Strange walking patterns and a dot next to the footprints were to be discovered by a small band of Paladins. They gazed at the nearly endless icy dunes of this place. "You have lost him, Tir'wan, you have lost the Necromancer! Not only did you allow him to grow more powerful than he could of been, but now you even have let him run off!" Tir'wan turned towards the younger Paladin, barely left his state as Squire "Uril, we have lost an entire squad to this man! How could I know he would summon this... this..."
"ARCHANGEL? THE REPORTS! WE SAW THE TRACES!" Uril's voice echoed through the iced landscape of the frozen barrens, a plated grip would run around the neck of the eager man "Are you insane? Do you want to give him a hint that we are here? Or even worse - the being that accompanies him?" he shook his head slowly, gargling under the firm grip of Chaptermaster Tir'wan "After the last encounter they call him Avarex of the Dark Sands - never before have we encounter SUCH a pact, if you want to die then do that when yo uare on your own!"
Suddenly a black mist neared them, the Chaptermaster grits his teeth as he turned around "... He found us! PREPARE FOR COM-" the sand-like material surrounded the Chaptermaster, hulling his entire body. Muffled screams of agony were heard within as the black sand tightens around its victim, ultimatively removing itself to reveal the Chaptermaster - a dried out corpse, now walking and serving the will of the being that formed out of the sand. Avarex. His raspy voice arose "The last ones that went after me, they died painfully you know? Not by my hand, mind you, but ... at least I have summoned the Archangel that wanted to bless their entities with eternal grace within the realms of Darkness!"
The Squire screamed as the warped figure of his former Master turned towards him, a corpse near the edge of final putrifaction moved towards him, the weapon risen. "I am sorry... Chaptermaster." Uril mumbled, as he parted the body in two with his twohander. Tears ran down his cheek, had he not distracted the Chaptermaster, he might have been prepared to fight. Avarex meanwhile tapped his cane on the ground, several times. The figure ontop of his walking aid began to glow, a small skull, which's eyes were glowing in a radient green now, stealing away the corpse of the fallen slave. Uril grits his teeth as he lifts his arm, sending a bright flash of light towards the sky. "HAH! Foolish Necromancer, abidder of the dark arts - I have called reinforcements, dozens! You will regret doing this to the Chaptermaster!"
The Necromancer simply smiled as he looked at the ray of light "You have called upon your armies. Just as I expected you to. I hoped it would have taken less time. She is horribly impatient." Avarex cleared his throat, his voice echoing far and wide as he lifts his left hand up into the air, a dark, purple ray of energy shot towards the sky, rivaling the Paladin's cast and surpassing it in intensity and strength. "Urgal Kaelegg ur. Iruh gashna'rog ibur, kabur, sur. Amira, sur. Amira, kabur. Amira... ibur."
The sky warped into a darker version of itself, a vortex out of clouds forming a small portal. Thunder cracks into the grounds - she was coming.
Amira silently gazed at her black crystal, her leather gloves wrapped around it tightly. She saw how the Necromancer worked his trickery and was quite amused at it. She quietly parted her lips into a smirk as she noticed how his plan had actually worked. She initially thought it folly, no paladin would hate him that bad.. or so she thought. The location also seemed well thought out, they had no chance of escape here.
Her trail of thought was interrupted as his voice echoed through her mind, a black symbol of an angelic woman forming underneath her feet as he continued his chant, second later; a burst of foul black magic slammed through the portal and as it cleared she stood before him, the ground cracking further beneath her magical powers. Her large black wings folded behind her back. She eyed him, giving him a rather stoic look.
''You seem to enjoy your new powers.''
She muttered, unclear whether she was angry or happy for him, her voice had the tendency to always sound harsh, but when she smirked it was probably clear to him. She then turned to what remained of the group, gently walking past Avarex and toward them. She seemed to make no move to attack them - yet. She was fully aware that their faith was wavering so bad at the sight of her they wouldn't be able to call upon their pathetic light, this made her grin. Finally, she eyed Uril giving him an almost gentle smile.
''I can't believe you so readily fell for this.. that your supposed chapter master fell so easily to my pet.''
She motioned toward the dusty remains of the former chapter master, before kneeling and dragging her hands through it, letting the almost sand like remains slip through her fingers with a be-mused giggle before standing back up. She casually walked over to the remaining Paladins, smirking.
''I only need one of you alive, which shall it be?''
Uril growled, charging at the woman ''Die foul creature!'' he yelled as he swung his powerful two hander, it clashes with her skin and to his dismay merely splintered into a thousand pieces. She smirked at him, pursing her lips.. extending her hands, chaotic energies sparking to life in her palm. She then send several shards to impale the other Paladins with chaotic energy, chaotic fire bursting from their mouth's as they slowly died in agony, leaving them collapsing to the ground.
