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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Jul 12, 2010 14:23:26 GMT -8
It had not taken him long to reach this place. The labyrinth of passages that made up the Daemon Tunnels took decades to memorise, but decades and the suitable motivation he'd had. One could scarcely claim to lead a race without knowledge of that race's one tenuous link to home - the role of Daemon Lord was more taxing than it would appear on the surface. Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar, however, took the role seriously and performed it well. His graceful steps were sure and confident, a confidence that could only come from familiarity, as he wove through the maze of dimly lit tunnels.
It was beautiful in here. The Daemon did not hurry for constantly his attention was caught by the atmosphere of a place so frequented by his striking, unpredictable race. A rare kind of fungi grew along the walls and ceiling and it was this was provided the light - gently luminous, all colours of the rainbow, refracting here and there off precious gems and crystals embedded in the rock. It patterned the silver-cream moonstone skin of the Daemon as he walked; soft gold, pale lavender, faded rose, muted jade. So pretty, so enchanting. He smiled as he travelled here, captivated by the beauty his kind created and coveted.
But merely wandering the Tunnels was not his goal. The Daemon Lord was homesick; he loved Litharia, he loved the time he spent travelling among the trees either alone or with company, but still the call of his original home drew him back here every now and then. As he travelled the Tunnels grew stranger. They twisted and dipped without warning. Strange plants climbed the walls, blooming with dark flowers dripping poison and malevolence. The colour drained from his surroundings at times, and at other times became too-bright, unnatural. Here and there he ran across odd creatures, ones with no names outside the Daemon language. He spent much of four miles climbing through hanging vines, whispering with strange animals, lost in chaos.
None of it phased him. This was home, familiar to any Daemon - dangerous, very, but Daemons were themselves dangerous creatures. Chaotic. It fitted that where their magic leaked from their place of origin, chaos was sure to be found.
But finally Gabriel drew to a halt. The Daemon smiled softly as he sank to the ground, cross-legged, attention captured by the round window infront of him. Through this window creatures moved; Daemons, most of them, though Dream Land creatures wove among them. A castle rose in the distance, home to the most powerful creature currently in existance, more powerful even that Gabriel. King of Dreamland, a ruler of Daemons in their home, but unwilling to come to Litharia. He communicated here with Gabriel at times. Perhaps he would come today. Gabriel didn't mind. Here he found peace, staring at the home he'd once known.[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Jul 25, 2010 19:46:08 GMT -8
Rio stood on the bridge. He took his time walking; a self-control exercised for a long time. Even though he was curious and excited to see the place outside Dreamland known as Litharia, a world said to be calmer and more vibrant than the Dreamland. He personally did not think that any place could capture the vivid activity, the constant energy that the daemons lived on within the Dreamland, but judging from the dull appearance of the landscape, perhaps this Litharia was brighter.
The mammalian daemon had his recurve bow and quiver strapped onto his back, unstrung, but it was a matter of a second or two that he would be able to string and fire. Such he was taught to do. But if one did not see the need to attack from afar, he always had his dagger and if he was unarmed, his animal instincts would automatically kick in and he'd either claw the enemy to death or run. Simple as that. If you couldn't win a fight, what was the point of fighting when you had better things to do? Rio had a goal and he was going to achieve it, no matter what.
Rio's tufted golden cat ears pricked up as he grew wary; around him was a different sensation. Not of danger, something close to danger but not enough to scare him into drawing his weapons. It was the portal, there was some energy around here, pulsing and drawing forth different emotions and sensations, rather peculiar and somewhat disconcerting, but the mammalian daemon could see out of the portal; there was a figure there. Definitely male and sitting cross-legged, staring into the portal attentively, though looking for what, he was unsure. The daemon's features were strong and the look of him radiated power; authority, more like it, but it didn't seem that he was over-abusive of this fact, it was more of a mellow acceptance of this gift.
He bowed his head. He could tell that this was an important person and it was not like him to merely ignore one of importance. Though he was unsure if the figure outside could hear him, he spoke anyways. "Sir," A mere acknowledgement of the figure, nothing too difficult, something that was easy enough to ignore if he didn't feel like acknowledging the former slave. Rio was well aware that his collar was still around his neck and he vaguely wondered what impression he had upon this daemon.
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Calandra
Daemon
Sleeper
Game Over.
Posts: 77
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Post by Calandra on Jul 25, 2010 23:41:00 GMT -8
Calandra drifted through the tunnels, eyeing the beautiful formations that gave the tunnels dim light and an almost ghostly appearance. A second source of nigh unnecessary light was emitted by Loki, Calandra’s will-o’-the-wisp companion, as he floated ahead of her, composed only of an ethereal shimmer of light that seemed a trick of the light.
Like all daemons she had inexplicably memorized the entirety of her old home, perhaps in the restless times she used to wander before Gabriel introduced her to the outside world of Litharia. The avian had fallen in love with the trees and crystalline air, the wide open world that you could never fully explore no matter how long you lived, and the discovery of hard alcohol. Since then, Calandra seldom returned to her old home, but whenever she did, it was always to the same place.
