[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Gideon did not like the feeling of his shadow being pulled along. He grimaced at the sensation and tried to shake it off. Throwing his arms outward and keeping his shadow moving in subtle ways.

Slowly Alatair untangled himself in his seat so that he could stretch his hand out to take Noctifer’s across the table. He hummed and looked Smokes over. The smell of brimstone pouring out of him and filling the air with ash. Oil dripped at his feet with every step and smudged against the floor. It was sloppy and distasteful. Alatair’s brain knew there should be a comment for this but every time he tried to produce one his thoughts turned into a dial tone.

When the shadowfiends moved on, Gideon took his chance to subtly escape. Bowing his head to his masters and excusing himself to gather their meal. Though he despised being a waiter and chef, it was something he’d rather do than be felt over by those… things.

Smokes could feel the stares on him. He forced himself to stand as upright as he could. An oil stained tongue licking drops from the sides of his lips while he breathed ragged. A snide remark cut off with a heavy cough.

“Finding an engineer… I think… could benefit us.” Alatair remarked quietly, giving Noctifer’s hand a squeeze. “We could let them prove themselves by working him… before-” He stopped and narrowed his gaze. “Oooh we could redesign him. What do you think? How fun would it be to make him tiny.” He snickered, then giggled, then cackled. Some of that manic energy peaking out again. “I could fit him in my pocket… put him on the shelf and he couldn’t get down.” 

Preoccupied with their new fixation, the majority of the Shadow Fiends continued to simply hover or hide within Noctifer’s hair, staring Smokes down. Waiting for him to either flee, make the first move, or collapse. However, one of the more courageous Fiends seemed to have other plans.

It followed Gideon, silently, trailing after the golem as he made his hasty retreat; keeping a safe distance, and avoiding contact as it slunk along the walls and ceiling.

Noctifer paid neither Smokes nor Gideon much mind. Now that he was back in Alatair’s presence, the mage captured all of his attention, as Alatair so often did. “Tiny?” He questioned, amused by the notion. One eyebrow crooked up towards his hairline, and a slight smile on his lips.

“I do not think he would be durable enough for you, if you made him tiny. Although, it would make another hunt rather entertaining...“ He paused to consider the idea, idly rubbing his thumb against Alatair’s knuckles. “More places for him to hide, and be sought out. We could even get the children involved.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Gideon and Smokes followed behind at a dragging pace. Smokes more so. Every step burned with the weight of his body and he only wanted to collapse back on the floor and rest… oh yeah and thrust his fist down Alatair’s fucking throat till he choked.

The image itself made him chuckle. Eyes closed as he stumbled along. Gideon barely paid him attention, still so focused on Noctifer’s biting words. His eyes widening as more of his own history was revealed. 

The golem’s hands clenched into fists at mention of the other creations. They were nothing like him. If they were they would have woken to stop their demise. Even the great god of death saw that. He wanted to answer that was what he was trying to do this whole time, and if you thought about it he succeeded. If only briefly.

With the kiss Alatair purred awake. His eyes fluttered open and he sat slightly straighter in his seat. “Peachy.” His words slightly slurred from the brief sleep and he yawned. “How are you feeling?”

He paused and glanced over the arm of his chair as Gideon and Smokes stumbled in. A new vigor in his veins and he grinned wide. “Aaahhh our friends came!” 

“I am well.“ Noctifer smiled, brushing the backs of his fingers along Alatair’s cheek. By now the Shadow Fiends were growing more adventurous, the majority had opened their eyes and were feeling brave enough to leave the safety of Noctifer’s hair; crawling across whatever surface they felt bold enough to reach while still keeping close.

Some were even feeling courageous enough to poke and prod at Gideon’s shadow, playfully. There was a chittering that nearly sounded like laughter as they scurried away after every touch.

“The automaton barely made the journey,“ he remarked, taking his seat next to Alatair. “I believe he will need repairs if he is to survive. We could always find you a new pet, but I know how attached you are to this one. I will leave the decision up to you.“

Noctifer glanced over at Smokes, looking him up-and-down in the same way one might glance over a beaten and busted up old piece of machinery that was on its last legs. Not something with sentience, not a living creature in its own right. He was apathetic. Perhaps that was simply the nature of death, or perhaps it was his own personal feelings towards Smokes.

Whichever the case may be, the Shadow Fiends followed Noctifer’s gaze; pinning Smokes down with their unblinking stares, from all angles it seemed, suddenly curious and interested in the flickering and fading energy of Smokes’ core. Gideon, for the moment, forgotten to them.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Gideon pinched his lips together in a tight line. Standing still was something he was very good at. His eyes followed the shadow fiends as they wafted too and fro, following behind Noctifer. 