''This is how I killed the others you know? It was where I first tasted pure souls, so full of faith.. so full of light.. it was -exquisite-''
She almost moaned the words. She then reached out with her hand, toward the bodies. Tearing their souls from them before using her free hand to grab Uril by the throat, lifting him off the ground. She smirked at him, his comrades souls twirling between her fingers.
''Are you curious..''
The question didn't seem directed at Uril but at Avarex, as she confirmed that by looking over her shoulder.
''As to what happens to the souls I consume?''
She turned her head once more, looking at the struggling Uril in her clutches with a smile.
A little while away from her a commotion seemed to be brewing. Jaela could here shouting from some men in the distance. Echoes of their screaming voices bounced off the cold terrain... Jaela giggled. If anyone wanted to keep a low profile out here she knew silence was key. This landscape was so unforgiving audibly, only a fool would shout, unless they wanted to be heard.
"Stupid men" she huffed to herself as she began to walk in that direction.
The closer she got she could hear some more of the commotion, or better how some voices seemed to be disappearing. As she walked she could not help the curiosity beginning to stem in her mind, but then she stopped. Her attention was now completely focused on the situation brewing ahead, she heard the mumbling of a prayer, one that she had heard before.
Then the thunder... "Oh my oh my!" she jumped in excitement.
Her pace quickly changing from a walk to a run as the curiosity burned within her. Upon arrival to the scene Jaela witnessed the black dressed woman holding a man by the throat. Jaela's body began to shake in excitement as she bit her lip.
"How truly magnificent this is!" she shouted.
Jaela stood, her black cloak whirling at her ankles as she watched the scene progress. Surely she was in no danger just watching the scene play out in awe. She knew with her earlier exclamation she had made her presence known as a spectator. In the back of her mind the thought of running away as quickly as her feet would take her was always an option.
Her eyes sparkled in bewilderment watching this woman, her power a true force to be reckoned with.
"Grant me this piece of wisdom,Mistress." Avarex muttered through his aged lips, his plan to gain the attention of the Paladin's reinforcemnts to feed his Master worked. And there were so many friends to summon! So many corpses that would join his ranks, join the mute army of Amira. His body nearly shivered from excitement, as he stepped closer towards the Angel, the cane clicking on the ice they walked upon.
His gaze was directed on the ground, not daring to look upon the Archangel - he squinted his eyes into the distance. There was a presence, a presence he could not yet tell wether it was hostile or not. But he or she was not yet to join the mute legion. The Paladins were the only thing that gained his attention for now. Their footsteps grew louder - this was the sign for the Necromancer to lift his book. The Wind blows through his coat, the scent of the living carried by it. He gazed into that direction once more "They are coming Mistress. I will aid your effort to obliberate them! We will prepare a fine meal for you! Yes?"
Small black sand grains circulated around the man - his cane's tip glowing in the familiar green light that had stolen the souls of so many unlucky opponents before. Eagerly he awaited Amira's answer, his ears perked to take in her very word. It was hard to tell what he was more eager about - that the Mistress was talking to him - or that he was about to silence the pulse of these living forever.
Amira chuckled, amused by her servants curiosity. She tightened her grip on the Paladins throat, smirking at him as she parted her lips to speak
"Though normally a soul would pass on to the beyond... Souls I consume are tortured for all eternity slowly drained of all signs of power."
She chuckled amused at the Paldins angry reaction. However that was cut short when a shout and soon after her servants words interrupted her. Those reinforcements had come quicker then she anticipated. She returned her gaze to the man squirming in her hands.
"Want to know something else? I dont actually need you... I just wanted you to know your fate and watch your friends die.."
Soon after a sickening crack echoed through the valley as the Paldins neck was snapped like a twig, his limp body hitting the snow with a soft thud, the green orb that was his soul joining the others in Amira's hand.
She turned her attention to her minion, smirking.
" A grand feast indeed, but first I must do something.. Prove your worth and deal with the reinforcements."
With that she brought up the hand in which she held the souls of those unlucky paladins before tossing them into her maw, consuming them eagerly, their cries op agony silenced by her gut.
She then folded her wings around her body, seemingly evoporating in chaotic magic, leaving only school of floating black feathers, caught in the wind.
She reformed though, only a few steps away from Jaela, smirking at her.
"Such a pretty girl all by herself... tell me what brings you here?"
Although her voice had sounded kind, she did open her palm to create chaotic energy in it, with a loud thunder clap said energy formed into a spear like object as she pointed it at the girl.
Jaela was astonished at how quickly the woman appeared in front of her. She stood still for a moment in complete awe of her before letting out a light giggle. Jaela's gloved hands reached up to pull the hood of her cloak down. Looking down she began to laugh louder.
"This truly is simply magnificent!" she laughed clapping her hands.
Barely able to contain her excitement Jaela jumped up and down like a child. As quickly as her outburst of enthusiasm started, it stopped. She looked up to meet the woman's gaze.
