Encounters of the Body and Mind

[Baleron87]

(This was originally a messenger-based RP, so of course posts were limited to semi-paragraph to paragraph length.)

Baleron

"Just how big is this castle... It's hard enough to walk on this island as it is!" The unbridled yell from Baleron echoed through the brightly lit and festive corridors of King Edric's home, seeming to still carry far off after the sound had passed from his lips seconds before. He wasn't exactly sure how long he had been working his way through the elaborate grounds, and silently wished the place wasn't as confusing to work his way through as Xexoria's grand palace was. Time was a dull blur to him at this point, as the air of the island had altogether taken his senses over. He felt so heavy, and an overwhelming urge to shed absolutely everything he wore was slowly creeping into his mind. Trying to keep his urges at bay, he continued to wander, hoping to soon find the guest rooms.

Mandaz

“Lost?” Echoed a voice across the hall, the voice of a woman no older than Baleron. Her skin, like the others, painted with swirls and dots, mystically accentuating the exposed flesh and curves of her form. Red paint on tanned skin, smudged a bit in places here and there, she looked as if she had been touched. Long hair drapped over her chest, but it was braided in some areas, knotted, held up sloppily with ties and jewels. She looked to have just woken up from a deep sleep and had not bothered to pull herself back together. “That’s all right. That’s what these rooms are for. To become lost. You’re well on your way, guest.” She spoke to him in a sleepy tone, approaching him slowly, in a sleepy pace, a foot peeking out from under her long skirt with each and every step. "Do you know why they call this the Palace of Vice?”

Baleron

Baleron turned at the sound of someone nearby, letting his gaze settle on the young woman who had spoken to him. He was automatically perplexed by her sight. That she seemed dressed and prepared the way she and the other villagers were for the party didn't match with her messy hair, smudged paint designs, and her tired voice. Unaware of any other reason, he figured she had simply fallen asleep after all of the preparation that such a party would undoubtedly require and had just woken up. Undoubtedly, with the amount the paint was smudged, she must have been actively moving under the sheets. Slowly, he stepped toward her to close the distance, shrugging her shoulders at her odd question. "Can't say I really understand. Vice seems like such an odd word to describe a place like this..."

Mandaz

“It’s a name that comes with a bit of explanation. A story.”The girl slowly pushed her hand forward, lacing her fingers around the masked man’s. She’d tug on his arm, pulling him in a direction down the hallway, and turning her back to him while she spoke. If he took notice, he’d see no strap or article of clothing on her back, and that the hair that fell before her chest was actually in place to keep herself modest in this place of indecency.“Our king discovered long ago that if a human mind were to be exposed to certain vices and pleasures for extended periods of time they could reach a higher understanding of the world around them. It is said that he filled his own body with poison so that he could reach utmost clarity. His old name was the Angel of Lucidity, you know, back before the end, when people didn’t believe in stories like that.”

She tugged him towards a large door; it looked to be heavy and made of strong wood. Her free hand fell on the iron handle, running her fingers over it for a moment while she continued speaking. “Our king became his poison, his drug, and touched everyone and everything he could with it to spread his message of a higher clarity. Human minds are befuddled, irrational, clouded, but by indulging in the vices of drug, of sloth, of carnal pleasure, for a brief moment in time the brain has the potential to attain a godlike clarity.”She pushed open the door to reveal the room on the other side. It was thick with smoke, a violet haze over each shadowed silhouette inside. There were others, there was movement, but through the thick fog of sweet incense it was almost undeterminable what they were doing. There were sounds, however. Heaves and laughter, songs of eagerness, the noises that escape the mouth when noise just has to be made. The girl lead Baleron inside, urging him to join her in this room.“Would you like to be a god for a moment?”

Baleron

The woman's touch sent shivers down Baleron's spine as her fingers grasped his hand and he began to pull her down the hallway. His mind was so relaxed with the feeling that he blindly followed her, unable to really deny the girl her simple request. Instead, his mind wrapped itself around her words, trying to piece them together and really understand what she was trying to explain about the castle. He supposed from what she had said that the palace itself was creating the air due to Edric's power. As he was slowly led into the room by the woman, his gaze wandered to the moving forms strewn across the room. The amount of smoke made it hard to discern anything, but slowly he came to realize what was going on, and her final question was answered with a loud thud as Baleron had fallen to the ground, his arms behind his back as he witnessed the events unfolding in front of him. If not for his mask, the girl would have seen the mute shock that was spread across his features.