He finally exhaled as he was spared. He squinted his eyes at Noctifer’s back and silently plotted all the ways he dreamed of destroying the automaton. Some of which he almost managed, had he not been stopped by that ragtag gang of children. Still angry that Alatair managed to be the one who came on top of all this. 

Smokes had managed to pull himself onto his hands and knees, panting and spitting oil on the floor. He glanced up at the two bickering powerhouses. Thankful the attention wasn’t on him for a moment. He choked on a breath, masking a bitter laugh. Watching Gideon squirm as much as the golem could certainly was entertaining. In that wounded haze he still only saw Frey spitting such fowlness.

He pushed himself up with a heave and panted a while. Standing half bent over with his hands on his knees. 

~

Finally slumping into the grand hall, Alatair dropped himself in his chair. One leg draped over an arm while he wilted into the corner. Bags still heavy under his eyes and cheeks sullen. He wrapped his long robes around him tighter, and rested his eyes. Momentarily taking a nap while he waited for his beloved. 

Chuckling lowly to himself, the sound echoed through the twisting and winding halls of the tower, accompanied only by their mismatched footsteps. “Oh, how it burns you.” Noctifer glanced back at Gideon as he walked, the only indicator that he was speaking to the golem, before turning forwards again.

“You are laughably easy to read, for a creature made of stone. Just as expressive as any other mortal, it seems.“ He lifted a hand, stroking a finger over the head of one of the Shadow Fiends. “Then again, you are not exactly subtle about how your new lot in life makes you feel, are you.“

One of the larger Shadow Fiends broke away from the nest of Noctifer’s hair; drifting over to the wall to crawl along the stone, still keeping pace with the group, and keeping close to their mother.

“I remember you, you know. There is little I forget. Your creator was a powerful mage, worthy of one of my children. Your siblings were... adequate, but you showed real promise. What a shame. Perhaps if you had made any attempt to help free me from this prison, you would not be in a prison of your own. Your arrogance was your undoing, just like your creator.“

Noctifer paused at the doors to the great hall, regarding Gideon with an unreadable look for just a moment, before striding inside; immediately sweeping over to where Alatair was draped across his chair.

“My pet,“ He bent to press a kiss to the top of Alatair’s head, brushing the hair from his face. “How are you feeling?“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Smokes gave a startled grunt as he was suddenly grabbed and yanked to his feet. Weak legs squeaked as rusted hinges were roughly forced to bend. The pain was like sparks but Smokes only grimaced, almost growing used to it by now.

He grit his teeth and hissed out broken steam and smoke. He didn’t doubt those claims but Smokes wasn’t the best at thinking through his words. He’d bark and antagonize for as long as he held breath. Hoping at least something would wake Frey up.

He stumbled as he was thrown and Gideon made no move to catch him. The automaton crumpled to the stone floor with a crash of crushed metal. He groaned and struggled to get on his feet at all. His legs stiffly straightening out. 

Gideon watched him struggle finding glee in the scene. He only would have wished it was his hand causing all this misery, not Noctifer’s and by extension Alatair’s.

His attention pulled back as he felt the chilling grip of shadow against his arm and he flinched. Shaking his hand free and yanking back. He even started to raise a palm, ready to slap the insects back before he realized what they were. 

He retreated and closed his hand to a fist, holding it at his side. He took a hard step out of range full knowing that the shadows could stretch from any darkness. At least, once they learned how too. 

“Of course.” 

Noctifer was silent for a few beats. Keeping his eyes forward and focused on the halls in front of him as he strode towards the grand hall with purpose. Even when he did speak, he kept his back to the pair behind him, though amusement was evident in his tone.

“They can smell your magic.“ He didn’t need to elaborate what he was talking about, Gideon was clever enough to know. Especially with the Shadow Fiends still staring him down, chattering softly amongst each other. “They feed on magic, you know, the same as I do. And you are made of quite a lot.“

Despite their small size and seemingly frail state, accomplished mages knew just how dangerous young Shadow Fiends could be, regardless. Like juvenile venomous snakes still learning to control their venom output, they were completely unaware of their own strength.

And like a school of piranhas, once they entered a feeding frenzy, it was near impossible to fight them all off for how fast and viciously they could move.

“But you needn’t worry. After all, it wouldn’t do us very good to destroy you... you are quite useful, and Alatair is fond of you. So you will survive, despite their curiosity. I just wouldn’t make any sudden moves...“ Finally, he glanced over his shoulder towards Gideon, with an almost impish grin. “But you knew that already, didn’t you.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Gideon gave a slow nod. Of course Alatair would want something impossible with little time to prepare. Who cares what it takes to make something happen. Being the mages servant was mentally exhausting.

