Fantasy The Underground: Age of Wars

[Axeykins]

The Underground, once a peaceful land of the Fey folk.
Only those who knew how to find it (or are a human who just so happens to get lucky enough) can enter. It has been the home of these creatures for many years, a sort of haven away from the human's chaotic world or at the very least a safe place to retreat to when in dire need. Of late, a great war has broken out.
A group named The Order has become an ever increasing threat to life as all fey folk know. They have begun exposing all of the creatures to the humans and either enslaving for personal gain or them or wipe them out entirely if they resist
The world of the creatures has begun to crumble. The leaders of the major factions at odds with one another. Several have joined forces but many choose to look out for only the good of their own. Leaving many of the glorious cities to fall apart at the seams. Leaving the once gleaming utopias mostly slums and housing for military and refugees. As well as several hidden rebel camps taking the battles into their own hands and doing what the coward royalty refuses.

The Order have taken charge of the human world. Convinced them of who the enemy is and have slowly but surely been building their ranks and ebbing ever closer to their main goal of wiping the world clean of the beasts.
Everything has fallen to chaos in only a few short years.

 

[Aridis]

It was never an odd occurrence for Vytas to sneak out. He had been doing it ever since he figured out how to slip past the guards effectively. Though, his original goal had changed somewhat. Before, the young Prince had done everything in his power to try to find his way to the Outside world. But since his death, and since the war between the fae and the humans had begun, that ideal had changed somewhat. Especially since he had been more than banned from getting within miles of any form of fighting between the two sides; or even getting close to the entrance of the Underground.

Now, his mind was more steered toward finding a way to make himself stronger. And there were very few people who would be willing to help him with that; especially since doing so would get them in trouble with the law. Still, Vytas did manage to find someone in the end.

The Wraith lay lazily at one of the more abandoned corners of the Underground. It was one of the farthest points from any of the entrances, and therefore had a complete lack of lawful authority roaming around it. Which, admittedly, was a good thing, since he was technically breaking a couple of laws. Don't get him wrong, Atlas was a very loyal resident. He had even given the King a few majorly helpful bits of information here and there because of his current job of stalking the Order. However, due to his own personality, it was a bit impossible for him to be a perfect citizen.

He had known Vytas for a while due to the kid's habit of sneaking out. He had actually been the one to feed the Prince stories about the Outside world because he had seemed so interested in the topic. So when Vytas came to him asking to help him train, it was hard for the Wraith to say no. Especially since they had established that the "official" reason for their meetings was to help the teenager to "defend" himself if he were to be put into harm's way.

Vytas had gotten a lot better at using his abilities. He was now able to turn into many different creatures and was able to keep those forms even in the most stressful situations. All he really had to do now was work on actual combat. Speaking of...

The Prince had transformed himself into a panther, and was slowly stalking toward his current sparring partner. The cat's coat was perfect for this situation, as it was dark and hard to see, especially in their chosen meeting spot.

~#~#~#~

Lilliana had managed to arrive to the Underground safely. There were a few close calls involving hostile humans, mainly on the account of the Order, but it was nothing that couldn't be handled; especially by her. She was especially careful when she got close to her destination. To make sure that they weren't being followed, the Enchantress banned all magic use among her few guards; and she had purposely picked the more human-looking fae to accompany her as well. She herself was even careful to make herself look as mundane as possible, and ended up arriving in the Underground in a simple blouse and torn jeans; an outfit that she found cute, but didn't want to make a habit out of wearing due to it's improperness.

Still, she managed to arrive without incident. And, seeing as though she had no proper authority over her own home, she didn't have to leave again for a good while; unless her brother messed something up horribly.

~#~#~#~

The young woman sat quietly on a bus. She was scrolling through her phone, reading files about recent fae sightings and incidents. Order documents aside, Aria kept a close eye on social media when it came to magical beings. There were occasional outcries of "unfair treatment" toward the creatures, mainly from younger citizens. However, for the most part they didn't pose a threat, and were mostly human. Still, knowing how everyone had access to the sites, she was very careful to not leave a blog unseen.

