Shal-Mari. When humans built their "Sin City" in the deserts of Nevada it was from this place they drew their inspiration, and rightfully so"it was a tether between the realm of man and the infernal Principality ruled by the Prince Andrealphus . Here the servitors of the infernal Prince of Lust could transition most easily between the worlds to make their reports and pay their tribute.
As on earth, the streets of Shal-Mari are lined with casinos, restaurants, bars and theaters, but these cater to both human and demonic tastes alike. It is the most glamorous of Hell's Principalities, its natural inhabitants among the most beautiful of all infernal denizens. Here you can buy your wicked heart's desires with the essence of human souls or the promise of favors exchanged on the earthly plane. It is here the Prince of Lust makes his home, in the penthouse suite of the darkly-opulent King of Hearts casino, and here the never-ending string of demons in his service come to pay tribute.
Her turn had come, and though it was against her feline nature to do anything at someone else's bidding, it did not pay to keep the Prince waiting for what was rightfully owed him. She checked her reflection both front and back in the mirrored surface of the elevator door. Every lock of darkly-tipped golden hair shone from repeated brushings, every strand of creamy fur was smoothed in place. She ran her hands down the length of each arm to settle her fur, pivoting on the balls of her small feet to examine the slope of her tail and the state of its darkly-furred brush. Perfect. It would never do to appear before the Prince looking anything but her absolute best. The bell of the elevator chimed loudly, signaling the arrival of the car. Mirrored doors slid open smoothly and the hellcat stepped inside. "Penthouse, please." She purred to the bellboy. He was human"his scent told her that much. He wore a human visage, but in Shal-Mari it was simply a matter of exchanging essence to take on the gender or appearance of whatever you desired. This one was young"mid twenties by the smell, and he wore the formal red and white pressed livery of the casino down to the traditional little round hat. He gave a silent nod and pressed the button with a white-gloved finger before resuming his formal stance. As the car began its smooth ascent to the top floor the hellcat couldn't resist a once-over. Silvers wandered their way from short, sun-bleached hair to broad shoulders and down the line of a well-muscled back to a rear end that proclaimed this specimen had been an athlete before he'd been relocated to Hell.
Such a pity she had an appointment to keep, she thought as the car came to a halt at the top floor. Doors slid silently open and she stepped out with a parting pat to that irresistible hind end. The bellboy made no sound, but the slide of his baby blues to her silvers and the grin that crept onto his lips were enough. As the doors whispered shut, she gave him the most perfect view of softly-furred curves that swayed enticingly as she moved down the hallway toward the Prince's suite. His low whistle was audible only to feline ears that caught everything, but it brought a lingering smile to her crimson curves.
Two footmen stood on duty at the doors to the suite, silent and still with huge hands crossed before them. They were both tall and very, very black"a perfectly matched set from the tops of bald heads sporting small sets of curling horns to their burning red eyes and the matching custom-tailored black suits that surely cost a small fortune in essence to obtain. She did not need to sample the air to know they were demonic in nature. The Prince would never entrust his security to human servitors by choice.
"Alyxir, Servitor of Andrealphus. I come to offer tribute." Her voice was soft, respectful and lacking any trace of its usual seductive purr. These were Habbalites'demons descended from the ranks of Fallen Elohim and attuned to the emotions and intent of those around them. They were Gatekeepers to the Prince, and no one of questionable intent was likely to make it past them alive. They knew her business here and moved in unison to open the heavy lacquered doors of the suite to her. She gave a nod of that golden head in thanks to the pair and passed them in silence. Mingled scents of human and demon enveloped her as she entered the suite, saturating her senses as she padded down the corridor that opened into the Prince's common room. It was anything but common' alternating walls painted in the house colors of red and white, furnished with fine leather couches and chairs and enhanced by the host of human and demon servitors grouped and seated throughout the room . Silvers moved quickly to take in those assembled, searching for any familiar faces or scents among the unnaturally-beautiful courtiers. The Prince did not abide ugliness in his presence, and she knew from experience the vast amounts of essence that were traded to maintain the illusion of beauty here for the sake of favor and political gain. Here the Prince held court, seated in a contemporary and low-backed over-sized chair of black leather that was situated on a raised dais of Italian marble and backed by the most spectacular view of Shal-Mari one could have through planes of crystalline glass.
