the undying king / .

[xmaddcx]

maddox & udaeus —

say you hate me.

[gcdessmrgana]

@xmaddcx

Impossible to miss - even more difficult to erase from the memory of one near all knowing. Eons of knowledge and intelligence couldn't tear the vestige of ache from their chest, nor the factual existence of one of those who caused it. In her elven state, he cannot hide. Hues narrow and the flicker of fingertips cast a dreary rain cloud above his position, dumping a sticky, medicine-like liquid - tacky and sickly sweet in scent over the teiflings form. Water would dry - but the impossibly sticky mess would undoubtedly linger for hours "You know," the pixie queen smirked, a telling curve to lips that would know nothing of true debauchery around Mordred. "You've never looked better, there's still room for improvement but i've never really condoned beheading."

[xmaddcx]

Morgana; the little friend that had attached herself so keenly to Arthur. That had attempted to ensure his survival, in some form and fashion. Maddox supposed in some way it had helped his uncle, aside from during that fateful battle however. Which may have been why her little antics didn't seem to bother him, as the water and whatever hell else she had conjured up drenched him to the bone. "I have always been the better looking one in my family," he stated with ease, lips curved in a similar fashion to her own. "It is quite a messy feat, though I'd always considered it with Arthur. If only he'd lasted longer."

[hyperenor]

❇💎❇

While he was still acclimatizing to the modern era, he was glad that some things remained constant, like a tradesman's ability to put the bottom line ahead of everything. Hyperenor's abilities were the most beautiful of all his brothers and the fact that his creations held intrinsic value no matter where or when he went. Business was business. "The hands that were laid on the weapons before me of are no consequence. I'm a craftsman of incredible skill. There will be no previous trace of someone else's design by the time I'm through. But they need to have been forged with the materials magical in nature. I have enough standard weapons as it is." He could see it in the other's eyes. They would strike up a deal and both parties stood to benefit. "Do a good job and you'll have a repeat customer. I'm always in need of rare material."

[xmaddcx]

There was a certain level of intrigue when it came to this particular spartoi, one that had Maddox's mind wondering how easy it would be to take him for a spin. A power to create a gem like that would be entirely too useful. For a moment, he considered doing away with the deal entirely, opting instead for a much easier path. Yet, he remained in his own body. For while he could take hold of the other, something told him he would benefit even more with a satisfied customer. "Oh, I always do a good job, sweetheart," words accompanied by a casual wink, the smirk returned once more to his lips. While some of the items would be harder than others, Maddox always had a way to skirt around any such issues. "I'll give you a shout once I've got it all."

[udaeusx]

Udaeus had litte time for this now, this endless battle. He'd had so much on his plate, so much planning – it was hard leading all of his siblings into war over and over again, making sure they all stayed alive and listened to his great advice. It was hard being the best sibling they all had. Either way, the Moonstone looked at Maddox, "Yes," he hissed, putting his hand on Maddox's ample chest and shoving. What happened to the tiefling after all of this wouldn't batter him. He picked up his jacket, whipping it around so it hit everyone rudely around him as he slung it over his shoulder. "I have very important plans to get to. If you'd excuse me."

[xmaddcx]

Perhaps he could have cut the spartoi some slack, given him a reprieve from the anger that nestled itself within Maddox. Then again, that simply wouldn't have been within the tiefling's nature. Even within their short time together, he had never been considered soft. To not feel some form of the inferno that coursed within his being. The hand pressed to his chest, as the single acknowledgment circulated within his thoughts, before he allowed himself to be pushed back. The grin that threatened to spill forth was stifled, as his gaze followed Udaeus intently. "Lovely catching up. Looking forward to the next time."

[udaeusx]

The spartoi moved closer, his dispel magic triggering as he ensured no one supernatural was listening in on this conversation – it also made Maddox's powers useless, though whatever the tiefling wished to get from him, the spartoi wasn't going to budge. "So you're obsessed with me. Get in line, love. Now isn't the time to fuck with me." He'd just buried his brother, finally given them all a sense of peace, and he wasn't going to be bullied by a demigod in an adidas track jacket. "I have nothing. My brother was desecrated for this world. For your life, probably. For all of ours. I have nothing. So take it. Whatever you think I have. And you'll find yourself grasping for wind."

[xmaddcx]

There was that familiar shift in the air, the tingle that trickled down his spine as Udaeus triggered his power. Maddox hadn't felt it in... well, a couple thousand years. His gaze narrowed ever so slightly upon the spartoi, noted the minimal space that now separated them. Perhaps any other creature may have worried over the inability to use their own magic, the powers at their fingertips; Maddox wasn't so afraid. Death had found him too often, sent him seeking out a new host that appealed to him. Maybe this time would be no different, even if he was particular to this one. "Are you hoping for a 'sorry for your loss'? Or perhaps a thank you?" There was a tenseness to his voice that Maddox didn't particularly enjoy. He hadn't had to consider any sort of feelings toward the spartoi in a very, very long time. Perhaps once upon a time, he would have reacted in a much different manner to this mention of loss. But any such feelings such as that needed to be tapered down.