Currently, she was on her way to the local Order HQ. Aria had a few reports of her own to turn in, mainly concerning her research and past knowelege on how to take down certain fae. There were also a few investigation requests concerning some hunches on where fae could be hiding; many of which came from suspicious activity on varying parts of the internet.

(I have no self control when I am hyped.)

 

[Soviet Panda]

Gareth sat on his throne, his throne room devoid of anything that does not belong. What was he doing, then? Well, wars required soldiers, and soldiers needed to be fed and equipped. He was pouring over what was basically a receipt for fielding an army. And the costs were not to his liking. You'd think that when there existence was in question, things that were used to secure their existence wouldn't cost so much if not nothing at all. Setting the paper down, he lets out a massive sigh and pinches the bridge of his nose to try and relieve some of aches ruling brought. There were treasurers and scribes that could do what he was doing for him. But he wanted to feel important, to do more then just sit on his throne and wear the mask of 'nothing's wrong'. He'd be leading his troops into battle, soldiers standing rank and file parading down the streets and out of the main entrance. But he couldn't do that, he couldn't risk his death, not now. Austere was to fragile at the moment, and so was the Underground. And who knows what his death would cause. So here he sat, pouring over paperwork that others could easily do for him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hemolus stood patiently by the entrance, adorned in parade dress of dark green, almost black, and red with a gold leafed breast plate made him quite a dashing figure, as were the rest of the members of the small mounted regiment. They were here to assist in escorting a visiting member of a noble family from a different Sanctuary, though it was unlikely that any assassination attempt would be attempted while in the Underground. But one could never be to cautious.

"Lady Lilliana," Hemolus said as he half bowed, showing his respect for her position but refusing to bend knee to her. For now at least, perhaps once Austere was on the throne and she was married to him would he bow to her. But until that time, she was simply nobility. "His Majesty Gareth Bryne has sent us to accompany you while you remain in the Underground. If you would follow me, I will show you to the castle and to your room." As he spoke, the mounted guardsmen began to form up around the Princesses' already existing guard, forming a second, larger ring around her. She will need to be protected, she is the oldest Prince's fiance after all.
(( Aridis ))

 

[Axeykins]

"I don't care what my father has said. Bring me the reports! Now!" The young prince roared. Slamming his fists down on the table with so much force the wood cracked. "If I do not get answers as to were the human encampments are I will gather MY troops and find them myself! Regardless of what anyone says. If my father won't take more drastic measures than I will. These humans must learn we are not to be trifled with and out allies shown how it is done! If not now they will take advantage of us."
His blood boiled with rage. Why were they denying him the reports?! He was THE prince. The eldest. Next in line for the throne! It was his birthright.

 

[Hoki]

He felt bad for the poor servant that had come to answer the eldest prince's call, watching them attempt to withstand the anger. While to some degree he could understand the raise of tone and actual rage - as anger was too simple of a word - that didn't mean it was completely okay. From his spot not too many steps away from the conversation, sky eyes rested on the prince. "Austere, please," spoke the demon with a slight touch of warning to his calm voice, "control yourself a little bit.."

Of course, Shion would more calmly try to get the very report that was being demanded himself, but only after the raven had collected his own thoughts. Taking a single step closer, he gave the servant a nod of apology and kept his attention on Austere. He had no other words to say, though he felt bad seeing the other so hellbent on seeking out the humans. Understandable, yes, but it was still a bit saddening.

//feel free to void if you were waiting for someone else, it's not a problem!
Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

"Goooooood morning Father. How are you today? You're looking well." Anton strode up to the priest. Bound and gagged in the interrogation room yet again. "Going to behave today or am I gonna have to bring out the dog and his toys again? Well, more toys for him. You know how this worked."
He chuckled as he removed gag.

"P...please. I've told you before I don't know anything. I've only seen the place and some creatures and that is it. I...I don't know any of them. Or anything." he whimpered.