"How could one simply not want to watch the pure carnage you can create". Jaela was all too familiar with the kind of deity this woman was. In an effort to show she meant no harm she lowered herself to one knee, continuing to look at the woman. She extended one arm to the side as if motioning to the scene before them.
" Please do not deny me the absolute pleasure of watching the chaos you can create." then entire time she paid no attention to the blade the woman pointed at her. Jaela believed that if this was the power that would take her down, she would take it with pride.
After all Jaela was... just simply crazy.
Avarex bows slightly as his Mistress disappeared. The army of Paladins unfolding infront of him. Slowly the old man stumbled towards them, the book in his hand, his gaze directed at them. "Karug'el tushun er. Alagmar is turami xarana...." he began to chant. Bullets pierced his body as the ranged units of the opponent opened fire - explosives shells tore open wounds in his body, yet it didn't seem like the man was stopping. On a closer look the Necromancer didn't mind these holes in his body at all, as black sand grains gathered over his wounds, filling what was lost. "..urag kel amarog alagar, xaer tuwir ahag bal. Uhl. Kishun. Terog...." the words echoed across the ice dunes of the Sionad Tundra. The Paladins were closing in as the first of them dropped onto the ground, without a clearly visible sign. Black blisters spreading across their bodies, green orbs left their bodies but before they could flee into the afterlife Avarex lifted his cane. The orbs screamed out in pain as they were sucked towards the walking aid, disappearing within.
"...Baraeg turun tag mural es'kir arag el tumari hunaw algari tirun!" with the completion of his lengthy chant, the true strength of the Necromancer was revealed. The light itself disappeared, hulling the area in darkness only the green glowing aura of the Necromancer was visible. The Paladins began to stumble as moaning could be heard from their side. In various locations purple rays shot down from the sky, some burrying themselves into the ground others merely surrounding the corpses of the already fallen Paladins. The battlefield was reshaped to an abstract of itself - dark spikes shot up from the ground, the undead warriors of thousands of years arose from their frosty tombs, even the light loving Paladins would now heed the call of the Necromancer. "Surrender your weapons for your cause is unworthy of Amira. You will all serve as fuel wether you want or not."
The remaining Paladins nodded at eachother, before charging the Necromancer. If they had to die, they would die in the name of the holy. Soon they should find, that this was not Avarex limit. "The Archangel has empowered me - you stand no chance." He spreads his arms, he would no longer chant - but his frame was cought in purple fire. The hands lifted themselves towards the sky, the ground grumbled under Avarex, the ice cracking. Giant holes opened themselves like a hungry beast would tear open it's maw. Boney wings emerged from the depths - a bone chilling screeching audible even kilometers away. The undead frame of a Dragon slowly arose from the holes in the ground. The dark spikes the Necromancer had summoned before now seeped purple liquid, which soaked the Paladins boots, who simply froze and stared in awe to this raw display of power.
The liquid soon reshaped itself into the form of rotten hands grasping onto the Paladins boots. They snapped out of their trance, but it was too late, Avarex began to laugh as he pointed his finger at the Paladins "MAY THE GREAT HARVEST BEGIN!" - and with the pointing of his finger, the undead army of his started to attack. Nobody was spared. A bloodbath that looked for a match commenced.
Amira sighed at the fuss going on behind her. She had given her pawn a bit too much power, she figured. This was drawing a lot more attention then she had hoped for, but in the end.. Souls were souls. She focused her attention back on the girl, a surprised look on her face for a short few moments before curling back into a grin, surprised by the.. irregular response of the girl. Most quaked in fear, even more straight up froze.. But this girl seemed highly amused; Amira could appreciate that, it was a change of pace, at the very least.
When the girl kneel'd before her she burst into a fit of laughter, tears of amusement rolling down her cheeks. Was this girl serious or was she just messing with her? Her head snapped, the laughter ceasing almost instantly as that thought crossed through the back of her mind is she mocking me? she hissed in her own mind, her eyes tracking the girls extended hand toward where her pawn was facing off against the Paladins, slaughtering them quite impressively. However, she wouldn't be herself if she told him that, so instead she merely nodded, turning her gaze back to the kneel'd girl. She wanted to lash out.. but a sliver of doubt coursed through her mind.
Who would be stupid enough to mock me...
''So, to clarify, you wish to watch me murder champions of the light?''
A hint of surprise was moshed between her words, but her gaze was as stoic and unrelenting as ever. She squeezed her hand, shattering the bolt of chaos magic and placed her hands on her hips.
''You sure are a weird one...''
"Of course" Jaela replied as she stood.
Turning her attention to the battle ensuing Jaela pointed to the man "A tad excessive eh?" she said crossing her arms in front of her.
" I call showboating " she clammered on "He must like you or something..." she paused "oh right... he is your man slave... that makes sense". all of this said as she kept a very serious face.
