[EDotD RP] Gentle Words for Gentle Souls

[SkieBorne]

With the revelations of his return, Glyph had taken to wandering the grounds in between his visits to the glassworkers. The work was coming along well and near completion at his last visit but his mood was too somber to properly enjoy the jovial atmosphere of the Baadris pilgrims’ work. His travels had taken him further abroad then normal, drawing towards the edge of the greenness that surrounded the pantheon proper. Here and there, he’d stop to concentrate on the plantlife, testing the bounds of his influence as he encouraged the young shoots to grow and establish themselves.

It was difficult, really, but the unfolding of a leaf here, or the straightening of a shoot there as he continued to settle into his influence was both rewarding and encouraging. The barren patches still present in areas saddened him and he’d linger there, sewing seeds to replenish the land. They were simple things but he rather thought the gesture would be appreciated.

Eventually, the sounds of a festival caught his attention and he’d moved towards it, drawn by the colours and activity. Pausing along the edge of the graves, Forest look on for a moment, watching the proceedings with a certain air of curiosity. Everywhere there were decorations, bright and beautiful, but themed after the dead… and despite the theme, it was difficult to dislike the smell of food and sweets or the lively talk. Even the flickering dead that moved past, their pale forms a shiver of cold against his skin, were not dangerous in nature.

Drawn into the crowd by children’s hands, he followed their laughter to the center of the festival where the stalls offered all manner of sweets and jewelry. Crouching down, he played a game of bones with a few before one offered the god a sweet roll that he quickly accepted with much appreciation. The ebb and flow of children’s attention was a short cycle, however, and the children moved away soon enough, entranced by the passage of a ghostly entertainer who stopped to amaze them with his juggling and smiles.

Rising, Glyph continued on through the crowds – stopping at a particularly colourful stall to enjoy a sugar skull – and out into the graveyard proper. Few of the dead wandered here, away from the life and lights of the festival but Glyph rather found the graves intriguing. Here and there were arrangements of flowers lain at the bases of graves, one even had a potted rose bush set at the head. It was here that he knelt and dug a hole in the ground beside the grave marker, transferring the bush into the ground. His powers were small yet, but the touch of growth he did possess could ensure that the offering continued to bloom year after year, “I hope they do not mind a rose to guard their remains.”

[Thabara]

„I cannot imagine they would possibly object,“ a deep, sonorous voice gravely remarked from behind. There was a feel to them as if they had been uttered from deep below, the bowels of the Earth. There had been no sound of steps approaching, or, perhaps Glyph had simply been too focused on the task at hand to notice?

„You may have a chance thought to ask them for yourself,“ Nergal bent forward a little, peering at the withered engravings. „The Tirnays, is it? I believe they are having a bit of a family reunion right now, close to the central square.“ He offered a polite smile, the expression seeming strange and foreign in the sharp angles of his face.

He'd been wanting to escape the bustling activities of the festival for a little while, after his attempt to mingle with the mortals had … failed, spectacularly so. There wasn't much of a chance for 'mingling' if you were way taller than anyone else, and of such imposing stature that everyone instinctively made a wide berth around you.

He remained in a safe, respectful distance to the young deity. This one was one of Gaia's spawn, if not in this life, than certainly he'd been in her last. And as such, he was inclined to remain cautious for the time being, just in case the massive dislike for him she harbored was something that was inherited by the other deities of her line.

That and … he'd noticed by now that the direct effect of his presence was somewhat … devastating upon the local plant life.

[SkieBorne]

Glyph jumped at the sound of Underworld's sudden comment, almost loosing his balance as he turned sharply. The foliage about his head rustled and his eyes were wide, startled and held a hint of the guilt of those caught red-handed, "I... ah..." He coughed and straightened, noting the other's strength of presence and smiled broadly, quickly regaining his composure. Pocketing the sugar skull he'd been snacking on, he nodded to Nergal, "I do not think that is neccessary, actually, as a potted plant shows intent for a longer lasting momento doesn't it? It would be a pleasant surprise for them." Brushing the dirt from his hands he bowed slightly.

