asterius-of-crete

[asterius-of-crete]

The King snorts, a soft and affectionate sound, and he nuzzles Merrick. He's become more tolerant of things like that. Small gestures of affection, almost casual touch.

Sighing deeply, he pulls her close, one hand covering her entire back as he does. "My dearest... how tired are you?"

He's asking for... reasons.

Merrick smiles against him, glad to hear that he agrees. As much as she loves being doted on and taken care of, she also wanted to show that she could be relied on if needed. 'Damsel in distress' was never a mantle she wished to carry, in this life or previous.

Not only just hearing the praise, but feeling it in the rumble of his chest as she's pulled in closer pushes a pleased hum out of her that gradually turns into a soft moan. Utterly surrounded by his warmth and strength, pressed close while relief and some adrenaline from the events course through her veins. "If you think so, then it must be true, my King. I am always happy to please you..."

#thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);; #merrick of violet

[asterius-of-crete]

Asterius groans softly as she caresses his neck, muscles surprisingly tense for someone who hadn't really looked all that bothered by the event that transpired. "Good. I think the people need a break after what happened." He did try to keep his kingdom as peaceful as possible, when he could. Easier now that reality was cut off.

Merrick's kisses never cease to amuse him, considering he can’t properly kiss her back. But he's become used to them, and would miss them if she stopped. "A team? Yes, I suppose we do." What a novel thought, being a team with someone.

"You’re prefect," he rumbled, pulling her close in a tight hug.

Merrick hums again, this time in agreement with what he says. Allowing herself to take the compliment was something she still worked on, but it had become easier with him.

She allows him to maneuver them as he pleases, then she's moving her hands up his chest to the sides of his neck. Massaging strong muscles gently with her fingertips. "Yes... no more entities, my darling husband..." She answers softly before scooting up just a bit so she can kiss along the side of his mouth. "Mmm... we make a good team, don't you think?"

#merrick of violet #thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

"I've given you knowledge, dearest wife, not strength," the King tells her. "What you've done would not be possible were you yourself weak."

Snorting, the ducks into their chambers and takes Merrick directly to bed. She's not even properly dressed, although Asterius is not a jealous creature. Possessive, yes, but not unreasonably so. Still, he wants her to himself, at the moment.

Returning to their bed, he lays down and shifts so he can curl up around her, holding her close.

"...no more entities, yes?"

Merrick is all smiles and nods of reassurance as her people gather around to check on her. Hmm... her people. Her home. The thoughts left a warmth blooming in her chest that no longer had to compete with a hollowness she couldn't quite shake before.

She's unable to contain the tiny squeak that leaves her when she is so easily picked up and carried by her husband. Something she enjoyed very much, even if she didn't say it out loud. Although with the way her face would turn pink, she hardly had to.

Merrick obeys, relaxing in his arms as she rests against his chest. His praise makes her flush even more, letting out a gentle hum as she nuzzles against him. "I couldn't have done it without you, my darling. You give me strength..." She replies, one hand smoothing over his chest as she softly plants a kiss on his fur.

#merrick of violet #thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

Asterius could probably have tried to kill it. Given it to a god for smiting. Trapped it somewhere far away. But he's too curious about it.

He closes the lid of the vase, and for good measure, scratches a sealing ward into the iron of one of his nails. Just to make sure.

With a snort, he gingerly sets the vase down on the floor, and the floor opens up to swallow it, closing back up without a trace of it. Knossos will store it in his study until he wishes to look at it.

All the servants immediately crowd around the queen, because they're worried for her. After all, she's only human(?) and they know magic can disagree with humans. Their faces are thankful, and Asterius gives them a few moments before he's stepping closer and unceremoniously picking his wife up.

"Rest," he tells her, cradling her to his chest. Then, with a few muttered orders to everyone, he starts making his way to their bedchambers.

"You were wonderful, my dearest."

Due to the nature of the... form that Violet is in, it's no easy task ushering it into its new prison. Merrick wouldn't wish being trapped on her worst enemy. Normally. But it threatened everything she held dear, and if it couldn't be killed, then sealed is the next best thing.

And once it is sealed away, a shuddering breath leaves her as she quickly places a hand over her chest... but it isn't pain that she feels. That emptiness, that hollow pit inside of her like something was missing. It's gone. The relief and exertion is overwhelming, her legs shaking as they threaten to give out all together. But she couldn't do that now, not in front of the others, and she didn't want to worry her husband further.

