[IC] Dark Ties

[Owlriel]

'No one to trust you, Know one another.'

Herunes words echoed through Iabor's mind over, and over again. His hand tensing slightly as he narrowed his eyes behind his helmet, he had wanted to reveal what he was for the longest time. But, he'd been so afraid of what would happen to him. He didn't want to become like the other daemons, his head dipping in shame. As he had thought of some of the daemons as close friends, among them being Azmun. Soon his train of thought was broken as Azmun began to speak, he tilted his up to him grateful for the reprieve from his inner thoughts.

"That may be, but we cannot leave that kingdom without some form of leadership. Or else they'll fall into a state of decay, and ruin that will take years for them to get out of. We need to think on who would replace the king if we were to remove him. Not to mention the soldiers that would replace the ones we remove as well. By no means do I have any qualm about removing the king from power. But, I do have one with leaving a kingdom without a leader. I will not sit idly bye while a kingdom suffers for an action we take,," Iabor said as he leaned back in his seat his arms crossing over his chest again.

The more the daemon's talked about warfare the least he liked being one of them. The thought of admitting what he was burned him, but he knew that he'd have to. As the burden of carrying this lie for so long was beginning to burn him inside. He'd wake up at night in a sweat, in fear of what would happen, yet at the same time he felt a deep relief of not having to live with the constant lie. He began to grow irritated again his hands clenching his arm in thought, was what punishment he received worth the relief of not carrying around the burden of such a heavy lie? He soon coughed clearing his throat as he shook his head, Soon his gaze fell upon the Grand Warlock, his eyes were filled with such a great sadness.

'What am I to do? Live as I am, a templar living a horrid lie? Or as a daemon, and punished for my crime of deciet?' Iabor thought.

[Cayden Black]

"settle yourself Labor..." Alastair wavered his hand while leaning forward to rest one arm on the oak table. They had already begun discussing the outcome of the task before it had even begun. Such vibrant belief that victory was assured, it made him smile under his mask. "As Labor as rightly said however, we can not kill their king. We failed to foresee such a travesty in the Northlands and now our forces are stretched thin to install order over a realm now ready to rip out its own throat."

Alastair raised the paper up for them to see it. A dark parchment with the mark of three kings at its base along with the Order seal. "This document is a treaty among the kingdoms that have sworn a truce. You are to present it to their lord and expect him to follow its wishes accordingly." Alastair turned to Xai'an and handed the parchment to her. "I will leave this in your care my dear..." he was quite aware of what she was beneath the guise. Alastair was one of the few who did not care about physical appearance. He worse the mask both for ritual and security. The Master Warlocks identity was unknown to all but the highest of officials, something that had saved his life on more than one occasion.
"The king must be subdued, not killed. His men are collateral however..."

[Azriell]

Herunes starts to murmur a dry giggle in the background, 'I'm sure this will go all according to plan...' his dry sarcastic tone ends as he then looks over to Xai'an 'Let us hope one has the care for such important documents eh? I have no objections to this choice...' Herunes was one for having a great deal of respect for Xai'an in many ways, she shares far more desires and beliefs upon the mortal realm than perhaps he would have expected... one of the only daemons he's considered remembering.

How interesting, I wonder what more events shall transpire of our working together... this may prove somewhat... fun. However, I must not be distracted with this enjoyment for to long as part of my contract is for me to discuss some business with a certain....friend. Herunes cracked his knuckles in excitement only to be surprised by the feeling, it felt odd... he's never really used to having a body.. and considering he is trapped in it he may as well explore its properties. Herunes reaches down into an almost hidden pocket and pulls out a gem stone on the end of a silver necklace and places it around his neck, engravings on it so unique that there aren't others like it.

'If it were possible, I should like to be excused for just a moment, I have someone expecting me rather soon...' He smiled as he rubbed his necklace This should help you recognise me...old friend.

