Weary Shadows |OPEN|

[Sloth]

Boredom was the driving force behind Sloth's decisions. Actually, it was an overwhelming urge to satisfy his enternal sense of disinterest that drove him but that was such a mouthful he choose to shorten it. His boredom had carried him throughout the kingdom, rousing him from his sleep that kept him rooted in the same spot for days on end. His wandering had led him to the darker of the three territories and then into the darkest spot within them, the Citadel. It was a large black behemoth that blotted out the sun, what little the area saw. He decided to turn away from the large structure, opting instead to enter the gardens. It would have been much more work if he wanted to get inside and sneaking about wasn't exactly his cup of tea. It was the reason why he decided to stop and smell the roses.

Sadly, the demon had accidentally entered the wrong garden. Finding his way into the hedge garden was a stroke of terrible luck. Not turning around was all his fault. Believing that he could simply find his way out of the winding pathway he decided it would be much more fun to find his way out. After three hours of wandering aimlessly Sloth was no longer finding it amusing and the urge to vaporize the hedges with a blast of dark energy infused with the stone around him was overwhelming. That, however would require work. Exhausting all other option Sloth did what he always did when he found a dead end... he laid down and tried to sleep.

Finding a nice comfortable spot under a large statue he laid down and pulled his hood over his head. It was the perfect spot, at least it was in this large overwhelming maze of flora. He nestled down and let out a soft yawn, his black hair obscuring his face as he rested against the statue's legs. It was on odd site for anyone to behold. A man dressed in slim fit jeans, heavy black work boots that had been scuffed beyond repair, a plain black t-shirt covered his features, and finally a black hooded sweatshirt lined with white fur. The oddest feature was the fact that a small dagger was hidden up each of his sleeves the outlines just barely visible. The sword wielding demon opted to leave his sword behind figuring that it would draw attention.

Besides, it wasn't as if there was anything that posed a challenge. He thought to himself. It wasn't a sense of pride that provoked the thought but truth, something one never expected from a demon. There were only eight people in all of the world that posed a threat to him. Six of them he called family and the other two... Well honestly, what were the chances of running into one of the Queens that ruled the opposing countries? Very little Sloth wagered.

[Andarial Featherstone]

As always her weapons were resting at her hips and on her wrist. She never went without her weapons as they were probably the only thing besides Wulf that kept her safe from the terrible situations her wandering mouth seemed to get her in. Speaking of the 'oh so terrifying' Wulf he had been forced to stay behind because of a horrible wound that had been caused by a nasty attack on the battle field. A claw from another elf's Beast had caught his side and gouged deep into the muscles there. He was being tended to as of right now, his wound already stitched just needed daily bandage changing. Wulf was completely furious about being left behind while Andee wandered but as usual she couldn't sit still while he was hurt.

She strode into the Hedge Maze, intent on wandering. She knew this maze like the veins that mapped underneath her skin. She walked with the confidence and pride she always held. The sensual tilt of her gently curved hips would catch any man's eye and she knew it. But even though there was no one to watch she couldn't help but walk that way, it was such a normal thing for her to do it was ingrained in her steps.

She moved into the center of the Hedge Maze. The sun finally having a clearing in the tops of the hedges to peak through and light up the obsidian statue of herself riding Wulf into battle, or so she always assumed that's what they were doing. She looked at her two-headed steed with ruby eyes lovingly. Then her golden gaze was brought downward and she saw him. A person she could clearly remember never seeing before in her life. HE was asleep or so it seemed and she felt a flash of anger.

HOW DARE HE! How dare he laze around in her presence. He should be standing and kneeling begging for forgiveness, and telling her why he was there. Hoping and praying she wouldn't behead him with her own sword. Though she doubted she would because that would be far too much of an honor.

"Who are you? Who are you who is stupid enough to lay down in the presence of a Queen?"She drew herself upright and glared down at the man.

Words: 398
Muse: Great <3
Song: She's Country- Jason Aldean

[Sloth]

Noise, Sloth hated noise above everything else. That damned unwanted sound that prevented him from sleeping caused his silver eyes to fly open the silver taking on a darker grey color, a sign of his obvious irritation. Even in his irritation and partial slumber Sloth had been able to hear what the woman had said. So, apparently Sloth was dead wrong and had run into one of the few people in the land that posed a challenge to him. It was just his luck. The slender figure shifted slightly and let out a deep sigh. "Dammit," he said under his breath as he sat up and pulled back his hood. He yawned, daring to be so insolent in front of the Dark Queen, and then rubbed the back of his head, ruffling his long black locks. He glanced up at her, the darkness ebbing from his eyes returning them to their original silver coloring. When his eyes locked onto her he felt a mischevious smile play across her face.