[Baleron87]

Mandaz

Mistaking his shock for enthusiasm, the woman crawled over him, looming above his body like a lioness to an impala. “But this petite mort is nothing compared to how he makes you feel.” She whispered in his ear while nipping at it seductively, seemed she wasn’t finished talking. “This island is a faction of it, the castle is a sliver of it, the smoke is a taste of it, but the King, himself can make you feel like your head is filled with butterflies and fish. He touched my shoulder once, as a gift, and I saw everything, I felt everything, I tasted everything.” She nipped a little harder now, moving her hand to possibly remove the mask from him.

Baleron

"Mmm... Hey, wait..." His words were coming altogether slower now as the woman bit at his earlobe, and his thoughts became tangled up and unintelligible to him as he tried desperately to get his body to move. He was unsure of everything that was happening at the moment, and laying on the cold stone floor with the girl's body pressing up against his made him dizzy and excited. Still, a small sliver of his mind was still in his control, and he brought every bit of willpower he had to his arm, lifting it and grasping her hand before she could remove his mask. His voice, meek and pleading, could barely be heard by even himself due to the noises of the room. "No, this can't happen. Please stop. I can't do this!"

Mandaz

“Don’t be afraid, there are worse things than this. There aren’t much better, in fact.” The woman giggled. “Just breathe in, accept this gift that our lord has offered you.” She moved her hand from his mask to his shirt, tugging at it slowly, fingers swirling through the fabric to touch Baleron’s chest. His pleas would fall upon unconvinced ears until a noise broke the atmosphere. A creek in the door, and a light that broke though the fog, followed by the sound of footsteps breaking through the noises of lust, and then, all went silent. He was in their doorway, standing at his less than impressive height, but still caused each native in the room to stop what they were doing in awe of him.

“Ah, sorry to interrupt.” He peeped. Birdlike was his voice, and he held a tone of sweetness, sincerity, unlike the lustful subjects that surrounded Baleron in this smoke covered room. For all the amazing rumors and stories his subjects seemed to have for him, Edric didn’t seem to be capable of living up to any of that. “I-is Siddi in here? The threadskeeper? Eroina’s joints are starting to loosen, I’m looking for some extra needles and thread.”

Baleron

Baleron released her arm as she continued to do something new, and his hand fell uselessly to the side. His willpower had been all but expunged at this point, and he was almost willing to simply let the girl have her fun, even if he wasn't completely sure he wanted it. The dark room suddenly shone with a bright light that illuminated Baleron in his dire circumstance, and he inclined his head to look at the king standing there. His request turned into Baleron's escape, and he gathered all of his strength to push the girl off of him as gently as he could in order to move her and not hurt her, and he bolted up and toward the door. As he began to run, he felt a looseness around his waist, and he noticed not early enough that she had somehow managed to undo his pants as well. A final thought of "When did she manage that?" crossed his mind before his pants fell to his knees and tripped him up, making him land face first at Elric's feet.

Mandaz

The girl held no look of disappointment, shock, or even confusion as Baleron released himself from her grip, her face just continued to stare sleepily and lustfully off into space. Edric, however, seemed to be the most aware of all of them, curiously watching the guest fumble and flail. He thought about this for a moment, assessing the situation. “You’re a guest!” he finally chirped, clapping his hands together once, proud of himself for deducing the correct answer. “Some outsiders feel a little more modest than my subjects, I’ve found. You shouldn’t frustrate him like that!” He lightly scolded the girl. “Are you feeling alright?” he bent down in concern, peeking his eyes over his knees, looking like a bright eyed child peering over a fence.

Baleron

The fall had knocked him out of his senses for a bit, and he couldn't help but lay there for a few moments after the initial thud. Thankfully, the mask had been there to keep the impact to his face to a minimum, but he was actually feeling a little more clearheaded after the sharp pain that he had felt. Slowly, he drew his knees up and pulled himself up onto them, brushing himself off slowly. His gaze fell to Edric, and as if on cue, his mask cracked right through the middle, and the two halves fell to the ground simultaneously, leaving Baleron to look right into the King's eyes with his own exposed. His face was a flustered red, and there was a genuine look of fear in his eyes. He couldn't get himself to move, and hoped that the king would not touch him, lest he end up like the girl.