Taking in a breath and slowly letting it out, she lifts her chin and straightens her back. Unable to help herself from checking over Asterius to make sure he's okay before turning to the guards and her ladies-in-waiting. "Is everyone alright?"

#event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;; #merrick of violet

[asterius-of-crete]

The guards and servants are scared, but they feel comforted in the presence of their King. Not for a lack of faith in the Queen, but they've had millennia of believing Asterius is all they need to survive.

Asterius holds the vase steady, the whipping of his tail the only thing that gives his anxiety away. If someone knew how to look, they'd also be able to spot the tense muscles in his... face.

Ears pinned back, he does as his wife commands without question, pouring salt into the newly-crafted prison.

The interest in studying Violet only grows as he watches its sealing, and he can already tell he'll spend a lot of time with it. How fascinating. But now, he's more worried about Merrick.

She needs her rest, after a display of power like this. Something he's eager to let her have... after a few things.

It takes everything Merrick has to keep the monster at bay, thanks to the help of the protection spell that her husband placed on her and sheer determination and power from the Void. While he's gathering the requested items, Violet is writhing, harsh whispers seeming to come from every corner of the room.

"You... need me..."

"Doesn't seem so... from where I'm standing, wretch..." Merrick says through gritted teeth, her eyes glowing more brilliantly than they ever have. Swirling galaxies of glittering purple. Once her King has the items, her hands move through the air to manipulate the smoke toward the ceremonial vase. Screams echo through the room as it begins swirling inside of its prison. "As soon as it's all in... pour in as much salt as you can, my darling..." She practically yells to make herself heard over the noise.

#event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;; #merrick of violet

[asterius-of-crete]

Merrick's attendants are extremely worried about her, and desperately try to coax her back down, but they can't really stop her without physically forcing her to lay down, and they're not about to do that. It would be very inappropriate.

When she orders them to stand back, they do, confused and concerned. The guards are more reticent to stand back, hands on their swords. The unnatural shadows make them exclaim in fear, but they don't back down.

When Asterius burst into the room, it's to the sight of his wife, who very much should not be up, pushing herself to hold her tormentor, exhibiting amazing control and knowledge of arts that even he is not fully proficient in. It would make his heart swell if he wasn't so busy trying to find iron and salt.

Thankfully, out of all the chambers for this to happen in, the temple is the one who has both.

He grabs a ceremonial vase, a gift from visiting diplomats centuries ago, iron heavy for anyone other than him, and salt from the bowl next to the fire pit. And for once, the King stands there, looking as uncertain as he can look, waiting for his wife's guidance. He knows how to seal creatures, but he's not sure his methods will work on Violet.

While Violet obviously couldn't fight like this, it also couldn't be contained easily. And, it could travel at great speeds. It didn't want to take the risk before, leaving its body empty and vulnerable in case something went wrong, but it was out of options now. As much time as it spent convincing Merrick that she needed it, the truth was quite the opposite.

While the shifting hallways slow it down a little, it has the benefit of being able to sense where Merrick is so it can quickly get back on the right path.

Meanwhile, Merrick suddenly bolts up with a gasp, feeling its presence as it gets ever closer. As several hands and concerned voices try and coax her to lay back down, she's shakily getting to her feet.

"No, I... it's coming here... stay behind me!" She puts as much authority and urgency into her tone as she possibly can before facing the entrance to the room they are in. The area around them darkens, shadows elongating as the smog rushes in and right for Merrick. Raising both of her hands, she concentrates on holding it in place, made more difficult by not being solid. She has it for now, but when Asterius runs in, the strain in her voice is palpable.

"Something with iron and salt!" She blinks, not quite sure how she... knows that, but guessing it has to do with when it was trying to invade her mind. If the inhuman screech emitted from the smoke was anything to go by, she was right. "Hurry!"

#thread;; #merrick of violet #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

His magic is not meant for fighting. It is something that takes time and preparation, relies more on wards and curses than immediate effects. So the King lets out a frustrated bellow as his opponent crumbles to the ground, and the smoke starts escaping.

The sound alerts the guards, but they can't do anything to it.

Asterius growls, tells the hallways to stretch, make themselves longer and harder to navigate. Anything to slow Violet while he tries to think of a way to contain it. Maybe he can seal it. Destroying it would be a waste. He would quite like to know more about it.

The minotaur runs to the temple, steps heavy, slower than he would like. He needs to capture the creature before it can hurt Merrick.