The Prince of Lust was aptly named. His current incarnation sprawled wide-legged in the confines of the chair clad only in a pair of finely-tailored black pants. He was easily 7" tall with the pale complexion, broad features and long flaxen hair of the ancient Viking. The chiseled features and broad, bare chest suited him, but the pupil-less black eyes stood out in eerie contrast as they drifted between the set of naked twin blonde women perched giggling on either arm of his chair.
Eyes in hues ranging from blood to blue skies turned on her in the dozens as she entered the room, but silvers sought only the eyes of her Prince. She moved with purpose towards the throne, and those in her path made way for her. She was known here, her name still whispered in circles though it had been many centuries since she had last occupied a regular place at the Prince's side. She was a hellcat, and it was in her very nature to wander freely as it suited her through the Principalities and the worlds beyond. His gift to her had been the freedom to do so unchallenged and unchecked, her tribute to him required only once every decade.
Pools of darkness turned on her golden form as the assembled host made way for her, a slow smile curving upon his lips as strong hands gave a dismissing push and smack to the bare buttocks of each blonde. They slid from their respective perches without a word of protest, their giggling finally silenced as they melted into the greater host of courtiers now fallen silent as well.
She crossed the distance between them with soundless steps, lithe and graceful as she bent in a singular fluid motion to her knees before him. Furred ears pressed low to the false halo of silk that flowed over her naked form as her tail curled elegantly around her. She was the potrait of submission, one hand pressed flat to the facets at her chest, the other rising with outstretched palm in supplication. Her voice was a velvet purr, sweet honey that poured from her golden throat as the words of the Diabolical language formed themselves on lips of richly-spiced wine.
"Comes now this one into Your gracious presence, her most humble tribute offered." His laughter came free and rumbled like nighttime thunder in the stillness of the room, more animated in her presence than any had seen him in a very long time.
"Your presence pleases me, Little One. Come. Render your tribute." he answered her in the dark tongue, a mighty hand gestured for her to rise, his arm spread wide to offer her a place of favor at his side.
From her knees she moved with the grace and elegance of her kind, not a strand of fur ruffled or displaced by her movements. Her tail lashed serpentine behind her as she mounted the steps, a wicked smile playing on her lips as she slid not onto the arm of the leather chair, but into the wide expanse of his lap.
He laughed again at her impudence, the eager tension of the room dissipating as the muscular arm encircled her tiny frame and the pale hand settled itself on the bare curve of her rump to stroke and pet her soft fur. A wave of his hand had human and demonic eyes alike turning back to partners and conversations abandoned at her arrival. Dark eyes now fixed on silvers, an expectant arch lifting his brow as he waited for her offering.
Her tail slid into a languid drape over his knee, it's brush dancing slow and hypnotic as she lifted his large hand in both of her own and laid it upon the facets at her neck. The trap of his thumb rested upon the ring that pierced her, and silvers pressed shut behind thick lashes as she bid the facets flare to life, sharing with him the rich flavors of essence collected in her hunting. One tenth of the energy taken from every encounter was given freely, pouring from facets through pale skin to be added to the abundance of energy he already possessed. His hellcat had done well for herself, but pale brows drew into a frown as notes of powerful source energy only lately-collected began to burn through the feed. The mighty hand was quick, moving from a placid rest upon facets to form a tight grip on her throat that pulled her roughly upright as he leaned in close with narrowed eyes to inspect her.
"Where has my kitten been hunting that she brings such essence as tribute?" His words were soft, but the host had again fallen silent, eager to learn what misspoken word or deed might bring about the fall of the hellcat.
