Edelsteine
This is the Journal for Edelsteine Shenlei, the Shogun of Storms. Please do not post unless you have the expressed permission of -Gabriel-.
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
oo1 i n t r o d u c t i o n » Navigation & Updates
oo2 s e r p e n t s t o r m » Shenlei Zhen
oo3 w a t e r d r a g o n » Selvica Vers Lelunis
oo4 r e l a t i o n s h i p s » Important People
oo5 t i m e l i n e » Information
oo6 p o s s e s s i o n s » Shenlei's Things
oo7 g a l l e r y » Dragon's Art
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
.N a m e » Shenlei 申雷 Zhen
.N i c k n a m e » Shen
.D o m a i n » Rain and Storms
.H a i r » Long, Aqua, Straight
.E y e s » Aqua
.H e i g h t » 5'2"
.W e i g h t » 118lbs.
.M a r k s » Two sets of horns, facial markings.
.L i k e s » Destruction, Thunderstorms, Silks, Shiny Things
.D i s l i k e s » Childish behavior, Ignorance
.F e a r s » Being Unneeded, Trapped, Solitude
.H o b b i e s » Writing, Collecting Things
.P e r s o n a l i t y »
Bold and quick to act. Shenlei isn't afraid to barge right into another person's space either in conflict or to get what he wants. He's a fantastic tease too.
The serpentstorm is rash and bold. He is quick to assume and quick to speak. He is not afraid to speak his mind to or act against anyone. The only person he would bow down in front of is Harmodius. Shenlei's allegiance is unwaivering. He would do anything asked of him by the Twin Crown. Although Harmodius is one person, Shenlei prefers the influence of Destruction instead of balance. While water helps to bring life, storms are violent events, and Shenlei's domain makes him feel less needed without his master tipping into chaos. For Harmodius' own wellbeing, Shen Lung would do anything.
Reborn, he has sought to learn much from the world that Selvica or books could not teach him. He hates ignorance and not knowing the events that have happened frustrate him. Shen Lung cannot understand why such important events as the tipping of the scale of balance are not written by mortals.
The serpentstorm is rash and bold. He is quick to assume and quick to speak. He is not afraid to speak his mind to or act against anyone. The only person he would bow down in front of is Harmodius. Shenlei's allegiance is unwaivering. He would do anything asked of him by the Twin Crown. Although Harmodius is one person, Shenlei prefers the influence of Destruction instead of balance. While water helps to bring life, storms are violent events, and Shenlei's domain makes him feel less needed without his master tipping into chaos. For Harmodius' own wellbeing, Shen Lung would do anything.
Reborn, he has sought to learn much from the world that Selvica or books could not teach him. He hates ignorance and not knowing the events that have happened frustrate him. Shen Lung cannot understand why such important events as the tipping of the scale of balance are not written by mortals.
(( Portrait: Shenlei (Normal) ))
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
.N a m e » Selvica Vers Lelunis
.N i c k n a m e » Sel
.D o m a i n » Water
.H a i r » Long, Aqua, Straight
.E y e s » Aqua
.H e i g h t » 5'2"
.W e i g h t » 118lbs.
.M a r k s » Facial markings, glasses.
.L i k e s » Computers, Fruit
.D i s l i k e s » Enclosed Spaces, Chocolate
.F e a r s » Being Controlled
.H o b b i e s » Computers
.P e r s o n a l i t y »
Selvica is mostly reserved, however his dragon heritage is starting to present itself. He is slowly growing a backbone and his own will after being used for several years. At some points, he acts like an unruly teenager, at others, he's calm and composed.
Selvica comes from a realm endowed with magic brought about through science. He was held captive by a corporation in his world, born from experimentation, and has since hated and feared being bottled up and locked away. His personality reflects a fear and distrust of people.
Selvica comes from a realm endowed with magic brought about through science. He was held captive by a corporation in his world, born from experimentation, and has since hated and feared being bottled up and locked away. His personality reflects a fear and distrust of people.
(( Color: #336699 or Teal ))
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
diety h a r m o d i u s , destruction »
You breath life into these claws I have not felt in some time. It has been so long since we have spoken, since I have been able to stand in your presence unbalanced. My loyalty to you is absolutely unwaivering. If you ask me to bleed, I will - if you ask me to hunt, I will. How I've missed you... [ I can't help but fear what Shenlei helps to bring about. I still don't understand this world. I feared men before, but now gods walk the streets. ]
diety h a r m o d i u s , creation »
I have not seen thee since my arrival, and Selvica's memory of you is fading. I would do anything to protect you. [ Such an imposing figure. He seemed kind, but stronger than anything I will ever know. ]
diety l u c i u s , universe »
No opinion has been formed yet. [ . . . ]
diety s p a r k & r e v e r i e , creativity, ingenuity »
No opinion has been formed yet. [ . . . ]
dragon king s h e n l e i & s e l v i c a, shogun of storms »
He's spineless and timid. Selvica was sheltered for too long in a world without nature or human contact. He rarely speaks to me, but he is helpful in ways of technology and in humankind today, although he feels people are cruel and selfish. [ I thought I would be driven insane when I heard Shenlei's voice in my head. He is so much more powerful in action and thought than I am. He does not take 'no' for an answer. ]
dragon king s h a i m i n g, tien lung »
Our time together was brief, but it was nice to see Shaiming. He seems to be tutoring Crispin into being a fine host. It makes me regret the way that Selvica and I bonded a bit. Shaiming is neutral in regards to the pull of balance. [ Shaiming seemed like.. an intelligent sage, a worn fantasy mage with years of knowledge and exhaustion behind him. I didn't really get the chance to speak to him, but Crispin seemed very nice. ]
dragon king k a m a g i r i, ti lung »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
dragon king y u - h u a n g, futs lung »
Futs Lung's host has failed him. I am very dissapointed. He was not strong enough to hold the bond for this Dragon King. I promised him that I would find a suitable host for him when I recovered his stone. [ Fai was the former host for Futs Lung, but Shenlei has told me.. that the host failed and what happened to him I do not know. ]
dragon king z h a n g , l i , k u a n g, mang »
Li is still so diplomatic. He tries to do everything methodically instead of being rash. I've come to hope that he will stay with Harmodius, and help me with the tasks of Destruction. [ . . . ]
dragon king t a i s h a n, yu five claws »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
dragon king l i s h i n g, great chien-tang »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
dragon king z h u i a n, ying long »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
dragon king x u a n y i, qian lung »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
youth g i a n f a r, knowledge »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
youth b y r n e, rebirth »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
youth e a m n o n n, hunt »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
youth b e r y l, wind »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph m e l a n c t h a, shadow »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph m o r p h e u s, dream »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph k a e l i n, water »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph r e v e i, dream »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph t' l a i, angst »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph i l l u m i n, light »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph k h i v i a n c e, love »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph e c h o, music »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph p a n a c e a, medicine »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph k i s h a r a, gaia »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ She was very kind, softspoken, and cryptic -- the first to warn me of things to come. ]
morph d e s i d e r i o, love »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph c a l i c o, insanity »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph n e r g a l, underworld »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph t e r a i l a n a, archery »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
morph c a o l a n, suffocation »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel l i s a n a, laughter »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel e v a d n e, mountain »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel t i l l i o n, lunar »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel c h a l y b i s, forge »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel g e l e z i s, magnetism »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel s h k h i n, plague »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel h a l h i g i l, assassination »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel m e l a n t h o s, war »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel i t z t l a c, night »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
jewel k a r a s k i s, fire »
I have no formed opinions yet. [ . . . ]
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
oo1 t h e , b e g i n n i n g »
Selvica gets pulled into Harmodius' shop. He receives the jewel of the Shogun of Storms and returns to his world with it.
