Fantasy The Aetherium Wars (open for one more, possibly two)

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

On the monolithic continent of Albion, there existed three races. First were the humans, the oldest and most established race of all the three. Humans were blessed with two gifts. The first was intellect, and the ability to reason. The second, and arguably the most precious, was magic. In times long since faded, they constructed magnificent cities and roads, and spread throughout the continent. Their power, however, grew to great, and spiraled out of control. Thus the great fall of humanity occurred, and split the race into three.

To the north, in the dark lands covered in an everlasting winter, were the vampires. Though their magic had become weak after the fall, their senses were heightened to an extreme, as well as gaining the ability to control the feeble minded, enhanced strength, and great speed. They formed into many different clans, all swearing loyalty to the Strigoi, the monarchs of the vampires. The other clans filled out different roles in society, such as craftsmen, nobles, warriors and artists. The lowest in the society were the demi-human slaves, not sentient, but kept alive to feed the populous. Though powerful, the vampires have lost most of their magical talent and power, and will do anything to reclaim it.

To the south and the west lie the great forests, home to the werewolves. Instead of magic simply leaving them, their former magic transformed them into creatures able to endure, and so the wolves have. In the great forests the have formed several hundred different packs, all autonomous in their operations, save for one exception. The Silver Pelt pack held sway over the largest territory in the forests, and were sworn fealty to by all other packs. These packs are very tribalistic, though werewolves retain their human intellect, and should never be confused for simple beasts. Through spiritual ritual, they are able to preform minor magic, though their healing abilities are noted very highly among scholars.

Finally, the last race, the humans. Though most of humanity fell to vanity in power, one small kingdom remained humble and just; The Arcanian Empire. The empire sprang forth when it's founder, Ignotos Pendragon, deciphered the secrets of crystallized magic, known as Aetherium. With it, he rebuilt the great city of Magnas, and issued forth a new magical haven for all remaining mankind. This empire and the other races were at peace for millennia, until the vampires and werewolves found that they too could wield Aetherium. Thus, the Aetherium wars began. My father, Salazar Pendragon, saw the beginning of them 20 years ago, and two years after their start, I was brought into the world. I, however, might be the last hope for peace. I, unlike any human born for 2,000 years, have the innate ability to wield magic. Will there be peace at last? Or will we spiral into another fall?​

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

It was a crisp autumn day that the young prince left the capital city, a small escort of guards in tow, as he traveled to his first diplomatic mission. The vampire enclave had been at war with his kingdom since time immamorial, however now with the Arcanian Empire's vast magical wealth reaching a level near the civilizations of old, they had offered the possibility of peace talks. Their demands were simple for the meeting; they required it to be held in neutral territory, and for a member of the royal family to be humanity's delegate. Prince Octavius was more than happy to oblige.

He and his small posy reached the outskirts of the city of Arcania, the capital of the empire. Here there were several towers that connected with the ley lines of the world. They allowed the traversal of the country quickly as easy as walking through a door. Or portal, to be more correct. Their destination was an oddity in these times of war. A small village, renowned throughout Albion, for it was the only village that remained neutral to all sides in the great wars. It was here that the peace meeting would take place, and hopefully, peace would ring across the land. The portal would take them a mile outside of town, and it was this that concerned Octavious. It could be possibly they would be attacked, however he doubted the wolves would be organized enough to mount a full assault. Not to mention, Octavious could easily handle any fight. He sighed, and stepped through the portal.

