Post by Tiamath on Apr 6, 2020 13:22:13 GMT
As war keeps progressing, great warriors shine bright amongst average conscripts, fame is whats is desired by a soldier the most, far more than gold and trinkets. Luminesce of glory fades once the darkest place is under the candlestick…
Soon after the arrvial upon the doorstep or Kar Khadath regiment, Tiamath swiftly came to a position close to leaders of the formation. Unnatural size, martial prowess and unbreakable spirit in battle was quickly noted and earned favours as watching him in battle was entertaining. New breathren amongst the ranks of regular warriors admired and grew jelous of efficiency in slaughter of a new intimidating comrade. Even the young nobles did not dare to mock elder conscript since the Blackguard armor of old age, worn and full scratches was fending off potential challangers from reaping spontaneus glory and respect. As Tiamath was always impressive on the battlefield, but in opposition to this feat – he was less such behind the camp feasting table. Those in command however knew his origins as recommendation was officialy sent and spies never rest in their proactivity of gaining few more coins with interesting information as supplement. Those in charge of force deployment were instructed also to „make use” of such asset. Tiamath became a warden of camp’s provisional prison, slave pen and penal cages for those that crossed the lines of discipline. That was a duty he knew well and and provided additional coins to standard soldiers pay as well as living female stock to abuse.
Soon after the arrvial upon the doorstep or Kar Khadath regiment, Tiamath swiftly came to a position close to leaders of the formation. Unnatural size, martial prowess and unbreakable spirit in battle was quickly noted and earned favours as watching him in battle was entertaining. New breathren amongst the ranks of regular warriors admired and grew jelous of efficiency in slaughter of a new intimidating comrade. Even the young nobles did not dare to mock elder conscript since the Blackguard armor of old age, worn and full scratches was fending off potential challangers from reaping spontaneus glory and respect. As Tiamath was always impressive on the battlefield, but in opposition to this feat – he was less such behind the camp feasting table. Those in command however knew his origins as recommendation was officialy sent and spies never rest in their proactivity of gaining few more coins with interesting information as supplement. Those in charge of force deployment were instructed also to „make use” of such asset. Tiamath became a warden of camp’s provisional prison, slave pen and penal cages for those that crossed the lines of discipline. That was a duty he knew well and and provided additional coins to standard soldiers pay as well as living female stock to abuse.
During the time of war and treachery important persona need a stout sword behind their back, so veteran Blackguard of quite a renown obviously was selected as bodyguard for both Dreadlord and Supreme Sorceress, her selected apprentices as well as other notable figures of the Kar Khadath. He remained main Warden still but this amount of responsibilities did not seem to trouble him as he was bestowed with few henchmen.
While perfoming guarding duty as entity close in vicinity to ones with high perception - Regmient’s exalted mystics started to sense that distinctive aura around this revered warden. Mistresses of Black Court were telling the truth in their whispers of this strange phenomena. Questions quickly risen - How is that possible that such a thin arcane fabric is sewn into such thick brute body? Rumors are that not even fully of an elf. Who in fact is standing at the front of a tent? Definetly not just a mere warrior with just successful military carreer.
Yes – those rumors and estimation of Naggarothi spellweavers arrived to Regiment along with Tiamath himself, as birds carry the messages faster then ships their passengers, but observation of the one provided more questions than answers. How could it be that Tiamath’s body can be a living catalyst of the Winds of Magic? One wasn’t bestowed with opportunity to harness that power or the knowledge how to sense, no to mention– how to bind it? Why it didnt diminished while being left without embrace?