oo2 s t r a n g e , t h i n g s »
Selvica leaves Harmodius' shop and slowly starts to become more interested in the jewel. For some reason, he decides to keep it with him at all times.
oo3 u n u s u a l , c i r c u m s t a n c e s »
The jewel becomes embedded in the back of his neck.
oo4 r e u n i o n »
Selvica runs into Fai in the street, and Shenlei and Yu get a reunion. Both are not very far in their stages -- not even full morph.
oo5 r e u n i o n , pt2 »
Shenlei and Yu talk further about their reawakening.
oo6 c h a n g e s »
Selvica begins to collapse under Shenlei's strong personality.
oo7 f a d i n g »
Shenlei, now more conscious of his surroundings, decides to leave Selvica's world and return to where Harmodius is.
oo8 c e r u l e a n »
Shenlei accepts followers. He opens a bookstore to collect information on the current world that Selvica, being so confined in his past cannot tell him. Cerulean Antique Books is opened.
oo9 v i s i t o r »
Destruction visits Shenlei at Cerulean.
o1o m a n g »
Shenlei meets Aidyn, Mang's host while walking in town and tries to tell him who the voice in his head is.
o11 r e s c u e »
Shenlei has Karma and Remiel pick up Li from Aidyn's house so that they can return to the Pantheon.
o12 b u r n i n g , a n g e r »
Shenlei burns down Cerulean to leave his human side behind and return to Destruction when he is furious.
o13 t h e , q u e s t »
Destruction charges Shenlei with a quest to gather the Dragon Kings and find a host for Futs Lung.
o13 t h e , w o r l d , o f , w a t e r »
Shenlei returns to the Pantheon and meets Shaiming and his host, Crispin.
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
'Cerulean Antique Bookstore'
*destroyed*
· · ·
Follower: Karma, F, 21
Follower: Remiel, M, 37
'Cerulean Antique Bookstore'
*destroyed*
· · ·
Follower: Karma, F, 21
Follower: Remiel, M, 37
-Gabriel-
[ Navi:// Introduction . TOC . Shenlei . Selvica . Relationships . Timeline . Possessions . Art ]
-Gabriel-
There was a voice inside my head. I dreamed of it calling to me, even when I was awake. I heard it beckon.. even when I was asleep. He said.....
Come to me..
How it all begins . . .
-Gabriel-
Selvica could smell the fresh scent of the air, post rain, before the door was even opened. There was a heavy weight that filled the air when he stepped outside in his boots. Over time, Selvica had gained a bit more of his dragon heritage. He had grown a bit of a backbone, and a small streak of disobedience. Although those few things often had started to get him into trouble. Selvica was still very insistent on clear cut rules and his behavior otherwise was a bit reserved. He paused at the doorway. His white jacket just barely hovered above the ground. The fur trimming the entire length of it almost picked up the small puddles of water half hidden by the thick layer of fog covering Chinatown. He pushed his glasses further up onto his nose.
The young man's vibrant eyes narrowed. /I can hardly see./ He needed a new laptop batter. Fog was not going to stop him from going out to get one, no matter how thick it was. Selvica started down the steps of the restaurant. It was patchy fog at best. Sometimes you could make out the curved red tiled roof of a building here and there or a chinese lantern. He could see the ground the entire time, but when things got to eye level there was a shifting haze that compiled there. With the sun unable to break through the shroud, everything seemed almost dreamlike with the diffused light from above. It was too early for most people to be out, but he couldn't wait any longer. The loss of his laptop was losing a piece of himself. He was so used to staring at the screen.
He had completely lost himself to those thoughts when he started over the antique wooden bridge over the lake. He glanced over, half expecting to see the koi that lived in the shallow edge of the pond before it spilled into the bigger lake filled with waterlilies. The fog was much too thick.
He was immediately alarmed when he heard the crack, stopping in midstep. There was a moment of darkness when he couldn't feel the wood beneath his foot as it came down and instead of it hitting where it should, he just started to fall forward. The bridge was crumbling beneath him.
"s**t!" Selvica grabbed for the edge of the walkway, alarmed when his fingers didn't touch it and he slammed through a bit of the remaining bridge before plunging into the water below. He could feel his glasses sliding off his face as he fell. He felt the sting of it, the lack of air, weightlessness, and wetness, as he quickly turned to pop back out of the water face up. But then his head snapped up as he hit the ground. Dry ground. Not even grass, but a floor.
