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 Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:38 pm
Crossroads
The Aoidei found him in his chamber, tired but contented. "Radiance! This... what... what is all this?" Eliam said, after a moment, gesturing to indicate the crowd of mortals downstairs. They had packed into the Beacon and were even now laying pallets and making the indoor equivalent of a shanty town inside the great hall and lower tower below.
"The remaining people of Solde-on-Palecliff. I asked them here," Illumin said, simply. "I have... they are my atonement, part of it. I am sorry. It will mean more work for you both."
The two Aoidei exchanged glances. "Radiance," Eibhilin began, "are you sure this is... the right thing for you to do? What I mean is, er... have you considered this? What it means?"
"I am not doing this idly and thinking that simply inviting mortals into my dwelling will result in absolution, no," Illumin said, firmly. "I helped them clear their village; rescue the living and bury the dead. My fault. Why should I not help them?"
The Aoidei relaxed, visibly. "An admirable gesture," Eliam replied, with a half-bow.
"Do you find me that spoiled and foolish? That childish?" He stood up, his wings opening behind him as he moved, an anxious look on his face. "I mean it. Tell me."
"We... no, Lord, but we were... afraid... we know this time is difficult for you," Eibhilin said, after a long pause. "We were not..."
"I am not offended," Illumin said, quietly. "I have been a fool, and childish, all of it. This is not an extension of that thought, but a reversal of it. I... I hope. It will not pay for all, but it makes me feel better. Is that selfish, then?"
"Perhaps, but it has a noble result." Eliam smiled. "I am glad, Radiance."
"Good. Now... I must sleep. The village elder is an old man named Alvir. Seek him out and present yourselves to him. Make yourselves available to him. I do not ask you to serve them all as you would me, but you can answer questions and make sure all lies well. They are... wounded. Body and soul both."
They bowed together. "As you will, Radiance."
"Thank you.... for your service, and for your thoughts. I would not become the Light that failed again. Will you guide me should I stumble onto that path?"
"We will, Radiance," they swore, in unison. They started for the door, and while Eliam exited, Eibhilin hung back for a moment. "But I think you are walking farther from it every day."
"I am glad," he said, quietly. "Truly."
Now if only he could move the world back onto the correct path as well...
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:40 pm
An Unexpected AscensionPerri Indiya Resigned and tired, the Hunt dragged himself from the Pantheon towards who knows where. He left bloody footprints from where he had stood near Kishara, and was splattered with stains of the young god's neck wound from carrying him to safety. Still covered in his own bruises and marks he walked away towards the horizon, too numb and mute to do ought but leave. Every step seemed to take ages, his eventual collapses at night doing nothing to relieve him of his weariness. He followed dark, indistinct shapes that might have been his hunters or hallucinations, not sure where they were going and too drained to attempt to puzzle out. Putting one foot in front of the other was almost more than he could
bear, but he carried on because he had to. Or something. He couldn't recall.
After unnumbered days of wandering, his shades brought him to a tall cone of a structure on the edge of a sea. A Lighthouse, he decided, after a bit less thought than he had expected to need to take. Perhaps he was on the mend. Perhaps Illumin was near here. He liked Light, after all. Just like Ea liked hunting. And meat. When was the last time he ate?
The Hunt did not so much open the front door as attempt to walk through it, giving it the option to swing open or break in half. After it wisely chose the former, he shuffled to a wall and leaned against it, his legs giving out and letting him slide to the floor.
"Hello?" He called out, patting his pack until he found food that he could force down his throat. "Light boy?" Sosiqui There were mortals all around, a line of ragged pallets and wide, frightened eyes. They drew away from this blood-stained madman with a single ragged breath. A moment later, Illumin was in front of him, the god looking quite unlike his usual appearance - a simple and smudged coverall replacing his usual gauzy fripperies. "Ea! What happened? Has she-"
He turned quickly to the cowering mortals. "It is alright; he is a friend. Leave us privacy, please." As the room began to breathe again, Illumin crouched down next to Hunt, his eyes full of worry.Perri Indiya "We're screwed!" Ea giggled between bites of jerky, part of him vaguely aware that he hadn't eaten in a while. "Sooooo screwed. Kish is missing an arm and Sammy ran away. Had to get in a swipe first, of course. And Harmodius is off fishing or something."
The shades he followed here wavered at the edge of his vision, trying to remind him of something, someone. Maybe the sense he wasn't making. He waved them away, turning back to the other god with a serious look. "I told them about her, but they wouldn't listen. Never listen. No one talks to trees. Can I have a nap?" Sosiqui "Ea..." Illumin was shocked. Hunt was always the sensible one, wasn't he? The pragmatic one? And now... "Did she do something to you?" Kishara... an arm, she took Kishara's arm? Fishing? Hunt's delirious words summoned up a host of confused, disturbing images in his mind. "Yes, a nap, food, whatever you need-"Eliam landed behind him. "Radiance, what shall I do?" "Prepare a meal, at once, something - meat. No, don't waste time cooking it. Meat, fish, something like that. Water. Go," Illumin ordered; the Aoide took wing again at once.
The mortals were still staring. Illumin could feel the heat of their attention on him, even as they tried to hide it. "Ea. My servant is getting you some food. Please, come with me..." He was desperate to know what Hunt had found, but in his current state, the confused babblings were worse than nothing. Perri Indiya The Hunt nodded, his brain latching on to the idea that shutting up was the better part of valor. The fog that had dogged him since his retreat from the mess at the Throne was lifting slowly, but his thoughts were still tired and muddy enough that he wasn't being clear. He pushed himself against the wall, forcing his leg muscles to take his weight again despite their cries for mercy. He put an arm around Light's shoulders and did his best not to lean on the other god. He'd probably knock them both over if he did.