Jaela had no shame and most certainly no filter for her thoughts. She could talk to anyone as if she had known them for a lifetime. Obviously, the reason she was always traveling. She was prone to angering nobles by ignoring formalities.
Once the blood started pouring Jaela's annoying smile returned. "I bet he wins" she laughed pointing at Amira's servant again... stating the obvious.
The fight didn't last long as the undead hordes of the Necromancer grew with every fallen Paladin. The Dragon tore a man to bits, sending him down his nearly inexistant gullet. "STOP!" Avarex yelled as only ten more Paladins remained. He lifts up his hand and pointed at them "See that your fight is in vain. You cannot win this - there was never even the slightest chance. Rejoice and become part of the army of Amira! Together we can change the world! Peace will be shared amongst all!"
Reluctantly two Paladins stepped forth, one of the remaining ones raised his voice "FILTHY TRAITO-" before he could finish the phrase he was silenced. A dark bolt shot towards his head, exploding it where he stood. Avarex retracted his hand, smiling "Yes... you are doing the exact right thing. Come here my brethern. Together we will shake this world to it's very foundation, we will create an Utopia after -her- imagination."
*SWING!*
The two Paladins worked together and beheaded Avarex as soon as they got in range. The Necromancer's body remained in place, the men screaming out in victory. But why were the Undead still there? Waiting. Moarning. Black sand grains formed around the neck again - reshaping the scalp of Avarex "You had such promise." he sighs "I guess the best you can do now, is become fodder to my Mistress."
Amira let out a bemused giggle. This girl was such a treat! Never before had she felt sincerely that somebody was fun to have around, besides those select few that became her pawns though. Although at first doubt lingered in her mind, the sheer way this creature dared speak to her amused her greatly. Contrary to most like her, she actually looked forward to meeting someone who wouldn't hunker down and cry the moment they saw her. She pursed her lips, smiling warmly at the girl. Perhaps for the first time in ages actually meaning it.
''He is.. but he gets the job done. That's all that matters for now.''
She couldn't help but chuckle when the girl spoke about showboating. However she turned a bright red when she mentioned him being her man slave. All sorts of disgusting images passed through her mind, which she quickly shook off.
''He's a pawn, nothing more then that.''
She spoke hastily as if trying to talk the matter away. However the girl had already somewhat helped her with that when she mentioned she figured he'd win. She eyed over her shoulder, watching her pawn's carnage. Of course he'd win, that was her blessing and curse he was using.
''Of course he will.. and if he fails I'll simply replace him.''
Jaela stood in awe as she watched Amira's servant, almost as if watching a performance playing out. When the two remaining Paladins managed to decapitate him her jaw dropped.
"B..But he was doing so good!" she pouted thinking the battle was over.
As the sand started to reform his head she gasped in complete and total surprise. In typical Jaela fashion she began jumping up and down clapping her hands. She turned to Amira, once again pointing at her servant.
"You can't tell me that something that amazing is just a pawn!"
(OOC: Sorry for the shortness. I am super tired but wanted to get something out there so you guys could post instead of waiting on me)
Purple flames engulf the Paladins who stared in shock. Their screams echo over the icy dunes - the flesh not scourched but torn asunder piece by piece. Avarex' eyes glew in the same color, but a grin on his face as the flames embraced their master. A flaming vortex surrounded the entire area - the undead now screamed out in victory - Avarex slowly tied the book to his belt while the flames were still trapping everyone within. "You should have become part of us. Now, I have to do something more drastic."
The Paladin spat into the old man's face "Monster! You will have a special place in hell!" Avarex rose his hand, smiling as he removes the spit out of his face. He pointed his hand at the Paladin then, laughing just to interrupt his own laughter by a single phrase, more muttered than spoken loudly.
"I know."
The vortex shrunk slightly as Avarex clutches his hand to a fist, the purple flames searing into the ground. The Necromancer opened his hand aprubtly, the flames retreating into the Paladin's body, to it's victim's surprise he first felt empowered, his eyes sharing the same purple glow as Avarex. He laughed, lifting his hand to point at the Necromancer "Now I will use your own weapons against you! THE LIGHT EMPOWERED ME! Your corruption will not work on me."
"I had no plan to corrupt you"
Again Avarex muttered as he swiped his hand from the right to the left - the Paladin screamed out in pain as he covered the battlefield in blood and guts, exploding into a million tiny pieces.
Amira sighed, eyeing her servant and then the girl before her. She watched her minion create a gory mess. Needlessly abusing his powers. He had much to learn, but he showed promise. She couldn't deny that. In-fact, her mistress herself said he had been a good choice. But she'd never tell him that of course, if he learned that he has Mymyria's favor he may even become more reckless...
Another sigh and an arm rose to rest her hand on her forehead for a moment. She pondered what she could possibly do to make him less insane and more cunning. Most mortals instantly drowned in her power, but he had survived that far. He had shown signs of cunning but when push came to pull he seemed to revert to pure violence. Such was not the way of Mymyria or herself. True, Mymyria was a goddess of darkness and the night, but she wasn't keen on starting whole wars.
