Lᴏsᴛ, ʏᴇᴛ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ :: [Pᴏɴᴛɪғғ & Iʀᴏɴɪᴄ]

[Ironic]

Numbing coldness nipped at Evora’s reddened face as her head rotated over her shoulder to catch a final glance of her treasured kingdom, Starzua. An unfamiliar ache in her chest caused her to grasp at her shirt, as if attempting to soothe the pain that elicited blistering tears to skate down her cheeks. The dawning air stung like a freshly opened wound on what little skin was left bare. After staring off into the kingdom’s distance, trying to soak in everything to leave an everlasting memory, Evora nodded her head in farewell before turning her gaze onto the pebbly path ahead.

Her hands trembled as she gripped at the straps of her knapsack, uncertain if it was due to the bitter cold or her rising anxiety. It was perilous for a princess, a rare one at that, to uncaringly travel by her lonesome. Dangers she was not accustomed to were higher, but Evora was heedless, wanting nothing more than to detach herself from the toxicity that was her realm. Mistreatment and abuse to her unique abilities caused her once pure heart to crumble, making her grow numb and insensible. Gaining the ability of Abjuration is a blessing thought of as a gift from the Gods. Who wouldn’t want the power of protection and healing? Unfortunately for Evora, she considered it a damned curse. Aside from being royalty, was she considered nothing more than just by the enchanted healing touch of her hands?

Prohibited to go outside unless escorted by an accomplished guard, Evora was a prisoner held hostage in her own home out of fear that a twisted individual would abduct her for obvious reasons. Enough was enough and starting today she would make a life for herself that isn’t dictated by anyone other than herself. She draped herself in a lengthy hooded cape that was thick enough to act as a barrier from the penetrating chilled winds, but the design and fabric wouldn’t give off an aristocratic ambiance. Her knapsack carried essentials, such as currency, food and water, and assorted clothing pieces. Attached to her outer thigh was a dagger, securely snugged into a leg strap holster.

A few days into her travels had gone and passed, Evora convinced that everyone was on the hunt for her now since a hefty dollar amount was hanging brightly above her head. She would have to be more cautious and alert. Tazin was her destination of choice, a neighboring country that she had always read in her studies yet never traveled to.

Boarding a buggy that would hopefully be her last before landing in Tazin, Evora was careful to keep her head low and mind her own business, eavesdropping on conversations amongst others. Realization came to her, and foolishly she failed to think ahead on where she would stay once she arrived. Panic started to settle in as she fretfully tapped her foot on the wooden floor, twiddling her digits in uncertainty.

“Got the jitters, miss?” An older woman with aging features sat down in front of her, clasping her hands thoughtfully onto her lap as a warm smile sprouted on her face. Her grin showcased the deep wrinkles in her eyes and by her mouth, but nonetheless she was still lovely. Evora was hesitant. Should she respond or act deaf? Discourtesy wasn’t apart of her character.

Clearing her throat, she would cease her fidgetiness and respond back, evading eye contact. “Yes, I apologize if I am causing any discomfort with my actions.”

“No need to be so formal, darling.” The stranger responded, keeping her posture and beam. Evora grew more apprehensive, noting down in her head to be less formal. “Would you like to talk about what’s on your mind? If I were to guess I would assume you are a young traveler, yes?”

Pondering on a reply, excuses filled her naïve mind. A few moments had passed, almost making their encounter awkward before an idea came to mind. Reaching around her back she would pull out a worn-down curled up map, indicating it had been used a handful of times. Gingerly opening it and attempting to remove the crinkles, she’d point at the country of Tazin and circle it with her index fingertip. “I know this is an unusual question, but I am searching for a place to stay that no one would be interested in visiting.” Backtracking her words, she’d quickly shake her head in protest. “Since I am shy, and would like to get used to the country, of course.” Casually she’d let out a hesitant laugh, unsure if the older yet seemingly wiser woman would catch on to her strange demeanor.

“I know a few places that would sound perfect for you.” Seeming to not recognize her gawkiness, she’d point at a few places, describing them to some degree of detail before throwing in a laugh herself. “I highly doubt you’d like to visit the rumored Forgotten Keep. No one dares to stray here.” Her delicate finger would point up north to a blank piece of land. Evora raised a curious brow, evoking the stranger to explain herself.

“Centuries ago, a prosperous King ruled this country, but for whatever reason his people abandoned him and lived their lives without his leadership and claimed this land as theirs and built it from scratch to their liking. It is said that his once humble abode is now withering away from loneliness and despair with an awful aura attached to it.” Evora held her composure, attempting to seem uninterested in a frightening fairytale. Truth be told, this would be the perfect place for her to hide until she could get on her feet and everyone would overlook her majestic disappearance.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t dare tread in those eerie lands.” Evora chuckled while moving her hand in a manner to shoo away a fly, portraying that this was a definite ‘no’ for her.

…But a secured place such as that to hide was tempting. Besides, it’s not like those stories are certainly true, right?

