God of War

[warfxrged-blog]

Irritating blonde

The voice brought her to an abrupt stop on the path. It was a voice she wasn’t thrilled to hear, to say the least, yet she knew there was no point in trying to walk on in ignorance. Sure enough, barely a second after, her sight was filled with the God as he made his appearance. “Ares,” she said, in a tone emptied of the frustration and uncertainty she suddenly felt, “still nothing better to do with your time than stalking travelling bards?” A purposeful distraction from his words that had followed. Of course – everything she did was about Xena, whether or not the warrior princess was around to physically lead that path. She knew Ares was no fool. “It’s always about Xena, isn’t it? Why would you be here otherwise?”

He preferred vigilant, but yes he may have been watching her. After all whether he’d like to admit it she did have a certain kind of potential one he saw in Xena all those years ago. Even if he found her troublesome and an unbearable goody two shoes at times. As the bards words finally rolled off of him, he feigned like the words actually wounded him. 

“Doesn’t mean it always should be, we both know Gabrielle that Xena has never appreciated the warrior you’ve become.”

Dark hues locked onto Gabrielle, lips curved into a deep devilish grin as he pressed forward taking each step with careful and thoughtful stride. 

“With all that potential behind those emerald eyes, she still treats you like that girl from Potidea who ran away with her all those years ago. Thing is try as she might, she can’t protect you forever and we both know what you’re really capable of and who you’re capable of becoming.” 

[warfxrged-blog]

Irritating blonde 

“Gabrielle.”

He was but a voice at first, one filled with intrigue, annoyance, and curiosity all at once. With a flash of lightening he appeared, as soon as he sensed that meddling bard who happened to like to poke her staff where it didn’t belong. 

“Now what brings a girl like you so far from home? Ready to join the big league? Or could this be about Xena?”

[warfxrged-blog]

Countess

For a moment, she wondered if her mind had finally lost the last of its threads with sanity. To hear a voice in the silence of her painting chambers, when no one but her candles, her paints, and her lingered? Deafening.

Arched in form over caressing the canvas with her next stroke, she waited but a moment to address him. No need to ruin the paint or her gown for a strange deity.

“A fan whose name has yet to grace their lips,” she answered in kind, the inklins of a smile appearing upon her features. Flatter her so, but she would not move from her seated position. Nay, have him press close. Close enough to strike him with the pointed end of her paint brush if he revealed himself enemy.

“Fan me as many have, but they are always aware never to enter without permission.”

The hues of the painting drew his attention for but a moment, the droplets of paint were like blood after a fresh battle. Nothing like a little war to start the morning, he thought to himself. Dark hues locked onto her, her answer indicated interest. "Ares, God of War." His introduction was voiced in a tone so husk, so seductively sweet one could say it could even temper the devil himself. He ignored the part about entering without permission, after all he was a god and did as he pleased.

“That my dear countess is where you’re wrong, I’m not like the many cowards that have come before you. I’m a God and I can do things for you others only dream of.”

It was all in a matter of moments before he was directly behind her. The scent of the woman filled his nostrils as he inhaled. He couldn’t mistake what his sense recognized the fresh scent of death, what a lovely fragrance and she wore it well.

“Sure, anyone can round up a few virgins however, you got finesse, it takes a certain level of vision to make it this far.”

His words hinted at something else, something more and something that would leave the other intrigued. He put emphasis on the words to drive his point home, to awaken her to them and to her true potential. 

[warfxrged-blog]

Countess

“Have to say I admire the dedication, the passion if you will.”

A voice as deep and rich as the Aegean sea cut through the silence in the atmosphere. Like a sword of a warrior slashing through his opponent in the heat of battle. He appeared as if by magic and his eyes seemed to be fixated on the other. The rumble of his voice continued as he drew closer, stepping out from the shadows.

“Call me something of a fan.”

[warfxrged-blog]

Starter call

[warfxrged-blog]

Xena

She could smell that the air was still fresh- untouched by the tainted erosion of battle which could only mean that she had made it just in time. For now, Ares’ presence goes completely ignored once she removes herself from her horse and ties him to the nearest post just outside of her mother’s tavern. There’s enough water in the basin that would allow him to quench his thirst for a while as she configures the nature of what’s to take place and for an instant she begins to hear rustling occur within the small hut. No doubt most of the villagers have taken refuge there, which is of no surprise.                    ❝ The only irony in that statement, Ares is you                      seem to be the only vermin present here. ❞ Naturally, she doesn’t trust the overall reasoning behind his being there. Ares may have enjoyed a good chaos wherever it may arise, but his intentions were never entirely pure. Upon entering the tavern, there is no welcoming light like she might have expected under different circumstances but instead lingers a disturbing darkness. Already she can sense the amount of fear in the room - something that used to thrill her when it had been her own army wreaking havoc among neighboring villages - but it was her mother’s sudden voice that broke the barrier of silence; ❝Xena? ❞ Soon the image of Cyrene is made present as she steps her way out from beneath the shadows. That expression of relief clear on her face, a rarity in itself, that brought with it its own form of light. ❝ Oh Xena, I prayed to the gods you would come. ❞ How ironic that it had been a god who had sent her here and another god who remained the sole benefactor that initiated the very threat which brought her. Only for a moment does she indulge in her mother’s embrace before pulling away yet keeping both hands firm upon the woman’s shoulders. ❝ I need to get you and everyone else out of here as fast as possible. ❞ She pauses then, coming to a full stance before turning her attention back towards Ares.                            ❝ How much time do we have? ❞