Oh Pride would love you, he thought to himself as he stood up. The woman was obviously very beautiful and Sloth could see that even she thought so. Maybe it was something he could use to play with her. Oh to hell with Pride, Sloth would have his fun with this one. It wasn't everyday that one ran across one of the Queens of the land, especially not the darker one. She was closer to the Sin than she thought sharing many of their vices, all but the ones he ruled over. "My grace," he began as he performed a low sweeping bow, his hand flourishing as he touched it to his chest. "I humbly apologize for my transactions. I had no intent of disrespecting you or your wonderful beast." he said, his eyes locking onto her feet.

"My name is Trist, your majesty, and I am just a simple traveler. I saw your marvelous garden and I thought that I just had to see it. Though, I wasn't under the impression that it was a maze. I stumbled upon your great visage," he said, gesturing to her statue, "And figured that I could find safety under it until someone came and found me. Lo and behold, your highness was the one that found me. I am honored to be in your presence. Though, I must admit that you must see me in such a state." he said as he tugged on his clothing. Oh yes, Sloth could be quite the smooth talker when he wanted to be. He had spent lifetimes in and out of courts finding and interest in them sometimes posing as a sort of nobleman. He had learned the proper way of talking to a woman long before the Queen before him had even been a thought and he knew how to use it excellently.

He hoped that his act was believable. After all, he gave her no reason to not believe him and besides he appealed to what he saw to be one of her largest attributes, or flaws depending on your view; her pride. "Please your highness, forgive me." he said as he rose from his bow and presented her with a bright smile.

[Andarial Featherstone]

Again she felt that feeling of nervousness. Which was something strange considering the fact Andee had very little to be nervous about. So as he began to speak she did not trust him, not right away at least. But as he began to speak she felt for sure that this 'simple traveler' was nothing to be feared. Besides she never had to fear anyone. Her eyes flew along his body taking in his form, he was quite attractive in Andarial's eyes, though most men were to her. She wondered why the fates had brought him here. Sure he was a traveler but why had he traveled to her part of the world and not her sister's. He seemed like he would mesh with her kind much easier.

As he smiled she realized just how handsome he really was. Frowning she shook her head minutely, he didn't look like a noble so she could not get involved with him, or so she told herself. The truth was she didn't want to because he still made her uneasy, she had in fact been involved with many non-nobles before. "My forgiveness has been earned. Though for one who speaks so pretty you are not just a simple traveler. No traveler or peasant speaks that way," she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. As long as she acted suspicious he would not think that he had gotten away completely unscathed.

She watched him with a smoldering gaze that lay just inches from anger. But wasn't that always the way she was. Either inches from anger or jumping someones bones. She lived on extremes if one gained her trust she was extremely loyal and would kill anyone for them. Though no one had gained her trust that way besides Wulf. The extreme she was more likely to lean towards was anger. IT was more than just anger though it was fury or wrath. Enough that when she had that look in her eyes just one glance could send someone stumbling away in fear. One twitch of the hand could cause the Earth to crumble and shake. She was extremely powerful in her anger it was after all how she killed her father.

She couldn't remember why she had killed her father, just knew she had grown so angry at him that night she had said the incantation that she needed to end his life.

Words: 408
Muse: Great!
Song: Talk Dirty to Me- Poison

[Sloth]

"Thank you, thank you." he said as he once again bowed before her, 'grateful' for having her forgiveness as so many common men would be. "Ah yes my highness. It is rather rare for one of my kind to be able to speak like this." he said, referring to peasants as if they were a completely different kind of person. "My mother thought it was fit for me to learn how to speak like this. My father was a knight, you see. Not a very well known one, but a knight just the same. She had dreams of me following after him and becoming someone of great prestige." he said, coming up with the small lie on the spot.

What did it matter if he lied. There would be no way of her finding out for sure. Knights in this realm came and went and records could be altered. If Sloth really chose to keep up this game he could forge all of the documents and make it as though he were truly the spawn of some simple knight. Hell, if he wanted too he could make himself the bloody marquis. It was simple enough when you knew the right people and just how they operated.

"Sadly, I was of you sister's lands and I found that... well let us just say that your realm is much more to my taste your majesty." he said as he gave her another tender smile. Sloth knew how to play people. It was one of the games he had grown to enjoy while he was bored and something he had become a master of in his time in the world. He had to as he was the only Sin who never changed ones personality. He simply made them sluggish and at times shrouded their minds in despair. Interacting with someone who was filled to the brim with self loathing wasn't exactly the funnest of aspects so Sloth was stuck using his silver tongue instead.

