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 Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 8:19 pm
He sat long while in the recessed rings beneath the orator’s walk, watching the passing and play of the gods and mortals come to the Pantheon in expectation and eagerness. His wings, leaking ambient mana that sprung into life the chroma splashed new creatures and beings at the event, splayed on the stone and cushion behind him. It was a pleasant constant murmur of voices, ringing laughter, soft gasps and triumphant cries- an atmosphere easy to relax in.
In truth, his eyes had been heavily lidded, and he’d been still and unapproached for the length of the celebration. A silent figure as much a statue as those that ringed the room.
“The time is come.”
The words were soft, but alive. The vibrations of four syllables went out from him as ripples on water.
Aris, who had been asleep after long boredom of sitting nearby and doing nothing, startled awake. “Harmodius?”
He did not answer, but stood, and looked to the place where Xia Lu Ling reclined with regal airs. The Kings he would need. This task was one that hearkened the earliest years in its undertaking – to look into the void and set forth Being. The act of a god.
That I am brought again so close to my own youth, in release from that older form….from Gehenna. In the end it proves great service, and I must be less a mortal than that guise I have walked on since the fading. I must be Origin.
“Kings of Scale – of glass, ash, wood, bronze, bone, obsidian, amber and thrones, attend.” Alas for corundum…the General was fallen, and could not be called. Could be no aid in this, nor celebrant as his brothers.
“Fair host of immortal and mortal kind, attend. “
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 8:48 pm
Zhijian had observed for most of the celebrations, content to be about and recognized, often laying curled up or stretched out at full length near the periphery. He had adorned himself (with some assistance) with all his long-sought tack, armor and saddle and flowering bridle. It was vanity, of course, as he had no need of them at a celebration, but why not wear them? He'd gone through all the trouble of finding his most prized possessions, and what was the point in finding them if only to let them sit in his rooms, unused? And besides, many of the mortals and even other gods had 'dressed up' for the occasion, and this was his way of doing so.
He was dozing when his Lord's call came, head resting on his forepaws and eyes half-closed, but once called, all the drowsiness from too much feasting vanished in a mere moment. His first response was a roar - I'm coming! - before he rose and carefully made his way to where his Master waited. If the grounds had not been so full of people, of the crowds of fragile mortals, he would have bounded to Harmodius' side without delay, but as it was, he had to watch where he stepped and keep an eye to his tail. His feathered wings were gingerly folded, remaining so as he sat and curled his tail around himself so as to take up a little less room. He could have changed, but he didn't want to; he was a dragon, and he would be a dragon. ...although how Tian Yue would manage, he had no idea.
"My Lord," he rumbled, dipping his great head, and glanced to his brother Yu as well. He'd watched Xia Lu Ling receiving gifts, of which he'd been slightly envious, but his fellow dragon was due the adoration.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:27 pm
Enekpe very nearly missed the call to gather to Harmodius, so deep in sleep was she. She'd overindulged for the entirety of the joyous event, taking advantage of her goddess' permission to do as she liked. In between mingling and soliciting attention from the many attendees, she'd eaten until she couldn't eat anymore, slept it off, run around with all the colorful little flooxes, and then eaten some more. By the end, she was absolutely wiped out. The pooka had most recently fallen asleep on one of the tables, on which someone had been kind enough to place her so that she could peruse the edible offerings at her leisure.
It was Kikechum who woke her, prodding her to wakefulness. Her host was reluctant at first, but once the goddess explained that Harmodius had called, En agreed that they should go. She did like the rainbow-haired god very much! She slowly yawned and stretched and stood, and carefully hopped down to the ground to toddle off where everyone else was headed.
...hmm. Seeing was going to be a problem, wasn't it? "Galitziiiii?" En called, attempting to summon the aoide for a 'ride.' Fortunately, the catgirl had stayed near, and soon appeared to swoop up her charge and lift her so she could see better.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:47 pm
The noise and crowds of mortals attending the festivities had been somewhat unsettling to Itztlac, who was of decidedly solitary and quiet tendencies. He hadn't avoided the celebration entirely, recognizing how important it was, but it was a lot for the cantaur-bodied god to take. He'd come down from his rooms on several occasions for short periods, perhaps an hour or so at a time, and socialized here and there with some of the more subdued individuals, although inwardly he hadn't exactly been happy about it. He may even have been anxious, not that he would ever admit it. But he knew it had to be done, that he couldn't spend his reclaimed life constant seclusion, so he'd forced himself out of his own comfort zone.