He didn’t expect anything less from Xena to rush off to check on dear old mom, while in the process ignoring him. It added to her charm so to speak, if she were easily conquered he would have gotten bored of her and moved onto the next warrior. But Xena, oh she was one of a kind and none could match her; on the battlefield or off it. Well until now that is, but it was bound to happen after a while of being top dog a challenger was bound to rise. 

“What a touching reunion between mother and daughter - gut wrenching really however, you got bigger concerns.”

Xena of course wouldn’t trust him, she was too smart in that regard and nor should she. He had a reputation of being something of a trickster and really being all around manipulative. He watched with intrigue, before making the move to butt in. Coming off not only arrogantly but sarcastic while his perfect features adorned a rather enjoyable smirk. lurching his neck to the side as his dark hues asborbed the scene of reactions to the fullest. No doubt Xena would be pleased, she hardly was with his antics. 

But she needed to be snapped back to reality, Tyr wasn’t as patient or fond of her as he was. Nor did he hold any sway with the Norse gods to where he help her, for a price of course. His help didn’t come free even for his favorite Warrior Princess. When the question was posed to him, his head suddenly swung up into the air as if he were searching for it in the air. Dropping his head down to meet those steely blue oculars of Xena’s like a guillotine he then motioned toward the door. 

“That my dear is the one thing you don’t have, why not take a look outside for yourself. Although I’d make it a quick look any minute now they’ll start launching the catapults and as much as I’d love to stay and watch them pummel this village into oblivion I got other plans.” 

[warfxrged-blog]

Xena

She isn’t fazed by his words but instead snickers under a low fit of exhaled breath once she’s fully mounted upon her horse. As one battle ended, so too did another always begin like a never ending cycle of chaos and destruction. She would send word to Gabrielle later explaining the details of her disappearance, but the men in this town needed her here as their own victory had been waged. The knowledge that Tyr’s champion held any similar degree of skill that she had once in a time where darkness weight heavy in her heart only proved that opportunity was still fruitful in her favor of protecting her home land and those closest to her. A hunger for death and destruction did not initiate power - something she learned the hard way before realization flourished truth - in that sense, she had the advantage.                  ❝ If that’s true then I have nothing to worry about. ❞ Legs gave a gentle kick to the sides of her horse, attention immediately shifting forward as they galloped towards the mountains. It would be a full days ride until she finally reached Amphipolis - perhaps longer - but her determination remained as strong as ever. She would have to hurry if she wanted to beat Tyr’s army. When she finally arrived, the town was quiet - just as peaceful as she always remembered it - but there was one thing missing; the singing. There were no women collecting herbs upon the hill nor the laughter of children. The very sounds that made Amphipolis so warm and welcoming to those who entered it. The place seemed desolate. Isolated.                                      ❝ Where is everyone? ❞

He had no doubt the irritating little blonde would poke her staff where it didn’t belong, just as she usually did. What has she got against fun? But in the mean time Xena was all his, well as much as she would allow and in that present moment it wasn’t much, for now. Was he lying about the threat that was directed at Xenas village, of course not. Did he have a hand behind it? Maybe, he was something of a trickster naturally, but he also saw a potential to kill two birds with one stone. Xena had the determination and reputation to slay any who would oppose her, a valuable weapon if pointed at the right god(s). 

“Usually I would agree with you, but I wouldn’t go celebrating just yet.”

With usual display of power Ares disappeared in a bright flash of lightening only to reappear at the exact moment Xena arrived. Sure he might have made a few pit stops, started a feud or two that would lead into war by next day break but it was part of the job. Utter disdain is what he felt for her kinsmen, these cowards deserved to be wiped out. To birth such a legendary warrior of whom he sculpted, molded into the perfect conqueror. This place deserve to bear the honor she once brought it. What a waste - It was too peaceful and yet he could hear the beats of their hearts as they trembled with fear. 

“Oh they’re here, hiding among the rats and vermin - gotta love the irony.” 

[warfxrged-blog]

His words played within her mind like a disease she couldn’t shake, her eyes beginning to drift as she thought back of the synopsis that had suddenly lead to this transgression. In truth, it didn’t all make much sense and yet, since when did the Gods need a reason to do anything? The grip upon her sword becomes limp within her grasp, allowing for Ares to disregard the blade entirely as he shifted it to the side and took another step forward. She had only been acquainted with one Norse God in particular and it was the very one that could easily set up her very demiseshould he so choose to do so. Clearly, she had become a threat to all Gods since the destruction of the Olympians - never mind the fact that she could no longer kill Gods - the word of her return from death must have surely distilled some sort of fear eitiher way. ❝ I have to go. ❞ She states in a hushed tone at first, her mind still drifting before she returns blade to shieth and heads back towards her horse in a hurry, ❝ I need to get back to Amphipolis! ❞ It seemed an unfair conundrum; she paves the way for other Gods to take hold of Mount Olympus and yet they choose to punish her by way of her own mother. ❝ Damn the Gods. ❞ She mutters under her breath once she’s properly mounted with reigns in hand. ❝ I should have killed them all. ❞

For as long as man has thrived under their gods graces they have tried to understand the divine, search for some type of context or clarity, a reason why if you will. In all the halls of Olympus no such thing existed the gods did what they liked, the mortals came to accept that for a time.

