[Edel PRP] - The Laws of Nature

[SkieBorne]

Glyph's smile broadened and a faint tinge of blush darkened his cheeks for a moment before he replied, "I... thank-you Judgement. You flatter me." Inhaling, he coughed slightly and turned his gaze elsewhere, thoughtful, "I think perhaps you should engage in diplomacy with the glass workers, that is, after all, your strong point. Eloquence and straightforward requests are called for and I do believe they respond best to a patron of society then to a rambling facet of nature." He smirked and laughed softly.

[Mouse Pachinkorelli]

From his corner of their mindscape, David audibly gagged. Augh, I think he's starting to have a crush on you, man... could you, like, please back the ******** off so you don't start sucking face with another guy in my body?

Truth be told, Glaucon had a strange appreciation for nature he was just now refamiliarizing himself with thanks to Forest, but that was neither here nor there. They had matters to attend to.

"Of course," he replied, giving a slow and emphatic nod, "it would be my pleasure to do business with these mortals. As much as you relish witnessing the revitalization of nature, I too would be glad to be within my element."

[SkieBorne]

While Glyph wasn't developing a crush on Judgement, he was rather fond of his comrade. After all, awakening to a world in turmoil and being tossed together and then thrown into a desperate quest to do something to ease the crisis does allow for some semblance of camaraderie to develop. Besides... Glaucon was very good at giving compliments... was it such a bad thing to appreciate them?

No... but I'd really rather not die with the image of my body getting close and personal with David's Malh'reth broke into Glyph's thoughts with a smirk, Who knew you were susceptible to flattery o mighty forest!

Glyph's brow furrowed, And what is wrong with that? I am not a vain creature but I can, and do, enjoy a compliment.

Or three, Malh'reth quipped.

His answer was a scoff as the god returned his attention to Glaucon, "Perhaps they will not be so stubborn this time around. Their time at the Pantheon should have made the gods a reality for them." Forest nodded as he swept a hand out in a loose gesture as they meandered back towards the Pantheon, "I wish not to tread where Judgement rules. I only hope we have the supplies to build a furnace or forge..."

[Mouse Pachinkorelli]

Say what you will, but the forces of Nature do need to be treated with the respect they deserve, Glaucon was arguing, in tandem with Glyph's scuffle with his own host. I do not see why it should not start with me.

Whaaatever, dude, David chuckled, giving the impression of a dismissive wave. Flirt all you want. Just don't let it get physical, okay?

Soon the two gods and their hosts reached the pleasant open space of the orator's walk, where several mortals and Aoidei were scattered, some loosely bunched into groups and others simply lounging alone on the smooth stone. It was a pleasant atmosphere to be in, or so Judgment thought: people gathered around the ornamental pillars, free to speak and debate at their leisure, the very grassroots of a new society.

"Such bright faces..." he observed, raising his voice so it would catch across the crowd, "So at ease, filled with hope. The gods are truly blessed to have people such as these in their following. If my own followers end up being anything like these, then I will have nothing to fear for my future."

His words ended up turning a head or two-- good, he'd succeeded. One of them turned fully around, and, sitting up straight, asked, "You're one of them, then? A... a god?"

Glaucon answered with a slow nod. "I am. As is my companion here, recently returned to this world through the grace of mortal bodies such as your own. I am Glaucon, Lord of Judgment, and he is Glyph of the Forest. Might we trouble you with a question?"

"Yeah..." the man answered, looking as if he wasn't sure whether to bow or do something else, and ended up standing up straight. "I don't know if you're for real, but you guys seem okay anyway. What do you need?"

"We are looking for some people who hail from a land called Baadris... they're very ornately dressed, the women often wear glass wings. Would you happen to know where they are?"

"Baadris?" He scratched his head in thought. "I think... yeah, the glass people, you mean?" After being confirmed with a nod, he continued, "Yeah, I've seen some people like that. There's a lot of them up in the apartments Harmodius made. It'll probably be your best bet to look there."