"I am the Silvim Illustirre, Glyph. I reign over the forests." He smirked a little, "And I assume from your stature and strength of presence you preside over those gathered here? I have not seen a festival like this before... though I must admit I am not overly fond of death and decay, be it lacquered over with lights and wonderfully tasty sweets. I did not mean to interrupt you." An apology rang clearly in his words, though he remained where he was, "If you do not, though, I would like to wander? ...Why are you staying back? I do not fear you..." Glyph looked perplexed and somewhat worried that another would remain so far from him for no obvious reasons, "... Do I bother you? I will take my leave if that is the case..."

Ducking to the side, he moved as if to give the god his space.

[Thabara]

„They may consider it a miracle,“ the chtonic deity said calmly, quirking a brow at the other's startled expression. Had his appearance become so intimidating even for those of his own kind?

„Forest, then.“ Nergal inclined his head politely. So his guess had been right, this was indeed one of Gaia's direct descendants. „I am pleased to make your acquaintance. And you are quite correct in your assumptions – I am Nergal, the Overseer of Souls. Underworld,“ he added as an afterthought, for the sake of clarification, as there were a great many who tended to mistake him for Death. „This festival is indeed under my aegis.“

„However ...“ Underworld's eyes narrowed somewhat. „I think perhaps you may have a bit of a misconception of the festival. By no means death and decay are glossed – or, as you put it, 'laquered' over – here.“ He was lecturing now, he was well aware of it, but that didn't stop him. Forest had meant no offence, he was certain of it, yet the younger one's careless words irked him. „I have to admit, upon the first installment, I felt a little … appalled by how colorful and cheerful it turned out to be. Death is a serious matter, and I felt any celebration of it should be … solemn, dignified. However ...“ He clasped his hands behind his back. „I rather like it the way it is,“ he admitted. „Life and death, they are merely part of the same cycle. Considering your domain you should be well aware of that. These festivities … they are about welcoming back the dead, about death being accepted as a necessary part of life itself, something that is not to be feared. Especially now that it is known that death is not the end.“

„Pardon me,“ he said after a moment of uncomfortable silence, „I had not meant to ramble, or to lecture you. As for the reason to keep my distance – I like my private space, yes, but first and foremost … I would not want to inadvertently undo the results of your hard work.“ He stepped back, enough to reveal that the grass at his feet was wilting. „Life and I … do not get along too well. But, you are not bothering me. I would walk with you, if my presence is not too intimidating.“

[SkieBorne]

"All the better to bring a smile to their faces." He replied, pausing to listen when the other spoke of the matters of the festival and stopped entirely as the god went on. While his words might have been careless to the deity they were indeed not meant to wound - Glyph saw his place as a force of life, a beginning and middle, but not a force of death that would renew the cycle. "Death is a serious matter indeed, Nergal, however I do not think my influence is to cause such ends to the natural cycle. I provide and restore, I do not take away."

He straightened a little when his views of the subject were called into question and he smiled at the taller deity, "We are two sides of the coin, I do not mean to disrespect yours. I am simply more comfortable among the life and bustle of my element then the dead. Everything comes to an end, even the great trees who live for centuries or more, but everything must have a beginning too." He blinked when the Overseer stepped back and glanced down at the wilted plants with a sad look, "You are not rambling nor do I mind the lecture. We each are a step along that cycle - I simply prefer to the keep the company of my own then to trespass where I do not belong. As I said, it was the activity that drew me here. I am only recently returned to myself and just as recently my vision is restored ...That must be difficult." Frowning, Glyph glanced to the newly planted rosebush then again to Nergal, "It wound pain me to leave death in my wake."

Forest chuckled then and smiled quite broadly, "No you are not too intimidating, Nergal. I simply do not wish to impose on a celebration I have no part in. The one I would say goodbye to cannot be recalled from your realm. But will walk with you." His voice quieted then, gaze cast down. He missed the mage and their conversations. "There is so much work to be done... I imagine that with the devastation of Gehenna you are quite preoccupied?" There would be so many dead from that... countless lives lost.

[Thabara]

„It is part of what I am,“ he said in regard to the withering grass. „And, as you put it, I am quite preoccupied. I expect I will not be around too often, though it cannot be avoided completely – it is the prayers and worship of the living, that I require, after all ...“ There wasn't even a temple yet. „I will try to keep the damage to a minimum though,“ he promised with a faint smile.