[Baleron87]

Mandaz

Edric’s own blue eyes widened as the guest’s first face cracked and fell, revealing the softer one beneath. With a pout, the king reached over to grab one of the broken halves, inspecting the damage for himself. “I’m so sorry!” he quickly apologized, a look of genuine sadness dropping his features. Edric hated to see things broken or destroyed, especially something as wonderful as Baleron’s mask. “It was important, yes? I can fix it! Or, I can get someone else to fix it! Or I can give you a new one! I’m sorry again. Really sorry. It’s a shame. Come with me!” Edric was prone to rambling, cursed with having so many thoughts and ideas racing through his mind at once, he had no choice but to spout out many at a time. He stood, leaning down to extend his hand to Baleron, gesturing that he would like to help him up.

Baleron

Baleron wanted to recoil from the hand so much as it was extended, but he reminded himself that he was in the presense of a king, even though he now knew how Edric held his people to loyalty. His own hand raised to decline the king's offer, and he placed his other hand on the ground, pushing himself up to stand. His knees were still slightly numb from the fall, but he figured it'd be better to go through the pain then use Edric's support. He leaned down to up the other half of his mask, and he looked over it with a sigh, turning his head up to look at the king. "And where are you going to take me?"

Mandaz

Edric quirked a brow, staring at his empty hand. He supposed it wasn’t a bad thing that Baleron declined his silent offer, it just meant that he was strong enough to stand on his own and not hurt by the fall. Health was a good thing. A thing to be celebrated. He smiled at this thought, and held the half of the mask that he held up to his face, peering through it, trying to see what Baleron saw. “Well, I was looking for needle and tread, but now I guess I have to find that and some paste? I suppose I could put it back together myself, but I dunno, don’t you think it’s a little hard to see behind masks? When you were created you were given a face, what’s wrong with just that?” Edric poked at his own freckled cheek, then tugged on it playfully, making silly faces with the un-masked part.

Baleron

Baleron's brow raised with confusion at the king's odd behavior. He had originally thought the king from his opening speech was just not used to public speaking, but finding out that the king was just generally childish in nature was an unexpected discovery. He tried to offer a small smile at the king's antics, but his words slid his lips back into an emotionless, unreadable, and extremely hard to hold face. "People's faces bely their true feelings and emotions about how they feel about something or another. I..." Baleron paused, lowering his gaze to the floor. "I just don't want people to see my face. It provides to others the weaknesses they need to hurt me."

Mandaz

The king stopped making faces to listen to Baleron, really listen, and think about his words. He thought about what he had said, rolling his words over and over in his head to try and come up with a proper response. He didn’t want to make his guest feel put out or wrong about something he felt so strongly about, despite how their opinions may have differed. However, he did want all of his guests to be comfortable to be who they really were and not focus on trifles like shame or shyness. “But if you wear a mask all the time, how does anyone know what you’re feeling at all? Not all feelings are weaknesses! Sometimes they’re the greatest allies! This whole island is made of feelings and sensations! I think it worked out okay. Do you? I’m Edric, by the way.” He held up his palm with his name engraved in it. “But you can call me whatever you like, everyone seems to have a different name for me now-a-days. What’s one of your names?”

Baleron

Edric's words hit something of a soft spot with Baleron, and he couldn't help but stare at the king dumbfounded at the reasoning and deep thought that he was capable of. His eyes closed, and he simply couldn't help but smile at memories of the past. He lowered his head, whispering Caela's name to himself and chuckling softly. In his mind, he silently promised himself he would take the king's words to heart and try going around without the mask. Of course, he did think making a new mask would be beneficial to him, considering he still had dealings with that one noble to think about. Edric's question caught him off guard, and he tilted his head in a confused manner. "One of my... names? Well, my name is Baleron. I'm fairly sure I don't have any other name except for that."

