Thread: Underdark Dealings (Esyel & Alvis Alendran's 1x1)

As a rule, Ktonos did not dream. He could not recall a time in his life when he had. Sleep was a blessing to him precisely because it let him not have to think, to feel, to fear . Those moments were somehow precious to him, even more so than when he was able to lose himself in blood and battle. While the ecstasy that he found there was a fantastic thing, it was somehow sullied by the knowledge that it would inevitably pass. There were times that Ktonos actually wished he'd been a little less intelligent. But then he also knew wehere that led. He'd be little more than a slave to his desires, no thoughts, no will of his own. Just a weapon that was in the use of others. Weapon Master he might be, bound to serve the Great House, but he was still his own man at heart, and no one was able to take that from him. Not yet anyway. He maintained no illusions that there was every possibility that he was going to lose himself someday effectively enough that he wasn't going to be coming back. He stirred uncomfortably in his sleep, the dregs of an awareness creeping up on him. The tingling was different, but not wholly displeasing. When it began to burn, he knew that there was something wrong, especially in that he found that he was unable to awaken with his customary easy and speed. Somethine was very, very wrong. ANd he needed to be awake to face it. He felt the flaring of pain in his body as something exerted force on him, something trying to crush him. His mind reeled a moment, before he could practically hear his own madness, hear it raging throughout him. Daring the risks involved, he let himself go, surrendering to the madness that was within him. It felt as though there was an enchantment upon him, but he'd been ensorcelled in the past, and knew this was different somehow. Still, whatever power was keeping him asleep shattered under the indomitable will of the insanity that lurked. He woke with both hands on the hilt of his sword, mouth wide, and a rictus grin on his face. Struggling to contain himself, he heard a foot step outside of his door. Ignoring the further discomfort of the strange power pressing down on him, he threw the door open. The hapless servant was dragged into the room, a bubbling scream already ripping free of his voice, knowing that nothing good ever came from this room. The laughter rang throughout the halls, punctuated by the screams as Ktonos did his grisly work. The strange power gone, either defeated or withdrawn, Ktonos leaned back in a chair, looking at the remains of his work. The Male was stretched out, arms tied out to the sides, but upwards towards the ceiling at teh same time. There was a pile of loose skin in the corner, the results of his careful work with a knife. Moreover, there were points along the remains that showed muscle that had been flensed aside, and small holes drilled very carefully directly into the bones. Ktonos had been an artist, making his bloody and viscious artwork. He rang for the servants. Two came into the room reluctantly, not sure if he had need of them for work, or had simply run out of horrors to visit on their companion. Dispose of this mess. Ktonos said languidly. The servants stared a moment at the grotesque horror that had been wrought. Ktonos was almost covered in blood, his whole being radiating stolen heat from the gore. He stood, looking around the room with a smile. Now, granted, he knew he hadn't imagined the attack on himself, that he should at least place a cursory report to the matron. One of hte servants touched the binding rope of the hanging victim. The rattling breath, and faint scream from the skinned man made both servants jerk away. He's still alive?!? One demanded, incredulous. Dispose of it. I am finished. Ktonos grinned, and walked out of the door. Desires ran riot through him, and he felt far more at peace and confident now. He made his way to the chambers of hte matron. His sword was on his back, and even without his armour, he felt more than capable of seeing off any direct attempts at his life. He pushed the doors to the Matron's chambers open, not bothering to knock or otherwise announce himself. Matron! I have a report for you! He announced as he began to look around the room to see where she might be. And your Weapons Master has been subject to attack this night.