"Sorry... my brain is all blobby. We really messed up, Illumin. I think we triggered the end times. Anyway, where to?" Sosiqui "This way..." The stairs, the damned spiral stairs- "Eibhilin!" The command snapped across the room and echoed; a moment later, the banshee Aoide coiled out of the upstairs room and dove down to them."Radiance?" She looked at Hunt; worry crept into her expression."Help me carry him," Illumin ordered. There was no way he could lift Hunt by himself, especially not with his injured wing. The Aoide immediately came up on Hunt's other side, tucking herself under his arm."By your leave, lord," she said, and tucked her tail under his rump, offering to take the weight."We will carry you up, Ea." Eibhilin would take most of the weight, true, but the two of them could probably manage it. It would be difficult, but the mortals were afraid and he could not blame them. Best to have such things in privacy. Perri Indiya "I can walk. Ish. My legs are shaky." Ea mumbled, resting on them and letting them lead where they would. He was fairly certain Illumin didn't have any diabolical plans for his demise or anything... even if he had led them to freeing Samyaza and causing Kish to be injured and Harmodius to go poof and-
"You didn't plan all this, did you?" He asked Light, trying to sound as serious and rational as he could manage. Sosiqui "Walk, nothing," Illumin said, nodding to Eibhilin. They rose into the air, the Aoide taking most of the weight, light swirling around them and clotting in the gash in Illumin's injured wing.
But when Ea next spoke, it was all Illumin could do to not drop him to to the ground below. "Plan? Plan what?" All the little accusations he had managed to keep at bay now lined up again in his mind, expectantly.
Eibhilin steadied herself and took them the rest of the way, coming to rest just inside the open doorway of Light's own chambers above. They were still highly unfinished, mostly filled with boxes and perfectly ordinary furniture, but they would serve. She closed the door behind them. Perri Indiya Wheee, flying! No, bad brain. Eamnonn forced the giddy thoughts away and focused on their more sensible brethren, smiling absently at Illumin's tone. "The end. It couldn't have been done more neatly if you'd been in cahoots with the Grigori from the beginning! And I helped."
Look, another floor! Ea sat gratefully within the private room, stretching himself flat and enjoying the cool stone. Black shapes and red eyes tried to remind him again, but they weren't the usual
wolfshapes so he ignored them. Rubbing at a large bruise on his thigh, he was surprised to see it slowly disappear. Dirt, not injury. When had he healed?
"Not that you did." He said, returning to the subject at hand. "But you could've, maybe. Bringing the wire key eating chick back was a really bad idea." Sosiqui Illumin just stared, open-mouthed. "How dare you imply-" he started, then cut himself off. Ea wasn't in his right mind, that much was clear, but the anger burned white-hot. He might expect such accusations from others, but from Hunt, who had walked beside him in the Ashlands?
"You are raving," he pronounced, turning away. Another door opened, revealing Eliam; the Aoide bore a tray with chunks of meat on it - none of it quality, most fit only for stew, most of it from different animals. But it was food, at least. "Here. Take this, and call me when you've got your mind back," Illumin muttered, grabbing the raw meat off of the tray, tossing it to Eamnonn, and trying not to think about how much the meat resembled the mess they'd made of Kishara's flesh. Perri Indiya "Sorry I-" Ea attempted to apologize, but then there was flying meat to contend with. He did his best to catch it all, wolfing down what he grabbed out of the air and picking up those that had fell on the floor once the first group was gone. It only made him hungrier, and with hunger came the instinct to hunt. Light's retreating form invited following, so the green god gave chase. His legs felt oddly shaped and too long, so he dropped to all fours before giving pursuit.
"That's what this looks like, whether you like it or not. If the other gods knew half of what we've done they'd be baying for our blood. Paths to hell and their paving stones and all that." He pushed himself up on to two legs as he gained on Light, his joints cracking and popping like they meant to come apart. "Do you have anything else to eat?" Sosiqui Was he... chasing him? Illumin stopped moving and whipped around, glaring at Eamnonn. "I am quite aware of that, thank you," he said, icily. Was this how the other god repaid his offer of food and shelter? "And there is meat, but it belongs to them. Down there." He gestured sharply at the floor. "They'll die if they don't eat. You... probably won't. Yes. We freed something terrible. I know. Thank you."
Maybe the whole thing had broken Hunt's mind. Heaven knew that was a tempting path , if a foolish one. How pleasant, to smile and gibber away the time. An empty gesture. Perri Indiya Eamnonn grinned toothily in response to the glare, all teeth and no warmth. When Light drew his attention to the humans he was sheltering there, he felt an irrational surge of prey drive that was rather hard to ignore. It wasn't his fault really - they were all small and weak and injured. Nothing said "Come eat me, I taste great!" like small and weak and injured. They were like storm-tossed rabbits, quivering to be consumed...
"Yes, but I'm hungry. Like eat a whole city hungry. And my bones are loose."
His shoulders burned like something was trying to climb out of them, the pain encouraging his mental fog to clear. "You've taken mortals in. That's not like you." Sosiqui "Nothing is the way it used to be," Illumin replied, confused. He looked back at Eliam. "If there is anything more - from our stores, not the village - bring it." The Aoide nodded and left.
