#⠀⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .⠀𖥔⠀𝗥𝗣⠀જ⠀𝖎𝖎𝖎.⠀threads

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤLute barely looks up as Abel peeks into the room, his presence already grating on her nerves before he says a wordㅤ[ He simply has that ability, as if The Almighty willed it so, ]ㅤShe exhales sharply, fist clenching with more force than necessary — patience already wearing dangerously thin,ㅤ❛ What do you want now? ❜ㅤshe snaps, voice flat & edged with irritation. Sharp gaze flickers toward him, taking in his awkward stance, & she already knows whatever he’s here for won’t be worth her time.ㅤ❛ If it’s another one of your useless attempts to make yourself feel helpful, don’t bother;ㅤI don’t need it… ❜ㅤher tone is cold, dismissive…

ㅤㅤㅤ& yet the silence that follows stretches is too much for her to actively ignore & she all but snarls at him like some rabid animal,ㅤ❛ If you’re just going to stand there wasting both our time, then leave. Or is even something like that too much to ask of you? ❜ㅤA stubborn thing; she doesn’t move, posture stiff & unyielding as she waits for him to make himself scarce. The sooner he does, the better,ㅤ/ㅤ@g00ds0nㅤSUMMONED THE GODDESS ,

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤThe moment his grip slackens just ever so, she jerks her arm free; the motion is sharp & firm ( the message is clear: back off, )ㅤbut it is not aggressive in nature. The ichor staining her sleeve glimmers brightly from the light, trailing down his gloveㅤ[ his touch lingers a moment too long, in her opinion, but she stops herself from following down that train of thought ]ㅤLute does not flinch; if anything, Adam’s gesture steels her further & her voice slices through the tension despite herself, tone low & sharp like the weapon she dons, precise like that of her blade…ㅤ❛ You’re welcome, ❜ㅤshe all but hisses out ( may Father have divine mercy on her soul; to talk back to him like this— )ㅤ& if it were possible, her words would draw blood. Only Lute would attempt to be mouthy like so,ㅤ❛ Or have you forgotten how to say ‘Thank you,’ Commander? ❜ㅤThere’s a lack of any softened edges; only hardness & all bite,

ㅤㅤㅤ[ Her mask does not come off, not in moments like these; never mind the physical ailments, her sensitivity to the holiness of their home, but it provides a solid foundation for her to even stand on… She cannot be so exposed, ]ㅤLED orbs flicker to the dented helmet tucked under his arm; a brief gesture, but enough to elicit a bitter laugh because of it; dry & humorless, like the crack of a whip,ㅤ❛ Forgive me, ❜ㅤthough her tone is softer, there are undertones of scorn,ㅤ❛ Perhaps next time I’ll simply stay in formation & allow you bleed out.ㅤWould that satisfy your pride? ❜ㅤStepping back, so as to reclaim her space / bubble, but to also allow the gravity of her defiance fully settle, ( she is prepared for the consequences )ㅤGloved hand raises, she has the floor,ㅤa gesture that is for him just as much as it is for herself,ㅤ❛ With all due respect, Sir; you didn’t have it under control. You’re not untouchable. I stepped in because I had to, ❜ㅤbreath hitches despite herself, forcing herself steady; but her defiance triumphs above all else, craving through the haze of her moment & possible hesitation…ㅤIt’s her eyes, however, that soften just ever so,

ㅤㅤㅤ❛ I thought you had more faith in me; I’m not acting out on some whim, you know… I’m your extra set of eyes, ❜ㅤshe murmurs, sounding hurt…ㅤbut the moment passes just as quick as it came,ㅤ❛ I’ve followed you into the depths for centuries. I’ve stood by you;ㅤㅤI was only doing my duty & I don’t regret it… ❜ㅤBesides, it's only a flesh wound...ㅤAngels heal!

