ascendancy// Valefor

[valefor]

His tenured reign remained as his new title served the owner. The island-like country provided a tropical and calming surrounding. The island arc was one of the King's old favorites, for the composition and dangers that lied on the volcanic arc caressed his inner workings. The beast lied on dark serpentinised ultramafic ground, its texture and compositions who owe their origins to long after he himself had appeared. The parasites had occupied the bulks of land, pushing he and his own devotees to the outskirts, the islands that were combed by the tropical winds and bathed by all sides of the sea. The throne that he once bathed his Light on was now charred with the fire from Greed. Embers from his previous home still littered the ground, consuming all life that tried to restore itself once again. There was much to rehabilitate, but there was all of Eternity to do such things.
Here the King laid in his own cavern, in the belly of the volcano that still leaked fumes and rumbled with mafic magma. To re-erect his fallen kingdom, the fallen had to rebuild themselves. Appendages locked in front of the chest cavity, hooves finding positions on solid ground before the frontal frame of the equine was upright, hind quarters aloft in the air as back legs found themselves under the carcass of the brute. Nostrils flared, senses could no longer detect the sulfur in the air that seemed to cover up most of the musk from the living Fallen. Neck muscles tightened, holding his crown at a position only a King could raise. Moving to the berm of the cavern, the light not blinding to him as he stepped from the darkness. The current that drove the breath of nature sighed upon his figure, pellicle brushed in response. Orbs sharp on the horizon, muscles toned under the bruised build. No falter will come to him. No darkness shall reign forever. He shall lead. He shall carry. So rise the wake, be no longer be afraid to bleed and fight. Gather the souls to end the stupidity that fucks the world. Let's drive to madness. The King has arrived.

[caelum]

Decades after the onslaught of my entire allegiance, I had made the decision to leave the desolate wasteland that I once resided in. One that proved necessary, but that did not make it any easier. I was simply left with very little options and the only beings that seemed to inhabit the place now were the hellions that emerged from Hell itself. The realm was so barren and parched, as if all of the moisture had fled along with the rest of the world I once knew. Revulsion coursed through my veins at the very thought, flints faltering as I side stepped, just barely avoiding a large piece of timber that was strewn across the sod as if it belonged there. My pace regained its stride with little effort, as I strode gradually across the bed of emerald beneath me. Summits embraced the earth with open arms, while massive looming volcanoes took haven lodged in between them. Most were currently dormant, but there were the few that still remained active, and if you were around when they erupted, you were a lost cause. Death would consume you just as quickly as the magma would incinerate your flesh. How fitting that something so hellish stood erect in place that was near the opposite spectrum. This island was the closest thing to heaven that you could reach, and it's divine aesthetic produced such tranquil scene, the surreal aspect providing solace to all who sought after it.

As I continued my trek along the coastline, gaze wavered to the cavern secluded in the midway point of the brush and foliage that engulfed much of the land. Growing closer, I began to make out a silhouette that was caressed by the sun's rays, accentuating the curvature of the structure beneath it. The regal positioning screamed sovereign, and I was almost certain that he came from such a background. Either that or he was mocking a rather evident display, but either way, it was another individual and I hadn't seen one since the holocaust that took place. I was almost shocked that one was standing before me. Limbs propelled my sinewy anatomy forth, proceeding to further my inquiry to myself. I paused, tophat rising slightly as I addressed the soul, chords impeccably smooth. "Are you simply a mirage? Minds often take comfort in deceiving more often than not." A chuckle escaped sealed labrums, resonating within as sea green grazed over the equine before me, before returning to the chasms intently staring ahead. Come to rebuild the allegiance or have you been seeking safety like a pathetic coward in the shelter this island provides? Let's find out, shall we?