"Tsk tsk. That's not what our doctors have said. You talk in your sleep priest. Murmur to yourself in the cell. So we know you're lying. Why can you never make this easy for us?"
Soviet Panda

 

[Axeykins]

Marius tapped his foot nervously as he waited at the cafe. Twirling a ring around in his hands nervously. The other was stuck on his own hand, keeping him in a more generous appearance.
A generous-ish gift from his Boss. It took some blood, swear and tears but finally he earned the favor. Thank the Gods for that demon bastard's honor.
Black Forest MLady

 

[Aridis]

Once he was close enough, Vytas pounced; hoping to catch the elder off guard.

Child, please. They were surrounded by Shadows, and Shadows were his domain. Without necessarily moving, the Wraith sunk into the ground, disappearing from sight completely. When he reappeared, it was behind the young prince; with an amused grin and his hands in his pockets. Clicking his tongue, Atlas snickered. "Tsk, tsk. You have to be better than that, Vy. Sneaking up on people is rude."

Vytas transformed back into his more human body, a disappointed pout on his lips. "Dammit... I was close, though"

"'Close' won't save your life." Atlas pointed out. Tilting his head to the side, his smile turned more into a playful one. "That being said..." Right then and there, their daily training session officially began. Today's lesson: Dodging. The best part was that shadows didn't really make any sound, so the kid had to rely more on patterns and instincts than sound or smell.
~#~#~#~

Lilliana didn't mind the General's actions. As long as there was a little hint of respect, there was no offense to be taken. Smiling softly, the woman bowed in response, as she didn't exactly have a skirt to curtsy with. "Thank you, I appreciate you taking time out of your day for this."

The scenery of the Underground always interested her. Despite the fact that much of her range of sight was blocked by a guard of some sort, there were some things that she was still able to see. Lilliana especially admired the varying glowing crystals that seemed to light up the area. Even though the fae in this area were forced to hide underground, she still tried to find some sort of silver lining to the large cavern. The crystals were more beautiful than some sunsets or rises that she had seen, and the residents seemed to be safe enough down here. Shifting portals were much better than stagnate openings, after all.

Soviet Panda

 

[Black Forest MLady]

Alexis made her way down to where she was to meet Marius. Her whole appearance has changed over the few more years of being in the Underworld. Her hair has brighten some and her eyes more prominent. She wore instead, wear similar to low nobility women wore, but she looked like a princess anyway. Everytime she entered onto the streets, she's worn white as a symbol of her innocence. Now that war has broke out, it would become likely that many residents of the Underground would be suspicious of her. Though in this area, almost everyone knows her through the rumor of her being Marius's betrothed. She blushed at such a word, they have been together for 4 years, but it wasn't official just yet. Official or not, Alexis loved Marius with all her human heart and would want to spend the rest of her days with him. She entered the cafe, eyes scanning for her love. She spotted him and made her way over to him, putting down her hood. "Hello Marius." She greeted as she came to stand before him. She had to tilt her head back a bit, since Marius dwarfed her with his six foot height. Axeykins

 

[Soviet Panda]

"Yeah, just tell us everything already." Connor said as he walked behind Anton, a suitcase taking the place of the duffel bag that he usually carried around with him. The suitcase was filled with interrogating tools. Nut crackers to easily break bones, a drill with an auger bit to put holes in his bones, and assorted knives. He even had a pair of jumper cables for the car battery that was in his other hand, at the very least he could clip them to the priest, it just wouldn't hurt as much as being zapped. But truth be told, he was getting kind of bored with torturing, I mean interrogating, the priest. It was the same thing over and over again, and he was running out of things to spice it up with.
(( Axeykins ))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It's my pleasure." Hemolus said as he looked around the crowd for anything suspicious. "As I have said, we have been ordered to accompany you while you stay in the Underground. If you wish to go anywhere, all you must do is ask and we will guide you. Safely. And you'll have to excuse His Majesty, he has a lot on his mind at the moment."
(( Aridis ))

 

[Aridis]

Atlas just sat back and watched as the Prince scrambled back and forth across the ground. Vytas was currently in the form of a small house cat, and was doing his best to avoid the constant barrage of attacks. Hands were constantly trying to grab at his shadow, and sharp spikes tried to harm it. Luckily, there would be no skin broken or bruises left by this training session. There would be pain, sure, but nothing physical. That was the upside of using shadows to attack: unless the Wraith chose to break a bone, then there would be nothing to mark the body that he attacked. This was also good because it raised fewer questions whenever Vytas had to return home.

