The Viper Pit arena stood in the desert depths, buried by time with features scrubbed away by the sands that attempted to overwhelm it. The pit had always looked tattered, with broken walls, hitchposts, glass and debris, chains and other obstacles intended for an appropriately brutal environmental spin. The desolate place was where Rudianos bided the better part of his time. It was said Ender would come to him. He could wait. If his union afforded him one thing, it had been patience. Still, that had been taught to him even before their depraved dance. In such he had even mastered the bow that now ornamented his back.
And the rest is on you~ when does he visit, what does he inquire, what time of day is it?";
And the rest is on you~ when does he visit, what does he inquire, what time of day is it?";
Night had set upon the Viper Pit Arena; the moon high in the sky. This was a time when Ender flourished; in the darkness.
The dark shimmered and Ender untwined himself from the night. Threads seemed to undo themselves from the very air, and with each disappearing thread more of Ender was revealed. Finally he came to full fruition.
He was clad in some attire he hadn’t worn in quite some time. His shoulders were adorned in a tarnished guards, the left bearing three spikes. Each fist was covered in gauntlets of the same color. At each hip there was a segmented piece of armor, each four plates of steel. Underneath was a simple outfit of baggy black material. Upon his left hip was sheathed a long straight bladed sword with a plain cross guard, across his back was a bloodsteel gladius; and finally sheathed upon his back was his most prized blade. A western styled curved blade with a solid oval of steel serving as the guard. The hilt was wrapped in a shabby grey fabric. It was sheathed, but beneath the blade was obsidian in hue, forged from the abyss itself.
”Rudianos.
They had met briefly, such a long time ago in a bar when Seven had just been separated from Zenthos.
”I am here to join your band of merry men, as it were. Seven spoke to me only briefly about it, said some help could be used. Where do I put in my application.”
Such a kidder, that Ender.
The dark shimmered and Ender untwined himself from the night. Threads seemed to undo themselves from the very air, and with each disappearing thread more of Ender was revealed. Finally he came to full fruition.
He was clad in some attire he hadn’t worn in quite some time. His shoulders were adorned in a tarnished guards, the left bearing three spikes. Each fist was covered in gauntlets of the same color. At each hip there was a segmented piece of armor, each four plates of steel. Underneath was a simple outfit of baggy black material. Upon his left hip was sheathed a long straight bladed sword with a plain cross guard, across his back was a bloodsteel gladius; and finally sheathed upon his back was his most prized blade. A western styled curved blade with a solid oval of steel serving as the guard. The hilt was wrapped in a shabby grey fabric. It was sheathed, but beneath the blade was obsidian in hue, forged from the abyss itself.
”Rudianos.
They had met briefly, such a long time ago in a bar when Seven had just been separated from Zenthos.
”I am here to join your band of merry men, as it were. Seven spoke to me only briefly about it, said some help could be used. Where do I put in my application.”
Such a kidder, that Ender.
The darkness brought with it transition. The deceptively human face behind the hellish helm had given their way to darkness. A silhouette -- a shadow of a man -- had only a single frozen eye in the darkness, settled off to the left and gliding askew to ender as he introduced himself to the Pit.
The serraded warrior had been blunting his spiked knuckles against what was once a stone pillar, but then more a pile of rubble. They would sharpen all on their own with time, but it was a meager release of his frustrations. The knightly appearance of the other was a pleasant surprise, if anything about Rudianos could ever be called pleasant.
"We are far from merry." He countered blankly, belatedly turning to face Ender. His steps rarely cleared the ground and remained circular, as if already in the midst of a clash of steel. He seemed at the edge of it, hand to his blade. Relaxation? What's that? He didn't even comprehend the idea, and his feral stance failed to fade. "I've heard. You are... Ender." It was half question, half acknowledgment. He slid forward, leaning in to inspect Ender closely. Perhaps too much so, depending on his particular personal bubble. "We are not some common band of mercenaries. Help goes well beyond some short term contract. All bindings are... final." He leaned back, only enough to spare the other room while looking him up and down. "Before accepting any signees, one must ask... are you aware of what or who I am?" The question was compound, tiered, and testing. There were many answers, and few were actually wrong. "I will not sign in a man who seeks a cure for boredom, or a boost in dignity and power. First I must know your... intent."