Mandaz

“Bah-lay-roh-n” Edric took his name, spelled it in his head, and over-exaggerated the pronunciation. He liked to play with new words. To tease them with his tongue and stretch out their meaning and existence until they were new playthings. Names were the best, because it seemed that he always met someone with an exciting and new name. “I’ll remember it.” he nodded with confidence. “So, Baleron, I see that you were enjoying some of the subject’s games.” He pointed to the now closed door behind them, still filled with the haze and silhouettes. “I’m sorry my intrusion took you away. But you don’t have to worry, there’s always someone around the castle who wants to play. Some people are just really eager is all, you can come back to these rooms whenever you want.”

Baleron

Baleron took a look at the door, automatically shuddering at the remaining images that flashed through his head. "Umm, no, you didn't intrude... In fact, 'enjoying' is a horrible way to describe what was happening in there." He looked around, unsure of continuing what was bound to be a lengthy rant if he started. The air was beginning to take its hold on him again, and he wanted to get his thoughts out before he wasn't able to voice them once again. "I don't understand how you are allowing all of those people to do those things! I understand that the aura of this island is meant to appeal to the senses and make them so much more... But the girl that took me in there... She..." He stopped, unsure for only a moment about finishing his sentence. "Whoever she used to be in the past is gone because of addiction to everything here. It's as if she has lost her free will to do anything but spend her time in the embrace of others..." Baleron thought for a grim moment that such a lifestyle was a good one, but it was easily banished due to his inherant nature.

Mandaz

“Here, there isn’t such a thing as addiction. Here, it’s a way of life. Here, the people still care for each other, they still live their lives, I see nothing wrong with expanding their minds. Some people just have characteristics that are…uhm…enhanced. Some people will go and create something beautiful, something magical, while others will indulge on fantasies that their previous moral boundaries wouldn’t allow them too otherwise. My island is about freedom, if she so chooses to do what she does, so be it, I’m not..uhh..i can’t make her stop. I can’t make any of them stop.” It was clear that Edric was starting to become very uncomfortable. He knew that some people would have obligations to the policies on his island, and he was ready to accept that mentally, but he didn’t really have a speech prepared for explaining the way things worked. He was a feeler, not a speaker. “Ah! I know!” He exclaimed, excited once more. “I can show you! For a few moments, anyway. Trust me, I won’t damage you at all! Just your hand, just a finger, really, is all I need.”

[Baleron87]

Baleron

Baleron listened carefully to Edric's words, but his explanation still left questions in Baleron's mind. He was now becoming dimly aware that the air had taken over his senses once more. Still, he couldn't help but wonder how such a place could exist in reality. It seemed so supernatural to him. He was beginning to really wonder what it would feel like to be touched as the girl had. Edric's request tore Baleron's mind in two, and only a small fraction of his curiousity made him raise his hand and provide it to Edric, while the other half desperately hoped it would still be functioning in a few minutes.

Mandaz

Edric was not a normal king, or even a noble for that matter. He didn’t follow the same stereotypes that royalty followed, playing themselves above others or seeing themselves as higher beings. Edric was very different, and so, Baleron may have found it peculiar when he, a king, bowed down to him. He dropped to one knee, a position that the previously masked man found himself in on several occasions, and took Baleron’s hand into his. His hand would feel nothing at first as Edric’s fingers lifted his palm; it wasn’t just a touch that drew his drug into the bodies of humans. The king placed his lips against the back of his guest’s hand, giving a small, loving peck just below his knuckles. Edric’s lips were one of the fastest ways of transferring his drug, and on an extremity such as a hand the extreme side effects would only last a few moments.

Baleron would feel a deep sensation inside of him, warming him, transforming him. His mind would let forth every sweet melody he had ever heard, every genuine smile he had ever given, every bit of laughter that he had ever uttered, each joyous moment would come back tenfold. A pure euphoria; Edric’s gift. The king, instead of standing again, just sat on the carpet of the hall, waiting and watching for Baleron to feel. Whatever exquisite, divine, pleasing traits were dominant in the guest would surge though him, and a synesthesic wave of hallucinations as well, all swirling colors of sweet madness in his mind.

Baleron

A small step was taken back by surprise as the king kneeled in front of Baleron and took his hand with his. Nothing like this had ever happened before. He had been guard and lover to a queen, but never once did he believe he was more powerful than her, especially to the point where he would stand while his queen was on her knees. However, this strange and interesting king had done just that, and had graced his hand with a soft kiss that seemed more like an action he was supposed to perform. He was about to object when the drug took a sudden and rough hold of his entire body.

