Subjugation

[The End of All Light.]

Posted By Mobius...

Umbra ran heavy and strong the entire length of the way, even panting once they had reached their destination.  Something Mobius had never seen from this horse before.  Perhaps he drove him too hard, but if that was the worst thing to happen to either of them this night then they should be grateful.  Mobius let no one else handle Umbra, letting him find his own place to rest before issuing some words, ?Wait here, but not for long.?

The last stretch of the city he walked on foot, with no weapon or armor.  It was his first visit to this city, and he did not know what to expect.  It did not sway him in anyways as he continued towards the Minarctea throne room.  It was only a short walk, and it seemed to pass by faster than it should.  He was met by a great number of people, but Mobius would offer no words or glances, simply continuing on towards his destination.  Doors and gates opening by those knowing that he was expected here.  No words of gratitude or courtesy was offered.

Until, finally, he found himself standing outside of the throne room.  The Infernal Court.   She had been here, was here, or was about to be here.  Mobius shook his head, as if doing so would help clear his thoughts.  He was? flustered?  It felt strange, new to him.  There had been thousands of visits to other courts, but none of which had left him with this feeling.  He was not afraid of death, there were things far worse than death.

He was unsure if he was announced or if he would be announced, but he made his way into the throne room.  Following all etiquettes, that one should from the moment he had entered the throne.  Slowly making his way forward towards the throne, eyes never rising before finally kneeling, one fist and one knee pressed against the ground.  The raven black hair falling over one side of his neck as he awaited acknowledgment or execution.  Neither one would surprise him.

?Mobius Demonsheart, Lord and Stuart of Demonsheart.?  The only words that would be uttered from him, before receiving further inquiry.

[The End of All Light.]

It was not long until an official of some description entered the throne room eying Mobius in a most dubious fashion. Features rather elongated and protruded to the point of unrecognizable human traits, if anything to be discerned facade was more bat-like in appearance, motion fluid and fast, barely even noticeable by the naked eye from one place to the other. Long black tunic and cloak covering his form, granting that monk-like or priestly characteristics to stature and possibly position. Long black hair falling freely, pristine and noble, eyes penetrating against the form of the one kneeling, had bowed in silence only to be disrupted by a profound cough, purposeful to arouse attention before speaking.

?I take it you are the Lord of Demonsheart, requested here by my Lady and Mistress, Atra?Lamia or rather more formally Ankhnesmerira? I am sure her attendance shall be prompt; right now she is partaking in other affairs.  I have been sent to make sure your stay is... comfortable. Is there anything you require to ensure this fact?? Nodding softly, words acidic as if politeness was certainly not this creatures natural habit and possibly failing to give such manners or amicable demeanour to a guest would surely mean his own demise, there was no mistake in that, everyone at the moment knew they were walking on shaky ground when requesting audience with Atra, she seemed far more moody than usual.

Standing to full attention waiting for any request of Mobius before returning to Atra informing him that Mobius was here without the presence of the other... just as well for she would be executed on the spot without receiving any tribunal or judgment for that was the Darkbane way.

[The End of All Light.]

Posted by Mobius

Mobius would rise to his full height, which was nothing of note.  His crimson brown eyes looking over the figure that spoke to him in a choke of politeness.  Pleasantries?  A light sigh would escape from his lips as he looked around for the first time that he had entered the city really, taking in the place with a silent respect.  Looking back upon this official he would shake his head, and his words would meet him with a tone that hinted a bit disappointment.

?No there is nothing that I desire.?

This was not the everlasting patience that Mobius had been known for.  When she saw him she would recognize that there was something different about him.  No remarkable fluxuation in his being, only the change of things that had entered into his experience.  The one thing that was remarkably different was the two small obsidian colored horns upon his head, just below his hairline.  It was the only physical manifestation of lied beneath the mask that people had begun to associate as Mobius.  The form he tried so hard to hide.

He continued to await her presence.  

[The End of All Light.]