The serraded warrior had been blunting his spiked knuckles against what was once a stone pillar, but then more a pile of rubble. They would sharpen all on their own with time, but it was a meager release of his frustrations. The knightly appearance of the other was a pleasant surprise, if anything about Rudianos could ever be called pleasant.
"We are far from merry." He countered blankly, belatedly turning to face Ender. His steps rarely cleared the ground and remained circular, as if already in the midst of a clash of steel. He seemed at the edge of it, hand to his blade. Relaxation? What's that? He didn't even comprehend the idea, and his feral stance failed to fade. "I've heard. You are... Ender." It was half question, half acknowledgment. He slid forward, leaning in to inspect Ender closely. Perhaps too much so, depending on his particular personal bubble. "We are not some common band of mercenaries. Help goes well beyond some short term contract. All bindings are... final." He leaned back, only enough to spare the other room while looking him up and down. "Before accepting any signees, one must ask... are you aware of what or who I am?" The question was compound, tiered, and testing. There were many answers, and few were actually wrong. "I will not sign in a man who seeks a cure for boredom, or a boost in dignity and power. First I must know your... intent."
As Rudianos leaned forth to inspect Ender he remained still; simply breathly quite sparingly. Then he leaned away. To this point Ender remained silent, until Rudianos had finished speaking. Now it was time for him to explain.
Aye, I am Ender.
Just to reaffirm and Ender turned and paced away, then turned and paced back.
It was explained to me that this was no short term contract; I’ve got nothing but time in my life. As far as my intent…
He paused, turning his crimson gaze upon Rudianos, where he assumed were eyes beneath that mask.
I fear you do not have Seven’s best interest in mind. He’s strong, but yet he is still a child to the like of you and I. So naturally, I have come to keep an eye on him. And perhaps you and I could learn a thing or two from one another. Seven speaks highly of you, I am quite anxious to see if the ‘General’ can live up to the stories.
Ender shook his head, running a hand through his ivory hair and with a sigh, he relaxed. Yes, the condition was as natural to him as it was unnatural to Rudianos.
As far who or what you are…I’ve not quite figured it out yet. I’ve heard rumors. Hate. Fear. The antithesis of all that is good in the world. Myself? I think you are but a man, living up to the name that, over such a long time, you have come to make for yourself. But I’ve been wrong before and you could be just as horrible as the rumors make you out to be. Though, regardless of the outcome, bound into your brotherhood or not, I’ll be right by Seven making sure that moron doesn’t get himself killed.
Ender shrugged and rested his left hand upon the hilt of the blade at his hip.
Aye, I am Ender.
Just to reaffirm and Ender turned and paced away, then turned and paced back.
It was explained to me that this was no short term contract; I’ve got nothing but time in my life. As far as my intent…
He paused, turning his crimson gaze upon Rudianos, where he assumed were eyes beneath that mask.
I fear you do not have Seven’s best interest in mind. He’s strong, but yet he is still a child to the like of you and I. So naturally, I have come to keep an eye on him. And perhaps you and I could learn a thing or two from one another. Seven speaks highly of you, I am quite anxious to see if the ‘General’ can live up to the stories.
Ender shook his head, running a hand through his ivory hair and with a sigh, he relaxed. Yes, the condition was as natural to him as it was unnatural to Rudianos.
As far who or what you are…I’ve not quite figured it out yet. I’ve heard rumors. Hate. Fear. The antithesis of all that is good in the world. Myself? I think you are but a man, living up to the name that, over such a long time, you have come to make for yourself. But I’ve been wrong before and you could be just as horrible as the rumors make you out to be. Though, regardless of the outcome, bound into your brotherhood or not, I’ll be right by Seven making sure that moron doesn’t get himself killed.
Ender shrugged and rested his left hand upon the hilt of the blade at his hip.
"Best... interests?" His head tilted, and the bladed rows of hair feeding at thin air like scrying mandibles. They failed to grasp anything of the topic anything better than he had. "And what, praytell... are best interests for anyone?" He had a very different view of the world. "Tch." His gaze deflected at the very thought.
"...A man." It drew a detached sort of laughter; the humor in it was course at best, and far from any true definitive entertainment. "You are... almost funny." The eyes betrayed the response to such humor, honing in like razors. If he were at any point a man, the idea of it was lost between inky silhouette and iced, dead gaze slit by serpent's pupil.