Selvica sucked in a breath. His hair was dry. For a moment, the fogginess rolled back over him and he could have sworn he was having a bad dream. At that moment he was certain he had rolled out of bed and just hit the wooden floor at Lin Faa. That was until a few drops of water dripped onto his head and his nose and he looked more clearly around. This was not Lin Faa.
"I'm losing my mind." He confided in himself.
The young man's vibrant eyes narrowed. /I can hardly see./ He needed a new laptop batter. Fog was not going to stop him from going out to get one, no matter how thick it was. Selvica started down the steps of the restaurant. It was patchy fog at best. Sometimes you could make out the curved red tiled roof of a building here and there or a chinese lantern. He could see the ground the entire time, but when things got to eye level there was a shifting haze that compiled there. With the sun unable to break through the shroud, everything seemed almost dreamlike with the diffused light from above. It was too early for most people to be out, but he couldn't wait any longer. The loss of his laptop was losing a piece of himself. He was so used to staring at the screen.
He had completely lost himself to those thoughts when he started over the antique wooden bridge over the lake. He glanced over, half expecting to see the koi that lived in the shallow edge of the pond before it spilled into the bigger lake filled with waterlilies. The fog was much too thick.
He was immediately alarmed when he heard the crack, stopping in midstep. There was a moment of darkness when he couldn't feel the wood beneath his foot as it came down and instead of it hitting where it should, he just started to fall forward. The bridge was crumbling beneath him.
"s**t!" Selvica grabbed for the edge of the walkway, alarmed when his fingers didn't touch it and he slammed through a bit of the remaining bridge before plunging into the water below. He could feel his glasses sliding off his face as he fell. He felt the sting of it, the lack of air, weightlessness, and wetness, as he quickly turned to pop back out of the water face up. But then his head snapped up as he hit the ground. Dry ground. Not even grass, but a floor.
Selvica sucked in a breath. His hair was dry. For a moment, the fogginess rolled back over him and he could have sworn he was having a bad dream. At that moment he was certain he had rolled out of bed and just hit the wooden floor at Lin Faa. That was until a few drops of water dripped onto his head and his nose and he looked more clearly around. This was not Lin Faa.
"I'm losing my mind." He confided in himself.
Lady_Ourania
Kishara awoke with a start at the noise of a heavy object encountering the floors, half expecting to find she'd toppled a lamp in her sleep and now needed to recover it. Pell-mell's natural caution was making for a very difficult time when it came to resting as nearly every little thing jolted her into an alert state.
She peered about dazedly for the lamp, brushing her crimson-green bangs from where they obscured her vision and drawing in a sharp breath when she realized it wasn't some inanimate object on the floor.
This definitely did not qualify as some 'little thing,' but rather a circumstance that required immediate attention: The goddess' eyes widened in what was becoming typical incredulity and her wings gave a reflexive flick when she heard him muttering in such a way that implied he did not know he had an audience.
It took a moment for her to decide upon words to use, and even longer to ready a disarming tone that would not make him startle overly much.
"Pardon me," She said softly, rising from her cocoon of blankets and pillows to approach the horned male curiously, taking in the twin spiral of ivory horns and the feathered length of aqua colored hair. "But are you well? Do you hurt anywhere?"
She half wished Calico and Mintaka were still about: Either of the two would know what was to be done with guests who quite literally dropped in.
-Gabriel-
Selvica had just then gotten to his feet, and had yet to look in that direction. The room was as clear as day. He was certainly no longer dreaming. He turned quickly, only mildly startled. "Fine...." He said, although obviously distracted with how he landed here, compared to where he had fallen.
"Fine. Thank you." He glanced up towards the ceiling, wiping off a bit of the water. "I didn't really hurt myself." His gaze shifted back to the girl. "I'm very sorry, My name is Selvica. I'm just.. not quite sure how ... Where am I? I was just walking across the bride..." He relayed, trailing off a bit as he spoke. He seemed a bit unsure of what was going on. He reached up to his face to push his glasses back, but his fingers touched his own skin. He must have dropped them and not even realized until now.
"Fine. Thank you." He glanced up towards the ceiling, wiping off a bit of the water. "I didn't really hurt myself." His gaze shifted back to the girl. "I'm very sorry, My name is Selvica. I'm just.. not quite sure how ... Where am I? I was just walking across the bride..." He relayed, trailing off a bit as he spoke. He seemed a bit unsure of what was going on. He reached up to his face to push his glasses back, but his fingers touched his own skin. He must have dropped them and not even realized until now.
Lady_Ourania
The Edelsteine noted the other's puzzlement and silently waited for him to compose himself, trying not to fidget with a stranger in the room. Pell-mell seemed intrigued but wary as always, and the thief was trying to push her toward the nearest exit just in case the horned man proved dangerous.
Gaia didn't think he was too blood-thirsty or cutthroat, but she took her host's suggestions into consideration.
"I am Kishara of the Edelsteine," She said, wondering how he had managed to get slightly wet and risking a glance at the ceiling herself, looking for leaks though it was not raining. "You are in a shop that deals in Faded deities. As to how you are here... it is difficult to say."
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him move to touch his face, his expression warping into one of faint surprise due to something unknown to her. "You may have arrived in the same fashion the little bird did, Wren. Her entrance was not quite as modest as yours though. She fell through a closet and plummeted through a roof."
Her emerald gaze returned to examine his features, eyebrow quirked as she noted the strange looking patch across nose and cheek that might have been tattooing. "You are certain you are alright? Would you at least like to sit for a moment?"
Gaia didn't think he was too blood-thirsty or cutthroat, but she took her host's suggestions into consideration.
"I am Kishara of the Edelsteine," She said, wondering how he had managed to get slightly wet and risking a glance at the ceiling herself, looking for leaks though it was not raining. "You are in a shop that deals in Faded deities. As to how you are here... it is difficult to say."