It was a spot of familiarity, one with a breathtaking view that was always shared by friends, usually Loki or Gabriel. The daemon lord was probably her oldest friend, their meeting dating back hundreds of years, and he had been the one to show her the little window out of Dreamland.
Since then, whenever they became homesick they would return and head for that one little place. More often than not they went together or agreed to meet up, occasionally it was a chance meeting. Today, as it happened, turned out to be one of the rarer days.
Loki had spotted him first, when he nothing more than dim outlines at the end of Calandra’s sight, but it was unmistakably Gabriel.
A lopsided grin broke out over the daemon’s face and she picked up the pace, her footfalls silent against the stone. Then she noticed a figure standing somewhat warily a few feet from Gabriel, a youngish looking mammalian with rather adorable golden ears. As the daemon drew closer the features of the stranger became clearer, as well as the slave collar he bore. The boy stood like a well trained warrior, the same tense stance that Calandra herself held, warning the daemon to stay alert, even if he did not seem to be a threat.
Loki’s tremulous form rippled and stretched into a thin, cat-like creature with amethyst eyes that bore no pupils and long creamy fur with blood-red stripes. His wide smile curved arrogantly as he promptly wrapped himself around the daemon lord’s neck and took advantage of the heat.
The grin never faded as he spoke in a somehow inviting, yet incredibly sarcastic voice, “Well hello there old Gabey! I’m afraid we’ve come to spoil your peace.” The will-o’-the-wisp shrugged, flowing onto the ground with the kind of grace only cats and other reasonably dangerous creatures could pull off. “Well, I’m the one who’ll be disturbing you, Cal will probably just sit around and chat all nice-like.”
Calandra rolled her eyes and sank comfortably to the ground next to Gabriel, careful to to hit him with her large, dusky-gold wings. Loki lazily draped himself over the daemon woman’s thighs, purring in his newfound comfort. “Hello Gabriel, homesick again?” the avian questioned quietly, letting her graceful, lilted words fall into the silence of the tunnels.
It was nice to have company besides Loki, the fact that it was her leader and friend was only a bonus. Gabriel had explained his power to her a long time ago, and while it had served to draw her in at the time, many long years of exposure rendered her mostly used to it. Now it only served as a calming effect, made her feel safe and happy, a welcome feeling after her weary travels around Litharia.
Auspice, her newfound slave was not present, as she had given him the choice of staying out of the tunnels, to which he seemed rather relieved. But she had given him a charm in the form of a thin, braded silver anklet that held a small pendant bearing Calandra’s well-known symbol, a stylized wing insignia.
It had originally been so that he could be identified as her property, as it was something of a more comfortable slave-collar, but it was also enchanted in a number of simple but handy ways. The first was the chain being able to shrink and grow with his shifted form, so that even as a bird it would be tiny and out of the way, the other was able to track down Calandra at any time, a useful asset if he decided to join her in the tunnels. As it were, Calandra was content with the knowledge that if he was picked up by a daemon he could simply flash the charm and be gone. Let him do as he wished for a few hours, Loki could always find him later anyway.
The avian turned her soft golden eyes to the mammalian once more, pursing her lips in thought. He didn’t seem to know or even recognize Gabriel, but he also seemed uncertain of whether or not he wished to pass through the window. Calandra beckoned with a thin, gracefully clawed hand, letting a warm smile not nearly as sinister as Loki’s cross her features. He seemed safe enough, if he wished he was more than welcome to sit and chat, if he could deal with Loki of course.
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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Jul 26, 2010 3:50:34 GMT -8
Gabriel had watched with interest as a figure in the portal had begun moving towards him. He crossed the bridge to stand close to the portal while the Daemon Lord watched impassively, remaining cross-legged on the stone ground. He seemed uncertain about going through the portal - of course, that could be because there was another Daemon waiting on the other side, and Daemons were dangerous creatures, including Gabriel. Especially Gabriel.
"Sir." Gabriel arched a brow, surprised. Did the other Daemon know him? He didn't recognise the collared Mammalian, who looked far too young to have known Gabriel while he was in Dreamland. He'd left the place a couple of centuries ago, after all. This portal was his only window to it and he didn't remember seeing the other Daemon on a previous visit. Gabriel had a good memory. It wasn't something he would forget. Perhaps the Mammalian simply recognised the air of authority Gabriel projected. Even though he didn't expect it without earning it first, the Daemon Lord was impressed by the show of respect. Was the kid a soldier of some sort? Could be possible.