Octavian's next sight was a beautiful valley, with steep hills enclosing them on all sides. It was peaceful, almost suspiciously so. It was then he noticed that none of his guards were with him... and then he remembered that the land's surrounding pandemonium, the village he was bound for, were completely flat. It was then he heard a sound that would change his life... A loud, long howl.​

 

[Ryoko Lee]

It was time. Akela had howled one last time to mark his entrance, to challenge the world. A huge, massive wolf walked effortlessly from the trees, and it was not alone. Several wolves walked behind him, following him, of all different colors. The lead wolf, the largest one, his silvery fur, like a mist beneath the stars, with startling green eyes. It snarled at the other wolves, and they fell back into the trees- as if they were never there.
The was a brief snarl, and the wolf walked closer, head down low, as if it were hunting. He didn't attempt to hide- he knew if Octavian ran, he'd get him within seconds.
He strode closer, closer, green eyes glittering like jade in the night. His fur seemed to glow in the moonlight, and he seemed almost otherworldly. Upon closer inspection, you could see his jaws were slightly open, lips pulled back to reveal white sharpened teeth and pink gums.
Submit to the power of the wolf.
A voice sounded in Octavian's head, and the wolf drew closer, keeping low to ground, as if preparing for a hunt.

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Octavius cursed under his breath, his hands moving into a clasped position as he prepared to cast a shield. There was no chance to out run them, especially at night. Octavius spoke, his hands outstretched, ready to defend himself. " Oh Seele, werde eins mit Stein und halte mich fest." A wall of moonlight wrapped around him, though his back was left unguarded. It wasn't solid, but it would shield me from most physical attacks, allowing Octavious to counter attack. He repositioned his hands, charging a simple push spell. He didn't want to harm the wolves, lest he spark another international incident.

"Leere, Form zu mir in der Faust. Auf meinen Befehl rutschen lassen!" The spell formed into Octavius's hands, emanating a cold blue fire. It wouldn't kill, but being hit with it would be enough to stun a wolf. Octavius reached out his mind, trying to find the wolf who had spoke. "Hear me, wolf of the forest. I am Prince Lord Regent Octavian Magnus Pendragon. You interrupt a matter of supreme urgency to the crown, and the whole of humanity. In the name of my father, and my people, I bid you stop this attack at once, lest my magics let loose upon thee." Octavius prayed he sounded convincing. Without enough back up, his spells would take too long to cast, and leave him defenseless. He then waited, listening for a response, praying one would come.

 

[Ryoko Lee]

There was a series of snarls from the woods, echoing across the plain. He dare use magick and wizardry, on their alpha? And he threatens them with promises of magic?
The wolves re appeared, coming closer. The slight lifting of the Alpha's tail had summoned them- around 20 massive wolves, all male. This was his battalion, his army- the rest were either pups, elderly, or women, who were not needed.
There was a growl from behind Octavian- a warning. But No man, magick or not, could rival the speed of a wolf- especially that of a lone, female wolf. Females were faster than males- and this female was the Beta.
She was black as night, and she leapt, jaws outstretched. At this same moment, the silver wolf charged as well- so if Octavian turned, he'd still be facing two wolves.
There was a blue fire blasted at Akela, and he rolled to the side, dodging it with superhuman speed. Some of the fur on his side was burned, and fell. He growled, a deep, guttural growl that resonated in his chest before spilling out, deep and menacing.
The Alpha realized something- the beta was biting to kill.
RAKSHA, NO! He howled, and with a snarl the wolf shifted- to a dazzling young lad. He wore no shirt, his chest was bronze and covered in markings, and he wore nothing but a loincloth. He was beautiful, yet resonated a wild quality, his eyes narrowed. The man charged and leapt over Octavian, throwing the wolf to the ground with brute strength. The wolf whimpered and got up, but it snarled.
The man wrestled the wolf to the ground, hands prying her jaw open. His eyes never left Octavian's face.
"My beta just attempted to kill you... And I stopped her. What witchcraft have you done?"
He was referring to the fact he turned on his pack for this stranger.
The wolf below him struggled, and he turned to her. She finally submitted, and stopped fighting. He let go of her, and strode towards Octavian.
"Answer me, Mortal."