Until a mortal warrior clad in dark leather rose up and slayed most of the Olympians. The scent of the woman filled his nostrils as he drew closer, such a succulent smell that filled him to the brim with desire. He knew Odin very well, living as long as he did he crossed paths with gods from other regions from time to time. “So soon? Ah -- Yes, you have a village to save.” While the other gods may have feared Xena he relished seeing her on and off the battlefield. 

“You go do that-- oh but wait, I may have left out one small detail. Minuscule really, Tyr’s champion is leading the siege and rumor has it he’s as skilled and ruthless as you used to be in the good ole days.” 

Lips muttered together in tone so low and seductive, they were practically drooling at the thought of Xena slaying everyone and everything in her path. Oh would this be a beautiful sight to see, one he would be watching of course perhaps from his temple in Amphipolis. 

“That’s the spirit Xena.” 

[warfxrged-blog]

Xena

When it came to the subject matter of those closest to her, Xena’s attentive streak held no bounds and all too suddenly is she alert though the sword never once faltered within the grip of her hands. With Amphipolis mentioned, that meant only one thing: that her mother was in danger. As far as Ares however and the people he had loved most, she couldn’t help but analyze the diagnostic of his meaning. She had of course killed most of his family when they came after her daughter, but it didn’t take a genius to understand what he meant. In that aspect, she might havescoffed, but her attention still resided first and foremost with the situation surrounding that of her own priorities.                                    ❝ What are you talking about? ❞

It was well known that she had single handily eliminated most of the Olympian gods. Even two out of the bring three; Hades and Poseidon dropped like flies before the mighty Xena. Besides Aphrodite there was one other he cared for, a certain warrior princess who seemed to enjoy testing his patience. He knew what her first thought was, he knew despite the looks she gave him deep down she was worried about dear old mom. 

“Surely you’ve heard of the Norse God of War Tyr? Well he’s become something of a problem lately, still sore about the hand I assume.”

Finger tips glided across the surface of the sword guiding it’s direction out of the way as he drew closer. A closer view of the warriors woman's features reminded him the way she used to look, the old Xena. Yes she was still beautiful, still desirable and definitely top on the list. Yet back then she was his only his like many who came before her. However, she did something few mortals were ever brave enough did, she defied him over and over again. 

“Anyways he was never bold enough to try anything before, that was until a certain someone cleared the way for him by killing the gods. Starting to sound familiar?” 

[warfxrged-blog]

Xena

Her jaw clenched as he approached, the tip of her sword lowering towards him as if that would be enough to keep him at a distance. She knew of course that it wouldn’t, but it would at the very least initiate her distaste in having him any closer. Naturally, she didn’t like her space occupied by anyone who wasn’t welcome and Ares was most certainly on the list of individuals she’s ratheravoid as much as possible.                               ❝ Too late for what, exactly? ❞

His eyes dart down to the sword and back up to his true focus in drawn out motion. He knew that despite the games, the distance placed between them there was connection. A fire that burned within them both, that raged across battlefield carving a path of destruction setting what remained a blaze with their hate. Oh it was a glorious time, yet now rather than embrace the god who made her into the legendary warrior she was today she recoiled at his presence. 

“Amphipolis of course, you see Xena there’s a new power rising and one that wants both of us off the field. And what better way than to wipe us out then killing those we love most.“

[warfxrged-blog]

Xena

Her body seemed to stiffen at the exact moment that voice was made present to ears. Teethclenched with sword still in hand, blood still splattered upon tainted soul as a reluctant gaze shifted to where the God now stood. She could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest from the recentadrenaline of War to which he no doubt subdued. Of course, he had been watching from the very beginning, anticipating her every move with eager arousal.                      ❝ It’s over now, Ares. Your presence                            is no longer warranted here. ❞

He admired her fortitude, her force of will that she exerted on others. She was a thing of beauty, one who possessed the qualities to conquer this world and shape it a new. With the help of her favorite patron God of War they could tear this world asunder. He approached her dark hues locking onto those baby blues, daring to face that infamous steely gaze. 

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Xena. You might want to change your mind, when you hear what I have to say... that is if it’s not too late already.” 

[warfxrged-blog]

Xena

“Well done Xena--”  

A rugged voice broke what silence  there was of the aftermath. A battle that would make any warriors heart pump faster, the carnage unleashed satisfied yet it left him yearning. The sound of hands clapping together grew louder until a figure seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

 “Truly you are a work of art on the battlefield.” 

[lukearnold]