Match of the Millennium

Description: Slayer and Sharon talk business with Eadni over tea.

[EADNI]
Moonlight Grove had many rooms to it.

Certainly, from outside the Village Mall, it seemed ridiculous. The shoppe itself was just a small storefront sandwiched between a Cinnabon and a Spencers Gift. Soft ambient music echos in the atmosphere, giving the essence of a peaceful tune. Each different song that would play in the room reflects upon nature itself. The scent instilling the air is the incense that burns, but it is not a heavy scent, but soft enough to allow people to breath. The floor is covered with marble tiles. To the left side of the entrance contains a large bookshelf, filled with various books based on folklore, witchcraft, and other sorts that would tell information of the New Age sorts. To the right, there are a four foot tall glass case, filled with old flutes, crystals, and other sorts. Behind the counter to the left are filled with herbs, each of them labeled by their respective name. At the further right are filled with 'Black Books' and more herbal medicine, some contain books on how to make tea and the uses of the herbs. Further along the room, there is a large and wider book shelf, containing many more books of the same material. Along the back of the room is a cherry wooden door, which will lead to the back room. What the backroom was, changed. It was different, based on how it was opened, who opened it, and from where.

After all, the Moonlight Groove wasn't just outside the Village Mall.

The interior of the backroom, for now, was a velvet room, the only walls being the thick red velvet curtains that marked the division between different sections. The floor was covered in a distinctive, alternating off-white and dark-brown chevron pattern, made of a material somewhere in between hard marble and shag carpet, shifting between the two sometimes between perceptions. Within, there are three armchairs, sat arranged around a tea table, on which sat a steaming teapot made of black porcelain. Behind the chairs was a marble statue of a woman, tastefully robed in between two floor lamps. The gnarled form of Eadni was resting in one of the plush, velvet chairs, the Old Mother dressed in somewhat formal wear: a flowery and modest dress trimmed with Irish lace in the front. She wore a babushka over her head, and her eyes were hollow sockets. She was waiting, her hands folded in her lap, her craggy face still. She had a tea party planned with an old associate. He would not be coming through the mall, but he would be coming through that cherry wood door. There would be no children here.

This was a place only for the mature.

[SLAYER]
The cherry wood door opens without a single hand touching the handle. The soft flapping of a capelet seems to be the order of business as the door is held open for a moment. It takes that moment before the heeled entrance of the fascinating woman in a red dress makes her way into the backroom of the Moonlight Grove. She dares not take too many steps inside without looking back over her shoulder to enjoy the visible arrival of her eternal love: Slayer.

Slayer's arrival is that of a man that quite possibly hasn't a single care in this world. His nose is slightly turned up during his arrival stride, keeping his attention on all that he surveys. His arm extends for Sharon to loop her arm through as the capelet around his shoulders pushes the cherry wood door closed behind them both.

The look on Slayer's face is a mixture of wise boredom as he offers a bow of greeting in the direction of Eadni. There's an expression of familiarity across his features as he regards the associate of years gone by. As with anyone that actually possesses a bit of class, Slayer awaits the host to speak as he and Sharon make their way over towards the armchairs of tea time.

[EADNI]
Eadni comes into a stand, politely, as the pair arrive.

"Sharon... my... I am glad you could make it." The hollow eyes seem to glint impossibly, as her wrinkled feature crease into a smile. She turns from the woman, to the handsome vampire who has come with her. Naturally, the invitation made sure to include Slayer. While Eadni always preferred Sharon over the man in the relationship, Slayer was ultimately the breadwinner of the pair. Business, as such, always came to Slayer. Eadni lowers her head respectfully to the gentleman.

"And Slayer, I am pleased you have come as well."

Eadni walks to the table a bit, shuffling her feet as her long, gnarled fingers clasps the handle of the teapot. "Would you like some tea? It is an eldritch blend, steeped in venom and garmonbozia. It is potent, and I hope, something different for your tastes." She begins by pouring herself some, the fluid trickling into delicate black eggshells cups. Her voice is a grandmotherly murmur, a gentle purr. "Shall we discuss pleasantries? How I am doing, how you are doing. Children. Work. Current events. I have heard some rumors there are some tournaments going on." Eadni finishes pouring her tea, and shuffles her feet a little bit. "Or should I start discussing more on the business at hand?" She finishes her pour.

"I only wish to use your time as you need me to use it."

"

[SLAYER]
"Of course. I could not bare to not have eyes on Sharon for any length of time."

Perhaps these are words meant to be romantic feelings for Sharon. Or perhaps he's just making it very clear that he shall not let Sharon out of his sight. Least of all to meet with Eadni. Alone. While these words are unsaid there is a very good chance that the understanding and intent are quite clear to the elderly woman.