 

[Pontiff]

Drakkengard a once long and forgotten powerful Kingdom that ruled over the land now called Tazin. Forgotten now to the annals of history. The pages ink fading every year as the once proud Kingdom faded into obscurity. Only rumors floated about the place that once be and with its dangerous allure many travelers strayed far from its unbeaten path. Kings to come and Kings to fall would not venture deep into the ruins of the black castle that once stood. Wives tales of the darkness that lingers and hangs over the ruinous land like thick fog. Sightings of wraiths, ghouls and other undead creatures patrolling the ruins but never in daylight. Brave adventurers taking on jobs and duties to explore the ruins and quench the evils that lay deep inside only for none to return. Those that were lucky, were stricken with horror and broken minds. A travel ban to these ruins was enacted to all the people in Tazin. How it all came to be is still a mystery and only one knows the answers.

Deep within the crumbling castle the interior was immaculate. Deep maroons painted the floor with tapestry and carpet. The finest rugs, candle holders made of gold and various trinkets and decoration alike. Clean and positioned perfectly within the castle. Flames burned intensely. Hot and bright as if just lit recently. A man perched upon his blackened throne sat still. Eyes closed and body slump with cheek on fist, elbow gracefully resting atop the armrest of the throne. Green luminescent eyes slowly cracked open. A cold chill filled the castle as the torches and candles that burned brightly dimmed and whipped as if a chilling wind was blowing through. The thick fog that once hung heavy over the forgotten ruins now shifted. Easing. The air feeling easier to breath in, the sun could crack through more, as if the land was coming back to life with its Eternal King rising.

Stiff body shifting from its resting spot as pops and cracks erupted from his body as he rose from his Throne. Eyes looking to the empty room that once bustled with activity. Banquets, balls, politics and of course war talk all happened here once and now he gazed upon the empty room. Incorporeal wraith servants moved through the castle to keep it tidy and in shape. These servants once lived and served the Forgotten King who now rose from his death. His slumber. Memories flooding his mind as he walked down the steps that lead to his throne, down onto the maroon carpet on the floor as he approached the grand doors of his castle. He had been betrayed by those that served him. In his search for eternal life and power. He had found the source of life, a chalice of youth, and took it back to Drakkengard with him. He drank from the chalice. Nothing had seemingly changed and out of fear he had been stabbed while the mystical waters were not yet set.

Those green eyes turned to look behind him. The chalice gone from the floor. The faint stain of the liquid on the floor still lingered. It had happened. Not a cursed dream that left him in an eternal slumber but that left the one question now of why was he awake after all this time. What were these green wraiths that patrolled his castle? How long had he been asleep -- no dead. He died. He felt the blade in his heart and the chilling grip of death reaching out for him. He had many questions that needed answers. A lay of the land, the year he was now in and this strange deep and dark sensation that he felt within his own body now. A slumbering power.

It appeared that the wraiths ignored him and his existence for now. Even as he walked by them. They dutifully fulfilled their jobs that they once had in life. Cleaning chandeliers, the floors and walls. Making sure that the castle was spotless from top to bottom and immaculate on the inside even if the exterior made the place look like it was a crumbling piece of shit. He moved down the hall, heading to his chambers and studies to see if any books remained. Anything he could find on the current situation that he found himself in.

 

[Ironic]

It felt like years had passed aboard the small wooden buggy, boredom feeling as if it would be her demise. Evora folded her arms over her bosoms and tipped her head down, the hooded cloak concealing her features as she napped briefly in an attempt to pass the time and rest her tired eyes. Of course, she didn’t take her momentary nap to the extreme. Evora was still aware and conscious of the out of tune sounds surrounding her, but thankfully nothing out of the ordinary spiked any suspicion.

Finally, the carrier jolted in a halt, everyone's body rocking to the force of their stopping point. Lifting her head up, she would soak in her new surroundings; the drop off point was a harbor. Gigantic wooden boats clumped together near the docks, eagerly waiting for their last group of civilians to board up and depart to a new location. It was smart for the driver to bring them here, just in case some needed to travel further oversees or easily enter into the nearby village.

Evora rose to her feet and sluggishly got off of her means of transportation, feeling the phantom motions of the constant rocking that she learned to grow accustomed to for all of those hours. The springtime sun hovered high above those who were below it, signifying it was around the time of noon. The elderly woman approached Evora once more, gently taking both of her hands unexpectedly and cupping them into her own. A sincere smile was painted on her wrinkled face, her eyes squinting from her genuine demeanor.

“Please be careful out there, young traveler. I know you will be okay and find what you’re looking for.” Evora reciprocated her smile and shook her head in agreement. She couldn’t help herself but sense something was off with this woman. Nothing in a sinister way, but more along the lines of her time was soon running out? It was hard to describe how she felt. To show her gratitude towards this kind stranger, a warmth that would not go unnoticed seeped from her palms, allowing her unseen magic to soak within her wilting hands. This would grant her some good health for a while longer. Evora gingerly took her hands away from the woman's and nodded in farewell. The puzzling look on her face was priceless, but she did not question the phenomenon that she had just encountered.

Strolling into the depths of the village she would continue to keep her face low and head hidden within her hooded cloak. She didn’t seem to be important enough to be noticed by the numberless crowd scattered all around her. It was almost suffocating. Hurriedly she wasted no time in gathering some much-needed essentials, such as more food and water, as well as taking a quickened shower within a local inn. After her tasks were completed, she would set foot towards the direction of the Forgotten Keep. The map she wielded only showed a blank slate of land to where the older woman pointed to, but she would faithfully trust her judgement. Evora couldn’t place her finger on it, but there was something about that unfamiliar woman that she felt comforted and safe within.