He waited for a moment, leaving it to Glyph to chose their direction. „There are fewer souls to take care of than you would think, though. Those worlds Eaten by the Void, anything that was in the Space between,“ he glanced up at the non-sky, seeming strangely melancholic, „it was Eaten Whole. The souls that were there, are gone. If only I had restored my domain sooner ...“ The death god's voice was bitter. But then he shook his head. There was nothing he could do about it now. „All the more important to deal with those that remain, and – when possible – return them to the cyrcle. You did not think I would keep them all, did you?“ Though, oh, he certainly wanted to.

[SkieBorne]

"Mnn?" He tilted his head as Nergal made his promise and smiled, "I appreciate that. Though if you chose to touch this realm on a widespread scale I would not be able to repair the damage so easily as I am now. That you would take care is greatly appreciated." He lifted a brow in a bemused expression, "I am certain, however, that your touch will give me much cause to test my bounds."

A soft laugh escaped him as he considered Underworld's seeming reluctance to exposure of mortals, "I will gladly entertain those mortals you would rather avoid, Underworld. I have no qualms with the company of others... indeed, I rather enjoy it. After all, who's heard of a forest with only one tree?" He quipped in light humour as they turned down another row of graves, his gaze flicking over the offerings in case he saw another potted plant.

Glyph shivered at the mention of the Void and the undoing of Universe. He nodded somberly, gaze cast down in quiet respect for the lost god, "I... had hoped to feel the sun upon my face when I took form once more. When I was greeted by the very same thing I saw before - an unsky - I was struck by grief. I did not know until that moment we had lost the Sky. You are right, though, that we must care for those that remain. I-- Why would you want to keep them?"

He blinked, the question a sudden change in tone as he glanced to Nergal once more, his lips pursed, "It's rather important souls cycle through.... I have no idea what would happen if they didn't..." He trailed off, obviously disliking the situations he was imagining, "I think, perhaps, I will keep to what is familiar to me, however."

Something nagged at his attention, however, and his gaze kept trailing over to a copse of trees lined up along one side of the graveyard. "What's over there...?" Curiosity had caught him again, and the barefoot god shifted the direction of their walk slightly. Pausing as they passed another live offering - this one of marigolds. Dropping into a crouch, it almost seemed by instinct that he touched the few flowers, encouraged the few other buds to open up into full blooms - managing seven in total so the plant was a burst of golden colour against the grey and black of the stones. "There should be more offerings like this..." murmuring to himself as he set about digging the hole at the top of the grave in which he would insert the marigolds.

"Are there any plants you prefer, Nergal? I can only think of one thing that might resist your..." He trailed off, trying to think of a phrase other then 'death-touch', "well, it probably won't die when you touch it."

[Thabara]

„I do not think it is even possible for me to extend my influence this far,“ Nergal admitted. „My powers are very limited in the realms of the living. The day of the dead is somewhat of an exception, and it is very draining and tiring.“

„The sun … I rather miss the starry sky of the night, its brilliance and vastness.“ For a moment the sad tone seemed to creep back into his voice. „There is no sky in my realm. But for the living … it should not be thus.“

Glyph's question startled him, and he blinked, a little surprised. „Well,“ he mused, „I figure you would have to question the mortals about this. I do not know wherefrom they may have gotten that idea, or any of their other misconceptions,“ he said dryly. It was only half the truth, though. There was that age-old, primal desire within, for the shades of the dead to be his, always. Always. It was, perhaps, the original reason for ritual and protocol to become so prominent in his manners and dealings. The abyss came to mind, for some reason, which he and Echo had crossed at the borders of his domain.

He discarded these unsettling ideas for now, instead watching with quiet wonder as Glyph nudged the marigolds into full bloom with his powers. „None that I can think of,“ he replied to Forest's most recent query. „Though … a certain liking of the pomegranate seems to have carried over from ages past, and ...“ His smiled openly now, a rare occurrence. „If you were to come across any coffee plants, I would be most appreciative if you were to encourage their growth.“

„Something which might withstand even the touch of Death?“ He blinked. That was unheard of, but then again, plant-life certainly wasn't his forte.

[SkieBorne]

"I don't know much yet, either I'm afraid," he frowned slightly, concentrating on the marigolds before him, "There is much I need to recover... the journey has only just begun." Hearing the smile in the Overseer's voice, he glanced up and returned the smile. As imposing as Nergal was, Glyph rather appreciated the effect of a smile upon the other's face - he was not so distant and aloof as his mannerisms suggested then. Nodding slightly to himself, Forest returned to his work, "You should smile more often - it suits you. Pomegranites and Coffee plants? I will remember that. If you had a garden, I would offer my assistance in establishing such things. My own is filled with fragrant herbs and low-growing flowers - really quite relaxing to lounge among the cushions and look out over the Pantheon's grounds."