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him move to touch his face, his expression warping into one of faint surprise due to something unknown to her. "You may have arrived in the same fashion the little bird did, Wren. Her entrance was not quite as modest as yours though. She fell through a closet and plummeted through a roof."
Her emerald gaze returned to examine his features, eyebrow quirked as she noted the strange looking patch across nose and cheek that might have been tattooing. "You are certain you are alright? Would you at least like to sit for a moment?"
-Gabriel-
"Pleased to meet you. Kishara is a nice name." Selvica nodded a bit. "A seat would be wonderful." He was still looking around. "None of that sounds familiar at all. I've never heard of this shop in Chinatown." Selvica had already moved to brush himself off, moreso checking to see if his white jacket was soaked, but it wasn't. He was just a bit damp at the ends of his coat like he had been when he stepped out of the doors of Lin Faa.
Lady_Ourania
"Thank you," The Edelsteine said with a reserved smile, appreciating the compliment but not certain of how she was supposed to react to it. "Selvica is a lovely name as well."
Kishara gestured to the couch, clearing the pile of comforters to one side so as to make a seat for him. She felt strangely unprepared and a little embarrassed, as though the slight mess was something undignified and worth fumbling with.
"Chinatown?" She repeated thoughtfully, a tiny frown marring her expression as she considered. Was that what this city was called? It didn't sound like anything she had heard before, but Pell-mell hadn't spoken to her much beyond muttering warnings or snappy remarks. "Well, the shop is not much spoken of, and it is typically only those who would... make a purchase that find themselves inside its doors."
The goddess smoothed her clothing self-consciously, aware of every wrinkle that sleeping had produced. "I apologize if I seem out of sorts; I was not expecting company. Would you like some tea? And perhaps we could put your coat near the fire to dry the edges..."
Take charge much?
He cannot be happy to find himself here. The least I can do is settle him in and hope that I make him feel half as welcome as Insanity did for me.
Kishara gestured to the couch, clearing the pile of comforters to one side so as to make a seat for him. She felt strangely unprepared and a little embarrassed, as though the slight mess was something undignified and worth fumbling with.
"Chinatown?" She repeated thoughtfully, a tiny frown marring her expression as she considered. Was that what this city was called? It didn't sound like anything she had heard before, but Pell-mell hadn't spoken to her much beyond muttering warnings or snappy remarks. "Well, the shop is not much spoken of, and it is typically only those who would... make a purchase that find themselves inside its doors."
The goddess smoothed her clothing self-consciously, aware of every wrinkle that sleeping had produced. "I apologize if I seem out of sorts; I was not expecting company. Would you like some tea? And perhaps we could put your coat near the fire to dry the edges..."
Take charge much?
He cannot be happy to find himself here. The least I can do is settle him in and hope that I make him feel half as welcome as Insanity did for me.
-Gabriel-
Selvica sighed. Maybe she is purposely being vague. He thought to himself, following to take a seat. "Unless this shop has computer batteries, I did not intend to end up here." He seemed to like things orderly as well as he took off his coat and folded it up neatly, but held it in his arms as if he was still prepared to leave. He could just recall what she had said earlier, and although it slipped his mind then, it popped back into his head now. "And how exactly do you 'deal' in gods? I don't think you can possibly give a god away." Selvica inquired, thinking that just perhaps, while she was very pleasent, she might be a bit mentally ill.
"I don't think I can leave back out the way I came. So, exactly, how do I get back where I was going?" He sighed, hearing his own voice come out as a riddle. He understood computers. People were another matter.
"I don't think I can leave back out the way I came. So, exactly, how do I get back where I was going?" He sighed, hearing his own voice come out as a riddle. He understood computers. People were another matter.
Lady_Ourania
Computer batteries?
Ha! He's a nerd!
Kishara smiled, the expression tinged with a bit of exasperation at both her host and her inability to cope with the unexpected. "Well, I suppose that was a bad way to phrase it... but I can think of nothing better at the moment. I was not given away so much as I insisted on being taken."
She paused to sit on the floor, not minding that she would have to look up to speak with him. "I won't bore you with a long story, mostly because you would not digest it well anyway, but here is a shortened version,"
Gaia drew up her shirt to display the top of the spherical gem that had once housed her, fingers touching the cool surface as though to make certain it was still there. "The Edelsteine - the gods and the goddesses of everything and anything - Faded, one by one as their followers decreased in number and the thoughts that kept them alive lessened to near nothingness. Harmodius who is Creation and Destruction combined into one being formed what remained of us into gems so that we would not vanish from memory as we had from sight and sound and touch."
How many more times must I explain this? It seems harder each instance... as though the words are running from me in an effort not to be used in such a speech.
"I am not certain when it was conceived that we could be reborn through utilizing another's life. I do not even know if that was Harmodius' original intent; my past experiences have dwindled and I know as much of him as perhaps you, being a complete stranger do. However, it is now almost commonplace for this exchange to take place... and that may be the reason that you are here at all."
She dropped her shirt, having forgotten she was holding it up to display the Gaian jewel as an example. "You see, we draw to us people of a likeness to what we once were, or even individuals with characteristics and traits that we wish to attain. Then we make an proposal to them, one that I will not speak of to you..."
Mainly because she wasn't certain if it would frighten him off or cause him to become agitated and violent. She was still in the stages between goddesshood and humanity after all, and the thought of being murdered by one who seemed so genuinely harmless did not appeal to her.
Gaia's jade wings laid flat against her back and she crossed her ankles demurely as she thought of how best to say what was swimming through her mind. "If you are made an offer, I will go into more detail. As it stands now, however, you are a person I do not know in a place that I am only beginning to become familiar with. Surely you can understand why I do not go into the topic any further than I have already dared.
"If you were plucked from a location, it had to have been for a reason. I do not know it, and obviously neither do you. My suggestion would be to speak with Harmodius... but I give the option only with great reluctance as he is not currently as he should be."
Even I do not want to face him. I send another as a messenger to see what he will do.
You didn't tell him to go. He can make his own decision from here.