He was pulled from his thoughts as Noctifer hissed down at the other automaton in the room. A smirk curled at the corner of his lips and Gideon was ready to explain to the god how he was not a whole god and in fact was still part pitiful creation.

Whatever ill thoughts he might have had instantly fizzled as the multitude of eyes began to peer back at him. The golem stood from his chair and placed his hands on the table, staring dumbfounded into the sea of black.

There was no way Noctifer had collected enough strength to make more shadow fiends. Lucy didn’t even return now that her mother was back on the living plains, how could these creatures form? Here? Now? 

One was easy enough to control but ultimately brought Gideon’s whole reign down… and now Noctifier had an army of them. The thing that Gideon wanted most. He stood, slack jawed and for the second time in his existence was absolutely speechless. 

Noctifer’s words grated on Smokes’ good ear. He clenched his teeth and shivered. He kept his eyes pinched shut and his body curled in tighter. Then suddenly throwing off the blanket to the side, as if he didn’t need it.

He pushed himself up on one elbow and huffed. His metal was still covered in frost and the lights of his eyes were faint and brown. Every movement brought about pain. He struggled to push himself to half sit and his limbs were stiff. He wheezed heavy and mist poured out for a few breaths before turning to heavy smoking coughs, then falling back to wheezing steam again.

“Then.. .I suggest… ya get… a mechanic.” He choked out but still struggled to stand. “Might… do ya… some good. Yer joints gettin’… squeaky.” 

Noctifer’s eyes widened at the stuttered slight from Smokes as the broken-down automaton struggled to his feet. His annoyance flared, and the Shadow Fiends in his hair immediately fed off of it; all of their eyes turning on Smokes simultaneously, their munificent hissing growing more agitated than curious. Gideon, for the time being, was forgotten.

Like a viper his hand lashed out, grabbing Smokes by the arm and forcibly hauling him into a stand, ungentle and without care. “Do not think that trying my temper will earn you a quick death, fool.” Noctifer hissed through clenched teeth, “My husband is quite resourceful. He knows many ways to prolong your life, and I can make sure every moment of it is filled with suffering.”

He turned and shoved Smokes towards Gideon, uncaring of how far the tinbot made it. “Now walk. Or be dragged, if you must. So long as you get to where you’re meant to be, I care little how it’s done.” His stride forwards was much more relaxed and tempered than it had been when he had first entered the room, his chin held high with the sort of arrogance that was expected from him.

“Come along then, Gideon.“ As Noctifer passed by the golem, the Shadow Fiends nearest to him reached out; tiny hands stretching slowly towards whatever parts they could reach, testing boundaries and seeing what they could get away with before Gideon recoiled or retaliated.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair gave a slow nod. Groaning softly as those hands dragged over his scalp. He’d give himself more time before standing and dressing for the meal. He could get away with pajamas instead of his robes. He just needed… a few… more……. minutes…………….

The Golem turned slowly towards the door as Noctifer stormed in. He was leaned back against the wall, both feet propped up on a stone table. Taking his time to relax while his master slept. It was his only hours of freedom and he took full advantage.

He folded his hands together and squared his shoulders. He gave Noctifer a slight bow. “Good Morning.” 

In the pen just across, Smokes laid on the makeshift cot. A blanket thrown over him while he still shivered in his sleep. It was far too quiet with the other cage empty and between his wounds and his sickness his body felt close to giving up.

He remembered back to the first time Alatair froze him. How Frey had to help nurse him back to health. How wicked the cold burned. This time it almost felt like a relief. The pain too great for him to fight. He was growing so exhausted of fighting.

Noctifer quirked an eyebrow at Gideon’s relaxed posture and casual greeting, but said nothing of it. Instead he simply smiled, though it was a bit too wide, and a little eerie around the edges--it almost resembled one of Alatair’s more manic grins, with a bit more composure.

“Yes, indeed it is.“ He agreed, sweeping further into the room, shadowed by the soft rustling of his gown trailing in behind him. “I came to ensure that the automaton was still alive. Alatair would like for his little beastie to join us for breakfast, in the grand hall.“

Striding past Gideon, Noctifer put his back to the golem as he strode up to the door of Smokes’ pen. Peering down his nose at the crumbled ‘bot with a mixed look of disgust and disinterest. “What a pitiful creation.” It was unclear whether he was speaking to himself, to Gideon, or perhaps both.