"So tell me, before signing yourself away to what you can not... identify. What would you do, I wonder, if you found yourself displeased with his treatment or objective here? What would you intend to do if you found I did not keep his best interest in mind?"
"...A man." It drew a detached sort of laughter; the humor in it was course at best, and far from any true definitive entertainment. "You are... almost funny." The eyes betrayed the response to such humor, honing in like razors. If he were at any point a man, the idea of it was lost between inky silhouette and iced, dead gaze slit by serpent's pupil.
"So tell me, before signing yourself away to what you can not... identify. What would you do, I wonder, if you found yourself displeased with his treatment or objective here? What would you intend to do if you found I did not keep his best interest in mind?"
Anything that would lead him into a gruesome death…something I’d consider not in his best interests. Tampering with the likes of our brother, Leviathan, would be in the mix. However, he seems determined to rid this world of him…so I’ve not much say in that.
Ender said without hesitation. Though, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as Rudi laughed. Now he doubted very much at all there was any shred of a man left. That laughter was so…empty.
But what would he do if Seven’s best interests were not in scope.
Of course, I would have to advise him as to the most efficient way to manage the situation. From there I would do what I always do.
Surely, one did not think Seven managed to live so long through his own will and strength. Not hardly. Ender was always there, at a distance but a moment away, manipulating the situations Seven got himself into, giving him a slight edge through means of arcane magics that, suffice it to say, harmed Ender the more he used them.
I’ll just manipulate the situation and provide some hidden assistance. And kill anyone who tries to hamper my work.
Ender again let his gaze rest upon Rudianos, something slightly feral in his own gaze.
Ender said without hesitation. Though, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as Rudi laughed. Now he doubted very much at all there was any shred of a man left. That laughter was so…empty.
But what would he do if Seven’s best interests were not in scope.
Of course, I would have to advise him as to the most efficient way to manage the situation. From there I would do what I always do.
Surely, one did not think Seven managed to live so long through his own will and strength. Not hardly. Ender was always there, at a distance but a moment away, manipulating the situations Seven got himself into, giving him a slight edge through means of arcane magics that, suffice it to say, harmed Ender the more he used them.
I’ll just manipulate the situation and provide some hidden assistance. And kill anyone who tries to hamper my work.
Ender again let his gaze rest upon Rudianos, something slightly feral in his own gaze.
"I am afraid that tampering with us... would not be in anyone's... best interest." His words began to stagger oddly--an odd hitch in his patterning since his return. "Men are weak. Fickle. Prone to their impulse. The contract ascertains any such action against us. I would not advise joining us if you seek the potential of interference. I would rather a warrior choose to battle against me for his supposed honors than to be turned inside out by his own... impulse. The brothers act as a whole. In signing oneself over one must be prepared for... retirement. If Seven did not understand this... I failed to express myself. Similarly, however, one retired can also be reborn. If his simple mortality is your fear, erase it. He is immortal, as long as he cooperates."
Still, his head had tilted at an unnatural angle. "This world is best erased. Eternity is for no one, even the pledged. If you are keen on aiding the whole of the endeavor, rather than the individual... there is much to be afforded. If not, leave my sight or bleed here." He certainly was cut and dry.
Still, his head had tilted at an unnatural angle. "This world is best erased. Eternity is for no one, even the pledged. If you are keen on aiding the whole of the endeavor, rather than the individual... there is much to be afforded. If not, leave my sight or bleed here." He certainly was cut and dry.
....
Not sure why I italicized all that after best interest
Not sure why I italicized all that after best interest
Habit from playing Zento lately, I suppose.
Ender offered a simple nod.
Apparently he’d not understood the…absence of mortality, as it were.
Rudianos was blunt, to the point and a character Ender could respect. He’d have fit in well in Menzoberranzan.
So long as he does not have to worry much about getting himself killed, I’d still like to offer up my service.
Nothing else was said, Ender simply stared forth unto Rudianos.
((I’d have posted more….but my brain is dead. It are ded.))
Apparently he’d not understood the…absence of mortality, as it were.
Rudianos was blunt, to the point and a character Ender could respect. He’d have fit in well in Menzoberranzan.
So long as he does not have to worry much about getting himself killed, I’d still like to offer up my service.
Nothing else was said, Ender simply stared forth unto Rudianos.
((I’d have posted more….but my brain is dead. It are ded.))