Perhaps...
Ha! He's a nerd!
Kishara smiled, the expression tinged with a bit of exasperation at both her host and her inability to cope with the unexpected. "Well, I suppose that was a bad way to phrase it... but I can think of nothing better at the moment. I was not given away so much as I insisted on being taken."
She paused to sit on the floor, not minding that she would have to look up to speak with him. "I won't bore you with a long story, mostly because you would not digest it well anyway, but here is a shortened version,"
Gaia drew up her shirt to display the top of the spherical gem that had once housed her, fingers touching the cool surface as though to make certain it was still there. "The Edelsteine - the gods and the goddesses of everything and anything - Faded, one by one as their followers decreased in number and the thoughts that kept them alive lessened to near nothingness. Harmodius who is Creation and Destruction combined into one being formed what remained of us into gems so that we would not vanish from memory as we had from sight and sound and touch."
How many more times must I explain this? It seems harder each instance... as though the words are running from me in an effort not to be used in such a speech.
"I am not certain when it was conceived that we could be reborn through utilizing another's life. I do not even know if that was Harmodius' original intent; my past experiences have dwindled and I know as much of him as perhaps you, being a complete stranger do. However, it is now almost commonplace for this exchange to take place... and that may be the reason that you are here at all."
She dropped her shirt, having forgotten she was holding it up to display the Gaian jewel as an example. "You see, we draw to us people of a likeness to what we once were, or even individuals with characteristics and traits that we wish to attain. Then we make an proposal to them, one that I will not speak of to you..."
Mainly because she wasn't certain if it would frighten him off or cause him to become agitated and violent. She was still in the stages between goddesshood and humanity after all, and the thought of being murdered by one who seemed so genuinely harmless did not appeal to her.
Gaia's jade wings laid flat against her back and she crossed her ankles demurely as she thought of how best to say what was swimming through her mind. "If you are made an offer, I will go into more detail. As it stands now, however, you are a person I do not know in a place that I am only beginning to become familiar with. Surely you can understand why I do not go into the topic any further than I have already dared.
"If you were plucked from a location, it had to have been for a reason. I do not know it, and obviously neither do you. My suggestion would be to speak with Harmodius... but I give the option only with great reluctance as he is not currently as he should be."
Even I do not want to face him. I send another as a messenger to see what he will do.
You didn't tell him to go. He can make his own decision from here.
Perhaps...
Ivynian
There was a distinctive change in the feel of the room, though it was not a tangible one. It came in the sense of unease in the gut as when gazing at a puce sky, or watching the approach of a tidal wall.
The hissing shift of metal plates proceeded sight of the cause, mixed with the bell shifts of jewelry and coins.
Destruction walked gracefully down the arching, carven stair from his halls, seeming to have not yet noticed the downstairs had other inhabitants. There was a warm, french grey velvet cloth draped over his left arm and hand, and laying on it, in his clawed grasp, were a set of perfect jewels like in fashion and motif to that which the gangster had already claimed.
The hissing shift of metal plates proceeded sight of the cause, mixed with the bell shifts of jewelry and coins.
Destruction walked gracefully down the arching, carven stair from his halls, seeming to have not yet noticed the downstairs had other inhabitants. There was a warm, french grey velvet cloth draped over his left arm and hand, and laying on it, in his clawed grasp, were a set of perfect jewels like in fashion and motif to that which the gangster had already claimed.
-Gabriel-
Selvica halted completely. He almost felt sick by the feeling that engulfed him. His eyes slid over to the slight bit of noise coming down the stairs produced. He already was dreading the thought that this might be Harmodius. Kishara had said he would know him when he saw him. Selvica sucked in a deep breath to calm himself. He wasn't sure he wanted to be the first to talk to someone who looked quite so dangerous.
Lady_Ourania
Kishara closed her eyes and tried to steel herself against the alteration in the room, feeling the pressure on her mind and body alleviate somewhat from the effort. It was still unpleasant, but it was bearable.
The goddess glanced back at Selvica, gently taking up his hand as though to reassure the grounded dragon. She turned her emerald gaze forward once more, straightening her spine. Then she saw Him coming down the stairwell and it became a more difficult undertaking.
She had known that he would not look the same, but somehow seeing it and thinking it were on entirely different levels. The goddess didn't dare open her mouth to speak just yet, fearful that nothing but a mousey, undignified squeak would come out of her tightened throat.
The hole on his chest was still obvious, blackened and hideous enough to make her stomach lurch dangerously. The upset was also caused by his appearance, by the glowering yellow of his eyes which were so different from the sympathetic blue and red.
This was not Harmodius.
And yet it was.
Let me help.
And she did.
"Greetings, Lord." Her voice was cool and unmoved, something she was glad of since the alternative was hysterics. "We were searching for you. This is Selvica. He would like a path back to his home since he arrived here under strange circumstance."
The goddess glanced back at Selvica, gently taking up his hand as though to reassure the grounded dragon. She turned her emerald gaze forward once more, straightening her spine. Then she saw Him coming down the stairwell and it became a more difficult undertaking.
She had known that he would not look the same, but somehow seeing it and thinking it were on entirely different levels. The goddess didn't dare open her mouth to speak just yet, fearful that nothing but a mousey, undignified squeak would come out of her tightened throat.
The hole on his chest was still obvious, blackened and hideous enough to make her stomach lurch dangerously. The upset was also caused by his appearance, by the glowering yellow of his eyes which were so different from the sympathetic blue and red.
This was not Harmodius.
And yet it was.
Let me help.
And she did.
"Greetings, Lord." Her voice was cool and unmoved, something she was glad of since the alternative was hysterics. "We were searching for you. This is Selvica. He would like a path back to his home since he arrived here under strange circumstance."
Ivynian
His teeth flashed behind a wicked smile as he regarded them both for the first time. He stepped back with one foot, bowing down lavishly so that the jewels woven into his black-blood tresses came forward over his shoulders.
"Gaia" He let it roll of his lips as if the sound of each syllable were its own secret pleasure. Rising again, he looked to the man beside, noding this time, "Young dragon, lost from your world. The same as Fai Li's I suspect?"