A huff, before her arms wrapped around her chest again, her head nudged to the side.
''Avarex come here for a moment.''
Her tone was soft and gentle. But he no doubt knew it was an order. She spread her wings instinctively for a moment, stretching them after spending so long idle. Her gaze now fell on the girl, recalling her words with an amused giggle.
''He is my pawn, but with my powers... Even a pawn can topple nations.''
She fixated her pinkish gaze on the ground for a moment, before yet again eyeing the girl.
''He has much to learn, as do you.''
Jaela stood wide eyed, her vivid green gaze stuck on Amira. Placing a hand on her chest she tilted her head ever so slightly.
"Learning was never really my thing" she laughed, turning on her foot and scooting away a few feet. The excitement that had drawn her there she believed to be over. A light went off in her mind causing her to turn back around.
"Unless you wanna teach me that decapitating black sand thing" she brought a hand to her lip. "That could most certainly be useful somewhere." Jaela nodded as if to reassure her own question.
"Yeah... would most definitely be useful" she could picture it now, a little scene playing in her mind. Shaking her head she evaporated the scene bringing her back to the now. Her eyes now fixated on the servant approaching.
Avarex directed his attention towards Amira, his form leaking sand as it dropped entirely on the ground, covering a large space with it's thick density. The Undead themselves started to wander of into several directions, they were the eyes and ears for their master now - some of them dragged the mortal remains of the former opponents along - for what reason was yet to show.
The grains soon formed a small tornado, who then dissolved into thin air - the sand forming a small trail in the wind as it gathered next to Jaela. Slowly reshaping Avarex' form, the black figure stared at the young girl before turning his attention towards Amira. "I have stopped the pulse of those that defy you, Mistress. Give me further instructions" He lowered his gaze, not looking at Amira directly. "What is your will commanding me? I am your humble servant."
The cane shook abit as he lowered himself to this knees, his left hand supporting his weight. A fanatic zealot who would do about anything his Mistress demands him to, blindly walking into the abyss if it was what she wished for. The scent of death and decay revolving around the aging Necromancer.
Amira let out a chuckle as she listened to Jaela speak. Her eyes taking in the girls features. She wondered how such a pretty girl could be so crazy.. but then again, she only needed to look in a mirror to find an equal image. Maybe that's why she liked this girl, they were somewhat alike so far. She couldn't help but ponder how much trouble people must be causing the girl and as such made up her mind that she would take care of this cute thing, for as long as she kept up her friendly nature toward her of course.
''That's not something you can be taught without accepting my gift.''
Her words were soft and kind. Not in anyway suggesting she wanted Jaela to accept this gift. She gently tugged a hand along the side of her wing, simply looking as Avarex approached. She always seemed amused by how respectful he was. She knew he'd kiss her feet if she asked him to. But that wasn't the type of leader Amira was. She was many things, but not needlessly cruel toward her subordinates. In fact, some might think she's a loving leader with their best interests in mind.
She listened to him speak, her pinkish eyes gazing at the top of his head.
''There's no need for all these formalities, Avarex. You've done well. But lets not continue needlessly provoking entire armies. There are limits to how much your aging body can handle and the ritual is not yet fully complete.. that is why we are here after all.''
She sighed, kneeling down next to him, her fingers wrapped around his chin, the leathery substance of her gloves rubbing against it. She then extended her hand, gesturing for him to hand over the cane.
Jaela sighed, thinking of having to accept some form of contract from the angel. "Not really my kind of thing" she responded.
"Besides..." she paused lifting one of her hands "I have my own special sand trick anyways" she closed her hand giggling, a very anticlimactic moment. Jaela may have been a lot of things, but deep down she was not completely stupid.
For as long as it was possible she would play on her charade. The weak annoying girl... that is what she was. Quick on her feet and nothing else to everyone's eyes. Reaching into her bag she pulled out a handful of sand. Throwing it into the air she made strange noises "Whoosh" she yelled, a very childish look in her eyes.
"See!" As long as no one pondered why there would be sand in her bag she would fine. Obviously, to Jaela it was something everyone should carry at all times. The sand she had thrown now lay on the frozen tundra floor. Nothing more than a child throwing sand at nothing... that is exactly how she wanted it to seem.
(OOC: I don't expect you to understand what just happened XD)
Avarex passes his cane to Amira, just as she demanded him to. He was wobbly even on his knees as he brought his other hand down to the ground to support his weight. The cane itself was a fine reworked piece of art - a small skull made of solid silver was crowning the dark-wood stick. Moarning was heard as the leathery fingers of the fallen Archangel wrapped around it.