[valefor]

The train of his coat flashed at his side, the beast reminded everyday that he were hounded by those whom he felt no trepidation towards. No tender fret shall stain his authority, and no cowardice shall tremble in those who sought vengeance by his side. Barrel relaxed as a deep breath left him. The clamor of the last initial battle had left others abandoned alone, the beast no longer knowing if those had lived and are seeking him out, or have met an end. Some have found him here, however, and they continue to group on this island. Nevertheless, the King would have to tour where others may be hiding and revive the Fallen. A feat that would be. Formation of mental attention and matter chained him to this island. His battle strategy growing by day, poisoning him. To vindicate those who he had driven and prompted. He had himself to blame, this thought tortured him. His withers tense as muscles constructed knots, and nights no longer contained hefty sleep. Nightmares performed every night, the burnt skulls of his best warriors and beloved friends haunt him. The decision to pull was from the Heavens. Valefor only desired what his own King had. A throne in the Heavens, the seat and voice that had the authority to play them as pawns in this war. Once a daily communication between him and Heaven itself has come brief. Precise answers were no longer in play. Some moments the King himself has felt ditched and his religion diminishing. His doubt will be the end of all ties to his King, and this is how he keeps his belief. Off of fear of losing the one source that will be their power.
However, the King shows no such broken faith, or bent will. The Fallen will have no such King to guide them, with poor values holding onto him.
With such thoughts corrupting him, a figure broke the horizon, the scent trailed the winds that breathed in from the salty shoreline. Her appearance held no unsightly feature, and held a very appealing energy. Obviously a Fallen. The beast stood tall, and crown tipped as she grew closer, a welcoming gesture to the newcomer. Her mask wore a confused face, as if she didn't trust herself that she was greeting one of her own. He did not blame her. There were only so few, scattered so far in such obscure lands. Crown raised as she spoke, her lyrics confirming of what he had judged. A small chuckle escaped from her own throat, perhaps something amusing entertained her. A slight smirk heaved and fell from his features. [ A mirage? No, I am not from your imagination. But, comfort I hope you still find in my presence. ] He spoke, his chords were composed of charm and yet laced with authority. Gaze glanced off, looking towards where she came from, curious to how she had just found herself with her King. Vision focused on the mare in front of him, one of the few that remained. [ I'm glad you could join me. But, I must know, what brought you here to this island? ] His lyrics were to hope that her thought process to come to this island would be mimicked among those who were still left and have not gathered. That would be a sign and miracle from the Heavens, or his own mirage.

[caelum]

It was evident something else was currently occupying his mind, even when my vocals broke through the atmosphere. Probably something rather heinous, as his features seemed to contort into a pained expression. That's all anyone seemed to do these days. Relive the moments from decades ago, as if they had occurred much more recently.  As if they could be taken back. The mind was a peculiar thing, and oh how it loved to fuck with your emotions like they were pawns in a chess game.  His response almost took me aback, almost. As if his presence was enough to provide the solace that I once coveted. As if his being there would mend everything that was mangled and had been charred by the fiends' reign. Ha, what a joke. King or not, it seemed as though this sovereign lacked modesty, to put it lightly. Perhaps he was just trying to be friendly, or maybe that was just his nature, but if he thought his regal status meant anything more to me than just another number in our alliance, he would find himself inexplicably wrong.

Limbs tensed slightly before relaxing once more. This encounter was already proving to be rather dull, but as he was the only equine I had seen in years, it didn't seem like I had much of a choice but to converse. A snort escaped my nostrils at his inquiry, but I managed to keep myself composed. My twisted sarcasm was reveling in itself. A chuckle was withheld, as I gave my retort. "What brings me here? Well, our realm has transformed into a desolate wasteland ever since the massive holocaust consumed it. Or perhaps I came to seek out those who still stand for our alliance, if there even is any left." I shifted slightly, transferring my weight back onto my front limbs. The reply wasn't meant to be laced with anything other than a touch of light humor, although not knowing how he reacted to such, I wasn't entirely sure how he would reply. Many kings had this god complex that I couldn't stand. Probably why I never took to respecting any. Most were wannabe heroines, hell bent on making sure everything went accordingly. But, the fact that they also tended to present themselves as superior beings was humorous. Respect wasn't given by just a title that was held and if it was you surely were a fool. Chasms dilated as my gaze swept over the mass that upheld him. He was capable enough to spar, that much was clear. But, did he have anything other than his strength to bring to the table or was that where it ended? These days it was rare to possess intellect. Quite sad actually. Knowledge was always power, and getting by with just bearing a formidable component was not even close to enough. My faith was already diminished in our race, what with all the cowards who fled before the unleashing of the demons and even during the crusade. I hoped to God he was not one of them. 