"Gaia" He let it roll of his lips as if the sound of each syllable were its own secret pleasure. Rising again, he looked to the man beside, noding this time, "Young dragon, lost from your world. The same as Fai Li's I suspect?"
-Gabriel-
"I wasn't aware you could get lost walking over a simple wooden bridge." Selvica said, although a lot less stubborn and forceful to uphold his part of the story. Maybe he was believing this a bit more. Something was different in this room and with the added mention of Fai's name, Selvica was put on alert. "You know Fai?" That could have been a good thing, or a bad thing. His ancestor had a nasty temper and he was quite sure that meeting someone this imposing might have had a gun involved. "He's... a relative of mine, if you will."
Lady_Ourania
Her organs simultaneously iced over and heated up, caught somewhere in-between as all of her was. It was only through Pell-mell's will that she managed not to shiver when His voice intoned her first name, nearly as intimate as a caress.
She bowed curtly in response before stepping backward to Selvica's side to allow the two men to talk. Her heart was pounding so hard that she was certain both of them could hear it, but she kept her lips in a straight line and gave no ground beyond that.
I can't do this...
'Course you can, pansy. And I'm helping you besides. Just sit up straight, meet his eyes if he looks at you, and wait for it to be over.
Persephone didn't understand, of course: This shattered moment was beyond the teen's comprehension. Still, she did as she was told, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass while she looked at the charcoaled chasm in her old love's torso. Even when this conversation drew to an end, it would not be over.
She bowed curtly in response before stepping backward to Selvica's side to allow the two men to talk. Her heart was pounding so hard that she was certain both of them could hear it, but she kept her lips in a straight line and gave no ground beyond that.
I can't do this...
'Course you can, pansy. And I'm helping you besides. Just sit up straight, meet his eyes if he looks at you, and wait for it to be over.
Persephone didn't understand, of course: This shattered moment was beyond the teen's comprehension. Still, she did as she was told, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass while she looked at the charcoaled chasm in her old love's torso. Even when this conversation drew to an end, it would not be over.
Ivynian
"Yes, We've met. He stumbled in through Creation's old chambers, via a broom closet in a store he claimed. Fancy that!" His arched his eyebrows at the last as if it were a joke, but the tone of his voice was all wrong.
He passed over to display cases' new location and started setting the glimmering jewel in places on the black velvet within. "He almost threatened to steal on of these jewels, he was so smitten with one of them. Finest in the cosmos, as they are....do you keep hordes as well, little dragon?"
He passed over to display cases' new location and started setting the glimmering jewel in places on the black velvet within. "He almost threatened to steal on of these jewels, he was so smitten with one of them. Finest in the cosmos, as they are....do you keep hordes as well, little dragon?"
-Gabriel-
Selvica was only minorly reassured at this point that he wasn't crazy. He seemed a little obsessed with his jewels. At least at first appearance it looked that way. Selvica did think they were incredibly beautiful though. Something that his eyes kept drawing to even as he spoke. He didn't have Fai's sticky fingers, though. "Actually," he began to bravely interrupt. "I was just trying to get back to where I came from. As seeing that I fell into a lake and ended up on the floor in this room, I'm not sure how to do that logically. Maybe you can help me with that?"
Ivynian
"Can't climb out of the Rabbit Hole? Use the door then, but this one won't require anything labeled 'drink me'." He finished placing them all in, and the swath of satin-silk velvet started to black where it touched his fingertips, before red flame tongues sprung up and sprinted along the length until it was ash and gone.
"The front door is the natural exit. It will leave you off on your bridge."
"The front door is the natural exit. It will leave you off on your bridge."
Lady_Ourania
She had never felt something so dangerous before, at least not crammed into one slim figure with darkened hair and marbled ruby skin. It was a bit like standing on the edge of a muttering volcano or watching twin tornado gouge a path across a landscape. But those things she had an ounce of control over: This God was not quite so tame.
Kishara half regretted leading Selvica to Him, though she was not so naive as to think Harmodius would not have found the dragon anyway. There was no way to protect him, and it would ultimately be the other's choice since she had already given away some information that Destruction might not have thought necessary to air.
She drew her gaze away from the closing wound on His chest, focusing instead on Selvica as he spoke. The male was stronger than he seemed, which was lucky because he looked as though a good wind would send him flying.
Then Harmodius replied with something that made her suspicion mount, at least until Persephone give a faint laugh of incredulity.
He thinks this is Alice in Wonderland? Damn but he must have been hanging out with Calico...
She truly needed to get back into the swing of modern day culture.
Kishara half regretted leading Selvica to Him, though she was not so naive as to think Harmodius would not have found the dragon anyway. There was no way to protect him, and it would ultimately be the other's choice since she had already given away some information that Destruction might not have thought necessary to air.
She drew her gaze away from the closing wound on His chest, focusing instead on Selvica as he spoke. The male was stronger than he seemed, which was lucky because he looked as though a good wind would send him flying.
Then Harmodius replied with something that made her suspicion mount, at least until Persephone give a faint laugh of incredulity.
He thinks this is Alice in Wonderland? Damn but he must have been hanging out with Calico...
She truly needed to get back into the swing of modern day culture.
-Gabriel-
Selvica halted completely. Selvica's eyes shifted from the red and black figure to the jewels. He kept glancing over at them. One in particular had caught his eye as well, although he didn't want to look like he was about to grab it and take off. He had taken a few steps towards the door, but found himself walking closer to the case. "Fai was interested in these, hmm?" Selvica leaned forward a little to look at them closer. "There is something special about them.." Selvica was only looking at one of them. It was a swirling stone of blue and white, with the faintest hint of green. He seemed to have forgotten how much in a rush he was to leave.