Now, he descended the stairs again, heeding Harmodius' call. One of the Tylluan owls, dark-feathered Neirin, attended him, a large and imposing weight on his broad shoulders. It wasn't comfortable to carry one of them so for extended periods of time, as they were quite big, but for now he bore the Brenhines without issue, protected from her talons by a thick piece of leather.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:03 pm
Taj had been wandering around the event silently. He sat in a place where fewer people were, simply watching them. It was the best part for him. There were many secrets to see when people were not looking or were unaware one could read them even if unsaid. Several times he had smiled as various people he knew walked by in the crowds that made their way through. He would nod and they would continue on their way. His lips would twitch in amusement when some particularly juicy morsel was revealed to him. But then something would remain hidden and he would frown as it eluded him. A mystery for later perhaps.
He had sent Maddie back with Siddhi to a blanket where she had put the fussy child to sleep for awhile. His pet however had been taken back to Taj's rooms and caged temporarily. At the sound of Creation's voice though, the child had woken, immediately wanting his father. He had been very clingy since their return and Siddhi merely stood nearby watching as she waited to help.
Taking the child into his arms, Mystery walked forwards where he could see well. It was nearly time to bring back the sky. Jaster would have been happy about that and how well Creation was. He had already spotted Delphine and Felista walking around together. He bet the shifter had his daughter. Perhaps Saljin would join him later with Kayan.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:08 pm
Lisana was still carrying the little harpy boy as she walked around. Of course, when he wanted down, she had given him to Arlecchino to return to her rooms but instead made the aoide help her with the boy. So long as Lisana held his hand, he behaved. The goddess hoped he did not destroy too much. He would have to be taught to behave. Of that she was certain. Walking forwards, she noted Priscilla standing watching still holding her dheln and her doll. She had most likely refused to put him down.
Motioning for Arlecchino to pick up the boy entirely, she moved towards Priscilla. Stopping beside the girl, she said, "Do you mind if we watch with you, Pris?" She liked the child but Lisana thought she was far too quiet. She'd only seen one smile and that was aimed at Arctang.
"My name is Priscilla," she stated matter of fact. "But you can wait if you want. I'm sure Arctang will come soon." She was unsure about Lisana yet. And her bubbles had tickled Priscilla's nose and she was not sure she liked that at all. The harpy boy and the aoide she ignored entirely.
She stared in surprise, her jaw dropping open when she saw Zhijian. "What is he?" she asked softly, leaning towards Lisana. "He's so big. And so pretty." She just watched him closely everytime he moved. Pris had never seen anything like him. "You know," she finally said to Lisana. "I have one of those little flooxes that are running around. It just curled up with me. I didn't even have to chase it. Sandstone is still sleeping."
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:40 pm
The moment was both sharpest glory and bitterest dregs. Tian Yue came when called, as would all his brothers, unerring, irrevocable. Perhaps human form would have been simpler for navigating the joyous gathering, but ever had he worn scales for the stars. He would do so now, and p***k his ears to see if they would sing.
... He did not think they would.
Tien Lung moved carefully along the edges, so as not to inadvertently squish any of the celebrants. When he reached the seat of his Lord, the great dragon inclined his head low, resting his chin on the edge of the stone. "I attend," he rumbled.
Then, lower, imperceptible to any save the Crown and his brothers, "I will aid you with all of my being, Lord, but do not ask me not to weep. That service... I cannot provide for you this night."
........
Another god was at the edges of the festivities, drawn and wan even as light haloed his form - but that light was hidden under a cloak, only faint wisps of luminescence flickering from beneath the fabric. Illumin stood, unknown to all but his Aoide and his most trusted followers. It was the first time he had seen any of his divine brethren since meeting little Lacrymosa at the Beacon.
The sight of them was still raw and sharp; selfishly, he hoped he would not see Kishara. The sight of her, one arm missing and torn away because of him, would not be a comfort.
Truly, he was only here because Eibhilin had coaxed him forth, and because he supposed he ought to see the fruit formed from his long labors. Light was still weakened from the efforts of 'creation', his pale mimicry of the Crown's fair art. Still, it would be good to see beauty in the sky once more. The void above ached, chewing into his belly with every continued moment of its existence. Even now he could hardly bear it.