The god focused on Eamnonn again, not sure what to do or think. "Did she - Samyaza - did she do something to you?" he asked, warily. Hunt was not himself, that much was completely clear, but why? Perri Indiya "No, only the young ones were stupid enough to get in her way. It was sad how surprising it was that no one died." He did his best not to look at the assorted rumpled humans, having a hard time blotting out the labels of 'dinner' his brain floated over their heads. He felt weird. And in pain. Like there was something digging into his shoulder.
He reached over and wiped blood away from the torn wounds that split his skin with no discernible cause. "Huh. That's not good. Can Void incubate?" Sosiqui Illumin turned his head and fanned his own injured wing forward, frowning. The wound had eroded past its original boundaries, but it had stopped shortly after they returned from the Ashlands, if not before. "I... don't know...?" No one had died, that was good, but Hunt was bedraggled and bleeding and babbling, and if Samyaza had not touched him again... why wasn't he healing? He could do that, couldn't he?
Eliam returned with three dead chickens, not yet cleaned or even plucked, scrawny birds scavenged and saved for Eibhilin's dinner. Illumin grabbed them as well and tossed them to Hunt. "Here. Eat this." Perri Indiya The Hunt caught the birds and tore into them, every last bit of them going down his gullet. They seemed to hit is stomach with a loud thunk, not coming even close to satisfying the hunger that burned inside him. More. He needed more...
He grinned, his face spitting as the smile crawled up to his ears through shifting skin. "Thank you, kind Light..." He slurred through his broken mouth, reaching out with arms cracked and strained, growing impossibly long as the hands on their ends sharpened into jointed knives. His legs suddenly twisted beneath him, driving his writhing nightmare-self to the ground in a hiss of pain and confusion.
Muscles and bone twisted and snapped, growing and reshaping with such a sudden force the Hunt howled in pain. His arms lengthened, skin stretching and shimmering between visible and not as it was suddenly forced to accommodate new lodgers. The shades surrounding him grew thick and distinct, showing themselves to be all the creatures that stalked the world for blood now instead of only the wolves they were before. A shadow hawk screamed triumphantly and took to the air, aiming low and crashing into him. They merged, and his hands twisted into talons as swift, silent feathers sprouted from his wrists. His back burned and the remainders of the wolf pack set upon him, allowing three wolf tails to grow and his legs to take the same shape as theirs. A tiger and spotted cat snarled at each other before rushing into their master simultaneously, splashing dark green versions of their markings across his skin and shaping his feet into giant versions of their paws. His spine curved back as two sets of wicked fangs permanently crafted themselves out of his more human teeth, and his hair whipped itself out
long and wild. The Hunt collapsed on to his belly, bloody forearms smearing red on the floor in front of him. In response his wings snapped and shivered, becoming a miniature wing-shaped forest that now grew from his back far more impressively than it ever had before.
He was himself again, and he had never been since Perri had let him invade her skin. A life that hungered for blood, that drank death to sustain itself, that sacrificed itself so that new life could grow.
Everything old is new again. Sosiqui Illumin stumbled backwards in fear as Eamnonn's form seemed to break apart and crumple; he spun bright Light between his hands, the same kind that he had used to cut Kishara and open the way to the Ashlands. He didn't want to do it, but something was wrong-
The shadows appeared, the same ones he'd seen Hunt set on Remuel - but different, different forms, all manner of predatory creature - writhing and then crying in triumph as they merged into their master. Illumin dropped his hands, let the Light dissipate, and just stared. Maybe it wasn't something wrong after all...
When it seemed to be over, he shakily gestured for Eliam to bring yet more plunder from their stores. "Are... are you well?" he asked, wondering at the changes in Hunt's form, Hunt's self. Perri Indiya Eamnonn coughed and heaved, having trouble breathing past the pain. He pushed himself back to his feet shakily, both disoriented by his new form and content. It feel strange, but right. Somehow remembered. He was torn and twisted, but made stronger by the ordeal.
"Better than I've been in a while." He said with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about being ragged and crazy before. I don't think all parts of my brain were speaking to each other." Sosiqui "What... what was that?" Now that Eamnonn didn't seem likely to eat him, Illumin took a few tentative steps forward. "I thought you were... I was about to hurt you, you seemed so... so not right," he accused, trying to make sense of things. Perri Indiya The Hunt shrugged, holding up his hands to let his companion watch them shift from talons into large but harmless versions of human digits. "I'm not really sure. The last time I felt something like that was when I grew from morph to youth-"
He tilted his head, slightly distracted by the sensation of his newly-acquired mane sliding around. After a moments puzzlement, he shook himself and laughed lightly. "Maybe that means I'm a big shiny god now?" Sosiqui Illumin blinked. That was the last thing he'd expected, considering Hunt's state when he arrived. "And did you go temporarily insane then, too? It's just as well you came here, then, instead of terrifying your followers." Now that things seemed to be over, at least in terms of half-crazed gods stumbling about, Illumin was regaining his composure. "Congratulations?"
He was a little jealous, he had to admit, if that was indeed what had happened. "And will you hunt Grigori, now?" That question was half-flippant, half-serious. Perri Indiya The Hunt rolled his eyes. Some things apparently never changed. "Harmodius seems to be gone and the entirety of existence is ending. I'm sorry if that put me a bit off-kilter, your majesty."
"Our original goal is more important. If anyone can bring the Lord of Everything back, it would seem to be this Aristogeiton." Not that he didn't want to go after her and tear her into tiny little pieces, but first things first. Sosiqui Illumin shook his head, then sighed. "Yes. I have some good news there, at least - the host of Fire is going to find Pana and the pieces she sought. And I have word that Underworld has also been searching. We are not alone in this, at least... my Aoide have been searching for word on Underworld's whereabouts."
