Eternal
“Fuck it, let’s do it.” You say.
“That’s my boy.” Semra remarks.
“What?! Emperor you…you can’t…” Decena reacts.
“Are you still here? Hush tank child, the adults are speaking.” Semra snidely comments, this time though Decena ignores her and focuses all her attention on you.
“Emperor…I don’t understand why you would trust this woman after all the terrible things you’ve told me about her, but maybe it isn’t my place to understand. Maybe I am unable to understand the ways of a living god. And that IS what you are. At least to me. I will always love you no matter what. I will always serve you faithfully no matter what. Now if YOU believe that this svelk’s plan is what is necessary to win, then I will trust your judgment. However I still cannot trust her and if you’re entering this city, you aren’t going alone. I insist that I go with you.”
Decena has dropped her formal stance at this point and is looking into your eyes while holding one of your hands with both of hers. She still believes so much in you…
You nod which causes Semra to roll her eyes.
“(Sigh) Very well if you want to bring your former tank baby fuck toy fine. Maybe she’ll come in handy as demon fodder, but that’s it. I don’t have the power to keep an opening in the barrier for very long, now hurry up and meet me at the city gates.” Semra remarks and her image disappears.
“Well I guess I better make a general announcement before we leave.” You say and exit your command tent.
Your announcement to your soldiers is brief though their response is one of encouragement of course. They’re probably inspired by the fact that you’re willing to do a “one on one” confrontation with the leader of the enemy. Whatever their own private thoughts on your policies and rulership, nobody can ever claim that you’ve never been willing to put yourself in the same amount of danger.
Of course with you and Decena entering the barrier, thee is the question of who is going to be in charge of the main attack force just in case something should go wrong.
“Colonel Flevas, you’re in charge of the army.”
“I am?” he asks surprised.
“Sure, you’ve more than proven yourself time and time again. You’ve earned the respect of the troops just as much as anyone else. You have the rank. If anything does happen, get Galen and the rest of the mages here to take down the barrier and then hit the city with everything you got. Though if that barrier comes down and we aren’t out of there within a twenty minutes, bombard the place, and if you start seeing anything that doesn’t look like it belongs from this world coming out of the city, start hitting it with everything anyway.”
With that last command you and Decena approach Dequilet. As soon as you get to the barrier a small opening appears and the pair of you enter. The city gates then open and once again you and Decena enter.
Two things are immediately noticeable. One is how very ornate and elaborate the buildings are, even compared to other Nakol cities you’ve been to (Granted those were mostly half in ruins at the time) You’ve never been one for pointless decoration, but you have to admit the city is quite a sight.
The second thing you notice. There are no people at all. Nothing. It’s like the entire city was evacuated, but you’re fairly certain that didn’t happen. Considering how desperate Mortimer has been to save his own skin, you can’t imagine that he did something so selfless. Besides nobody reported an exodus of people leaving the city and there were no such sightings.
“Beautiful isn’t it? Nothing compared to svelk architecture to be sure, but fairly good for the lesser-born monkeys. Especially without any of them around anymore dirtying up the place.” Semra shouts as she walks towards you.
Decena grips her weapon, but makes no other move.
“So where is everyone?”
“Oh most of them are inside the big palace just up ahead. In these last few weeks ol’ Morty’s had himself a non-stop orgy. Takes the edge off. I have to admit such things are an amusing distraction, but when it comes to you monkeys even I can only stand one at a time. Anyway, shall we prepare for our…merging?”
At this point Decena grabs your arm.
“Emperor are you sure abut this? I mean we could still just chop this bitch’s head off then go in and finish off the sorcerer king and whatever demons we may face. Just me and you.”
“Its okay Decena. This svelk bitch has always been inside my head in one way or another, what’s one more? Besides, my life has always been an open book. I have no hidden secrets of any worth. She’s already know all my combat techniques considering she taught me most of them. As much as I might hate to admit it, she’s a far more skilled magic user than I will most likely ever be so there is nothing to learn there. Anything she might use against me psychologically she’s already tried and failed.”
