"I Consecrate my Soul to Thee" Witch/Demon AU

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a very specific reason why Essek was here at this moment.

All around him was gathered components, and within his hand he held chalk with which he was drawing the familiar pentagram that would assist in his mission. For his entire life, he had been gatekept, he came from a long line of witches, all of them female; the power passed down through matriarchal laws and blood-- from woman to woman.

However he was the black sheep, the one who had been given far more power than was comfortable for the bloodline in which it had been strictly locked up. Because of this, no female line could inherit and even right now etched into his chest was a binding spell that was unbreakable though oh, how he had tried. It had been placed there by he who he had been given in marriage to; locked until at which point a female was conceived which would then continue the line downward.

There was nothing more vengeful than a cat who had been caged, and right now Essek Thelyss was out for blood and perhaps even a healthy dose of revenge. There was that intrinsic longing for freedom to do what he wanted, not wanting to be bound by tradition to a familial coven who cared more about the line than him. He wanted to put a stop to it, perhaps even get this angry scar of a sigil on his chest removed, wanting night upon night of assault to end.

He did not care what he summoned, the only thing he wanted was for whatever power he could bid to rise to invoke retribution, to free him. Logically he knew that he would be entrusting his fate into the devil he did not know-- but at this point in time, that seemed far preferrable.

And that was how he had roped Alex into this. Someone who was well versed in the rituals if not well practiced; he could not do this alone because there was so much that could go wrong. Best to have two hands in it, even though he knew that it was not Alex's job to intervene but rather to 'watch' but he was desperate, and Alex knew how much he hated Adeen.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it was then that Essek finished the circle and then set his chalk down gently. ]

The circle is complete, the components are gathered.. it is time.

Comments

[internationalrelations]

[Alex was, at the best of times, a creature of nervous energy that kept him in near constant motion. Tonight was certainly no exception, especially since he had every reason for anxiety with what they were doing. So that was why he was pacing back and forth, checking and rechecking each piece of the circle that Essek had drawn, but all of it was perfect. Of course it was. Essek was too clever to miss even a detail of something this important.

Alex had readily agreed to come. He'd agreed and he fully supported Essek's efforts to break the chains that have been set to bind him. It wasn't fair the way that Essek had been magically caged, and, Adeen was an absolute asshole who deserved to have his ass kicked several ways to Sunday. Or so Alex thought.

So yeah, he was here to assist. And to watch, because that was what he was supposed to do. That was the mandate of the Talamasca, a family calling given how long his fathers family had been swept up in the unseen side of the world. He was the child of witches as well, a long and complicated genealogy that had gotten itself wrapped up within the trappings of the church, and eventually into this society of chroniclers and watchers. So much of him wanted to be more than a witness, wanted to actually be something, do something more. Maybe that was part of the reason he was so ready to agree to this too.]

It looks good.

[Alex pronounced, turning to face Essek.]

I'll speak the invocation with you. There's only two of us, but, it should be enough for the summoning.

[A coven of two was exceptionally small, and neither of them had exactly stepped into their power, for various reasons. But they should be enough to call on the power that Essek would need.

He hoped.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had trusted Alex's discretion in this, but also he was there as a final witness.. just in case this backfired on him, which he had thought of the possibility that it could do so. He was not blithly unaware of the risk, he knew exactly what it was that he was attempted to do and the ways in which case he understand. He would either free, or he would be dead.

It came ultimately down to that.

He placed the Amber in the center of the circle, and then he pulled a knife from his robes and slid it over his palm until it left a gash against skin-- of which he then dripped it over the Amber and then he passed the knife over to Alex with a solemn express. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex took the blade, nodding. They were doing this. It would be fine. This would work out, and nothing dangerous and unexpectedly life-altering would happen.]

Blood spilled, blood shared.

[A breath and he dragged the blade over his palm as well, wincing just slightly before letting a few drops of his blood mingle with Essek's over the amber. It did not occur to him that pooling his blood into a ritual to open a door to some magical and dangerous realm could possibly come back to bite him. Nope. He was only here to support and watch. Yup.]

Ready?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was rather hoping that something life-altering would happen to him, he was banking on it. If it did not then he would go back to something unhappy and he would have to come to terms with the fact that no one had heard his plea for help. He was not someone who deigned to ask for help easily, it had taken him a bit of time until he could approach Alex with this venture.

He had to be sure that he would be supported.