"Actually, I traveled out this way as to request to humbly join your mighty army. Though, I had planned on acquiring some actual weapons and possibly some armor. I never thought to run across your majesty though. If I had I would have thought to dress like a gentleman." he said as he shifted his weight, making it seem as if he was nervous to be in her presence. He had no intent of joining her army and he knew he might have volunteered himself for her services by saying so but it didn't matter much. Sloth had several personas by which he went and was able to make and shed them as quickly as he made them often pretending to die.

[Andarial Featherstone]

She sneered at the mention of her sister, "Really I don't know why she even has followers." She wasn't sure if she hated her sister or just was afraid of her love. She scoffed inwardly no she would never be afraid of something so petty and insignificant. She smirked as he practically asked to join her army. She had gotten so many offers and she usually took them all. But there was always something she had to do to weed out the weak before she accepted the person. She placed her hand on the hilt of her scimitar.

"If you truly wish to join my army then we must do battle!" The grin grew wider as she said, "But don't worry, I won't kill you... that is unless you truly anger me." The statement was said calmly with no flourish and not as if she was trying to scare him. But that was what was almost terrifying about the way she spoke it, because one knew that she would really do it. She had no issues with killing people, no in fact she enjoyed it immensely. The scent of blood on the air made her excited and lustful.

Death should be taken with force and one should always die in glory. One should always die in blood, not at home lying in some bed barely breathing. She was not merciless though, she brought death quickly to those she fought and often combed the field after a battle and ended those lives who suffered. So maybe she wasn't as evil as people made her out to be. She was just dark and liked different things than most people. She showed her kindness in different ways. Showing that kindness though she often thought was a weakness so she tried her best to do those things privately.

Words: 319
Muse: Ok
Song: Next Contestant- Nickelback

[Sloth]

A fight, Sloth could have sighed if he wasn't trying to keep up the act. It seemed that this performance would require a bit more work than his usual ones. He had heard of the Warrior Queens love of battle and could almost see the desire for combat rising off of her in waves. If she wanted to fight Sloth was obliged to give it to her, even if he wasn't in the mood, he was never in the mood though. "Very well your majesty." he said as he gave her a small bow. "Though I feel I am not worthy to try my blade against your's I will do as you command." he said as he righted himself and looked over her. She might have perceived it as a young man looking over an attractive female though in fact he was examining her body, taking in clues of how she fought and her physical strength.

Her hands were scarred lightly and calloused from years of working with a blade and her muscles, while not large, were obviously powerful, particularly the ones used to swing a sword and throw punches. His silver eyes met hers, the gold a stark contrast to his silver. He shook as if he was nervous to do battle with her. He knew he could win in this battle. He had the element of surprise and the advantage. Both his elements were surrounding him in abundance, he could sap her energy easily from within this length, and he was physically stronger and faster. He knew he would have to lose though. He could wound her pride. He could put up one hell of a fight though. He was sure she would appreciate that.

With a quick movement the dagger in his left sleeve flew outward. He grasped it and brandished the foot and a half dagger. His hands, unlike her's were soft and unmarred his demonic heritage preventing the tell tale signs of a swordsman from showing up. "I will do my best your highness. I urge you to do the same. It would wound my pride if I fought the famous Warrior Queen and did not fight her at her peak." he said with a weak smile. Despite his 'fear' and trembling hands he appeared ready. He brushed back his hair with his free hand revealing perfectly rounded ears, a sign his magic was weak, almost non-existant. At least, it would be if he was an elf.

[Andarial Featherstone]

She smirked at him. Her tiger clawed fist coming in front of her to the ready and her scimitar now brandished and curving wickedly inward, signaled that she was ready to. Her magic was brought to the surface of her mind, the little glowing pool right there where she dipped her feet just in the shallows to start to ready herself to use it. Wound his pride? She scoffed aloud this time, she doubted this man had any pride at all. Suddenly the earth was rolling beneath her feet, pushing her forward at incredible speed. One moment she was standing in front of him and in the next few seconds she was to the right of him making a vicious but short slash at his shoulder.

HE would be able to dodge depending on how strong his magic was, but from the look of his ears it wasn't strong at all. As she was making the cut toward him she moved with it slightly, far enough so she could whisper in his ear, "Are you afraid? Do you think you can do this?" It was barely there, that voice that she spoke with but she knew he would hear it.