The travel grew more tedious than anticipated, noticing her stamina wasn’t up to par with her judgement on how everything would pan out. More than likely it was due to the unaccustomed land that held different air levels as well as terrain. Who would’ve thought miniscule things such as that could affect her energy? Regardless, she still had to persevere and continue on. Thinking back on it, she was very lucky that no one recognized her or called her out, but perhaps they might’ve without causing a scene? No sense in worrying about things out of her control for the moment.

Night was quickly approaching, and it grew colder and more treacherous as she traveled north, avoiding contact with any wildlife that inhibited where she crossed paths. The topography grew more rock-strewn, making it hard for her to walk a decent pace to her destination. Her feet ached horribly, wanting to do anything just to get a chance to rest them. In the distance, a grand castle inhibited the murky skies, inviting her in with promises of warmth and shelter, albeit it looked as if it were about the crumble. “This must be the kingdom! Wow, I can’t believe this is really true?” She muttered in doubt to herself as she climbed up perilous slopes. Sweat beaded at the top of her brow before wiping it away with the back of her hand, her body heaving itself upwards to continue her long journey.

It seemed like ages has passed before the entrance was in sight, and she threw out a sigh of relief to see that her hard work had paid off. The building looked to be in a state of disarray, and she couldn’t help herself but feel bad for whoever use to live encased within those walls. Were they happy there? Then again, this is years ahead from the initial fall of their kingdom. It probably looked wonderful once upon a time.

Steadying her posture upright, she’d knock thrice on the grand door out of habit and to soothe any suspicions, but no one responded as silence filled her ears. Pushing and pulling at it with all the force she had within her she would hear an approving creak. Unhurriedly the door opened, showcasing a dimly lit hallway that smelled of cleaning chemicals. Evora was dazed to see that the inside looked nothing like the outside. Did someone truly live here, or was tending to it every now and then? Her right hand gripped at her dagger firmly, an instinctive response for safety precautions. Carefully she allowed herself to enter inside fully, closing the large door shut to cease any chilled winds from entering.

“What exactly is going on here?” She couldn’t help but ponder, wondering why nothing was adding up regarding the interior and exterior of this distorted mansion.​

 

[Pontiff]

Faded, foggy memories swam haphazardly within the mind of the Forgotten King. Events flashing. Names. Faces. Threads quickly fleeting away as he could try to reach out and grasp them but his hand would be empty every time. A mixture of sorrow and hatred burning in his blackened heart as illuminated green eyes peered down the vast hall that lead to the library and to his studies. He had to remember who he was. Why he was here and what exactly was going on in this situation. Even as the memories continued to flash. Names, faces and events continuing to hazily fly by in such rapid manners it made his head spin slightly. Even so he pressed on into the studies where pristine, clean books lined the shelves. Even the ones that were opened and laying up with pages neatly displayed out, clean of any dust or damage that could have happened over the years. These unknown specters that cleaned for this place phased in and out of view. Moving from one end to the next. Working. Cleaning. No words, no faces.

Approaching the embezzled, ornate book that sat neatly upon the surface of the oak desk. Green eyes scanned over foreign words that he could read. They spoke of a chalice, one that could potentially grant immortality and it was like a trigger. His head was pounding, his eyes closing as he grasped at his head with both hands and grimaced in pain. Shuffling his feet backwards he sat on the chair. The sound of it screeching and sliding backwards filling the otherwise silent room. The pain was unbearable, so much that he ended up passing out.

When he came to. It was like everything about him had been heightened. His sense of smell, his sight, hearing, all of it. Even the creaking of the main entrance opening up stirred him from his short slumber. Green eyes opened, but a black sclera now surrounded those eyes. Unbeknownst to his own mind that he had lost to the darkness that had corrupted him and his heart. That when he awoke he was still fighting a losing battle all these hundreds of years and now it was over.

His wrathful vengeance would begin.

Someone or something had entered his domain. The spirits that inhabited the Castle were in hiding, out of sight of the female that had entered while the Eternal King rose from his seat. "Who is this?" His voice rang out as if it was all around Evora's mind and body. The door to the castle that she had entered from clicked as if it locked somehow without being touched. A chill swept through the hall as the candles whipped and flicked before ultimately going out and leaving her in the darkness. Alone. Unable to see. What felt like hands grabbed at her. Several of them. All different shapes and sizes. They grabbed her hips, arms, legs and covered her mouth. As if she was drowning in the darkness.

Then it stopped suddenly and the room was alight once more but this time the flames burned green and she was no longer in the main hall. She stood in the center of what appeared to be the throne room. Upon that throne sat the Eternal King. Illuminated emerald eyes peering down at her in silence. A vibrant green 'crown' perched right above his head as if made from some mystical magics but the crown was not complete.

"Another fool has entered my home. In attempts to vanquish the evil that lurks and looms over these lands, no?" He asked. His mind was clear now and was connected in a strange hivemind to those spirits that lingered the halls and the very throne room they were in right now. Green wraiths floating by her, ignoring her existence as they moved to clean the pillars and rugs. Recent events of what his wraiths could gather had flooded his memories along with those from hundreds of years ago and caused issues in the beginning but now everything was becoming clear. Who he was. What he was now, and what his purpose in this world was.

"Others had come, in larger parties, but what makes you come alone? I'm curious."

 

[Ironic]

“Who is this?”