[SkieBorne]

Glyph walked alongside Glaucon as they meandered through the gathered mortals, pleased by the relative calm that had replaced the uncertainty that had clung to them mere weeks before. While Glaucon caught the attention of some, Glyph returned those looks with smiles and nods, moving away to speak with a few only to hear Judgemen introduce them.

Making his way back, he noted the location the man gave them,"Thank-you. Shall we?" Bowing, Glyph stepped back and began to move towards where the Baadris people were supposedly located. With any luck, they were still there.

--------------

Meanwhile, Aelondrael had made her way to the Pantheon and was already helping the other Aoidei gather up the glass. Leading the way, she carried a couple bins of glass shards with such a formal air about her that it made both Aisling and Natasha smile in amusement. The pair of demonesses followed behind, bearing their own bins of glass.

"Where are we supposed to be taking these?" Natasha asked as she glanced around and did not find Glyph.

"The notice board would be best. I do not know where Lord Glyph wishes to begin this undertaking but pausing in a public area is the most logical thing to do, yes?" Aelondrael responded without looking back, intent on the task at hand.

"I... see. Alright then. After it's brought down, I'll go find him then."

The answering nod was enough for both and they settled into comfortable silence.

[Cinderfae]

Karaskis walked along looking over the various changes, still at times almost in shock. Cinder remembered when the pantheon had looked like a shop...but then Destruction's reign came and the changes started. It seems so long ago and at the same time not all that long at all... She still hadn't bothered with having shoes made, the slight chill of the walkway didn't bother her however. She was clothed simply in a dark blue wrap with gold accents, Siddhi had helped her with putting it on earlier to it hung like a sari.

Pausing the goddess scanned over the nearby area her eyes settling on a gathering of aoidei, normally she likely wouldn't have taken much notice of them but they were all carrying what appeared to be bins full of glass. Likely some project or another of one of the other gods, she was about to continue on when she noted where they were heading. The noticeboard...she had almost forgotten about it in all the change that had happened after the ceremony. Considering that someone might have added something there Karaskis made her way over to the board, stepping closer to the aoidei she smiled, "greetings."

[Mouse Pachinkorelli]

It thankfully only took a handful of steps into the proper hallway before the two gods could spot the people they were looking for - they might have been away from their home, but it didn't change their manner of dress one bit. Several were milling about doing household busywork, carrying in laundry and passing around plates of steamed fish that had probably been caught from the small streams outside. When Glaucon and Glyph's footsteps reached their ears, it had the effect of halting most of that activity - they were familiar faces to them, after all.

A couple of youths with free hands even nervously bowed to them, after a moment of hesitation and exchanged glances.

"Greetings," the Judge started, with a small polite bow over his walking stick. "I suppose we require no introduction. Allow me at first to apologize for your current state of affairs... this transition must have been unexpected for some of you, and I hope you are faring well here in the house of the gods. If you feel it is my place to ask, are any of your glassworkers available for a commission?"

[SkieBorne]

From the nervous youths a few stepped forward and from their confident gait, Glyph suspected they were well used to the gods. One, a woman with delicate glass hoops hanging from her ears greeted them formally before continuing, "Yes, my Lord. But... if I might ask, what do you plan for them to work with? The land is raw yet... basic materials have been difficult to find and we are more used to an environment of sand then we are of forest. Wood is too precious to waste needlessly."

Glyph smiled at that and nodded, "We have materials for you and are willing to help build the items neccessary if you require something like a forge. You can forge new glass from old, correct?"

The man standing beside her nodded, "We can... so long as the source material is of high enough quality."

Glyph nodded and glanced to Glaucon before looking back to the pair, "When can you be ready to start?"

--------------------------------------------

The Aoidei glanced up as the set their loads down and inclined their heads in respectful greeting. It was plain that this newcomer was another god and while she might not be Glyph, deserved some medium of respect on principle. "Greetings! By chance, have you seen Lord Glyph? We're to bring this glass to him... but Aelondrael forgot to ask where he migth be before they parted." Natasha glanced at the lotus Aoide with a smirk.

She simply frowned at the demoness and continued, "Or perhaps where glassworkers might be - they were in search of them." Adjusting the glass in her buckets, she made sure nothing was falling out as Aisling fussed about behind her.

