looking for heaven found the devil in me; lagertha

[Rodrik]

A crown meant nothing to him now. Rodrik had once believed the symbol of a crown meant everything to ensure what you wanted would be given and done with. However, through his power-hungry nature, he had found out it was not the hard way. The crown he had adorned during his ruling in the Chamber had merely been a stepping stone and was beyond what he was capable of now. It was perhaps kind to thank his now queenly daughter, Straia, for overthrowing him and letting him discover his full potential, but he would never do that. It was out of his very nature to thank anyone for their “kindness” and truly Straia’s intentions had not been. It was her selfish nature and so called “loyalty” to the kingdom that she used for an excuse. He, however, honestly had never had a strong dedication towards the Chamber as his daughter did. Rodrik has always been selfish and ready to use full force with what he wanted. And this time was no different. It is the very carving of the red devil now that comes prepared to the sister’s kingdom. A place he knows surely can provide him with what he wants and desires. However, Rodrik is no fool in the matter that such prices for what he wants will be handed over willingly. It was a task he knows he is prepared for because instinct drives him forward and there is no consequence personally he takes for the price of filling his hungry that rumbles in his soul and drives him forward at full speed. So, it is no surprise when the creature of the night equips himself with his own armor at the sound of pounding hooves. He pushes the poison into his blood, where the blood reaches to every inch of his body. The poison seeps through the skin and through the pores of his skin, latching onto his decomposing body. If it was death the approaching horse meant for Rodrik then it was death they would get. He did not fear that he would lose on this matter. After all, he was the devil and killing something that is simply already dead seemed to be entirely impossible to do. When the possessor of the pounding hooves bursts through the dappled brush, he lunges forward and bares his teeth in defense at the mare. He can feel the poison pumping through his veins, seeping through the pores on his skin, and the adrenaline rising. Rodrik has never faltered away from a battle at hand – he was a warrior, trained by the best in Beqanna just as Lagertha was. However, Rodrik is quick to notice this mare is not a foe of his. He never forgets a face because he simply knows someday there will be a use for all the others he meets. And today was that day. “Lagertha!” His raspy voice roars loudly, like a lion in the jungle. It has been years since he has seen the solider mare. He recalls their brief meeting quickly in the Meadow. Lagertha’s words that day to the once king ring clear in his head. And he cannot help smirk at her now, a gruesome smirk crawling its way across his torn, decomposing lips. Rodrik has heard the rumors of her being crowned years ago; no doubt she would strut herself in all her glory at the truth in her worlds all of those years ago.

Rodrik

angels banished from heaven have no choice but to become devils

character info: here | character reference: here | image © uribaani