But Alex had acted as he had hoped. He nodded as he watched the blood all over the top of his own though not directly touching the amber stone, his own blood nearly acting as a shield perhaps even an insulator. He stepped a few paces back and then spread out his arms and spoke the invocation words. ]

I beseech thee with mine own blood
Dark and Crimson
The key that tides the flood.
Running rivulets, silent plea
Demon, Savior--
In your power, rescue me.
I consecrate my soul to thee
Contract forged, shadows dance
If gate doth open, yours will I be.

[ His voice rose up as the words reverberated, and around then the elements gathered.. first fire and then water.. dark fire and dark water as they both seemed to transpire around the two of them, the chant that he and Alex had poured over together, being sure not to get any of this wrong, both fearing the consequences if that should happen. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex offered Essek what he hoped was a reassuring smile. They had this. Essek had this. The entire reason Alex was here was to help the drow, to give him the means to take back his power. This had to work.

If it went wrong, it was entirely possible one or both of them would not make it out of here alive. But it was a risk worth taking. Too late to second guess now, and Alex wasn't one for second guessing. Once he'd decided on something, he did not look back. He would start now.

Instead he took his place directly across the circle from Essek, playing mirror to the drow, balance and ballast and anchor. He hoped.

Their voices joined and filled the chamber.

Alex felt it, the moment the invocation took hold. It was a shiver, the brush of something unseen against the back of his neck before the circle began to glow, a faint light that pulsed with the rhythm of a heartbeat, quickening, faster, beat by beat by beat.

Then all at once, where the amber, blood soaked as it was, suddenly erupted into a column of flame.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Water darkened the shadows of the room beyond the circle just as within the circle it was true that flames did dance as Essek had chanted. He stood their proudly as he squared his shoulders and waited for whatever it was. There was no cowing nor would he bow or kneel, this was not a contract where he wished to be subservient, he had enough of that-- and if the demon, this demon that he had summoned did not accept that? Then he would advocate to be killed right on the spot-- there was fire reflected in those starlight eyes.

And despite the fact that Water was not an element that he had requested, it still came, gravitating specifically toward the Talmascan, just as the Flames were drawn to the Moth and not the other way around. His voice rose up, higher to drown out the flames. ]

Reveal yourself to me!

[ And as he spoke, tickles like waves touched against Alex's back and would sting like a cold fire that was independent from that which lay within the circle.. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex did not notice the gathering water, not consciously. He was too busy trying to see Essek through the flame, to make certain that his friend was all right. He almost called out, but thankfully before he did, he heard Essek's voice call out, clear and confident.

He exhaled the breath he'd been holding, only to gasp in the next moment at that stinging touch -- burning but not burning, touched at his back. Eyes wide, he turned to look behind him.]

Who's there?

[No one could be there. They'd been so careful not to be followed. It was impossible.

In the circle, the fire surged, flaring brighter before it began to coalesce, taking on a shape, amorphous at first but slowly becoming humanoid, though still burning. The fire faded slowly, revealing a man, apparently human, pale-skin scattered with freckles. The flame in his hair died slower, leaving its color in the ginger strands as they settled about his shoulders. His eyes, though, they still burned, flame hot enough to glow blue.

The demon, the creature of fire, that Essek had called to himself stood before his summoner. He could see the seeds of his call, the need for revenge and for power, but it was that desperation for freedom in the drow that caught Bren's attention. Different. Intriguing.

He inclined his head, speaking, voice surprisingly soft, words tinged with a strange accent.]

I am revealed, and at your service, Essek Thelyss, scion of Den Thelyss, rightful heir wrongfully denied. You understand the price to be paid?

[zauberdecke]

[ While the flames danced at the center of the circle, and the demon emerged, there was still that which was just on the perimeter of the circle, a shadow that just fanned outside as if defying the very logic of pacts and circles-- as if it was coming in like waves.

And just like those waves, no matter where Alex turned-- he would feel the roll and undulation of waves against his back, edged with dark demonic energy. Something wicked this way comes and it had set it sights on the young Talamascan who stood there looking over his back, thus distracting from what was happening at the circle itself.

No one needed to know what was happening except that particular pact keeper and his demon, it was true. Alex would feel a purr against his ear, throaty and tinged with something completely primal.

Meanwhile, Essek stepped forward though not into the circle itself, not yet. It was not his place to make demands perhaps but he had to make this particular one, his eyes meeting those blue fire eyes as he stood there resolute, perhaps smaller than the demon though that did not detract at all from the core of strength within him. ]

I am aware of the price to be paid, that of my soul-- however Lord Demon, I will not move from one cage to another one. Promise me that shall not be and as my will becomes yours, so too shall yours become mine.

[ No matter what that meant, the beautiful drow stood there with little fear, but also with a healthy determination and stubbornness that was quite in keeping with his core nature.

