alistairhunter

[alistairhunter]

Of course he sounded exhausted. Days spent combing through rubble, side streets, and alleyways would do that. It wasn’t a surprise to Alistair—he probably looked just as worn. But he couldn’t show it. Not yet. Not until he was ready to claim the responsibility that came with his connection to the Lightless.

So he fell in step behind Leto with a quiet breath, the dogs trailing close behind. “Maybe they’ll get lucky,” he said. “Maybe their owners are still around to pick them up.” Unlikely—but hope was stubborn like that.

He sighed and dragged a hand down his face, as if that could somehow wipe the fatigue away. “Been doing a lot of digging. Tracking scents. I’ve got a sharp eye—one of the few military skills I still bother using. Helps when it comes to finding survivors.”

Or bodies. But Alistair didn’t say that. Too many had already been lost, one way or another.

His people were still scrambling. Trying to stay strong, hold the line, spin excuses for why a certain leader hadn’t returned. Alistair shrugged. “Clients are mostly fine. A few I haven’t heard from. But... I’ve got a friend missing out there. Still looking. Still hoping. Same as a lot of folks, I guess.”

Leto has been keeping his head up high, but also ignoring the many signs of his struggling relationship with his boyfriend. He knows something is bothering Levi, but so far, trying to bring up the subject has been unsuccessful. The werejaguar-shifter mix doesn't want to force his boyfriend into a corner, so he pretends that everything is alright. It's easier to do when he's at work, taking care of animals and to deal with the damages. It's not too bad, but he'll use it as an excuse to make some new installations and just make sure to add wards. It hadn't been part of his plans initially, but now, it's no longer an option.

He's going around, checking on everyone and the animals when he sees Alistair coming his way with three strays following him closely. He smiles back, years as an Underboss has made it easy for Leto to paint different emotions on his face. The only person he cannot convince of those lies is his father—in his defense, Suresh can read emotions.

"Never." He comes closer. He's used to be around animals and extremely familiar with their behaviors. "Of course! They're more than welcome. We'll put them in isolation first, then will gradually put them with the others." He says before indicating for Alistair to follow him. "You sound exhausted. And I won't say no to you coming around if needed. How are people on your side?" He means the shifter's business and the people Alistair cares about.

[alistairhunter]

@undead-jude

The park in New Orleans was quiet, save for the rustling of trees and the occasional murmur of passing conversations. It was the kind of place where people sought solace—fitting, considering what Alistair had come for.

He had known of the priest before. He had even attended some of the sermons at the church, which was why he felt most comfortable approaching the man. Someone he could bet on, someone he could hope would see reason. Even if the man had left the life of a priest behind to become one of the Deathrunners, this was still Alistair’s best chance to speak to someone before outing himself. A controlled, calm conversation—especially considering Callum hadn’t left behind many friends for Alistair to turn to. That, in his eyes, had always been his father’s greatest flaw.

Spotting the man ahead, Alistair adjusted his stride, stepping forward with measured intent. "Father Jude, right?" he asked as he approached. "Sorry, I just... used to attend some of your sermons. Is that what I should still call you?" His brow furrowed slightly. He wasn’t sure what a former priest was supposed to be called, honestly.

[alistairhunter]

@sanguisxferox

Searching for animals in the aftermath provided the perfect cover for searching for Callum. Sifting through wreckage, asking questions—no one thought twice about the animal trainer, which was exactly what he wanted. But he couldn't just ignore the animals he found along the way. That was what led him to the sanctuary.

Three stray dogs followed behind him, the ones with no home left to return to. Others had been found, but they weren’t ready yet to seek shelter elsewhere. These three, however, had nowhere else to go.

Alistair had heard about the damage to the sanctuary, but he hoped it wasn’t too severe. After getting directions to the owner, he approached, the strays trailing close. Despite the weight on his shoulders, he managed a small smile.

"I hope you don’t mind," he said, his voice easy but edged with exhaustion. "Found these guys while working through a damaged apartment. They, uh... they need a place to stay." He glanced back at the tiny pack, then gestured to the largest—a wary German Shepherd. "That one's especially skittish. I could drop by for some soothing sessions if you think it’d help. I'd avoid shifting in front of him though if I were you."