The Necromancer still didnt dare to look up to Amira, yet his gaze fell upon the young girl near her. His eyes opened widely as she tossed the sand, a smirk forming on his lips as nothing else happens. He begins to chuckle softly "The youth of today. It is good to know that we will shape a new world she can live in with her silly shenanigans."
He then again focused on the ground again, awaiting whatever Amira was about to do to his collector. But it seemingly something he was used to.
Amira curiously eyed Jaela's little escapade, chuckling as she reached into her bag, pulling out a handful of sand. She rose an eyebrow half expecting some form of magic but simply laughed when nothing happened. ''Why do you keep sand in your bag?''she asking, trying to stop laughing.
Eventually she composed herself, popping the skeleton off the cane and releasing the souls long enough to grab them in her hand. She squashed them, turning them vile and black before casting them out into the snow. The ground shook and before long a mighty structure rose from the ground, ancient and entirely made of some kind of black rock.
''There... this is a place of power where we can finish your ritual and.. stop your body from getting into the way of your job.''
She eyed Avarex urging him forward before looking to Jaela ''You are free to watch.''
A nerve had been struck with Jaela by the old necromancer. For how long did she have to keep up this charade? As if a switch had been flipped in her mind the amusement for the world dematerialized from her eyes. A flicker of a demonic smile spread across her lips for only an instant.
Reaching into her sack Jaela pulled out a pouch full of sand, afterwards pouring it onto the ground in front of the group.
"Please allow me to show you", a response to the angels question.
Taking a stance a distance away from them Jaela pulled off her green gloves, tucking them into her bag before flinging it across the ice. A fraction of some form of a mark lingered under her right sleeve, barely visible to those not paying attention. With bare palms she knelt down, placing them onto the icy landscape while closing her eyes. Taking in a deep breath the small girl began to chant, only whispers from her lips.
Waiting, that's all this was, a waiting game to her. For the sand she had thrown onto the ground earlier needed to sink into the ground. The need for the sand to merge with the icy terrain was a necessity in this landscape. That is why she brought sand, all along she had been preparing the ground.
A giggle arose from deep within the girl, the chanting ceasing to be relevant. She was sure they could feel it by now, the power she had always hidden. Like a fox the girl was cunning, coming off as reckless when in reality everything was calculated.
A sudden deep rumble could be heard from all around, as if the very tectonic plates of the planet were shifting. Standing, Jaela rubbed her hands together, as if rubbing away filth.
"I believe I never properly introduced myself." the infertile land behind her began to crack.
One arm swung beneath her as the other rested on her back, no doubt Jaela doing her classic over dramatic bow. "Jaela Uday at your service"
She continued to bow as geysers formed behind her, steam shooting into the sky.
Avarex keeps a look on the young girl's performance. He nods in acknowledgement "A truely powerful being.". The old man then refrained from further comments as he awaited the hunger of his Mistress to cease. "I must apologize. I did not mean to abuse the gift of the Goddess. I wanted to make sure that they never question you again. Please, do forgive me." Avarex' forehead hit the ground, less asking a person for forgiveness, than praying upon Amira.
As he heard the words of his Mistress, commanding him to follow, he got up on his legs, wobbly without the cane. He walks forward, slowly and calmly - considering he had no proper foothold on the icy surface of the dunes. He gazed around himself, as his lower body slowly faded into black sand, replacing the common movement with a slight hovering. His legs were replaced by a shifting sand vortex, carrying him towards the ritual side.
Amira snickered quietly at Jaela's display. She wondered where the sudden shift in attitude came from, after all nobody had really doubted her. She simply took a moment to look at her as she re-introduced herself, apparently her opinion of her should've shifted, her left hand coiled around her chin, pondering the girl's motives.
''What's with the sudden need to prove yourself?''
Amira seemed relatively un-moved by her show and in fact pretty much discarded the geysers. Not because she though Jaela was weak but simply because a creature like her really was almost impossible to impress. Her attention shifted to Avarex offering him back his cane. ''Follow me into the temple.''she muttered, before stepping past the large dark entrance herself. As she did, her presence was noted by the seemingly sentient structure, in response purple flames burst to life illuminating the massive halls.
Statues of Amira dotted the halls, as Mymyria's appearance was a mistery to most. Further within a large almost anti-church like altar was located, gentle purple lights washing over the area. Several undead guardians wandered the halls, thick black armor covering their decaying flesh. At a glance one would immediately realize they had been here for decades, but seemed ever vigilant. The undead didn't seem to attack the group, no doubt fully aware of who entered.
Raising from her bow Jaela went back into her happy go lucky attitude.
"You asked why I had sand in my bag... I answered" giggling Jaela went to pick up her bag, instead of slinging it over her shoulder she tied it around her waste, allowing it to sit on her hip.
Accepting the previous offer made by Amira, Jaela followed the two into the creation she uprooted from the ground. Her curious nature hindered her from going to far in, as Jaela stopped at one of the angels statues.
