The first calls of the birds emitted softly throughout the trees that lightly littered the hillside, causing bright, cyan hues to slowly open to the surrounding world. The red-haired woman was up high in a tree, face up as she rests on two thick branches that completely shrouded her in thick greenery from all angles. Such was where she typically escaped the voices of countless Lebidans, though she was not asleep. She knew better than to be so far from camp and risk missing the horn that foretold a coming siege due to sleep. Verana was on her patrol that wasn’t ordered and instead of returning directly, the youth felt it better for her sanity to listen to silence for once.<br/><br/>Time off for personal affairs were limited, so Verana snuck what she could between her tasks. Such was of course known to Barth, him being stuck In a meeting with one too many pigs gave her the chance to escape the cruel eyes and teasing murmurs that lined the ranks of the Lebidans. She wasn’t afraid of them, if anything she was protecting them from shattered jaws and genitals because the humans needed every number they had. The true horrors that awaited man was not truly recognized among the numbers of the Lebidans, their pride and belief that they were superior to Linden because of polished armor and unused blades seemed far more important.  The huntress knew better, she knew they would be tested just as her brothers and sisters were, and she did not expect much until they lost everything her people did.<br/><br/>She’d lazily roll off of the left branch, though keen reflexes soon grasped the sturdy branch as she fell, letting herself hang there for a moment. Her narrow gaze rolled toward her bow that dangled off of a short branch within reach and quickly grasping it before letting herself fall onto the branch below. A bit of finesse and even some fun would be had as she finally swings off the lowest branch, landing on her dark, stained boots that had seen better days. The sun wasn’t yet seen from over the horizon and if one were looking down the nearest hill, it would have been difficult to notice Verana and her nearly black armor from behind. Her almost snowy white skin would have betrayed her position if it wasn’t her constant desire to coat herself in mud.  Even now, her face was smeared in a striped pattern of dirt to aid in her camouflage, though the rest of her form was completely concealed in leather.<br/><br/>She was indeed filthy with her time spent in the forest, though she was far more content there than at the camp, even if her ‘family’ was present. The young lieutenant removed a leather pouch from her belt, uncorking it as it’s raised to her chapped lips, letting the chilling water run down her tongue and clear her throat. Sticking close to the trees, she’d continue her steady motions, her shorter form making longer strides difficult, though her form was strong enough to keep a quick, yet quiet pace. Her armor lacked metal plating for the majority, and what was there was typically one, formed piece on key locations such as her shoulders, forearms, aiding in her desire to be silent.<br/><br/>The way back was peaceful, so much so she spotted a young doe in the distance. Her eyes widened, full lips parting as she let out a soft exhale. Remaining as quiet as possible, the woman carefully took her bow in hand, the other slowly taking an arrow from her slender quiver and drawing back. The wood groaned softly, each noise an indicator as was the length of the draw, aiding in the adjustments she made. The soft wind against her left cheek, the distance and slow movement of the deer, and even the chance of it dropping its head should it find something interesting to feast upon. Everything added up, but in reality it was all done within the blink of an eye. The arrow launched forward at terrifying speeds from the long bow, the crudely carved iron head cutting through the air rapidly. The arrow impaled the brown hide of the deer just above its front leg, piercing the heart with amazing accuracy.<br/><br/>Verana put more into her movement as she jogged over to her catch, a faint smile forming on her lips as she kneels down beside the fallen deer, resting her hand on its neck.<span style="color: #00FFBF"> “Thank you.”</span>She whispered in a soft, feminine tone before she carefully retrieves the arrow.  With a soft groan, she’d hoist the deer over her shoulder, its weight quite more than she anticipated, though it wasn’t impossible to carry the short distance from the camp. Even with her small stature, Verana had grown strong in her time out in the wilderness, trying to prove herself equal to the males the best she could. However such was in the past, now a lieutenant and beside the prince himself, she merely uses what she learned to survive and do the same for her brothers and sisters. She had become respected among her people, surviving several major assaults by the tutar with the scars to show for it. Though, all that was on her mind right now was eating.<br/><br/>Finally smelling the fires of the allied camp, she felt both relieved, and agitated that she was back. “Look there.” She heard nearby as one lebidan soldier nudged the other. “What’s wrong, girly? You need a man to carry that for you?” The soldier chuckled, his attire clearly showing his low rank. “How about I give you something thicker to hold onto?” It was then he’d burst into laughter along with his buddy.  Verana did her best to ignore the two soldiers, finding herself used to the hassling after the weeks of spending her time in the camp. It wasn’t until he approached, his hand actually reaching up to press his hand upon her left shoulder, did she pause in her steps. The extra weight he purposely added was painful, though she didn’t reveal such openly. The faint noise of metal grinding against leather would be heard, though one wouldn’t have the time to react to it before her dagger was already unsheathed, the sharpened, though worn edge slipping between the plates of the males groin and pressing firmly against his thigh and what hung between.