One young Sorceress felt the winds circling around the warden, everytime the black-plate clad warrior tread behind her. With each heavy step of his greaves pure magic resonated in the air. What if this catalyst turned into rift of unspeakable power one day or gate to Realm of Chaos? That conclusions were just proposterous. Interesting was intesity of the gusts around Him - flow of the winds was dynamic not constant. At stronger streams the source of them was even felt, winds blew from many sides of the Realms, energy was pulsing like it has some intent. There was something else perceived, something more than winds colour; Sweet and bitter corruption was distingushed, both tastes were felt on her tongue, power had its flavour…
That was most disturbing, winds weren’t pure, taint laid its shade into every colour - as touch of Slannesh and Khorne was recognizeable, twisted in some strains of the winds, hidden, yet tearing and ripping through like some anchor unleashed from a ship right into the depth of shore…
Despite of sensing that spontaneus magical breach, a shape of unidentfied force was spotted that is trying to close the leak like some power kept it all at bay… It couldn’t be true that such potency is laid randomly by nature to such as he – yet Mistress tasked other mystics to watch over him, perhaps Brides and Disciples will have to be alerted too? That could not be a religious matter as devotees of Khaine often overreact with too zealous approach…
Prominent warriors of the Druchii always celebrate and boast about their victories or accompilshments. Campaign progressed so there were many occassion of such events, both cultural and around matter of worship – Tiamath rarely participated off duty Why not the one with such vast veterancy and combat prowess, why not the one with such fortunate history? Tiamath less and less toyed with the ones bested in combat, always finishing the work quick and attending the other adversary. Minds of the Regiment grew suspicious of such behaviour – its not a like of Druchii way.
Aftermath of battle was never a time for celebration for Him, only time for meal, gear check and female body as prize of living another day. Hunger of sexual consumption endured but started to be more refined, less savage and brutalizing to consorts or „victims” almost to some degree of a… restraint.
There despite of sexual perversions and mysterious aura encircling the warden there was a sense of calm around him during service in the camp. Ambitious Sorceress knew she needs to be vigilant and discover true purpose of this arcane, unnatural spark of presence in mortal body.
But was it calm observed in respected warrior or it is just a mask that was covering inner struggle for control? Struggle that leads to exhaustion but some innate factor pushing the body and mind to its limits?
Regiment pushed further into Asur lands, during march to Ellyrion, Tiamath was tasked with personal overwatch of Supreme Sorceress’s carrieges, so opportunities of close introspection were often, yet subtle ones very rare especialy since The Warden’s sleep also was hard to witness. Tiamath rarely laid in his tent, yet he seem to be more rested then others, even when he wasn’t sleeping at all.
One night offered an ingress straight into soul of a uncommon warrior.
He was sleeping finaly… after visit of a skilled consort which was tasked to endure his whims and tastes. He was „sated” that night so his spirit shroud could be easily pierced. As so - Sorceress visited his tent. Tiamath’s collection of various weapons was adorning the wooden shelves all around. Swords of all kinds and sizes, flails, axes, brandishes and one old sturdy halberd - uncomfortable sight yet she focused and looked deep…
Velied by many strains of tainted winds of magic a contest for one’s soul was taking place, a violent clash of unspeakable forces filled the horizon, scenes encountered in that plain were beyond comprehension. Thin fabric of reality allowed Sorceress to even hear the voices of entities that were wrestling for domination. Khaine wasnt felt anymore in that place, only Slannesh and Khorne presence was towering there, two great powers encircled Him in battle for another devotee.
Dark Prince was siphoning Tiamath’s soul sip by sip with aid of several Great daemons while Khorne’s influence was trying to separate them out from victims own will in struggle. Both Gods tempted Tiamath for submission to help them in their endevours. It wasn nott just a close look, mental presence fell into it the void like a boat through the vortex, Sorceress manifested in the Realms – she stepped through entirely. All senses were sharp and under pressure of bizzare impulses. In sight, Tiamath was just small flame of mortal life encircled by eternal, cold powers. She felt their corruption, the temptation, threats, suplications … rewards.
Terror claimed her while she witnessed the landscape of this forsaken Plain, where there were many similar lights in contest for their freedom and peace - tiny sparks of souls trapped in the darkness, suppressed and being bent to submission, powerless in their efforts of escape…
Gods do not bargain for followers now – She realized - they conscript them by force from the worthy. Chaos Gods were gathering their army towards the End Times? War waged from all fronts on the mortal world so is same at sphere of the gods?
