Down the Rabbit Hole [closed]

[Sygon]

Sygon nodded without looking at Alicia when his words were repeated. The nimbus had grown accustom, having lived his whole life with the idea of torture chambers as a looming threat for punishment. But upon remember she was of the human world he realized she might not be as comfortable with the idea. Little did Sygon know, she was a bit naïve to the concept as well, ”It isn’t done for pleasure, Alicia. King Cel does it to keep the court in line. He tortures his enemies and those who have wronged him.”

Sygon was alarmed with her next statement, one that called Cel strong willed because of his affinity with violence. The nimbus raised an eyebrow, choosing not to press the issue further, but storing the comment in the back of his mind.

He felt her hand touch his bare flesh, the hard muscles of his stomach tensing in surprise as she did so. When Alicia stepped back, he did as well, putting distance between them for the first time. ”Be respectful, introduce yourself and refer to him by his title.” He thought about it for a moment, he didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of letting Alicia go before a lion like Cel on her own. ”We can go see him now if you’d like. I will go with you.”

[Alicia Holmes]

From Alicia's point of view, it did take a strong will not to give in to merciful instincts. She had trouble with mice in traps and wounded birds, even when she knew the creatures could not survive anyway. Ending their misery always made her cry.

She had not even realized her hand had strayed, but there is a certain tightness to her expression that shows that she noticed him pulling away emotionally as well as physically. Alicia was used to such a pulling away from men, though she had never known why before. She assumed that she was too human for Sygon to be comfortable with in this case.

"So I should call him King Cel, not 'Your Majesty' or 'Enlightened One' or any of that foolishness like would be appropriate for a human monarch?" She inquired, stepping further away to sniff a night blooming flower carefully. At least she is wise enough not to touch it, nor to move her well protected feet too close to anything that looked like it was growing.

"Now? Are you sure? It is rather late, isn't it?" Alicia straightened abruptly at that idea, her long, pale fingers plucking nervously at the demin of her jeans and jacket. She was more worried about being improperly dressed than about the hour, and the pack on her shoulders had nothing that would help in that situation.

[Sygon]

”Any would be appropriate. I haven’t met him myself. Use your full title: Alicia, Seeker of the Unseelie, Human Garlanger, and it shouldn’t matter how you address him.” Sygon watched as she moved towards the flower, cautious of her surroundings. It showed that Alicia had some common sense when it came to his land, she didn’t know it, and therefore, she shouldn’t trust it. He stood at a distance, waiting for her to finish smelling the flower before he made any movements or spoke. He would let her have whatever alone time she needed.

He wasn’t surprised when she was surprised by his suggestion that they should seek the King, he wasn’t too keen on the idea himself. However, Sygon felt more comfortable knowing that he would be along side of Alicia when she met King Cel. He had heard many rumors regarding the King, and with Alicia’s mortality he wasn’t about to let her face the man alone.

Sygon nodded, ”It is fine. Follow me. He should be in the throne room.” He held out his hand, waiting for her to take it. He’d lead to the lion’s den. At least he’d be the bodyguard, but he wasn’t sure he didn’t need protection himself.

[Alicia Holmes]

Alicia cautiously stepped back from the flower and gave Sygon an uncertain look. Then she put her hand in his grip slowly, and asked in a pleading tone, "Can we at least stop by a mirror? I must look a mess. I promise I will not go wandering without you, Sygon."

If she does get a chance, she would pause to at least wash her face with water from her canteen, and comb wet fingers through her lustrous black locks to force them into a semblance of order. She couldn't do much for her clothes besides brush off what dust might have collected on the denim. The fact that she still could not leave her pack behind made her fret about looking like a wandering vagabond and she was so worried about the way she looked that she didn't pay attention to where Sygon might lead her.

[Sygon]

As Alicia took his hand and spoke, he chuckled. It wasn’t only a human’s trait to be concerned with one’s appearance; it was a woman’s trait as well. The dark skinned nimbus stepped past the girl and reached for a flower, plucking the one she had been looking at. He let go of her hand as he stepped back from her, his smile breaking the seemingly endless darkness of his person.

He tucked the flower behind her ear, brushing the raven locks over the stem so that it would stay. His eyes twinkled and he looked her over fondly. His voice was silken, smooth and charming in its tone, ”You don’t need to worry, Alicia, you look beautiful. The king will appreciate it.”

Though the word’s Sygon spoke were genuine, they were exactly what worried the nimbus. He didn’t like the idea of the king appreciating Alicia’s appearance, especially when he knew what the sidhe was capable of. He would protect Alicia to the best of his abilities but even he knew that a sidhe’s power superseded his own.

He took her hand, ”Come.” And he began to lead her towards the throne room.

[Alicia Holmes]

Alicia tilted her head and closed her eyes at Sygon's touch. Her lips parted with a low sigh, trusting him enough that she even believed his assurance that she was not going to offend the court with her manner of dress. Her fingers twined with his easily, though she was a little disappointed that he hadn't taken the opportunity to kiss her.