[alistairhunter]

Name: Alistair "Al" Hunter (Loughty) Alias: Hellhound Age: 42 Species: Shapeshifter (Dog) Deity: Goddess of Death Gender, Pronouns, Sexual & Romantic Identities: Male, he/him, heteroromantic, heterosexual Residence / Years: 10 years Affiliation / Years: Lightless, 8 years Job / Workplace: Lightless Underboss; Private animal trainer Relationship Status: Divorced Positive Traits: Temperate, enduring, tactical, diplomatic Negative Traits: Conflicted, territorial, distrustful, fatalistic

Alistair Loughty was born from a brief but intense romance between Abigail Hunter, an American woman, and Callum Loughty, a Scotsman. Raised in the U.S. by his mother, Alistair was never fully estranged from his father—they exchanged letters and occasional phone calls—but the distance, both physical and emotional, left its mark.

Abigail was human and unprepared for the supernatural reality of her son. The first time Alistair shifted, she was horrified. Their relationship became strained, and though she never abandoned him, there was always a lingering sense of unease between them. Meanwhile, his father remained an enigmatic figure overseas, unreachable beyond words on a page. With no real sense of belonging, Alistair grew into a quiet, withdrawn child, preferring books, puzzles, and solitude over companionship.

Seeking purpose, Alistair enlisted in the military a year after high school, believing—perhaps naively—that he could make the world a better place. Instead, war revealed its brutal truths. The battlefield was not a place of honor, but of survival, death, and disillusionment. He adapted quickly, becoming a sniper, coldly efficient in his role. His shapeshifting abilities earned him the grim nickname "Hellhound"—both for his unnatural tracking skills and for the bodies he left in his wake, “sending souls to hell.”

What began as duty eroded into routine, then numbness. Alistair stopped questioning the morality of his orders; he simply followed them. But war takes its toll on even the hardest of men. When his service finally ended, he was discharged with honors—but honor meant little to him anymore. It was ironic—unbeknownst to them, they had given him the same name his father once bore.

During his years in the military, Alistair briefly married a woman named Evelyn, someone who had seen past the hardened soldier to the man underneath. Their connection was real, built on fleeting moments of warmth amidst the chaos of war. But war does not allow for permanence. The distance, the unpredictability, and the demons that followed him home became an unbearable weight on their marriage. Alistair, struggling with PTSD and unable to truly be present, watched as their bond frayed. In the end, Evelyn left—not out of hatred, but out of necessity, knowing that love alone could not mend the wounds war had carved into him. By the time he was discharged, the divorce was finalized, leaving behind only the ghost of what could have been.

Wanting a quieter life, Alistair settled in New Orleans, using his abilities in a way that felt less destructive. As a private animal trainer, he found success—his supernatural connection with animals giving him an uncanny edge. His reputation grew, drawing in clients who sought his expertise.

But peace was short-lived.

Only a year into his new life, his past came knocking in the form of Callum Loughty—his father, and the leader of the Lightless, a feared and secretive criminal organization devoted to their Goddess of Death. It was the first time they had met in person.

There was distance between them, a natural consequence of lost years, but also undeniable recognition. Callum saw something in his son, something worthy of more than a quiet life among animals. He offered him a place in the Lightless. Not at the bottom, but not at the top either—he would earn his way up, step by step, under Callum’s guidance.

Whether it was blood loyalty, curiosity, or fate that pulled Alistair into the underworld, he took the offer. Over the next eight years, he carved out his place in the organization, gaining the rank of Underboss. Yet his identity as Callum’s son remained a well-kept secret, even within the Lightless itself, as his father groomed him to lead. However, in the wake of Callum's absence, he is left wondering if that's what he really wants.

[alistairhunter]

Of course it would be Corvinus to turn attention on him when Callum hadnt done anything. One fib compared to the many Corvinus had been teling didn't mean anything. "I'm not hiding anything. I'm just not the focus of this meeting. My business is my business." He did shoot a glare at the mention of a journal. He had one as well but with significant more. "And you'll keep the fucking journal to yourself, thank you. Not that anyone should trust anything he's written anyways." Or any of the prett words he spoke afterwards to explain himself.

He watched as Suresh was quick to leave and a scoff left him. So the naga was allowed to storm out but he hadn't been expected to. "And he says I'm immature." Callum stood himself, adjusting his blazer. "I don't have anything to say except the desire for you," he pointed to Corvinus, "To get the fuck out of the city. Entirely. And you can take your little group with you." That was all he had to say, heading for the door as well.