This was the way Andee was when she fought, all sexual and confident power. Many were afraid to fight her because of the mind games she played with them when they fought. If it was a man she was fighting at the time it was a sexual game. IF it was a female it was usually a game with their life or the life of their loved ones. She could have mercy when she wanted to but she could also be cold and ruthless it all depended on her mood at the time.

Words: 296
Muse: Good
Song: N/A

[Sloth]

Incredibly fast for an Elf though not fast enough for a demon, especially not one trained in the art of the sword. Sloth feigned surprise as she moved like an arrow freshly released from it's bow. The instinct to dodge her attack was strong but he suppressed it. Sloth moved only slightly allowing the tip of her blade to graze his skin, yet not enough to actually cause any sort of wound. His face was drawn into a grim mask as he concentrated on his art. While she was in close he heard her whisper to him. Men would have fallen to their knees if they had heard that tone and most would have found a certain desire stirring within them. Sloth felt neither but he did feign the former as he allowed a shudder to coarse through his body. "There are things we have no choice in doing your majesty." he said, his voice calm as he shifted his weight from one foot to another.

Using the simple motion Sloth made an arching motion his blade coming down and aimed at where her chest met her abdomen. It would be hard to feign weakness in this battle while at the same time trying to prove a challenge. If he acted to weak at times she would see it was an act and if he transitioned to a more fluid and experienced style she might become angered, the lust of battle overwhelming her usual senses. He had to find the right balance and allow himself to flow from making simple, yet deadly mistakes, to being an efficient and competent swordsman. He was sure he could do it. After all he had to if he wanted to keep his toy interested. Immediately after slashing Sloth recovered and put up a defense knowing that if he had over extended she could have decimated him.

"This just so happens to be one of those things. Even if I am scared I have to swallow that fear, embrace it and prove myself." he said, his smiling becoming slightly more confident. He refused to use magic in this fight. It would go along with his story perfectly if he did. If he used even a fraction of his power, which rivaled her own magical abilities, she might begin to ask questions that would become... awkward to say the least. "Besides, how can I hope to prove myself to my future queen if I let her see that she frightens me. I can't be called a warrior if I wore my fear on my sleeve so blatantly." The smile shifted, becoming a playful smirk, another act of feigned interest in her.

[Andarial Featherstone]

She didn't trust him once again as the smile turned into a smirk. Something was off. She was still drawn to him, yes but something was still wrong with him. No true knight would smirk like that if they had a Queen fighting with them. And though he didn't fight her with magic his swordsmanship skills were too well polished for his age. HE looked slightly younger than her but she couldn't be sure. She was after all pretty young herself, especially for a Queen. But she had seen so many things that people older than her hadn't even dreamed about.

"You speak with a lot of experience, for one your age," she said. As his sword arced toward her stomach her tiger claws quickly came up to deflect the blow. And as her fist came up so did the earth underneath him. The movement was sharp and the earth was disconnecting from the rest of itself. It wasn't like a wave more like a cliff suddenly jutting out and lifting.

Her magic seemed to take a life of it's own when she fought, it seemed to understand what she needed and did it for her. Sure if she was just using it in everyday life she had to think, but when she battled it was like it was connected with her thoughts and she could just leave it and know it would do what she needed it to do. That was what made her dangerous, her and her sister. The fact that their minds melded perfectly with their magic and so did their weaponry skills. When most elves had to think before using their magic and so preferred just fighting with one or the other. Weapons or magic.

Words: 297
Muse: Rambly
Song: Something in your mouth- Nickelback

[Sloth]

"You forget my Queen. When in times of crisis, such as this war. Little boys are forced to grow up and become men. I was one of those boys." he said as his brows knitted together in false concentration. He felt the ground pulse beneath his feet and the magical energy flow through it. His eyes widened and he leaned backwards to avoid the blow from the woman's razor edged blade. As he did so he felt the earth's energy from within. He allowed it to flow through him and he predicted it's movements. He leaned back further allowing the rising earth to carry him. He landed in a heap behind the newly formed ledge. Before any further assault could be made he scrambled up with out grace. Once again he was in a form prepared for battle.

"I don't think I've ever fought an opponent who could use magic while engaged in combat." he said, his eyes wide. Of course he knew about the Queen's ability to utilize both sword and sorcery but he had to play as if he hadn't had a clue. In truth he could use his magic and fight at the same time, melding both the lazy, stationary earth with the darkness that sucked the joy out of all light. "I'll have to remember that." he said as he gulped down his nerves and prepared to attack, his body tensing as he did. He exhaled deeply as he closed the gap between them. His blade was reared back ready to lash at the Queen's abdomen once more. Before it made contact though Sloth brought up his other hand and thrust it forward. From out of the confines of his sleeve another dagger sprouted forward, poised to strike the queen between her ribs.