"Quit cheating!" The raven shouted. "The point of this is to challenge you. You shouldn't have to rely on only one animal for certain tasks. You put yourself at a disadvantage that way!"

Vytas barely avoided one of the spikes and ended up tripping over himself like the inexperienced kitten he was. If he had human means of communication, the young brunette would be saying something along the lines of "screw you, I do what I want!" Unfortunately, he was incapable of speaking English at the moment, so all he could do was 'meow' angrily at his mentor.

Sighing softly, the Wraith folded his hands behind his head. If the kid wasn't going to listen, then he would just make things harder until Vytas agreed to play along.

~#~#~#~

The Enchantress nodded softly as she listened. She would probably have to take up the centaur's offer at one point during her stay. It was always interesting to walk around and just explore. And while Lilliana would personally prefer to wander without a small army, there was nothing that she could really say to fight against it. After all, it was only precautionary. It was always better to be safe than sorry, and it wasn't like it was impossible to have fun while staying safe. "That is perfectly understandable. I'd be concerned if he was completely unbothered at this point. Especially since things seem to be more dangerous over here..."

Soviet Panda

 

[Axeykins]

The eldest prince's harsh glare turned to Shion. "You dare tell me how to act? You of all people should know my fury cannot be contained!" He snapped. Waving the servant away and expecting them to bring back the reports or suffer his anger more. It may upset his father but he needed them.
"Shion you know this is of great importance to me. I cannot relax for one second. If I do not act strictly towards these people they will not listen or respect my authority. At least not with my father still on the throne and little brother running wild.
Hoki

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Your body's already in shambles priesty. You may as well give in and I suggest quickly. Connor here is getting bored with his toys. Soon we're just going to allow him to use you as his personal target for some new toys we've got. How does that sound eh?" He tilted his head to the side wickedly. "We've even got something special planned for you this time. Don't we Connor? Do you think his daughter has been located and brought back yet? I know you must be dying to try the new toys the lab whipped up for you. I guarantee they all make a bigger boom and mess than the last."
"What?!" His voice cracked as fear filled his eyes. "No no no. please no. I'll talk..I...I'll talk. Just...don't you dare do anything to her and tell that dog to put away those. Things."
"It's not enough to talk bud. Ya gotta agree to take us there. Or else."
Soviet Panda

 

[Hoki]

This... Well, this he expected, and had it been three years earlier he would've wanted to cower under such a powerful presence - though, part of him still wanted to do just that. Shion maintained the heavy gaze turned upon him, even after the servant had left and the large doors rocked shut. As it was his place to listen, the demon did just that until it was time for him to speak, a small smile coming to his lips at the mention of the youngest prince; despite everything, Vytas was still running around.

Then again.. Shion had sort of been helping the young boy on the down-low. Shapeshifting was no easy task after all, and at the very least, the Raijuu had some experience with it.

"Forgive me, Austere," Shion started, deciding that it was then appropriate to come closer, "but there is a difference between strict and harsh." He reached a hand out to put on the corner of the cracked desk, feeling the marks of wear and tear under his touch. Oh, the stories this desk could tell... "You must know that "these people" still admire and look up to you, no matter who is in charge," the redhead went on to say, lips pursed in a tighter line, "and you'll just continue to wear yourself out like this.."

It was a concern that many had, that the Eldest Prince of the Underground was slowly unraveling because the stress of the war was too much. Obviously that wasn't it, it was just what it looked like. There was so much more to it - Shion was in such a position that allowed him to see a great deal of it - but the concern was very real. Even then...
It was still understandable. He had his own worries.

For now, he decided to change the subject, making note to find that servant again afterwards. "What of Lady Lillian?" wondered the guard, a more playful smile overtaking his features, "Surely she wouldn't want to see you like this either.." The fiancé.. Well, Vytas seemed to have a sort of rocky opinion of her since she would take up more of his brother's time, but Shion thought she sounded like a nice lady; the perfect topic to distract Austere, too.

Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

"Hello my dearest. And how are you today?" He smiled happily. Reaching his hand out to gently caress her cheek. Still as beautiful as ever, even though he had never truly seen her face he could feel every curve and slope of it. From what he could see, her aura gave or a soft, gently white light. Very pure and comforting. Something he always looked forward to seeing. Particularly in these past years. Tensions between humans and fey had escalated so quickly. It was unsafe for either of them to wander the streets. The threat of persecution was always looming close. He shook the idea from his head. That was for later thoughts, not now. right now there were more pressing matters.
"I hope the answer is good. Because I've got something for you today."
Black Forest MLady

 

[Black Forest MLady]

Alexis closed her eyes as he hand gave her cheek a gentle caress. His touch was the most comforting thing in the world and she wouldn't trade it for anything. To see his smile was like seeing the sun shine at it's most radiance. She held his hand there against her cheek, before replying,"The day has been well to me." she raised a brow at his last words,"Oh, what is it?" she asked now eager to see what he had gotten for her. Axeykins

 

[Axeykins]

"These people only listen to me out of respect and fear of my father. If I don't show power they'll simply walk all over me once more. Treat me like an infant." He glowered. Looking back upon it he hated those days. Talked down to because of his behavior. His quiet, timid attitude treated like a weakness that could be extorted to no end. "I am not and cannot go back to that Shion." he declared sternly. Determination in his eye as he turned to fully face him now.
Although, as always, Shion managed to make the prince's face twitch slightly by leaving him oh so conflicted. Out of habit at the mere mention of his fiancee's name he, as neatly as it would go, slicked his hair back. "What about Lilly?...she knows what things are like now. How I've changed and if she can't accept that then we'll...have to do something about that eventually. Besides. She knows full well I can handle the strain. I'm tough."
Hoki

 

[Soviet Panda]

Gareth did not look up as the door to the throne room open and closed, nor did he look up when the sound of footsteps stopped to one side of him and a voice began speaking. "My Lord, your son wishes to see the reports. I've told him time and time again that you will not allow him to see them. And now he threatens to march off with his own guard if he doesn't get them. I tried, my Lord, I really did, but..."

"That's enough." Gareth said, interrupting the obviously flustered servant. "You have done as you should," he continued, sitting up straight and no longer hunching over the papers like an old scribe. "But you have one more thing that you must do, and that I regret having you do. Go get Austere, and tell him to come to the throne room. If he wants these reports so badly, then he will come to me in person and ask for them." And once Austere was there, he'd truly see the power of a real King, not some prince, and feel the weight that title bears. He would not allow his son to act a fool and put the Underground in danger. He has humored him for to long, and he was going to put an end to it now.

But as the servant left the room, he sighed and seemed to deflate. If only his wife was still here, she'd be able to help him with Austere, he was more like her anyways.
(( Axeykins ))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Things are very dangerous here, M'Lady, but that is why we are here. Though I must advise you to remain in the Underground for the length of your stay. The Order has increased it's activity throughout the human city, and opening any Gates would put you and the rest of the Underground in danger. When it is time for you to leave, if that time ever comes, we will do everything in our power to make sure you do so safely." Hemolus told her as they made their way down the streets to the castle, the citizens making way for the large group of mounted guards in wearing the royal colors. They weren't in any danger of being trampled, they haven't done that for a century now, but the Royal Guard were not to be messed with, and better safe then sorry.
(( Aridis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh~," Connor said excitedly at the mention of an array of weapons just for him to test, with weapons that each made a bigger boom then the last. "Now that sounds like fun. So hurry up and tell us so I can do that. Or don't. But I'd really like it if you did so we can get to that faster.
(( Axeykins ))

 

[Hoki]

They had talked about this before, too, making this territory he wasn't unfamiliar with. Shion knew the "timid" version of the prince for only a short period of time, this more hardened warrior being what he expected and perceived as normal. He heard things about the softer side before, especially at the beginning of this inevitable fallout of species, and would continue to feel the twinges of guilt for being the reason such a side vanished (self-deemed guilt, no less). However, from his perspective, it didn't bother him as much.