However, from the seemingly-endless sea of hair floating out behind him, one-by-one pairs of eyes began to open; solid white orbs glowing in the dark nest they clung to. All of them immediately focusing on Gideon. There were still several with their eyes still shut, keeping hidden and quiet. But the older ones began to chatter, softly.

A disturbing static-like hiss as they conversed with one another. They found Gideon interesting, and there was a predatory sort of curiosity in the way they pinned him down with their many eyes.

“Well I can see that you’re still breathing,“ Noctifer spoke down to Smokes directly, now. “On your feet, then. I won’t have you lying around feeling sorry for yourself all day. You can do that all you’d like when you die, and you’ll die when I allow it.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair slid down as Noctifer stood. He groaned and fell to the empty spot, burying his face against the sheet with a huff. He watched with one eye up Noctifer’s form. His hand stroking against his back lightly, fingers tangling in his hair to play with the other shadow fiends.

“Ooh I forgot about him.” He laughed tiredly. “I wonder if he did survive… I put him in such a predicament… but Gideon is good at recovering our pets after some fun.” He smirked. “He’s put me back together enough times to know.”

He yawned and stretched out like a cat, curling his back before plopping back onto the bed again. It was strange not to have the energy to bounce right on his feet the moment he woke and was only starting to get worried about it. He really felt like he needed another long sleep. Even when he had the flu he would try to play but this exhaustion felt deeper.

“I think I will have breakfast in the grand hall today.” Bribing himself to action with the promise of a grand meal in a grand room. “If he has survived… maybe he could join us and… Globster.” He wiggled his fingers as the shadow fiend rolled over them. 

Noctifer watched Alatair struggle, and ultimately fail, to pull himself out of bed; chuckling softly as he reached over to scratch gently down along Alatair’s spine as he stretched. “I’ve never seen you so worn out, my pet. But your fatigue is well-earned. We will take things easy today.”

Striding over to the desk, he sorted through the collection of potions and other bottled goods to find what was left of the last batch of elixir that Alatair had made. He only need a small sip to already feel the effects beginning to take hold.

“I will go see to the automaton. Meet us in the grand hall, when you are ready.“ Noctifer ran his fingers through Alatair’s hair a final time before striding from the room with purpose, his gown billowing out behind him. The garment was made of so much fabric, he was practically drowning in it.

The stone halls felt strangely quiet without Fox’s nervous shuffling, or rambling attempts to get through to Frey. It was a stark reminder of his failure from yesterday, and it caused his frustration to fester once again.

The temperature dropped along with his mood as he made his way down into the dungeons where Smokes was kept. His shadow crawled into the room before he did, silently announcing his presence only moments before the door was thrown open. “Gideon.” He called, his tone calm despite the volume of his voice.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair laughed at the praise of his name picking. “It’s based on a human thing that I always found interesting.” He watched as Noctifer kissed his finger and though the god did not having a specific healing touch, it worked anyway to soothe his pain.

“When a mass of decomposing flesh washes ashore from the ocean and humans can’t figure out what kind of beast or creature it is, they refer to them as Globsters. Isn’t that adorable? Now I have my own Globster who is just as adorable.”

He praised as he turned back to his Shadowfiend. The companion now crawling up his arm and sniffing along the way. There was something very intriguing about Alatair to it now that it had tasted his blood. 

“I’m sad I missed their creation.” Alatair continued as he stared into Noctifer’s hair and the bundle of other fiends. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?” He glanced over to his desk and the remaining potions of magical essence. “… need more charge?” 

“Humans certainly are strange little creatures.“ Noctifer agreed with a hum. His hair continued to drift around the pair of them, like a cloud of ink; the Shadow Fiends clutching to his locks nearly indescribable from the hair itself. Unless you knew to look for them, you wouldn’t even know they were there.

“Their creation is much more impressive when my body is my own. I would rather that be your first impression, this body was not meant for the process and it’s rather unseemly.“

His gaze followed Alatair’s to the potions on the desk, letting out another soft hum of acknowledgement. “I suppose I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to a small boost in energy. More than anything,” Slowly, Noctifer disentangled himself from Alatair, climbing out of bed to stretch with a soft sigh. Various parts of his metallic body creaked and groaned in protest, with a few stuck gears snapping back into motion.

“More than anything,“ He repeated, “I think I will pay that slobbering pet automaton of yours a visit. Perhaps he died in the night. What a shame that would be; he entertains you so.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair gave slight nods as Noctifer explained. He was rolling up into the touch of his nails across his scalp and continued to play with his new fiend. He wiggled a finger in front of it’s face, testing to see how good it’s reaction was. He couldn’t be bothered with the old fiend that was once under Gideon’s control. To him this felt like an upgrade. 