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐒, STARTER CALL. — to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against 𝐇𝐢𝐦. ❜

⅋. ARCHETYPE OF HOLY, SPILLED BLOOD TURNS TO VOTIVE. halo gleams, blest, even as armour is stained carnelian. it is simply necessary, this yearly crusade, and the trip back upstairs is usually backed by a ceremonious upheaval, skies rejoicing with the triumphant return of their soldiers (...) this time around, there's a dull, tense note in the air. adam's helmet, now tucked beneath one arm, is dented from the tussle with the audacious, infernal whelp that had dared take up arms against divine command. it's a once-in-a-century spectacle ; he can't remember the last time a sinner had fought back. not that it had been impressive, but he would've handled it easily enough, had his lieutenant not intervened. ❝ fuck, lute! you wanna tell me what that little stunt back there was about, or should i start guessing? ❞ the commander addresses her first thing when they step inside the gate. his irritation is palpable as he grasps @gynaiko's upper arm to keep her from weaseling out of his sight. droplets of ichor seem to stain her pressed uniform, spilling down unto his gloved hand where he's holding her steady. brow arches, ❝ when i say stay in formation, i don’t mean jump in front of me and get yourself stabbed. ❞

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤHer tail flicks impatiently, usual scowl firmly in place; though, her demeanor is more out of nervousness than hostilityㅤ[ she has resting bitch face; what do you want from her? ]ㅤ& when Babette finally appears, graceful as ever, Loona straightens just ever so, trying not to look like she’s been standing there longer than she’d admit… Perhaps it’s a bit too obvious though.ㅤFuck, how do you greet a friendly acquaintance, anyway? Are they even cool like that? After a thick gulp, she awkwardly waves,ㅤ❛ H-hey, uh… Babette, ❜ㅤshe starts, clearing her throat after a moment, attempting to sound nonchalant as she rubs the back of her neck, avoiding the poodle’s gaze for a moment.ㅤ❛ I know it’s been a while since the.. well, y’know... that party at Bee’s, ❜ㅤher tone drips with the faintest hint of sarcasm, but it’s more habit than intention,

ㅤㅤㅤ❛ A-anyway, uh, there’s this thing coming up. Sinsmas. You probably already know about it, ❜ㅤshe mutters, her tail swishing lazily behind herㅤ[ of course she does, hello?! ]ㅤ❛ I was thinking...ㅤif you’re not doing anything, you could stop by my place. It’s nothing fancy, but might be fun. Or whatever. Not that you have to if you don’t want to. Obviously… ❜ㅤshe adds quickly, voice softening; as they say, honesty is the best policy, yeah? That’s how you make friends & shit...ㅤ❛ Just figured I’d ask. Y’know, since you seemed pretty chill back at the party & all… ❜ㅤ/ㅤ@gethellbcntㅤSUMMONED THE GODDESS ,

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤLady takes a deep breath, straightening her posture, & raises her hand to knock.ㅤThe knock is soft at first, uncertain; Lady steps back, clasping her hands tightly in front of her, nerves betraying her calm exterior & when the door creaks open, Lady’s expression falters just ever so, the mask cracking, reaching that shattering point,

ㅤㅤㅤShe opens her mouth to speak but it’s as if the words are too heavy to form; she exhales & meets Millie’s gaze, voice soft but steady.ㅤ❛ Hello…ㅤAre you-...ㅤAre you— ❜ㅤLady genuinely doesn’t know what to ask, heart caught in her throat,ㅤ❛ Are you… the ones who take care of-ㅤH-hired guns? ❜ㅤ/ㅤ@dead7yㅤSUMMONED THE GODDESS ,

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤThe harsh red glow of Hell’s skyline casts jagged & horribly deformed shadows across the bar; the low hum of cheap neon signs flickering above chipped tabletops. She sits at the far end, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her nearly-empty glass. She isn’t drunkㅤ[ not yet, anyway; though, in all honesty, she should be… ]ㅤbut there’s a slight haze in her gaze, a heaviness that clings to her; a constant & unwelcome reminder as to why she’s there to begin with. Her polished, bright-eyed demeanor from her past life has faded into something unrecognizable; is this who she’s always been underneath the surface?

ㅤㅤㅤWhen the door swings open, letting in a gust of Hell’s sulfurous, disgusting air, her eyes lazily flick toward it — the figure that steps inside commands attention, even in a place full of sinners & outlaws; this piques her attention. Mayberry tilts her head just ever so, watching him approach the bar with the kind of curiosity she hasn’t felt in weeksㅤ[ not since she’s hired those IMP fuckers, anyway ]ㅤSomething about him begins to grate on her nerves & captures her interest all at once.ㅤBah! She’s not drunk enough for this shit…

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ❛ You look like some sort of shit stirrer, ❜ㅤshe grumbles, gaze lingers on him for a moment before she returns her attention to her drink, swirling the amber liquid as if it holds all the answers she’s not willing to say out loud. The corner of her rubine lips quirks up in something like a half-smile:ㅤnot quite friendly, not truly, but not entirely hostile either, & leans back into her seat…ㅤ/ㅤ@contractfeeㅤSUMMONED THE GODDESS ,