His pondering was momentarily and not regrettably interrupted though by the near-silent arrival of his deputy and her companion, though. Gabriel glanced up as Loki draped himself around his neck with an air of unashamed familiarity, closely followed by Calandra sitting down next to him. He smiled at his deputy, surprised but pleased that she'd happened to choose to visit the same time he had. Quiet reflection was pleasant, but company was far more so, and Gabriel took her hand in a show of affection for his oldest friend. Forest dwellers were not shy about personal contact. "Calandra. Uncanny timing, love, as usual. And nice to see you too of course, Loki." The Daemon turned his gaze back to the portal where the new Daemon still waited, watching the scene through the haze of the portal. "You know me well. I still miss this place sometimes. What brings you here? Homesick too?" The portal cast a dull silver sheen over the Daemon as he spoke and, here in the place closest to his home, Gabriel once again looked like the immortal creature he had been before leaving Dreamland. The magic leaked out here; although he'd never aged, the magic made the knotted scar on his left shoulder disappear and the depth to his eyes increase. Here he was more the Daemon than ever. Just for a little while.
Out of the corner of his eye Gabriel saw Calandra beckon to the newcomer. He too nodded his head, a gentle encouragement. "Feel free to come through, friend, if you wish. No doubt you already know there is no going back if you do, so if that was your desire then don't let us stop you."[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Jul 26, 2010 5:08:43 GMT -8
From the way the male daemon outside arched his eyebrow, Rio could tell that his words had reached him. He didn't know whether to be pleased or afraid that the daemon outside heard him. So far, his reaction was a neutral one, but one did not know what to expect when dealing with daemons of different kinds; especially ones that he hadn't met yet. Daemons were exceptionally good at disguising their true intentions and it was only through familiarity that the mammalian daemon had been able to glean feelings of different daemons. But now they were all gone.
Rio's movement-based sight caught a cat-like creature who seemed to appear out of nowhere and wrap itself around the daemon's neck, who didn't seem to mind that such a creature had done so. He had seen such creatures before around Dreamland but was not enlightened on the proper name of the cat-like creatures. Also, this was the first one that he had seen with red stripes. And then from the shadows came another figure. Rio's good left eye darted around, taking in the long golden hair, armor, the familiarity between her and the male daemon whom the creature referred to as "Gabey" and she referred to as "Gabriel". The creature also didn't seem the tamest, most helpful one, more playful than anything else, really. Among the three, the creature was the most talkative, "Cal" probably being the name of the female daemon that it arrived with.
Wait, the female daemon was holding a hand out to her, as if summoning him forwards. Rio looked at it for a moment, unsure if she meant him harm. No, probably not, for her weapons were sheathed and her expression was soft. The only one that held a look of open malice was the creature. Even the male daemon Gabriel seemed to approve of his joining them. He should join them; it wasn't good to make others wait and feel awkward.
"Feel free to come through, friend, if you wish. No doubt you already know there is no going back if you do, so if that was your desire then don't let us stop you."
Friend... that meant that he was welcome. He had accomplished all that he could in Dreamland, diminished every last challenger and none had arisen, so why stay? He had received an invitation--or order of sorts--to join them, so he did so.
With a rather slow, cat-like blink, he leaped through the portal with his usual grace, feeling rather unsettled as he felt something like what seemed some of his vitality diminish. As he went through the portal, the hair that normally veiled his right eye flew with the slight air disturbance, exposing the intense amber for a short moment; long enough to glean the color, but nothing more as he landed soundlessly on the stone floor, following the motion up with a bow. "Sirs, Miss." He greeted Gabriel and Calandra in a proper way to refer to those with such an air of authority, as the animal, Loki seemed to also be part of the party, it too deserved a title.
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Calandra
Daemon
Sleeper
Game Over.
Posts: 77
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Post by Calandra on Jul 26, 2010 14:13:32 GMT -8
Calandra smiled and gave Gabriel’s hands a tiny squeeze in return. It was good to be among friends, and the newcomer seemed nice as well. When the daemon though on it, the only word she could think of to describe him besides “wary” or “respectful”, probably had to be adorable.
That in itself made Calandra give a semi-confused blink. It wasn’t often that thoughts like that crossed her mind, but it was true. Pair young age, respectful, albeit cat-like nature, and the furry ears, you apparently came out with a cute kid.
The daemon’s lips curved into a smile that almost leaned toward a smirk, but seemed genuinely happy. “Hello newcomer, I am Calandra, this is Gabriel, and the wisp is Loki.” She motioned to herself and each in turn.
Loki opened one lazy eye and let it focus on the mammalian’s face. “Kid, I can’t believe you just called me sir. But I have to say, I kinda like it.” The will-o’-the-wisp grinned, “I have to say that so far I like you too. But there is no way in hell that I’m calling you sir. You gotta name?”
Calandra glared half-heartedly, but Loki gave such a content, innocent smile that she snickered and ruffled his ears. The purring grew louder as Loki closed his eyes and enjoyed the simple pleasure of contact.
“You know the answer to that question. We both will always miss it, even if we can never return. Both a curse and a blessing I assume. The heart always wants what it cannot have.” Calandra smiled over at Gabriel, a tinge of sadness coloring the gesture. “I dearly love Litharia, but there are always times I wish I could go back.”
The daemon woman gave a short laugh, “How ironic is it that the two most powerful daemons cannot even return to the place they preside over?” Her smile lost it’s sad cast as she shook her head. “As long as I still have ties I am not sorry I left. You, Loki, my memories, it’s all enough for me.”