He sat down on a nearby box. "Now that you seem to be in your right mind... tell me. What did you find at the Pantheon?" The question was clearly reluctant, but he had to know. Leaving such things unknown, unfinished went against every part of his nature.Behind him, Eliam returned a third time with a few more chickens. "These are the last, unless I begin using the villagers' meat," he said, shaking his head. Perri Indiya The Hunt frowned and looked away, leaning against a wall to stall for an extra moment. It was not a fun thing to describe. "Harmodius, as I said, was missing. Kishara was on the floor unconscious and missing an arm. Samayaza hurled some choice epithets, then some Void blood stuff, and fled after producing a barrier we could not cross. The bright spark was the number who gathered there, though all were young if they carried gods at all." He closed his eyes, wings flexing in worry and upset.
"But, as you said, we are not alone." Sosiqui Illumin drooped. "I see..." We should have been there, shouldn't have left, shouldn't have brought Samyaza- these things he did not bother to say. Hunt already knew them, he was sure. "We will finish what we have begun, and then we will fix what we have done," he said, instead. "And what will you do now?"
He had followers, a family to think about. More than Illumin had. Perri Indiya "Fight the good fight." He said with a wan smile. Caolan had been smart and hid at the Pantheon, and so was safe. She could take care of herself, as much as he was loathe to admit it. Hopefully she would go home and take charge of his temple. They needed her. "If I go home now I'll get stuck there. My daughter and followers are strong, and can see to their own care as long as I see that they keep existing."
His stomach rumbled, and he glanced at the new chickens sheepishly. "Do you want me to clean those for your refugees?" Sosiqui Illumin made a face. "I do have Aoidei to serve me, and unless one of your ascended powers is extremely fast chicken-plucking..." He shook his head. There was so much he could say, but none of it was needed. Hunt knew. "The town was damaged. I had to do something, if only to make myself feel better." Selfish motivation, he knew. But at least the result was a good one?
"You can stay here, if you like, though you might have to hunt your own food. Test your prowess." That might be a sight worth seeing. Perri Indiya Ea put his hands up in defeat. "I was just trying to contribute
something, not insult your hospitality. I promise to keep my better instincts to myself from now on." He liked Illumin, but his uncanny ability to be a prissy little thing was a little irksome.
"Thanks." He smiled, face full of fangs, and gave Light a mischievous wink. "I promise not to track in any blood." Sosiqui "Heh." Illumin smiled, though the expression was weary. "It's good to have you back."
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:41 pm
After the Hunt
Hunt was slumbering now, in a side chamber; thankfully, the mortals had been startled by the god's first appearance but had not heard any of the chaos of the ascension itself, and their worries were easily soothed by the Aoidei. Eibhilin was with them now, keeping watch, and Eliam had a bucket and rag to clean the mess left by Hunt's feeding frenzy.
"That... that was interesting," Illumin said, dryly, settling down in his bed, then flinching as something poked him. A bone, flung from one of the many meat 'dishes' Eamnonn had consumed. He tossed it aside with a huff. "Honestly. Could he be any more feral?"
"It is in his element," Eliam said, with a smile to indicate he knew his Lord was not serious. "It is a good sign, Radiance, that even in these times gods are able to ascend. If our power can so increase, all cannot be lost."
"I certainly hope you're right," Illumin sighed. He let his eyes drift closed for a moment, thinking. Eamnonn had ascended into his full divine power; could he himself do such a thing? But he felt no catalyzing spark within him, no dramatic response to what had happened. There had to have been something else - Hunt had to have been ready, and the need simply served as more immediate fuel for something that would have happened anyway.
Hunt had a temple, followers - well, Illumin had... not followers, but mortals in his basement? Not the same thing, at all. He shook his head and opened his eyes again. "What do you think I should do? I have never had to become what I am before." Was there something he had to think, something he had to stretch, some muscle he wasn't aware he had?
Eliam stopped scrubbing and looked thoughtful. "I do not know, Radiance. Perhaps it is merely time, and a closer relationship with mortals - the Fading occurred because mortal belief waned."
You know that wasn't how it happened with me... but belief, and the direction of it, was a factor in my own ending as well. Eliam was being tactful, he knew. "A powerful force indeed. One that I... did not respect enough, in the past."
"In times like these, mortals will fear... they will turn to those who can offer solace. But... Radiance, what of Aristogeiton?"
"I haven't forgotten. I know my priorities," Illumin said, a bit more sharply than he meant. But Eliam merely nodded.
"Of course, Radiance. I am sure it will come in time. Hunt was reborn before you were, of course. Time may be all that is needed. It is hard to say - I have never seen such a thing before. I do not think many of the Gods Reborn have ascended so."
"Lucius did, I know that much... tch. Are we so few as all that?" There really weren't that many gods, not compared to what he vaguely remembered of the Pantheon before the Fading. Were there really only two that had fully ascended? That was a disquieting thought. And with our Lord downed by that damned Grigori... He shook his head. "It would be... convenient to be powerful at this time."
"Indeed it would, but power is not everything. Otherwise, mortals could never affect the world as deeply as they do." Eliam stood up and bowed. "I trust that such things will come when they are meant to. Be at ease on that score, Radiance."
"There are so many other things to be uneasy about, after all," Illumin said, with a snort. "I might allow myself a bit of jealousy, though. Just a warning."