Letting Lucy free had started the chain of events that set Noctifer free. How could he ever think it was a bad idea? “Any mage that tries to woo one will have the most challenging of hurdles to climb. They might not even survive.” He snickered to himself. 

He leaned in harder against Noctifer’s side. Still feeling the groggy effects from the day before. Like a bad hangover. Though the mage never would complain of it. He’d simply press on like every other day in their new blissful honeymoon.

“I think Globster likes me already.” He puffed out proudly. Wiggling his finger he gasped in excitement when the fiend finally struck. Teeth snapping down on the tip of his pointer and breaking the nail immediately. “Ohh! Her teeth are so strong already.” The sight of blood, even his own, making him excited. 

Noctifer chuckled as Alatair mentioned the likelihood that any mage who took a Shadow Fiend as a familiar could very well meet an unfortunate, untimely end. His gentle preening continued, brushing strands of unruly hair away from Alatair’s face, only to have them defiantly spring right back into place.

“It is how I weed out the weak.“ Noctifer smiled, rather pleasantly, “My lands hold no kindness for those who lack the strength and cunning to fight for their right to live. Those who want a promise of safety and a guarantee of a long and easy life would be better suited for my twin’s domain.“

He opened one arm, welcoming Alatair in against his side as the mage fell further against him. The lethargy didn’t go unnoticed, but Noctifer wouldn’t call it into question. Creating Shadow Fiends had been hard work on both parties, it seemed, and Alatair had more than earned his rest.

“Globster, hm.“ Noctifer repeated with a soft, amused laugh. “Your curious mind works in strange and wonderful ways. The gods themselves would be at a loss to understand it.“ He took Alatair’s injured hand by the wrist, bringing it up to press a gentle kiss against the injured and bleeding finger.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair let his hand be guided, smiling at the kiss. He watched with widening eyes as Noctifer dug through the endless sea of hair before pulling out something that looked like a worm. He gasped excitedly as it squirmed and bared it’s teeth. The eyes not even open  yet.

“A shadow fiend.” He gasped under his breath. Giggling lightly as it began to roll against his palm. It felt so cold and almost like nothing at all- and yet sometimes he swore he could feel the weight of a full beast.

“Oooh it’s already so feisty.” He giggled as he tightened his palm just a little more. The fiend sensing the closing in of walls and threatening with it’s teeth, barely grazing along his flesh. “I always wanted one of my own. A pure one… Gideon wouldn’t let me have Lucy to myself… but this-”

He gasped softly as he stroked a finger down the shadow fiends spine. It seemed to soothe it for a moment before baring it’s teeth again. “I shall pamper and train it like a loving rabid beast.”

He purred and leaned in to kiss whatever part of Noctifer he could reach. Sighing happily as he slumped to play with his new fiend. “I’m so pleased you have this power again…” 

Noctifer leaned in to accept the kiss to his cheek, scoffing while casting a sidelong glare towards the door at the mention of Gideon. “He should not have even had her. She was stolen, first by that impudent agency that dares to call itself a government in my realm, and then second by the Golem.”

Before he grew too annoyed with the past events that occurred while he laid dormant, Noctifer shook the thoughts from his head, the Shadow Fiends squeaking with the movement. “At any rate, you have one now. They will grow quickly; their eyes will be open in just a few hours, and by the end of the day the rest of the litter will disperse to find mages of their own.”

Gently, Noctifer began to comb his fingers through Alatair’s hair, brushing out any tangles that occurred in the night. “This power is all thanks to you, and the hard work you have done.” He smiled, fondly.

“You are well-versed in familiars, I’m sure. So you will know that most are obedient, and often just an extension of the mage themselves. Shadow Fiends are not so. They are an extension of me, and thus a gift to worthy spell-casters. You will not find a more loyal creature, but they are highly intelligent, and will easily overpower inexperienced mages who attempt to forcibly domesticate them. Like Gideon.“

The grin that spread across Noctifer’s face was malicious in nature, but quickly settled into something more kind-hearted as he continued to preen and pet his husband. “But you will have no troubles, I am certain of it. You are the most powerful spell-caster I have met... and I have met many. I am interested to see how my offspring respond to you.”

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair usually had very vivid dreams. His imagination took the opportunity to run wild and play all sorts of reality bending games. The mage was so exhausted that he couldn’t remember a single one. The night was a sea of darkness that seemed less comforting than the replays of his mother burning alive. Those were always such interesting dreams. He hated the nothing but it seemed as if his entire being had been tapped and drained.

