f o r s a k e n

Paris – 3,000+ – Manticore

[parisxashar]

asterxalseides​:

“You and Helen are you-?” Aster was under the impression that he and she were close, that was what the woman had alluded to at any rate. “I met her also. Officially, anyways. She used to visit my tree after I went to sleep.” Not unlike Paris, she was not as other mortals that Aster had known. She was divinely touched now, but even before there was a thoughtfulness there that others lacked. “What happened when you lost control?”

-

“Are we...?” Paris wasn’t sure what the question was, and he instead looked towards a human who was out on a hike, passing by them a few yards away. He curled his hand into Aster’s, focusing on them. They began screaming, falling to their knees and attempting to pull out their hair before Paris broke his hold over them, clearing his throat, “That.”

[parisxashar]

virajxsoteira​:

“She could, or enough witches - another genasi.” Hektor and his cult were not without resources, but going to the original vampire now would mean admitting he had not only failed, Viraj had been made a fool of. He could not stomach the idea of disappointing Hektor, but there were others that Viraj could potentially turn to. The genasi who’d been unable to help him bring back Amalie, one of the witches tied to the cult might help a direct progeny of Hektor’s. Viraj felt for a seat and brought himself down to it as he listened to Paris’ tale. “Manticore.” The vampire repeated, Tartarus. His hands fumbled for the other’s before he took them in his own,  “I wish we could be meeting again under different circumstances.”

-

Paris thought about this for a few moments, already trying to think about who he could ask to help break the curse on Viraj. He’d simply have to find a genasi, then, and take care of it himself. Asking favors wasn’t his favorite, but he had blood to give as an offering. Or even a favor. He looked down at their hands, sitting beside Viraj once more. Misunderstood was perhaps the best word for the vampire, but his past was always going to be his future, and Paris knew that future was filled with blood and death. “Don’t worry – when you can see again, you can tell me how handsome I am,” he gave a small smile, “I’m going to help you. Can you tell me when this happened?”

[parisxashar]

asterxalseides​:

“Who could ever hate you?” Aster asked, the idea of someone disliking Paris was ridiculous. “Besides, if they do. They die easily enough.” As most immortal creatures did, forever wasn’t such a permanent state of being, for some anyways. “It was their idea though, if you are not comfortable then I will just stay awake with you. And be near in case you drift off.” Though Aster’s tree was cozy, it had room only for one. This is why the bed held such appeal.

-

Paris laughed, holding onto Aster’s hand as he looked at him, “We don’t have to resort to violence, you know. I’m supposed to be keeping on the down low. Plus, I’ve – I saw Helen. I lost control, and people around me started....screaming. I could feel their fear.” He trusted Aster, and if Aster trusted his friend, then Paris would too. “Fine. Fine, let’s try it.” 

[parisxashar]

zurxworkneh​:

LOCATION && WITH WHOM : : ON THE PIRATE SHIP W / @parisxashar​

She had slipped away from the festivities and offkey singing. It was another successful fight, their ship against another pirate crew, the opponents failing completely due to their strength. And maybe the lot were a bit overpowered, considering who was a part of their crew. But none of them cared, all believing that even if they were normal, they would still win because they were just that skilled. The singing and cheering was muffled now as she walked further and further from the lot and to the deck. She was met with the night sky and gentle breeze, all of which brought a smile to her face. Even when the other joined her out on the deck, she didn’t seem to mind at all. “Captain,” she said. “Shouldn’t you be inside with the others? I’m sure they’re looking for you.” 

The ship swayed back and forth, the gentle rocking a telling sign that Poseidon was once again content with what they had done. The ocean was mostly calm, like it, too, was resting after the battle that had taken place just hours before. The wood from the sunken barge still floated on the small waves, occasionally sinking below the water. It was easy to follow Zuri, the incubus still weary from the fight. His magic was waning slightly, and he’d have to find land once more sooner rather than later. “I’d rather be with you,” he grinned, putting his arm around her shoulders to somewhat shelter her from the cool ocean breeze. “Did you see what we took from their captain’s quarters? The finest silk you could imagine. Might make a nice matching set of capes for us, what do you think?”

[parisxashar]

elenepetrakis​:

“A fugitive you may be, but you are not bad, Paris.” Whatever he may be now, this new nature that he’s been turned into, Elene refuses to see him as a villain. Manticores may be the creation of Typhon, intended to be monsters by design, but he shall always be Paris first, and in the end the decisions are his own. “No, no. Leave him be. I do not wish to make strife with anyone, only to inform you, should the two of you cross paths within the city.” So long as Theseus does not serve as threat to herself or those she cares about, then Elene does not wish to see him bothered. “I heard rumors that the dryads had reawakened, and had to come see for myself if it were true. There is nothing I would not do in order to help them.”