"Hm." Eliam grinned. "Naturally."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, nothing, Radiance. Nothing at all."
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:42 pm
Week of Envy: Jealous Eyes
Illumin felt the mortals' eyes on him as he entered the Beacon. He made it a practice to come down and talk to them at least a little bit every day or so, but today their sullen looks made any attempts at conversation die quickly. At last, frustrated, he took flight in the tower and quickly flapped up to his own room, closing the door behind him with an irritated sigh. "What is wrong with them?!"
"The sleep is gone and something new has come," came a voice he wasn't expecting to hear. With a start, Illumin realized that Alvir, the village elder, was in the room. The old man's gaze was unreadable. "Something that troubles."
"Alvir. I meant no insult," Illumin said, quickly.
The old man waved one hand. "None taken. I wondered t'same thing, so I'm as bad as ye. The sleep, now... that was explained. Disaster and trouble breed exhaustion, 'tis the same on any vessel I ever crewed. Same in a village. But this is something else again. Something different."
It seemed clear that he was waiting for an explanation, and Illumin sighed inwardly. "Unfortunately, I do not know what's causing this, either. There was a jealous look in your peoples' eyes."
"They squabble and squawk over the most fool things. I broke up a near fistfight this morning over a bed pallet." Alvir raised one eyebrow. "I know what they think when they look at ye. Jealous, yes. Why the high place for him, they wonder."
Illumin stared. "Because I am a god," he spluttered. Wasn't that a good enough reason? He had let them in here of his own good will, and...
"Ah, yes, of course." Alvir shook his head. "There's no sense t'it, but there it is, laid out plain for ye. Now ye know."
"Now I know, yes," Illumin managed, trying not to be angry. Ungrateful little... but no, no, if this was coming from outside, an effect of what he had done... then it was his fault, and he could not complain.
Much.
"My Aoidei can help you keep the peace if such becomes necessary, as can I, though I am loathe to mete out divine judgment for stealing a pillow."
"Oh, a glower and glare here and there won't go amiss, but I doubt I'll be needin' punishment." Alvir snorted. "I'll keep 'em in line."
"Good." Illumin paused. What else could he say? Should he concede his sanctuary to them as well? But surely it wasn't a bad thing to permit himself. He was a god. He worked hard. Or I will, once Underworld returns and I am free to move... for now... no. I want my peace. Perhaps it was selfish. But he had sacrificed much for them already.
He had to keep telling himself that.
Alvir nodded, excused himself with a few pleasantries, and left. Illumin sighed and flopped down on his bed. Impudent things, these mortals were. It was a good thing he had his responsibilities to keep him in line. And if I am selfish... then so be it.
Hmph.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:43 pm
Week of Lust: Ghostlights
Time shifted... and brought with it something Illumin couldn't quite understand. Or, rather, his body understood it quite well... too well. Perhaps it was fortunate that Eibhilin did not come with legs or the other things that often accompanied them, and that Eliam was only a little tempting in that regard. However, the mortals sheltering in the Beacon had no such compunctions.
"What are they doing down there?" Illumin groused. The noises resonated in a... pleasant-unpleasant way that made his face red.
"Reproducing," Eibhilin replied, not looking directly at him.
"Ah," Illumin said, awkwardly. Such extremely physical matters were a bit beyond him, just as the visceral instincts of blood and flight had been. The Hunt, as usual, had quite perfect understanding of what was going on. "Lust. It is... unpleasant, but also pleasant, but... arrrgh. It makes me think of Pana," and that was embarrassing so he stopped talking. "Where is Eliam?" he asked, after a long and exceedingly awkward moment.
"Downstairs, keeping watch that... no-one does anything without both parties' consent. I will have no rape among the followers of Light," Eibhilin said, firmly, with a sharp whip of her tail. "But, my Lord, I have brought a distraction for you."
"Thank Creation," Illumin said, immediately, and meant it - this whole thing was too ridiculous for words. "What do you have to tell me?"
"A strange sort of light has appeared around the Lady Echo and Lord Nergal's house. Small flickering things, sourced not in Light but in another power. Will-o-th'-wisps, they were named by mortals. Associated with the dead." She emphasized that last word and raised one eyebrow.
"Underworld has returned, then?" That was good news, and ample distraction, if true - the long waiting, the forced inaction, had chafed terribly on his nerves. He could only watch the world fall apart around him for to long, even if what was going on downstairs was - he supposed - technically Creation... "I will seek them out. Where is this dwelling?" Even if Underworld wasn't back yet, it would at least be something to do so he wouldn't have to listen to the mortals'... activities.
"An hour's flight from here, a duplex, small - it has no air of the divine about it, or did not until the ghostlights appeared. You will know it instantly when you see it, now."
"Excellent. Thank you, Eibhilin." Illumin stood up, then hesitated. Should he take the precious soul-fragment relic with him? Probably so; with that to hand, he could indisputably prove the truth of what he said. He tried not to think about the rest of the truth, the fact that he had been at fault in instigating this whole affair with the Grigori...
He shook his head, and removed the decanter from its hiding place, tucking it securely to his side in the pouch that Eibhilin had made for that purpose. "Keep watch while I am gone."
"Yes, Radiance."
He nodded, strode briskly to the window, opened it, and jumped.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:45 pm
Following the LightsSosiqui They were dancing, Eibhilin had said - a strange group of lights, flooding, flowing around a small house on the outskirts of the city that housed the Pantheon. Lights like swampfire, classic will-o-th'-wisps. Unusual enough to send Illumin away from Solde-on-Palecliff, enough to tempt him into venturing out into the world again.