He slept far longer than he normally would have and even when he woke he was still sluggish and dazed. He opened one eye and glanced to his love beside him, remembering the night before in only the best pieces.

It made him smile as his head dropped heavy back on his pillow. One hand reached out to stroke against Noctifer’s  metal. Only then did he hear the little chirps and whines.

Now quite intrigued he put his sleepy mind to work. Brow furrowing as he lifted his head enough to see over his husbands form. He could see the shift of darkness in his hair, but unable to determine shapes.

“What awesome magic have you cast my beloved?” 

“A magic that has been sorely lacking from the world for far too long.“ He elaborated, taking Alatair’s hand to bring it up to his lips for a soft kiss. “And the first of many gifts that I have promised to you.” 

He laid Alatair’s hand out flat atop his own, facing palm-up, before reaching towards his hair with his other hand. He seemed to hesitate, and search, before eventually plucking one of the near-formless blobs of shadow from the waves of his hair.

It squeaked in protest; not in fear or alarm, like many of the others, but in something that seemed to almost resemble indignation. Tiny, razor-sharp teeth bared themselves at the unseen threat as it blindly tried to defend itself.

“I am trusting you with this, a piece of my very being. My very magic, condensed down and born into a living thing. You know them well already.“ Gently, Noctifer placed the Shadow Fiend into Alatair’s palm, watching with an amused smile as it began to curiously smell and feel around the new environment.

“Powerful familiars. The rest will venture out to find mages of their own, once they are old enough, but this one will be yours. To keep you company, and protect you, should there ever be a moment when I cannot.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

The feeling of fingers clawing up his feet made Gideon attempt to step back. Too stubborn to show his fright. He peeled one foot off the ground but the sensation crawled along with him. 

How did Noctifer have this much power in Frey’s body? How much more power could he gain if he stayed with Alatair?

He stilled as that voice poured out in a dark echo. Blinking sharply he only offered a slow nod, unwilling to give Noctifer any other semblance of recognition. He was seething at the name but could do nothing of it. Only bow as Alatair led the pair back to the manor.

By the time they returned Alatair was moments from nodding off. His whole form slouched backwards with eyes closed. He only gave a low groan when the horse stopped. Getting down was far easier than getting up, but his exhaustion was evident in every dragging movement.

“Perhaps its time we break in the guest room on the first floor my love.” 

Noctifer’s dismount was far more graceful than that of his husband, and he could help but chuckle fondly at every exaggerated, worn-down movement that Alatair made. Even more so at the suggestion of breaking in the guest room. “Your ambition is admirable, my pet, but perhaps we should rest a bit first.”

He kept a hand pressed lightly against the small of Alatair’s back, ready to catch the mage should he stumble too far. “A small nap, and then we can break as many things as you would like.” Noctifer flashed a playful smile as he continued to steer Alatair into the tower, towards the room in question.

It was the easiest time the god had ever had in getting Alatair to bed. He hardly had to do any work; Alatair collapsed the moment the mattress was in reach, and from there it was only the small task of tucking his husband in before making himself comfortable.

Sleep came easy for the both of them.

The following morning Noctifer was up bright and early, awoken by his own body signaling that his magic had completed the stages of manifesting itself into the sentient creatures he was most known for.

Another batch of Shadow Fiends brought into the world. Small, blind, and clinging to the floating locks of Noctifer’s hair as they chirped helplessly.

“Alatair,“ he called happily, “Come here, my darling. I have something for you.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Smokes snapped his teeth like a rabid dog. Drool and matter pouring out the corners of his mouth as he snarled. He fought to free himself but only made things worse. His mind boiling rage and anger.

Stroking the stone in hand, Alatair began to whisper so as not to disturb his loves joyful singing. “Gideon I command you to come here and retrieve Smokestack… I warn you he’s a bit of a biter.” He clacked his teeth together in Smokes’ direction.

The horse slowly trotting back to their manor in the dark. They even passed the Goelm in their trek. His eyes shining in the darkness like beacons. Unnerved as they landed on the mage and god in the darkness. 

“Master…” He spoke low. If Gideon had skin he might have goosebumps from that dark singing from Noctifer. “You look positively exhausted. Did the hunt not go well?”

“… no… it went marvelous…” Alatair spoke but couldn’t hide a yawn. “We are turning in for the night… I need my rest. You can handle the robot can’t you?” 

“Of course.” Gideon spoke carefully as he kept his eyes locked on Noctifer. “And the other?” 