And in the shadows around Alex would be distracted by the energy, the attention being kept off of that which was happening and with good reason, a pact between Summoner and Demon was after all sacred. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Someone else was here. Something else was here. Alex could feel his heartbeat kick up and he turned his back fully on the circle now, looking around the room with the breathtaking and terrifying realization that no, that wasn't right. He had turned his back on one circle and was staring at another that was coalescing around him, a circle not of his making, not of Essek's making, but a summoning nonetheless.

He heard that wordless sound, felt the way his entire body reacted, goosebumps prickling over his skin, hair raising on the back of his neck, stilling the breath in his lungs. He shivered.]

Who are you? What do you want?

[If its attention was on him, then at least it was not interfering with Essek's spell and pact. Alex would take comfort with that. 'That's right. Focus on me.'

But he needn't have worried. The demon who had appeared in the fire was quiet as Essek soke, taking in the man before him, the stubborn and proud set of those shoulders. No fear, no, save of not finding that freedom. And oh he was beautiful in that defiance.

With a strangely soft smile, the demon extended a hand towards the drow, beckoning.]

There are no cages here. You will be mine, and I will be yours to wield as you desire.

[And then in what was perhaps a surprising gesture, he spoke his full name, handing the power in those syllables to his summoner.]

I am Bren Aldric Ermendrud, spark and flame of the Nine Hells. I am yours to command.

[Well, once the pact was sealed.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The demons were playing the game of divide and conquer, though the Water Demon was finding that it was rather easy to capitalize on the way that Alex seemed to have brought up his sword and shield in defense of the Magic User who was even now walking into that pact, a pact that looked like it was going to be clinched like a padlock locking into place.

The scent of salt spray, of brine would attach itself to Alex's senses, but there was no coolness such as one traditionally expected with the sea, no there was still heat that shivered rather than burned, the soft near intangible footsteps in front of him-- but no one there.

Or so Alex would think, what Alex was not aware of likely was that there was a stone column near and if Alex stepped back even a little bit, he would be caught, he would be trapped.

Meanwhile Essek considered the demon as well as the outstretched hand that beckoned him towards, No cages, and while perhaps it was folly to trust, he somehow did trust the demon who offered him everything he wanted, and all he paid was a price-- those who opposed him would fall and all it would take was his soul.

But how valuable was a soul ultimately when he stood to gain so much more.

So he stepped through the flames and, unsurprisingly, they parted for him-- standing before the demon, he spoke. ]

Very well Bren Aldric Ermendrud, I accept your price and thereby your pact. [ And he would reach his hand out, to offer his hand-- in which he would assume would be the way that the Demon would seal the agreement between them, hand to hand, flesh to flesh. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Alex forced himself to breathe, to tamp down the adrenaline that surged through him, racing through his blood stream. He could smell the ocean, and for a moment it brought him back to his childhood, the first time his family had taken him to the ocean, the immensity of it as he stood there, small and so utterly aware of his insignificance.

He felt that way again. Entirely, utterly insignificant in the face of some force of nature. He held his ground though, shoulders squared, ready to do what he could to see this through in a way that would keep his friend safe.

Well, he mostly held his ground, save for a staggered step back, another, stopped by the cold stone against his back. Trapped.

Bren watched his pact holder step towards the flames, watched the fire part for him, as it always would. His flames would never hurt this man, only those Essek loosed them -- and by extension, him -- upon.

His fingers closed around Essek's gently, holding still as he stepped closer. His free hand lifted, fingertips catching Essek's chin before Bren leaned in, his lips gracing Essek's with a soft, careful kiss. Magic flared around them at the contact, the pact sealed with the action.

Bren stepped back, dropping to a knee in front of the drow, leaning his forehead to the hand he still held.

[zauberdecke]

[ In this moment, that was nearly the same mirroring feeling of insignificance-- and yet for one singular difference in that despite being cold-- it was not precisely threatening, only distantly massive. The waves crept closer toward Alex and then as back hit column, so did from the waves emerged a darkened shadow, a man that was as cool as the figure within the circle was hot.

Blonde and with eyes the colour of the ocean overcast by grey, fine features and curving light blue horns, perhaps even the shimmer of something like scales that were not scales in other lights and then just as Bren's form had done, he was granted substance. ]

Such a good fried you are... that is to be admired however tell me, is there anything you want? [ As power rippled around him in the way of the tides coming in ]

--

[ Their lips made contact, and with it the pact settled around them-- a hum of power suffused Essek as he realized that now he could merely speak and it would be done, his enemies was this demon's enemies. And thus he watched as Bren slipped to one knee before him, like a knight preparing to do his bidding.