He had seen them before, memory said. Long ago, such lights had danced at the Dread Gates. There were dim echoes of a time when contracts and bindings were made, dealings for souls and their keeping. He had made sure, once, that his followers went to the right place once they died... before it had become something delegated to Aoidei, who had in their own turn become traitors.
Even as you are now, the guilt nagged, as Illumin followed the lights, trying to ignore the voice. Had he not aided the mortals in Solde-on-Palecliff even though he had no obligation to do so - other than being divine? It was nowhere near enough atonement for what he had done, but if Underworld was waiting at the end of the trail of ghostlight, the next step would be at hand.
He landed in front of the house, brushed away at a few wisps, and raised one hand to knock. The decanter was held close to his side, wrapped carefully. He carried it with him always, now. Zero Dream After the god had knocked, there where stirrings inside of the house. At the very least, the flight there would not be completely worthless as there was indeed someone inside. Tempo was honestly welcoming the distraction, as the... current events... proved to be somewhat distracting. It was hard for one to train when he was hearing them very well. At least for now, they seemed to have stopped. He opened the door, carefully at first, until he realized this was another of the divine, which caused him to open it fully and sidestep, head hung low in respect. "I apologize, lord. It is not quite safe anymore, outside. How may I help you ?" Sosiqui Ah, an Aoide. That was a good sign. "I have come seeking Underworld," Illumin said, firmly, though not impolitely. He wasn't in the mood for overelaborate pleasantries right now. Such things could wait until later. "These lights signaled his courts, once." He gestured at the will-o-th'-wisps. "I am Illumin, Piercing Radiance. If Underworld is here, I must see him at once about a matter of utmost importance. If not, tell me where he is - if you know - and I will leave at once." Zero Dream Oh dear, this seemed... important indeed. "He is.... with my lady." He didn't get into details as to what exactly was going on. "If you would take a seat, I would go see if he is available ?" He made sure Illumin was settled before heading toward upstairs. If he was not there, then he probably would be on his side of the house. Given the.... situation.... He probably would not stray far. "Lord Nergal ?" He spoke, after he knocked at the door of the bedroom. "There is a visitor for you. The matter seems to be extremely important..." It was a good thing, at least, that Underworld did not sleep. Thabara "Mph.." He had indeed not been sleeping, at least, not really. But he had been resting rather comfortably, his limbs closely intertwined with Music's, and just about to doze off.
"Who ...?" he mumbled drowsily into his pillow, not aware that his voice was too muffled for poor Tempo to properly overhear what he was saying. There was another present, however. Unseen, unheard, by anyone but him.
_____Light..
__________It is Light who has come to seek your council..
Nergal stilled, and then muttered a quiet curse under his breath, looking up just in time to catch a glimpse at not one, but several ghostly shapes quickly dart off and vanish by going straight through the wall, their giggles echoing after them. Female, all of them, from what he could see. He seriously hoped - for their sake - that they'd possessed the decency to not. watch. But..
Light. He had been waiting for the god's return from his journey for.. how long? Too long.
It seemed so distant now..
He untangled himself from Echo's sleeping form with excruciating care, trying to not wake her up. "I will be right back," he whispered, breathing a kiss upon her brows, and then - as an afterthought of sorts - another one on her full, purple lips, before he left the bed.
He fished for the yukata which served as his dressing gown, hastily slipping into the crumbled garment and tying the belt before he stepped out into the hallway. The braid Echo had woven into his silvery hair before things had sort of.. gotten out of hand and escalated, had long since started to come undone.
He hastily rushed down the stairs, quite sure Tempo was smirking as he passed him by.The way he tried to smooth out at least some of the crinkles in his garment, his rather ruffled appearance, just about everything screamed that Illumin's timing must have been.. rather unfortunate.
"Greetings, Radiance," Nergal muttered, politely inclining his head when he managed to at least somewhat regain his composure, but his tone was everything but friendly. Why NOW? Sosiqui Illumin had waited while the Aoide went off, and spent much of his time idly playing with the wisps, spinning off tiny constructs of his own light to mingle with them. They blinked out when Nergal entered. "Ah - you are Underworld, then. I am Illumin." He returned the respectful nod with one of his own. So pale, this other god was, though he couldn't deny it was appropriate. "Music spoke with one of my Aoidei while I was away. It seems we have been on the same path and not known it."
He reached down to his side and produced the crystal decanter, the key chiming against it as he held it up. "This is a fragment of Aristogeiton. It was... obtained at very great price." Too great, perhaps. There was a coldness in his stomach; what would this Underworld, implacable, think of what had happened? What he had done? He remembered, from old, bits of this silent lord's reputation. Judge.
"I fear the search for this relic triggered the calamity around us. I also believe that completing this quest is the only hope we have to stop it." Zero Dream The sleeping goddess let out a small whine-like sound as Nergal moved out, but the kiss seemed to quiet her once more. In her still-asleep daze she did not notice him getting dressed and sliding out of the room, but slowly, she seemed to awaken, ears tilting at an angle when she could barely hear words from below her room...
She did not move or stir just yet, still somewhat in between sleep and awake. Thabara On the same path? Nergal frowned, not sure what to make of it. Echo had not mentioned any of this, not yet at least, probably not wanting to burden him any further until he had recovered some. The question was answered on it's own, however, as Illumin continued to speak, and the haze of confusion was slowly lifting from his mind now that he had something to focus on.