So Illumin stood in silence, head tilted up, ignoring all others. A few moths detached themselves from lanterns and fluttered to him in adoration, ever faithful.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:56 pm
After the incident with her dog catching and trying to eat one of the rainbow flooxes, Alice had taken him back to her rooms to stay there until the celebrations ended. If he'd actually hurt the little creature, she would have been mortified, and she didn't want to give him the opportunity to try again. The floox, though, did accompany her. It had become quite attached after she'd 'saved' it, insisting on riding on her shoulder. It was odd to have such a small, fluffy, colorful companion. She'd never been one for small animals, had never even been a cat person, but it was cute. She had to give it that. She was just going to have to be careful to keep it separate from Hector so it didn't 'disappear,' and find it a name.
But that would be for later. For now, she followed the crowd, going to see the reason for the summons. There were Dragon Kings - that was what they had to be, look at them! - there, magnificent and large. One of them was absolutely huge, impossibly so. Alice found herself staring in awe.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 11:01 pm
The elf woman had come to the celebration with Rio and the rest of his company, although without as much excitement she was sure. The large crowd that had gathered at the festival had been quite overwhelming for the one who had found herself in this new and strange place, with gods and many other beings walking amongst each other. It was because of her shy and reserved nature that Two had spent majority of the event hidden away from the others, perched against a tree, watching the people as they celebrated.
When she had heard the voice of Harmodious, that was when she stepped out from her secluded space. She watched as the dragon kings made their way to their ruler in awe at their appearance and the power they seemed to exude. She glanced around for a familiar face in the crowd, and noticed that almost everyone that had gathered had stopped to turn their attention towards Creation. Grey eyes watched on with intense interest.
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Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 11:30 pm
Rio had been enjoying the celebration immensely, from using it to make matches to simply being social. The highlight thus far had certainly been his little venture with Lisana. Laughter's company was excellent, and they'd been able to be of help to each other. He very much looked forward to her promised visit, and to meeting the God of Numbers she was apparently taken with. That was neither here nor there for the moment, though - soon would be the longed-for creation of a new sky, a real sky. Not yet in his new life had he seen the sky as it was meant to be, as it had already been darkened by the influences of Destruction when he returned. And even before that, in Alex's memories, it had been years since she'd seen daylight.
_________________
Like all the rest, Nashwa was eager for the culmination of the event, and was impressed with the variety of attendees, from Dragon Kings to some of the more 'exotic' mortals - among which she might be included, in some eyes. The katta also kept an eye out for the guest they'd brought with them, however, poor shy Two. When she spotted the woman in the crowd, she came quietly up beside her with a friendly smile.
Altan had followed her out, and put his head between the two with a low, curious 'gronk' of greeting. Why were they all over here instead of eating all that delicious food over there?
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 6:00 am
“What task I perform this day may bring tears of many kind and colour, but I do not ask abstinence of any. ”
"But in such a case, " his voice hushed to whisper, "It will be regret and not celebration that could paint our eyes. Yours and mine, for our fairest star is gone. This counterfeit will neither laugh nor scold. It shall drown out the void, but it will be little comfort to heart's loss. Content we must find that other works of his hands are preserved to wander and live anew.”
He crossed to Zhijian, lifting fingers to bridle and muzzle in long caress. “Fair and well met again this old raiment. You come well prepared, if you would bear me at the appointed time. But first, "
“Those who walk in steps of mine, come forward with the globes-the false stars with their bright light. Though there not be room inside, there is without upon the grass. “ Hands of panoply, the servants of Hamodius came bearing again the work of long labours. They set in great circles about the central hall the hundred on hundreds requested vessels of light.
“Tian Yue, Xia Lu Ling, ” He spoke as he walked out to grass. “Pillar, keep watch , should I falter. It has been too long a time, has it not? I would rather not be shamed by disuse. Worldshield, your scales are needed here to protect those gathered . Stretch them out closely in this place, that this great work does not harm them. ”
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 6:41 am
He came when called, as ever, as always he would do. Jin Huang had spent much time among the celebrations, though he had not sought to draw attention to himself, content with observing those who did.