The voice of a man boomed throughout her ears, but she was unable to tell which direction it was coming from as it encircled around her. It startled her to her core because to her knowledge, she’d be the only one inside of this building. What a naïve thought to have after seeing how pristine the inside was opposed to the outside, right?

Whoever, better yet, whatever said those words didn’t give her enough time to comprehend what was actually happening. The vibrant flames were smothered, darkness encasing her and leaving her blinded. Evora tried to not make any sounds to show her ever-growing fear, backtracking to the entrance only to find out that it was locked and wouldn’t budge despite her robust attempts.

The scariest part was soon to come as multiple hands gripped and clutched her figure, making her immobilized. She tried to contort her body in different direction to free herself, letting out strained breaths that would graze at the palms of the hands that covered her mouth each time she moved, but it was useless. It felt as if a small breeze caressed her, accompanied by her body shifting around, assuming those that gripped her was taking her somewhere.

As quickly as it started it ended in the same amount of time. The light in the room caused her eyes to ache, already familiar to the darkness that drank her in. Worrisome hues scanned the room but it didn’t take her long to peer at the occupied throne.

A.. King?!

Everything matched the elder woman's descriptions, maybe she was as wise as she already thought of her to be. His jawline was chiseled with care, his facial features appearing strong yet his eyes held some sort of agonizing pain to them. Immediately her heart ached for him with empathy, feeling like they’re somewhat in similar situations. She was used for her powers, and he was abandoned by his people... that is if the story the woman spoke of also held true.

A brow quirked upwards in confusion as he accused her already of her presumed intentions.

“It is true, I am a fool, but I apologize profusely!” She bowed down as her white strands of tresses cascaded downwards. “I am not here with the desire for war, let alone any ill intentions whatsoever. I was told that there may be an abandoned building where I could take cover, that is why I am here alone. I do not know who you are asides from a small fairy tale story told to me.”

She raised her head upwards to meet his gaze once more. It was oddly intimidating to hold eye contact, averting her eyes here and there to wash away the feeling. “If you’d like to know something about me, I am a runaway. I doubt you’d be interested in my story and adventures that led me here.” She stayed motionless in her spot with arms hanging by her sides, fearful that if she made even the slightest of movements, he would take them as a threat.

 

[Pontiff]

The Ruined King's eyes pierced in a squint as apology spilled from breathing lips. Her bowed head spoke of the intentions she was doing here and he felt no ill intent from her body language or the aura that her person displayed. Even as wallowing wisps blew about beside her in momentary sight before disappearing into obscurity she stayed firm in what she told him. Piercing gaze never swaying or moving from her face at all times as he peered into her eyes as she averted her gaze in the silence that began to fill the throne room as the two were left partially alone. Wandering spirits appearing briefly in a green hue before disappearing once more.

"Fairy Tale? My once proud kingdom, the pride of these lands, is now a Fairy Tale?" His voice sounded calm. Inquisitive even as the hostile aura of the room seemed to dissipate. Suddenly a flash of anger rose across his otherwise stoic features as he slammed down a fist onto the marble armrest of his once ornate Throne as a thundering crack of marble cracking and breaking filled the room. His fist laying in the rubble that was the armrest.

"They take everything from me, and reduce my legacy to nothing." The anger in his face dissipated almost as quickly as it came. The Ruined King seeming to have an issue already with controlling the hatred that coiled inside of him. The burning rage to destroy those that turned their backs on him. Those that stabbed him. To torment their souls for eternity.

"What year is it, girl." He asked her not even for her name, but the year they were in. Collected gatherings of information from those undead that serve their Ruined King was nothing short of spotty on an actual timeline. Faces, meaningless words and passing of days flooded his mind but nothing concrete. Nothing to tell him how much time had passed. She could be of some use to him, if only temporarily. Killing her now would leave him with questions, ones she was possibly capable of answering for him in the meantime while he made up his mind on what to do with her and how to proceed from his awakening.

 

[Ironic]

The silence swelled, and the discomfort in the room ignited strongly as she awaited his response; at least for her. His reaction to her insensitive statements that she scrambled together out of fear seemed to not phase him. He was serene, unmoving to this new information. How did he not know about this already? She was sure that he would’ve heard the rumors by now since they’ve been around for quite some time. The faux serenity that he displayed quickly dispelled, causing Evora to recoil in fright as his anger finally showed its nasty fangs. Her arms quickly shielded her vulnerable head, foreseeing him to take his resentment out on her and possibly toss a fractured piece of the armrest in her path.

Once more, his attitude shifted, bringing back that indifferent demeanor. It was hard to not tilt her head to the side in bewilderment while raising a curious brow. Had he lost his mind? She adjusted her posture once she felt he was stable enough with his emotions. Evora couldn’t help but feel sorry for him and whatever he was going through, obviously being too grand for her to understand.

“What year is it, girl.”

Flickering her eyes dumbfoundedly, she wondered why he’d ask such a question. Then, it clicked somewhat to her. Was he sheltered all this time, maybe even forced to be locked away from the outside world with no knowledge regarding what was going on in it? He couldn’t have done this to himself; someone else had to be responsible for his tribulations. She ceased her thoughts when she realized she was getting too far ahead of herself.

