When I was to retrieve the seal of Dominion to restore Equilira , I was glad , in the sense that I get to see her . A part of me was curious as how to that hooded figure runs her estate or rather domain. So I wanted to see it for myself and just like that , I jumped the gun . The Equilira needed the seals - of Dominion and Zenthaea.
It was both a need and a pretense to see the mysterious lady in cloak. An unanswered curiosity.
I already had the seal of Zenthaea given I have the blue blood coursing through my veins , thanks to Divine Cosmos . But for Dominion , it presented me with the chance to interact with The Architect herself .
When I arrived at the junction , to teleport to Dominion , beyond the purple transient gate , I could see rough terrain of cliffs and hills ranging the area , paving way for The Dominion . Beautiful purple gems of flowers lined the way , emanating the sweetest of perfume I've ever known in the past week I ventured . But being the creator myself , I was well aware of the trap to lure intruders in . So of course I had to conceal my appearance .
I was expecting a grand watchtower , with burly men guarding it , standing guard with swords and shields , while some men guard the transient entrance with wide shoulders and experienced stance while the castellions were lit with fire , or maybe a map or two hanging on the wall to keep watch over . A few monster carcasses lining up the pavement or perhaps castle walls gore with skulls as decoration . Or maybe she would even design portals to keep watch over every land - like a …
A Hawk .
It would be certainly interesting Astraea .
And yes . She didn't fail to amuse me . But this is not what I expected to see.
A few big , burly shadow men with their sneaky serpents or geckos as pets hovered around the land , on other side of transient purple gate clearing the landscape like children on school service duty loitering around wiping clean the flame glasses. The watch tower was spotless , with elitely decorated lampworks off blue flames of sapphire stone amidst the obsidian building .
Obsidian.
Noted.
Walking further one could see the estate with manors and houses alike - ah….probably wealth here was playing the karmic works . So greater the righteous deeds , more the wealth . Nice. His lips twitched with anticipation and a deemed satisfaction - being the Harmonizer.
The buildings were of different arcana stones - blue , intense ombre , some even yellow , beautifully paired with garden full of gemstone like - fruits hanging on the trees and flowers that bloomed like brightest of jewels . Guess even the Architect of Ruins has some tastes after all. At least the Land itself doesn't look out of a black and white picture book. The path to the Celestial Hall of Dominion was still…a bit dusty though the surroundings were cleared quite well - so state before her …I see.
How thoughtful . I couldn't help but let a sneer plaster my lips . Have seen many rulers starting off great but ending tragically . Shall we see if she is any different ?
As I walked past the grand entrance to the castle , a shadow flew right across me to the main building ,
Ah…so that's the ruler's lair. He scoffed .
Walking past all the guards who watched with bewildered eyes , the presence of such enchanting yet hauntingly handsome being , made Aethereus sure their queen has an eye for aesthetic. He was enjoying the flaunting attention he received . And upon the entrance of castle , a guard walked him to the entrance of Hall of Dominion - the grand Throne room.
Oh...
Guess they can see me. That's going to be complicated. I hoped to catch the Architect off-guard.
Tracing his fingers slowly over the embroidered majestic door of the throne room carved off of celestial dark pine woods , he was intrigued to know about the interior . So he trotted around the throne room , judging the remnants of gory black gooey fluid dripping of off the pillars of the majestic hall , albeit remnants but he couldn't help but scrunch his nose at the dust and gore that remained in traces.
"State your business , Ruler of Equilira ."
"Ah…formal much huh ?" - he heaved a sigh in mocking. He wasn't completely caught in surprise - but still her voice did outrange him a bit.
"…"
He started to mount the spiral of stairs leading to the throne atop , slowly while holding his gaze on the hooded figure - as if he could see through the hood - even though he couldn't .
"I don't presume we are close enough to drop the honorifics ."
"Ah…I see, then forgive me Your Majesty- he reached the top , bowing slightly before her , before slowly taking her hand - Lord of Equilira , Aethereus de Aeternitus offers you his greetings ." - he finished off before kissing the back of her palm.
"…"
"What ? Was the formality not to your liking ? Should I re-enact the scene My Lord ? It would be my honour of course." - He scoffed mockingly at the end.
"…"
"Go ahead , if you wish to join my collections of pretty things in The Dominion Hall of Art ." - her lips stretched in a sneering smirk.
Expected to be captivated , rather when met with sneer , Aethereus was no less than intrigued. He wanted to unfurl the cape blocking his view of her , but he knew all too well that could really end him up in her precious Hall of Arts . So all he did was scrunt his eyes and try to imagine her expressions with his hands itching to lift the hood separating them. Clenching his fist to not let his impulses get better of him , he tucked them together behind while he stood mindfully of his manners as his cloak loitered behind him regally , elucidating the even , toned muscled shoulders.
"Hahaha ! Didn't you like formalities Your Majesty ?" - he said , now pacing back and forth as he crossed his arms .
"Well so I do as much …as I hate being touched by arbitrary vermins."
"Vermins…then I must be the most elegant and handsome vermin of all wouldn't you agree ?"- He hovered over her, his body forming an arch of quiet intensity
"Ah…My mistake . Yes. Surely the most beautiful rodent around , trespassing others land uninvited , very deserving to be in collection of Hall of Arts."- as she grabbed his jaw pulling him by his collar , before forcefully pushing his jaw back , throwing him off balance - to balance which he swiftly had to lunch down the stairs.
"Now , that's where you look even prettier ." - Garnet and Amethyst let out a guttural remark in satisfaction , while popping from behind the throne.
The dimly lit hall , echoed with laughter , as Aethereus finally stopped his act. He inspected the hall after being caught off guard by Garnet and Amethyst , for any more surprises.
"I'm sure I don't pay you to inspect my domain , do I ? And don't mistake yourself as one of Aeternitus. Don't.Ever."
He audibly gulped , his eyes now focused before let out a laugh followed by a clap.
"I like it . Truly. Admirable."- he commented amused by The Architect , while catching his breath as his eyebrows twitched from the close escape.
Closely followed with her laughter in the hall , a faint smell of lilies and jasmine with rosy notes aired the hall , as she rose from her throne , with her hands swirling around in air playing with the brilliant gem like flowers wrapped around her black gloves.
"State your business and I won't repeat thrice . I'd feed you to Umbrasilk instead Oh...or maybe your torso would make a nice human canopy , seeing how you like to hunch so much ?." - she replied sternly , with hint of threat dripping at end with a nasty smile playing her lips as her boots clacked through the marble stairs she walked on , contrasting the clunk of her spears dragging along . Aethereus backed up a little , his heels clacking along hers....
A hauntingly beautiful smile...
Lethal.
Something that sends shivers down your spine....