[guyvolk]

Malvo had passively listened to the conversation between his new-found allies with mild interest as he fed Little One. What illustrious company i've been invited to keep he thought as Little One finished its breakfast. Malvo decided to speak up "The treaty is all well and good but in the end it is a piece of parchment" Malvo said as he slowly shifted forward in his seat "Do we have a plan for the eventuality that the good king decides to ignore it?"

It has been ages since I've been allowed to spread my gift here in the mortal realm Malvo thought as he stared at the map How divine the agony I could bring to the people of this kings land Malvo found himself almost shuddering with anticipation. The more observant members of the room might notice the slight glint of greenish light flicker behind the lenses of his mask before he managed to calm himself.

[Titan]

Jason sighed as he looked around as some of the daemons were talking to him but was it ok if he actually talked to them? He wasn't used to being around daemons and they all seemed to be higher ranks than him. What should I do? He asked as he looked around the room. He was glad the conversation moved off him again. They were to take a treaty to the King and make sure he agrees to it. Sounded easy enough but then again it might not be easy.

He looked at Herunes as he said he had to go soon and wondered where he was going. He then cleared his throat but nothing came out. [i] come on say 'my name is Jason Blades I have been trained ever sense I could remember' come on you need to get your name known among the group. He shook his head as he just couldn't do it for some reason. Though he was curious about who the others were though because he never seen them before. He looked at Labor mostly he was curious about him. Though he waited for anyone else wanting to throw out their names.

[Tyronius89]

The snow crunched underfoot as Kaedas made his way to the Citadel. His black hood pulled up to shelter his face from the cold. As he got closer and closer to the gate he lowered his hood; revealing his long, black hair and his bluish-white eyes. The Templars standing guard at the gate looked at him and scowled 'Your late, whelp! one of them shouted 'The Grand Warlock has called all templars, warlocks and daemons to his chambers. Kaedas acknowledges this with a nod and lengthens his stride. A few minutes later he is standing outside the Grand Warlock's office and raps twice on the solid oak door.

[Zamokra41]

"Xai'an, of the Chiroi who haunt the lightless depths, for one."

The answer came from a newcomer and made Azmun turn his head to see a woman entering the room. He grinned. Normally he wouldn't consider a female to be a worthy combatant, however this one claimed to be part of the Chiroi and if it is true then she has Azmun's respect. He recalled seeing her on occasion in the courtyard, training the new recruits. He sensed she was a daemon but only now does he know what kind of daemon she is. How intriguing... he thought and then stood up from his chair facing Xai'an "Then I, Azmun of the Chaos Flame welcome your blade. At my side as well as against mine own" he grinned and then seated himself back as the topic of their task continued.

It turns out that killing the king was out of the question as the rest were afraid of leaving a kingdom in turmoil. Azmun sighed deeply at hearing that. Kings come and go like the leaves from a tree, if a kingdom and their people will be plunged into chaos if their leader is killed then it simply means they were weak and deserve their fate. were his thoughts but he decided to keep them to himself as there wasn't really anything he could do against it if the Master of Contracts specifically stated that the king is to not be killed. This was one of the few times that Azmun cursed the Contract he was under. In the end they had to persuade the king to surrender by what was written in a treaty signed by the 3 kings.

Xai'an was the one trusted to carry the contract which would probably also make her the quote-un-quote leader of this merry band of hell-spawns. No objections came from Azmun in this regard, he would gladly leave diplomacy to whoever fancied himself or herself more skilled. Herunes excused himself from the rest for whatever reasons, Jason kept his silence which only reinforced and confirmed Azmun's beliefs at how green this boy-templar is. Malvo however asked a valid question, what should they do if the king decides to ignore the treaty and back down on his word. Azmun chuckled loudly to that."I will start burning his limbs one after the other until he swears whatever oath we want him to swear. he then hinted at Xai'an "..or perhaps the lady may grace us with a demonstration the famous Chiroi torture methods. he then returned his attention to Malvo "Or, maybe you could teach him why doctors are so important to have around my good sir. Azmun then spread his arms wide as if asking for a hug and stated in a smug and confident tone

"We are Daemons who can conjure up pain and suffering the likes these mortals cannot imagine. I doubt 'negotiation' will be an issue."