Ah well, perhaps he really wasn't interested in her like that. She slipped one of the straps of her pack off her shoulder though, so she could put the bulky thing down easily, just in case she needed to bow or move quickly. Walking at his side, his grip is really a nice anchor so she could let him lead while she stares around in curiosity and wonder.

"Of course. She murmurs, holding his hand tightly, "It is so beautiful here. I just want to make a good impression so he won't make me leave." Her steps slow when they reach the actual cavern that held the throne and the court proper, her jaw hanging loose again before she remembered to try to keep up with Sygon.

[King Cel]

The throne room crept up on the duo quickly and before long they found themselves at mouth of the grand throne room. A huge atrium that was lit with the light of the faux-moon, but unlike the rest of the caverns, did not hold the illusion that it was a garden. The throne room was instead, a hall with walls that were covered in overgrown living vines, obsidian stairwells led to the upper chambers of the palace and jade furniture decorated the room. The King sat, regally upon his throne, dressed in a dark blue suit. The roses were wrapped around each of his wrists, pulsating like as blood lightly dripped from their thorns. The King breathed evenly, obviously in some discomfort with the roses digging into his flesh.

He saw the two enter, and instantly his eyebrow raised, ”Welcome to the Unseelie Court.”

[Sygon]

Though Alicia worried that the king would make her leave the Unseelie court, Sygon worried about the exact opposite. The garlanger might not have realized that Cel’s fondness of her could foster into something that would be detrimental to any faerie, but to a mortal faerie his advances could be lethal. The King was a sadist; he delighted in inflicting pain upon his partners. Sygon worried for Alicia’s safety.

As they entered the throne room Sygon immediately noticed the blood damp on the roses, leaking from the King. He watched as the vines undulated, appearing to breath as it seemed to suck the blood from the King. Sygon wondered what Alicia would think of the image, but declined to speak to her. He let his hand fall away from her’s and he bowed, he spoke without looking at Cel. ”King Cel, I am Sygon, Seeker of the Unseelie.” He said, hoping Alicia took his queue to do the same.

Cel was not known for having a temper that was easily tripped but when it was tripped, the King was often mad with insanity. Sygon himself had no political inclinations, he didn’t favor Cel nor did he conspire against him (however, he could be persuaded one way or another), so everything he had heard about the man he viewed with true neutrality.

[Alicia Holmes]

Alicia stared at the blood dripping, so dismayed that she covered her mouth with her free hand as her eyes widened in concern. The smell of it was enough to mingle with the perfume of the roses and make her a little dizzy. Her pack fell down her arm and she caught the strap so it wouldn't thud to the floor when Sygon let go of her hand, and the jolt of the weight of it on her fingers makes her think rationally again.

A little shake of her head and she too bowed, not as smoothly as Sygon, but at least without too much of awkward hesitation. She knew better than to try to curtsy without a skirt at least. Alicia's thoughts spun until she realized that the King had to be feeding the roses, which made perfect sense if it was magic and they were linked to him. Therefore, there was no reason to be worried about the King's health. She listened close to what Sygon said and did her best to not embarrass either of them.

"Your majesty, I am Alicia Holmes from England, Seeker of the Unseelie, human--" Then she panicked a little, having forgotten the word for what she was. A quick glance at Sygon and she stammered a bit, "Human garlander?"

All she could do was hope that she got it right, or as close to right that it would not offend. She peeked up through the tumbled black locks of her hair to glimpse at the men and see their reaction.

[King Cel]

Cel’s gaze passed over the dark skinned nimbus. The man was large, a powerful brute who appeared to be from sidhe lineage due to his true black hue. The King assessed him as a warrior, bowing to the man. Judgment on this man would not be passed on this day, no. For if this man was a warrior he would need to prove his worth with the sword, not with words. ”Be you a warrior, Sygon?” He asked with candor, there was no need in flitting around the question.

His attention then moved to Alicia, a smirk curled into his face upon hearing her words. She was more human than any faerie that had passed here before her. Cel marveled at her mortality, the death that could be brought to her so swiftly. He stood promptly, not descending the throne towards them, but standing to get a better look. He tilted his head to the side, ”Human garlanger…” He said correcting her but not in an obvious way. ”Both of you are very beautiful creatures, are you lovers?” He asked once more with the candor of a King. His gaze shifting back and forth between the duo.

[Sygon]

Sygon looked to Cel, ”A warrior of types…I’m more of a philosaphe.” The words were true, though Sygon had skill with the blade, he fathomed himself more of a thinker, an innovator than a wielder of weapons. While Sygon was relieved by Cel’s speech, he found himself only more nervous a moment later when the monarch turned his attention to the mortal garlanger he had led here. If the woman incurred any damage at the hand of Cel, Sygon would never forgive himself.

As he listened to the King address her he felt uneasy, shifting where he stood. Had he been too rash in brining Alicia here? Was she not ready for an introduction with the King? Cel’s words brought him back to reality and it took the brute a moment to realize what the King had said. Sygon’s silver lit gaze turned on the monarch and before Alicia could utter a word he spoke, ”I have felt her caress, yes.” It wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t what Cel had meant. Perhaps the King would catch on; perhaps he would believe they were lovers. Sygon didn’t want to get caught lying but he certainly didn’t want Cel to touch Alicia…or even think about it.