There's seemingly no end to the putrid smoke as it continues to pour out of Violet's mouth, a harsh raspy sigh accompanying it. The more that leaves it, the weaker its physical attacks become as her very life force is being siphoned out. Willing to believe that it has a chance, a dark cackle is the last thing heard out of its body before it crumples to the ground in a pile of fabric.

The smoke has formed an ominous cloud overhead, swirling as it rushes through the air at incredible speeds. Heading straight for the temple.

#merrick of violet #event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;;

[asterius-of-crete]

The gall to physically attack him actually surprises the King. Desperate little demon. He snorts, holding out his hands to summon a barrier in front of him.

He's not keen on summoning the guards, can defend himself just fine. Someone would get hurt, and humans are far more fragile than he is.

"Desist," he orders, looking at Violet with wide, angry eyes. The smoke makes him wary, dark magic he doesn't understand. And that's dangerous. Maybe he should keep them for study.

Violet can feel the pull at her back, already knowing that this was more than one entity could handle, taking the risk anyway. Mind corrupted and deteriorated to the point of desperation and greed overpowering all else. Growling like an animal that was backed into a corner, it looks around before resigning itself. One last chance before facing oblivion.

Lunging forward with a scream, Violet launches itself at the Minotaur king, appearing ready to fight. Yet at the same time, purple and black smoke billows out of its mouth, attempting to begin another process of possession.

#thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);; #merrick of violet

[asterius-of-crete]

"I would have helped you create a suitable host, had you just asked," the King rumbles, disappointed by their behaviour. He's angry, of course, but his anger is far more muted than theirs. "Deception and subterfuge will get you nowhere with me."

There is a prod of stronger annoyance at being defied, and Asterius snorts, not at all intimidated by their posturing. "I believe I have asked you to leave."

The walls seem to shudder at his works, stonework eager to obey its master's commands. It threatens to shift and change, to spit Violet out like an unwanted seed. "You will do so easily, or I will make you."

"Do not delude yourself into thinking you can face my wrath."

Anger and fear rage through Violet in nearly equal parts. This wasn't fair. After everything they had to do to get this far, a miscalculation was going to rob them of what belonged to them. Their destiny, the power! "There wasn't time for any of that, unfortunately."

In a purple blur, they're suddenly several feet away from the Minotaur, their own height growing as shadowed tentacles writhe and squirm from under the cloak. They had one last play, a risk that was fitting if this was to be their last stand. But they would need to be an adequate distraction first. "I need her, and I'm not leaving without what is mine."

#event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;; #merrick of violet

[asterius-of-crete]

One of Asterius' ears flicks back and he hums. He appreciates the warning, even if he finds it to be unnecessary. What can a demon do to something like him?

At the familiar voice, the King halts in his tracks, something like annoyance rising in his chest before the space is distorting around him. It doesn’t take much effort to appear behind Violet: Knossos is wholly is, everything between its walls belongs to him, even the air everyone breathes. And after this little incident was resolved, he's tighten his grip on the world even more, to avoid any encores.

He is displeased, all ten feet of him, and he looks down at Violet. He doesn’t have a face, but really, anyone with a modicum of braincells should be able to tell he is glaring. "You forego any official methods of communication," he begins, voice low, "you trespass onto my realm uninvited, you hide yourself, and worst of all, you hurt my wife."

Leaning down, his massive head becomes level with its face. "Your ward does not wish to see you. And you will leave and never come back if you value the dwindling life in that body."

Even if Merrick knows that her husband has to go, it doesn't stop the whimper that leaves her when they have to part from each other. She tries to say, "Be careful," but it's so soft and quiet that she can't be sure he heard her properly. Watching him leave, her eyes finally close once again as she tries to get her breathing under control. Merrick could still feel them, but it's much more muted. The equivalent of someone banging on the door of a secure fortress.

Meanwhile, Violet is furious. It hadn't expected Merrick to put up such a fight, especially after it was able to seize its moment of opportunity and slip into Knossos. That bitch shouldn't have been so strong to keep her out when they're in the same plane. Retreat was an option, but they may never get another chance. And they want that powerful vessel. They've come too far.

"Your Highness..." A voice echoes out. "Apologies for the intrusion, but I'm going to need my protégé back. I'm willing to give you anything you desire." It's voice remains neutral, hating that it's come to this but having no other choice.

#merrick of violet #event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;;

[asterius-of-crete]

The King doesn't reply, not willing to break the spell before it's finished, but his other hand gently squeezes Merrick, trying to tell her that it's alright.