“It’s year 2414. Today is February 6th​.” She replied, afraid of how he would react to her words. If he responded so bipolar-ly to her previous announcement, how would he even proceed with this information? Without being too noticeable, she’d take a step towards the rear in an effort to get closer to the rooms exit if worse came to it. “I hope I am not intruding, but I truthfully do not understand what is going on. I will not burden you any further if you will allow me to leave your abode.”

 

[Pontiff]

He didn't want to believe what she had told him but that didn't change the truth. Almost two thousand years he had slumbered on this very throne he perched himself upon right now. A shooting pain through his blackened, cold heart as solemn eyes peered down at the unfortunate bearer of bad news. Noticing the small step she took back. Edging herself towards the doors as if she believed she could actually escape this place while it was under his control. Every door and windowed barricaded with mist. A pale green hue encircled the throne room. Swirling and building from the center of the room until it moved towards her and dissipated as it encroached upon her position and the nameless king stood before her. Closer to her now, hunched over as he reached out and grabbed her chin to tilt her face upwards. Green hues peering into her amber ones.

"I am incapable of leaving this place." Strong fingers squeezed her cheeks as he continued to tilt her head up and then slightly to the left as he peered into her eyes. Into her soul as if he was exploring inside of her.

Fingers releasing her cheeks as he returned to proper stature. Standing tall above her before suddenly he grabbed her by the face this time. His fingertips grabbing around the front of her face. His thumb near her temple as well as his pinky finger on the opposite side. Palm pressed firmly to her nose as he pushed her back until she found herself pinned to the door facing him.

"You are someone special." He spoke once more. "A great magical gift bestowed upon you yet you flee from its power. You flee from those you believe to use you for your powers and to not see who you truly are." It was as if black smoky tendrils encapsulated her mind momentarily as he dug around inside. Yet, just as fast as he grabbed her he was soon letting her face go and she was no worse for wear. Not a scratch on her but a heavy feeling of a 'link' now dug inside of her to him. He had attached himself to her aura. To her magic. She had a great abundance of it and he only needed some from her being to keep himself outside of the Castle -- until he found the grail and he could be set free.

"We are now bonded together. You and I. Your life is in my hands and I will gladly let you live if you aid me in my endeavor in retrieving the unholy object that has done this to me." He didn't request her name or give her his own. His mission was kept at bay as well. Her purpose was his anchor to the world outside this unholy place that had been distorted in time. "With this link, I am capable of going outside once more." He walked past her as the doors of the Throne Room pushed open for his presence.

"Unfortunately. We must stay within a certain distance of one another. If you try to run, or leave the radius of which I'm connected to you. I will be returned here, to this Castle and you?" He turned to face her.

"My link will be forcibly ripped from your soul and leave you nothing more than a mindless, soulless husk." Was he lying? If he even was lying about such a fate worse than death. Would she care to try and call his bluff.

 

[Ironic]

Defeat already reared its unsightly fangs at her even before she trespassed into the weakened castle. Now was not the time, but Evora deliberated anxiously over why she’d follow through with the elder woman’s tales. Did she have a death wish? The thought propelled her right foot to take another step backwards, but her short-lived dream of fleeing was never an option to begin with. How naïve of her to have such hope. Viridescent mist erupted from nothing, enclosing around her uncomfortably. Despite the gas-like substance being somewhat transparent, it had some weight to it and prevented her from progressing like a thickened wall.

If that little ploy didn’t catch her by surprise, the dismal ruler invaded her personal space as she did to his home. Uncaring to her sentiments regarding privacy, his digits conquered her face as he stared intently into her petrified hues. It didn’t take a scientist to know that she was surely outmatched. He would feel her body quake under his harsh touch, mindful that he could crush her head easier than breaking an egg.

Evora’s body had no choice but to motion backwards as he continued to evade her furthermore. The reinforced door abruptly terminated any hope of continuing, pinned and at his mercy. She felt offended to be this helpless and vulnerable, but she was never trained to defend herself due to being locked away and had guards under watch 24/7. It felt as if his gaze infiltrated inside of her, rummaging through the hidden cavities stored away only to reveal them for his leisure. What came next left her breathless. He was looking into her soul.

She couldn’t correlate the right words to describe this newfound feeling inside of her as he continued speaking of his findings from his unwelcomed and invading research. It made her feel more attached to him, even though at this point she detested him for his lack of courteousness. A sense of hatred, sorrow, and unawareness flowed into her, creating a burning sensation in her chest… was this how he felt? Were they now connected? As he yanked away, he’d declare her allegations as valid… but with a twist.

“You what?!” Helplessly she took her arms and clutched her body to hold herself together, feeling as if she were crumbling from the weight of this news. “I get desperate times call for desperate measures, but there is no rhyme or reason as to why you took it upon yourself to do what you just did without asking me for my blessings!” Oh, how badly did she want to curl her hand into a tight fist and collide it with his smug face, but she was now his “toy”.

She felt even more helpless than she did back home.

“What do you want me from me? I’ll help you if you promise to unlatch from me. I’m not yours and I belong to no one but myself. You don’t know me asides from the flouting internal examinations you completed.” Evora breathed in heavily to drink in as much air as she could to soothe her aching lungs, talking more than the air she had left to exhale from her body. “I get it, I can’t leave your side. I don’t want to test your warning of my demise if I choose to walk away. You already proved enough to terrify me.”