The Prince of Lust had always been changeable by nature, this the hellcat knew well. It was why she had ventured from the safety of Shal-Mari to wander the other planes for so long, and why she returned only to pay tribute when required. It was also why silvers slid downcast and she remained still in his grasp. To fight him now before his court was to sentence herself to death or worse. The fingers around her slender neck gave a steadily-increasing squeeze, stealing the breath from her body and daring her to betray herself. As suddenly as he had struck, he released his hold and relaxed his broad frame back into the supple leather of the chair. He waited for her to answer, jet pools silent and still upon her as he gave time for air to fill her lungs once more.
She inhaled deeply and willed herself not to choke upon the air that filled her lungs and eased the hateful burn. She chose her words carefully, eyes downcast as she spoke. "In the other lands there is a man who carries a great source inside him. I have sought his company to feed and bring you tribute because I knew that it would please you."
"My Alyxir..." he crooned, iron wrapped in velvet, lightning poised to strike. "You should have brought this source to me whole." With movements far too gentle for hands so large, he gathered the veil of silken hair that covered her back between his fingers. The word he spoke was his alone to comprehend, taken from the language of the Princes that dated back to the Fall itself. Infernal fire burned through delicate strands, shearing off the long tresses where he held them. Darkness fixed on silvers as he brought the length of hair before her, wrapping it around thick fingers to work a knot in its end. "Let this be your reminder, Little One. You owe all to me."
She had not moved a muscle when he'd taken her veil in hand, had not flinched when she felt his fire sever the precious strands. Silvers looked on him calmly as he knotted the beloved length and worked the end so casually into a belt loop on the finely-tailored pants. She must tread very carefully with him now or risk losing far more than her hair. A willing sacrifice was needed now to appease him. The trophy he had taken meant nothing, but an offering freely given would do much to temper his wrath. She forced the wicked smile upon the soft fullness of her lips, a hand lifting slowly to the collar of facets at her neck. Nails bit deep into furred flesh as she pried up one of the flawless pieces of jade. Blood ran dark and free down her chest to stain the creamy fur as she held out the gem to him in silent offering.
He laughed softly then, a measure of his dark humor restored as he took the stone in a mighty hand. Lifting it to his lips, he breathed out a thin wisp of essence that blurred the edges of the stone and slowly reshaped it, a tiny silver bell left resting in its place. The arm that encircled her now lifted its hand to steady her as he sat up in the confines of the chair. His fingers were almost tender as they hooked the bell upon the ring at her throat, giving it a soft flick to make it chime. "My gift to you, Little One. Return to your other world and bring back what is mine." His words were softly spoken, but the threat was all too clear. A pat of his hand to her rump and he shifted to let her drop from his leg. The interview was over and he turned now to summon the twin blondes once more.
She landed gracefully upon her feet, a bow of her head and press of her ears offered in deference though his attentions were no longer upon her. Ever-changeable. Around them the host relaxed, conversation resuming in hushed tones. She had avoided destruction this time, but how long would she remain in his favor? Shorn head held high, she moved wordlessly through the host that parted now to avoid the taint of her humiliation. With each step the bell chimed softly, a reminder of his wrath. The Gatekeepers had sensed her approach, for the doors stood open wide for her escape. She nodded her formal thanks to them, thoughts turned carefully upon lighter subjects to avoid any further confrontation. She retraced her steps down the hallway, summoning the elevator with the press of a blooded finger.
As she waited she took stock of herself in the mirrored doors. She felt strange without her hair, naked and unbalanced. It was unlikely it would grow back anytime soon. The wound at her neck might heal in time, but it would take a great deal of cunning and luck to replace the stone. Some wounds and alterations she could control by force of will, but this was very different. Her Prince had done this to her. As his servitor, only he or another Prince could undo what had been done. Pride kept her from running her fingers through the shorn locks where anyone else might see. There would be time to rue the loss and try to make repairs when she was safely back in her chosen plane. She squared her shoulders as the elevator bell chimed, the wicked smile curling once more upon lips of wine for the bellboy who awaited her.
