of a ravishing female and she had seen the great goddess in all her brazen glory. Truly stunning to behold, a beauty not even darkness could compare with. Not in all her travels and discoveries. Creeping along the ground, a serpent of a shadow between the legs of the servants, and the two fairies. She knew which one of the servants was the weakest link, the one prancing and dancing around naked speaking things she did not understand. The shadow wrapping around her neck only to whisper in her ear ”Follow me, and I shall bring you immortality. To the dark temple on the peak of darkness. Go there now, and let no man or beast delay your destiny, daughter of the goddess. Daughter of the moon and darkness.”

Lammashta knew this would appeal most to the little slave girl, promised glory and to be embraced against the bosom of a goddess. To be seen as a daughter, not a sacrifice. Even if it was all in her own head and nothing was truly there whispering it to her. Continuing the delusion and illusion only to achieve her goal for her own needs.[/align:4f92b8485a]

[Mallebron]

Swirling on the midnights breeze, powers and potencies undefined, subtle hints of darkest cravings lurking, waiting calling to any they could touch. A flush spreading over the visage of Mallebron for the accusations so callously flung held merit, but did he dare reveal the weakness, the curse fallen upon his kind. If the gates were closing to his kind, if they found themselves trapped in places outside the influence of the courts, the court itself would be weakened and eventually fall away to nothing. A bitter memory, the wails of loss the only thing to remain of what once had been. To fall so far, from grace to dust, from joy to loss so complete was what Mallebron did fight and even though he never in normal times would consider so badly using those of mortal kin, when it came to the survival of the Fae or the lives of two humans, the Fae would evermore be placed first.

Knowing that time was precious, knowing that this creature of the dark and twisted Unseelie would happily roast his heart slowly over a flame while he still lived, and knowing that she would see the two slaves dead without a second glane, he thought long and hard before he answered. His eyes, the betrayal of his nature, narrowed, his demeanour a tense rigidity as fists clenched and unclenched in frustration, wanting to strike out yet remembering the words echoed so long before in the vaults of his mind that time may come when the unseelie could well be the salvation. Opening his mouth he would speak, his voice low and deep for he had decided to do the unthinkable, to tell this wretch from the shadows of his kind the truth.

"To the shame of my kind, you are in part right, for normally to consider giving the lives of a mortal is not in my ken, but the balance fails, and the court will fall. You know of the balance, that although we stand apart you and I, we are a part of the whole and we stand or we fall. If Seelie fails, so do your kind and the same applies in return." At this he paused taking a slow breath, "This changing of the ways, this breaking of the ties binding the worlds together tips the balance, and I do as I must to maintain my kind... Even these" he gestured towards the slaves "Are nothing compared to the survival of my kind... and for that matter yours. Up in those hills, is a place reeking with dark power, a place where you yourself could feel at home" with this he sneered "but it is not a power I can use, not a potence that I can meld into use to return, but the place smells of strength and without strength naught can be done for our kind."

As he had spoken he studied the unseelie creature before him, weighing whether to convince her to his side or attempt to fight her, deciding that perhaps the first option although unappealing gave all things a better outcome. "Why don't you come with us, then if nothing else you can spread word midst your brethren how you witnessed the fall of the mighty to such dismal failure, or perhaps... in the dark potence you may discover some amusement suiting your nature." He blinked as she spoke of one of those with him using some potence of her own in spite of the unseelie presence, Turning his eyes, now chilled upon the slaves, exerting the force of will that had kept him alive for so many centuries, "Cease your playing slaves... Dabble not in the arts of the unseen when in such company for your actions are watched and twist your purpose... Be still" at which his gaze turned back to the unseelie woman, "Do you have a name little dark one?"

[Andarta the Slave]

Things were confusing enough, Andarta just watched in dismay thoughts, unsure of what was going to become of her and the other. All she could guess what that it would be better than being where they were, despite the dark cloud hanging over her head. She was becoming anxious and just wanted to get where they were going and not stand around talking in the night, well the talk between the two. Huddling against the tree trunk as she watched whatever the dancing slave was doing only wanting to ask but thinking it better to stay quiet, and wonder to herself. In Andarta’s thoughts this was anything but a friendly situation and the talk between the strange woman and man only made her more uneasy and restless. Eagerly standing as the man turned to make a move to walk again. “Finally” Andarta thought to herself trying to keep some warmth in her body since clothing was minimal.