You turn to Semra, who stands silently listening. You walk towards her still talking.
“So she can access my mind because I KNOW I’m strong enough to resist whatever the hell she might attempt. Because ultimately it isn’t me who needs to be worried about this joining, it’s her. This will work both ways, and who knows what secrets might she hold in that svelk brain of hers. Secrets that she doesn’t want ME to know and I’m sure there are quite a lot. Now are YOU prepared for this?” you ask Semra face to face and you notice that there is a brief show of concern, then she answers.
“I can handle it if you can, lover.” She answers confidently.
“Well let’s get on with it then.” You say.
“Stare into my eyes and focus.” she says and begins the process.
Suddenly your mind goes to another place.
You see what’s in Semra’s mind or at least a glimpse of it. Images are coming at you so fast you can’t make out all of it, but you see a mixture of the horrifying and impressive at the same time.
You see what must’ve been during the time of when the svelk ruled. Everything is very regal and elegant looking, though much like the svelk themselves, it radiates a certain coldness. You also see the svelk treating their subjects (Most of which are of races you’ve never even seen before) worse than the Empire ever could. They also have greater control too thanks to their magic.
What you aren’t seeing is any images of Semra herself and you’re even sensing that she’s experiencing pain during this process. Semra is obviously blocking some of her more private thoughts. She’s showing you a general history of her life, yet somehow only telling you half the story. Meanwhile she’s probably trying to scour through your mind of everything.
However, while you may not have the magic skills she does, your powers have grown considerably over the years. Her attempts to keep portions of her own mind shielded fail and you see even more…
You see the image of a young svelk girl. You aren’t sure how old, but by human standards she would definitely be considered a child. It’s Semra and she is holding the hand of an adult male svelk.
They are both in a city where a large crowd of svelk are gathered having a good time throwing what looks to be sveld babies against a nearby wall which has a big target on it. Semra looks very happy and cheers whenever one splats into a bloody mess in the center.
It would seem that Semra’s entertainment preferences didn’t change much for her. Several images of her enjoying similar activities with the same adult male flood your mind. The adult male is her father.
In any case, the idea that she was once a child is bizarre, but then everyone starts as one at some point right?
You see many images of her father. He was obviously a warrior mage of great skill that enjoyed violent battle and crushing the enemies of his empire though you also get a sense of “honor” about him. In that regard he must’ve been unusual for a svelk. He also was much different around Semra who apparently brought out the “lighter side” of him.
You then see more…intimate moments with her father. Namely sexual in nature. You can’t say you’re surprised to see this given her own personality. This relationship apparently went on for years.
You’re loathed to think it, but her father seems very much like…well you. His face even vaguely resembles your own if you had the dark skin and pointy ears. This must just be another piece of the sick puzzle of why Semra has a bit of an obsession for you.
It’s obvious that Semra is really trying to do her best in blocking all of this from you, but she continues to fail.
Then you see a black spot. Like a pit of endless despair.
The next images are brutal and violent. You see war, specifically a civil war. The svelk are warring with their own kind, or rather the “impure offshoot” of their own kind, the sveld. Dark elf against elf in a war to the death.
Then you see images of svelk cities burning to the ground and falling into ruin followed by hordes of svelk scattering and becoming the nomadic mercenary society you’ve always known them to be.
You see Semra’s father in battle with a mob of demonic beings. They also have a much older Semra on the ground. This must all be during the fall of the svelk Empire.
The demons are doing their best in trying to rape Semra, but she manages to get the upper hand and fight them off. Then you see Semra’s father being brutally ripped apart by the demons before Semra can do anything to help him. One demon even runs off with his head. A great sense of sorrow floods your mind.
And then you suddenly feel yourself being pushed away. The contact is broken and Semra immediately turns away from you and some sniffling sounds can be heard.