Almost immediately his body tensed up, his eyes going out of focus and spinning as shapes and colors swirled about his vision. His legs, unable to support his heavy weight, collapsed back and made him hit the wall, sliding down into a sitting position against the stone. His blood burned hot, flashes of visions teasing and tantalyzing him. An overwhelming urge to burst back through the door nearby wracked his body with a sudden unprepared shudder, but his tired body was unable to move. Just as he began to get used to the feeling, it disappeared all at once, leaving Baleron panting heavily against the wall, his eyes closed shut as he tried to stop his head from spinning. His throat and mouth were dry, and his body every so often shivered from the aftereffects of such a potent feeling. '

Mandaz

Edric crawled over from his position in the middle of the hall to sit next to Baleron against the wall. He said nothing for a very long time, waiting for the guest to come down from the euphoric high. The angel’s crown tipped to the from of his head, pressing his blonde bangs down in front of his eyes before he haphazardly pushed it back and ruffled his hair into place. Edric looked over to Baleron again, without a smile on his face, or a look of remorse, just a blank expression, though with a hint of curiosity. “Ya see? Every person acts differently when they feel that. I’ve raised a whole kingdom on that feeling, I think it’s good. Do you agree? Especially now that you know what I’m talking about.”

Baleron

Baleron was completely unsure of what had just happened. So many thoughts had seemed to go through his head in the last few moments, and he almost felt as if time had just completely stopped for him when Edric had given him the kiss on the hand. His hand slowly came up and felt over his features, although every little bump or indent felt completely alien to him. His eyes opened, and he looked through his fingers to Edric, a semi-wide smile sliding onto his lips. "It's... very good, your Majesty... I'm not even sure saying thank you would be any way to truly show you my appreciation for that... But, thank you..." His eyes began to unfocus, but he shook his head vigorously from side to side. Even if it had been something completely amazing, he was not about to let the feeling rule him.

Mandaz

“It’s okay, don’t be so eager to shake it off, it’ll wear away eventually, a little going through your hand wont last very long. The closer it is to your brain the longer and more powerful the effects. But I don’t kiss many people up there haha!” The king laughed, tapping on his own lips. He found it odd to explain how his power worked. He never had to be so structured in his thoughts. Being was enough for his subjects, existing as Edric, the king of their sweet thoughts and hallucinations. It was strange, but refreshing to try and think in a rational way, explaining his drug to the best of his childlike ability.

[Baleron87]

Baleron

Sitting there as the effects slowly dimmed down, Baleron began to think about the original reason he had come to this island to begin with. Time was passing and he wasn't searching for Caela. Instead, he was sitting slumped against a wall in a random hallway having just experienced the most powerful trip he had ever gone through while the king sat next to him explaining his gift. It reminded him fondly of sitting in the hallway next to Caela, speaking to her about her personal troubles and helping her through her own difficult moments.

Slowly, he turned his palm up on his knee, and relaxed his body completely to the burning inside of his body. Blood began to bead from his skin like sweat and slowly raise off of his hand, forming into a small sphere that twisted and twirled about his fingers. It stretched out into a ribbon, weaving it's way across his fingers and arm, sliding up at his elbow toward the king, where it moved silently and smoothly over the king's flesh. The blood fabric had a feeling of fine silk to it, and it slowly wrapped itself around the king's wrist and tied itself into a neat bow before resting comfortably on his arm. Afterwards, Baleron's hand dropped to his side, and he opened his eyes to the hallway, softly sighing. "You're the second leader of a nation I've ever sat next to in a hallway. Both you and her have a way of... enlightening me, I suppose."

Mandaz

The king curiously watched his guest perform a strange act. His blue eyes wide with a mixture of amazement, concern, and wonder. Eyebrows raised, he watched the orb of red slink and slide around Baleron and to his arm. “A-a gift, for me?” Edric sung with joyful surprise, face brightening to a wide smile, elation completely taking over his features. He leaned forward off of the wall, happily admiring his new ribbon, fingers touching it softy, eager to caress the fine and strange fabric. Edric’s small wings fluttered in excitement, spreading bits of his black feathers into the air. It didn’t take much to make the king happy, but when he was his smile seemed to brighten the very atmosphere of the island.