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤ❛ No fucking shit, what exactly was your first clue, your highness?ㅤIndulge me; I’d love to hear it, ❜ㅤshe’s playing with fire, Lute is aware; her headstrong nature would be her end of these days… Her lips curl into a cruel mockery of a smile, arms crossing as she tilts just ever so.ㅤ❛ What did you think? That it’d be a lovely gift, tied up with a bow, no strings attached? That humanity would all get enlightenment without the weight of consequences? Oh fucking spare me. ㅤYou went gallivanting with your demon prince, & everyone is paying the price… ❜ㅤshe exhales sharply; a harsh & wicked sound,ㅤ❛ You call it an error. I call it arrogance; hope it was worth it. Because for everyone else, it never will be… ❜

For a starter

"the apple....that was my error. To believe that it would give something positive without any negatives was a thoughtless damn thing..."

Lilith would look down at her clawed hands , her eyes were downcast as she took a deep breath. All she wanted to do was create a life and a sense of choice and freedom

"It wasn't SUPPOSED to end like this. Hell wasn't meant to be created . Pain wasn't meant to happen. It was all a error .. a error in my judgement"

@gynaiko

[gynaiko]

          AN ELEGANT IMAGE OF BEAUTY, THE VERY DEFINITION OF REGALITY & CELESTIAL, A SIGHT TO BEHOLD; THE SPRAWLING GARDENS BATHED IN THE SOFT GLOW OF THE AFTERNOON SUN. THE ORNATE IRON TABLE IS SET PERFECTLY WITH FINE CHINA & A STEAMING TEAPOT FILLS THE SCENT OF FRESH BREW ( ONLY THE BEST FOR HER; IS ANYTHING ELSE TO BE EXPECTED? ) — she picks up her cup; the delicate porcelain cool against clawed tips, & takes a measured sip, narrowed gaze never quite leaving the figure seated across from her,

  She was never one for surprises, actually; but a lady makes do. He’s dressed impeccably,     [ FOR A SINNER, SHE SUPPOSES; CAN’T EXPECT MUCH FROM THEIR LOT ] —    THE CONTRAST OF HIS… VIBRANT PRESENCE & THE SERENE / IDYLLIC SETTING IS A TAD JARRING, but Stella makes do to keep her composure stead ( —It’s to be expected, ) / @allantlers SUMMONED THE GODDESS,

          SHE SETS HER CUP DOWN WITH A SOFT —CLINK, EYES NARROWING JUST EVER SO AS SHE STUDIES THE BEING BEFORE HER, A SIGHT TO BEHOLD,     ❛❛     YOU CERTAINLY HAVE A WAY WITH MAKING AN ENTRANCE,     ❜❜     she begins, voice smooth but laced with a subtle edge / a threat, but curiosity all the same.     ❛❛     Although, I must admit; I hadn’t expected to see you, of all creatures, gracing my patio. Have you come for tea, sinner?     ❜❜     STELLA LEANS BACK SLIGHTLY, THE COOL BREEZE TUGGING AT THE LOOSE STRANDS OF HER COLORFUL PLUMAGE,     ❛❛     But then again, nothing you do, allegedly, is ever truly that simple; if the rumors are to be believed. What brings someone like the infamous radio demon into my humble abode today? & WITHOUT AN INVITE, NO LESS,    ❜❜     HER GAZE REMAINS STEADY, posture prom & proper as it should be,

          BUT THERE’S SOMETHING ELSE; a glint of curiosity, wicked if one paid attention. She’s aware that there’s always something beneath the surface & SHE WOULDN’T DENY THE CURIOSITY TO SEE WHAT LIES BEHIND THAT SEEMINGLY-PERMANENT SMILE,

[gynaiko]

ᵗᵃᵍˢ !