[hyperenor]

❇💎❇

Hyperenor folded his arms across his chest and sized the other up. Not exactly the demeanor he'd prefer from any associates, but beggars can't be choosers. Resources weren't as plentiful as they had been in his day, and whether he wanted to admit it or not, Hyperenor needed Maddox. So he hands over his list without a word of protest or complaint. "The Golden Spike, thorns of a snap dragon, crystal coral, and Ring of Regeneration are the top priority but I'll need everything on the list eventually. Any weapons you can get your hands on I'll also purchase. I'm going to melt them down to reforge anyway." And just to prove he was good for any payment regardless of how much effort the other expended, Hyperenor conjures a small, high-carat stone in his hand. "Cost is no issue."

[xmaddcx]

There was a quality to the other, a sense that he demanded some level of respect by simply being. It reminded him of someone else. Maddox had never felt such things, he believed that it was always earned. A fact that he had learned a very long time ago, when he had been considered something far less. It seemed that perhaps this outlook had sparked some reluctance from the other, until the list was being produced all the same. The tiefling plucked it from the spartoi's hand, before his gaze slipped across the quite extensive list. Some would be easier to gain than others, but when his payment soon manifested, Maddox found a bit more excitement within the challenge. "Any sort of weapon? Human made, as well?" Though, that wouldn't necessarily be the easiest part. Maddox had one unique talent that happened to be very handy when pleasing those with an otherwise complicated request.

[hyperenor]

who?: @xmaddcx where?: a dark alley probably

❇💎❇

"Are you able to help me or not? I don't have time to waste." Some things never changed, like how the seediest individuals were the most useful in a pinch. Hyperenor had done some work before making his presence known in Rome, but if he was going to continue on his mission, he would need a fully stocked workshop. Acquiring magical materials while crafting his weapons would take too much time, but he also wasn't going to get into business with someone who couldn't deliver. "I sought you out because I heard of your haste and discretion. If you're no longer a functional merchant, we can discuss the price of disappointing me."

[xmaddcx]

"The price of disappointing you? Oh, that statement alone is purely priceless," he couldn't help the laugh that trickled through his grin. Maddox quite enjoyed when others tried to flex at him, so to speak. To prove that in some capacity they could do anything to him that warranted some ounce of fear. One wrong move by the other, and Maddox could leave this body behind. Find another that would prove useful to him. "You'll be quite pleased to know that I'm good on both. So how about you tell me what you need so that I can acquire it for you."

[udaeusx]

Udaeus had one great love, despite his way of floating about into anyone and everyone's lives. He remembered the teifling, he remembered the way their hands would meet, their souls would meet, and he remembered the way he'd left them. Mordred, gone so far – and Udaeus had enough precognition to know that this creature knew him, and he moved closer, "No, it doesn't irk me. It bores me. If you have nothing to add to the conversation, then I'll leave. And you won't see me again." Udaeus was always wonderful to see, he knew that much. Who could bear to not see him again? "So if you are going to be useless once again, then I'm gone."

[xmaddcx]

It was comical to Maddox, how Udaeus thought he had some upper hand here. How the spartoi believed that so long as he voiced the words, that the tiefling would follow them. If Udaeus thought this would be the last time they saw each other, then Maddox was happy to prove him wrong. Again, and again. Which is perhaps why he considered toying with the other some more, string him along on some wild goose chase for the reasoning. That is, until he stepped closer, until there was barely any room between ancient lovers. "Just for you, I'll be oh so kind," he mused, as his head canted. "What I want from you is everything. To strip it away from you. Leave you with nothing and no one."

[udaeusx]

There was this same old song and dance, this damn tiefling that showed up, demanding things left and right. Luckily, Udaeus knew Maddox would be here. He always knew where people would be, moments before they did. He wasn't a know-it-all, he just knew it all. People were always upset about that; it was hard to outsmart the smartest. "I don't leave when the going gets tough. The tough get going, though. I thought I looked great. But it all happened the way it had to happen." The Spartoi held up his chin now as he entered the bar, tits first, though his demeanor somewhat changed as he took a seat beside Maddox. Their brother's funeral was the thing in the forefront of his mind; the pyre that they'd built now cold. Udaeus hadn't left until every ember had been smothered, until he could be sure that his goodbye was heard. His persona faded for only a moment, his frown making him look more than upset, "What do you want from me?" He could never admit to asking such a question, but for now, he would deal with it.