“You mentioned retrieving an object to rid of the effects you’re faced with. If you want me to help, be it on my own terms or against my will, I have to know more about you and what our goal is. You can’t keep leaving me in the dark to try and put this puzzle together on my own.” Evora already knew she couldn’t sweet talk her way out of this predicament, accepting that she was ‘his’ until he obtained his true goal with her help. Something about him made her feel remorseful for him, even after all he done to damn her. If he didn’t find out about her hidden talent then he probably would’ve let her go, but once again, someone deemed her useful for their selfish needs.

 

[Pontiff]

The connection between the two of them. He could feel it. Feel what she felt. Feel the fear that coursed through her veins and it tinged at his blackened heart very slightly but dissipated. She was weak compared to the destructive power he held within his core. She held tremendous power to support others but not herself and yet he could feel within her she detested him. She was being used, like others that sought her. "My intentions have nothing to do with the power you hold inside. I need someone who is bound to this worlds timeline. Cemented into it." He stopped in the door frame to turn and look at her as she continued to feel the mix of emotions and thoughts. A tinge of feeling bad for her shot through but it meant nothing to him.

"I cannot unlatch from you until I finish what I'm setting out to do." He turned his face back to the hall and began to walk. Pushing away from her, forcing her to follow him as they approached the castle doors that led to the outside world. The massive double doors opened as a chilling gust of wind blew through the home as the nameless king took his first step out into the cold world. His presence stopping atop the stairs the led to the doors as he took in the feeling of the air on his skin.

"Explaining is...hard." His memories were so mixed. Full of everyone that died in the explosion when he drank from the grail during the attack. The magic and the power of the grail mixed, forming an unknown singularity he couldn't begin to truly understand that left him in the state he currently resided in. "I am alive, but at the same time I am not. You saw the inside of my home, but look." The nameless king turned around and had her look at the castle once more. This time closely. She could see visible holes in the walls, shattered windows and crumbling towers of the castle yet when she stepped inside none of those damages existed.

"You were born in this time, come from this time. You are my anchor to this world so that I may exact my revenge on those that did this to me and my Kingdom." He was trying to explain to her. The connection between the two of them -- he could see inside her soul. Learn her memories but he couldn't figure out how to transfer his own to her. Possibly for the best. She may go insane with the fractured identity he had now.

His figure turning from the ruined castle that was once his. Drakengard now a dismantled, forgotten disgrace. "I'm searching for the Grail of Life. I had it once in my possession, to gain immortality but a coup d'etat caused...unforeseen circumstances." He began his descent down the stairs unaffected by the chilling winds that brush by. A warmth began to build inside of Evora herself keeping her safe from the cold winds.

"The Chalice is gone now. With it I hope to reverse the negative affects it had on me...after I destroy those traitors descendants and everything they have built. Everything they loved and passed down I will reduce to ash and dust." She could feel a pulse of anger between them. Similar to when he broke his throne but he kept it on the inside.

"Will that do for you, Evora? Princess of Starzua?" He asked her but he did not turn to face her. His feet continuing to push him forward down the beaten path. The crumbled stone crunched under every step. Knowledge of the currently world and country he resided in was pieced together from wraiths and ghouls that he summoned subconsciously in his sleep to keep an eye on the world. As well as Evora's own memories of a map. Yet there were blank spots, massive ones that aggravated him. Knowledge, memories, and his own name. These things he could not remember so well.

 

[Ironic]

“Oh? Is that so?” Evora retorted as her head pointed the other way, gazing upon his vaguely dismantled throne. “I suppose I coincidentally fell into your hands at the wrong place and wrong time. It sure does feel like you’re using me for just that purpose.” Nudging her lips gently to the right side of her face she’d try to comprehend the new sentiments inside of her. Yes, she felt her own emotions coursing in her, but they were muddied by other feelings she never felt before involuntarily. The feeling of being contravened was an understatement.

As he commenced to stride away from her, she’d trail behind him. Evora clenched her teeth and scowled at his back, infuriated with the fact that she found herself fearing him. Sprinting away after everything he stated wasn’t a theory she wanted to test out. Once she found her entombed valor, she’d be more than eager to see how potent his threats really were.

Still yet, she found herself listening attentively to his hazy explanations. His voice was un-straining as he discussed a very poignant subject that would leave many weeping at the knees. A flurry of wind pricked at her face and triggered her to squint once they marched outside. Albeit the squalls were frigid, she felt nothing but delicate warmness. Almost comparable to the feeling of sipping on a cup of hot cocoa in the winter months, feeling the scolding liquid cascade down her throat and heat her torso.

Perhaps it was the support within her that made her feel sympathetic towards him, but once she felt the faux ache of placing herself in his shoes, she’d promptly shift her course of thought and remind herself that he’s utilizing her like a pawn chess piece.

Easily disposable if the job wasn’t successful.​

Snubbing the fact the he already knew who she was without introducing herself, although it alarmed her, she’d respond back to his circumstances. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Unnamed King, but it’s not particularly my flair to slain guiltless people.” Allowing those words to linger for a moment, she’d continue. “Specifically, those with no connection to this besides simply being an ancestor.” Evora would glower at the open field before her, the one she just journeyed, realizing she will not be able to break free.