@silveredlies

It was pretty clear pretty quick that this meeting was going nowhere. There were too many angry parties, too much age old resent and new. Trust was broken and no one could afford to believe they were being fed the truth anymore. Mathias held no opinion on Corvinus or the Nameless, despite Suresh and Callum coming to him about them beforehand. So far, they hadn't messed with the Deathrunners, which meant Mathias had no issue with them. So he was mostly at the meeting to observe everyone else's reaction. He propped his chin up on his hand, entertained by what was happening in front of him. "Corvinus the kind of fun I want with you isn't like that. I'm more interested in how fast you heal. Callum made it seem like it was something to behold. Should we test it out together?" Callum's threat didn't go unnoticed either, and Mathias gave him his full attention, "No, I'm sure I don't heal as quick. But go ahead and kill me Callum, let's see what happens".

If there was anything that the Lightless Emissary was right about, it was how Mathias preferred to let the others fight it out while he watched. There would be no gang war unless someone lit the match. "It's obvious why he's refusing. He has secrets he doesn't wish to share. Really, I think this is all something that should be settled between them. Whoever wins gets a place in the city".

His eyes flickered over to the corpse against the wall, making eye contact with it. Territory disputes were a hit or miss topic for Mathias. While it sucked to lose land, like Suresh and the Lotus Eaters, he also didn't really need a lot of territory. As long as people kept dying, Mathias would have his masses. But he was allied with the Lotus Eaters and he made promises to be at Suresh's side if a battle broke out over territory lines. As the naga left, Mathias watched him leave. Being left with two old beings, one a stick in the mud and the other a snake in the grass. Suresh sure was trusting of Mathias if he left him in this situation.

"Well it seems the meeting is coming to a close, unless there's more you two wish to share. Or better yet, if you wish to continue where you left off from your past, go for it. I think blood shed during meetings make them more exciting".

@callumloughty

[alistairhunter]

First it was the naga dismissing his concerns. Then the overall disrespect of the necromancer. Now he had the blood witch as the Nameless provoking him. A low growl came from the back of his throat like a dog as he looked them over but he didnt move or not yet. "First of all it's Loughty. And I'll have some fucking respect," his eyes moved to Mathias, "Or I'll sink my teeth into your throat. And I don't think you heal quite as quick as the little blood witch." And hopefully that was all he had to say on the matter.

Back to Corvinus. He glared at him from across the table and resisted every urge to not shift in that moment and have a second try. But it hadn't ended well before. He addressed Suresh. "The Lightless doesn't care to answer. My past doesn't belong on the table. Let's just move on to actual business." And hopefully put the whole matter to bed before they started digging further. He slowly took a seat again but he was far more tense now. "I want to request we move on to the games O'Caomhain as been playing and the purpose behind them"

@silveredlies

Mathias was beyond amused at the situation that played out in front of him. Even more so when he saw how it got on Callum's nerves. The amusement remained even as his own secret was revealed. There was no point in hiding it now, so Mathias let his laughter die winked at the blood witch, "It's not my fault you didn't think to ask better questions. But it does tickle me that I tricked you. And we can still have fun, handsome". The corpse stood up and pulled the chair out for Mathias as he spoke. He moved from the wall and took a seat next to Suresh, eyeing Callum now and sending the corpse to the spot on the wall Mathias had been

"Don't worry Callum, I already think you look like a fucking idiot. Sound like you're a little jealous though. The offer still stands for us to fuck, baby, just say the word". Childish as always, but Mathias wasn't going to be thrown into the slander. All of them had the wool pulled over their eyes, and they were all to blame for this. A rain stormed surged outside and Mathias could tell Suresh wasn't happy. He smiled at the naga, then let his own powers become more present. Rot and decay swarmed around him. It was a pissing contest certainly, a game of chicken to see who would make the first move.

They were all liars in their own right, it came with being a gang leader. Mathias was curious about Callum and Corvinus' background, especially now that it seemed he was given half truths.

@callumloughty

[alistairhunter]

Callum's eyes narrowed when Corvinus stepped inside but quickly darted back to the door. No one else entered. No one else was coming. It was clicking in to place and Callum's hand on the table curled into a fist with his eyes back on the witch. It was all just games, smoke and mirrors, the same as it always was when it came to him. Like they were nothing more than playthings for his old amusement. There was every desire to shift and see just how well he would heal from a ripped out throat like they hadn't been down that road before. And the laughter of Mathias only grated on his nerves even more.