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤThe dim, fiery glow of Hell’s ever-present embers reflects off the sleek lines of her tailored suit; rubine eyes sharp & unyielding as she steps into her private forge, air thick with the scent of molten metal;ㅤthe small, ornate case in her hold clinks softly as she sets it on the steel workbench, large digits brushing over the intricate latch,

ㅤㅤㅤShe senses the familiar presence hovering at the threshold long before she could even form a single word,ㅤ❛ You’re quite early,ㅤeven by your standards, ❜ㅤCarmilla remarks, soft voice laced with intrigue.ㅤ❛ I assume there’s a reason you’ve decided to grace me with your presence, ❜ —ㅤthe faintest hint of a smirk tugs at her lipsㅤ[ a subtle challenge hidden beneath her otherwise composed exterior ]ㅤ❛ Is this perhaps once of your attempts to observe how I work? You do know I’m very private, ❜ㅤ/ㅤ@anc1ent0verl0rdㅤSUMMONED THE GODDESS ,

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤHer ire cannot be contained; Lute listens, but none of the words stick —ㅤposture remains rigid, expression cold as ice, but it’s the eyes that betray her, if only just a fraction, with how they flicker wildly. Resentment pools through, the bitterness of old wounds that never healedㅤ[ no, they scarred… ]ㅤof wounds she outright refuses to acknowledge.ㅤLucifer’s laughter grates her nerves; wheezing mockery scratching her ears like nails on a chalkboard. Steel jaw shakes from the sheer strength she’s using to keep it clamped; her bones would break from her anger alone, if she were not a celestial being...

ㅤㅤㅤSteps are deliberate & measured as she weighs the possible outcomes to her actions ( she’s no match; she’s no fool…ㅤbut the heart is stronger than the mind ) —ㅤwhen she finally finds her voice, it’s unrecognizable to her own ears, a wicked, horrid thing…ㅤAdam would be proud, she’s certain,ㅤ❛ Don’t you dare, ❜ㅤcall me by that name….ㅤfists clench, gold burns with the holy spirit,ㅤ❛ stand there & play victim; you, of all creatures. Fucking spare me the sob story; think that absolves you from all the blame?ㅤAre you serious? ❜ㅤ( lips curve into a bitter smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes; not even like this )ㅤ❛ You never waited for answers, so don’t lecture me on who I should blame; you made your mess, laid in it, & left the rest for everyone else to clean up, ❜

ㅤㅤㅤShe wants to bring up The Princess, The Queen, but it’s not about them right now;ㅤthis is her truth, her spotlight,ㅤ❛ Whether you meant to or not is irrelevant; the outcome is all the same, ❜ㅤ—we were left to drown & you didn't give two shits,ㅤ❛ Blame Heaven, like you have?ㅤ… Perhaps I do, but don’t mistake my disdain for forgiveness; you stayed by choice. I had to claw my way, beg & plead Him for a chance;ㅤnot that you would understand, ❜ㅤvoice dips into something almost sad, mournful,ㅤ❛ You still had a choice, and you chose destruction. You chose yourself, ❜ㅤ[ but then again, she has too, hasn’t she? ]

@gynaiko continued.

yeah , yeah , yeah. lucifer the devil , the reason man fell from grace —-- oh , he's the worst being in all of creation because he sabotaged humanity's paradise for his own selfish reasons. blah, blah, blah. after however many years of hearing the same tale mindlessly repeated over and over again... that story is so tired and worn out that the fallen angel barely pays it any mind. ( it's like , geeze , get some new material , would ya ? )

❝ wait. ❞ that last part's new. ❝ that's what you're so mad about ? that i left you ? ❞ he can't help it. lucifer laughs. a hearty , wheezing kind of laugh that has his head falling back and a hand clutching at his stomach. HA ! she makes it all sound so simple , so calculated. ( if only ) ❝ ha ha ʰᵃᵃ𝖺𝖺ₐₐₐₐₕ , i'm sorry. --— no no, you're right. i was in hell because that's what being cast down means. heaven said fuck you and locked me in a shit hole with every other damned thing in creation. ❞ it was chaos and anger and agony incarnate ; a dark existence that took in a wounded angel and spat out an enraged demon.

❝ eve , they wouldn't let me come back. they wouldn't let me near you —-- either of you.  ❞ he doesn't specify who they is. she should know. ❝ if you wanna blame someone for being left alone after eden , look up. ❞

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤLoona watches collin stumble over his words, expression an unchanging mask of disinterest. The frantic way he lists off his supposed skills earns nothing else but a raise of her brow. Her tail merely flicks once, then stills,ㅤ❛ Organizing & math, ❜ㅤshe parrots flatlyㅤ❛ Yeah, alright… ‘cause that’s definitely gonna help in a fight. Maybe I should just hand you a calculator & let you work your magic. ❜ㅤHer lip curls in a faint snarl, venom & sarcasm dripping heavily from her words,