“And…” Her neck revolved to inspect the home before her, thinking back on what he said about it earlier. “If I am nothing more than a mere ticket for you to venture beyond your humble abode’s doors, let’s go into the city so we can find someone else to take my place.” Spinning around to face him, be it his face or backside, she’d smugly smile without baring her teeth, knowing he’s going to admit that he lied and truly needed her abilities. “If you want too, for a parting gift, I’ll give you a nice heal to rejuvenate you for a mere moment. That’s the least I can do, right?”

 

[Pontiff]

"You are being used." He admitted though he could still care less about the rare magic that she possessed that others had wanted her for. He only cared about the raw natural amount of mana she produced that gave him such a strong link into this world. Someone weaker would perish through the link, or become nothing more than a burden on him that he would have to carry around and tote like a little dog in a satchel. He would do no such thing. Fate had awoken him at the perfect time to exact vengeance upon this world for his demise and the perfect tool placed before him. "Though your magic still poses little use to me." He could heal on his own. The black foul magic that coursed through his veins would keep him alive well enough and in fact. He didn't believe he could truly die anymore. His heartbeat was gone. Just a cold mix of a man and a wraith intertwined and twisted into this world.

Cold green eyes turned to look at her. Listening to how she still fought this. To be free of him and his control. It was only logical she wouldn't trust him or his mission. What would he do with her once she was of no use? "You are correct. I don't even remember my own name..." He commented and turned eyes upon crumbling castle. Once the peak of Humanity, the center stone of the world that he had built. Nations crumbled before him and men trembled at his name. Reduced to fleeting legends of old.

"You think too lowly of yourself. That fountain of mana you possess is my key to this world. Not just any one person could do. If you wish to sacrifice that City in the distance so that I may walk this mortal plane then I will free you of my link." He gave her the choice. She wished to be rid of him so, but the strain he put on her ocean of mana was nothing she could comprehend or seemingly notice like that of a small child with nothing but a droplet. They would shrivel and die after only a few minutes of use. He would need many to link to if he wished to move.

"I will of course have to move from town to town. Taking anyone I can find. Humans these days are....weaker than what they use to be. The immense power you possess currently is still nothing compared to some of the Generals that once bowed to me...how this world has weakened in my absence." He turned away from her again. Walking forward once more as he awaited her answer. A smirk on his lips as he recalled fond memories of battlefields and sieges.

"I once laid waste to a Castle all by myself. Raining meteors from the sky, conjured by my magic. Crushing those insects beneath me...it was one of the battles that put me on my path to Kingship." He smiled, remembering the slaughtering of his enemies more fondly than she may think it to be.

 

[Ironic]

Whelp. He was blunt and honest, she had to give him some credit for that. Not many individuals would go out of their way to let others know how they truly felt or what they thought. Still, it caused her to glower at him, his back still facing her as he peered off into the unforeseen distance. Evora sighed in irritation. This adventurous gamble she took on herself to leave her home and explore the world outside, not being of any use to anyone, rapidly shifted. No matter where she trekked, she’d still be used by someone. “Glad to hear it.” Sarcastically she responded, feeling the frosty breeze gracefully flow by them, her hair whipping in the same direction.

To learn that she could be freed energized her, but of course, he wouldn’t make it that simple. If she allowed him to venture off and kill countless of people and cities, then she’d earn her freedom. It wasn’t fair to let thousands of other people lose their freedoms just so one lone person, herself, could have that independence. He even talked about humans being so low and feeble, apparent that he thought of everyone as a tool for his successes. No amount of persuasion would change his stubborned voided head. It made her feel a little better to know she wasn't the only one thought lowly of.

“You don’t leave me with much of a choice, do you?” She retorted as she peered into his heartless jaded orbs, only for him to swivel around and glance elsewhere. Without asking for it, recollections consumed her mind, witnessing exactly what he was describing as he reminisced of those ‘good ‘ol days’. It was appalling to her to realize how much he relished in destroying other’s lives and what they’ve worked so hard on for most of their lives.

“I have so many questions for you, but I’m not going to bother until I figure you out.” It sounded threatening, the words that spewed from her mouth. Revolving around, she’d march her way into the crumbling abode, turning her head to look over her shoulder. “Come on. I guess we have to make a plan for you to get that stupid ass revenge of yours.” She swore, almost shocked that it automatically lifted off from her tongue.

 

[Pontiff]

"I have left you with ample choice have I not. You wish for freedom and I offer it to you, but I will not lie and hide the repercussions from you should I take my link out of you." Would she have wanted him to agree and to have her hear of the news later on. About cities, towns and castles falling to feed his insatiable need to live in this world. How he came from a time long ago when bloodshed was common and a hundred year war raged on. It had lasted back in his time before he joined, roughly for a hundred years on and off. Lasting truly longer than a hundred but the historians had lost count of the years. He came from a time of fighting, of control and domination. Not the soft lands that this world has turned into now.

"Go ahead and ask your questions. I will answer to the best of my ability...if I can remember it." He has been honest with her so far, and wasn't going to change that now. She was a 'pawn' as she viewed herself and he would use her as he pleased. Currently he had nothing to hide from her, making it rather clear what his goals were but her value of her own life was high enough that he could tell her the atrocities he wished to commit. A selfless person would have fled and broken the tether to die, forcing him back inside of his home and waiting for another foolish person strong enough to enter.

She cared about her life enough to not even consider it.

"Plan? We need to find the grail. We will start with questions in the nearest town, find someone that can lead us in the right direction." He had no idea where it could be. Where it could be hidden but he had a deep feeling that the closer he got to it he would feel a connection to it. After all it was the reason he was in this state currently. Perhaps not though, at least he knew it wasn't in his castle anymore.