Calandra turned back to the newcomer with an apologetic smile. “Enough of this dreary talk, we were both homesick and so we came back to look. What brought you to Litharia? Boredom, tales of adventure, just a change of scenery?”
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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Jul 26, 2010 21:21:10 GMT -8
Gabriel closed his eyes for a moment, content as the familiarity and much-loved comfort of the situation washed over him. Calandra's past overlapped so frequently with his own that he considered her a link to his previous life, the one as Daemon nobility in Dreamland, forged when he met her so many centuries ago while having a rebellious period in the slums. In turn she had that connection too, a living reminder of home in Gabriel. And Loki, by now, had become such a frequent part of their lives that Gabriel could scarcely imagine Calandra being without him and, despite the Wisp's smart-ass attitude, he didn't really want to.
"My greatest wish also, love. But you're right - this is enough. A window to the Old World, memories, and a final living friend from centuries past. And I do love Litharia, that much is certain...as much as I miss Dreamland, I could never leave this place even if it was an option." His life was here - his role, his responsibility. The Daemons in Litharia required a leader that held their best interests above that of all others - Gabriel was that leader.
But yes, it was time he paid attention to the newcomer rather than losing himself in nostalgia. Daemon's had good memories and with this window, they could never forget. "Nice to see you on this side of the chaos," Gabriel added with a grin, finally able to appraise the other Daemon fully. He'd been right in the first instance - the Mammalian was young, a teen at most - Daemons typically stopped aging in appearance around their early to mid-twenties and this guy didn't look to have reached that point yet. And he was certainly a fighter of some sort - different to how Calandra was, very different to Gabriel, but powerful nonetheless. That much the sharp, discerning teal eyes of the Daemon Lord could tell.[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Jul 27, 2010 1:38:26 GMT -8
Seeing the two (or three) sitting down on the ground, Rio realized that he had better follow suit, otherwise it might have been a disrespectful gesture. The mammalian daemon did not wish to earn the disapproval of the two obviously powerful daemons. It was not a wise choice, and besides, the two seemed to have a rather closely intertwined relationship with each other. It would not be good to anger them. The mammalian daemon dropped to the ground, sitting in a restful, yet easy posture to spring out of the way in case anything happened. Such was his policy; to take checks so that there would be no accidents.
“Hello newcomer, I am Calandra, this is Gabriel, and the wisp is Loki.”
Wisp... that was the creature's species... Will-o'-the-Wisp, that was it. He had heard the name mentioned before and that surely must have been the creature's species. Also, this particular one seemed rather... high up. His speech reminded Rio of the buyers that sometimes visited his first Master's land to make purchases. He had been wanted a few times, but never before had the Master agreed to sell him.
“I have to say that so far I like you too. But there is no way in hell that I’m calling you sir. You gotta name?”
Sir? He? Being called sir? The statement was such an unusual surprise that Rio had to blink in unsettled confusion. There was no way someone like him could ever deserve the title of sir, there was no way that he could ever expect to have been called sir. "Rio." He replied in answer to that question. Listening to the two daemons talk, he realized just how old they were; centuries, hundreds of times older than he himself was. And they were the two most powerful daemons. The daemon lord and his deputy. That was why he sensed that power.
Purely out of habit, Rio bowed his head again instead of standing up to execute a full bow. He was in the presence of two powerful daemons. He had better earn their approval. And answer their questions.
"Nice to see you on this side of the chaos," That was the daemon lord Gabriel speaking. He seemed to be rather casual in regard to his current status. Rio did not know if this was a good or a bad thing.
"Yes, my lord." He replied. "I have come for there is nothing more that I can accomplish within the Dreamlands." He replied, looking up at them once more. It was entirely true that he had defeated every last challenger that had dared to challenge him. The majority of those were dead now. He had done all he could in Dreamland and perhaps Litharia was what one could consider another challenge.
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Calandra
Daemon
Sleeper
Game Over.
Posts: 77
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Post by Calandra on Jul 27, 2010 4:08:20 GMT -8
Loki snorted. "I haven't seen anyone this formal in a few hundred years. It's kind of bizarre." Calandra gave the wisp a skeptic glare but resumed petting him, if only to make him shut up. Loki seemed perfectly happy with this arrangement.
The daemon returned her attention to Rio, a wry smile on her face. "There's no need for titles, we've only just met. Besides, we are not like the humans who expect automatic respect from everyone; we believe we need to earn it for ourselves."
Calandra shifted, causing a pause in Loki's purr that was soon remedied. "Just cal me Cal, and him Gabriel. Simple as that." The daemon smiled, looking Rio up and down.
"You remind me of myself, actually, from when I was younger. Only my personality was closer to Loki's." She gave a short laugh, "The reason I left was nearly the same as your's. I was restless, no longer had any challenges, and I was desperately curious as to what lay on the other side of the window."
Calandra let the memories take her for a few moments before shaking her head softly, causing her hair to shift over her shoulders. "Gabriel showed me around for a while before we went our separate ways. I met Loki around this time too."