[Owlriel]

"Understood Allistair, I will ensure the task is completed with as minimal blood shed as possible. Also after out meeting I'd wish to speak with you in private about something. If that would be all right my lord," Iabor said his voice stable, and calm.
Though there was a great fear inside him. He was attempting to relax, but a small tremble came through the only ones that'd be able to see it would be those sitting right beside him. He had made his decision, he would reveal who he truly was to the grand warlock; and pray for leniency. But, it was something that he had felt he needed to do. He couldn't go out living this lie any longer, and he wished to start a new era. One where not all daemons were feared, simply because of what they were. He felt it was his duty to do this, and he would not allow his cowardice to get in his way any longer. This was a new lifetime, and perhaps his last as he'd become older, his life was coming towards a close. He would not let something weigh so heavily upon his soul any longer, he wished to leave behind no secrets. After he thought about it he had nothing to fear, he had done marvelous things for the Order. Soon he became stilled, and he fully leaned back letting the others talk among themselves, especially Azmun.

[Titan]

Jason caught a glance from Azmun and it made him burn inside. He hated that look but he couldn't speak. Say it, say it, SAY IT! He screamed in his head then sighed. But before he could talk Azmun said "We are Daemons who can conjure up pain and suffering the likes these mortals cannot imagine. I doubt 'negotiation' will be an issue." It just made him freeze again. He was never around daemons but it freaked him out for some reason.

He then heard Iabor speak he wondered what was up with him but then just shrugged it off. He then went to internally fighting with himself to introduce himself. After a while he choked it out "my name is Jason Blades" he said. He figured it was obvious about what he did sense he had a sword. He looked down knowing the ridicule will start soon.

[Azriell]

As Herunes started to get up and head to the door, he smiled at Azmuns speech and stopped half way as he made his way to the door. Though what caught his attention most is the young templar spoke allowed, the one who had been silent and expressionless finally decided to...give us his name.

Oh so now he speaks as I leave... such a shame... perhaps a room full of daemons is getting to him? Herunes went over to the door opening it, he found another warlock standing there as the others did before. Quickly Herunes smile dropped as he gave a long sigh 'You're late....very late. Warlock.' His tone turned bitter, Herunes despised later-comers... he often lets it slip if they arrive in style or had reason. But this one wasn't even seen at the castle before now... which frustrated Herunes. He barged passed the warlock and walked on into the hallways. After moments of walking a guard rushed over to Herunes. 'Your 'Friend' is here to see you' The guard obviously sceptical of daemons having friends among mortal world.

'I had expected as much, give me his location and I shall go to him' Herunes coldly replied.

'Uh he's outside the city... we ain't letting him inside.' The guard responded with almost an angered tone.

'Very well, you may go now' and so he did. Herunes understood very well why his friend wasn't allowed inside... he didn't look well... never has. Probably because he's half dead...

As he got outside of the gates he only then started to feel the cold sharp air press down on him, he liked it, though he got frustrated with the wind blowing his hair in his face so he tucked it in his clothes. Off to the side near a dying tree he saw a tall man leaning up against it, no taller than Herunes... they even looked similar. His hair was long and white, his skin pale as the snow surrounding him. His eyes glowed a frightening orange. He wore a black robe around his body. Herunes smiled 'It has been too long Sepherus, i'm glad to say that one hundred years has not killed you...' reaching out his arm for a shake.

Sepherus reached out his arm to greet and the sound of bones cracking in the shoulder echoed off into the clearing 'It was not an easy hundred years waiting on your return... though fear not.... our plan is still in place.'

[Tyronius89]

'My apologies for my late arrival, Grand Master' After being let into the room by what appeared to be a daemon, Kaedas bowed his head slightly in the Grand Master's direction. 'I was away from the Citadel when your summons came and have only just been informed of this meeting.' A chill ran down Kaedas' back; he'd never been in the same space as so many daemons in his life, the thought of what this creatures could do to him was unsettling, to say the least. He moved over to the back wall, leaned against it and let his gaze roam around the room, taking in all the daemons, templars and warlocks, and finally fixating on the Grand Master; who would now have his full attention.