Perhaps it was jealousy, but Sygon had been nervous about seeing the King, now with a mortal to look after, he was even more on edg.

[Alicia Holmes]

Alicia had thought that after her introduction, the King would have no more interest in her. She was so common, or so she thought. Hence she had taken a half step back while Cel addressed Sygon, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.

She hadn't thought of Sygon as a warrior, no more than she thought of herself as a fighter, so that comment had her looking at the faerie in a different light. It was one thing to see a man as dangerous because he is large and strong, and quite another to consider him as a trained adversary. She was still considering that when the King asked with shocking candor about their relationship.

Her startled look hopefully did not reveal Sygon's attempt to protect her. Then she smiled slowly, gratified that he might think of her that way. An affectionate brush of her fingers along the back of his arm was the only thanks she could give under the King's gaze though.

"Sygon has been very kind, especially to one such as I. Without him, I would still be lost and wandering." She offers, a warm smile still on her lips as she turns her gaze from her companion to King Cel.

"It is very beautiful here, but I suspect that it would also be dangerous for a girl like me to be alone. it seems I stand out like a daisy among roses." She added, giving a little self-mocking laugh.

[King Cel]

The roses slid away with an audible hiss, their wet vines slithering away with a sound that could only be described as slimy, slick with blood. The roses seemed to be satisfied, and they disappeared leaving Cel with two bracelets of blood encircling each of his wrists. Each wrist was marked with a puncture wound just above the arteries running into the hand, and though the wounds bled freely, Cel showed no sign of concern. The wounds would heal; the only affects he’d feel from the blood loss would be a mild dizziness, euphoria even.

The King noticed how uneasy the obsidian dipped behemoth looked, but he did not share or show any sign he had made the observation. Cel wasn’t convinced this man had taken this human garlanger to his bed, for the female exhibited enough human traits thus far for Cel to believe she would be completely enamored with him had the nimbus done so.

Thus, Cel began to do the sadistic dance he knew best. He frowned, ”But you are still a flower, my darling, a beautiful blossom in the spring time.” He moved towards them, his hips shifting with the transfixing grace of a sidhe. Cel knew that if Alicia had never seen a sidhe before she might be completely in awe over him, the innate magic of the purest race often caused such a thing to happen.

Cel looked back to Sygon, ”A kiss from your mistress to prove your loyalty to this kingdom?” He asked if it was a question, but it was really just a statement. Cel learned forward, and with every bit of gentleness and tenderness he could muster he kissed Alicia. The kiss was passionate and deep, and it was meant to insight feelings of rage, jealousy, and perhaps test the male alongside of them but at the same time he wanted to gauge the female’s reaction. He was after all, the King, and a handsome king at that.

[Sygon]

Sygon eyed the king nervously as he made his way towards Alicia. He had heard of the king’s exploits, his preferences and knew that if the King took Alicia to his bed, it would end in the death of the mortal girl. Sygon stepped closer but fought the urge to draw his weapon; doing so in regards to the king would not be wise. Though that didn’t stop Sygon from voicing his opinion, but before he could, the king leaned in to kiss Alicia.

Sygon was in no position to stop the king nor was he in any position to make decisions for Alica, but the warrior still felt the need to protect her. He took a breath and resolved to speak evenly, calmly. ”Careful not to take all of her, my king.” He said, a light warning underlying in his words. His silver gaze wide as he took in the scene before him.

Sygon was irritated but he didn’t let it show for he wasn’t exactly sure where his irritation stemmed from. Was it jealousy? No, Sygon wasn’t the jealous type.

[Alicia Holmes]

The approach of the King actually had Alicia on guard, though one would not know it to look at her. She wore a faint smile, and the sort of expression that had fooled lesser men into thinking she was harmless. The stance, with one foot just a few inches behind the other and set far enough for good balance, also looked inviting. Truly she had often been willing to be kissed, but a girl had to be able to defend herself against more than she wanted.

She watched Cel closely, but did not move to meet him as he might have expected. She folded her hands behind her, like she was trying to keep them out of trouble. In truth, she was making sure the utility knife in the sheath at the small of her back under her jacket was where she could get at it easily. The act might be a little flawed by the sound of her thumb disengaging the snap on the safety loop on the knife, but she didn't draw the weapon. It was just ready, in case Sygon's uneasiness did mean she would have to fight for her life.

If a kiss was all Cel wanted, Alicia would give it, and willingly. He was a very attractive man, and the danger he represented just made things more interesting. However, she would not risk hurting Sygon's feelings by pursuing more.

She couldn't help a whimper of desire though. She was neither blind nor dispassionate enough to ignore the fact that the King could arouse a stone if he put any effort into it. That kiss certainly counted as effort. She trembled when her lips parted for his, and found her knees were trying to unlock. With effort, she kept herself from giving in to the weakness that he inspired, though nothing could slow the pounding of her heart.