[OPEN TO KENOMA] EXECUTION OF THE INNOCENT
WHO: The Regent and Interested Kenoma
WHAT: As promised, the Regent is carrying out the Innocence Entity's invite-only execution.
WHERE: The Regent's Throne Room.
WHEN: Firaseri 22nd, after dissipated Kenoma have emerged.
WARNINGS: Disturbing imagery, gore, limb loss, general unpleasantness.
It's the evening of the 22nd when the call goes out: it is time for the execution. This is purely an event for the willing and or eager, and besides being informed of it, no Kenoma will be pressured into attending. Those that are interested, however, will be led to the Regent's throne room for what promises to be a very special occasion.
Upon entry, the set up of the throne room will seem quite familiar to those that have been there before. A cavernous room filled with nothing but the throne itself, its emptiness seems an intentional call to the void. Several stairs lead to the dais where the throne sits, currently occupied by a the Regent. As usual, any details about the Regent are obscured behind flowing robes and a faceted mask. Presently, they are swirling around a glass of what is presumably wine, but drinking absolutely none of it. Any Kenoma that seem interested will be offered a drink by one of the Citadel servants on duty.
It's not just the Regent present, however. Off to the right side of the room, an arrangement of familiar void-dark spears have been fused into the wall and floor, with their prisoner still held at their center, pierced from all sides. Estinien Wyrmblood appears as little more than a shadow of his former self at this stage, every ounce of color stripped from him, in sharp contrast to the black ichor that bubbles and drips from a cruel assortment of wounds. One eye is swollen with infection, oozing void, while the other is completely blank with whiteness. Each limb has been shorn down to a stub, as if burned by a dark fire from the outside in; all except a set of ragged, broken wings strung up being him. His torso, pierced as it is, seems to be barely holding onto form.
If he reacts to the arrival of 'guests', it isn't apparent. Instead, he seems practically comatose, all except for that open eye and the shallow movements of his breath. His shard is exposed, resting beneath his collar bones, an eye-like shape that has become similarly colorless. The usual sheen of color that all shards hold has faded away, now showing nothing but the gray of the stone beneath it. Those with True Sight will see that he has fallen to the first tier of Pleroma, and even that he is only tenuously hanging on to.
At their throne, the Regent lifts their glass.
"Welcome, kindred."
WHAT: As promised, the Regent is carrying out the Innocence Entity's invite-only execution.
WHERE: The Regent's Throne Room.
WHEN: Firaseri 22nd, after dissipated Kenoma have emerged.
WARNINGS: Disturbing imagery, gore, limb loss, general unpleasantness.
It's the evening of the 22nd when the call goes out: it is time for the execution. This is purely an event for the willing and or eager, and besides being informed of it, no Kenoma will be pressured into attending. Those that are interested, however, will be led to the Regent's throne room for what promises to be a very special occasion.
Upon entry, the set up of the throne room will seem quite familiar to those that have been there before. A cavernous room filled with nothing but the throne itself, its emptiness seems an intentional call to the void. Several stairs lead to the dais where the throne sits, currently occupied by a the Regent. As usual, any details about the Regent are obscured behind flowing robes and a faceted mask. Presently, they are swirling around a glass of what is presumably wine, but drinking absolutely none of it. Any Kenoma that seem interested will be offered a drink by one of the Citadel servants on duty.
It's not just the Regent present, however. Off to the right side of the room, an arrangement of familiar void-dark spears have been fused into the wall and floor, with their prisoner still held at their center, pierced from all sides. Estinien Wyrmblood appears as little more than a shadow of his former self at this stage, every ounce of color stripped from him, in sharp contrast to the black ichor that bubbles and drips from a cruel assortment of wounds. One eye is swollen with infection, oozing void, while the other is completely blank with whiteness. Each limb has been shorn down to a stub, as if burned by a dark fire from the outside in; all except a set of ragged, broken wings strung up being him. His torso, pierced as it is, seems to be barely holding onto form.
If he reacts to the arrival of 'guests', it isn't apparent. Instead, he seems practically comatose, all except for that open eye and the shallow movements of his breath. His shard is exposed, resting beneath his collar bones, an eye-like shape that has become similarly colorless. The usual sheen of color that all shards hold has faded away, now showing nothing but the gray of the stone beneath it. Those with True Sight will see that he has fallen to the first tier of Pleroma, and even that he is only tenuously hanging on to.
At their throne, the Regent lifts their glass.
"Welcome, kindred."
no subject
You may ask, Sebastian. What of them?
no subject
[ The question comes first, then the elaboration, both of which are delivered with a cool ease. If he's bothered by others potentially hearing this, it doesn't show, despite the fact that this is something about himself that he hasn't even hinted to thus far. ]
An Achamite willingly gave theirs to me. But when I attempted to grasp it, so to speak, I was unable. It simply dissipated as quickly as I drew it forth.
[ And in fact, he's distinctly glad for the moment that Howl isn't here. Though his composure remains, he's sure that the man he shared a legacy with would have felt the vicious stab of frustration and hunger that bubbles up at relaying that story, even at its briefest. ]
It may be somewhat presumptuous of me, but I am assuming that you already know why this is something I am particularly concerned with. If not, I shall elaborate if you wish it.
no subject
[After that, they mull their answer over. How to put it?]
There are forces in Horos that have far stronger claim to those souls than you. Upon death, any lingering spiritual energies are whisked away by them, to be placed where they are needed.
[Another beat.]
...Luckily for you, I am one of those forces. You will not starve without the souls you crave, but all the same... I could afford to give you something as a gift, every so often.
no subject
Then that grace is all I can ask.
[ Sebastian brings a hand to his chest in a gesture of servile sincerity, and his words are equal sincere to match it. ]
It is semantics, perhaps, but it is something I would like to earn rather than to be gifted. A soul is the reward I have received from all of my masters for my excellent service, after all. Even a devil has a principle or two.
[ His tone tilts towards a joke at the end, naturally, since no matter the circumstance, he can never resist that brand of playfulness. It's only for that bit, since it shifts back to a cool seriousness. ]
So I am your tool to be used as you wish. Whatever you need or desire, I shall deliver it and earn my keep.
no subject
Well, who am I to deny an offer like that? Use you I will. I must say I'm impressed so far...
[He's gotten right to work with little hesitation, and based on what he's said here, his loyalty can be expected. Not being satisfied with a free pass? Even better.]
no subject
[ It's said simply and humbly, but inwardly, he's a bit more than pleased. Despite what he is, he's also simple and just likes to be praised, when it comes down to it... ]
There are other matters of business I would like to present to you soon as well. The mission itself is at least clear, so I have attempted to use my time thus far efficiently. However... [ He trails off smoothly as he glances to Estinien ] To talk business on such a day would ruin the mood.
[ He looks back to the Regent, and with a nod of his head, draws himself up to stand. ]
Thank you very much for your time, in any case. I very much appreciate it.