[Andarial Featherstone]

She glared at him as he came at her with the same attack. She side-stepped and also did a quick skip back, in doing so moved to the right now facing him with her side instead of her front. She didn't move quick enough to the side though and so the dagger in his sleeve glanced off one of her clothless ribs. It didn't make a deep wound, but enough for blood to start to leak out in a steady stream. Anger flareed through her and she quickly slashed at his wrist, a vicious downward cut that whistled through the air.

"I do not enjoy it when people cut me, little boy," the last two words were said with venom and the cut downwards was quickly followed by a step that had her withdrawing the cut, not even seeing if it hit and stepping so she was facing the opposite direction as before and bringing down her weapon at his right shoulder. He was a fairlly good fighter, and sneaky at that. She still didn't trust him though and yet she wanted to. This air he was giving off seemed so strange.

"Are you worthy of my trust, boy?" she asked him, she called everyone that, even most of those who were older than her. It was because she saw herself as a higher being and therefore their elder. Everyone should respect their elders after all. They were rarely worthy of her respect and trust anyways.

Words:256
Muse: Ok
Song: Tangled up in me- Skye Sweetnam

[Sloth]

Sloth's sneaky tactic was rewarded by the sight and scent of blood. While Sloth was never one to revel in the liquid as some of his siblings did he did appreciate it's meaning and as a swordsman it was always a pleasant sight to see. That was something very few knew about him. Sloth, while lazy and uninterested, was a skillful swordsman. Several times in history he had shown up pretending to be some sort of hero with a blade and at times a villain. He wondered how this girl would react if she ever knew that she was fighting not just one legend but several. He figured it would be best not to tell her and simply continue their bout and his game. When she was enraged and slashed at him he nimbly rotated his wrist, dodging the blow and parrying the sword that she had clutched in her grasp.

He brought up his sword but not in time to completely block the attack. The force of her blade pushed his own down and cut into his flesh lightly starting a soft flow of blood to dribble down his body. Sloth didn't interpret pain as most elves would and instead reveled in it. Living in hell one typically learned to enjoy the lesser pain interpreting it as sick pleasure. He hid a smile as he lashed out with his other blade. Now that he had revealed both he had more ways to attack and rend the flesh of the Queen before she admitted that she could trust him as one of her own knights. "My liege," he said between slashes, all aimed at her mid section and the wound he had already created. "Upon the battlefield there must be no ranks and no rules. In war even a king can fall to a peasant. I fight like this to preserve my own life against such things. If I fight like this for myself then imagine how I will fight in your service." he said as he pulled back and crossed his blades in front of him as if expecting an attack from her.

Sloth, despite the pleasures of battle, felt no desire to fight. He never was in a fighting mood, though at times the urge came over him. As his silver eyes looked over her he prayed that she would stop this senseless battle before he lost his patience and out of boredom acted upon his baser desires.

[Andarial Featherstone]

She danced away from the blows, her body moving fluidly and gracefully. She was a masochist and enjoyed pain to an extent, yet she felt no desire within her well up at being cut. No lustful feelings came to mind as she battled this man. It truly showed she thought something was off about him. Yet she wanted to be friends with him. What should she do? As his swords came up and crossed she lashed out with a foot at his knees. She had never found someone so well versed in the usage of swords as this man was. At least she hadn't found them on her side.

Bringing herself back to a standing position she watched him warily and waved her tiger clawed hand, "Fine, you have proved yourself. But know this, I had no intention of killing you, if I did you would already be dead." Her look was smug and yet inside she felt unsure of that. She would keep this man close to her. Learn more about him. Try to figure out who he was and what made her so nervous to be around him. "Trist, you have a chance to join my guard, do you want the position?"

She pressed a hand to her bleeding rib and brought her fingers away from the wound, the digits were slick with blood. Bringing it to her lips she absently mindedly licked away the crimson liquid, though her eyes never left his from, just in case he decided to do something stupid. Boys tended to do that too. Stupidly attacking when they thought the target was distracted. Andee was far from distracted, her body was still in fight mode and was slightly tensed, ready to kill if necessary. She was always ready to kill.

Words: 300
Muse: Good
Song: Familiar taste of poison- Halestorm