"They want to reforge this into items to present to Harmodius, but broken glass just won't do." She smiled up at Karaskis, displaying a cracked and bottomless cup.

[Cinderfae]

Karaskis listened to the aoidei thoughtfully, it seemed they had a mission of sorts to finish up. "Unfortunately I am not familiar with your Lord, nor do I believe I have seen him. My path has been quiet until I came upon you." Shifting her gaze the goddess looked to the containers of glass, "the glassworkers - do you mean the mortals from Baardis?"

At the mention of reforging Karaskis shifted her attention more fully to the aoidei, projects such as reforging where one of the many things people seemed to be striving for when it came to starting over and establishing the survivors.

"Reforging...you have a forge set up then for the glassworkers? And if you do mean the survivors from Baardis, I do happen to know where they are staying...some of the mortals that are faithful to myself are in the same area. I can show you of course if you like."

[Mouse Pachinkorelli]

The youths looked at each other for a few moments, exchanged a couple of looks and whispers, and upon a series of nods another stepped forward, saying, "I see no reason why we shouldn't start as soon as the forge is ready. It would be a blessing to be able to start up our craft again, be it for the gods or otherwise."

"Then it is settled," Glaucon nodded, offering an easy smile. "I am sure that among the glass we'll provide for reforging, enough will be of the quality to suit your needs. You have my personal gratitude, as I imagine will Lord Harmodius."

A few pairs of eyes widened, and nearby a woman sputtered around her bite of fish.

[SkieBorne]

Glyph's gaze shifted to the woman who choked on her meal and he tilted his head, obviously concerned. She caught his gaze and nodded, waving as if to say she was fine. Shaking his head, Forest bapped Glaucon gently on the shoulder and laughed softly.

"Harmodius..." The woman asked, voice stunned, "Is that where your request is ending up?" She seemed both anxious and eager at the same time as murmurs of surprised interest echoed out through those now gathering behind the two speakers.

"Indeed. We need your help to help the Twin Crown. Your effort is most appreciated." Glyph replied, nodding. Inwardly, Glyph was relieved - the mortals' reactions had been difficult to read for the god and he was glad to see they were not overly intimidated by the end point of the request. "What shall we do to help you? You need only to ask."

Turning around, the self-appointed representatives began organizing the Baadris refugees and inside an hour, they were ready with lists of materials, labour, and volunteered artisans.

---------

Natasha shook her head, "Yes, we mean the people of Baadris. And... as far as I know there's no forge yet. I don't even know if we have the materials for it.... we might be able to harvest enough wood to burn for the fire but I don't know if either Glyph or Harmodius would appreciate that." She pursed her lips, expression thoughtful.

"Perhaps we should find them first and ask for instructions before making plans without our Lord's approval?" Aelondrael interjected, lifting a brow.

"I agree... lets ask Master first." Aisling nodded and stepped forward, bowing slightly as she did so, "Would you lead the way please? And I am deeply sorry but what might we call you?"

[Mouse Pachinkorelli]

Glaucon shared the other god's initial concern at the mortal woman's health, but that was also as far as his relief extended - he was more pleased that the unsubtle hinting at who this job was ultimately for had been as motivating as he'd intended it to be. "Truly, you must be fine craftsmen, approaching this project with such honest enthusiasm," returning Glyph's rap on the shoulder with a small grin that looked a bit more like it belonged on his host's face than his own.

The lists put together and the artisans and labormen gathered, everyone quickly started down the hallway and towards the Pantheon entrance (or, at least, as quickly as one could with one of the gods in David's disagreeable body and some of the mortals not wanting to leave him straggling behind). Along the way they would pass closely by the noticeboard; the sudden change in the flow of human traffic and the familiarity of the faces within would likely be enough of a tipoff to Natasha and Aelondrael what direction they'd be expected to take the collection of glass in.

Back outside, the refugees were efficient, cheerful, and very eager to get to work. As enjoyable as their period of relaxation had been, they all seemed to be in agreement that it was time they started using their skills again, even if it was in a foreign place.