Ivynian
"As I said, there are no finer jewels to be found in any realm. " He waved a hand, and the crystal surface of the case vanished, leaving the jewels open for closer inspection. Destruction smiled to himself, "Each is meant for one owner and one owner only. These are the Dragon Jewels. Look at them, if you wish. "
-Gabriel-
Selvica was always curious about things. He loved knowledge and information and this was just another facet of that. He immediately headed for the one jewel that had piqued his interest earlier and picked it up to look at it. "Dragon jewels?" Selvica chuckled a bit. That was an interesting coincidence.
Ivynian
"As They were formed from the souls of the greatest Dragons to ever exist." He slowly paced over to the stair again, though leaned against the carven dragon banister instead of ascending. He stroked one hand lovingly up the great black neck, his claws glimmering like rubies in the firelight fro the sconces. "The heavenly dragons, numbered nine strong and swift, circled the spans and served the Twin Crown. Now they are lost in mist and bare memory. But that one....that is Shen Lung, Rainmaker and Spirit Guard."
-Gabriel-
Selvica looked over at him. "How coincidental that I'm drawn to a stone that has anything to do with water." He reluctantly set the stone down, his hand hovering there a moment. It was better to be polite, but how badly he wanted to pick it up again tormented him. "I like that one very much. There is something about it." Selvica glanced over the other stones for a moment. "There not nine stones here..." He thought outloud.
Ivynian
" As I said, a man named Fai Li has already taken one of them. He looked them over and asked to have the gem of Futs Lung. " His eyes narrowed in amusement, his lips curled into a glossy black smirk, "Jewels to jewels and water to water. If you feel a draw for that one, take it. They are enchanted, and will only be owned, as I said, by one whom they call. If it turns out that it isn't you, you can either bring it back or it will find it's way here."
-Gabriel-
Selvica looked over at him. Selvica turned back to it, staring at it for a moment. "I can have it? There's no catch?" He picked back up Shen Lung's jewel and stared at it. It was strange to him and slightly suspicious, but he wanted that jewel and those thoughts won over his paranoia. "I would like this one..." Selvica said, glancing over to the man whose appearance still alarmed him. He had a hard time looking at it.
Ivynian
"No payments, just give it a good home. They have a sentience to them, the last thoughst and wills of the dragons....so just make sure you pay attention to it a little each day. If you are the one it is meant for, then there is nothing for me to prevent you from being the owner."
The facing of the case reappeared, and Destruction shifted to a contrapposto. "Is this satisfactory?"
The facing of the case reappeared, and Destruction shifted to a contrapposto. "Is this satisfactory?"
-Gabriel-
Selvica nodded. "Yes. If I have any other questions, how do I get back here?" He added, glancing at the jewel a bit. It seemed like a privledge to have one of these jewels in your possession. He pulled his coat back on, the jewel still firmly in his hand.
Ivynian
"Have the jewel on you, think of me, and the next door you enter will bring you through that front door. Simple as that." His tone was pleasant and matter-of-fact, like a chat between old friends. He gave respectful nod again, "We thank you for stopping by and for your patronage. May Shen Lung bring you rain and storm to your hearts desire."
-Gabriel-
Selvica nodded some. "Good day. It was a pleasure to meet you." Much of the shop was shrouded in mystery still, and Selvica was sure that he would head back here to uncover more of it as time went on. He'd completely forgotten about his original goal of getting a computer battery. He seemed to have received something far more important. Selvica glanced back to Kishara. "Thank you for your introduction as well..it was a pleasure to meet you."
Lady_Ourania
The goddess smiled wanely, tipping her head in acknowledgment of the thanks. "It was a delight to make your acquaintance as well, Sir Selvica. Please have a safe journey home."
She would have said more, but he had already made his decision and she had no right to bring it under harsher light. This was necessary, Gaia reminded herself, they needed hosts in order to be reborn. But it still felt underhanded, pricking her conscience like a hair thin needle.
Part of her reluctance might have also been due to Destruction's proximity, but that thought did more than simply poke minuscule holes.
She would have said more, but he had already made his decision and she had no right to bring it under harsher light. This was necessary, Gaia reminded herself, they needed hosts in order to be reborn. But it still felt underhanded, pricking her conscience like a hair thin needle.
Part of her reluctance might have also been due to Destruction's proximity, but that thought did more than simply poke minuscule holes.
-Gabriel-
Feb o7, o6
Journal Entry
Strange Things Are Happening
Strange Things Are Happening
I have been unable to sleep since the other day when I found myself on the floor of that unusual shop. I still have no idea where it is, other than the knowledge of how to get back there if I so wish it. I'm strangly drawn to keeping this jewel with me at all times. Sometimes when I look at it, it almost appears like it is swirling. I could not find Fai anywhere in the resturaunt to ask him about Harmodius or his own stone. If it wasn't for this jewel, I might have sworn that I was dreaming the whole incident.
Earlier in the day, the jewel accidentally slid into the sink as I washed my hands. The colors in it seemed to get brighter when it was wet. The same thing happened when I filled a glass of water a few moments ago, although I did not get the stone wet.
-Gabriel-
Feb o8, o6
Journal Entry
One more unusual circumstance...
One more unusual circumstance...
I was finally able to sleep! Thank god. This morning, though, I was unable to find the jewel. Something about that really upset me. I searched the entire room.
It wasn't until I took a shower and changed, that I found there was something wrong with the back of my neck. When I changed clothes, there was a rough round spot protruding from just at the base of my neck. I had to pull out two mirrors to see it, but somehow that jewel is half implanted in the back of my neck and can't be removed. I don't know what the heck is going on! It doesn't hurt being there, but I've had a headache since I woke up that refuses to fade.
-Gabriel-
Feb 14, o6
Roleplay : Ogre / -Gabriel-
Reunion
Reunion
After not seeing him for quite awhile, the last place Sel expected to run into Fai was in the middle of the street in town. Fai was easy to stop for some reason. He never seemed to have trouble weaving throughout the crowd, or rather it seemed the crowd bent to him. Selvica gravitated towards the figure immidately. "Fai.." Sel started. "I need to talk to you regarding a certain jewel."
Fai raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing towards Selvica. "What about it...?"