The avian paused, studying the boy's stony features and tense posture with a tiny smirk. "You can calm down a bit, we won’t bite." Calandra's eyes flicked down to Loki, "Okay, well he might, but that's not the point. The point is just to enjoy yourself once in a while. Litharia is dangerous, but it's not quite as violent as the Dreamlands." The daemon's expression softened, "Have a little fun; you're just a kid after all."
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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Jul 28, 2010 22:53:09 GMT -8
Gabriel merely inclined his head, both as an agreement to Cal's statement that formal titles were not required, and in response to the same gesture - presumably one of respect - from the new Daemon who identified himself as Rio. He was indeed formal, but then he and Calandra had been away from Dreamland for a very long time. Perhaps, in whatever capacity Rio had existed in the Old World, such formality was normal. Idly the Daemon Lord wondered about the newcomer's past. Such things were fascinating to a Daemon like Gabriel, one constantly seeking knowledge and stories.
For now though he was content to let Rio become accustomed to the changes that leaving Dreamland brought, and to becoming more comfortable in the company of two dangerous Daemons. Not that the kid didn't look like he could defend himself. Somehow that posture of alertness and the restless energy hinted that Rio wasn't vulnerable in the least.
Gabriel's reason for leaving Dreamland was entirely different to Calandra's and Rio's. "I was curious, to put it simply. There was a world of colour and the unknown just past the window...I knew Dreamland as well as I knew myself and Litharia beckoned to me, somewhere different and new and unpredictable. I loved Dreamland but I can't seem to deny that sense of 'what if', even now." He smiled nostalgically. Gabriel hadn't had any ambitions originally; he'd become interested in the position of Daemon Lord only once he'd found the then leader ineffectual, and until that point had even been remarkably controlled for a Daemon. Violence and a penchant for killing, not to mention messing with people's heads (easily his most dangerous weapon) had come after.
Now it defined him. Coming to Litharia was a large enough event for some to change them irreversibly.
"So long as you have no particular plans to challenge our positions, and you obey the basic Daemon laws, you can relax in the knowledge that we won't harm you," Gabriel agreed. Interesting kid. He hoped he relax enough to hang around for a bit.[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Jul 29, 2010 5:15:48 GMT -8
"I haven't seen anyone this formal in a few hundred years. It's kind of bizarre."
Rio blinked, puzzled. Perhaps it was that none of them had experiences as, or with, slaves. As a slave, he himself had accepted the fact that others were more important. After all, he was merely one minnow in a sea of many, a little insignificant life in comparison to others, those who could command others' attentions like Calandra, Gabriel and Loki, though as it was their wish, he would comply.
Having just met them, Rio's impression was that these two deserved his respect, especially being the daemon lord and his deputy. As they had power over him, he was obliged to listen to them. Well, time to get used to calling them Cal, Gabriel and Loki. Those three were centuries old after listening to Calandra's stories. No doubt they had been through a lot together, certainly more than he had gone through with any other; lots more.
"Have a little fun; you're just a kid after all."
At this, Rio's features soften, giving the female daemon a look, somewhat wistful and somewhat amused. A kid... age-wise, he could be a kid, though the mammalian daemon was pretty sure that he had killed and defeated hundreds compared to others of his age. That was what he was trained to do after all. He couldn't agree to what she said about having fun as a kid; his life and "fun" was a bloody battlefield. His life revolved around killing, he knew nothing else but how to kill.
"So long as you have no particular plans to challenge our positions, and you obey the basic Daemon laws, you can relax in the knowledge that we won't harm you,"
Challenge the Daemon Lord? Rio knew that such a thing was possible, but even if he was the Daemon Lord, what would he do? There was no way that he could take charge of the species; it was best to leave the species in the hand of an experienced daemon. There was no wisdom that he could see in taking over Gabriel, for he was sure that he would lose his life in the process. "That... wasn't part of what I was trained for," Rio paused. He was about to say "My Lord" once again, or at least give him the title of "Sir". Biting on his lip and frowning for a quick moment, he finished his sentence. "Gabriel... and Cal." He was pretty sure that this "fun" that Calandra was talking about was not killing and dominating all that he met.
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Calandra
Daemon
Sleeper
Game Over.
Posts: 77
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Post by Calandra on Jul 30, 2010 12:46:56 GMT -8
Calandra nodded in response to Gabriel's statement. As long as the kid didn't try to attack them, then he was perfectly welcome. While the kid didn't seem a stranger to the life of fighting and death, he didn't have years of experience on his side, so it was doubtful any fight would turn in his favor.
"Training?" Calandra asked curiously. When she had lived in the Dreamland, the only training available was if you managed to apprentice yourself to a skilled fighter, and even then it was a loose relationship at best. What kind of training had left the boy this formal, this awkward with others?
"And Rio," she started, mouth curling into a wry smile, "You can just call me Calandra if it makes you more comfortable, but just try to loosen up. We don't really do much to the leading effect anyway." The daemon snickered. "I mean really, how long has it been since your last challenger Gabriel?"