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Octavian thought he was prepared. He saw the great white wolf advance, and immediately fired a shot, knowing that it would merely singe his fur. What he had not expected, however, was the female sneaking to his back and charging with them. With a lunge he could feel her teeth tear into him, his lips issuing out a gasp from his lips as he was torn down. The spells in his hands dissipated, and his shield fell. The prince fell, feeling precious magical blood fall from his neck as the female dug her fangs deeper. Octavius cursed this, would he truly die to wolves? Before he had ascended the throne? Stopped this damn war? He couldn't let things end...

Then, to his utter surprise, the alpha of the pack, the huge white wolf that had charged first, leaped and tore the female off of the prince. He didn't do this as a wolf though. Oh no, he transformed into his human form. There was no other word than god-like. Hes tanned body mesmerized the young prince, so much so he didn't hear the wolf's first words to him. Octavius shook his head. This could be a meeting that decided the fate of the world, he could not be distracted for it, not even by a wolf such as the alpha. He heard the wolf's second question, and pulling out all his courage, he responded. "She is under no magics of mine. The only two spells cast in this valley were that shield and those percussive blasts. You have my word. However, Alpha of the wolves, how dare you attack a citizen of the Arcanian Empire? The Prince no less! I was on my way to a peace summit! The Silver-Pelt's will be held accountable! That is a promise as well."

 

[Ryoko Lee]

He let out a barking laugh. This mage was a whiner, alright.
"I meant, what magic did you have me under- I stopped her. I went against my own pack for you. That is what I meant."
"And, I do what I want. My pack will do as I say, and we follow no other. We do not abide by rules meant for mages and humans- because those we are not. We are more."
The pack of wolves advanced, entrapping him into a circle, and they snarled in unison. Akela showed no aggression, however, despite his wolven brothers.
The beta seemed the angriest of the bunch- oh, there she goes. In a moment she had shifted. She was stunning as well, and it was fitting she was beta. She had he dominance of a alpha, and was beautiful. She truly looked like a beta, ferocious and dominant. Her pink hair fell around her like a river. She bared her fangs at Octavian, hatred in her eyes. Akela was hers. She was to be his mate, the only one who completed him, friends since childhood. She saw how the new male looked at Octavian, and had attempted to attack him.
"You should've let me kill him! He will only bring more trouble than he's worth!"
"SILENCE." Akela snapped, not even glancing at her. This filled her with cold rage, and she glared at Octavian. He used to look at her with that same intensity, drinking in her curves, making her cry out in ecstasy in lovemaking. They fought together, slept, and ate together. They were to be officially mated in the summer, but that was months off and he was now focused on the new male.
She'd kill him, if it was the last thing she'd did.
And he- he protected Octavian! Instead of her! The whole pack had been watching, and she remembered their startled howls.
Akela drew closer to Octavian, eyes focused.
"Are you ready?" Akela asked, smiling a dazzling smile. He didn't wait for an answer... Because the shield had been destroyed by raksha. He darted forward. As an Alpha Male, he could secret a venom that put prey to sleep if he wanted.
The male walked forward, grabbed Octavian by the hips, and before he could react, he sunk his teeth into the male's neck.

RAKSHA


(Um. We're doing a yaoi at your cravings- ITS TIME TO FUFILL MINE. It's time you created a female character to have Raksha fall in love with- because I ADORE yuri. This way, Octavian and Akela become together, and Raksha isn't heartbroken, nor attempts to kill Octavian. Okay? Okay! You have one day to make her- If you don't, I will NEVER finish his bio. EVER. You have one day, SAGE!)

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Octavius watched the two wolves bicker. It was almost amusing, had he not known the gravity of what they had done. The council of vampires were not to be kept waiting. Knowing them, they already sent someone to come collect him. Though, in the event he was to become dinner, this would serve to his advantage. Octavius closed his eyes. He knew not if the wolves had a way of binding him from his magics, but if he gathered enough mana into himself, he would be just fine. He opened himself up to the elements, to the world, and allowed its power to flow into him.