[guyvolk]

The raven sat perched on the branch staring down at the two at the bottom of its tree, Its intelligent black eyes peering through the branches. As the two met it watched and listened intently scuttling down its branch to get a better view. Finally when it had seen and heard all that it had wanted it silently took off flying back to the Citadel bearing news for its master. Alighting on the lofty windowsill it peered through the glorified crack in the wall at it's masked master sitting in the room below.

Malvo let his gaze wander to the window and saw the raven waiting patiently for him, with a slight nod Malvo stood "If that is all then I shall excuse myself to prepare for the journey" he stated in his soft way as he turned on his heel and left. The raven on the windowsill flew off as its master left circling the great Citadel for a moment before flying in through the small hole that served as its entrance to Malvos personal room. Malvo was escorted back through the Citadel by yet another Templar who seemed just as keen to be rid of him as the other.

Upon arriving at his room the Templar opened the door for him and closed it quickly behind him. Malvo looked at the raven perched on his desk pecking at the remains of an old bread crust "Well" Malvo asked as he strode over to his desk and took a seat Little One hopping off to join the other raven in pecking at the crust "What did you learn?"
The raven perched on Malvos outstretched arm and peered into its masters eyes the slightest flicker of greenish energy swirling deep in its eyes as the information was relayed between the two.

"Good girl" Malvo said as the transfer finished and he stroked the raven with a gloved finger as it cooed appreciatively "Now go get some rest" he finished as he gently pushed the raven off and it flitted over to one of the many nests in his wall. "I want you all ready for the journey so don't stay up to late" he called to the rest of the ravens who cawed an acknowledgement back. I shall gather my things Malvo thought as he began collecting various bottles and vials filled with strange substances and placing them carefully in a large leather bag along with several small but severely sharp knives and a wicked looking hand-saw which he ran a hand down lovingly before placing in the bag. Finally his most prized possession the large brass and glass syringe which was held in its own small wooden case branded with the sign of his clan was placed lovingly in the bag which he snapped shut and placed next to the door.

With his packing complete Malvo walked over to the largest nest in the room pieced together from branches, bones and the occasional piece of clothing he could steal. With a resounding ripping sound two large wings erupted from his back as his mask twisted and elongated into a jagged beak and his gloves melded into bony but wickedly sharp claws. In just a moment Malvo had shed his human form and stood looking like a cross between a raven and a man. Flexing his wings Malvo felt a sense of relief, he found it refreshing to change forms after being in one for a while. Perching in the giant nest Malvo wrapped his wings around himself and settled in for a nice rest before he had to set off on his mission, Little One perching on his bony shoulder and nuzzling into his neck as it too slept.

[Cayden Black]

"Very well Iabor, but it will need to be after my next briefing. I have a great many things to sort through today and that does not include personal problems." Alastair was not normally short tempered, but his work had almost tripled with so many masters away from the order. The North lands were proving a considerable drain on their resources and he had begun to feel the burden more than most. He had months of paperwork to catch up on, supplies to log and payments to be made. It was not all glamour to be a Warlock of such high stature. "Now, if you will all excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." he rose from his seat with a slow creak of old age, bowing his head to each member respectively.

It was at this point the door opened again, Kaedas walking through and apologizing for being late. If it were not for the mask Alastair would have looked outraged at the man. "You arrive just as we finish young Warlock. I have no time to fill in anyone who drags behind, let the others explain the task you face." He turned again to Iabor as he brushed past the Warlock and stood at the door. "Well templar? I do not have all day!" with that he left the room, marching with scrolls in hand down the hall to the next meeting chamber where the nobles were to meet in order to discuss funding for the Order in return for fighting the demon spawn. His mood was already turning bitter, and now he had to play nice with milk drinking fools. Politics was an ugly game...