He knew that Austere never really liked to be seen that way - it continued to haunt him, no matter how he spoke or acted - and so the declaration was taken with the utmost sincerity.

Thankfully, however, the conversation was allowed to shift and the demon smiled to himself, looking at the poor attempt to manage unruly hair. "Yes, you are tough," Shion agreed, reaching to fix a strand that had fallen from its arrangement. "But surely she would worry just as much as I do about how you're handling yourself, perhaps even more so." Seen from the outside, his lack of hesitation when it came to teasing the prince, making any kind of physical contact with the prince - or even speaking out, as he had done not too long ago - could be seen as disrespectful, and worthy of punishment. A guard, no matter his "position", was in no place to act so familiar with royalty; especially when he hadn't actually been a guard for a notable amount of time.

Once he was satisfied with the fix, Shion's hand returned to his side. "Have you heard anything from her?" he wondered, "Is she well?" Lady Lillian was coming to the Underground, but, considering the unyielding chaos that filled their waking hours, there had never yet been a determined time or day; the most he could ask for was that, when she came, everything would be calm enough to allow her.

Axeykins

 

[Aridis]

"No fear, I do not plan to cause any trouble during my visit." Continuing to glance around at everything she could, Lilliana managed to catch a few gazes of curious citizens. Their expressions amused her every time she returned to look with a small smile. Especially when it came to the younger residents, as their reactions were more exaggerated and defined. "Besides, I don't mind it much down here. There never seems to be a dull moment in the Underground, which is something I can appreciate greatly. And I understand that you are simply doing your duty. But once again, thank you."

Soviet Panda

 

[Axeykins]

Alexis closed her eyes as he hand gave her cheek a gentle caress. His touch was the most comforting thing in the world and she wouldn't trade it for anything. To see his smile was like seeing the sun shine at it's most radiance. She held his hand there against her cheek, before replying,"The day has been well to me." she raised a brow at his last words,"Oh, what is it?" she asked now eager to see what he had gotten for her. Axeykins

"Good good. That is wonderful to hear." his smile brightened greatly at the news. And of course the anxiety also played a role as well. "Now. This is quite informal but I could not wait. Those weeks of excruciating work and dreadfully demeaning favors earned me a favor from my master." He bounced up and down nervously on the balls of his feet as he shoved the ring at her. "It does have a few other meanings but one of them is to protect you when in the underground. Make you appear like a creature and there are not many who can see through it or break it...gotta love demon magic. Heh."
Black Forest MLady

 

[Axeykins]

"Last I heard she was well and visiting at some point." the prince crossed his arms over his chest. A stern pout on his face as Shion helped fix his hair. He hated when he did things like this, but not as much as he hated himself for allowing it. "I know so because she has sent me multiple two plus page letters on how she is concerned for my health and to slow down before I turn into more of a 'grouchy old man'. Pah, what does she know? I'm only 503 and more full of fire then ever." He huffed. Puffing small smoke clouds from his nostrils.
It was about that time the servant had returned. Empty handed.
"I knew it. Useless! I gave you one job and you failed it. Now I've got no choice but to-"

"Sire please. Your father asked for you." The servant dared not even look at the prince in fear of his sharp glare. "He said if you want them you get them yourself."

Austere grit his teeth together. "Ugh! If it gets this job done and him off of my arse I will do whatever. Shion! Let us go.!" He ordered. Wether the demon followed or not. He didn't care. His sights were set in the throne room with no hesitation. Not even enough to knock."
Hoki Soviet Panda

 

[Black Forest MLady]

"Good good. That is wonderful to hear." his smile brightened greatly at the news. And of course the anxiety also played a role as well. "Now. This is quite informal but I could not wait. Those weeks of excruciating work and dreadfully demeaning favors earned me a favor from my master." He bounced up and down nervously on the balls of his feet as he shoved the ring at her. "It does have a few other meanings but one of them is to protect you when in the underground. Make you appear like a creature and there are not many who can see through it or break it...gotta love demon magic. Heh."
Black Forest MLady