This was suddenly interrupted by the alpha, asking him a question. Octavius opened one eye, peering at the creature before him. "I beg you par-" He was interrupted by the man darting forward, tackling the prince to the ground. Before he knew what had happened, the prince felt a fresh pair of fangs dig into his neck. Octavius knew what the wolf was trying. With all his will Octavius gestured. "Weg von mir!" The wolf was thrown off the prince, only a few feet. Then darkness came over Octavius, and he closed his eyes, not knowing if he would open them again.

 

[Ryoko Lee]

When the prince awakened, he would see a rare sight, a sight the wolven nation kept hidden. He would probably hear arguing.
Why have you brought this outsider unto our home, Akela? Why?
"How could you choose him over me, after all we went through? I fought for you. I lived for you. I would've died for you. Do you know how this makes me look? They see me as a haram, a side wolf, a mistress- not your future mate, Akela!"
Why Akela? Why?
There was anguish in her voice. Anguish and hurt, but no resentment. She could not resist those green eyes of his, or the pleading way he rested his head on her shoulder, stooping down to her height. He wrapped her arms around her curves, holding her close, and she resisted, for a moment, before finally, she let him hold her.
Am I not attractive enough? Is this the problem? You want a skinny, bone-thin girl with no curves? Or do you want a submissive wolf, to better listen to your every command, alpha?
Akela growled. He was quite a sight, dressed in nothing but a towel, water rolling down his well-toned body. His eyes were filled with a smoldering rage, and his hands gripped her hips angrily. She pushed him away, and he grabbed her wrists.
let go of me! She snapped, pushing him back. He lunged, reaching out, and grabbed the towel that had hidden her curves. He ripped it off her body, and revealed her beautiful curves.
She turned red, but not out of embarrasment, but lust. Akela stepped forward and kissed her.
"No!" She shook her head, stepping from his grasp.
Even now, you think of him. I will never forgive you for this. You have imprinted on him, knowing you held my heart. The pack will notice, I will lose my position, and they will never forget my failure. They will never let me forget I was inadequate for you. Everyday I'll have to see you with him- don't you understand how that will kill me? Turns out you don't a pill to die, fall in love and you'll get killed."
She turned, reaching down to grab her towel, and wrapped it around her curves, and silently left, her hair weeping streams down her back.
Akela sighed, cradling his head in his hands, hurt in his chest. He lost his best friend.

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Octavius stirred from his venom induced sleep, managing to orient himself with his current position. He lay on a bed, strewn with fur blankets. He himself wore only his under shirt and his trousers. His hands were bound, though only at the wrists, which he could deal with easily. What concerned him more was the sight that greeted him upon waking. The alpha and.. the wolf who had nearly killed him. They seemed to be in a heated argument. Though it appeared that the alpha was mostly apologetic to the other one. No surprise, judging by how she kept glaring at the prince, with an intent to kill that was as obvious as dawn in the morning. He seemed to keep giving her affection but she pushed away, snarling at him.

Eventually, she wrapped herself in what little clothing these wolves wore, and stormed out of the little dwelling. The alpha seemed destroyed, slumping in a chair. Octavius sighed and started to scan his surroundings. He could hear the beating of waves on a beach. If that was the ocean, then they were either very close to home, or very far from it. The portal could have taken him anywhere if it was tampered with, and he did not know how long he had been unconscious for. Two large problems. He didn't know the day either, and gods forbid he was gone longer than a day.

Octavius gathered himself and looked across at the alpha. "I'm.. I'm not sure what just happened between the two of you, but I offer my condolences. However, I really must point out the severity of what has happened. I do not wish to see more blood spilled, especially on my account. However, I need to know where I am, what day it is, and what you plan to do with me. My nation has almost certainly sent out agents to find me, and I would be surprised if the vampires did not as well. It is in the best interest of all involved to settle things quickly."