“(Sniffle) There. It’s done. Let’s go.” She remarks while rubbing her eyes and walking briskly towards the palace.
You stand silent for a moment somewhat in shock by what has just happened. Never thought you’d see AND actually believe Semra having feelings of loss and genuine sadness.
“What…what the hell happened?” Decena asks.
“I think I saw something she thought she could hide from me and failed spectacularly.” You answer.
“What did you see?”
“A lot, but probably not everything. All I’ll say right now is the woman has serious daddy issues.” You say.
Decena pauses for a moment before speaking again.
“Don’t we all?” she says looking directly at you and walks towards the palace leaving you standing alone.
“Alison didn’t.” you mumble to yourself and follow.
As soon as you set foot in the palace a horrible stench fills your lungs. It smells like all manner of bodily fluids, waste and then some. Vermin of all kind run about what looked to be a picturesque palace at one time, but now is home to well, filth.
“Ugh! That’s really awful! I actually feel sick! Not even sections of the jungles in Nyytrus smelled this bad!” Decena remarks.
“I can honestly say I’ve only encountered a stench this bad once before and it wasn’t an orgy that caused it.” you say remembering Gnome’s Home.
You point up ahead into the large chamber that Semra is waiting for the pair of you. And there lies what is causing the majority of the smell. The dead.
Hundreds of filthy naked bloody bodies must be piled up in the center of the chamber like some grisly pillar. Other bodies lie about on the floor. Really you can’t really walk into the place without stepping over one.
“It would appear that the orgy has been cancelled.” Semra remarks.
“I take it that this is a sign that Morty’s gotten worse?” you ask.
“It’s a safe bet. I don’t know if you can feel it, but I’m definitely feeling more of an infernal presence. Zelvix may have very well completely taken over Mortimer’s body by now.”
“Sadly the little fucker is still making squeaking pleading sounds for his freedom, though his voice is starting to dim. His torment while delicious now, will be even more so in hell when he finally shuffles off his mortal coil. But I ramble, please come in with your friends Semra. I’m sure all of us can come to some sort of deal…” a dark booming voice says behind the doors up ahead. Probably the throne room.
Semra turns to you.
“Whatever you do, don’t listen to Zelvix. Demons have a way of persuading you into doing things you’d never consider.”
“What like linking your mind with them?” you say.
“I’m serious! If you think that I’M a manipulative untrustworthy bitch, think of me five times worse and you still haven’t even begun to understand just how bad demons can be. Now as soon as we go in, he’s not going to attack us directly at least not immediately. He’ll try to get us into a deal first. What we need to do is perform my banishment ritual on him. You actually don’t need to do anything; I’ll do the work. I just need your extra magical energy as well as your inner willpower. Together we can do this.”
Maybe its because your minds are linked now, you get the sense that Semra is telling the entire truth about this. Usually you always have suspicion or doubt about her words, but not this time.
“Hey what about me?” Decena asks. “Both of you are wizards with all kinds of mind protection, what the hell am I going to do when the demon starts attacking mine?”
“Don’t worry Decena, I’ll cast a powerful mind shield spell on you, but I’m more than confident that you’ve got the inner strength to resist any demon lies.” You say.
“I’d highly advise against that! You need to stay focused! Upkeeping a spell on her is just going to divide your energy. She probably should just wait outside.” Semra snaps.
“Semra, she’s here to help me just like I’m here to help YOU. I’m not going to deprive her of something she wants to do. You say its going to divide my energy, I say let me worry about that and you worry about your role in this. We’re all in this together remember?”
Semra throws up a hand in exasperation.
“Fine.” She remarks.
You tell Decena that she just needs to deal with any threats other than Mortimer since you know at some point he’s probably going to have minions running in to help him. You also remind Decena to NOT kill Mortimer since the whole point is to keep the demon in weakened form while Semra banishes it.