"Tea would be smashing." Slayer accepts such an offer as he and Sharon move to a seat at the table. It is almost too predictable that Slayer takes a seat and Sharon takes a seat as well... though it is on Slayer's lap. Their public displays of affection are never ending and perhaps even a tactic to keep others uncomfortable.

"Pleasantries often get in the way of what may be truly important." Slayer's looking at Sharon as he speaks those words, though he's clearly speaking to Eadni. "Sharon and I do have quite the evening planned so perhaps business would be the way to go."

Sharon doesn't need to speak to offer her agreement to this as she's quite content with letting Slayer handle the speaking for this portion.

[EADNI]
The Old Mother serves two more cups from the eldritch teapot.

"I will speak quickly, then, as not to waste your time further." Eadni purrs, as the fluid trickles down. "The boundaries around a snake god, known by its worshipers as Orochi, are about to breach. This is one of the primal gods; sealed away because of it's fundemental incompatability with humanity. When it awakens, it will almost certainly unleash it's power to bring about the end of humanity as we know it." She switches to the other cup. "As a figure dedicated to the cycles of life and death."

"I wish to awaken it first."

Eadni switches to the other cup. "Interesting figures have become involved with this Orochi business. Some are less interested in the end of the world, and more are interested in simply fighting the god. Heroes who want to stop the awakening, villains who are striving, and those individuals who do their own. If the snake god wakes up prematurely, it may resealed again safely, and stronger than ever before. I am inviting for you to get involved." She places the teapot down, and trundles back into her seat. She slips in, steepling her long, gnarled figures together.

"Which side are you most interested in helping?"

[SLAYER]
Slayer seems to be paying somewhat rapt attention to the words coming from Eadni. If only because humanity has been brought up a few times in those words and the Nightwalker has quite a bit of unresolved affection for those of the human ilk.

"Orochi. Interesting." Slayer's tone makes it somewhat difficult to tell if he has some knowledge of this creature or if he's just going along with the witch's words. It could be neither or both but that's always been Slayer's way when it comes to matters of this design. Playing his hand close enough to his chest.

An eyebrow of Slayer's raises when Eadni speaks her intentions. All thoughts of tea leaving his mind but that's what Sharon is for. Even she has a pause before returning to making sure Slayer's tastebuds will have something deliciously blissful upon the Nightwalker's sipping.

"I am flattered. Truly. Honored to have been invited and given an opportunity to tip the scales in one of many favors, it seems." Slayer looks at Eadni over the tea cup that Sharon holds up for him. It is not until his finger slides through the handle does he speak again.

"Before I make my decision, let's hear your take on where I should enter into things. I'm sure you've thought about it."

Slayer sips at his tea with a small smirk, as if this were Eadni's moment to sell him on her own side.

[EADNI]
The chess game between immortals.

Slayer makes his delicate rebuttal, a riposte that quietly but carefully strikes back at the witch. Eadni, for her purpose, knows the game. "Oh, I'm terrible at the theater." Eadni admits softly, giving a sip of her teacup. "I already have pieces moving between the humans, the heroes and villains. That will resolve with blood and violence, without your hand." She holds the cup, looking at Slayer with the hollow eyes. "That war is nearly in my control, with the boundaries of life and death mine to hold." She glances aside slightly, towards Sharon.

"The one thing I can't control is the demon man."

Another sip, and she stares in the teacup. "Akuma. Gouken. He has titles and names. It seems he has tasted the taint of Orochi, and now wishes to drink deep of the god's wrath. How deep, I don't know. He is nearly impossible to approach without violence. But I do know he has been seeking followers too. Outsiders of the Earthrealm. From the Backyard. And now I have rumors of one of those Outworld are seeking to meddle in the affairs. I am... Apprehensive of such powerful beings involving themselves in the affairs between humans and gods. Facing a creature like him, that I can neither bind nor control. If I was to play to your strengths, Slayer." She looks back at Slayer.

"I would ask you to interfere with these demigods that are looking to tip the scales."

[SLAYER]
Chess is a wonderful game, isn't it? Slayer has been around since before its inception. And the fact that he has managed to play and master nearly all variations of it has put him in a position to often play it on a more mental and verbal scale. Just for the thrill.

Slayer sips from his own teacup as he listens to Eadni's words. There's even a moment where his eyebrow raises at the blatant exposition that comes from Eadni's lips. Slayer's grin is accompanied by a slight air of sly hunger, "Blood and violence? Good show." A rare compliment from Slayer to the witch as he does quite enjoy both of those things.

From the look of the way Sharon's rubbing her hand against Slayer's chest now, so does she. Her enthrallment with her husband makes her miss Eadni's glance. She's a bit preoccupied with, shall we say, thoughts at the moment.