[Owlriel]

Iabor seemed to faintly chuckle as Allistair called him young, it was filled with nerves though he soon sighed out growing silent. Iabor quickly stood following the elder warlock out, his under armor making the sounds of stretching leather as all of Iabor's muscles became tensed, then relaxed his eyes narrowing. He ignored the young warlock for the most part as he walked past him, as he hadn't the time to dawdle. Because if he took to long then he'd have to wait, if he waited his cowardice could get to him. If that happened he would not let himself finally get the burden of his lying about his daemon heritage off his chest. Something he would not, and could not allow to happen, his helmet shining from the passing lights as he followed the warlock into the room where the nobles would gather for their meeting. As soon as he entered he locked the door, as he didn't want anyone walking in before he could finish explaining himself to the warlock. He took slow paces to the center of the room before stopping, and saluting proudly before they fell to his side. His hands shook as he sucked in a deep breath of air to focus himself.

"Allistair, I am not who you think me to be. I have been a part of this order for two hundred, and thirty years. I joined the order at twenty years old, and have been posing as my own son off and on. The rest of the time when I was in hiding I produced weapons for the order. Along with armor, and other protective trinkets for humans in mass production. For you see I am a daemon," Iabor said all of which on short nervous breaths.

As his whole body was trembling, he was scared of what the elder would have ordered done to him. Which made it hard to breath, and he soon removed his helmet revealing his deep purple eyes. In an attempt to breath easier. He held it easily at his stomach looking down at it for a second, before looking back at the warlock.

"I am a monster, and I am a coward. For I have hid this from everyone, I have even attempted to flee from it. But, this day I am done running, do what you will to me. Though know this, I have spent all of my life on earth I was born here, and raised by a human mother. I have lived as a human, raised to have human thoughts and beliefs. In return I have dedicated my life to protecting the human race, something by no means I regret. Even if I am to die this day I am happy," he said letting a small smile spread energy began swirling around him.

His body was soon enveloped by the energy, and soon two wings spread out flapping dispersing the energy. Standing in Iabor's place was a tall white demonic dragon with a black stomach, and throat. It's three tails swishing behind him as his feathered wings folded against his body, he would not lie he felt so free it felt amazing. His purple eyes glowing a solid color as they narrowed as Iabor looked Allistair in the eyes.

"I am still the man you know me as Allostair. Just I've done far more then you thought," Iabor said bowing his head his eyes closing.

[Cayden Black]

Alastair stood, emotions impossible to understand beneath that mask and ritual trappings. He was an enigma wrapped in a shroud of secrets at this point, and it was impossible to say whether he was surprised or not by anything Iabor said to him as he simply listened. He did not even flinch as the boy told him who he was. Boy hardly spoke right for Iabor anymore, he was an old Daemon by all accounts, perhaps this was why he came to speak his peace, before his time was up for these realms.
Alastair moved to the table after a long silence, placing his book of contracts on the surface and drawing out a few parchments that lay in his satchel. Some were letters, some maps, others were documents of supplies and taxes that were all signed and stamped with the mark of different lords and kings. All relevant to the meeting he would be holding in the next hour. Still he seemed to ignore Iabor and his words, not recognizing him in anyway for quite some time. The Templar might as well have been a ghost at this point, no act raising the attention of the old Keeper.

"You are a fool boy..." Alastair finally spoke in a silent and tired manner, still not turning to acknowledge Iabor standing in the room with him. "You would have done well to remain silent, to die with that secret in your heart. Instead you tell me, the Keeper of Contracts, of what you are..." At last Alastair turned to the man standing before him, arms pressed against the table as he leaned over his papers.

"Tell no one..." his gaze returned to the papers in front of him, all a motley mess of agreements he was to sort before the others arrived. "...and get out." He had not raised his voice to Iabor, but his silent tone said all that their was to be said at this time. He was well within his rights to kill the Templar Daemon for what he had admitted being. Daemon outside of Contracts were hunted as much as their base demon spawn cousins. Yet Alastair had stayed his hand, though quite obviously at great mental restraint. "When you are done with this mission Iabor...do not come back..."
The last words he spoke echoed through the room. He would not speak this secret to any of the Order, but the Daemon would never again be allowed within its walls. This was their silent agreement, and Iabor had to now accept that.