Each one of you knowing your roles, you all enter the throne room…
“That’s my boy.” Semra remarks.
“What?! Emperor you…you can’t…” Decena reacts.
“Are you still here? Hush tank child, the adults are speaking.” Semra snidely comments, this time though Decena ignores her and focuses all her attention on you.
“Emperor…I don’t understand why you would trust this woman after all the terrible things you’ve told me about her, but maybe it isn’t my place to understand. Maybe I am unable to understand the ways of a living god. And that IS what you are. At least to me. I will always love you no matter what. I will always serve you faithfully no matter what. Now if YOU believe that this svelk’s plan is what is necessary to win, then I will trust your judgment. However I still cannot trust her and if you’re entering this city, you aren’t going alone. I insist that I go with you.”
Decena has dropped her formal stance at this point and is looking into your eyes while holding one of your hands with both of hers. She still believes so much in you…
You nod which causes Semra to roll her eyes.
“(Sigh) Very well if you want to bring your former tank baby fuck toy fine. Maybe she’ll come in handy as demon fodder, but that’s it. I don’t have the power to keep an opening in the barrier for very long, now hurry up and meet me at the city gates.” Semra remarks and her image disappears.
“Well I guess I better make a general announcement before we leave.” You say and exit your command tent.
Your announcement to your soldiers is brief though their response is one of encouragement of course. They’re probably inspired by the fact that you’re willing to do a “one on one” confrontation with the leader of the enemy. Whatever their own private thoughts on your policies and rulership, nobody can ever claim that you’ve never been willing to put yourself in the same amount of danger.
Of course with you and Decena entering the barrier, thee is the question of who is going to be in charge of the main attack force just in case something should go wrong.
“Colonel Flevas, you’re in charge of the army.”
“I am?” he asks surprised.
“Sure, you’ve more than proven yourself time and time again. You’ve earned the respect of the troops just as much as anyone else. You have the rank. If anything does happen, get Galen and the rest of the mages here to take down the barrier and then hit the city with everything you got. Though if that barrier comes down and we aren’t out of there within a twenty minutes, bombard the place, and if you start seeing anything that doesn’t look like it belongs from this world coming out of the city, start hitting it with everything anyway.”
With that last command you and Decena approach Dequilet. As soon as you get to the barrier a small opening appears and the pair of you enter. The city gates then open and once again you and Decena enter.
Two things are immediately noticeable. One is how very ornate and elaborate the buildings are, even compared to other Nakol cities you’ve been to (Granted those were mostly half in ruins at the time) You’ve never been one for pointless decoration, but you have to admit the city is quite a sight.
The second thing you notice. There are no people at all. Nothing. It’s like the entire city was evacuated, but you’re fairly certain that didn’t happen. Considering how desperate Mortimer has been to save his own skin, you can’t imagine that he did something so selfless. Besides nobody reported an exodus of people leaving the city and there were no such sightings.
“Beautiful isn’t it? Nothing compared to svelk architecture to be sure, but fairly good for the lesser-born monkeys. Especially without any of them around anymore dirtying up the place.” Semra shouts as she walks towards you.
Decena grips her weapon, but makes no other move.
“So where is everyone?”
“Oh most of them are inside the big palace just up ahead. In these last few weeks ol’ Morty’s had himself a non-stop orgy. Takes the edge off. I have to admit such things are an amusing distraction, but when it comes to you monkeys even I can only stand one at a time. Anyway, shall we prepare for our…merging?”
At this point Decena grabs your arm.
“Emperor are you sure abut this? I mean we could still just chop this bitch’s head off then go in and finish off the sorcerer king and whatever demons we may face. Just me and you.”
“Its okay Decena. This svelk bitch has always been inside my head in one way or another, what’s one more? Besides, my life has always been an open book. I have no hidden secrets of any worth. She’s already know all my combat techniques considering she taught me most of them. As much as I might hate to admit it, she’s a far more skilled magic user than I will most likely ever be so there is nothing to learn there. Anything she might use against me psychologically she’s already tried and failed.”