Awareness extending along the tendrils of infinite perception, knowledge that he whom was summoned awaited her dark and nefarious presence, slender left hand rising to cover a yawn at the tediousness of business that should never had to be repeated, yet time and again the same mistakes were made, bearing the same potential consequence. Having achieved the desired resolutions to her arts, it seemed now an appropriate moment to remind one of his place and of her own status within the clan of Demonsheart. A scintillating display of tiny lights creating intense shadows growing into a dark and nebulous form around her body in the creation of what she deemed to wear to this meeting, a second skin, a tourniquet of black leather bandages swathed around her legs and hips to just below the height of her navel.

Around her torso and bodice, red and black leather appeared the form taking shape in the fashion of a black leather vest co-joined with blood red corset, laced to just below the breast line, pale smooth skin highly accentuated in contrast with the deep, rich tones, arms and shoulders bare, an intricate inverted cross clearly visible on her outer left arm, extending from the top of Atra?s shoulder to the midsection of her upper arm. Slender arms now encased in black leather greaves, growing from palms to just below where the tattoo was exposed, fingers laden with numerous silver rings, bearing designs of sigils and hieroglyphics, shadow-land diamonds, embedded in the silver, the black gleams yet another contrast. Perhaps in many ways, the use of such stark colours on the sweet pallid flesh, the only obvious clue to her true nature, contrast and contradiction.

Moving in enchanted, provocative persuasion, stepping elegantly from the temple spires in which her dark and debauched rites had been performed, focus now completely on a matter of clan importance. Weighty ponderances racing through her mind, options considered very sparse, but? Atra grinned evilly to herself, ultimately the choice would be Mobius?s to make, out of the little scenarios that would be brought to his attention. A brisk pace would be set as Atra moved through the dark and gloomy labyrinth toward her seat of power, feeling the presence of Mobius and studying his quintessence in readiness for this confrontation, before Atra entered all the details would be firmly in her grasp; Nothing escaped Atra?s notice.

Heavy doors of carved obsidian and petrified flesh, the tormented and contorted faces proving beyond any doubt these had one been alive when embedded into the doors, they would have provided a symphony of screams for a short time before perishing, such a deathly and exquisite herald, slamming open as she strode up, an innate magickal recognition of her presence and of her mood, not a good sign when such force was shown. Facial features a study of perfect calmness, eyes revealing nothing of emotion except unpredictability, body language rife with predatory prowess, inherent savagery just below the surface waiting for only one opportunity to be revealed.

Voice emerging twixt rubescent lips, serene and frighteningly angelic in tone ?Mobius? How kind of you to adorn US with your presence, why anyone would think this is an imperative matter of significance, how ignorant of me?? At the mention of ignorance her eyes flashed dark fire in his direction, then stepping across the highly glossed floor, appearing at first glance deep black glass, yet on study discovering constant motion below, liquid yet with purpose, seismic fluid that whenever someone crossed it?s glazed surface, would reveal in its murky depths, something dark and unspeakable? Nameless; Her form taking leisured prestige on her living throne of blackened flesh slender leg crossing over right, elongated black nails of her left hand tapping on the upturned skull of the armrest, flowing tendrils of raven hair falling in cascades over her shoulders, lips pursing in seeming concentration, yet decisions already made before her entrance.

?Man doth not yield himself to the angels, nor unto death utterly save only through the weakness of his feeble will. It might not unreasonably be action or thought that the catafalque, the grave shroud, the black pall? Would arouse such solemn thoughts and kill desire! But on the contrary this funereal pomp and the trappings of the dead are considered in certain circles the most elegant titillation ? the most potent and approved of genteel aphrodisiacs, so? Having given my pleasantries for the evening? Tell me Mobius do you feel like dying tonight?? Atra?s grin becoming more evil in intention, allowing pristine ivory mithral fangs to become visible against the richness of her lips, voice now taking inauspicious tone, severely business and formal, her shrewdness unmistakable and without mercy.