Noctifer locked eyes with Gideon, his own gleaming through the darkness, as his grin curled wider into something more sinister; almost wolfish, in the way he bared his teeth. He could sense Gideon’s nerves, and it fueled him. His shadows stretched out across the ground, drawn in by a new source of magic, as well as any traces of fear.

They were nearly impossible to discern in the dark, and had Noctifer been at his full strength they would have been everywhere. As it was, they pooled around Gideon’s feet, and with them came the sensation of phantom hands pawing their way up along Gideon’s back.

Like the hands of infinite dead, trying to drag another down into their depths; into the cold void of Noctifer’s being, as limitless and yawning as space above them, with no way to escape.

“Dealt with.“ Came Noctifer’s reply, his words rasping like a rattling final breath. “You need only retrieve the one automaton. I doubt you will find anything left of the other.”

His shadows recoiled slowly, dragging along Gideon’s ankles. One could almost hear a chattering laughter, if they listened close enough. “Enjoy your evening, boy.” Noctifer turned away with the mild insult, focusing his attention back on Alatair as they carried on.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Slowly Smokes’ eyes widened as Noctifer dropped the news. It felt like his core froze solid and all the oil and matter pouring through his veins had suddenly stopped. He choked on a breath. The smoke clogging his vents before coming out in a hard puff of brimstone and steam.

Their last conversation flooding his mind. Smokes was so sure he would be the one caught and killed. Fox was the one who wanted to escape, the one who could have escaped. He had so much more to live for. So much-

There was an audible click as Smokes’ eyes flickered to red. The change seemed to break something as they sparked. He snarled something feral and lunged. The ice and metal trap yanking him back to the ground. His metal plates whining from the strain. 

“Ooooh you have the fun back in you now.” Alatair squealed in delight. “I haven’t seen Big Red in sooo long. Who knew all we needed to do was take out the skinny one.” He giggled.

By now Smokes was huffing and puffing. His body far too injured to keep up the fury but there was no changing it now. He was willing to go down in the ball of rage. He had nothing left now.

Swaying on his seat, Alatair gave a low sigh and pulled Gideon’s masterstone from his pocket. “I think we should give the golem the honor of escorting him back, don’t you think?” 

The sudden lunge and the bout of rage from the automaton earned another laugh from Noctifer. Still, he never flinched. Even without his own body, Noctifer had no fear over anything Smokes might have done, if he had managed to break free.

“I think so, yes. We are both quite exhausted. Let the brutish construct do the heavy lifting for a while.“ Noctifer waved a hand dismissively towards Smokes with a drawl. “You can play with this one once you’ve rested for a while.“

Wrapping one arm around Alatair’s middle, his other hand began to curl and toy with Alatair’s hair as he began to softly hum the same song he had been singing, during his pursuit of Fox.

“’O death,’ those gents pleadeth in fear, ‘wonneth't thee spareth me ov'r 'til anoth'r year.’” Noctifer spared Smokes one last glance, and a grin, “I did hurt the corse, I maketh thee bitter cold. I runneth the life right out of thee soul.“

Satisfied with his playful taunting, the god became fixated on weaving intricate plaits into Alatair’s hair, humming the rest of his tune wordlessly.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair was practically purring with the gentle touch. Drunkenly smiling down at their prize as Noctifer sized him up. His hands gently stroking over the gods legs on either side of him. “He fell right into it. It was so easy to just corral him down this path right into it. Almost too easy, it nearly ruined the fun.” 

If the pit of his stomach wasn’t already ice, it would have frozen with that look from Frey. Smokes pulled his head back and tried to quiet his own teeth chattering in an attempt to put on a defensive front. 

His brow furrowed as he lowered his glance from Noctifer to Alatair, to the horse and then… empty space. His oil began to boil and he sucked in a hard breath. “Where’s my brother?”

At the question of Fox’s whereabouts, Noctifer’s smile grew tense around the edges, for the briefest moment. It was barely noticeable. The sting of his failure was still fresh, despite the moment of bliss that he and Alatair had gleaned from it. Still, he refused to give Smokes any sense of comfort or hope.

The old god chuckled lowly, but it was far from the gentle and fond amusement that Alatair often heard. It was as cold and biting as the ice still encased around Smokes’ leg.

“Oh, you needn’t worry about him any longer,“ Noctifer’s voice was sickly sweet, like honey that had begun to ferment. “It’s simply one less mouth to feed~.“

Although outright lying was not in Noctifer’s nature and often frowned upon, for all of his otherwise cruelty and unkindness, he held no such qualms about vague truths or tricky words. In fact, it was how most mortals met unfortunate ends, when he deigned to make pacts with them.