"...There are limits, of course, but not to be disclosed to those outside of the brothers." his eyes lulled, though not to say they softened. At best, the lenses shifted like a camera changing focus. Of course he had little intent of ever spilling the limits of brotherhood capability and the weaknesses therewith to one not sworn in.
Regardless, he took one rare moment of supposed weakness, releasing his blade and exchanging it for a scroll he pulled open and inspected. "Tell me first," he did not bare it yet for Ender's eyes. "What do you love about this world?"
Regardless, he took one rare moment of supposed weakness, releasing his blade and exchanging it for a scroll he pulled open and inspected. "Tell me first," he did not bare it yet for Ender's eyes. "What do you love about this world?"
Limits? All he’d ever known were limits. It was nothing knew to him. However, as the question came Ender sighed.
Not a damn thing.
It was true. This particular world offered a wide array of things he moderately enjoy. All the machines and gadgets. But he didn’t love those things. They simply kept food on his table.
Not a damn thing.
It was true. This particular world offered a wide array of things he moderately enjoy. All the machines and gadgets. But he didn’t love those things. They simply kept food on his table.
Pondered on that. "Then be prepared not to hesitate in rending it. Cut your hand, or offer your essence in whatever way you find simplest." It was instructed, before turning the page over. "Read. Then sign."
To simplify: all the stuff that's on the page is right here under IC Rules
In the very least an immediate signature to the primary contract is needed, and others can be tacked on immediately or later on. It did, however, bear simple hint: In signing this contract, your brothers hold your soul. Perhaps method of restoration? Did it literally stay in some sort of phylactery? Or was it some other method? That much wasn't betrayed in contract. Of course, therein lies the riddle as to why there was so much trouble returning the Ambassador of Hatred, that is to say Erodious, but such questions could wait until due revelation.
Numerous emblems and names littered the page, some in clean yet foreign script and one as simple as a miasmatic bloody smear in its place. Each held their own distinct radiation, and each bore behind it the auric glow of a cuneiform emblem that punctured the mind with a specific negative principle, but something fairly uniform resonated between them, almost defining the page which... in a way was barely dividable from the essence of the figure who's brazen and sharp digits held it out. The emblems on his chest... many matched the ones transcribed. There was not one on the page that was absent from him. Contrary to that, however, was at least another once-over as many not idealized on the page, screaming their own painful thoughts and actions; those things not attached to any brother but those who had signed in too deep. Their sigils were the ones replicated time and again on increasingly lower tiers of agreement, some buried into the end curls of the scroll.
"Think carefully about what you read and decide in full what you agree to."
"...But I again assure you of one thing: I am not, nor was I ever a man." Perhaps not initially all he had become, but never mortal or prone to attachment to that which was called reality.
To simplify: all the stuff that's on the page is right here under IC Rules
In the very least an immediate signature to the primary contract is needed, and others can be tacked on immediately or later on. It did, however, bear simple hint: In signing this contract, your brothers hold your soul. Perhaps method of restoration? Did it literally stay in some sort of phylactery? Or was it some other method? That much wasn't betrayed in contract. Of course, therein lies the riddle as to why there was so much trouble returning the Ambassador of Hatred, that is to say Erodious, but such questions could wait until due revelation.
Numerous emblems and names littered the page, some in clean yet foreign script and one as simple as a miasmatic bloody smear in its place. Each held their own distinct radiation, and each bore behind it the auric glow of a cuneiform emblem that punctured the mind with a specific negative principle, but something fairly uniform resonated between them, almost defining the page which... in a way was barely dividable from the essence of the figure who's brazen and sharp digits held it out. The emblems on his chest... many matched the ones transcribed. There was not one on the page that was absent from him. Contrary to that, however, was at least another once-over as many not idealized on the page, screaming their own painful thoughts and actions; those things not attached to any brother but those who had signed in too deep. Their sigils were the ones replicated time and again on increasingly lower tiers of agreement, some buried into the end curls of the scroll.
"Think carefully about what you read and decide in full what you agree to."
"...But I again assure you of one thing: I am not, nor was I ever a man." Perhaps not initially all he had become, but never mortal or prone to attachment to that which was called reality.