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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Jul 31, 2010 4:22:10 GMT -8
Yes, what training was this? Gabriel's curiosity instantly flared to life and he studied Rio once more. The collar...well, that wasn't normal among Daemons. Slaves tended to wear such trinkets of ownership but in Litharia Daemons were seldom, if ever, kept as slaves. Gabriel himself saw to that, unable to stand by and watch any member of his proud race demeaned in such a way. Of course he only rarely had had to step in because most Daemons were strong enough to ward off any potential slave keepers themselves.
Had the situation changed that much in Dreamland since he'd left? Daemons, of course, were strong enough to keep other Daemons as slaves - however in Litharia, where Gabriel held precedence, he strongly discouraged such a practice. Daemons weren't meant to live as slaves. They were too wild, too independent, for that. He sincerely hoped that Dreamland didn't set the stage for the practice. Perhaps when Rio explained this training, he'd enlighten them.
"Yes, neither of us insist on respect based merely on our positions. Even the Daemon Lord and Lieutenant must earn that right." The Daemons were very, very different to humans. This was their greatest strength perhaps - no Lord ever took his place for granted, ever stopped honing his skills and wits, because death could come at any time. Bloodlines had no place in their world. Bloodlines led to weakness, to loyalties that didn't best serve their race.
Gabriel had to think about Calandra's question for a moment, a wry smile creeping over his features. "Oh, what would it be? Must be about thirty years since anyone tried...far longer, decades longer, since a challenge has actually come to a fight." Gabriel killed the challengers of course, unless they willingly and unprompted offered a loyalty oath, but it had been a very long time since brute strength had been needed. Still grinning, the Daemon Lord elaborated to Rio just what he meant - just what made him so very dangerous.
"Bardic magic, you see, removes the need for any kind of messy fighting over leadership. Most of the time all it takes is the sound of my voice, and for me to catch their eye, and I can charm them into forgetting what they were doing, or changing their minds, or even just distract them while I wander over at my leisure. When your opponent is mesmerised, a single neat blow is all it takes to dispatch them. If that doesn't work I can use the old fashioned method but others seem to find my hypnotic manner more frightening, somehow." When Gabriel layered his words with bardic influence and when someone grew distracted by the magic bubbling in his striking teal eyes, he was at his most dangerous. Many never even fought back.
"I suppose I'm overdue for a challenge but I think I scared many of them off with the last one."[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Aug 7, 2010 12:02:49 GMT -8
"Training?"
The way that Calandra had said the word reminded Rio of one that has never heard that word before, curious and eager to find out its significance. He automatically figured out that neither knew of the Master and would perhaps like to know. It was like him and the word "loosen up" that Calandra had just mentioned. At that, he could slightly guessed by the laid back attitude that Gabriel and Calandra had. He wasn't sure if such a thing was possible for him. He had never "loosened up" before, neither did he command enough respect to not have a challenger for over twice his current lifetime. These daemons certainly were old. He would have a lot to learn before he could catch up to their skill.
"Bardic magic, you see, removes the need for any kind of messy fighting over leadership. Most of the time all it takes is the sound of my voice, and for me to catch their eye, and I can charm them into forgetting what they were doing, or changing their minds, or even just distract them while I wander over at my leisure. When your opponent is mesmerised, a single neat blow is all it takes to dispatch them. If that doesn't work I can use the old fashioned method but others seem to find my hypnotic manner more frightening, somehow."
Bardic magic... that certainly seemed like a useful skill to have, especially when discouraging others from a fight. The fact that they were able to fall for the ruse meant that they were not worthy of the daemon Lord's time. He had experienced bardic magic before, of course; he was frequently pitted against other bardic slaves and was therefore mostly immune to those slaves' magic. Gabriel, however, had so much more experience than he had, if he tried the magic on him, Rio didn't think he'd get away.
And he also should start answering Calandra's question otherwise he might just see the ugly side to the daemons. Even though they had promised not to hurt him, there was no telling when a daemon might go back on his word. He tapped the collar lightly with a finger, flicking his ears ever so slightly as he remembered the first of memories when the collar was put on him. He had that thing on for over two thirds of his life and the third before, he could barely remember. "I... was a slave ever since I was..." He stopped to do a little counting, "Five. Under... Regis Smithe. A slaves master." Was that enough explanation for them? It was all that he could come up with.
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Calandra
Daemon
Sleeper
Game Over.
Posts: 77
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Post by Calandra on Aug 7, 2010 20:05:09 GMT -8
Calandra chuckled, "The last one was called Ourian, correct? He made a mighty ass out of himself he did." The daemon let her mind drift around old memories for a few moments until Rio began to speak.
She pursed her lips in thought, looking slightly troubled. It wasn't the slavery part that got to her, that was rather normal among certain daemon communities, but more the identity of the boy's slaver himself.
Then it dawned on her. Regis Smithe. The man was in charge of one of the most well-kept daemon assassins she had seen in many a year, rather dangerous as he raised the slaves young so that they would be loyal only to him. He was, put simply, a monster.