When he was finished, he turned the pot the marigolds had been in upside down so it would not fill with debris and stood, "Well... not exactly. It still dies... but it doesn't rot nearly so fast as everything else. Wood is good for that." He smiled, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes, "It's called Everwood - it still blooms even after it is cut and formed. It doesn't grow or produce more fruit or flowers but it takes a very long time to rot or decay. It adds greenery where else such things would be difficult." The warmth with which he spoke of the tree made it plain he treasured it, even if he could not recall where such a rarity grew.

[Thabara]

If anything, Forest's encouraging words seemed to have caused the reverse of the desired effect – Nergal's smile vanished almost instantly. „I do have a garden, in fact,“ he remarked, however, „in the peristyle of the quarters the Lady Music and I share within the Pantheion. It used to be barren, a rock garden fit for quiet contemplation and meditation. But, as I have gathered from the Lady Music's tales, it seems to have changed quite a bit in my absence – I have not been there yet to see it for myself.“

„Everwood ...“ He stood quiet for a moment, gray eyes growing dim and unfocused as he queried his recollections of what tales he'd been told by the dead. „No, I have not heard of it … yet. I am intrigued, though, so if I do happen to come across it, I will make sure to let you know.“

[SkieBorne]

Forest noted that and frowned slightly, wondering why his comment had sobered the god. With a sigh, he nodded as he listened, "I see. Hopefully Lady Music will be able to maintain its vitality so that you might enjoy it as well. And that would be much appreciated, if you find out. I have a feeling it's rather rare, however, so it may be some time before I learn of its location."

He paused, cutting off the question that had been stirring as Nergal's gaze grew unfocused. It would be silly to ask if he traveled, after all, he was reborn completely - unbound by physical constraints once again, and likely knew through his essence. Something turned in Glyph then, and he pursed his lips at the twist of jealousy, unbidden as it was. Seeing Nergal in his prime once more made Glyph all the more grateful for his host's sacrifice and yet he yearned to settle properly into himself once more. Time would bring that back, however, and he had naught but to wait and grow as his brethren were doing.

He hadn't even noticed the awkward silence that had settled between the two gods as he'd retreated into his own thoughts, the gentle music of the fair and the more natural whispers of wind through grass and tree filling the air with enough sound that he had noticed. Stretching, his joints popping at the motion, he glanced to Underworld, "Are there any others who have found their glory once more?" He asked, curious, "I have really only seen those who are still in the process of reclaiming their prestige, like myself. You are the first I've come across to be restored - I must admit I am inspired and made impatient."

Glyph laughed softly as he made the admission, puffing out his cheeks as he tucked some of his unruly bangs back. They always seemed to be falling into his eyes and it was rather bothersome. "I will find mine again, I am sure," there was an undercurrent of determination in those words, beyond the simple comment that hinted at his determination not to Fade again.

[Thabara]

„It may be sooner than you think possible,“ he pointed out pragmatically. „While things may be on the mend throughout the worlds, they are yet far from full recovery. From what you told of its properties, I daresay, this Everwood would currently stick out like a sore thumb where it exists.“

„That, and … materials like that are often favored for burial sites, evergreen vegetation and the like, to symbolize eternal life, the continuation of the soul even after death.“ He clasped his hands behind his back, looking akin to a scholar lecturing a student for the time being. „There are also those who would bury their dead at the roots of the great trees, for much the same purpose.“

He fell silent for a while, but he cherished the quiet and did not think of it as uncomfortable. He only stirred when Glyph asked his next question, his hands unclasping. „Eamnon, the Hunt,“ he answered almost immediately. „He has a host of followers, and had his first temple built even before his full ascension, something which I still lack.“ Hell, he was glad he got offerings now, he hadn't really started considering a temple yet, until he mentioned it just now. „Tian Yue, the Worldshield. And … Well, Universe was fully ascended as well. Yet he was snuffed out like a candle flame.“

„It was a rough road for me,“ the Underworld deity admitted. „I was impatient too. When I was first reborn, I expected to be able to restore things to what they had once been in no time whatsoever, if only would be able to take over the body of that dreaded host of mine. Little did I know. Four years, Lord Glyph. A span so short, the blink of an eye, yet it stretched like eternity.“ Had he still been the same person as immediately after his rebirth, his voice would have been filled with disdain. As it was, though …