Poking at it she examined the artistry of it, looking back and forth between the woman and her art. "Your appendages look bigger on the statue" Jaela turned an accusing eye to Amira. "Trying to compensate eh?"
Jaela lifted her palms to her own breasts, cupping them with her hands. "I think I need to make some statues to" a determined gleam in her eyes.
Avarex gazed at the artwork with fanatic excitement, nearly like a mass-murdering young child. His hand strifes along the stone they walked past - his facial features darkening as he heard what the young Jaela had to say "Show some respect! You are talking to the Mistress." his tone as harsh as could be. His right hand extended towards her, the finger pointing accusingly. "We live, because -she- wants us to. We believe because she allows us to."
The voice now no longer bears the commanding and harsh tone of the eldery, but the mesmerized chanting of a Priest. It was an obscure scene which the Necromancer caused, before falling silent againn, remembering it was not his task to judge, but to execute.
Amira chuckled, highly amused by Jaela's defiance. She simply turned on her feet, her hands around her waist. She walked over to Jaela not speaking a word, stepping right in front of her before leaning in close ''Well, only one way to find out.'' as slowly as she moved before she now moved super fast unclasping the front of Jaela's top and coiling her hands around her breasts, smirking at her, giving them a squeeze.
''Yours are indeed nice, I'm sure we can work something out.''
she ran a finger across Jaela's face and rested it upon her lips, chuckling ''But it will be our little secret.''
She then finally retracted herself from Jaela, turning around with a smile and returning her attention to Avarex like nothing had happened ''Don't worry, I enjoy her spirit.'' She muttered before flicking her finger, the seemingly normal looking altar sinking into the floor, only to have another platform circle up with a ritual circle.
''Avarex, into the circle.'' She muttered, stepping toward it herself.
Blinking Jaela looked down to her own breasts, bewildered. Slowly she clasped the front of her top again, watching Amira speak with the necromancer, er rather instruct. The fact that her breasts had just been flashed before everyone not even a concern.
To her they were just a part of the average body, as was any touch. Never had she been a touchy feel sort of girl.
With no words Jaela walked up beside Amira, watching in confusion as the alter shifted into the ground. The moment the ritual circle came into view Jaela began standing on one foot. Holding the other leg up with her arm.
Looking to the other two she shrugged "To keep bad spirits at bay..." she continued to hold the position, determined in her own mind to be doing something helpful. Superstitions always seemed to bring this girl to do crazy things.
As he made his way towards the ritual circle, he turned around once more, staring the young girl straight in the eye. "We are the bad spirits." he continued to move his aging body in the middle - the sand that replaced his legs now spins around him entirely, his body reforming, while the black stand still was building a heavy layer on the body of the aging Necromancer.
Amira extended one of her arms, taking the glove off, digging a finger into her skin to draw blood. Contrary to normal blood, hers was black, oozing and foul looking. Truly in human as it even seemed sentient, attempting to return to Amira's body through the wound. She quickly turned her arm upside down however catching it in her gloved hand so it had nowhere to retreat to. When the blood ''realized'' it couldn't go anywhere it simply pooled up like normal blood would, she then eyed Avarex.
''This will be the most painful process you've ever had, but with my immortal blood tainting your innards, you're aging body will be powerful still and age will no longer effect you.''
She paused, bringing her cupped hand near his mouth, the blood suddenly spiriting up as if it was cooking water ''But it will hurt.. a lot..''. To her it seemed logical, but most others underestimated the pain, some didn't even survive. That's a problem Avarex wouldn't have, but still it would hurt him greatly. ''Now drink.''
Mockingly Jaela copied the mans comment, in a less than sophisticated tone. "We are the bad spirits.." her mouth twisting downwards as if to show an unpleasant thought.
Lowering her leg Jaela watched Amira play with her blood. "Oooo" escaping her mouth. Looking back and forth Jaela was trying to determine if the necromancer would indeed drink her blood. Both of them clearly occupied she turned away, pulling a small and short knife from one of her many pockets.
Very quickly she cut into her palm, only a little. "Darnit" she whispered as her regular crimson blood dripped. For some reason she had hoped the temple would make her blood black and strange like the angels. Pure disappointment could be seen on the small girls face as she turned back to them, tucking her hand back into a glove.
Avarex took a sip of the divine blood, a moment of silence rushed through the ritual side. The old man sat there, the hovering sand dropping onto the ground. The veins in his face turned black, his pupils glowing in a bright purple as a shadow overcome the place. The light was devoured by the nearing darkness - Avarex arched his back and screams of dire pain filled the halls. His gullet began to emit the same purple light as his eyes. A soft echo accompanying the screams of the aging spellweaver.