“But, if you must, I suppose you can take solace in the knowledge that he is now likely somewhere better. Maybe, if the fates are kind to him~.“ Noctifer’s smile broadened as he gave a more genuine laugh, pleased by his own clever wording.

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Alatair slouched in the saddle. His back curved and laid back pressed into Noctifer as they rode on. It felt difficult to keep his eyes open now that he was riding steadily forward. Noctifer’s embrace so calming and comforting.

He gave a light giggle at the praise and nodded. “There’s always more work to be done… but I trust your judgement.” He laughed, as if he had a choice at this point. It seemed the sleep he always fought would claim him anyway tonight.

Hooves dragging through dead leaves at a casual pace. Drunk on love the pair made their way back the way he came. Eventually the sound of huff and puffing off in the distance and Alatair began to perk up.

“Yes my catch…” He cackled as they turned a bend. “I thought you might appreciate this my love.”

They paused some distance away from the ravine that Smokes had fallen into. The ice still solid around his legs and the brimstone that poured from his vents had mixed with frost. He was shivering while he muttered curses. Oil dried at the corners of his mouth. He looked almost as exhausted as Alatair did.

The bot didn’t hear them at first. His deaf ear on that side. But he saw the movement of the horse and stirred. Clenching shivering teeth together as he tried to stand and completely failed. 

“Finally remember me you fuck? Come to… finish… the job?!”

“I appreciate everything you do,“ Noctifer reassured, tucking an errant strand of Alatair’s hair behind his ear. “But let us see what you’ve done.“ Noctifer followed his husband’s gaze towards the ravine curiously.

He spotted the shivering, sulking automaton as they came to a stop, though he didn’t climb down from his perch atop the horse, keeping that air of superiority as he stared down his nose at Smokes; white lunar eyes gleaming like beacons through the on-setting darkness.

Though, perhaps more terrifying than Noctifer’s looming, imposing figure was the fact that the pair had arrived alone together, with no sign of Fox to be found.

“Oh, you certainly made a mess of him.“ Noctifer huffed, amused, preening through Alatair’s hair as he gave the praise. “What a clever little trap you laid~.“ As Noctifer turned his focus back towards Smokes, his irises shifted, turning to glowing rings of malice as a cruel smile slowly parted his lips.

“Sad little creature, if you think any of this will ever be finished... you haven’t been paying attention. There is no ending for you. I will let you have no such satisfaction. You will be trapped, here, for eternity... just as I have been trapped, and you will watch as everything you love rots away around you. Just as I have.“

[brass-bolts-mafia]

𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓭

[nox-mori]

brass-bolts-mafia‌:

Moving slow, Alatair helped in his own dressing. His arms felt so heavy and his nerves were still tingling. He got the shirt on and began to attempt his pants. A part of him wondered why he bothered but then a shiver set in. 

Every moment or so he’d glance up to his beloved. Completely in awe of the power he was radiating. It made him smile warmly. Though he felt exhausted and weighed down, it wasn’t without purpose. His husband had absorbed his uncontrolled magical release making him even more the deity he had imagined him to be.

He took that hand and pulled himself to his feet. His legs felt like jelly and stepping was difficult. “Oh of course my darling.” His words nearly slurred. 

He folded his fingers to his lips and whistled, drawing his horse back to him wherever it had wandered in the chaos. It seemed hesitant to appear, keeping it’s distance and watching Noctifer suspiciously before giving in to trot closer.

“I suspect we will have sweets and wine at the manor after this.” Alatair grinned as he took the reigns. Biting his lip as he waited to have the strength to mount up himself. Laughing as he offered Noctifer his hand to help him climb up. “I think… I will also have the best sleep of my life.” 

Without hovering too closely, Noctifer kept a gentle hand on the small of Alatair’s back, helping to steady him and ready to catch Alatair should he lose his footing. Perhaps he would have felt a little guilty in how drained Alatair was, if Noctifer weren’t so completely certain in how willingly Alatair would give up every drop of his power to fuel Noctifer’s corporeal form.

He paid little mind to the hesitance of Alatair’s horse. His own had fled long ago, and most living creatures responded to his presence with fear. It was one of the many reasons why he had never taken to keeping pets, like his twin brother. It was also why he so vastly preferred the creatures that Alatair had constructed.

The undead had nothing to fear from him when they had already experienced his touch.

“Certainly,“ Noctifer helped Alatair into the saddle before mounting behind him, draping his arms loosely around Alatair’s hips. “You deserve the rest. You have been working so hard, lately, it’s well earned.“