[xmaddcx]

Perhaps when they had been younger, when Maddox had been fond of the Spartoi, he could have found this all amusing. Endearing, even. But now, with the hatred that burn within him as if he housed the Inferno himself, the tiefling found himself rolling his eyes. Udaeus always talked a big talk, about knowing what was going to happen before it happened. So had he known that Mordred was to be dealt a fatal wound? That the kingdom he had worked so hard to strip from his uncle's hands would not become his own? Perhaps that is why Udaeus had left him, when he had spoken of ruling the kingdom together. "You're doing a fair amount of not knowing," he accused, confident smirk etched so plainly across his lips. He could see the way the other's lips curled down, could trace the upset with his eyes as it morphed Udaeus' all too familiar features. Perhaps when they had been younger, Maddox would have questioned it. Would have pressed for the other to tell him what was wrong, but contempt was such a bitter feeling. "Does it irk you, the not knowing? The wondering?" He questioned, persistent grin on his lips as he leaned towards the Spartoi.

[xmaddcx]

where. her house who. @serxssa

It wasn't often that Maddox became friends with those he possessed, in a sense that is. Then again, it wasn't often that he sought out to make friends with much of anyone. He preferred clients over friends, or even associates. Yet, here he was, making himself comfortable in her home while memories of being possessed filtered through his thoughts. "You remember any of that shit that happened?"

[johnparri]

JAI COURTNEY

by JOHN RUSSO for GIO JOURNAL (October 2020)  

[xmaddcx]

where. the bar who. @udaeusx

Maddox had died. Again. Well, in a manner of speaking, since the future had seemingly not happened. The memories remained, however. Of how he had died, and once he'd found a new vessel, of how he had become possessed. It certainly didn't sit well with him, especially considering he had wanted no part in the war. Which meant getting back to normal had been a little difficult, given how he expected those damn gods to slip in once again. And so he had decided to take some time off, in a sense. To enjoy what Rome could offer, before it was perhaps destroyed once again. It was in the middle of some of that enjoyment, when an unfortunately familiar individual caught his attention. "Now, now, I figured you'd have run off again," he mused, glass lowered to the table before him.

[muertevelasco-deactivated202604]

who? @xmaddcx where? Rome when? day 1

"I told you Rome is a mess," Marisol says with a rueful smile as she drops her invisibility next to Maddox, silently offering the demigod a basket full of food. She had broken into an empty restaurant that remained standing and gone crazy cooking comfort foods as an attempt to distract herself from the battle raging. It hadn't helped, but now she had enough food to feed all her kids, so she is hunting them one by one to make sure they are well feed despite the constant chaos surrounding them. "Though this is the first time we have destruction this widespread."

[xmaddcx]

There was little care in the demigod to the war seemingly raging right outside of his door. He didn't have a stance for either side of it, nor did he worry that it would be too close to home. Anything of worth had been taken care of, and if he should be struck down by either side, his soul would simply find another body to inhabit. Oh, how he had enjoyed that precise talent of his. "Seems it'll be the last time too," he noted, a rather amused smirk on his lips as he indicated towards the wreckage.

[zanephillips]

Jai Courtney in The Exception (2016)

[tieflingxnarcissus]

Narcissus put his hand over his chest, "Please, because you look like you need one." The other tiefling was clearly all brawn, little braincell, but at least he was handsome. Narcissus could deal with handsome. Especially because the other had to just listen to him, anyway. He was such a gift. "Nothing is really....wrong." He waved his hand in Maddox's general direction, tilting his head. "I just don't think it's your color. I can fix that. Maybe a hint of floral. Stripes just make you look wide."

[xmaddcx]

A singular thought of 'was this guy serious?' ran through Maddox's head as Narcissus continued on. Then again, he supposed the name held some truth to it. His lips rolled together as he considered the words that had been spoken, that had been explained on the shirt that he'd worn that day. A smile soon enough cracked, "I think it's actually exactly my color. Really makes my eyes pop." He'd been to enough high end stores, though that would be assuming he had actually listened, instead of simply buying whatever was offered to him. "Now circling back. You want to be my friend because you think I need one? Again, why?"

[jaicourtneyforever-deactivated2]

Jai Courtney photographed by Tarsha Hosking⁠

[udaeusx]

Udaeus frowned a little bit, though he didn't like it when he didn't know something. He had this irrational need to be first at everything, especially amongst strangers. This one, though? He had known a tiefling. Had nearly loved a tiefling. This one was mocking him, like that one had. But that was not his face. Udaeus would not have forgotten it. He moved closer to Maddox, basically crowding the other back against a wall. It would've been fun to be flirty but he was too annoyed to say anything else otherwise, "Tell me."

[xmaddcx]

"You must really hate it," he stated, after he had allowed himself to be pushed back, closer to the wall just behind him. "The not knowing," he continued, a wicked grin placed so confidently upon his features. There was the thought to prolong this game, this taunting of the spartoi and the information that was being withheld from him. For why should Maddox give him such knowledge, when Udaeus had left him behind. Had left him to do what he'd needed to on his own. Had left him to die. The other couldn't have known that, but Maddox held his grudge close to his heart, let it consume more than it should. "Some would claim they'd know their lovers in any life," he offered, words ever taunting. Mocking as he eyed the other so closely. But he explained no further, leaving it in Udaeus' hands whether he figured it out or not.