"Right," he spoke finally before standing up, "I'm not going to be made to look like a fucking idiot. Though maybe next time, youll listen to me when I tell you it doesn't smell right. Perhaps you two should have spent more time trying to kill the witch and less time getting fucked by him." He had said the witch was up to no good but they hadn't listened. Hounds had a good instinct about these things. "And let me just say: I was right. He should have been your bigger concern but you're getting soft, Lal."

@silveredlies

Once the corpse was in place, Mathias moved towards the wall, trying to seem as if he wanted to stay out of the general discussion. The comment from Callum didn't go unnoticed, and he made the body blow a kiss to the shifter. If it were any other meeting, perhaps Mathias would respond verbally, but he needed to focus on controlling his body double.

Time went on, and as they waited Mathias decided to close his eyes. Perhaps this was a trap and all of them fell for it. Or maybe there was something more sinister at foot. Both of those possibilities still hung over his head as Corvinus stepped into the room. Mathias opened his eyes to watch as the blood witch made his way in. His eyes flickered between Suresh and Corvinus, then Callum and Corvinus, then Callum and Suresh. Realization settled in. Oh. This was great.

They were both wrong and right at the same time, and it tickled Mathias to the point where he couldn't contain himself. The corpse let out a laugh, sounding more like a death rattle, before Mathias began to laugh as well. Hard. The blood witch was sly. Sly enough to convince Suresh and Callum they were fighting different fights when in reality it was the same.

@callumloughty

[alistairhunter]

The shapeshifter did not want to be there. He would rather be anywhere else. Sitting down he tapped on the table to show his irritation. Over and over again. Callum didn't want to be stuck in the same room as both the Nameless leader and fucking O'Caomhain. "I'm going to expect compensation when it turns out I'm fucking right Lal." It was just a waste of time and another manipulation of the blood witch. To have them all gathered in one place was the prime grounds for a trap. He had warned Suresh about the irishman hunting and he had cast a perfect lure. But the stench in the room wasn't exactly helpful for the scent of a canine.

He looked to Mathias with a deep disgust in his eyes. "I also can't get over the fucking stench of rot.I'm honestly trying to determine where it's coming from." Maybe the corpse or maybe the rot of Mathias. He wasn't sure but it was bitter in the air.

@silveredlies

The calling of all the leaders was expected and yet still odd to Mathias. He had wondered what was so important that it involved all of them to be in the same building, then Suresh told him that the Nameless leader would be there. The necromancer was intrigued by that for sure. While he had no issues with the Nameless currently, getting his eyes on their leader would be helpful in the end. He had planned to go by himself but when he heard Corvinus was attending as well, Mathias decided to play it safe. His inner circle complained and said it was dumb to go on his own, but Mathias knew he could rely on the other leaders if things did get dodgy and he had a plan to keep himself safe as well. There was a small surgery that involved an eye transplant and a ghostly mouse in the corpse's pocket to listen in. Easy enough.

That was why he was wheeling in a recently deceased corpse, using his magic to puppet it to make it appear alive and well. He was supposed to be the Underboss, and all Underbosses cared for their leaders. He winked at Suresh as he walked in and used his magic to make the corpse speak in a raspy voice, "Smart move. I'm sure this meeting will be exciting".

@callumloughty

[alistairhunter]

Callum had been quiet and allowing the man to tell the story of what had happened. His fingers were tapping on the table with impatience as he waited for it to be over. Clearly nothing was gained and Callum rolled his eyes. "Right let me decide what is and isn't a waste of my time." His irritation was at an all time high. Annoyed and out of patience he looked away from Fior to the table he was sitting. "Lal does us no good. He would just sit back and wait. We need someone else and close to him. Who's his advisor again? We could influence him to push Lal in the right direction."

—Inside the Lightless Headquarter (Uptown)

After telling Callum everything that had happened—from the congregation of living and undead alligators and Attano sitting on a throne to greet him to how the necromancer had reacted when he'd tried to make a sincere apology at the end; Fior sits back. Before, he would've kept that personal part of a conversation to himself, but there wouldn't be much sympathy left for the necromancer now. Yes, he still thinks what's being done to the young man is disgusting and inhuman, but Attano has made it clear he gives no fucks anymore and rather spit on Agnès' and their children's graves.