 

[Ryoko Lee]

He turned, awakened from his silence. There was no love nor hate in his expression, perhaps just slight amusement.
"We will never say where you are, but what it is called. They have long searched for this land, yet none have found it. We are in what some people call Eden."
There was pride in his eyes.
"The Wild reigns here. You will not be treated like royalty here, and your status means nothing. You have lived a sheltered life, and it is bad for your people. Do you know how to hunt without magic or weaponry? Can you defend yourself from the keenest of hunters?"
The hut he was in was far from royalty- it was completely natural. The floors were polished wood, the roof above made from giant leaves. There was an absence of insects, but you could hear the howls of other creatures sounding from outside. Through the window, there was a marvelous beach, sands like snow, the water clean and pure.
"Can you? If so, defend yourself." Akela turned, keeping a hold of his towel. If it fell, it would not bother him. He took a fighting stance.

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Eden. So it actually existed. The supposed place humanity was first born, where it expanded. How ironic it was where this pack was kept, though it looked to be the silver-pelts, the greatest of the clans of wolves. He sighed as he heard the wolf prattle on about his and that, something to do with being a real man or the like. The prince instead looked at his shackles, and cracked a smile. Simple, no enchanting on them. Clearing his mind, he used his innate abilities to move the lock, and the two shackles popped off his hands. He repeated this with the two manacles on his ankles.

The prince stood, dusting himself off slightly. He stood and looked at the wolf, hearing his last words. "Defend myself? You really think the first true born mage in 3,000 years couldn't defend himself?" With a wave of his hands, Octavius conjured a sword. "Geist des Säbels, ich rufe dich." The sword manifested itself, gleaming in the prince's right hand. He took up a stance, the blade keen and pointing at the wolf. The young prince was not done. He concentrated, and his magic reached into his arms and legs, enhancing his speed, strength and durability. This wolf's mistake was allowing him to prepare himself. "En Garde, Silver-Pelt."

 

[Ryoko Lee]

He grinned.
"You may have a weapon and magick, but you do not have the abilities of a lycanthrope. We don't need to enhance ourselves. I wish you the best of luck."
He seemed to center himself, his eyes fluttering closed, and he exhaled for a moment.
When his green eyes opened, they were in slits. There typically were different grades of transformation- each one brought you closer and closer to the wolf, your strength and other senses increasing on each shift.
He was on his first.
Akela tore off his towel, exposing everything, but he didn't care.
"And even if you do manage to beat me- there is one wolf you have no chance of defeating. She is even stronger than I."
And with that, he charged, shifting his weight back and forth on his hind legs, as if pumping up, his fists raised and ready to battle. And then with speed uncommon with his size, he delivered to swift blows with his fists, eyes alight with challenge. His aim was for his adam's apple, and he wasn't too concerned with attacking- he wanted to see this mage's style of battle.

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Octavius chuckled as the man lunged. A courageous, yet very predictable move indeed. The prince simply side stepped, the point of his sword grazing the man's cheek ever so slightly, a thin ribbon of blood forming as he landed. Turning quickly, Octavius kicked the man in the stomach, sending him flying into the bed with a loud crash, the frame cracking. "You see, this is what I meant. I don't mean to harm you, but if you keep this up, well... Let me show you."

Octavius raised his sword, and drew a simple rune in the air, about the size of his torso. He band to recite words, as he did the rune was joined by others, and the outline of a circle connected them all. "Luft, Feuer in der Hand bilden. suche das Leben, verbrenne das Land." A raging inferno cropped up inside the circle, threatening to burn all it touched to ashes. Octavius let the spell hover there, right over the wolf. He sighed, hating to play the power card, but not wanting to be shown disrespect, not to be thought of as simply weak. He let the spell disperse, his blade still raised at the king of wolves. "What say you, king of the forest."

 

[Ryoko Lee]

The wolf licked the blood as it ran down his cheek, and allowed himself to fly back. When he got to his feet, he was grinning, but little harm seemed to be done. Magic, of course. With a snarl he lunged, but he was different- he had grown closer to completion, and he seemed to grow slightly, he seemed taller, hairier. He crouched, then with superhuman strength, he leapt, one hand outstretched, claws opened, ready to slice. His two hands found the man's shoulders, and he used his momentum to throw him, raising him over his head and releasing, eyes wild with rage.