 

[Ironic]

“What will it take to make you remember who you used to be?" Evora inquired, whipping around to give him a glance. She searched his face, yearning to learn of his past, knowing he wasn’t this shitty of a person. At least she hoped so. “If I have to do something to help you get this job done faster and get your important memories back, then I’ll do it. I just want this hell to be over with.” She groaned like a child not getting their favorite candy at the store, stepping inside of the home in a hissy fit.

“Also.” She thought of a crucial element. “You know you’re going to scare everyone away with your deathly appearance. No one walks around having jaded eyes and looking overly… magical, to say the least.” She gave him some tips, unknowing if he could even do anything with them or if he had to stay how he was, no magic being able to mirage him into someone else that was less frightening. She peered around the home, inspecting each brainless wraith cleaning away, probably even going over the same spot they just wiped moments ago.

When he got close enough, she couldn’t help but ask more questions. He did say she could after all. Hell, she’d annoy him to death with her curiosity and silly questions. She didn’t care. “Who or what exactly are these things?” Her fingertip pointed towards a nearby whispy-like being. “I almost hate to know the answer to that.”

 

[Pontiff]

The King thought silently to himself as he was asked what would it take to remember. An answer he was searching for himself. To remember everything from his past and not just tid bits here and there. To remember all of it. The good and the bad but only good memories lasted. Were they even his? His mind swam with memories that looked like nothing more than flashes inside his own mind only to disappear once more. Just outside of his grasp. The strings of fate were cruel. Soul filled green eyes looked down at the ground for mere moments before glancing back up to see Evora. "I'm not entirely sure. I don't even know if these memories are my own or those that died in the eruption." He spoke solemnly. His voice unwavering and generally uncaring for the lives that were lost for his own self gain.

The nameless King looked like from a different time. One where magic and power brimmed through the world and through the very people that inhabited it. Even if he didn't hold such a pale complexion and ominous presence with glowing green eyes. He would still seem out of place with his attire. He may be able to change his outward appearance with magic. Eyes inspecting his hand closely as he silently thought to himself before being pulled from it with another question.

"My wraiths." He commented without a great attention to detail of what exactly they were but knew that answer wouldn't be good enough for her. "The people that once served me and were caught in the destruction of my kingdom. Some turned into these. Wraiths. Fleeting memories turned corporal. They perform the last task they remember from the life they once had." They did not ascend to the pearly gates of Heaven if such a place existed nor did they descend to the pits of hell. They were trapped here on this mortal plane to him and his selfish desires. Even after thousands of years they belonged to him.

"Is this more appropriate for you?" He had thought about what he looked like, or what he believed he looked like when he was still alive and before her very eyes he started to change. Not drastically of course. His skin looked more alive and healthy. The green hole in his chest disappearing and filling out. Jaded green eyes turning softer and appearing more blue with flecks of emerald. His hair turning from the bone white color to a teal. He looked alive now. "Hmmm." It appeared that was the extent of changing he could do. Unable to appear like others for now at least. Perhaps with training he could change that. Powers still completely unknown to him.

"Let's get moving or is there more you need to ask before finally accepting this as your fate?"

 

[Ironic]

This entire ordeal was very perplexing to Evora, not sure on how to grasp everything he was telling or how to properly understand what he did back then that caused him and others to be like this in this current timeframe. What drove him to commit this selfish outcome? There had to be more to it than power, but by how he was representing himself she wouldn’t be surprised if that were the sole reason. Was he still just as cold and dispassionate in his past life, or was he gentle and caring but changed from a certain event? He didn’t seem daunted by his present state besides wanting to venture out after being locked away for a good chunk of time.

Evora felt remorseful for the wraiths; imprisoned in this cold callous world, moving around aimlessly to find their purpose in life or why they were even here to begin with. Did they still hold memories too, or were they calibrated and oblivious that they used to be a living, breathing human? If he found a way to reverse this curse, would they be freed too? Evora was diving too deeply into a situation that she shouldn’t be concerned about, but her passionate side took over and made her want to aid him, but she wouldn’t stain her hands with blood.

Raising a curious brow, she’d gaze over at him as his features shifted and changed. His skin gradually crawled with a separate pigment, looking sprightly and alive. Those eyes were no longer the color of toxicity, shimmering like sequins scattered against the blue sea. His snowy tresses now flourishing with teal hues. He looked like a different person, everything that seemed off-putting shifting into something more… normal. “Yes, that will not frighten anyone if we venture off into town.” She gave him her approval.

“I can still ask questions along the way, right?” She stated, knowing her curious mind would spike new inquires once something struck her enough to find the answer. He stated everything truthfully, not even a sliver of dishonesty coating his tongue when he spoke. He mimicked a child who hadn’t found the gift of lying. “Whelp, you’re in charge of this. I am just along for the ride. I don’t know what you want me to do or how you want to prepare.” She sighed out, knowing that town was going to take them a good chunk of time, but it wouldn’t be miserable. Well, it would be with him by her, but alone? Nope. “I have some coin, but I am not too sure how long it’ll last if we need to stay somewhere to rest before walking again. Also, we need food, water… wait.” This made her wonder… “Do you even eat? Sleep? Need refreshing liquid?”