„In those four years I have managed to alienate the Mother beyond reconciliation, was betrayed and captured, fought in a war, learned of grief and suffering, and that the Queen who was once at my side is dead and gone. Yet I also found new love, fathered children, traveled, learned to place my trust into mortals, and came to know a brother whom I did not even remember about.“ For the span of four years the flame of his life had burned bright and red-hot like a mortal's. „It … was a valuable lesson.“ Especially for one as slow to learn and change – if at all – as him; but he wasn't ready to admit that openly.

[SkieBorne]

Burial sites? Beneath his trees? He would remember that, then, and hope that Nergal would not kill the trees should he visit such graves. It would be disheartening should the god kill tracts of forest... even though it would serve as a base from which new life could grow.

"Hunt, Worldshield, Underworld, and Universe..." Glyph echoed curiously, "So few of us and one lost already." He pursed his lips, about to say something when Nergal continued and he cut himself off, more interested in listening then in speaking at the moment.

Forest nodded, understanding easily the short span of time feeling like ages, though he blinked at the summary of the god's life during that time. He had not expected it and smiled softly, "I would imagine. You've enjoyed much experience in the time since your rebirth then, Nergal. I think it will be similar for all of us once we find ourselves once more." He was curious about the fallout with Gaia but did not ask, thought it best not to poke at such things.

"You have a brother?" He asked, curious. Another one such as Nergal? That was, well, daunting. Underworld was imposing enough... to be greeted at death by two such deities? He felt rather bad for the poor souls. "And children? I adore children and there are so few among the mortals... easy prey for demons and destruction alike." He sighed.

[Thabara]

„Enjoyed?“ Nergal's expression turned rather sour. „I am not sure that would be the right term to use.“ There was a hint of a smile though, as he thought of his beloved wife-to-be, and their children. „What I meant to say, was, it will not be easy to re-ascent, but in the end, it will be worth it. Perhaps it was the lesson all of us needed, to view the world through the eyes of a mortal for some time. Though I do not think all of us would learn from it.“ Like Avarita.

„I do have a brother, yes. Ankou, the Spirit Guide. You do not need to look so daunted, he certainly is much gentler in presence than I am, or else, I figure, it would be hard for him to make the souls of the dead follow him. And my children – I have three.“ His pride was obvious, and he made no attempt to hide it. „Two sons and a daughter. Lament and Guardian, the sons, and the daugher is Grief. They … should be around here, somewhere.“ He'd caught glimpse of Kios' lavender hair, at the very least, but that had been just before a host of mortal worshipers had demanded his attention. And now that he'd managed to flee, the child was nowhere to be seen.

„Children,“ he admitted, „do hold a special place within my heart as well, even if most claim I do not possess one. Among the dead, they are the ones truly innocent who need not to be judged.“

[SkieBorne]

Glyph frowned then, "I meant no offense, Nergal. I meant only that you've had the opportunity to experience such things, regardless of their good or bad connotations and from that are able to derive greater wisdom." He pursed his lips, trying and failing to see how that might have bothered Underworld. Hm. "You may be right, however. There is much I've learn in the short time I have returned... much to think about and learn from."

He'd been about to speak more when Nergal announced his relation to Ankou and Glyph's jaw dropped open. "Ankou?" Surprise was evident upon his face and he struggled to hastily recompose himself lest he further offend Underworld. Shaking his head, he could not help the bemused chuckle that escaped, "You and Ankou...? So he is a death god then. I... I am sorry but you are very different indeed. I have met the Spirit Guide several times prior to this and I must say he had been a friend to me. I very much appreciate the company I've kept with him." It made him sad, however, to think Ankou might grow to have the same sort of effect on his plants... that would be depressing. To make friends of death gods only to worry about the after effects of their visits.

He sighed quietly.

"Three children? A proud father you must be." Glyph replied, distracted once more by the mention of children, "And worthy influences as well, powerful things in this time. Might I see them at some point...?" He looked hopeful as he nodded his agreement, "I cannot say my opinion of their existence after death but... alive I do love their innocent exuberance. Willing to learn, enthusiastic, and gentle for the most part. They are very much a welcome presence."