An errant spark lit up the night, materializing from nothingness within the confines of the Viper Pit. A pillar of flame shot up from that point, giving off an intense amount of heat and a sound like the flapping of a flag in the wind. The silhouette of a man appeared within that pillar, and it soon faded away. Flames still wreathed the Red Warrior's form, clinging to his gauntlets and the hellish mouth emblazoned upon lower part of his helm. That helm panned downwards, shifting a crimson hued gaze unto the flames surrounding his knuckles and extending up his gauntlets. He'd look around, spotting Rudianos and Ender from a short distance away. He strode in their direction, each step short and meticulously placed until he stood not five feet behind where they stood.
"Hile, brother."
His arms raised, crossing over the taut musculature of his chest. The flames of his Desire seared all that he touched, as his crimson gaze locked upon Rudianos and Ender, falling silent as he recognized the current circumstances and realizing it was not his place to speak at this particular time, and that he had in fact intruded upon the same ritual he himself had undergone not a week prior.
"Hile, brother."
His arms raised, crossing over the taut musculature of his chest. The flames of his Desire seared all that he touched, as his crimson gaze locked upon Rudianos and Ender, falling silent as he recognized the current circumstances and realizing it was not his place to speak at this particular time, and that he had in fact intruded upon the same ritual he himself had undergone not a week prior.
Ender allowed his crimson gaze to gaze upon the contract, being sure to read all lines of the paper. A single extra contract caught his eye, and so he signed. His right hand dipped to his belt, removing a hidden dagger and quickly coming across the palm of his left hand. Blood pooled in the palm and he dipped the tip of the dagger into it and sign his mark with the most honest mark he knew, the mark of house Maerdyn, the crest of his family. He also placed an extra mark next to Weaponsmithing.
Ender was quite the busy bee when it came to crafting weapons.
As far as what his mark was, his particular dominion, he didn’t know. Only time could really tell.
His left palm began to leak now, however it was not the former red color of blood. Now it was a dark, tar like substance that seemed to sizzle. And so it was done, his palm had healed and the Abyss had again come to his aid.
Somehow he only now noticed Reux, his fiery entrance having gone unnoticed to him; as impossible as it seemed. His gaze turned now onto him and he nodded.
You must be Reux. Seven’s told me a great deal about you, as well.
It was true, Seven spoke a great deal about the one called Reux. How he’d found Seven when he was but a human and weak. Reux offered him everything and gave him a life once more. He again turned his gaze to Rudianos.
So, General…
It seemed he was resolved to use the name Seven used for him as well.
Ender was quite the busy bee when it came to crafting weapons.
As far as what his mark was, his particular dominion, he didn’t know. Only time could really tell.
His left palm began to leak now, however it was not the former red color of blood. Now it was a dark, tar like substance that seemed to sizzle. And so it was done, his palm had healed and the Abyss had again come to his aid.
Somehow he only now noticed Reux, his fiery entrance having gone unnoticed to him; as impossible as it seemed. His gaze turned now onto him and he nodded.
You must be Reux. Seven’s told me a great deal about you, as well.
It was true, Seven spoke a great deal about the one called Reux. How he’d found Seven when he was but a human and weak. Reux offered him everything and gave him a life once more. He again turned his gaze to Rudianos.
So, General…
It seemed he was resolved to use the name Seven used for him as well.
Reux was a particular exception; to call him brother in the face of one technically not yet signed (but very actively working on it) usually would have earned a fierce retaliation. Then again... Reux had called him brother long before there had been a brotherhood, so the response was typically blank and empty. "...Hile."
The contract, signed in blood, was fairly traditional but effective. The vehicle of soul, ego or essence in most species (or in his case, not even blood at all), it left a fair mark, resonating with any such bond and holding, similarly, an imprint close to the page. Marks were often quick and inevitable, calling on more primal and destructive parts of a personality. Short of true gods or saints, there were few immune to manifesting such a mark. Reux's desire led him to ... quite passionately destroy. Others were less obscure in their intentions, varying from brutality to pain and hatred, to deceit and treachery; and yet, somehow, held in at least a relative state of trust amidst them. Probably that whole 'holding your essence' thing is a fair method of ensuring they stayed in check.
Whatever the case, Rudi's already quite full breastplate lacked new space for a mark. Instead, the plated serpentine tail gained another etch matching whatever inevitably carved itself into the new entry as a cuneiform script piece that somehow fell into the curious, warning reticulation of the viper. It would mirror whatever mark the other acquired. Perhaps each one even read more clearly to the mind once signed into the contract, for what it was worth. There was even one particularly curious one marked 'Perfection'. In what way was it a sin or vice? Well, one would have to know Perfection to understand it. Of course, Rudi's personal ones were of more violent creed, varying from pain, violence, murder, rape and any other set of gruesome symbologies that almost rose from the script to the knowing and receptive mind. Yeah, if you want to stare into them for too long, the player can give narrative, but most people have common sense enough to look away.