The whole time, Fior sounds detached. "It went as I had expected. I'm glad it was me and not you; it would've been a clear waste of your time. The mention of someone new on the board flew over his head. And since he didn't deny wanting to sit back and let us all fall before taking over, my guess is that whether he knows or not about O'Caomhain, he won't do anything about it." There's a pause before he lets out a humorless laugh—"At one point, I was sure he'd figured out that my request for help in Algiers was just an excuse." After all, his mission had been to figure out if the Deathrunners knew about the Blood witch and if that would be a problem for the Lightless. "At least, now we know for sure there's no alliance possible with the Deathrunners against anything in the city. I think strengthening back our alliance with the Lotus Eaters will be the key against O'Caomhain, the Nameless and fucking Deathrunners." The Lightless needs to fix the mistakes they've made to make sure their alliance doesn't fall apart.

@callumloughty

[alistairhunter]

The Deathrunners and Lightless had never really gotten along with their opposite beliefs. So Mathias's quick decision to help didn't escape Callum's notice. The shifter paused, focus solely on him and silent for a moment. "-You're being unusually cooperative." Of course the Nameless were an issue, the only reason Callum paid them any mind was because of the third leader. Even with there current battles with the mysterious group Callum was dismissive of them. If anything it was to appease Suresh for the moment.

"The Nameless are young. They'll be snuffed out like others before them. So why don't you tell me about your issue that you think is so great? I'd quite like to know my options if we have to pick fights."

"Well it's worth a try anyways". No one was truly immortal, there had to be a gap somewhere in the armor even if it was tiny. Scars could mean anything really. Mathias was covered in them too, some came from mechanical means others were formed from magic. He frowned, "Suresh has his reasons, I'm sure. He let me know that you were worried about this, and it seemed better to fix your issue before focusing on other issues. So you're welcome for that". Even though Mathias would prefer to have everyone eye's on the threat he felt in the air, he knew it wouldn't happen. He'd just have to wait and hope that things would stay calm while everyone else dealt with their problems.

"For the time being I suppose all we can do is wait and see what happens. Maybe he'll leave, maybe he'll stay. Either way, we'll deal with it. Then once we deal with him, we can deal with Suresh's Nameless problem. Then once all of that is done, we can deal with what I think is the real problem, but I won't get into that right now. Deal?".

[alistairhunter]

Callum was already shaking his head at the idea of attacking even with powers. "Seconds. Blink and you'll miss it." But he did recall something when he had shifted back to human and used a knife instead when teeth failed. Scarring where the shirt had ripped. "He has scars though. Deep and nasty. It make you wonder what is powerful enough to scar him like that." Callum had never put much thought in it beliving the witch would stay far away and he had for eighty something years. "You're at least willing to do more about it than Lal."

"Yes, I am aware but again, I didn't know who he was when it happened. And even if I did die, it's not very pressing for me". Death meant ascension and becoming a lich. Mathias laughed, "I know there's more to life than sex, I just happen to enjoy it".

"Do you know how fast he heals? Maybe I can see if I can rot and decay him faster than he heals. It might not kill him but maybe it'll subdue him in some way". He was throwing ideas out but Mathias felt good about that one. "I won't sleep with him again, don't worry. I have my eyes elsewhere".

[alistairhunter]

The shapeshifter had to wonder how many others had tried to handle Corvinus with steady hands. How many were in graves? "He played you," were the first words out of his mouth and rather quickly. "I like to think if he was really a tourist then he would have stayed hidden and you would never know but how could he appeel to you? By pretending he's the same as you. He's a chancer. All charm and smile until you find your throat slit." But clearly the Naga had no interest in hearing his warnings or he would just "handle" Corvinus in his own way. "He let me live because I wasn't worth he time. I couldnt even do much to him. That will change this time. If I werent so sure that the Nameless might try to recruit him, then Id suggest making him a target for them and let take each other out."

Callum often said the same thing. He would die when his god was good and ready to let him and he would accept it with open arms. Death never frightened him and someone else would take up his job. "I think Id go mad if I had another hundred years of this shit. I have always wondered how you stay sane. I'm sure plenty of immortals go crazy seeing so much death and falls."

The smile drew Suresh's focus, curious about it's meaning. Perhaps it was a generational thing? But Suresh often felt that the tone taken by the Lightless leader sounding like a father scolding children. The Naga listened and a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "That was probably the nicest thing you've ever said to me. I might blush." For all of Loughty's bluster that one statement about Suresh's power took the sting out of the rest. Suresh's body language relaxed a little more. It was these small, rare moments that he thought of when telling Mathias that he wouldn't abandon his alliance with the Lightless. And more often the conversations with the Lightlesses Emissary. They strove for balance which was a good group to stay aligned with, even after what they had taken from the Lotus Eaters.