“A fugitive, a killer, I’m not sure what else they can call it these days.” Paris was known as a selfish man, throughout history, and now in myth as well. Yet it was Helen’s perspective he cared about most, the others be damned. “Fine, he gets to live a bit longer, then.” He managed a smile, humming a little, “Then you have my word I’ll help you, too. You know I care about them. They’ve – I waited a long time for them to come back. Like you, I didn’t think I’d see Gael or Aster again.“

[parisxashar]

virajxsoteira​:

The vampire’s body wished to heal, but the curse prevented so much and all the while the sick voice of the eidolon whispered menacing cruelties in his ear. Torture wasn’t something that Viraj feared, he was masochistic enough to enjoy most forms of pain. But this was different, he was weakened, and now the cracks in his foundation were getting worked on by a spirit of insanity. “A genasi.” Viraj hissed, “Maven.” The vampire should have known the man by the smell of his blood alone, but it was different now. Unappealing. “What happened to you, Paris? You died.”

-

Paris frowned once more, memorizing the name easily. He’d find her and make her take away the curse, no matter what. “I can find her. Will she be able to break this curse? Or someone else? I can be...persuasive.” In many ways, really, but now his abilities were outside of the bedroom and rooted in fear. “I– yes, I died,” he murmured, his hand grasping Viraj’s as he moved him back towards his own home, “I was in Tartarus for – thousands of years. I lost track,” he said quietly, looking down at the ground, “And now I’m here. A manticore.”

[parisxashar]

asterxalseides​:

“He’s mortal, I don’t know if there’s anything else particularly interesting about him. He’s still young.” What was a couple decades compared to his lifespan? “I met someone, an oneiroi. They offered to help you, if you’d like. Their partner is also a manticore, they told me that she suffers from nightmares too.” Aster wished he could fight every demon that crossed Paris’ path, but there were some things, too many things, that could not be solved with a spear. 

-

“An oneiroi?” He echoed, furrowing his eyebrows. They were supposed to be legends, but it didn’t surprise him that one was present. After all, they’d worked against him at Troy, hadn’t they? Paris hesitated, “I don’t know if I’m comfortable to let them into my head. What if they see something they’ll hate me for?”

[parisxashar]

rheadiamondis​:

A sex demon, the idea of such a thing brings a tiny smirk to her mouth. Tainted cubi, that’s what she ultimately thought of them as. It wasn’t all that fair, to get them locked into Tartarus, and yet, perhaps their new powers were a bit of a blessing. Medusa’s shoulders raise and she lets out a light scoff. “It is here or a little cave in the Underworld surrounded by statues, waiting for people to come poking around to kill me.” There are days she misses it, but they are few and far in between. This is her second shot at a real life, it was what she should have had the first time. “And I’ve made attachments. What about you? Why here?”

-

“Do you pose them the way you want or do you just make do with how they end up?” Paris’ morbid curiosity won out, and he could just imagine the little palace of statues she’d accumulated through the years. He looked away, shaking his head, “I’m here because it’s where I ended up when I was spit out of Tartarus. I also have nowhere else to go. I don’t wish to travel the world, not without a ship, and these ships are...not like they used to be.”

[parisxashar]

rykerhalstead​:

@parisxashar​

    Corinth Bay was full of surprises. Ryker was used to scenes of chaos and trauma — and while right now nothing on the outside looked like it, he knew that some things here were seriously wrong. For example when he was on a walk to get to know his new hometown better and noticed a soul unlike anything he had seen before. Twisted. Intriguing. His feet carried him closer to the man, and he put up a smile for appearances. “Excuse me, are you from around here? I am looking for a good place to have dinner.”

It had been a long time since Paris had felt the presence of a phoenix. And now, as a manticore, the other’s soul didn’t call to him like it had as an incubus. Instead, he felt like he should put on sunglasses at the ungodly brightness of it. Though it wasn’t the young man’s fault, especially when he was approached, “No, not really. But they have good gyros at the street van around the corner. But let’s cut the food talk, phoenix, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen one of you around here. Are there many souls who are suffering?”