Alexis was smiling the whole time, listening Marius as he bounced on the balls of his feet nervously. He shoved towards her a ring. It was beautiful, it meant protection as he explained, but to her meant they were an official. She took it gently from him, inspecting it and feeling it. Her cheeks were warm, simply because he did this in a public place and she felt eyes on them now. She slid the ring onto her finger, before speaking,"Oh Marius, that so sweet of you. I love it." She gave a kiss on the cheek. She was never the one to initiate kisses, especially in public. Axeykins

 

[Hoki]

Two-plus pages, incessant worrying, and sparking such a very pouty side of the prince; Lady Lillian was a truly magical woman. He listened with a smile, the beast in his chest giving a sparked huff of its own at the mention of age. After all, Shion's physical body was roughly 21 years-old, whereas the energy of the Raijuu was much, much older (asleep for so many years, which didn't count). The guard was about to say something when the servant made his reappearance - something he honestly hadn't expected so soon.

Austere started going off on the poor soul before he was interrupted, a brief moment of shock rippling through the room. The King said for Austere to get them himself..? This didn't bode too well.. Nonetheless, Shion promptly responded to the prince's command and followed behind him at the 'expected' guard's length away; not too close to appear buddy-buddy, but close enough to act in a moment's notice if need be. It was something he had picked up in the more "conditioning" side of training, though he didn't stick to it so strictly depending on the situation.

This was once such occasion that almost demanded it.

Axeykins Soviet Panda

 

[Soviet Panda]

"Yes, never a dull moment." The centaur said half heartedly, wishing that it wasn't true. There were so many things the King took on personally where he should have let him, or one of the other Masters, or someone else who was qualified take care of it. A saying his father once told him came to mind. 'A mountain can be worn away just like anything else.' Yet no matter how many times he has tried to convince his King to let others do their jobs, he is met with a stony expression, much like running up against a wall.

They continued on their way to the castle and soon reached the gates where they briefly stopped before being let in. After they were inside, Hemolus turned to her and bowed respectfully once more, saying "The king is in his throne room. I am certain he would like to greet you. If you have need of me and my men, send a messenger and we will come to you."
(( Aridis ))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gareth did not have to look up from his papers, because for one thing they were already set down and he had his eyes locked on the door, but also because who had entered was unmistakably Austere. "So you can listen." He told his son, his words having a weight all their own. He was in full king mode. His presence was looming, his stare could destroy buildings, and his face did not betray any emotions. "Do you think you can rule better then I. That riding out with an army through one of the Gates, letting not only the world see us as a warmongering kind, but also showing a Gate entrance to the Oder, is the best way to solve this problem? To put yourself at risk of dying and leaving the Underground without an heir to the throne? Have you become a Master without my knowing? Has Hemolus taken you under his wing, taught you, trained you, and was your second for the test? If that is the case, then please, come forward and tell me what you think of this war and how I should win it."
(( Axeykins ))

 

[Aridis]

Smiling softly, the Enchantress bowed her head in understanding. "I will keep that in mind." She had already thanked the man several times and had to stop herself from doing so again. While it was polite to show one's gratitude, doing so in an unneeded abundance wore away at the original intent. Instead of genuine gratitude, it began to sound like a verse repeated out of obligation. "I do hope that the rest of your day isn't too stressful." Lilliana gave the Master a small wave of farewell before wandering further into the palace.

By this time, the woman had memorized most of the layout of the grounds; as big as it was. She found her way to the Throne room with no problem and began to get a bit excited the closer that she got. Though it hadn't been an absurd amount of time since her last visit, Lilliana was interested to see how much the Underground's residents had changed. Vytas had no doubt grown, and Austere was most likely still set on his steady descent into angst. King Gareth, however, only seemed to become more and more stressed as time went by. That, however, was completely understandable. There was an active threat trying to harm their way of life, after all.

When she finally managed to reach her destination, things seemed to be... in a kinder term, getting a bit chaotic.

( Soviet Panda Axeykins Hoki )