[Cinderfae]

Lifting a brow Karakis listened a moment to the Aoidei. The goddess nodded slightly in agreement before speaking, "that is a not a problem, and I am Karaskis - goddess of Fire."

It was clear at least to her that perhaps the others could use a bit of help when it came to getting their glass melted down. She'd of course have to see how they had their forges built, but those were things to come. If needed she knew those she could gather to aid with such a venture, but wouldn't bother with until she knew what if anything was still needed.

"Come along this way - and what is it I should call you by?" Motioning to the group she started off toward the rooms of the mortals. The goddess' steps were measured and she was mindful to not get too far ahead of those that had a burden. "It is not too far... now." Glancing back over her shoulder as they neared the mortal's quarters she paused near them waiting for the three before reaching to open the doors.

[SkieBorne]

Aelondrael nodded at that, falling into a deep, strangely beautiful bow when the goddess introduced herself, "And I am Aelondrael, servant to the God of Forests." Aisling and Natasha echoed the sentiment after the lotus aoide and together they followed Karaskis with a few loads of glass.

On their way to the mortals, the parade of people moved by and, ever attentive of their lord's presence, the three aoidei perked when they saw Glyph keeping pace with Glaucon. "Lady Karaskis... They are there, see? Our lord is among them, as is Judgement. Perhaps the search need not be continued now that they have walked by us. Would you deign to come with us, Lady? I believe they are setting up their forges outside."

Natasha, arching a brow at the lotus aoidei's take charge attitude pursed her lips and nodded her agreement, "Excuse me, Lady, but I must take this burden to Lord Glyph. Aisling?" The other demoness nodded as well and together they started towards the train of Baadris folk, leaving Aelondrael behind to accompany Karaskis.

Aelondrael, however, was not overly pleased with that turn of events and turned a sour expression upon the two. Karaskis was a goddess and deserved more respect then that! While yes, Glyph was their master and his needs would always come first, that did not mean you simply abandoned an ally. Her silence towards the departing demoness' was proof enough of her ire but she turned again to Fire and smiled, neatly hiding her displeasure, "If you would, Lady?"

Out in the area before the Pantheon's entrance, the Baadris people had spread out into their camps, drawing up plans for the forge and setting up assembly stations with surprising efficiency. Those who did not possess the skills for the more technical work became runners, gathering supplies and distributing them between the groups. And those who knew to lead did so, quickly pulling the once-restless group into a focused effort.

It pleased Glyph to see such ready effort, though he knew they must have been anxious in their idle waiting. No one knew when or if they might able to return to their homeland and so a chance at familiar things was welcome.

"Glyph!" Natasha called, smiling when the god turned to regard the aoide, "We've got the glass for you! And we found Lady Fire - Karaskis. Aelondrael's bringing her."

Glyph smiled broadly at that and took the load of glass as Natasha offered it, quickly setting it to the side as Aisling offered hers as well. "Excellent, thank you." He turned to Glaucon then and nodded, "It seems the pieces have come together, now all we need is to build that forge."

[Mouse Pachinkorelli]

"Ah," Glaucon smiled, turning around as the two heard a new smattering of voices coming their way - two he could recognize as Aelondrael and Natasha, the later of which earned a spike of interest and a silent request from David to give a wave to. Or a wink. Or one of a small list of pickup lines he cheekily read off to the god as the aoidei continued their approach, with an individual who was undoubtedly the goddess of Fire following them.

The god settled to politely incline his head towards the new diety instead, saying, "Lady Karaskis... It is a pleasure, and an honor to be working with you. May the fruits of your combined efforts be successful."

Since he hadn't really been doing much besides standing around and watching, and offering encouraging words where appropriate, he certainly didn't feel it right to use 'our' in his greeting. He was no less content for it, though, glad as he was to finally see some order and work ethic in the mortal populace. The Judge continued in this vein as the forge slowly but surely took form, eager to praise the craftsmen's diligence as much as they seemed eager to please-- they were making a labor of devotion out of it, intent on making it a work of art fitting for the grounds around the Pantheon as well as a tool that would see more use in the future.

Finally, after a leisurely but still productive pace of work, the forge had been completed, ready for the spark Karaskis would provide to heat it up.