"You once again use wizardry.." Akela snarled, slamming his fist on the ground. He shook with rage, resisting the urge to shift. He could handle this man- he was king of the wolves.

"Fine. Use everything you have! I am fighting for a deeper cause- for you to respect and honour our customs, for the pride of a wild wolf. I will fight to the death to protect my kingdom. If you escape, you will draw them here, like flies to meat. You can never leave, nor win, lest you get away. I'd die before that happens. You will not win."

Akela shuddered once more, and he leapt forward. Fuck whatever magick he had at his disposal, he could take the pain. He would see the pure determination of this wolf.

 

[Ilry the Dark Sage]

Octavius murmured something and side stepped his attack again, pivoting and punching the man square in the chest. Blood fell from his lips as he was slammed into an opposing wall, through two pillars holding up some of the room. The young prince shook his head, crossing half of the room and looking down at this man, this 'prince of wolves.' He could see that he was dazed. "Wind, alight my hand and carry my getting unto thee." A soft, warm wind wrapped around the male's head, slowly healing it up and making him more aware of what was going on.

"You call yourself king of the wolves, though compared to me and my abilities, you're not much more than a pup yourself." Octavius chuckled slightly and waved a hand, bringing the man to a standing position before he took up another fighting stance. "Now, shall we continue, or have you seen reason? I don't want to fight, just talk things out so you don't cause your nation to loose its land to mine. Seriously." The prince sighed and turned away slightly, not sure what his other options were besides diplomacy. He surely couldn't subdue all the wolves without killing at least a few. He had sworn not to kill unless the need was dire, and he deemed his life to to be in danger from this man.

 

[Ryoko Lee]

"So you don't take my land for your own? taking our heritage, or home, our way of life? Our elderly can't make that journey- they would die. Would you kill us first? Or let us live as a gift?"

There was true, smothering hatred in his eyes now, and Akela delivered a heavy blow to the prince's jaw, momentum and brute strength colliding with flesh and bone.

"Your status means nothing here, mage. You are in my domain. You are not the prince, you are the peasant. You will do as I say. If you outright disobey me, I will personally have my guards deal with you. They won't kill you, because you are somewhat valuable, but they will cause pain. You can try to kill three at once, but we are all connected. We know when one dies, and we will dispatch you easily."

Akela stared into his eyes, the hate simmering down.

"Do you know why I saved you? I don't know why. Raksha wanted to kill you, but I stopped her. What is it about you that is so endearing?"

Akela reached out with a gentle hand and ran his finger along the man's jawline, eyes filled with intensity.
"I stopped her... What magic do you have me on? What spell have you put on me..." He leaned in, green eyes glittering. His eyes fell on the prince's lips, pink, full lips, parted slightly. So entrancing.
"Because I'm entranced by you. I literally cannot resist-"

He stopped talking, and his finger tilted up the prince's chin, and his lips met the others own with startling gentleness. Eyes fluttering close he kissed Octavian, mouth hot with desire as the kiss grew with intensity. His hands traveled down the prince's sides, finding his hips and pulling the male closer, chest to chest. He was naked, but still sculpted with beauty that rivaled the gods, and his arms were strong and steady. His hands travleled up once more, running through his hair with great need, and he felt his heart rate increase.
Akela relictantly pulled back, but not before biting the boy's bottom lip softly, eyes fluttering open. The green orbs were filled with desire, eyes no longer in slits, but dialted still.

He leaned in once more, not for his lips, but for his neck, and he planted a brief kiss there, before traveling slightly down, and repeating this process, each time nibbling the flesh, a little harder with every touch. And speaking of hard, he had to conciously maintain a self-control to not grow hard himself, this lovely, whiney, selfish prince so attractive and edible.