"...Hn. We will need to be careful on the readiness by which our word begins to spread. " His eyes lulled on Ender, but didn't look particularly thrilled nor impressed. Then again, those emotions were nearly beyond him. "If there is one thing learned by the blue snake, it is to control the flow of information. To clarify, if anyone... if anyone is seen as a potentiate, come to me. Technically we stand on equal grounds but... the contract finds itself as most dangerous to me." Whatever... that meant. "...If we return hatred to its proper place, then we do become rightfully immortal once more, and regain our proper place of power. This arena is..." he turned and glanced over it, only answered by a dull, whistling wind. "...almost a sad state of affairs compared to the brotherhood old."
"...Let it not be missed that an assassin is about. I watched him once and believe he missed my presence. His name is Yakamoto. Do not underestimate him. He was one of my mentors in my youngest years by which I learned art of stealth and dagger and oriental blade, but broke free of his prison and I imagine will be doing anything he can to undermine us. I've yet to show myself to him, so be tactical in action. I have no clue if he has other contacts as I do. Immediate extermination might be unwise. As a new brotherhood member, if any are to contact him directly I would suggest you. I believe my past association with Reux might be recognized. But until that... we'll work on being rid of Leviathan, and acquiring our old heart."
The contract, signed in blood, was fairly traditional but effective. The vehicle of soul, ego or essence in most species (or in his case, not even blood at all), it left a fair mark, resonating with any such bond and holding, similarly, an imprint close to the page. Marks were often quick and inevitable, calling on more primal and destructive parts of a personality. Short of true gods or saints, there were few immune to manifesting such a mark. Reux's desire led him to ... quite passionately destroy. Others were less obscure in their intentions, varying from brutality to pain and hatred, to deceit and treachery; and yet, somehow, held in at least a relative state of trust amidst them. Probably that whole 'holding your essence' thing is a fair method of ensuring they stayed in check.
Whatever the case, Rudi's already quite full breastplate lacked new space for a mark. Instead, the plated serpentine tail gained another etch matching whatever inevitably carved itself into the new entry as a cuneiform script piece that somehow fell into the curious, warning reticulation of the viper. It would mirror whatever mark the other acquired. Perhaps each one even read more clearly to the mind once signed into the contract, for what it was worth. There was even one particularly curious one marked 'Perfection'. In what way was it a sin or vice? Well, one would have to know Perfection to understand it. Of course, Rudi's personal ones were of more violent creed, varying from pain, violence, murder, rape and any other set of gruesome symbologies that almost rose from the script to the knowing and receptive mind. Yeah, if you want to stare into them for too long, the player can give narrative, but most people have common sense enough to look away.
"...Hn. We will need to be careful on the readiness by which our word begins to spread. " His eyes lulled on Ender, but didn't look particularly thrilled nor impressed. Then again, those emotions were nearly beyond him. "If there is one thing learned by the blue snake, it is to control the flow of information. To clarify, if anyone... if anyone is seen as a potentiate, come to me. Technically we stand on equal grounds but... the contract finds itself as most dangerous to me." Whatever... that meant. "...If we return hatred to its proper place, then we do become rightfully immortal once more, and regain our proper place of power. This arena is..." he turned and glanced over it, only answered by a dull, whistling wind. "...almost a sad state of affairs compared to the brotherhood old."
"...Let it not be missed that an assassin is about. I watched him once and believe he missed my presence. His name is Yakamoto. Do not underestimate him. He was one of my mentors in my youngest years by which I learned art of stealth and dagger and oriental blade, but broke free of his prison and I imagine will be doing anything he can to undermine us. I've yet to show myself to him, so be tactical in action. I have no clue if he has other contacts as I do. Immediate extermination might be unwise. As a new brotherhood member, if any are to contact him directly I would suggest you. I believe my past association with Reux might be recognized. But until that... we'll work on being rid of Leviathan, and acquiring our old heart."