Left hand raising to trace a symbol in the air, a vex of dishonour and plague against the name of Demonsheart, a hissing black flame that would brand that symbol in his on his very brow regardless should he move or try to counteract, for it was a mark against his person, a curse? an infliction that would only remain till he redeemed his honour, should he live. Words instantly following the moment of baneful artistic influence ?You Lord Mobius of Demonsheart have committed grievous acts which threaten the honour of the clan Demonsheart that I strove to correct and once again bring pride to that which was failure, the same crimes that are punishable by death, like those who have fallen before you, the one named Duskana has also committed numerous acts in violation of the traditions of both Demonsheart and Darkbane breaching the infernal orders, profaning the name of royal houses and cavorting in incestuous frivolities, that damage the survival of our species by creating bastardised versions of what shall and cannot be.?

?She has confessed to these acts without repentance by her lack of presence here in this court. By the will of Demonsheart and Darkbane you are both hereby declared ?Anathema? you may redeem yourself by the option which I shall present to you after proclaiming this order, you both shall be placed on the Red List, should you fail to comply a bloodhunt against you both shall be declared in all domains. Any who grant you succour are likewise guilty and shall likewise be punished by death, in your actions you have both declared yourselves outlaws and enemies of the names Demonsheart and Darkbane.?

?However you yourself will be redeemed by correcting the crime you have committed, Duskana is no longer bequeathed to the blood of Darkbane for that has been revoked, thus to bring honour to your name, you shall bring her before this very court and kill her before the pleasure of my very eyes and that of the infernal justicar, Lord Damien of Demonsheart. Should you not look after your best interests, then you shall be executed promptly and immediately. I did not call you here for you to plea your case, for I already know the violations and the proof is unmistakable, the choice is now yours, make it wisely?? Leaning back on the throne, lips curving into a malicious, decadent smirk awaiting his answer.

[The End of All Light.]

Posted by Mobius...

She had come before him pulsing with energies and emotions that sent a chill down his spine, but his stance was strong, his shoulders squared directly with her as he listened to the words that came forth from her lips.  She was beautiful, even more so than he had remembered.  How horribly misleading it would be for someone to judge her just by her looks.  A light smile would break over his features as she asked him if he would like to die tonight.

That smile would soon fade, her words continued and a single motion in the air would cause a moment a panic.  The words, ?There are worse fates than death,? ring forth in his mind over and over.  She did not even need to hear the words to know exactly what she was drawing in the air.  The only thing he had not prepared himself for.  He took the mark, letting it burn into his brow, those crimson brown eyes burning forth with an emotion that he had never directed towards her or anyone for that matter.

His shoulders no longer squared against hers, slowly beginning as a rocking motion, then a step to one side, until he found himself walking several paces in one directions and then the other, like a lion trapped behind invisible bars.  There were worse fates than death, it echoed.  Mobius had once been called Justicar centuries ago, killing his own blood no matter how close had been a talent, or curse, that he had grown accustomed to.  Those rage filled eyes turning to the ground as he continued pacing, forwards and back, a light rumble growing to the growl that hinted towards a great deal of struggle within himself.

Fool!  The word grew inside his head.  Why had he not thought of this fate?  There was only one worse, but he dare not think it.  The only thing that bothered him more than the fact that she had made him an enemy of Demonsheart was the fact that she suggested he should act for his best interest.

?I do this not for you, and not for your precious Darkbanes.  My life was forfeit the moment I entered this courtroom, but I shall not die with this cursed mark upon my brow,?  The word that followed this might have been a curse or roar, it was hard to tell, even for him.  He would stop dead in his track, his head bowing, moving as if the motion were incredibly uncomfortable.  The horns upon his brow grew another inch or so, his fingertips turning to talons.  His would fall back upon her with; there was no color in his eyes safe for that of the void.  No one had ever seen him tread so close to his truest form, but something still held him back.