Hurried footsteps reach them, and Merrick's ladies-in-waiting, as well as two guards with several pillows, spill into the room. Asterius gestures them to come forward as he finishes the spell. The pillows go on the floor so he can gently lay his wife down, and he snorts. "Watch over her," he tells them, as he stands to his full height. He has an intruder to track down.

Knossos is not infinite, and here at its heart, he can feel better than ever where there is a dark stain on its fabric. The King huffs and snorts, displeased, and angles his head towards the archway. It's not in the temple. Without a word, he leaves, intent on tracking down Violet and dealing with them.

Merrick wants to help, she needs to help. This is her fault. Making a deal with that wretched demon, knowing it would take whatever it pleased from her. It hadn't occurred to her that it would want her body for itself. A few tears stream down her face as Asterius begins praying, focusing on him and the words he says even if she doesn't understand most of them.

It helps. The pain is a little less than before, and she lets out a shaky sigh as she can practically hear the growl of frustration in her mind. Her eyes open slightly, less chaotic than before. "I... I'm sorry..." She murmurs, not wanting to break his concentration. He had so much to worry about, an entire civilization.

#merrick of violet #event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;;

[asterius-of-crete]

"Rest, Merrick, let me deal with them. Focus on your breathing, save your strength." The King doesn't need to run, his legs are long enough to make the trip to the temple complex shorter than most. Guards and servants move out of his way, staring in worry but not interfering unless instructed to.

Asterius orders two of them to fetch some pillows and Merrick's ladies-in-waiting.

The temple, a collection of altars to all the gods, sits empty at this early hour. Asterius rushes in, cradling Merrick to his chest. Her grip does not bother him, no matter how hard it gets. He can't know what kind of pain she is in, but he's determined to lessen it.

Here, at the heart of everything, he can feel a speck of darkness residing in his kingdom. A pest. But he cannot leave Merrick on her own. As he waits for what he requested, he sits with her on his lap, resting a hand on her head and murmuring ancient words, prayer and magic intermingled for protection.

It was like Violet was tapping into every kind of pain Merrick has ever experienced all at once. A searing pain across her abdomen from a phantom bullet. Electric pain that travels down a once broken spine. She's gripping at his fur harder than she ever has, shaking in his arms as she fights off the mental assault.

"I'm... I'm trying to figure out where they are. They're close... trying to hide." A breathless chuckle leaves her despite the pain. "They're angry..." Good. Merrick would be damned if she just let Violet get their way in this. A dark, sinister energy is flickering back and forth between Merrick and another point across Knossos as she continues to try and pierce the veil.

#merrick of violet #thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

It is very rare that the King finds a reason to feel alarm, and yet Merrick has managed it. His ears twitch on the side of his head, forward and alert, and he pins his wife down with one hand, gentle enough not to hurt her, but with enough strength that she isn't going anywhere.

"Your guardian?" Asterius doesn't frown, doesn't quite have the features for it, but his tone is quite displeased. He can't sense Violet nearby, which he doesn't appreciate. And yet his wife's eyes...

They sometimes shone when they worked on spells, but nothing like this.

With a snort, he gets up, holding Merrick in his arms. "Come, let's go to the temple." It would be easier to deal with anything that happened there. His connection to the palace was at its strongest there, as was his connection with his source of magic, and it was a room he could easily cut off from the rest of Knossos without any repercussion. "Try to be calm, dearest. I will rid you of this curse."

Merrick tries to break out of Asterius' grasp, a futile effort as she continues to writhe in apparent agony. Violet is speaking in her head, but she can't make out the words, a language she's never heard before. Guttural and vile, it seeps into her mind and through her body like poison as she gasps, her eyes opening finally.

Her eyes. They're glowing purple, but there's crimson swirling around them as well. Frantically, Merrick is grabbing at him now, strain apparent on her fair features.

"Violet, they're here, I... I can feel them in my head... I don't know... how long I can hold them off..." As much as Violet wanted her to get stronger, that could be the reason why she was now able to hold her off. A double-edged sword of sorts. Her eyes squeeze shut as another groan of pain leaves her, shaking her head as if that will keep them out. "It hurts..."

#merrick of violet #event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;;

[asterius-of-crete]

The King is aware of every single soul that's part of his domain, every object, every brick. He could very easily open up their minds to himself if he so wished, but he's never had the need to.

That being said, Merrick isn't part of his domain, and her mind is much more off-limits than others'.

Whatever passes for dawn in Knossos is just breaking when Merrick begins moving, which Asterius finds odd. She usually sleeps for longer. But his wife isn't waking. She is just... "Merrick?" Asterius asks, distracted from monitoring his kingdom. A hand moves to stroke her hair, another to stop her from hurting herself.