It was not often that he went forth in scale and claw, but he did so this day. It was perhaps easier for Futs Lung to move through the crowd than any of his brothers, as he did not often have to worry about squashing others.
"My Lord," he rumbled upon arrival, bowing his head and intent upon the Crown's every word and direction.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 8:48 am
Yu's ears pricked as Creation shifted, his great head turning to catch the soft words even as bright eyes caught Aris' abrupt waking with some amusement. The Dragon King immediately rose from his most comfortable of places and moved carefully to Harmodius' side as summoned; to his bretheren, he would dip his head graciously.
Tian Yue and Zhijian, glorious and beautiful in full scaled form, brought no jealousy but a deep wont to join them. 'Soon enough.' He thought; Creation's words touching across his senses with an excited tingle - now, oh now would they have sky overhead! Sad to not have Universe, that most brilliant of arms to cradle sun, moon and all else that rested overhead...but to have something was better than naught, wasn't it? "Yes, Lord. Always I am with You." His tail swished as he awaited the next moves of God, Dragon and mortal alike; should Creation falter, his reaction would be swift and sure - of that, there could be no doubt.*** Before anything was said, he felt it. A pricking across what silence there was at such an event - Endiovar had been sticking mostly to the fringes since his dance; the noise level was grating no matter how well he could appreciate the need and reasoning for it. Creation's voice called to the Dragon Kings to attend, then for god and mortal alike; a calling that he could no more have ignored than his host had been able to ignore his need to breathe. Soundlessly he came closer to where the multi-hued Eldest stood, just in time to hear the rumble of Yu Five Claws assent. Silence could feel the tension build, the excitement...and he could not but feel it himself. When Universe fell to the Void, he'd felt as though part of him were ripped away - a loss mourned greately, the emptiness felt keenly - and althought Harmodius had stated that the 'counterfeit' would neither laugh nor scold, something above their heads, filling the void left would be helpful...hopeful, even.
That I were closer by Your side, Lord. Not aloud, but only within and without jealousy...Endiovar could not help but wish to be nearer Creation...a sentiment that was clearly felt by many of their number. With good reason, too!
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 9:24 am
Tian Yue stood silent as Harmodius whispered, his eyes slipping closed. The Crown's words were a gentle balm - the balm of knowledge, of understanding. He was not the only one here who would mourn fallen Universe even in the midst of joy, first and fairest star. That knowledge made the aching in his heart lessen.
"Whatever shall come to be this night, I will tend it in his memory," he rumbled quietly, then opened his eyes and lifted his head. The Dragon King surveyed those gathered, nodding to his other brothers as they approached. Each arriving King was also a balm. They were at their best when collected so, a living, scaled temple to the Crown.
Each with a task to do. Tian Yue dug his claws into the earth and brought forth his scales, the Worldshield of his name. Mana made the air ripple as the scales laid down in serried ranks, arching over and around the celebrants, dipping even below the earth to make the circle complete. The familiar act - and the act of obedience to the Crown's command - was an unexpected delight, and the Dragon King felt a true smile tug at his muzzle.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 9:37 am
Phaedra, of course, was in attendance - how could she not be, with all the much-vaunted glories of Creation laid out before her? Creation and the favored mortals, yes. But not all would have attended this shining revelry. Greed turned her gaze beyond the light to the darkness beyond. There, she knew, would be those who had not come; although she could not feel it herself, she knew they were there, gazing on the bright celebration with desire that twisted to hunger that twisted to hatred deep in their bellies.
A delicious feast, truly.
The goddess was clad in a gown of peacock silks, a relatively simple affair that showed off her excellent physique to its full advantage. Golden bangles clinked on her wrists as she moved. It was an effort to keep from expanding her influence, stretching out her power like wings - oh how fun it would be! However beholden the mortals here were to other gods, they would come to her, pretty little sheep, if only she asked...
She sighed inwardly. Even she dared not interfere with Creation's revels... and she was getting rather bored with the empty sky. Still, the gown alone had been enough to charm a few pretty little things to hang on her arm and bring her food. Perhaps she'd even take one home after.
Her ears lifted slightly as she caught sight of something she hadn't seen in a very, very long time indeed. Ah, Jin Huang scaled... she pouted slightly when she realized he was going to attend the Crown. He was no fun when he was doing that. Far too serious.
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