The voice that escaped from his lips would be like nothing she had never heard before.  It was beautiful in its vulgarity.  It was pure, and deep as darkness, but with the same power behind it.  ?I live for one thing, and that is Demonsheart.  If you want their blood than I will bring it to you.?  At this his point the one thing that had seem to be missing with his change would flair up, an aura of malice and rage.  Its intensity would be like that of which she would have never experienced within Mobius? lifetime.

[The End of All Light.]

Amusement crossing scarlet lips as Atra watched the inner conflicts growing within Mobius, such entertainment offered without askance nearly as sating as killing the one before her, his rage and alterations only feeding her more as her species devoured such emotion, a pleasant appetiser offered and accepted, though she doubted he would even realise what was given by his actions. Face becoming completely devoid of any expression, as eyes bored deeply into Mobius, studying the truth of his words, for if only words, the price would have to be paid in full, body totally motionless in those moments, absorbing his every word and action before leaning forwards upon her living throne to stifle a yawn. "Your show of solidarity is touching, though your hypocrisy is not, whether you care about Darkbane is oft not the issue, you married one therefore have no mistake you do fall under the order of Lextalionis and above all else of more crimes against those. You, yourself, your actions brought this sword over your head, not by my hand, but by yours. So... I am going to give you a few seconds to make some kind of confession before I choose to stick my fingers through your eyes and put you out of your misery, my own personal touch, comprendo."

Watching Mobius pacing back and forth like a trapped beast, amusing in itself yet none would show on pristine features, visibly all that Atra presented was chillingly cold and void of of all but purpose. Noticing his horns extending, the emotions oozing like a lavish banquet, supped in raw unmitigated pleasure, an inevitable feast spread before her and willingly, her voice so fatally calm, "The love you confess for Demonsheart is even more amusing then your conviction, for it is you who has tainted its blood and lineage from the proud infernal hierarchy to a disgraceful farce, whether you die with the accursed mark upon your person is also dependent on your own choice, by... your own free will... Ah the choices we must make." The shadows gathered like poisonous henna to the flesh around her diminutive form holding court to the true darkness enfolding to far graver arms - like a fatal downfall screams ascending from the very obsidian walls which breathed with a life of its own, glutted on cruel appetites, midnight riptides wrestling and writhing to the very fore of her carnivorous smile.

Tormented biblical choirs shrieking and soaring beyond the nocturnal walls like a swansong for ravens trapped beneath the abysmal glass. The external elements crashing against the barriers of Naethryn, lightening streaked with fire, black clouds shrouding the citadels casting across the entire land in atramentous darkness as nightmares and horrors scourged the lands, tempest and gales howling in fury and eerie dissonance, hailstones the size of a mans head crashing down upon the land. The reflected overtures of candles and torchlight reflecting in Atra's eyes, as mirrors aligned to darker spheres, an unspeakable baying reverberating throughout the aerie, building with unholy orchestras raising their cacophonous surge, a thunderclap, the clash so close and loud as to shake the entire aerie to its foundations as if the very void was opening and the nothingness behind it erupting into the world to devour it touched. The very instant of this eardrum bursting conflagration of sound, all light within Atra's seat of power would vanish, the impenetrable blackness beyond even the lines of demonic sight, a darkness hungry in its depth, time would seem frozen, in this inky terror, and how long would pass indecipherable, time merging into the infinite eternities, Atra-Lamia moving in silence to stand mere inches from Mobius's physique, face in direct line with his, feet no longer touching the floor, so bound in rigorous enflamed potence was she, leaning forwards so that that physical demeanour would be intimidating to all and sundry, eyes like the penteholocaust, totally devoid of breath and fangs extended to rest upon her lower lip, temperature dropping to levels beyond arctic chill.

As instantaneously as light extinguished torch flames would once again burst to eldritch illuminations, one moment in darkness and then a flash and her face was there, unexpected with demented nightmares ever so playful in her eyes "Bitter things seek meaning even if they're madness to behold isn't duty, such a frivolous task, how painful it must be to the heart, kind of like nails being driven through that soft pliable flesh. Such a shame we cannot share it for unlike you... I care not"