"I think I know where we misunderstood each other. This word unsettled... Corvinus is very powerful and very rare. Which I acknowledge fully makes him very dangerous. This is why I spoke of being cautious. Things like the witch should be approached carefully. I also know he came to me to sound me out. We made an agreement to not use any powers, instead we had a pleasant evening learning a little about the other." Suresh was not going to explain the resonance that existed between himself and the Immortal Witch. But Suresh now realized that what Callum was talking about was a reaction that rarely happened to the ancient snake. But he also understood that someone like Corvinus could be a threat if he wanted to be. Callum just already assumed he was a threat. He was also pleased and calmed to at least hear lip service from Callum that he understood that the Nameless were an issue. And that what worried Suresh would worry Callum. He nodded then asked curiously, "Why do you think he let you live all those years ago?"

He had a feeling he knew what Callum would say about the Deathrunners. This bone deep hatred between the two others. And Suresh often in the middle. He let it rest for the time being. One thing at a time. It was interesting to hear Callum say that perhaps in time Mathias could resurrect Suresh. An admission to powers that would be godly in their scope. Suresh considered making a flippant remark about where his exhaustion often stemmed from these days. "It would be a tempting offer if it meant I could step back into my life and continue to protect my people. But I truly don't know if my God would allow such a thing." Suresh smiled at the thousand years comment. Twice that long at least. Three or four or five... who knew any more? "I will rest when my God allows me to."

[alistairhunter]

"A child?" Callum scoffed but there was a hint of a smile on his face. "Am I not giving you respect now? A man like O'Caomhain, no one could contain him and use him. But I think the only one that could at least subdue him is you. He respects power and you have that." Perhaps his direct manner of speaking had miscontrued his actual meaning. "Use your common fucking sense. In other words if there's someone that can unsettle you then it should unsettle all of us. O'Caomhain should unsettle you or you're a fool. What worries you worries me. The Nameless unsettle you then fine we can discuss that. After we deal with the more immediate threat like someone going around to the leaders. The Nameless are quiet right now but he's making moves." For the time being at least.

Deathrunners and their boy kind or so called based on rumors. He didn't like them. Hated them in fact. "I'll tell them when they're actually interested in a balance. That's the problem. As for the child- maybe in time. But would you want that? Every living creature deserves to rest finally. And you haven't in over a thousand years. You must be tired."

Now Suresh did sigh. He couldn't help it. It was Suresh's own fault. Because in his quest to be the smallest 'problem' he had been too successful. What he was truly capable of, the limits to his abilities, no one knew. Another secret was that deep in his heart he didn't see Callum or Mathias as his true equals. The closest was actually Corvinus, a strange kinship and understanding that he suddenly realized was lacking in the other three gangs. He hadn't realized it until now. He'd been here so long he hadn't noticed it. Suresh under responded to almost everything. Because he found most things like this slightly boring. Another move in a chess game that he felt like he'd already played. Suresh looked at Callum with is gold alien eyes, "Loughty. I know sometimes my face might make you think you can speak to me like I'm a child but I would appreciate a little more consideration than that." He paused, "I don't know how to explain to you any more simply that what you think is a worry and what I think is a worry are vastly different things. And I prefer to be clear in our agreements so you don't later come screaming at me about breaking said agreement. But as you like it, I will use my discrecion and common sense." He lifted his hand and rubbed his temple slowly. "I helped build the muddy little trading post into what it is before you were born. Weathered through floods, fires, fevers, storms, wars... For over three hundred years I have ensured that New Orleans and her people survived."

"Then we must offer him something to keep him out of the shadows shouldn't we?" He paused, "He will see me again. It's just a matter of time. And no that is not me being cocky. You know death. I know desire. Not just sex. But real palpable desire. And Corvinus like any other has things he wants." He drew in a deep breath and let it out, "You have yet to explain to me how you plan to be successful now in killing or harming him when you have just said you failed to do just that when you were younger, stronger and more spry..."

Suresh glanced over at Callum and smiled at him when he said he wanted balance not a war. "Maybe you should tell the Deathrunners that? I'm sure they would be ecstatic."

He looked at Callum's weathered face, admiring the lines and white hair with a little wisp of jealousy. "It's never the time. But it still needs to be said. Thank you." The question about Mathias made Suresh smile sadly, "Do you think he could do it?"