As on earth, the streets of Shal-Mari are lined with casinos, restaurants, bars and theaters, but these cater to both human and demonic tastes alike. It is the most glamorous of Hell's Principalities, its natural inhabitants among the most beautiful of all infernal denizens. Here you can buy your wicked heart's desires with the essence of human souls or the promise of favors exchanged on the earthly plane. It is here the Prince of Lust makes his home, in the penthouse suite of the darkly-opulent King of Hearts casino, and here the never-ending string of demons in his service come to pay tribute.
Her turn had come, and though it was against her feline nature to do anything at someone else's bidding, it did not pay to keep the Prince waiting for what was rightfully owed him. She checked her reflection both front and back in the mirrored surface of the elevator door. Every lock of darkly-tipped golden hair shone from repeated brushings, every strand of creamy fur was smoothed in place. She ran her hands down the length of each arm to settle her fur, pivoting on the balls of her small feet to examine the slope of her tail and the state of its darkly-furred brush. Perfect. It would never do to appear before the Prince looking anything but her absolute best. The bell of the elevator chimed loudly, signaling the arrival of the car. Mirrored doors slid open smoothly and the hellcat stepped inside. "Penthouse, please." She purred to the bellboy. He was human"his scent told her that much. He wore a human visage, but in Shal-Mari it was simply a matter of exchanging essence to take on the gender or appearance of whatever you desired. This one was young"mid twenties by the smell, and he wore the formal red and white pressed livery of the casino down to the traditional little round hat. He gave a silent nod and pressed the button with a white-gloved finger before resuming his formal stance. As the car began its smooth ascent to the top floor the hellcat couldn't resist a once-over. Silvers wandered their way from short, sun-bleached hair to broad shoulders and down the line of a well-muscled back to a rear end that proclaimed this specimen had been an athlete before he'd been relocated to Hell.
Such a pity she had an appointment to keep, she thought as the car came to a halt at the top floor. Doors slid silently open and she stepped out with a parting pat to that irresistible hind end. The bellboy made no sound, but the slide of his baby blues to her silvers and the grin that crept onto his lips were enough. As the doors whispered shut, she gave him the most perfect view of softly-furred curves that swayed enticingly as she moved down the hallway toward the Prince's suite. His low whistle was audible only to feline ears that caught everything, but it brought a lingering smile to her crimson curves.
Two footmen stood on duty at the doors to the suite, silent and still with huge hands crossed before them. They were both tall and very, very black"a perfectly matched set from the tops of bald heads sporting small sets of curling horns to their burning red eyes and the matching custom-tailored black suits that surely cost a small fortune in essence to obtain. She did not need to sample the air to know they were demonic in nature. The Prince would never entrust his security to human servitors by choice.
"Alyxir, Servitor of Andrealphus. I come to offer tribute." Her voice was soft, respectful and lacking any trace of its usual seductive purr. These were Habbalites'demons descended from the ranks of Fallen Elohim and attuned to the emotions and intent of those around them. They were Gatekeepers to the Prince, and no one of questionable intent was likely to make it past them alive. They knew her business here and moved in unison to open the heavy lacquered doors of the suite to her. She gave a nod of that golden head in thanks to the pair and passed them in silence. Mingled scents of human and demon enveloped her as she entered the suite, saturating her senses as she padded down the corridor that opened into the Prince's common room. It was anything but common' alternating walls painted in the house colors of red and white, furnished with fine leather couches and chairs and enhanced by the host of human and demon servitors grouped and seated throughout the room . Silvers moved quickly to take in those assembled, searching for any familiar faces or scents among the unnaturally-beautiful courtiers. The Prince did not abide ugliness in his presence, and she knew from experience the vast amounts of essence that were traded to maintain the illusion of beauty here for the sake of favor and political gain. Here the Prince held court, seated in a contemporary and low-backed over-sized chair of black leather that was situated on a raised dais of Italian marble and backed by the most spectacular view of Shal-Mari one could have through planes of crystalline glass.