Has she fallen ill? Nothing that couldn't be fixed, even if he had to resrot to his in-laws. "Dearest, you should wake. Have some water."

It's easy for Merrick to curl up against him, the comfort of his embrace and warmth working quickly to make her drowsy. Humming softly, she places a kiss against his chest before letting out a sigh of content, drifting off into a peaceful slumber.

But it doesn't last for long.

A few hours pass, and whether or not Asterius is still there, Merrick begins breathing heavily in her sleep. Her chest is heaving as a thin sheen of sweat breaks out over her skin, groaning as if in pain. One hand is nearly clawing at the skin on the back of her neck. And Violet... she can hear them in her head.

#merrick of violet #thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

The King looks down as Merrick reaches for him, and he nods. He always has something or other to do, yet he always finds the time for anyone who requests it.

Careful so as not to accidentally hurt her, Asterius joins her on the bed, shifting them both around so he can lay comfortably with Merrick next to him. He can keep an eye on his domain wherever he is, and he'll take this opportunity to do so.

"Rest, dearest," he rumbles, wrapping a massive arm around her. He enjoys having her close as well, even if he is not the best at saying it.

Merrick takes a breath in and slowly lets it out, willing herself to calm down. Trying to keep in mind just where she is. A land of Gods. And she believes him, when he says that she is safe. Violet had been successful in worming its way into her mind, convincing her that it's the most powerful and terrifying thing she could comprehend.

She has seen a glimpse of Asterius' power when he's been teaching her things. It would be alright. She just doesn't want anyone to get hurt because of her.

One of her hands reaches out for him when he lays her down, smiling warmly. "Will you lay with me, darling?"

#merrick of violet #thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

It is not something Asterius often reminds Merrick of, but he does have the weight of Knossos and thousands of souls resting on his back. He cannot afford to lose himself in the details of daily life and forget how much their existence depends on him being stable.

"Then they till not approach you," the King tells her with the certainty of someone who has complete control over the walls and rooms of his palace. "You are safe here." His sisters adored her too much for him to let anything happen to her. He could deal, forget, try again, but humans had trouble with those concepts.

Asterius stands up, easily carrying Merrick with him, and lays her down on their bed. "You should sleep, dearest." He himself does not sleep that often, only stays when she so desires.

Merrick was still learning about her husband, his mannerisms, and approach to things. Not to mention how utterly unbothered he seemed to be... she aspired to feel like that, especially now. Because she can't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. She didn't want to admit that fear settled in the pit of her stomach, a stone threatening to sink her into oblivion.

"I don't want them around me." She practically blurts out, blushing in embarrassment as she looks down. Absent-mindedly rubbing at the purple Cresent moon on the back of her neck. "They always spoke of wanting me to be stronger, but never said why. And I don't want to know..."

#merrick of violet #thread;; #event (eternal kingdom);;

[asterius-of-crete]

Asterius assumes the conversation is done, so he is once more surprised when Merrick doesn't seem perfectly content in letting it lie. He knows his wife worries more than most others in Knossos, and he tries his best to assuage those fears and concerns when he can.

At the mention of her guardian, he tilts his head briefly, thinking back to the night, for a given definition of night, where he'd met the creature. He'd assumed it to be some sort of fae or demon from the neighboring pantheons, with its penchant for deals. Although he supposes that what it is, is inconsequential.

"I suppose any guardian would want to visit their ward at some point," he finally says, resting his head on a fist. "But it wasn't written into the terms of the arrangement." A glance at Merrick and he strokes her back once more. "And they shall not be permitted near you if you so wish, dearest."

Merrick chuckles fondly and shakes her head. "No... not at all. I suppose it's my own lingering doubts rearing their ugly head." Humming in contentment as he touches her back, she cuddles up to him even more. Nuzzling against his fur as her hand reaches up to rest over his heart. The steady, strong beat a welcome reminder that this wasn't some mythical fairy tale or dream. It's real.

"I do... thank you, my darling husband." She answers quietly. Even with his reassurances, something... nags at the back of her mind. A large thorn caught in an otherwise perfect tapestry of her life. They couldn't have just planned on leaving her here indefinitely without getting their end of the deal. Whatever it was. "My love..." She finds herself saying quietly, not moving from her spot. "Something is... hmm. Did Violet ever say anything... about coming back here?"

#merrick of violet #event (eternal kingdom);; #thread;;