Baleron

Baleron simply smiled at the king's happy response to the ribbon, and he slowly pushed his way up onto his feet again, although it took a little getting used to using his legs before he could stand straight without wavering from one side to the other. The small satisfaction on achieving such a small victory felt to him like a large accomplishment, and he wore a wide smile. "I couldn't possibly let what you did for me go with just a simple thank you. You've given me a little bit of hope that I might find what I was searching for on this island after all."

Mandaz

Edric kept sitting, even as Baleron stood, admiring his ribbon and tapping his feet as he tugged at it gently. He looked up to the guest after he spoke, a small bit of worry in his features. “I hope you find it, I’ll help any way I can, but…if you don’t, does that mean you’ll take back the ribbon?” He seemed saddened by the very thought. Such a gift gave him joy; he wouldn’t want it taken away. And even worse, he wouldn’t want his guest to be disappointed because he could not help him.

Baleron

Baleron shook his head and genuinely smiled at Edric's worry. "Nah, the ribbon's yours. It'll stay like that until I die, and then it will just simply disappear into dust. And the help is appreciated, but not needed. I don't even know if she's here, really... And I imagine telling everyone of the quests that a queen might be in the presense might not be the greatest way to keep her safe. And as her guard, I imagine keeping her safe is more than likely my main priority. Right?" He smirked, shrugging his shoulders as if he himself did not know the answer. He turned and took a step forward before looking up at the door from before, slowly tilting his head back to Edric. "Just curious... But as the king, do you ever find yourself in one of these rooms?"

Mandaz

“Her! There are lots of hers here today! I hope one of them is your her. Don’t worry though, I’ll look out for her, but I won’t spill the secret to anyone else, promise.” Edric made an X mark over his heart, swearing to Baleron that he would honor his request and not have an alert out for the girl he was searching for. He went back to play with the ribbon for a moment before the next question was asked. “Mmhmm” he nodded, finally pushing himself up to his feet. “I love all of my subjects, and I’ll play whatever games they want to play to keep them happy. Lotsa people are just happy if I smile at them, but I try to talk with everyone, understand them, and sometimes they’ll want my gifts, so I’ll give them their happiness, and more are just glad to be with me. It’s sometimes really scary to try to make so many people happy, but so far I think I’m doing okay.”

The king was very nonchalant about the activities he and his subjects indulged in. Though the ones behind the door were lustful humans, willing to take strangers out of the hall for the sake of entertainment, Edric was nothing like that, yet he admitted to doing what Baleron was implying, possibly more, all to appease his subjects. It raised the question: who was really in control of the island? Was Edric a king or an idol to be manipulated?

Baleron

Baleron quirked an eyebrow to the freckled king for a moment before shaking his head and smiling. "The girl was right... This castle is very well named." He chuckled, turning away from Edric and starting down the hallway. "Sorry to leave you, but I'm going to wander for a while longer. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to hit the guest rooms during my walk and put some of my things down." He slowed to a stop and looked at the hand that still held one of the halves of his mask. Shrugging, he tossed the thing behind him, where it clattered to a stop at Edric's feet. "I'm not really going to have need of that anymore. You can go ahead and keep that for yourself, as well." He briskly began to walk further down the carpeted hallways, a smile of enjoyment constantly creasing his lips.

Mandaz

“Don’t wander too far off! I’ve lost servants for weeks down some of these hallways! Haha. I’ve lost lots of things here.” Edric giggled as he waved Baleron off. He curiously looked at the half of the mask at his feet before bending down to pick it up. While hunched on his toes he put the new piece against the one he was holding, fitting the two halves together like a puzzle. He studied them for a moment, holding the broken mask in his hands before coming to a conclusion in his mind.

Strangely enough, Edric’s tongue trailed up the crack in the mask, using his power of drug and his slight grip on the reality of this small realm to heal the scar in it. Colors spiraled and swirled from where he licked, changing the mask into something new; a happier shape, more colorful and bright, like a mask from a grand masquerade. Edric, delighted with his new creation, slipped the mask around his neck so that it might be wont between his wings. “Now I have eyes in the back of my head!” He laughed to himself, skipping back off to the festivities.