[Owlriel]

Iabor looked at the gran warlock, and sighed before putting on a smile. Soon shifting back into his human form, and put his helmet on chuckling oh so softly. His breathing was steady and calm.
"If that is what you wish. I will obey, but know this. I live without regrets can you honestly say the same," Iabor said.
He then walked out of the room, slowly shutting the door behind him. He walked down the hall, He helped people who bounced off of him up off the ground as always.

Once in his room, he punched the stone wall sending tiny cracks spider webbing all along it. He threw his helmet at the bed letting his long white hair fall over his face, his pupils narrowed into slits like a snakes. He was infuriated that the Grand Warlock would deny him the right to remain a templar, after everything he'd done for them! He may have been a daemon, but he felt as human as anyone else.
"Damn it," he said over, and over again.
His whole body was shaking as he hit his fist against the wall lighter, and lighter till he relaxed. He began to pack everything, not wanting to leave anything behind that was his. When the task was done he sat down on his bed, and set his helmet on his lap looking at it as he roamed through his own memories. He really did regret nothing, now that he'd had the time to fully calm down. He'd lived a full life, and a happy one. He'd made friends, made a difference in the world. He soon leaned back on his bed, and shut his eyes with a tired yawn. Quickly falling asleep as the ordeal was now over, and he would finish this mission with his head held high.

[Titan]

Jason sighed as he stood up and looked around the room before he walked out the wooden door. He needed to get familiar with this facility a little bit before he leaves. His foot steps resounded as he walked. He looked around then decided to start at the training grounds. He was sorta looking for someone that could give him some details about this place. He saw three distinct squads training Templars to the far north, Daemons to the west, and witches/warlocks to the east. I might as well talk to a Templar he said in his mind.

Jason walked over tot he training Templars and looked at the instructor. "Hello my name is Jason Blades I was just sent here and I am to be on a mission tomorrow. I would like to know if I can get some information on this facility if you do not mind." He said with a slight bow as a show of respect. He always knew to show respect to those that are higher rank then yourself.

[Cayden Black]

"Do I look like a dam guide!?" The instructor spat, waving his fist so sharply he nearly hit Jaden in the face. "Get lost boy! I have real men to train!" The instructor turned away and resumed bellowing commands to the group of men under his teaching. The cries came from all around Jaden. LEFT! RIGHT! PARRY! COUNTER!"
The whole ground was a bustle with the Templars who would soon reinforce those already stationed in the North lands. The Warlocks were shouting their own drill commands. Small groups learning to wield their spells in battle. A stray bolt of ice smashing against the plate mail of one of the instructors who began shouting foul things about controlling idiots. It was a tense place to train that was unforgiving to those who were not used to the daily life of the Order.

"Don't mind him boy. Gerald gets angry with everyone but the commanders..." the voice of an old man came from behind. He was wrapped in a cloak to shield himself from the cold but his frame was still bulky despite the age he looked. "Well lad, let's have a look at you!" He commanded, smacking the base of his spear to the ground as the cloak fluttered over his leather armour.

Hardel

((Hope you like him Titan. He'll be your personal instructor))

[Titan]

Jason nodded as he got into a fighting stance and drew his sword. "If that is what you wish sir" he said. He then waited for a second looking the older man in front of him over. He was a master of longer range combat so if he gets in close he was at more of an advantage. Or at least he hoped he was. He then came at the man going to strike with a short slash at the chest. It wasn't the best attack but he was only gauging what the man could do.

[Cayden Black]

Hardel side stepped and bowed low, far lower than a man of his age should have been able to do so. The moment Jaden came past he span and gave the young Templar a firm kick in the rear. "Too basic boy!" He span the spear and slammed the shaft down onto the frozen ground. His hood had come off duringthe movements to reveal a tightly knotted white maim that had been tucked under the cape, his ears partly pointed revealing an Elvish origin almost unseen by men. Even among the Order, Elvish were a rarity, even the half breeds. "Again, and faster!"