"So this was the reason for your long absence," he said intrigued, looking at the decanter with open interest, thin white fingers picking up the key-thing and turning it over for closer examination. "I knew Panacea was looking for the fragments, and I hoped to find out more about her whereabouts from you. I was unaware you too had joined the search." He let go of the key-thing, carefully, and looked up at Illumin, gray eyes narrowing slightly as he searched the other god's guilt-ridden face. "That price you speak of.."
He still felt.. terribly out of the loop with everything, so many things having changed in his absence, and he'd barely been out of Echo's room, lest alone out of the house since his return. But he had a good idea what Illumin was referring to nonetheless. He had heard the trumpet blow in the far distance, the glass shattering. He had felt the nature of everything shift afterwards. And he was very, very much aware how many had died. He straightened, beckoning the ghostly wisps to come closer, his face serious.
"These are the souls of children, Lord Illumin." There was no accusation in his tone, it was kept carefully neutral. "The innocent ones, the weakest. Those who die first. And these are not the ones who used to accompany me before my.. my absence." Those were gone, their tiny soul flames easily extinguished by that violent surge of power which had swept All, lost to him forever. If it truly had been Light who had triggered this..
"Luckily for you, I only judge the dead." He sighed and stroke back a strand of silverish hair behind his ear, suddenly looking tired. He had hoped for a bit of a break after everything he had gone through, some time to recuperate. Not physically, but-- "Besides, I would never pass my sentence without knowing the full story," he added.
"Tempo," he looked at the aoide who was still standing by, "some tea please for me and my guest. We will be over in my half of the house. If the Lady wakes, please ask her to join us." He turned, motioning for Illumin to follow him. "The scepter is there," he explained, looking over his shoulder, having no doubt that Echo must have mentioned it, "and the 'fragment' I found as well. Apparently there is much we need to talk about, much for me to catch up on."
Too much. Now that he had mentioned her, all he wanted to do was to crawl back into bed to rejoin Echo, see if she was up to--
Perhaps he should have ordered the aoide to prepare a bucket of ice-cold water as well. Sosiqui "I know," Illumin said, simply, though he looked haggard for a moment. How many accusing faces had there been in Solde-on-Palecliff, mothers clutching dead children, children carrying pieces of dead parents, and worse? "The price of this piece was freeing one long trapped. We were tricked, Hunt and I. I still do not know what she did, only that I am quite certain she was the one." He shook his head, sharply. "I will atone for this in my search." The old guilt and pain swam in the back of his eyes. "Then, when I have done what I can, and when we have the luxury of time in which to render judgments..."
He closed his eyes. That thought was terrifying, but he would rather be alive and branded then dead. Again. He wondered if this Nergal could judge dead gods as well.
"Another, the host of Fire, has gone in search of Panacea and what she found. The only piece I knew of is this one. According to Pana's journal... there should be seven..." Thabara Nergal nodded. Whatever misfortune Light had brought upon them all with his actions, he was willing to atone and to accept the consequences. That was enough for him.
"Lucius spoke to me of fragments, but did not say how many of them there were. The one I found was surprisingly close." He led the way, into his own half of the house, down the stairs and into the makeshift crypt.
The light of numerous burning candles greeted the two gods, and the scent of incense. The body was resting on a low long table fitted with cushions, and covered by a length of white, finely woven silk cloth. This was the Crown's consort, after all, a part of him at the very least.
Nergal bent down to pull back the shimmering fabric a little to reveal the young man's face - the youth looked as if he was resting peacefully, yet there was strange air of sadness about his features - and then stepped back to allow Illumin to take a look.
"This is but an empty vessel, soulless," he explained quietly. "It never had one to begin with." Sosiqui Illumin followed Underworld downwards, then stopped, breathless as the other god pulled back the fabric to reveal a face. A body.
It made sense, he supposed - foolish to think that all Aristogeiton's essence had been tied to knick-knacks like the one he carried, but he had not been expecting anything like this. The very face, the visage of the one Harmodius so loved. "I... daresay that's more impressive a result than what I found," was the only thing he could really think to say. Illumin took out the decanter, then put it down next to the body, wondering if anything would come of it.
Maybe there was a little extra gleam on the crystal.
Maybe not.
Illumin sighed. "Two, then. And Panacea... I do not know how many she found. More than one, I know that, but not how many more. What is this scepter you speak of?" Thabara For a moment, Nergal held his breath as well, wondering if anything would happen. Nothing did, of course, how foolish of him to expect that. He could not even remotely guess at what means would be necessary to reunite the fragments to a being which was whole once more, and it was probably not wise to even try before they had all the parts.
"The scepter is an artifact which was handed back to me by.. a dedicated servant of old." He gave a slight nod at some point behind the makeshift altar, as if greeting someone, only.. that no one was there. Or so it seemed. The shadows weren't quite right in that part of the room.
"It was made once the pendant's power had dimmed, to aid in the search for Aristogeiton - or Sanatruces, which was the name he bore last. It bore a powerful enchantment by Gaia, Universe, Death and myself, but.." He shook his head. "Its power faded as those who cast the enchantment did, and the search was futile. But now that so many of us have been reborn.. Both Gaia and Lucius lent a hand in restoring its power," or an eye, rather, he added sarcastically in his thoughts, "which is how I was able to find this part of him."
The pendant.. He had not seen it upon the Crown, now that he thought of it, making him wonder if it had been given to Panacea to aid her quest.