<br/><br/>Her voice was a low whisper, emotionless even as the male gasped loudly in his sudden horror of what could happen now.<span style="color: #40FFBF"> “You will take your hand off of me right now, or you will be using it to stop the bleeding from your cock..”</span>She’d smirk at this, raising her chin toward the soldiers friend who seemed equally stunned by just how quick she was.<span style="color: #40FFBF">“Or maybe that’s why you have him here?”</span>Blinking repeatedly, jaw agape, the man quickly raised his hand off of Verana, stumbling backwards and falling back onto a rack of spears, causing them to scatter across the dirt. Taking a step forward now, she’d turn her attention to the other Lebidan, awaiting for him to make a move as he continued to stare at her. However, he quickly turned, rushing to his friends aid as he stuttered curses under his breath. Her smirk soon faded, looking away from them now even as others watched her move toward the Linden camps, dagger once more sheathed once she was in the presence of her ‘family’. Dropping the deer near her tent, Verana kneeled down in preparation of skinning the doe when prince Krinwulf approached. Quickly, she’d stand offering a low bow to her leader and a faint smile, if one had not seen the scene they wouldn’t have even known she was furious except those that knew her well.<span style="color: #40FFBF"> “My lord.”</span>She pauses, studying his features carefully before continuing.<span style="color: #40FFBF"> “How did it go with their king… do they believe they own us now?” </span><br/><br/>=====================================================================================<br/><br/><br/><br/>Phyrexus stood at the gaping maw of a spiraling void before him, his gaze widening one moment, only to narrow the next as if watching some sort of theatrics. The elder god was embraced by a dome of darkness, created by his own powers and gave him the isolation he so craved from the others within the upper realm.  Similar gateways surrounded the inner dome, each giving sight to Phyrexus  a view of the lower realm and those he chose to watch, those that dwelled in the shadows committing ill-deeds. Above and below would be the sight of the galaxy itself. Swirling nebula and the very stars brought a beautiful light into what would be pitch black. It would be this very light that broke him free of his thoughts, and the soft clatter of metal plates would be heard behind him.<br/><br/>Turning on his heel, the god faced what would be a large bed with red, silken sheets that remain tousled. On the edge of the bed, the pale, beautiful form of a goddess was before him, her long, dark strands slowly being brushed back to perfection.  A black, formfitting innerwear adorned her, though her curvaceous form still recognized with glowing starlight, and by her feet a massive suit of glamorous armor. Phyrexus chuckled softly,  his shoulder length hair still a mess with loose curls lazily framing his pale visage. He’d fold his arms across his heavily scarred form, watching with a smirk as the woman slowly prepared to leave, her armor being pieced together one by one.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">“Aurora… have I told just how much I adore seeing you wrapped up in our sheets? How beautiful  you are? “</span><br/>Phyrexus’ smiled warmly as the goddess's eyes widened a moment, as if surprised by the gentle words he whispered before turning to look upon him, her soft features glowing in the pale light; her lips curled up into the hints of a slight flattered smile before they fell calm and serene once more. She didn't reply, instead continuing to ready herself up for the night, though the occasional glances were filled with hints of embarrassed affection for the God of Shadows. Phyrexus continued to watch her, another playful chuckle escaping parted lips as she stands to continue slipping each piece of armor into place.<br/><br/>The god stepped forward, the ‘floor’ beneath his feet rippling with soft light as if he were walking on water itself. He wore only long, black pants that was unbound and hung loosely on his hips.<span style="color: #0080FF"> “Such is a noble thing you are doing, my love… even if the work of your demigods surely do you enough justice and warrant your benevolent existence.”</span>He did not expect a response, instead moving behind the Goddess of Stars, his arms wrapping around her to rest a hand upon her navel, the other on her hip, halting her progress of donning her breast plate.<span style="color: #0080FF">“I’ve never stopped watching you to this day… as you continue to risk your life for those far less fortunate.”</span>His deep voice was soothing, words softly whispered as he leaned in to nuzzle against her ear.<br/><br/>Akryanus tilted her head, gaze moving to her peripheral as her full lips parted lightly before she spoke. “We were brought here, risen as gods to be the protectors of mortals.” She paused, the large breastplate being held, awaiting for her ‘freedom’ to be given, though was certainly in no hurry. Her patience even noticed as she continued in her soft, feminine voice that held compassion in her words “If we turned a blind eye then we surely have no reason to exist. I am merely doing what is right, what is my duty… nothing more.”  She nodded once to this, her brow furrowing for only a moment as thoughts of her acts came to being, arousing that sense of honor within her.<br/><br/>Phyrexus nodded lightly, his fingertips lightly tracing along the thin, black liner she wore before he continued, his tone lowering further and holding less affection than prior. “I have been watching this man.” He’d begin, glancing at her for but a moment before continuing.<span style="color: #0080FF">“The hardships in his life have been plenty, though he has been using a new method, something he adapted so he too can survive. “</span>His body shook lightly with laughter, such being felt as he pressed his chest against her back.