Final turn of the wheel of fate – she realized – suddenly the great quarrel stopped and all evil cast gaze on her. All the creatures tormenting the souls began to pounce into her direction – she was a tresspasser that has to be removed!
She felt drained and defensless – she couldn’t escape, habitants of the Realm started to close in to claim the interloper for eternal malediction…
She screamed helplessly, when deamons were tearing her limbs and gorging on her blood, pain was oblitering her every senses, reaping very soul.
It was over, such is the end of following the Dark Arts… She faded away in deafening silence.
Young Sorceress opened her eyes, falling on her knees instantly, shaken and exhausted. Tears fell when she noticed that around her are just purple fabrics of Druchii military tent and only close entity to her was Tiamath, one she sought to diagnose, to discover, to reveal – soldier sitting on his mattress and staring at her, sweat was dropping from scars adoring his chest like a river, his eyes were sharp yet filled with torment, blood was dripping from his nose…
She was overwhelmed with recent experiance, she felt like burned out candle, drained of all powers, she felt exposed and vulnerable also uncertain of near future, she felt like a mouse caught by a cat, since Blackguards were trained whole life to easly dispatch practicioners of magic, not to mentioned those that are foolish enough to hand themselves over on a silver plate. Maybe it was just backlash of failed incursion?
„ If you spare my life I will help you, you need guidance, you need me!” – her survival instinct triggered, she was sure that Blackguard will end her life.
Yes - He could.
Yet he did not.
„Do not tremble Mistress, your fate is not sealed. Not today, not by me. It suits me…” – Tiamath politely replied then blew out his nose of drying blood unelegantly.
She evaluated him as already claimed by Chaos foul taint, thou Mystic was confused with those words, with another blink of an eye, she realized that this with all insanity around it, it might be true. She felt somewhat… saved.
She could not understand if all this was a vision, transgression, real travel into Chaos void itself? Or is she just awaken from a nightmare caused by strong backlash of Tiamath’s spiritual ward, or worse… was she indeed rescued from infernal trap if this was all reality, saved by her own bodyguard from which she assumed to be her murderer soon also, person that had no power at all to perform such high arcane deed.
She felt insulted.
„Explain yourself soldier, how such a simple grunt as you can deal with such forces? You are nothing, just a expendable tool in Witch Kings army!?”- Mage just had to throw it out, as she started to recover her upper position; yet it was still uncomprehensible for her how. Her lack of answers to so many questions caused her to feel embarassed not in front of a minion but to herself – she could not remember how long ago she felt such petty emotion last time.
„I kill enemies with great pleasure and They want me to do it for Them”- softly replied Tiamath yet with voice filled with mockery, as Her eyes open wide.
„They promise me glory and power. They promise me everything I desire, but so did our Lord Malekith.” – Sorceress allowed him to continue as she new that next words might be crucial to hear – „Everything was and is … a lie. I do not need Their attention, let Them fight over, Its amusing, If They strike me, I will die, so what of it? Im a solider, I learnt how to die long ago. All of you – gods, highborn, conjurers play games of power and politics, I do not. For what? Look at those fledgelings at the barracks - stupid noble boys, they wont survive another spring but they do care for such fleeting pursuits. Do not be mistaken as this formation needs me more than I do, those dogs are worthless and you all need somebody to keep this wretched mob in line. Remember my words now – I challanged fate and I am here by choice, MY choice, because I have earned that gift. I have no master now. All of Them try to violate my will to make me kneel again and for that I will bring them down, all of Them… .”
„I consider us equals…. Mistress and now I only could use a good night sleep now, same as You… .”
This was just unimaginable how shallow and taunting all this was. Stunning ignorance, it was unbearable to descirbe with words at best. Sorceress for one of very few moments in her life didnt know what to say and what to do. She encoutered a man that witnessed lifetime experiances, perhaps with deeper understanding of some mechanisms then her, yet also a child inside playing with fire? She was sure he wasnt an idiot after all, a fool for sure - that isnt embracing his gifts and opportunities for ascension. But that attitude was far beyond her understanding now. She would not decline such invitation for greater powers.