The Prince of Lust was aptly named. His current incarnation sprawled wide-legged in the confines of the chair clad only in a pair of finely-tailored black pants. He was easily 7" tall with the pale complexion, broad features and long flaxen hair of the ancient Viking. The chiseled features and broad, bare chest suited him, but the pupil-less black eyes stood out in eerie contrast as they drifted between the set of naked twin blonde women perched giggling on either arm of his chair.
Eyes in hues ranging from blood to blue skies turned on her in the dozens as she entered the room, but silvers sought only the eyes of her Prince. She moved with purpose towards the throne, and those in her path made way for her. She was known here, her name still whispered in circles though it had been many centuries since she had last occupied a regular place at the Prince's side. She was a hellcat, and it was in her very nature to wander freely as it suited her through the Principalities and the worlds beyond. His gift to her had been the freedom to do so unchallenged and unchecked, her tribute to him required only once every decade.
Pools of darkness turned on her golden form as the assembled host made way for her, a slow smile curving upon his lips as strong hands gave a dismissing push and smack to the bare buttocks of each blonde. They slid from their respective perches without a word of protest, their giggling finally silenced as they melted into the greater host of courtiers now fallen silent as well.
She crossed the distance between them with soundless steps, lithe and graceful as she bent in a singular fluid motion to her knees before him. Furred ears pressed low to the false halo of silk that flowed over her naked form as her tail curled elegantly around her. She was the potrait of submission, one hand pressed flat to the facets at her chest, the other rising with outstretched palm in supplication. Her voice was a velvet purr, sweet honey that poured from her golden throat as the words of the Diabolical language formed themselves on lips of richly-spiced wine.
"Comes now this one into Your gracious presence, her most humble tribute offered." His laughter came free and rumbled like nighttime thunder in the stillness of the room, more animated in her presence than any had seen him in a very long time.
"Your presence pleases me, Little One. Come. Render your tribute." he answered her in the dark tongue, a mighty hand gestured for her to rise, his arm spread wide to offer her a place of favor at his side.
From her knees she moved with the grace and elegance of her kind, not a strand of fur ruffled or displaced by her movements. Her tail lashed serpentine behind her as she mounted the steps, a wicked smile playing on her lips as she slid not onto the arm of the leather chair, but into the wide expanse of his lap.
He laughed again at her impudence, the eager tension of the room dissipating as the muscular arm encircled her tiny frame and the pale hand settled itself on the bare curve of her rump to stroke and pet her soft fur. A wave of his hand had human and demonic eyes alike turning back to partners and conversations abandoned at her arrival. Dark eyes now fixed on silvers, an expectant arch lifting his brow as he waited for her offering.
Her tail slid into a languid drape over his knee, it's brush dancing slow and hypnotic as she lifted his large hand in both of her own and laid it upon the facets at her neck. The trap of his thumb rested upon the ring that pierced her, and silvers pressed shut behind thick lashes as she bid the facets flare to life, sharing with him the rich flavors of essence collected in her hunting. One tenth of the energy taken from every encounter was given freely, pouring from facets through pale skin to be added to the abundance of energy he already possessed. His hellcat had done well for herself, but pale brows drew into a frown as notes of powerful source energy only lately-collected began to burn through the feed. The mighty hand was quick, moving from a placid rest upon facets to form a tight grip on her throat that pulled her roughly upright as he leaned in close with narrowed eyes to inspect her.
"Where has my kitten been hunting that she brings such essence as tribute?" His words were soft, but the host had again fallen silent, eager to learn what misspoken word or deed might bring about the fall of the hellcat.