It was widely known how cruel he was, but nobody had done anything about it because there was nothing he was actually doing that warranted such an attack, not to mention the scores of well-trained fighters he had on hand.
Calandra gave a tiny snarl of disgust, and looked away for a moment before letting her eyes flick to Gabriel for a reaction. "That old snake is still alive?" The daemon inquired, looking back to Rio. "I cannot believe that you came out in one piece from the little hell-hole, you must be one strong kid. We could probably get that collar removed for you if you wish; it's not too entirely difficult."
Calandra gave a half-hearted smile and looked down to Loki, who was apparently napping. A twitch of his ear let the daemon know that he was indeed listening, but to anyone else it would seem only a shift in his feigned sleep. He was good with emotions and the like; if Rio wished them harm, Loki could warn them. But somehow, Calandra didn't feel that was the case.
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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Aug 9, 2010 19:27:04 GMT -8
Rio seemed to be watching and gauging their every move, Gabriel noted as he languished in comfort near the window to his old home. Smart, that - the kid had decent survival instincts if nothing else. Languid and relaxed did indeed describe him and Calandra now but Gabriel knew perfectly well how volatile the Daemons were. Even the most docile seeming individual could snap without notice, and Calandra and Gabriel were only particularly dangerous examples of such individuals. Rio seemed to know this, an unusual insight for one so young.
Gabriel then went and demonstrated the unpredictability of his race when Rio mentioned Regis Smithe. His head snapped up, cold interest brightening his already too-bright eyes, the faint flare of anger flashing in their depths. He didn't move apart from this but his sudden alertness was clear - he knew the name Regis Smithe, as did Calandra it seemed. "You must be very talented or very lucky - or both - to have escaped that bastard alive." This was not the simple hatred he had for Daemons being kept as slaves, but something far more ingrained. Regis was manipulative, cunning, and very intelligent. He openly flouted acceptable practice without ever breaking the laws, used force and guile to enslave Daemons far stronger than he alone was, and cared nothing for the basic rights of their race. It was Gabriel's biggest regret that he hadn't ever had the chance to face Regis one on one but of course the slave master lived purposely to avoid that very risk, and would doubtless continue to do so as long as he lived. Being that he resided in Dreamland that could well be forever.
"Unfortunately he is much to clever to allow his scheme to fail, so it doesn't surprise me to hear he is still alive. It surprises me rather more that you're alive after escaping him, though. What I wouldn't give for him to make the mistake of coming to Litharia..." Gabriel sighed, knowing it was unlikely. Why would he leave his immortality and his layers of protection knowing perfectly well that Gabriel, his least favourite Daemon, ruled on the other side?
No, there was no use dwelling on lost chances. Gabriel smiled instead, allowing his memory to return to the last challenger Calandra mentioned. "Ourian, yes. He never even moved, didn't so much as raise a claw against me. Effective, yes, but I'm afraid the spectators might have been disappointed by the lack of overt aggression." Calandra had been one such spectator, naturally - as deputy she oversaw most challenges as a matter of tradition if not law.[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Aug 12, 2010 2:31:13 GMT -8
The mammalian daemon watched both daemons, the thoughtful expression on Calandra's face and the snarl that she gave. It was obvious that she did not think highly of his Master. They also did not know that he was gone. Perhaps he should tell them; it would let more rest in peace knowing that the Master was gone.
In a moment, his gaze snapped to Gabriel, muscles tensing involuntarily as the older, wiser daemon's eyes glinted maliciously, something deeper than anger, a strange, destructive feeling that he had never experienced before and had to suppress himself from rushing to his sure death. The feeling unsettled him and he wished for the moment to be over before he could be consumed in its fiery depths.
"You must be very talented or very lucky - or both - to have escaped that bastard alive."
Lucky? No, Rio did not believe himself lucky to have been able to "escape". He did not believe in escape as a proper method of gaining honor. He had seen nothing wrong in his Master's methods but would not relive them in any way, seeing how others had suffered.
"Unfortunately he is much to clever to allow his scheme to fail, so it doesn't surprise me to hear he is still alive. It surprises me rather more that you're alive after escaping him, though. What I wouldn't give for him to make the mistake of coming to Litharia..."
Rio flicked his ears dismissively; there was no way he could come to Litharia. If he were alive and Rio had "escaped" then he would definitely come after him personally, but there was no way that he could now that he was dead. "I have killed him; he died by his own blade." He spoke the words devoid of emotion. There was no emotion that he had felt when performing that deed, no significance other than the freedom that he had just given the other slaves. Master had taught him not to show compassion and mercy and that was what he did, he was following orders.
"... We could probably get that collar removed for you if you wish; it's not too entirely difficult."
Rio thought about that for a while, touching the black material around his neck. To have it removed, what would it feel like? People would not view him as to what he really was, and what would he do? That collar was a reminder of every single person that he had killed, the Master that he had killed. "I think I would rather keep it," He inclined his head in thanks to the avian daemon's offer.