Purpose of existance such remained with low cunning was a mystery still. She knew she need to choose her words now carefuly and think fast. Is this really good move to keep him alive? Perhaps residents of the temple should visit him moment after as she manage to find a way out of his reach? Should a Dreadlord make an example of Him? Heretic, traitor, soon- to be rebel, ingrate, fool, exile – words kept flying over her head. Reporting this to Supreme Sorceress is out of the question for now, that was certain. If she wants to be noticed, she need to grasp this puzzle, gather some knowledge and keep this fool in hand.
While she was standing at his lair disoriented her gaze was intercepted by his eyes – „Thank you for the consort Mistress, she was a unsuspected offering”. After grabbing standard issue blanket Tiamath laid down on his mattress again and fell asleep carelessly.
This whole interaction was bizzare to her, yet she felt also secured, He did not care for his life, had no pursuits expect his loathing towards any law or authority , godlike and mortal alike and also exposed his back to her. This was a declaration of trust as he laid his fate back into her hands, action she absolutely needed in this moment, a gift of time she needed. If this one indeed is in possession of such honest but foolish soul, his punishment will arrive without her involvment, worse if such mad hound will break his leash and wreck havoc on all sides, could he be tamed?
„My name Nolveth, you mongrel and I will summmon you soon” - She turned back with shattered thoughts and left his tent. Tomorrow next long march awaits…
While perfoming guarding duty as entity close in vicinity to ones with high perception - Regmient’s exalted mystics started to sense that distinctive aura around this revered warden. Mistresses of Black Court were telling the truth in their whispers of this strange phenomena. Questions quickly risen - How is that possible that such a thin arcane fabric is sewn into such thick brute body? Rumors are that not even fully of an elf. Who in fact is standing at the front of a tent? Definetly not just a mere warrior with just successful military carreer.
Yes – those rumors and estimation of Naggarothi spellweavers arrived to Regiment along with Tiamath himself, as birds carry the messages faster then ships their passengers, but observation of the one provided more questions than answers. How could it be that Tiamath’s body can be a living catalyst of the Winds of Magic? One wasn’t bestowed with opportunity to harness that power or the knowledge how to sense, no to mention– how to bind it? Why it didnt diminished while being left without embrace?
One young Sorceress felt the winds circling around the warden, everytime the black-plate clad warrior tread behind her. With each heavy step of his greaves pure magic resonated in the air. What if this catalyst turned into rift of unspeakable power one day or gate to Realm of Chaos? That conclusions were just proposterous. Interesting was intesity of the gusts around Him - flow of the winds was dynamic not constant. At stronger streams the source of them was even felt, winds blew from many sides of the Realms, energy was pulsing like it has some intent. There was something else perceived, something more than winds colour; Sweet and bitter corruption was distingushed, both tastes were felt on her tongue, power had its flavour…
That was most disturbing, winds weren’t pure, taint laid its shade into every colour - as touch of Slannesh and Khorne was recognizeable, twisted in some strains of the winds, hidden, yet tearing and ripping through like some anchor unleashed from a ship right into the depth of shore…
Despite of sensing that spontaneus magical breach, a shape of unidentfied force was spotted that is trying to close the leak like some power kept it all at bay… It couldn’t be true that such potency is laid randomly by nature to such as he – yet Mistress tasked other mystics to watch over him, perhaps Brides and Disciples will have to be alerted too? That could not be a religious matter as devotees of Khaine often overreact with too zealous approach…
Prominent warriors of the Druchii always celebrate and boast about their victories or accompilshments. Campaign progressed so there were many occassion of such events, both cultural and around matter of worship – Tiamath rarely participated off duty Why not the one with such vast veterancy and combat prowess, why not the one with such fortunate history? Tiamath less and less toyed with the ones bested in combat, always finishing the work quick and attending the other adversary. Minds of the Regiment grew suspicious of such behaviour – its not a like of Druchii way.
Aftermath of battle was never a time for celebration for Him, only time for meal, gear check and female body as prize of living another day. Hunger of sexual consumption endured but started to be more refined, less savage and brutalizing to consorts or „victims” almost to some degree of a… restraint.