[alistairhunter]

It seemed everyone was ready to sleep with an ancient evil then imediately scold him for not sleeping with anyone. "And have you considered that while you were laying there he could have put a knife in your throat? Maybe fucking smothered you with a pillow?No bodyguard and no protection he made sure you were alone." Like he had told Suresh the blood witch was hunting. Maybe it was just to show he could get them alone if he wanted. "And for fuck's sake you aren't my type anyways. Contrary to what you and Lal believe there is more than just sex."

"I'm working on it." He didn't no or not yet. He was figuring out the best way to make Corvinus leave or entrap him in some way. "But for fuck's sake don't sleep with the witch again. He let you leave once but he might not again. Lal seems confident he can keep the witch busy but he doesn't have my full confidence either."

Mathias stopped abruptly, and again it felt a lot like being lectured by a parent. "Oh my god. You know you're lucky I even call you by your first name to begin with. But fine Loughty you don't need to throw a tantrum over it". Cú sídhe was an interesting word and one Mathias heard Corvinus say. There was definitely more to this than it seemed, so Mathias had to play nice and obedient to get more information.

He really couldn't stop smiling now. Mathias could picture Suresh hearing this rant as well, and wondered how the naga felt about it. "I am able to keep my pants on, I just choose not to. Perhaps you should learn to let it out some. I mean, I'd offer to help you, Loughty, but I feel you might get an aneurism if I started to flirt with you". Call it a need to bring some light to a very dark conversation. Or maybe Mathias just liked to rile the Lightless leader up. Either way, he wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to mess around.

Mathias had to think of all the magics he did know and how maybe they could have come into play to heal wounds that fast. Even his own took some time, and it certainly wasn't pretty. There were species that could, like merfolk, shifters and werewolves, and the undead. All of which he was certain Corvinus wasn't. "I believe we all think our concerns are bigger than each other's. How would you get him out of the city then? It sounds like fighting him isn't going to do much, and clearly he is a very sneaky individual. What if he's actually not looking to leave? What do we do then?"

[alistairhunter]

"Right," he came to a sudden stop, turning to face the young necromancer as his face set into a hard look, "If you want any information, it's Loughty. Not Callum. Not Hound, not fucking cú sídhe, not anything your little snarky mind can come up with. And not just today but every day. we're not close enough for you to use my fucking name and I tell Lal the exact name thing. Are we clear?" He wasn't there to be his friend, he wasn't there to even be allies but the least that could be done was some level of decent respect.

Fuck the hot witch. Callum gave the younger male an increduluos look before rolling his eyes. "Does anyone other than me know how to keep their fucking pants on? Honestly, you see someone attractive and the only thing you can think of is to fuck it? You two need to look into the meaning of a fucking honey trap. If something's too good to be true it usually is." There was absolutely zero self control with the others so how was he even supposed to work with them? "Next thing you'll do is fuck the Nameless leader because he was so "hot". Honestly, the two of you-"

It wasn't his proudest moment when he failed at killing the witch and it had ate at him for years before he had moved on. "A harbinger of death doesn't mean much to the deathless. My teeth in my hound form caught his leg and bit down to the bone. I stabbed him over and over again. He walked away without a limp and without a scratch. If this bigger thing is the Nameless, I'd say O'Caomhain is our bigger problem until he's out of the city or dealt with."

"I've never brought back anyone who didn't want it, Callum. You make it sound like I just go around willy nilly reanimating people". With the exception of one person, Mathias always made sure people wanted the gift of their second life. He wasn't a monster who just went around waking the dead irresponsibly.

Sometimes talking with the other leader felt a lot like being scolded by a disappointing and angry parent. But hearing Callum's reaction to what Suresh did made Mathias crack a smile and laugh. "...Ah based off your reaction, I assume we weren't supposed to fuck the hot witch? This is why you should have came to me sooner, Callum. I probably wouldn't slept with him either...maybe". It was a hard maybe too.

Then Callum said something about killing Corvinus again and that caught Mathias' attention. "Sorry again? You've tired to kill him before? Aren't you like a harbinger of death or something? You're telling me someone as strong as you couldn't kill a blood witch?". Ageless or not, that didn't make a whole lot of sense.

Mathias wasn't sure if he was worried or suspicious, but it seemed like worrying was a good call. "I'll be honest, I'm not sure. I don't know a lot about witches like him so I'm not sure what they are capable of. What I do know is that I'm hearing rumblings of something else that's a lot bigger, and perhaps it he may or may not be involved. It's hard to say. But since both you and Suresh have brought it to my attention, I guess I can be weary".