The Red Warrior had not realized that his moment of idiocy could have warranted a violent reaction from the General until it was indeed too late. That helm panned downwards in Rudianos' direction in recompense for his slip of the tongue. He raised his left hand, crossing it over his breast in respect and remained silent until spoken to by Ender.
"Aye, I am the one known as Reux."
Although he hinted at the brotherhood while one who wasn't yet initiated was present, he was slightly taken aback when Rudianos did not seem to react at all to his momentary lapse of reason. Perhaps he was waiting until they were alone to say something, or perhaps it didn't matter considering Ender was signing the contract as they spoke. Desire felt within himself as the new presence was added to the cacophony of clamoring essences he could already feel through his bond with all the other siblings. He smiled beneath the flame-wreathed mouth emblazoned upon his visor, crimson hues narrowing slightly upon Ender for a moment before he turned his head to the right, gazing off into the night.
"Aye, I am the one known as Reux."
Although he hinted at the brotherhood while one who wasn't yet initiated was present, he was slightly taken aback when Rudianos did not seem to react at all to his momentary lapse of reason. Perhaps he was waiting until they were alone to say something, or perhaps it didn't matter considering Ender was signing the contract as they spoke. Desire felt within himself as the new presence was added to the cacophony of clamoring essences he could already feel through his bond with all the other siblings. He smiled beneath the flame-wreathed mouth emblazoned upon his visor, crimson hues narrowing slightly upon Ender for a moment before he turned his head to the right, gazing off into the night.
Ender indeed looked away from the many different symbols on Rudianos’ armor. Such art work gave him the chills and he was not keen on them at all.
Am I to understand that recruiting be one of my duties, General?
Ender was simply curious, he had no problem with this. There were a few people he might be able to recruit anyways.
However, Rudianos went on, seeming to reminisce in the older days when the arean flourished.
I certainly does look as if it’s seen better days. Could be worse off, though.
Was he now speaking out of place? He didn’t really know. But then came the telling so of an assassin named Yakamoto. And he was the one, being the newest and probably unknown member, he should be the one to directly contact the assassin. Sounded like a good idea to him.
That sounds like a good time. But you wish him not to be exterminated…immediately? Should I find out his intentions first?
Ender nodded again as Reux spoke.
Aye, Seven speaks highly of you, almost more-so than he does of Rudianos.
Am I to understand that recruiting be one of my duties, General?
Ender was simply curious, he had no problem with this. There were a few people he might be able to recruit anyways.
However, Rudianos went on, seeming to reminisce in the older days when the arean flourished.
I certainly does look as if it’s seen better days. Could be worse off, though.
Was he now speaking out of place? He didn’t really know. But then came the telling so of an assassin named Yakamoto. And he was the one, being the newest and probably unknown member, he should be the one to directly contact the assassin. Sounded like a good idea to him.
That sounds like a good time. But you wish him not to be exterminated…immediately? Should I find out his intentions first?
Ender nodded again as Reux spoke.
Aye, Seven speaks highly of you, almost more-so than he does of Rudianos.
His gaze slid aside to Ender. He lacked any hint of amusement from the misunderstanding. Of course, it could have easily been his own poor communication, but he did not care to be a person of many words. "Recruiting is not an active charge. If someone strikes interest, you tell us. Our foremost duty is to bring Hatred back into the fold, as without him we are a husk. It was him who bore the first traces of the brotherhood, he through which I found my freedom as did many others, and he through which we are complete. Other parties are negligible. Yakamoto only falls into interest as I know he would seek to hinder us. If he knew of us. Fish for his intentions, for knowledge on any spare hands, and once we have the crosshairs set we can pick and choose who among them we each may want to destroy."
The Arena drew a foul chuckle, gaze drifting over it. "This isn't... the brotherhoods. These are mere vestiges of my time in shackles, serving a proclaimed prince of demons, an avatar of balance, and a traitor of dragons." Oh, Zenthus had been a very busy bee. His gaze went to Reux, knowingly looking at him. He was one of several that knew what he spoke of. "For now, the snake sleeps, though I imagine he stirs in his slumber with my return. This was wrought for me by another mentor of that era, who among us goes by brother brutality. He will only be returned to us later. His... methodology conflicts with our current need for tact." Apparently, this arena, tattered as it was, had little to do with the brotherhood and more with Rudianos itself. "With hatred upon us... our own little abomination will bloom again--to be found and entered by the brothers whenever it pleases and serves, as it will stay with you." ...Mobile location, or...? Something more metaphorical, in all reality, and yet very much real.