It was now for his first command. ]

Night upon night I have had to endure the unwanted advances of Adeen Tasithar-- I want him gone, however I want him gone in such a way that there are no ties that may be found that link it to myself; I want it embarrassing and painful for him, but I also want him to know that it was because of me that he has been sentenced.

text

[internationalrelations]

So uh hey. Hi. You alive? Did you get devoured by a demon or anything? Because, like, you're all sorts of not here anymore. Do I need to call someone?

Also. Gotta tell you some stuff. That happened. To me.

Also also. If you're alive, I'm kidnapping you and we're going clubbing. Wear something slutty. I've got something to prove.

[zauberdecke]

First of all-- why am I to wear something slutty?

Secondly, I am as well as can be expected. I accomplished my goal but I am still working out the logistics of it. But, I am sorry for leaving you there all alone, I thought that because you are a member of the Talamasca, you could handle yourself.

You are well?

Also, I would have to sneak out which means that also requires a bit of logistics.

[internationalrelations]

Because I'm going to wear something slutty, and I can't be the only one. We're hitting the club. Going dancing. Turning some heads.

I can totally handle myself. I'm fine. I was checking in on you.

And yeah, no. I'm great. Sold my soul. Found out I'm into men. Things are cool, Essek. And also super fucking weird.

Pff. Logistics. If you need help breaking out, I've got you.

[zauberdecke]

Welcome to the club-- [ About liking men, though he had never had an opportunity to properly explore that until his own pact and it was going well. Right now he had a warm purring cat in his lap and while Adeen had not been happy about a cat being brought back, Essek had put his foot down. ]

I am not sure I even have anything slutty, I would not even know what to wear?

[internationalrelations]

[Alex is muttering to himself in Spanish and quietly banging his head against the wall.]

How does someone as hot as you not have anything slutty? Fuck.

But okay, fine. I'll provide the outfit. You just figure your great escape. Bring your demon. I think he's friends with mine. If demons have friends. I don't know how this shit works.

[Said demon was currently purring and making little kneady biscuits in the air. Caleb cat living his best life.]

[zauberdecke]

Maybe it is because I was bethrothed to Adeen before I had a chance to... this is the part where if we were speaking face to face, I would gesture vaugely. [ Henry and Essek should meet because they did have quite a bit of outdated ideas about things. ]

I could attempt to cobble something together but if you are offering to provide one, then I will not say no.

Also, I am sure that demons have friends-- mine feels like the friend-making sort so, I will find an escape route, thankfully my demon is fairly clever.

[internationalrelations]

Cool. Even more reason to hate that tool.

I'm offering. I've got you.

[Essek is trusting him. Alex will not fail.]

But good you and your clever demon get yourselves out by nine tonight. Meet me at my place. We'll get you dolled up, and we'll go out on the town.

[zauberdecke]

Very well-- you can count on myself to be there. Also, nothing too skimpy, I have to work up to something like that; but tight is fine.

[ he was trusting you, Alex. ]

I shall see you in whatever gremlin stuff you have planned.

[internationalrelations]

Duly noted. Don't worry. I've got a vision.

[He would stay within Essek's parameters. He wouldn't want to make his friend self conscious. Confidence was key, after all. Most important part of the outfit.]

Thanks, babe. I owe you. I promised to show Henry a good time.

[zauberdecke]

Oh, so your demon has a name then?

[ He knew this, Bren had told him. But it was true that there had been a little bit of time in which Alex had slipped off his grid. ]

[internationalrelations]

He does. Henry. Not exactly the most hellish name, but it suits him. He's...

I've never met anyone like him before.

[Alex is smitten, Essek. If that isn't entirely clear.]

What about yours? He got a name? You guys getting along okay? No summoner's remorse?

[zauberdecke]

He does have a name, it is Bren though currently he is a cat and I call him Caleb.

During our outing, he will be a Bren however.

I think that I will likely keep him with me for a long time.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek managed to crawl into the backseat of the car and then once Bren was in there with him, he latched on quite spectacularly. It appeared that with enough provocation, Essek could be quite the clingy thing, standoffish but only for clearly the rest of the world and that world did not include Bren. ]

I suppose Alex is alright, between him and his murderous coffee table.

[ Oh Henry was safe, as if anything could murder a Demon save for perhaps another demon. Certainly not a little oak coffee table with charming little coasters atop it. ]

Though I am not sure you are ready to meet the King of Hell, Alex-- you are far too insolent for your own good.