Regret seeming to float past her, in a daze and Andarta had to shake her head to stop herself from laughing at the airy fairy nature of a mysterious girl. The markings and tattoos on Regrets body caused an interest in her, not knowing what they meant. Were they the markings of her tribe and homeland? Andarta did not have any markings of interest and except for her beauty there was not much depth to her. She had no education other than skills needed in life, to do her job as a slave. Cook, clean and please the master she had, any and every master claiming her. At times she wondered if there was anything else in life other than this, being a servant to sick whims. Sometimes she would imagine what it was like to have servants of her own tending to her for a change, to kiss her feet and feed her grapes. Didn’t she deserve that kind of treatment? Probably not other wise she would have it and not made to grovel in the dirt.

Walking past the weird looking woman and in front of the man who had bought them. The woman gave her the creeps and if Regret wasn’t too busy being a space case she would see what she saw, something dark and evil. If she wasn’t evil she would not have killed those slavers back at the auction and in the distance as Andarta turned back to look at that direction, all she saw was a glow of fire lighting the night. Did they kill all those innocent people wanting their freedom? A rage built up inside of her, turning back and grabbing at the man’s shoulder while yelling at him and pointing back towards the slave auction. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” Andarta had good friends there, some of the only people who ever spoke to her like as a living person not some animal from a sty. Head snapping towards the woman, eyes squinting in the anger she felt “MURDERER!!” lips twisting in hatred. How could they do that, children only wanting their mothers and mothers only wanting their children. “Pigs!” spoken loud as she spat at the ground showing the insult she intended.

[StrawberryGashes]

[align=justify:0a27f8fae1]It was enough to entertain her just to tag along and see this dark goddess for herself. Sticking her nose and bluntly snorting ignoring the words of Mallebron and pushing past him. ”Well then child of the shining light let us go see this goddess of yours.” words bitter and sarcastic without attempting to hide them. It was not Lady Rats composure to act all polite when she was not, everything but polite and if anything usually nasty in all ways of etiquette. Hands swatting away at the foliage, walking swiftly in the direction where Mallebron pointed. The direction of this temple. Even Lady Rat knew that was in the direction of Eden since having already discovered her bearings when entering this world, the humans were so predictable in their cities and kingdoms. The darkness drew a thick blanket around her subtle minute curves.

Willowy in build, tall and if anything perhaps too skinny beneath the dress and cloak of black secrets. White and yellow eyes peering from the hood with an eerie glow like two moons shining in an alien sky, white strands of hair flagging out in streams of ghostly ash. Fair complexion to that of spectral shades and the bad dreams of children. Stories of her had put many children scared in their beds while the skeleton arm of branch scraped against the window glass. Lady Rat loved to torment children, it was through their fear that she existed in this world. If they did not fear her, she would be thrown back to the dark glow of her lands and not able to enjoy the simple delight of frightening children to their cold deaths. The soul of a child was sweet to imprison in crystals and other objects, they gave the fey a power none can describe or imagine.

Moving quicker, not even caring to see if the female slaves were following, she knew enough of the snapping of twigs and faint whispers that they were not too far behind. Humans were such clumsy beasts. Trudging through the forest like elephants heavy on their toes. Did they silly creatures not know how to be quiet? It amazed her they actually made adequate hunters but she knew not one of them would last in the Wild Hunt. Walking was such a human pain to laden herself with, both of them could have been there in the blink of an eye had it not been for the two offerings. It amused Lady Rat what was so special about these two that a goddess would want? Mallebron probably grabbed the two closest women and hoped for the best. To her they were beyond adequate and she would have happily killed them and then turned on Mallebron if SHE were this unholy dark goddess of all darkness.

It was probably some glorified witch pretending to be a goddess using her spells of illusions and trickery. It had been done before by some of the greatest witches of all time only to no longer be. A mortal’s fatal mistake was to pretend to be a higher power subject to the elements they ruled and controlled. Then it dawned on Lady Rat that she had not asked for the goddesses’ name. Speaking loudly, though despite how much louder she spoke her voice did not echo. ”So what is the name of this Dark Goddess, Mallebron?” again Lady Rat could not help but scoff at the gesture Mallebron was actually going to murder these girls in order to seek a wish. That was the real reason she journeyed with them, to see him knocked flat on his ass when he saw his idol of worship was some foul hag muttering over a cauldron of broiling frogs and lizards.