Selvica paused. "So you did meet Harmodius, too." Selvica stepped forward, very close to Fai and reached for his hand. Usually he wasn't that bold to invade another's personal space like that, but he pulled the hand up to the back of his neck where the stone was firmly implanted. "Did yours do that?"
Fai blinked, fingers running across the surface of the stone embedded in Sel's neck. He stepped up closer, other hand sliding around his fellow 'dragons' waist to rest at the small of his back. Fai pressed two fingertips into the base of Sel's spine, voice beside his ear. "I have one there."
Ogre says:
[ Yu's a very uhm... sexual creature.. so he's IN PEOPLES SPACE and breathing on them and demanding things ]
Selvica felt along Fai's back for a moment. "I knew there was small print.." Selvica said, careening his face towards Fai's neck. "And do you have a b*****d voice in the back of your head too?" Shen breathed into Fai's neck. "He's ******** nagging me to death."
Fai smirked, glancing at Sel sidelong. "I haven't heard him, but sometimes I black out and wake up in random places naked." He shrugged. "I figure that's him."
Shen reached up and pushed his bangs back on one side where they fell in his way and breathed along Fai's neck, up along his jawline. "I can't wait to meet him." He pulled back to look Fai in the eyes. "I can't stand being stuck in a timid body for so long."
Fai's eyes flickered brighter green, like headlights being turned up suddenly. A lazy sort of smirk crossed his features, sharp teeth peeking over his bottom lip. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Yu leaned forward, giving Shen a sniff. "You smell the same."
"Too long.." Shen raked his fingers along Fai's back. "You smell like you've been causing trouble already, Yu-Huang." Shen's eyes were just as bright as Selvica's, although he didn't wear glasses anymore. Slowly underneath Selvica's hair, a second set of horns was starting to appear. The more Shen came out like this, the more Selvica was losing to him.
Yu snorted, shaking his head. "It's not hard. This place isn't like it's former self. What have you been doing?"
Shen slowly circled Yu, sliding his fingers lazily around his hips until he came up on the other side. "Nothing major, yet." He smirked some. "I plan to return to Harmodius soon, will you?" Shen lifted a hand to run into Yu's hair. "It's nice to smell something so ancient in all the decay of humanity."
"As soon as I finish collecting the rest of my things," Yu watched him as he circled, head tilted. "My treasure has been scattered in my abscence."
"Jewels only, or have other precious things to you been lost during your slumber?" Shen sighed, pulling his fingers reluctantly from Yu's hair. "I am going to return when I am fit to see our Lord again."
"Fit to see him?" He frowned slightly, glancing towards the streets. "Jewels are easy to find, I just have to retrieve them all." /greedy
"I want to finish with Selvica before I go back. He needs to understand I don't plan on going anywhere." Shen looked up at Yu. He looked at Yu with a smirk out of the corner of his eyes. "What trouble have yo-" At that someone accidentally ran into Shen. The middle of the street for a conversation was not the best meeting place. Shen turned sharply and grabbed the person, growling through his teeth. "I believe you need to excuse yourself. Now."
Yu blinked, looking at the idiot who'd ran into Shen. "... eat him."
Shen squeezed the man's neck tighter before tossing him away. "He didn't look tasty." He smirked, turning back to Yu. "Not like you.." Shen rested a hand on the other's chest, leaning in to lick his neck.
Yu laughed, watching the man run off quickly. "Your people skills have improved."
Selvica pulled back suddenly when he realized he was leaning so close to 'Fai's neck and wasn't quite sure how to explain that. /Damn you, I wasn't finished./ Shen inwardly cursed, throwing a fit inside Selvica's head. Selvica looked around. "What was I just talking about?" he asked, confused.
"You and me, together in about twenty minutes..." Yu leered, fangs flashing. "Don't you remember your promise?"
Selvica paused. "Yes, of course.. " He blatantly lied, inwardly searching for the answer. /Let me back out if he's going to ******** say that!/ Shen cursed to himself. "What exactly was the promise, again?" Selvica questioned. Shen was right, he was a lot less showy and bold. He hardly seemed like the dragon he was, and to think that this was an improvement.
"That you were coming home with me," Yu replied, grabbing Sel's hand as he began walking.
Selvica followed. "Of.. course I am." He said, being tugged along. "I live with you." Something here was just a /bit/ strange, but he allowed himself to be tugged along anyway.
Yu snickered, dragging him off to HIS building. It was a fairly large warehouse, redone to look like a decent and lavish flat. There was a huge pile of treasure on one side, and a pile of cushions on the other. Yu released Sel, heading over to the treasure pile to deposit some things he'd taken today.
Selvica walked a little bit in. "This is... a .. lot.. of stuff." He stared amazed. "Goddamn it." He suddenly growled out. The sight of this room bringing memories back to Shen who just couldn't stand to be quiet. He whipped around, stalking right back up to Yu, still preoccupied with his treasure, before turning him sharply with his fingers on the sides of his face. "I've been waiting too long to do this." He said, letting his lips run over Yu's before kissing him.
-Gabriel-
-Gabriel-
Feb 20, o6
Journal Entry
Strange New Things...
Strange New Things...
I am completely baffled what is happening to me. A new set of horns has appeared on my and my hair is changing. I feel strange. That kind of feeling when you know there is something in your head and heart that is not the same as it usually is. Shenlei is louder in my mind than my own thoughts, and I can hardly remember what day it is and what I've been doing -- if I remember at all.
-Gabriel-
Feb 22, o6
Journal Entry
I feel myself fading...
I feel myself fading...
I noticed just today that Selvica had kept a journal. Sitting down, I find myself compelled to write in these pages. His voice, once so firm in my head, is slowly fading. Soon there will be nothing left. These days running into Yu, I find that I have nearly taken over my host completely. His voice has faded from my ears.
I am slowly returning to the way I once was, only a shadow of my former self. My hair, eyes, ears, and horns have all come back to me. I want to see the others. I can almost feel myself beckoned to Harmodius' domain. As of this last entry in Selvica's journal, I will leave to return to the place I belong.