[parisxashar]

elenepetrakis​:

“There are none here that threaten me,” Elene soothes, offering Paris a soft smile as she cups his cheek gently, in an attempt to snap him out of whatever state he is in that effects those around them. At least, none that have been so bold as to make it known to her, but even so, she will not be taken for a fool once again. “I believe you, Paris. But I do not want you to put yourself at risk for me. You have been blessed with new life, too, and I will not see you lose it again.” Not for her. Elene has never been worth the blood that’s been shed in her name, least of all his. “Theseus is here. He found me.” It seems like something she should mention, the fact that he is amongst them in this city gives credence to the idea that it might only be a matter of time before he and Paris meet. She would rather him be forewarned. “But I do not believe he intends me harm. He apologized, if you can believe it.” It is something Elene still has a bit difficulty wrapping her thoughts around, but the other rift seemed sincere in his efforts. She shakes her head lightly, bright curls falling over her shoulders in the action. “The dryads will keep you safe. Do not worry for me, I have my own home near the beach.”

Paris was calmed fairly easily, Helen still having that effect on him. After all, their souls were one, and he could only rest if she was safe. Her power outweighed his, and he would do anything to ensure that stayed that way. “It’s a life on the run, I guess. Didn’t you hear? Us manticores are fugitives of Tartarus. Still into bad boys?” He managed a smile, taking her hand from his cheek and holding onto it with both of his hands. “Theseus. So he got out, too? Say the word and I’ll give him nightmares. Or...whatever it is I can do.” He knew it had something to do with fears, at least. “Well...just know that you’re always welcome. With me – and the dryads. There’s furies around, who know what will happen. But why did you come here? To Corinthia?”

[parisxashar]

rheadiamondis​:

She was the gorgon, she thinks, as far as history would say. Her sisters, she hadn’t seen them in what felt like centuries and Medusa could never help but think such a thing was fair. She’d been able to live a relatively normal life. When she’d first been cursed, she’d thought perhaps it was her comeuppance for being so fortunate. “Yes, it was quite a time. I’ve made a few statues since then. They don’t last as long here.” The words are almost wistful in nature, there’d been that one vampire on her lawn she’d hoped to see there forever cast in stone. But she looks to Paris with a small smile, her hands in the pockets of her jackets. “I’m sure I’ll make more. Are you planning on sticking around to see?” 

-

“Disappointing, I’m sure.” He’d seen victims of Medusa before, yet it seemed like so long ago. Taken from their temple long after Perseus had visited to create the shield. He had no plans on leaving, though his place around this place was unsure. “I’m a manticore, I don’t think we’re well liked. Especially with...” he held out his hands, nails extending into the venomous claws that defined his kind. “I almost miss being a sex demon. But why are you staying?”

[parisxashar]

asterxalseides​:

“What’s not to like about that?” Aster questioned, just about incapable of picking up on syntax and likely doomed to forever take things far to literally. “Good, you will have to meet Eurydice. She has been asking about you.” The dryad pointed out, “I believe she is being courted by a mortal, he’s very scrawny, and his holdings are few. But he seems nice.” His arms folded around Paris, holding the manticore close. “Do you… Do you have nightmares? About what happened.”

-

Paris had heard some of the dryads names, this one seemed like the brains of the operations so he would have to thank her at some point. “Scrawny?” he echoed, trying not to laugh now. “Tell me more about him.” The manticore paused, even as he leaned against the dryad. “All the time,” he admitted, though he tried to push it off as something that didn’t bother him. “But I avoid sleep. Guess you don’t need to, just makes nights really boring.”

[parisxashar]

virajxsoteira​:

This was a voice that Viraj would recognize almost anywhere, he’d heard from Calypso that the man walked among the living once more. Another in a long list of friends that Viraj had lost to time and circumstance, they were far removed from their days sailing the seas, and while Viraj wished their reunion might have come under different circumstances he was happy to hear the man’s voice once more. “Paris.” Viraj repeated, his tone softened considerably. “You’re back.” The vampire remarked, he was known for the cruelty he’d inherited from his sire, and because of this a pirate’s life had suited him. Time had changed, but Viraj had not. 

-

Paris moved closer, knowing the vampire would be able to tell. He was blind, somehow, but the manticore needed to figure out what he could do to help. “Tell me what happened,” he said finally, putting his hand on the other’s cheek. He’d find out, and he’d get even, that was for sure. “And tell me who did this to you.” He had been gone for longer than he’d thought, but time in Tartarus had been different. 

[parisxashar]

virajxsoteira​:

@parisxashar​

The genasi, Maven had blinded him. With that she’d also tethered an eidolon to him. In his rage the vampire had hoped to snatch the woman between his hands and tear her to pieces despite the fact that he couldn’t see anything but had failed miserably in this. In the corner of his ear he heard the voice of his departed wife, laughing at him as he waited for his eyes to heal on their own accord, but no such event occured. Another curse and Viraj could feel nothing but helpless and pitiful as he tried to make her way from her home and to his home. The forest was where Viraj had stumbled to, feeling his way through the dark as the weight of his condition settled upon him. “Who’s there?!” Viraj questioned, his voice sharp and clear. Wounded though he was it only served to make him more dangerous. 