[valefor]

Vision kept on the other, and the King held no amusement towards the snort as a response from his request. The posture that shifted in the other's breast almost indicated that the informal companion held in a chuckle. Brows narrowed, even if he wasn't the King he would have demanded at least some sort of established respect. Unimpressed, and a little disappointed. Here, he thought he would hold a thought-provoking conversation, a dialog with perhaps a charming other. And yet, how quickly his previous expectations were vanquished. And the informal associate seemed to be bored with the conversation as well. Valefor made note of this. His thirst for an army to take back what was theirs grew. The beast's imagination could only tell him what happened of his homeland. He has not returned in so long, and his heart aches because of it. Did no other feel the ache? The want and need to take back what was theirs? He who stood before him did not seem up for it. The lyrics of the other had held the equine at attention. [ Yes. I'm quite aware of what has happened to our homelands. ] He spoke, lyrics contained only a small lick of harshness, a bitterness that came with the hurt of what the lands had burned into. Hmm, and he spoke of finding the alliance? And questioning if it still existed. [ It is in the making. ] Valefor declared, noting the humor the other tried to convey. Sure, this answer will not satisfy the other, nor alleviate any concern the other had of the situation. The King were only trying his best with what few resources he has come across. [ I am planning on disembarking and hopefully find more, like you, who are searching for the alliance. We cannot take back what is ours without gathering an army. ] He briefed, his thoughts since the day he were overthrown had not paused when it came to a strategy and battle plans to take back his land, for the sake of any and all living. Well, whatever was still alive. Valefor could not but hoped that the other had not lost his faith in him, or the Fallen. He needed supporters and fighters, alliances and warriors. Valefor would welcome that who stood before him, whether he would join the cause or not. If he did not call himself a Fallen or identify himself as such, he would still be welcomed. The Dark and Thestrals would not give two fucks if you say you abandoned my side or not, you were once a Light, and so always their enemy. And this is how Valefor planned on retaining his reign. No mercy. Just death to those who brought death to his people, his world.

[caelum]

Tension seemed to swell from within, and by the impassive features that graced his visage, it was quite clear that the light comment had been brushed aside. I admit, perhaps it wasn't my usual demeanor, hell it wasn't. But, I hadn't held a conversation with another soul in decades, much less had sight of one. Although it was no excuse for my lack of general esteem, which was almost as appalling as it was strange. I wasn't the type to come off as an arrogant bastard, and yet I could tell that this is exactly where his idea of my nature was leading towards. The displeasure hung off him subtly, but it almost felt tangible to me. I was no adolescent, and I was not a discourteous individual. Tophat shifted slightly, and I resisted the urge to readjust my stance. His vocals were coarse, audibly displaying the effects that the massacre had left upon him. He was marred by the atrocities, and no doubt the fact that he was the one everyone looked to for guidance. But, when hellish creatures unbeknownst to anyone ravaged the realm, there wasn't much anyone could do. It was not something that could have been foretold, and it sure as hell wasn't something that could have been stopped with what our regime lacked. The tenacity and will-power to stand against them just wasn't there. 

The disclosure of the fact that he was currently and actively seeking out those of our alliance felt as if just for that moment the sun had embraced my entire being. But, it didn't last. Although he was delving into a world and had inquiries as to whether they would join our ranks, there were still many variables left in play. As for the fact that he wasn't milling away and soaking in the tranquility this island provided, that was relieving. I paused, allowing his words to settle before breaching the silence once more with my own. "Forgive me. I did not mean to come off as arrogant. My lack of communication has taken a toll upon my manners. Although, I know that's no excuse." I observed his features as he did the same. This was no time for petty indifference and faults. We had a crusade to begin, and the lack of a regiment was our first priority by all means. "I do not know you and you do not know me- yet. But I can assure you, I will do everything in my power to align this alliance once more." My vocals trailed off into to morning air, smooth and formal. A trademark of mine. "You and I? We can resurrect this ghastly regime and restore it to it's former glory. We are but pawns in this game, and if we do not act with vigor and strategy, we will be buried by it. But this time, no one will be there to pick up the fallen ashes." If he was unsure of where my allegiance lay before, now he had no doubt as to who and what I stood for. Our reign of serenity would come once again, but it seemed a paradox that the only way of obtaining it was to shed crimson upon the already stained lands. Peace would just not do, not now. Not anymore. 

"So, what do you say? Lets regain what was, and still is rightfully ours. By any and all means necessary."