ㅤㅤㅤShe steps directly over him now, arms still crossed but her claws tapping against her sleeve.ㅤ❛ & snack runs? Seriously? What do you think this is, some kind of field trip? ❜ㅤLoona tilts her head, her grin returning — much sharper, more wolfish; predator toying with its prey.ㅤ❛ Alright, listen up, lover boy; if you think you’re talking your way out of this with your… skills, you’re dumber than you look. & trust me, that’s saying something, ❜

ㅤㅤㅤHer tone drops a notch, low & growly as she leans in, her muzzle close enough that he can see every glinting tooth.ㅤ❛ So here’s the deal. Quit flailing like a scared deer, & maybe, just maybe, I’ll consider not feeding you to whatever ‘miscreants’ are out there. Got it? Now, unless you’ve got something actually useful to offer, just shut up & stay out of my way. I’ve got enough crap to deal with without the added perk of babysitting. ❜ㅤShe casts him one final glance, something of a smirk tugging at her lips,

@gynaiko / cont.!

Desparation leads to many regrettable choices, and the one that Collin regrets most, right here, right now? Was believing that this lady didn't have ulterior motives when she granted him a shred of kindness. He should've known better than to trust a hellion of any sort.

❝ i-i, uhm, i can do organizing- i'm good at math! i'm a fa-fast flyer, so i can do quick snack runs! uh, um-- ❞ He's frantic in counting off on his hoof-like digits, trying to find reasons -- and later, hopefully, an escape -- to avoid Loona's maw of razor-sharp teeth. Or worse, a surprise attack from her AND that gaggle of miscreants.

If it wasn' abundantly clear, he doesn't know trading favors for favors don't work like contracts do.

[gynaiko]

ㅤㅤㅤShe fixes him a sharp lookㅤ[ merciless: just like the rest of her ]ㅤvoice cutting when she finally decides to break the silence,ㅤ❛ Quit apologizing; it’s unbecoming. You’re Adam’s son, ❜ㅤbut he sure as fuck doesn’t act like it; his words remain hanging in the air, stupid as they are, & she forces herself to take a breath, to gain a semblance of patience. It doesn’t come easily —ㅤnothing ever does when it comes to Adam, or to Abelㅤ[ especially Abel, ]ㅤ❛ You have a voice, use it…ㅤDon’t dance around it like a coward, ❜ㅤafter what seemed like an eternity, she finally turns; posture is rigid, golden orbs are utter ice,

ㅤㅤㅤBut for just a moment, she studies him; truly studies him,ㅤthere’s cracks everywhere. Lute doesn’t see the usual trembling, bumbling fool; there’s fractures he’s barely managing to hold together ( sound familiar? ) & her digits twitch, wanting to wring her hands together in something like nervousness…ㅤSomething in her gut twists violently, making her throat clench;ㅤsympathy or, even worse, empathy.ㅤ❛ Is that what it looks like? That I’m fine? ❜

ㅤㅤㅤHer tone is bitter, but it is not directed to Abel, miraculously,ㅤ❛ Adam’s gone, Abel. The one constant in all of this:ㅤgone. I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel, much less how to be fine.ㅤYou’re not even fine; I can tell… ❜ㅤGolden orbs narrow, & she shakes her head, frustrated at him, at herself, at all of it…ㅤ❛ You have some shoes to fill; I hope you’re prepared; you're what's left of his legacy, ❜

      MILLENIA    HAVE    PASSED    SINCE    HE    FELT    –    THIS.    this pain like he can’t quite breathe properly    ,    or like if he attempts to take a breath the air will all suddenly disappear    ;    like everyone he’s ever loved will disappear    .    .    .    it happened with cain    ,    his mother    ,    & now    –

      adam was never kind    ;    not since long before heaven.    his father was cruel in a way that would challenge vultures    –    & yet    –    there’s always been that part of him    ,    deep down inside that just clung to the hope that the first man didn’t see him as an utter disappointment    ;    but as the child he lost so long ago.    the child that was always smiling & excited to see his family    ,    to be near them in a way that he can no longer imagine.

      it hurts.    the way he can’t seem to remember that love.    can’t seem to remember how to smile quite right.    they’ve lost someone together    –    is it so wrong of him to seek solace in the one person that saw adam more often than anyone else    ?

      ❛    i just    –    uh    –    want to see how you were doing    .    .    .    without him    ,    i mean    .    .    .    ❜    (    a small wince.    )    ❛    sorry    ,    i’m sorry    ,    obviously everything’s    –    fine.    i’ll just    –    leave.    ❜