You turn to Semra, who stands silently listening. You walk towards her still talking.
“So she can access my mind because I KNOW I’m strong enough to resist whatever the hell she might attempt. Because ultimately it isn’t me who needs to be worried about this joining, it’s her. This will work both ways, and who knows what secrets might she hold in that svelk brain of hers. Secrets that she doesn’t want ME to know and I’m sure there are quite a lot. Now are YOU prepared for this?” you ask Semra face to face and you notice that there is a brief show of concern, then she answers.
“I can handle it if you can, lover.” She answers confidently.
“Well let’s get on with it then.” You say.
“Stare into my eyes and focus.” she says and begins the process.
Suddenly your mind goes to another place.
You see what’s in Semra’s mind or at least a glimpse of it. Images are coming at you so fast you can’t make out all of it, but you see a mixture of the horrifying and impressive at the same time.
You see what must’ve been during the time of when the svelk ruled. Everything is very regal and elegant looking, though much like the svelk themselves, it radiates a certain coldness. You also see the svelk treating their subjects (Most of which are of races you’ve never even seen before) worse than the Empire ever could. They also have greater control too thanks to their magic.
What you aren’t seeing is any images of Semra herself and you’re even sensing that she’s experiencing pain during this process. Semra is obviously blocking some of her more private thoughts. She’s showing you a general history of her life, yet somehow only telling you half the story. Meanwhile she’s probably trying to scour through your mind of everything.
However, while you may not have the magic skills she does, your powers have grown considerably over the years. Her attempts to keep portions of her own mind shielded fail and you see even more…
You see the image of a young svelk girl. You aren’t sure how old, but by human standards she would definitely be considered a child. It’s Semra and she is holding the hand of an adult male svelk.
They are both in a city where a large crowd of svelk are gathered having a good time throwing what looks to be sveld babies against a nearby wall which has a big target on it. Semra looks very happy and cheers whenever one splats into a bloody mess in the center.
It would seem that Semra’s entertainment preferences didn’t change much for her. Several images of her enjoying similar activities with the same adult male flood your mind. The adult male is her father.
In any case, the idea that she was once a child is bizarre, but then everyone starts as one at some point right?
You see many images of her father. He was obviously a warrior mage of great skill that enjoyed violent battle and crushing the enemies of his empire though you also get a sense of “honor” about him. In that regard he must’ve been unusual for a svelk. He also was much different around Semra who apparently brought out the “lighter side” of him.
You then see more…intimate moments with her father. Namely sexual in nature. You can’t say you’re surprised to see this given her own personality. This relationship apparently went on for years.
You’re loathed to think it, but her father seems very much like…well you. His face even vaguely resembles your own if you had the dark skin and pointy ears. This must just be another piece of the sick puzzle of why Semra has a bit of an obsession for you.
It’s obvious that Semra is really trying to do her best in blocking all of this from you, but she continues to fail.
Then you see a black spot. Like a pit of endless despair.
The next images are brutal and violent. You see war, specifically a civil war. The svelk are warring with their own kind, or rather the “impure offshoot” of their own kind, the sveld. Dark elf against elf in a war to the death.
Then you see images of svelk cities burning to the ground and falling into ruin followed by hordes of svelk scattering and becoming the nomadic mercenary society you’ve always known them to be.
You see Semra’s father in battle with a mob of demonic beings. They also have a much older Semra on the ground. This must all be during the fall of the svelk Empire.
The demons are doing their best in trying to rape Semra, but she manages to get the upper hand and fight them off. Then you see Semra’s father being brutally ripped apart by the demons before Semra can do anything to help him. One demon even runs off with his head. A great sense of sorrow floods your mind.
And then you suddenly feel yourself being pushed away. The contact is broken and Semra immediately turns away from you and some sniffling sounds can be heard.