-

Paris recognized that voice. It was a voice that had kept him warm at night, rocking on the edges of the boat. A voice that wasn’t harmed by the powers he’d had as an incubus, and a man he’d let walk in the sun with his own blood. Their love had not meant to last, however. Paris’ heart belonged with Dryads, and Viraj’s? A monster that made his new manticore abilities look almost tame. But he had missed him nonetheless, and the sight he came upon made him frown. “Viraj?” He didn’t reach out, recognizing the sightlessness of eyes. That should be impossible for a vampire, and it only made the manticore worry more. “It’s me. It’s Paris.”

[parisxashar]

asterxalseides​:

“I am not shy but they might have bad judgement.” Aster denied, shyness could never be him. “They’ve lived in ignorance all their lives, they’ve never met someone like me before - they would not know how to react!” And if they didn’t understand him, how was he supposed to explain? His cheeks were still a bit red but he would deny that too if he needed to. “I thought you would,” Aster smiled as large hands found Paris’s waist, “we have a bed here now too. Gael likes to sleep in it with me, you should too. I see no reason why you would sleep anywhere else.” Since Paris couldn’t climb into his tree this would have to be the next best thing.

-

Paris grinned a little, moving closer to Aster so he could rest his hands on the others chest, “Really? I think you’re shy. Worried they won’t like that little nose wrinkle you do when you think too hard.” He hummed, giving a nod after a second. “Okay. I’ll stay with you. As long as I don’t – you know, put you in danger. Or anything like that.”

[parisxashar]

vikasokolov​:

“From hell into your arms,” Vika said with a grin, pressing a kiss to his knuckles before she let the hand go completely. The manticore tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow. “I heard that things have woken in the woods,” she said, gesturing for them to walk towards the dark tree line. “Just in time for our return, they offer a way to send us back from whence we came. I aim to kill them, to turn every tree to ash before I see Tartarus again.” The words were matter of fact, and she lifted a shoulder. “Not my first prince, I’ve bedded kings before, haven’t I told you the story? You should tell me one of your life, I’ve missed hearing of your triumphs.”

-

Paris gave a wry smile, though her next words made him hesitate. He couldn’t knowingly help Vika – not while bedding Dryads. He cared for them too much and got them back too recently. “Anyway, I think we need to uh – focus on the real problem. Furies. Forget the dryads. The furies are the ones that are our jailers.” He met Vika’s gaze, “It’s been too long for me to remember the good days. My ship is still here – in the harbor. One of my old friends still watches it.”

[parisxashar]

elenepetrakis​:

“There were more that blamed me, beyond the walls of Sparta. I thought if I left, conceded the throne at the behest of Menelaus’s bastards, that I could run far enough to leave it all behind. I was proven wrong.” It would have gone to Clytemnestra’s son, if not Hermione, and Elene could have lived with that. But her trust had been betrayed, a reminder that Helen had burned through any love the people had once held for her when she fled, and in the end she paid the price for her sins. It would do no one any good to bring up such ghosts to Paris now. “My sister killed her, you know,” she says quietly, shaking her head. “How awful is that? That my sister killed yours.” That is the legacy that they had left upon this world, nothing but death and ruin. “The gods are to blame, not you, perhaps not even I. Aphrodite and Zeus and Eris and all of them. They are the ones who put it into motion. We were only toys in their games.” Even being the daughter of Zeus did not save Helen from such a fate. When the gods choose to play their own petty amusements, it is the people of this world who suffer. The truth is as much the same now as it ever was. “I have. I wasn’t here for it, but I heard all the same. The fall of magic in the world was impossible to miss. But I don’t know how it happened, I’m afraid.”

“If someone – anyone – threatens you now...” Paris trailed off, the person nearest to the pair of them beginning to have a panic attack. He released them after a moment, unsure of how out of control he could get if he didn’t have a grip on his emotions. The abilities of a manticore were new enough to him. “Sorry I – I just mean that if anyone hurt you, I’d handle it. I can, now. Before was a different time. But I’ll do better this time.” Paris let out a breath, “You’re not to blame for your sister. I’m not to blame for my brother. But I can take the blame for everything else.” It was his fault, manipulated and victim to the gods. “We’ll figure it out. I’ve been staying with the dryads. Where are you staying? You can stay with me. If you need a place.”