There despite of sexual perversions and mysterious aura encircling the warden there was a sense of calm around him during service in the camp. Ambitious Sorceress knew she needs to be vigilant and discover true purpose of this arcane, unnatural spark of presence in mortal body.
But was it calm observed in respected warrior or it is just a mask that was covering inner struggle for control? Struggle that leads to exhaustion but some innate factor pushing the body and mind to its limits?
Regiment pushed further into Asur lands, during march to Ellyrion, Tiamath was tasked with personal overwatch of Supreme Sorceress’s carrieges, so opportunities of close introspection were often, yet subtle ones very rare especialy since The Warden’s sleep also was hard to witness. Tiamath rarely laid in his tent, yet he seem to be more rested then others, even when he wasn’t sleeping at all.
One night offered an ingress straight into soul of a uncommon warrior.
He was sleeping finaly… after visit of a skilled consort which was tasked to endure his whims and tastes. He was „sated” that night so his spirit shroud could be easily pierced. As so - Sorceress visited his tent. Tiamath’s collection of various weapons was adorning the wooden shelves all around. Swords of all kinds and sizes, flails, axes, brandishes and one old sturdy halberd - uncomfortable sight yet she focused and looked deep…
Velied by many strains of tainted winds of magic a contest for one’s soul was taking place, a violent clash of unspeakable forces filled the horizon, scenes encountered in that plain were beyond comprehension. Thin fabric of reality allowed Sorceress to even hear the voices of entities that were wrestling for domination. Khaine wasnt felt anymore in that place, only Slannesh and Khorne presence was towering there, two great powers encircled Him in battle for another devotee.
Dark Prince was siphoning Tiamath’s soul sip by sip with aid of several Great daemons while Khorne’s influence was trying to separate them out from victims own will in struggle. Both Gods tempted Tiamath for submission to help them in their endevours. It wasn nott just a close look, mental presence fell into it the void like a boat through the vortex, Sorceress manifested in the Realms – she stepped through entirely. All senses were sharp and under pressure of bizzare impulses. In sight, Tiamath was just small flame of mortal life encircled by eternal, cold powers. She felt their corruption, the temptation, threats, suplications … rewards.
Terror claimed her while she witnessed the landscape of this forsaken Plain, where there were many similar lights in contest for their freedom and peace - tiny sparks of souls trapped in the darkness, suppressed and being bent to submission, powerless in their efforts of escape…
Gods do not bargain for followers now – She realized - they conscript them by force from the worthy. Chaos Gods were gathering their army towards the End Times? War waged from all fronts on the mortal world so is same at sphere of the gods?
Final turn of the wheel of fate – she realized – suddenly the great quarrel stopped and all evil cast gaze on her. All the creatures tormenting the souls began to pounce into her direction – she was a tresspasser that has to be removed!
She felt drained and defensless – she couldn’t escape, habitants of the Realm started to close in to claim the interloper for eternal malediction…
She screamed helplessly, when deamons were tearing her limbs and gorging on her blood, pain was oblitering her every senses, reaping very soul.
It was over, such is the end of following the Dark Arts… She faded away in deafening silence.
Young Sorceress opened her eyes, falling on her knees instantly, shaken and exhausted. Tears fell when she noticed that around her are just purple fabrics of Druchii military tent and only close entity to her was Tiamath, one she sought to diagnose, to discover, to reveal – soldier sitting on his mattress and staring at her, sweat was dropping from scars adoring his chest like a river, his eyes were sharp yet filled with torment, blood was dripping from his nose…
She was overwhelmed with recent experiance, she felt like burned out candle, drained of all powers, she felt exposed and vulnerable also uncertain of near future, she felt like a mouse caught by a cat, since Blackguards were trained whole life to easly dispatch practicioners of magic, not to mentioned those that are foolish enough to hand themselves over on a silver plate. Maybe it was just backlash of failed incursion?
„ If you spare my life I will help you, you need guidance, you need me!” – her survival instinct triggered, she was sure that Blackguard will end her life.