“(Sniffle) There. It’s done. Let’s go.” She remarks while rubbing her eyes and walking briskly towards the palace.
You stand silent for a moment somewhat in shock by what has just happened. Never thought you’d see AND actually believe Semra having feelings of loss and genuine sadness.
“What…what the hell happened?” Decena asks.
“I think I saw something she thought she could hide from me and failed spectacularly.” You answer.
“What did you see?”
“A lot, but probably not everything. All I’ll say right now is the woman has serious daddy issues.” You say.
Decena pauses for a moment before speaking again.
“Don’t we all?” she says looking directly at you and walks towards the palace leaving you standing alone.
“Alison didn’t.” you mumble to yourself and follow.
As soon as you set foot in the palace a horrible stench fills your lungs. It smells like all manner of bodily fluids, waste and then some. Vermin of all kind run about what looked to be a picturesque palace at one time, but now is home to well, filth.
“Ugh! That’s really awful! I actually feel sick! Not even sections of the jungles in Nyytrus smelled this bad!” Decena remarks.
“I can honestly say I’ve only encountered a stench this bad once before and it wasn’t an orgy that caused it.” you say remembering Gnome’s Home.
You point up ahead into the large chamber that Semra is waiting for the pair of you. And there lies what is causing the majority of the smell. The dead.
Hundreds of filthy naked bloody bodies must be piled up in the center of the chamber like some grisly pillar. Other bodies lie about on the floor. Really you can’t really walk into the place without stepping over one.
“It would appear that the orgy has been cancelled.” Semra remarks.
“I take it that this is a sign that Morty’s gotten worse?” you ask.
“It’s a safe bet. I don’t know if you can feel it, but I’m definitely feeling more of an infernal presence. Zelvix may have very well completely taken over Mortimer’s body by now.”
“Sadly the little fucker is still making squeaking pleading sounds for his freedom, though his voice is starting to dim. His torment while delicious now, will be even more so in hell when he finally shuffles off his mortal coil. But I ramble, please come in with your friends Semra. I’m sure all of us can come to some sort of deal…” a dark booming voice says behind the doors up ahead. Probably the throne room.
Semra turns to you.
“Whatever you do, don’t listen to Zelvix. Demons have a way of persuading you into doing things you’d never consider.”
“What like linking your mind with them?” you say.
“I’m serious! If you think that I’M a manipulative untrustworthy bitch, think of me five times worse and you still haven’t even begun to understand just how bad demons can be. Now as soon as we go in, he’s not going to attack us directly at least not immediately. He’ll try to get us into a deal first. What we need to do is perform my banishment ritual on him. You actually don’t need to do anything; I’ll do the work. I just need your extra magical energy as well as your inner willpower. Together we can do this.”
Maybe its because your minds are linked now, you get the sense that Semra is telling the entire truth about this. Usually you always have suspicion or doubt about her words, but not this time.
“Hey what about me?” Decena asks. “Both of you are wizards with all kinds of mind protection, what the hell am I going to do when the demon starts attacking mine?”
“Don’t worry Decena, I’ll cast a powerful mind shield spell on you, but I’m more than confident that you’ve got the inner strength to resist any demon lies.” You say.
“I’d highly advise against that! You need to stay focused! Upkeeping a spell on her is just going to divide your energy. She probably should just wait outside.” Semra snaps.
“Semra, she’s here to help me just like I’m here to help YOU. I’m not going to deprive her of something she wants to do. You say its going to divide my energy, I say let me worry about that and you worry about your role in this. We’re all in this together remember?”
Semra throws up a hand in exasperation.
“Fine.” She remarks.
You tell Decena that she just needs to deal with any threats other than Mortimer since you know at some point he’s probably going to have minions running in to help him. You also remind Decena to NOT kill Mortimer since the whole point is to keep the demon in weakened form while Semra banishes it.
Each one of you knowing your roles, you all enter the throne room…