"So yes... if you spy Yakamoto... he is more machine than man, and as much spirit as machine. I learned many stances from him which may seem familiar, but his technology hails from another era. Or perhaps you could say he foretells the era. I'll warn of his weaponry when time comes, but he carries himself as a man from the east. ...Mm. What is that one sod's name..." His bladed hair set into mandible motion again, an obvious tell of his pending thought. "About the height I used to be... leather armor... dual weilds a bastard sword and a saber most of the time. Boasts the title Primoris." Of course, it was Olfwood, who he had never actually bothered to receive the name from. "They encountered each other recently. It was there I saw him, before Brother Treachery interrupted it all. He could help you identify him, if you approach it tactfully."
As for the rest, Ender got a blank stare. "I would hope so. I am not one who should be often spoken of." And with that, he turned to walk, pausing only for a parting thought, "Is there anything else? How long until Leviathan can be delivered to us? First the myth of it must be made. And, once he seeks it out... lead him to this Pit. Here I will... 'betray our secret'." Of course, that was as close to mocking tone as his flat-lined voice of the moment allowed.
The Arena drew a foul chuckle, gaze drifting over it. "This isn't... the brotherhoods. These are mere vestiges of my time in shackles, serving a proclaimed prince of demons, an avatar of balance, and a traitor of dragons." Oh, Zenthus had been a very busy bee. His gaze went to Reux, knowingly looking at him. He was one of several that knew what he spoke of. "For now, the snake sleeps, though I imagine he stirs in his slumber with my return. This was wrought for me by another mentor of that era, who among us goes by brother brutality. He will only be returned to us later. His... methodology conflicts with our current need for tact." Apparently, this arena, tattered as it was, had little to do with the brotherhood and more with Rudianos itself. "With hatred upon us... our own little abomination will bloom again--to be found and entered by the brothers whenever it pleases and serves, as it will stay with you." ...Mobile location, or...? Something more metaphorical, in all reality, and yet very much real.
"So yes... if you spy Yakamoto... he is more machine than man, and as much spirit as machine. I learned many stances from him which may seem familiar, but his technology hails from another era. Or perhaps you could say he foretells the era. I'll warn of his weaponry when time comes, but he carries himself as a man from the east. ...Mm. What is that one sod's name..." His bladed hair set into mandible motion again, an obvious tell of his pending thought. "About the height I used to be... leather armor... dual weilds a bastard sword and a saber most of the time. Boasts the title Primoris." Of course, it was Olfwood, who he had never actually bothered to receive the name from. "They encountered each other recently. It was there I saw him, before Brother Treachery interrupted it all. He could help you identify him, if you approach it tactfully."
As for the rest, Ender got a blank stare. "I would hope so. I am not one who should be often spoken of." And with that, he turned to walk, pausing only for a parting thought, "Is there anything else? How long until Leviathan can be delivered to us? First the myth of it must be made. And, once he seeks it out... lead him to this Pit. Here I will... 'betray our secret'." Of course, that was as close to mocking tone as his flat-lined voice of the moment allowed.
Reux had known of the Viper Pit's origins. He left the telling of its heritage to Rudianos, preferring not to speak out of turn again. When Rudianos spoke of the snake, and Reux noticed the sidelong glance at him, he nodded in a slow, deliberate manner while peering almost lovingly at the flames enveloping his gauntlets.
"Let us hope that the snake will slumber long enough for Hatred to be returned to us. If there is anything that you wish for me to do, General, to hasten his return, I shall not hesitate."
Reux chuckled when he spoke of brother brutality. Though personally never having met the being himself, Reux had heard enough about him to know that his return would be welcome when almost all the pieces were in place. He listened to Rudianos instruct Ender on what to do if he encounters the assassin, taking mental notes himself in case HE were the one to run across this 'Primoris'.
"Let us hope that the snake will slumber long enough for Hatred to be returned to us. If there is anything that you wish for me to do, General, to hasten his return, I shall not hesitate."
Reux chuckled when he spoke of brother brutality. Though personally never having met the being himself, Reux had heard enough about him to know that his return would be welcome when almost all the pieces were in place. He listened to Rudianos instruct Ender on what to do if he encounters the assassin, taking mental notes himself in case HE were the one to run across this 'Primoris'.