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Calandra
Daemon
Sleeper
Game Over.
Posts: 77
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Post by Calandra on Aug 12, 2010 15:56:38 GMT -8
Calandra gave a tiny start of surprise. The boy had killed Smithe? "Freedom fight," the daemon muttered, mostly to herself. She shook her head in wonder, smiling softly, "Well then I thank you. Gabriel and I could not stand the way he enslaved his own kind, but he broke none of the rules so we could do nothing."
Calandra felt a stirring of Gabriel's power, angry and most likely accidental as he heard Smithe's name. By the strange look on Rio's face he felt it far more acutely than the avian herself; most likely because Calandra had grown used to it over time. Though should Gabriel any reason to use his full powers, the daemon was certain she would succumb. He was daemon lord for good reason.
She shrugged off the thoughts and her companion's magic with a slightly forced smile. "As you wish," she told the boy as she eyed the collar in question. Calandra guessed that it was a reminder of his old life, perhaps a memento of what had been.
Loki gave a strange laugh and stretched. "It's about time that old bastard got whacked. Did'ja know he was terrified of me? Scared the hell outta him when he was a bit younger; surely far before he owned any slaves." The will-o'-the-wisp shrugged, the memory causing him to smile. "He targeted wisps for that, though as far as I know he failed every time. Heard some funny stories from a distant cousin about just that."
"Anyway, you must be pretty good then kid." Loki added in a lazy drawl, "From what I heard, Smithy was a fair hand with a blade, though it was simply a rumor." The wisp looked the mammalian in the eye and gave him what seemed to be a genuine happy smile. "I salute you kiddo," he gave an almost-serious salute, "The Dreamlands are better off without men like him."
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Post by Gabriel Jhaedaes Os Tar on Aug 12, 2010 18:31:15 GMT -8
Noting Rio and Calandra's reaction to his instinctive behaviour, Gabriel made a concerted effort to return to his calmer, more socially acceptable self. Gabriel was old, though he didn't look it, and deeply connected to his emotions and power, which meant that even slight shifts of mood could betray his baser instincts. However with four centuries of developing strength also came wisdom and control. He was intrigued by this Rio character...Calandra may be used to the tangible stirrings his moods could create, but he didn't want to unsettle the newcomer.
Especially with that little revelation. "You killed Regis Smithe, then." Gabriel's voice was even and neutral, his expression entirely unreadable, though someone who new him well might pick the brightening interest in his teal eyes. "And so young, still. I could have uses for a warrior like you." Gabriel glanced meaningfully at Calandra because Gabriel had neglected to elaborate on the earlier story of Ourian - that the Daemon had been not only his last challenger, but also the strongest fighter of the Daemons. No doubt this was the very reason he'd seen fit to challenge Gabriel but more importantly, Gabriel had not yet managed to find a willing and suitable replacement.
Maybe, just maybe, that had changed. Calandra would pick up the meaning in his glance, no doubt, and although it was ultimately Gabriel's decision he valued the opinion of his deputy. Could this kid be the one to fill the position? It was a dangerous one, yes - the strongest fighter was the foremost protector of the Daemon Lord (freedom and challenge fights aside, of course) and an advisor on all matters dealing with the more violent side of their lifestyle. Rio was clearly talented but he was very young.
Certainly something to ponder.[/font]
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Rio
Daemon
Sleeper
Yes, sir?
Posts: 51
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Post by Rio on Aug 13, 2010 11:22:23 GMT -8
"Well then I thank you."
Both his eyes, the amber and the blue one widened. Thank you... that was not one word that he had been anticipating. He had never been thanked before and this feeling was... strange. It was like a favor that he owed someone that was more than he had anticipated, like someone actually... appreciated what he was doing. It was the first time he had ever been thanked and he was thrown off composure, biting his lip and casting his eyes onto the ground, brows furrowing in thought. He had been thanked, what should he do?
The will-o'-the-wisp, the creature that he did not understand or see to be a creature that would show respect or even hail another being as he did to the mammalian daemon. A small spark of panic was growing. What was he going to do? This was the most unfamiliar of situations that he could ever go through without simply ending it by taking a life or escaping without a thought. This was the daemon lord, his deputy and his deputy's companion! Running away from them with a usual distraction of his would definitely not give them a good impression. What to do? What to do?!
"You killed Regis Smithe, then." The calm tone of the daemon lord soothed him, calming his frenzy nerves. There was no real feeling in the statement, just mere acknowledgement and inquiry into the fact. That was something that he could deal with. "And so young, still. I could have uses for a warrior like you." The daemon lord... had uses for him? This immediately sparked his interest and he looked up, catching the spark in the daemon lord's eyes. Were they going to take him as a slave? No, both had showed discomfort at his Master's reigns, he wouldn't be taken as a slave. But what then?
Even so, Rio was unsure of how to reply, so he cast his look down again; he'd let the two decide. He'd be fine with whatever they did decide, as long as it didn't involve him losing his life. He was going to live on, that was his only goal as of now. He was going to live until he found some other purpose.
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