Slayer, though, continues to stay focused on the witch's play. It takes a moment more of tea sipping before Slayer interrupts Sharon's trip down future lane by slipping the dishes into Sharon's hands. It's a movement being made so that Slayer can take his time and ponder through the various options that have been sprawled out into the ether before him. He even makes a bit of a show of his ponderment by leaning back against the seat and just kind of grinning at Eadni as if to say: 'you sly witch'.

"Done." Slayer offers a grin. "I'll want payment. In advance. Something beautiful for my beautiful wife," Slayer reaches up to brush his fingers across Sharon's cheek. "And powerful." And..." Slayer is quite sure that this witch can dredge up a magical trinket or something. Slayer's finger rises as he continues to craft his conditions.

"I want a moment with Orochi before you seal it away."

To return to the chess speech of before: Check.

[EADNI]
DELETE ABOVE ME

[SLAYER]
Chess is a wonderful game, isn't it? Slayer has been around since before its inception. And the fact that he has managed to play and master nearly all variations of it has put him in a position to often play it on a more mental and verbal scale. Just for the thrill.

Slayer sips from his own teacup as he listens to Eadni's words. There's even a moment where his eyebrow raises at the blatant exposition that comes from Eadni's lips. Slayer's grin is accompanied by a slight air of sly hunger, "Blood and violence? Good show." A rare compliment from Slayer to the witch as he does quite enjoy both of those things.

From the look of the way Sharon's rubbing her hand against Slayer's chest now, so does she. Her enthrallment with her husband makes her miss Eadni's glance. She's a bit preoccupied with, shall we say, thoughts at the moment.

Slayer, though, continues to stay focused on the witch's play. It takes a moment more of tea sipping before Slayer interrupts Sharon's trip down future lane by slipping the dishes into Sharon's hands. It's a movement being made so that Slayer can take his time and ponder through the various options that have been sprawled out into the ether before him. He even makes a bit of a show of his ponderment by leaning back against the seat and just kind of grinning at Eadni as if to say: 'you sly witch'.

"Done." Slayer offers a grin. "I require payment. In advance. Something beautiful for my beautiful wife," Slayer reaches up to brush his fingers across Sharon's cheek. "Something powerful. And..." Slayer is quite sure that this witch can dredge up a magical trinket or something. Slayer's finger rises as he continues to craft his conditions.

"I want a moment with Orochi before you seal it away."

To return to the chess speech of before: Check.

[EADNI]
"A moment with Orochi?"

Paltable apprehension rises in Eadni's voice. She had calculated Slayer would want an audience with one of the pieces on the board. That much she predicted. But to have an audience with the very god itself? When Slayer asks for the moment with the god, there is a brief flicker. Hostility? Control? Worse. Bargaining and bartering. The witch takes a long, slow gaze at the infinite abyss of time, and draws deep from the pool of timeless wisdom. Of all that will happen, what would happen between Slayer and the God. What would take place. And how would that reflect on the balance of life and death. And steadily, a smirk forms in the corner of the witch's maw. And she allows the gambit without challenging it.

"I will not interfere."



She states cooly and hastily, with calculated acceptance. "And I will ensure others will not as well." She turns to her side, to the small bag with the human faces sewn on it. From its depths, she draws out the amulet from the depths of her satchel. It was a cryptic looking piece, marked with what looks like threads of gold, woven and braided into a series of chains. Each one is shaped and crafted into the intricate form of writhing, winding snakes, each link in the chain in the style of an ouroboros. The end of the chain is a rounded amulet. The inset is framed with connemara marble, the Irish Green in the style of verd antique ophicalcite. In the heart of it is the iridescent of a polished ammolite, the opal-like light cast in the shape of a hagstone. A strange, shimmering imprint of a jewel sits in the center of the ammolite hagstone; while the quality of it is undisputed the material is not clear. At best, it may be chrysoberyl carved into a convex 'snake eye' style. The witch holds it up by its gold chain with both hands, stretching the chain out as she displays it. The craftsmanship is flawless, though it certainly has a very primitive execution to it. "A prize from the Kurinyi Bog; it is of an old fashion I am afraid. I deal in protective wards as you might understand, unnecessary for your wife, but it is the most beautiful piece I own." She waits patiently for Sharon's attention, or Slayer's decision. The terms were made.

But it was up to them to accept her offer.

[SLAYER]
Slayer finishes off his tea and allows Sharon to make sure that the empty teacup goes to where it needs to go. He can't be bothered with doing such tasks as that while he's in the middle of chess flavored negotiations with a witch that he doesn't particularly care for or trust. Then again, that's what makes this entire meeting that much more fun and interesting, isn't it? The back and forth, the cat and mouse. So much more interesting than having tea and conversation.