[alistairhunter]

"Perhaps I should have clarified: I respect my god. I certainly have no care for desire or ones that disrespect the dead by bringing them back. You should consider doing the same before you're struck down for blasphemy." He'd heard the rumors, didn't mean Callum put much stock in it or found the idea believeable. Until there was truth it was only gossip and Callum had no time for gossip. Not at the moment maybe he could come back to it at a later time.

He had met Mathias. Suresh. Callum. "It doesn't matter if he knew it just matters that he got to you. He fucking fucked Lal. Guards down, no backup, no people around. Lal won't admit it likely but it was a vulnerable position. He may not have tried anything but he showed he has the full capability to if he wants to." It was a weak spot now and one he had exploited. Perhaps just to show he could or perhaps there was a greater scheme. "He aproached me in public. Probably knew I'd try to kill him again if he went about it any other way."

Callum didn't believe for a second that he was at fault for the appearance of Corvinus. If that were the case then he wouldn't have bothered with the others. There would be no point in luring them out. "I think it's coincidense. It's been 80 years so there's no need to come after me now. He also wouldn't come talk to me, that was goading me. I told Lal he's up to something but he doesn't seem worried. Are you?"

Mathias clenched his jaw, "Didn't you hear, Callum? I might find myself among those gods you respect. Soon you might have to offer me the same". He had to calm down or this conversation would get nowhere. Yes, Mathias did disrespect corpses in some ways, but it was out of the goodness of his heart. Death was so boring and halting. He gave people a second life. How bad could that possibly be?

So Fior made the choice to see Mathias, that was interesting. And suddenly everything became a lot more clear. It was bullshit and misunderstandings. And of course Callum knew of Corvinus, that much Mathias expected. "I have, although I'm certain he wasn't aware of who I was. Most likely thought I was just some necromancer underling who associated with the Deathrunners. And I wasn't aware of him until after I met him".

Suresh told Mathias that powerful creatures sought out other powerful creatures, and even though Corvinus said he was just a tourist it didn't sit right with Mathias. Why not just keep to himself during his short time in the city and then leave in the shadows. That was what Mathias would have done.

"Is it coincidence that he's here, or does your dispute have something to do with it?"

[alistairhunter]

The threat of waking the dead wasn't his current fear so Callum wasn't about to stoop to the level of the child. He felt the powers fade away in the air and that way enough for him. "Some of us have respect for the gods. After all, I'd be dead without mine and you'd be a nobody on the streets, left to rot just like the corpses you like to disrespect." He wasn't really an insult but an observation Callum made. He was well passed the age of most mortals with few exception and should have already been in the ground if not for his goddess.

So Suresh had been talking to him which was the last thing Callum wanted. There was no need for them to know that there was a way for immortality. As he walked Callum didn't so much as glance at the necromancer. "I was going to see you myself. Fior thought it best he intervene. He was supposed to see if you knew of O'Caomhain." What a fat fucking good job he had done about it. "We've had- well, we've had a particularly nasty interaction in the past. Territorial dispute with Ireland and Scotland." Bullshit but it was the story he was sticking with for now.

"Have you met the witch?"

Mathias turned on his heels as he heard Callum behind him. Sneaky old man. He smiled big at the shifter, "Says the one who smells like old dog. But I'm not here to discuss each other's stench". Somewhere in the city, there were people who were quite stressed over this situation. There was a reason why a mediator was needed most of the time. Mathias wasn't one to back down from an attack, barking back even if it appeared childish at the time.

"I never took you for a holy man, Callum. Are you afraid I'll wake your dead and turn them into an army? It sure is tempting" He reeled his powers back in and followed the other leader. A cemetery was an interesting choice for an HQ. So surrounded by death, so incredibly depressing. At least the church was surrounded by life and nature, and not concrete and headstones.

"You know, I always pictured the day the Lightless would ask for an alliance with the Deathrunners to be a glorious day. But instead I got an old fish coming to my church to ask for help in Algiers against a nameless threat. You couldn't even make the effort to face me yourself, like I have today". He watched Callum carefully, "And then, I hear from Suresh that oh there's someone else to worry about. A potential threat that I somehow was the last the learn about. So my question is, was the Algiers thing legit, or was that a load of shit you conjured up as a distraction?"