Yes - He could.
Yet he did not.
„Do not tremble Mistress, your fate is not sealed. Not today, not by me. It suits me…” – Tiamath politely replied then blew out his nose of drying blood unelegantly.
She evaluated him as already claimed by Chaos foul taint, thou Mystic was confused with those words, with another blink of an eye, she realized that this with all insanity around it, it might be true. She felt somewhat… saved.
She could not understand if all this was a vision, transgression, real travel into Chaos void itself? Or is she just awaken from a nightmare caused by strong backlash of Tiamath’s spiritual ward, or worse… was she indeed rescued from infernal trap if this was all reality, saved by her own bodyguard from which she assumed to be her murderer soon also, person that had no power at all to perform such high arcane deed.
She felt insulted.
„Explain yourself soldier, how such a simple grunt as you can deal with such forces? You are nothing, just a expendable tool in Witch Kings army!?”- Mage just had to throw it out, as she started to recover her upper position; yet it was still uncomprehensible for her how. Her lack of answers to so many questions caused her to feel embarassed not in front of a minion but to herself – she could not remember how long ago she felt such petty emotion last time.
„I kill enemies with great pleasure and They want me to do it for Them”- softly replied Tiamath yet with voice filled with mockery, as Her eyes open wide.
„They promise me glory and power. They promise me everything I desire, but so did our Lord Malekith.” – Sorceress allowed him to continue as she new that next words might be crucial to hear – „Everything was and is … a lie. I do not need Their attention, let Them fight over, Its amusing, If They strike me, I will die, so what of it? Im a solider, I learnt how to die long ago. All of you – gods, highborn, conjurers play games of power and politics, I do not. For what? Look at those fledgelings at the barracks - stupid noble boys, they wont survive another spring but they do care for such fleeting pursuits. Do not be mistaken as this formation needs me more than I do, those dogs are worthless and you all need somebody to keep this wretched mob in line. Remember my words now – I challanged fate and I am here by choice, MY choice, because I have earned that gift. I have no master now. All of Them try to violate my will to make me kneel again and for that I will bring them down, all of Them… .”
„I consider us equals…. Mistress and now I only could use a good night sleep now, same as You… .”
This was just unimaginable how shallow and taunting all this was. Stunning ignorance, it was unbearable to descirbe with words at best. Sorceress for one of very few moments in her life didnt know what to say and what to do. She encoutered a man that witnessed lifetime experiances, perhaps with deeper understanding of some mechanisms then her, yet also a child inside playing with fire? She was sure he wasnt an idiot after all, a fool for sure - that isnt embracing his gifts and opportunities for ascension. But that attitude was far beyond her understanding now. She would not decline such invitation for greater powers.
Purpose of existance such remained with low cunning was a mystery still. She knew she need to choose her words now carefuly and think fast. Is this really good move to keep him alive? Perhaps residents of the temple should visit him moment after as she manage to find a way out of his reach? Should a Dreadlord make an example of Him? Heretic, traitor, soon- to be rebel, ingrate, fool, exile – words kept flying over her head. Reporting this to Supreme Sorceress is out of the question for now, that was certain. If she wants to be noticed, she need to grasp this puzzle, gather some knowledge and keep this fool in hand.
While she was standing at his lair disoriented her gaze was intercepted by his eyes – „Thank you for the consort Mistress, she was a unsuspected offering”. After grabbing standard issue blanket Tiamath laid down on his mattress again and fell asleep carelessly.
This whole interaction was bizzare to her, yet she felt also secured, He did not care for his life, had no pursuits expect his loathing towards any law or authority , godlike and mortal alike and also exposed his back to her. This was a declaration of trust as he laid his fate back into her hands, action she absolutely needed in this moment, a gift of time she needed. If this one indeed is in possession of such honest but foolish soul, his punishment will arrive without her involvment, worse if such mad hound will break his leash and wreck havoc on all sides, could he be tamed?
„My name Nolveth, you mongrel and I will summmon you soon” - She turned back with shattered thoughts and left his tent. Tomorrow next long march awaits…