<span style="color: #0080FF">“Last month I watched him stab an elderly man while struggling for a loaf of bread and a few coin that barely paid for another meal. It was his first time ever committing such an act though even in the horrors of realizing what he has done, he has not stopped. “</span><br/><br/>The God of Shadows let this sink in, his eyes narrowing as a wicked smile formed on his lips.<span style="color: #0080FF">“We save who we can, but it is a shame that it is our choice as to whom or when we decide to aid in their affairs yet cannot help them all. I watched this man mug several more innocents, some of which all their savings now gone and their lives at risk. His greed has clouded his judgment, the belief of the gods hollowed out and filled with only the desire of wealth. “</span>Lowering his chin, he’d press his lips lightly against her shoulder and up her neck, pausing there with his head at an angle.<span style="color: #0080FF">“Right now he is preparing to ambush a woman and her young daughter, his hands shaking and stomach growling.”</span><br/><br/>His lips parted, head recoiling just enough to study the shift in Akryanus upon hearing the news. It was quite clear she was mentally struggling, her muscles growing tense as that well known sense of urgency and duty she always held reared its head.  She’d attempt to pull herself free, only to realize she was locked in the grip of the much older god. “Where are they, which one of these doors?!” Her once calm and collected tone had shifted, though she didn’t snap or fight against him entirely. The male chuckled softly, head turning to look toward the void he had been peering into before approaching her. His voice remained calm, though he seemed rather excited by her struggle, purposely speaking slowly to make her sweat it out moments longer.  Pointing, he gave a single nod as he continued to whisper.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">“There, I am sure by now they are already at his mercy… the beautiful girl crying out to her mother. You would be lucky to have time to done your disguise before it’s too late. Gods forbid they realize the truth of their goddess.”</span>The final word was hissed in a soft, sensual manner before finally releasing Aurora, taking a step away to watch her don the rest of her armor as he chuckled softly.<br/><br/>Phyrexus watched in silence as the goddess knight bound herself into the thick armor that shrouded her true gender into obscurity, leaving only her youthful features to be shown. Turning toward him, the goddess narrowed her gaze in a sort of half serious death-stare, which only widened his smirk. By the time she dons her helmet and picks up her iconic spear, Aurora was already moving toward the portal, only to look over her shoulder as she gave her farewells. “I will be back soon and in the garden at the meetings end.” With this, she quickly stepped into the inky darkness of the portal, it quickly consuming her into what seemed to be pure nothingness, where light would not dare to touch. With her gone, he’d sigh softly, realizing there was little time to watch. Dark tendrils snaked out from beneath the bed, wrapping around his arms, legs and finally his torso, melding into him to form his armor and robes. His clawed gauntlet opened, revealing the now present mask that hid his emotions, something quite important for such meetings. Pulling his hood up, he’d press the mask to his face until it seemed to push firmly, if digging into his flesh.<br/><br/>Seemingly slipping through the floor, Phyrexus would suddenly be outside his chambers, his movements hastened as he travels a white, shining marble path and to the Hall of the Circle where the meeting was held. Typically, the Hand of the Circle was required during trials or when he is to be summoned, but the days have been slow and in his boredom and with permission of  the Circle, he could attend. Like always, Phyrexus was early, finding his place against the wall in the middle of the large table where the Circle Gods would gather. One by one they’d trickle in, his mask, without any visor or real way to peer out, made it impossible for others to tell where he was looking or even awake. Even in his ascension, he was a knight, his own decisions mattering not in the grand scheme of things and instead is a cog for what is considered the greater good. He liked it this way, maintaining silent as desires were argued, points being made between Malinar and Rolyn which was the fate of humankind. A faint smile formed on his hidden lips, finding the irony in his own play with mortals, deciding when and if he wanted to help an individual, or watch them succumb to their own fate.<br/><br/>At the meetings end, he would be the last to leave, his head turning to watch each individual go only leaving Rolyn in his seat. His presence was customary, and saw to it each left before he finally stepped through the threshold that led to the glorious beauty that was the Upper Realm. His dark armor and ragged cloak seemed unwelcomed in such a place that seemed so perfect, but this was certainly where the fun gossip was had. Phyrexus was only a few paces behind Rolyn, his gloved hand resting on top the other as he followed, mask still adorned mostly to shield himself from the light. Upon reaching the Gardens he’d separate himself from the almost stalking route he took, and decided to walk around the gardens while peering within.<br/><br/>Just in time the appearance of Akryanus was made only a few meters from him, her shining, powerful form making itself known as she eased to the stone beneath. Once she had lowered herself respectfully before the God of Time, Phyrexus smiled roguishly, eyes narrowing as he looked toward the pair in his silence, a brow quirked inquisitively upon seeing her arrive so soon. His plated boots would slide against the flat stone adjusting his form so he could look out toward the garden. Remaining still, he’d simply watch as the two conversed, his smile remaining as he recalls the trouble he caused recently.