"Very well."

Slayer's response to the witch's response to his Orochi request is as simplistically victorious as he can make it sound without tainting it with a smugness. Slayer does not like to gloat so much as simply take his victories as gracefully and often as he can.

Slayer's eyes are on Sharon as the amulet is presented. He doesn't care at all about the amulet himself as he seems more interested in Sharon's reaction to it. His eyes never leaving her face the entire time she gawks at it.

"It is beautiful." Sharon almost whispers this as the nudge from Slayer gives her permission to take said amulet. She does so and immediately her attention is drawn to staring at it while Slayer and Eadni conclude their business.

"Your tribute is accepted." Slayer grins just slightly, showing a single fang as he does so. "I assume you have a time frame in mind for when I shall complete my end of the bargain?" Slayer's eyebrow raises as he watches Eadni for any tells since this Orochi business seems to be pretty important. Especially if she's willing to part with things and allow him time with Orochi after it is all done.

Just what is she up to? Really?

[EADNI]
"Oh, thank you Sharon."

Eadni's tone lightens for a moment, as she accepts the witch's gift. Certainly she wouldn't admit her moment of weakness, but she was delighted that Sharon accepted it. As she lets the amulet be taken away, she reclines in her chair a moment, her hollow eyes staring far away, as Slayer asks a rather pressing question. The time frame? Of all the other gauche things, this would be the most gauche. She looks to Sharon. "I'm sorry." She states, knowing how disappointing she may end up being... and as well, how much trouble Slayer might have gotten into now.

"The frame of time is more urgent than I fear."

"It has already begun, Slayer." Murmurs Eadni. "The boundaries of life and death are beginning to shatter. I already have seen signs, evidence of outsiders crossing the boundaries to take their seats when the world collapses. A tournament. A descent." Audible disgust rises in the depths of Eadni. "You may very well step outside now, and see the humans contorted in the Orochi madness. It's poison has spread through the veins of the countless. And with every great union, the poison spreads further and further. Time is of the essence, Slayer. It will come slowly, as it always does. Until it comes all at once." The witch rises up from her chair.

"Then it is too late."

[SLAYER]
"I will take care of things from here."

Slayer's a man of his word so when time becomes of the essence it becomes quite clear that Slayer is ready to get started on holding up his end of this bargain. A hand on the back of Sharon is what causes her to slide off his lap so that she may stand and continue to admire the necklace that she's been gifted by the witch.

"Any particular target you wish that I begin with? Or is it Slayer's Choice?" These words are added as Slayer stands behind Sharon and proceeds to take the amulet necklace from her. His attention is on Eadni as he sets about fastening the gift around Sharon's neck without missing a beat. He is quite adept at dealing with this sort of thing. He is often providing Sharon with gifts of this nature.

If Slayer cares one way or the other about the world collapsing he doesn't seem to show either of his hands. He only seems to be worried about Sharon's neck at the moment.

[EADNI]
"The hostess of the tournament, and Gouken are the two most urgent risks."

Eadni speaks strategically, watching the amulet being put on. "It is your choice which one to confront, and whether you wish to go to the head, or one of their underlings first. I am not entirely sure who is the host of the tournament, nor their motivations." The witch purrs. "But Gouken is an immediate existential threat, and out of our control. You choose which can be more easily controlled." She studies Sharon. Eadni did not have a mirror; it was rude around vampires, as she learned long ago. But she gives her honest opinion as it is placed on.

"It looks quite lovely on you, Sharon."

[SLAYER]
"Very well. It shall be done."

Slayer offers a respectful nod that's not quite a full bow in Eadni's direction. He then extends an arm for Sharon to loop hers into because time has quickly become even more of the essence than before. Slayer can't even hide the smirk that comes from the name Gouken and such. There are names that just make him want to meddle in the affairs of others and that happens to be one of them.

"I will be in touch."

With that said, Slayer turns to head in the direction of the exit so that he and Sharon may get to work.

Sharon offers a wiggling of her fingers and a quiet 'thank you' in Eadni's direction before her attention focuses solely on Slayer and their dramatic exiting process.

[EADNI]
Eadni escorts the pair to the doorway.

"As will I." She cracks a smile at Sharon; a grin that quickly is forced away as she opens the door, back into the physical realm. "You can find your way back through; I must clean up, for the sake of my hosts. Guests must treat their benefactors with the utmost respect after all." The end of times was certainly unusual for such casual banter, the fate of demigods and gods being determined in the backrooms. She bows her head deeply, letting them out before closing the door.

"Don't be a stranger, you two."

Log created on 15:32:40 05/24/2022 by Slayer, and last modified on 15:47:54 06/13/2022.