The Prince of Lust had always been changeable by nature, this the hellcat knew well. It was why she had ventured from the safety of Shal-Mari to wander the other planes for so long, and why she returned only to pay tribute when required. It was also why silvers slid downcast and she remained still in his grasp. To fight him now before his court was to sentence herself to death or worse. The fingers around her slender neck gave a steadily-increasing squeeze, stealing the breath from her body and daring her to betray herself. As suddenly as he had struck, he released his hold and relaxed his broad frame back into the supple leather of the chair. He waited for her to answer, jet pools silent and still upon her as he gave time for air to fill her lungs once more.
She inhaled deeply and willed herself not to choke upon the air that filled her lungs and eased the hateful burn. She chose her words carefully, eyes downcast as she spoke. "In the other lands there is a man who carries a great source inside him. I have sought his company to feed and bring you tribute because I knew that it would please you."
"My Alyxir..." he crooned, iron wrapped in velvet, lightning poised to strike. "You should have brought this source to me whole." With movements far too gentle for hands so large, he gathered the veil of silken hair that covered her back between his fingers. The word he spoke was his alone to comprehend, taken from the language of the Princes that dated back to the Fall itself. Infernal fire burned through delicate strands, shearing off the long tresses where he held them. Darkness fixed on silvers as he brought the length of hair before her, wrapping it around thick fingers to work a knot in its end. "Let this be your reminder, Little One. You owe all to me."
She had not moved a muscle when he'd taken her veil in hand, had not flinched when she felt his fire sever the precious strands. Silvers looked on him calmly as he knotted the beloved length and worked the end so casually into a belt loop on the finely-tailored pants. She must tread very carefully with him now or risk losing far more than her hair. A willing sacrifice was needed now to appease him. The trophy he had taken meant nothing, but an offering freely given would do much to temper his wrath. She forced the wicked smile upon the soft fullness of her lips, a hand lifting slowly to the collar of facets at her neck. Nails bit deep into furred flesh as she pried up one of the flawless pieces of jade. Blood ran dark and free down her chest to stain the creamy fur as she held out the gem to him in silent offering.
He laughed softly then, a measure of his dark humor restored as he took the stone in a mighty hand. Lifting it to his lips, he breathed out a thin wisp of essence that blurred the edges of the stone and slowly reshaped it, a tiny silver bell left resting in its place. The arm that encircled her now lifted its hand to steady her as he sat up in the confines of the chair. His fingers were almost tender as they hooked the bell upon the ring at her throat, giving it a soft flick to make it chime. "My gift to you, Little One. Return to your other world and bring back what is mine." His words were softly spoken, but the threat was all too clear. A pat of his hand to her rump and he shifted to let her drop from his leg. The interview was over and he turned now to summon the twin blondes once more.
She landed gracefully upon her feet, a bow of her head and press of her ears offered in deference though his attentions were no longer upon her. Ever-changeable. Around them the host relaxed, conversation resuming in hushed tones. She had avoided destruction this time, but how long would she remain in his favor? Shorn head held high, she moved wordlessly through the host that parted now to avoid the taint of her humiliation. With each step the bell chimed softly, a reminder of his wrath. The Gatekeepers had sensed her approach, for the doors stood open wide for her escape. She nodded her formal thanks to them, thoughts turned carefully upon lighter subjects to avoid any further confrontation. She retraced her steps down the hallway, summoning the elevator with the press of a blooded finger.
As she waited she took stock of herself in the mirrored doors. She felt strange without her hair, naked and unbalanced. It was unlikely it would grow back anytime soon. The wound at her neck might heal in time, but it would take a great deal of cunning and luck to replace the stone. Some wounds and alterations she could control by force of will, but this was very different. Her Prince had done this to her. As his servitor, only he or another Prince could undo what had been done. Pride kept her from running her fingers through the shorn locks where anyone else might see. There would be time to rue the loss and try to make repairs when she was safely back in her chosen plane. She squared her shoulders as the elevator bell chimed, the wicked smile curling once more upon lips of wine for the bellboy who awaited her.