”What makes you think a goddess would want those two dregs? Probably been fished out by every slaver whose owned them. I smell no purity just foul rot!” Sniffing at the air only to block her nose between fingers in a pegged grasp. Still pressing forth through thick dense forest that parted in her presence, shriveling away from her foul presence and wicked aura, the ground leaving frozen iced steps behind her. She could turn this entire land into ice and not think twice about it.[/align:0a27f8fae1]

[Regret]

Regret had no idea that what was waiting for her would be a painfully dark death, that the Dark Goddess was hungry for her blood and soul not just her dedication. In the silky streams of moonlight, her naked flesh marked with occultic tattoo’s glimmered in the spangled brilliance of light and shadow. How the shadows moved over her legs like snakes wrapping around them to find the holiest of burrows. As the dark cloaked woman moved forth and then they all followed behind Regret felt more as if she were floating on the clouds. That had something had been slipped into her blood causing this heightening of all the senses around her. Dancing to no music only the sound of the night and the breaking of branches beneath light footed step. Legs moving quickly beneath her, dancing around Mallebron while offering a candied smile and happy laughter. The sound chittering to the sound of silver bells ringing in her mind, lulling her into the phase of complete oblivion.

No matter how far they walked it was only seconds to Regret, too far captivated by the soft words spoken in her mind. An invisible hand grasping her around the wrist to lead her into that darkness only to find the tender assault of lips tasting hers. A tongue licked over the area where she felt the sensation while her entire body reacted to the sensual caress shifting from lips to the tip of her breast in moist spirals. Eyes closing, lips pursing while behind a massive trunk she came to rest, her back arched over the timber trying to catch her breath. The others were back a ways, still coming through the forest. She did not understand what feeling was awash over her body, was it the dark goddess herself or perhaps some demons seeking a wanton woman to pleasure. At the point of experience, Regret was far from caring as hands brushed over all the areas that were kissed. Silent moans trailing into the night as she found the will to push away from the tree only to be pushed back hard by an unseen force.

Her voice gasped, an invisible hand around her throat while her hands fought with the darkness to push it away and run back through the forest. She wanted to scream but no sound was made just a gurgle. Lips managing to speak a protective mantra, the grasp let go and she ran back. Twigs and branches ripping at the skin on her legs, catching her hair and pulling it out from the roots. Fear in her eyes for she could not explain what force had her pinned so strongly that she could not fight back. Glad to see the others, chest panting out of breath as she struggled to find the words ”Demons in the darkness”. Her words stuttered, barely able to be understood for they were the first words she had spoken since a child. A vow of silence broken but the events deep in the forest were a warning that everything was not what it seemed and it was only just the beginning.

[Mallebron]

They were moving again and that was a good thing, the unseelie witch had delayed her plans of chaotic play instead choosing to move with them and bide her time. Such was the way of their chaotic brethren, still they were moving. A hand grabbing his shoulder, Mallebron spinning on his heel to face Andarta as she made her accusation. Voice dripping nights chill he responded, "Murderer slave... You call me murderer... Know this I had nought to do with any death, that was the doing of she that chose to join us, actually I just saved your miserable lives, now lets shut your mouth and keep moving".

As he turned away he gestured and illusion of Andarta's mouth sealing shut, he didnt have time for this waffle, slaves who didn't know their plave, unseelie wenches playing their games. He had helped slaves in the past, but in the current circumstance it was needed to play hard and harsh, no weakness could be shown to an unseelie, for that was all they needed to play their devlishness. Between one step and the next, the world shifted, he had begun this day falling through a blood pool into Naethryn, but now... He stopped and sniffed the air, looking to the sky and smirked. How convenient, Eden, yet the paths remained the same and on the outer limits of his senses, he could feel the pulsations of the lake of blood hidden in its cave. The night now held mysteries above what was expected, and he knew beyond doubt that the Goddess whom he sought was somehow involved.

Moving off again, through the trees, the sounds of the mortal slaves steps echoing loudly in his ears, the smirk on his lips breaking into a richly humoured chuckle. "You wish to know her name? How rich... know ye not that to speak the name of such a one thrice draws their attention upon you." A moment of silent contemplation as they continued walking, "A trade then, you already know who I am, but I still desire your name, so I shall give you a name, perhaps that will reach past your hardened carapace and tweak your mind into the gravity of what I seek." Mallebon paused, turning to look his opponent directly in her yellowed eyes, studying a moment before a single whisper left his barely parted lips, "the name spoken is... Atra'Lamia". The weight of the name, heavy and poigniant in the night. Mallebron turning back to the path and gesturing to the slaves to again continue moving, leaving the unseelie to digest her new knowledge and follow if she dared.

[Andarta the Slave]

Continued here http://thedarkrealmz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17217#17217

I thought it best we move on from this scene and actually got to where we are going.