Several times he hits the ground with his bare fist as he fell to his knees, cracks in the ground, shattering ornaments - the pain was more than he could fathom, yet he knew that something like this would happen to him - he rocks his head back, his eyes wide open - as a maniacal laughter exceeds his lips, though one could still hear the pain in his voice "ACENSION! YAHAHA!" his body forces the necromancer forth once more, his body emitting a slight purple smoke, the room fell silent - as Avarex himself too. He just faced the ground, not a single muscle buldging, the purple light fading as quickly as it occured.
Anyone else would've thought the process had failed, but not Amira. She could sense the heartbeats of all living creatures in this world and she could sense her corrupt blood pouring through his veins and seeping into his heart. His screams hadn't bothered her, they were anticipated and music to her ears.
She quietly gazed at the man for a few moment, practically feeling her blood seep into him, taking him over and destroy him on a cellular level, replacing the old ones with her corrupt ones, her un-aging ones. With the blue prints forced into his body he would begin infinitely producing these new cells at an alarming pace, the impressive nature of her blood didn't stop there though. It began reverting his age, rebuilding his skin into that of a much younger man.
Amira looked at the change, very satisfied with herself ''This is what but a drop of my blood can do.'' she muttered, honestly she never stopped amazing herself. Was she truly a mere archangel? or was she more? she sure felt like it. She felt like she had the power to change the world... But did she want to? definitely not. She served her mistress faithfully, no amount of power could break the bond they had forged over millennia.
The Necromancer slowly got up, his face expressionless at first. Purple energy seemed to constantly cover the right side of his face. He smiled, showing off the long fangs he possessed now. The old Necromancer was no more - he had indeed ascended. He clenched his hand to a fist, unbelieving that he had regained his youth ... and more.
His book began to glow in a radient green as it dissolved and seeped into his body. Green letters spread across the left arm of Avarex as his form started to change once more, the void energy shooting down from his face to his heart. His fingers growing to claws, the coat slowly beginning to expand - more than normal cloth and leather, but liquid shadow. His eyes shot up to his Mistress, he fell to his knees, his red glowing eyes directed to the ground "I will prove myself worthy of this gift, merciful Mistress!"
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Jaelas amusement was very short lived as she watched the necromancer transform. Turning to Amira she focused her on the archangel, trying to take in everything that was happening around them. She rehearsed the steps in her mind for her own sake.
Step 1 Kill a bunch of warrior people.
Step 2 Ask if you are worthy.
Step 3 Go into strangers temple because that is surely the safe thing to do?
Step 4 Drink said strangers blood.
Step 5 Change into creepy thing and then thank for being turned into said gift.
She shook her head back in forth from confusion of it all. Feeling the need to chime in Jaela lifted a finger in order to make a statement. "I believe that we have two completely different understandings of what a gift is." her statement mainly directed at the man.
For some reason now poking fun at him being the top priority of the moment.
Avarex' blood-red gaze focused upon the young girl "Foolish girl, have you not witnessed my acension?! You should be careful of the words you choose, for things that you cannot understand!" Slowly, the new formed Necromancer stood up, every now and then, his face turned into it's normal shape, before the shadowtendrils conquered that part of his head again.
"We will stand upon a battlefield one day. And then, I will make sure that the unbelieving ones either start to follow - or perish in the sands of time. And be sure, that they will follow -after- their pulse has stopped forever." His gaze now turned towards Amira, expecting his orders.
Amira simply snickered at the two discussing with each other. She had no doubt in her mind that Jaela would've commented, and here it was. She couldn't keep herself from letting out a giggle. Turning her gaze on Jaela. ''Its the power, he can turn normal if he wants to.'' she simply commented.
She didn't really have much else to add to this, she gestured for them to follow her outside. When they were, she flicked her finger, the temple sinking into the dark abyss once more. It really hadn't occurred to her what to do -after- the ascension. She had no real task for him yet. ''Do what you do best, when I need you, I'll call upon you.''
She then turned to Jaela, simply gazing at her for a few moments. She didn't quite know what she could even talk about with her. Despite all her silliness she had remained woefully quiet during the entire temple escapade. ''You've been quiet.. at-least, compared to your normal attitude.''
The necromancer had once again struck a nerve with her. Even Jaela could only act complacent for so much. Does he really think her to be so incompetent as to not understand the happenings surrounding her? She even went as far as raising a brow and twisting her face to an approving glare as he spoke about battlefields blah.. blah... blah...
Rolling her eyes she turned to the angel listening to her as she spoke... at least she didn't talk to Jaela as if she were an idiotic child. Turning her smug look back into a smile Jaela responded to her statement. By this point she had already followed them out of the temple.
"I was simply observing the magnificent scene unfolding before me" she turned her head a bit in a childish manner. "It also doesn't help when you have a blabbering baboon telling you how foolish you are." The statement meaning to be a silent strike at the necromancer. Oh the fun she could have poking at him... clearly he thought he was all mighty and powerful now. He had no idea the almighty and powerful she had witnessed in her lifetime... he would stand no chance against void magic, that was a fact.