"I keep it upstairs, in my own rooms." He turned, once more leading the way, but after a few steps stopped, looking at Illumin over his shoulder, his expression one of open curiosity. "I have been meaning to ask this for a while.. Why are you looking for him, you and Hunt? I.. feel responsible, especially given the circumstances of his last death, and I would guess Panacea's motivation is a similar one. But what reason do you have?" Sosiqui Illumin hesitated, then left the decanter where it was - no sense in carrying it all about the house when it was perfectly fine here, next to something of equal price. He followed Nergal upwards again with a quiet relief; the soul-less body was beautiful, but highly disconcerting all the same.
"I see. Such an artifact is priceless to the search... if you would have it, I would work with you. I am convinced that Aristogeiton is our best hope for righting what has gone wrong."
He paused at Underworld's question. "Because Light is the child of Creation. Because I was there when Lucius betrayed Lord Harmodius; because I fought with the others to bring Universe down that day." Words that had once held self-assurance, self-righteousness were tainted now; would other gods look on him the same way he had seen Lucius at that time? "Because Panacea had gone so far in search, and perhaps by helping... she might come back faster."
All those motivations seemed distant, inconsequential now. "That was how it was, at first. Now... it is because I am afraid," he admitted. Thabara "I see." Nergal acknowledged the reasons with a slight nod of his head. He understood most of them, much more so than he would have before his rebirth. If Echo had embarked on an endeavor like this..
Kore had, a malicious voice in the back of his mind whispered, and you did nothing.[/b}
One thing, however, kept puzzling him."You speak as if you believed the Twin Crown's consort would be able to remedy all of this," he said, tilting his head thoughtfully while he walked. "He was.. blessed by many of us, and the scepter's enchantment proves how dear he was to Our Lord. But.." He shook his head, his skeptical.
"My own reasons are.. were.. are rather selfish. A soul lost.. Something I cannot have happen under my rule, especially if it is one treasured as much. And then that strange illness which led to his demise striking while he was a guest in my realm, under my protection." He pushed the door to his rooms open, with more force than it needed be, sending it to slam into the wall. The death god stopped dead in his tracks, somewhat startled by the display of his own annoyance.
"I.." He paused, and breathed deeply. "If there is reason to believe there's more to it, please tell me. If finding all the fragments will truly help to right things.." Sosiqui "Panacea... before she left, she told me that Lord Harmodius had told her Aristogeiton could restore balance." Illumin shook his head. "I do not know if that's true, or if things have now progressed beyond what he could do... but there is nothing else I can think of. Besides, the world is now suffering because of that quest." There was anger in his eyes, for a moment. Damn Samyaza. "If I do not complete it, then I have unleashed something terrible upon All for no reason whatsoever. I could not bear that. I can hardly bear it as it stands now." Zero Dream The voices had moved, going further away. Her ears innately leaned in whatever direction the two gods found themselves going, until she finally was awake enough to realize what had been obvious for quite awhile now.
Nergal was gone.
She muttered something under her bed, and lifted herself, gathering her dress from the desk on which it had been carelessly discarded during their... playing. There where two voices, Nergal and someone else, so they probably had a guest. The voice seemed oddly familiar... but she could not quite pinpoint it yet.
She smoothed the dress out until she looked at least presentable, slid on her shoes, and left the room, only to be redirected by Tempo as he had been ordered to. Illumin... The last time she had seen Light had been a long... long time ago. She wasn't even herself then.
She moved to the direction their voice came from, her hairs trailing behind her like a never ending, ever shifting sea of bright blues and purple. She hadn't even bothered to try to find the pin to put them back up again. She stopped right in front of the door to do her best to comb it with her fingers and, when she deemed herself at least presentable, she entered.
"Lord Illumin." She said, with a smile. Subdued, as it would be obvious to Nergal, but there, nonetheless. "I apologize for not coming to greet you any sooner."
She felt into silence for a moment then, ears dropping backward. "I... I overheard some, I apologize. I do not know if he could help at this point." After all, they where gods, and lacked so many memories... Lover of the crown or not, Aristogeiton was still a mortal. For a moment, she looked haunted, as if images where replaying themselves in her head. "...But there is little else I can think of that could help."
So he will.... just leave again. Her ears dropped even more. This was more upsetting, more painful to her now than anything else. She shook her head, as if to make the thoughts go away. Thabara "Balance ..?" If only I had known. But would it truly have made much of a difference? He'd never cared much for Balance, not back then. His search had been mostly driven by his desire to set things right again, correct a mistake of the past. To satisfy his own pride and vanity under the guise of righteousness and dutiful responsibility. No small wonder the Crown had seemed so angered by his words.
"It may be too late. The Crown, he.. told me.." His voice trailed off when Echo entered, his attention immediately absorbed by her appearance, his gaze tracing the curves of her body underneath the flowing fabric of her gown. Her blue-blue eyes seemed to be alight with an inner fire, shifting with the highs and lows of her voice as she spoke, every word a melody of it's own. If it hadn't been for Illumin's presence, he would--
Illumin.
Nergal blinked, snapping out of his quiet reverie rather abruptly. "The scepter," he muttered, a familiar heat burning on his cheeks. "I will go fetch it. Take a seat, please, both of you," he said, motioning at the couch and armchairs. "I know of the circumstances of Aristogeiton's final death, told to me by the one who handed me back the scepter. There is strangeness to it, I always thought, more than what could be explained by the first signs of the Fading, but it will take time to tell."
He nodded to both of them before he ventured into the darkness of his own private room, only to return little later, carrying a lengthy bundle wrapped in silks and brocade. "This is it," he said, laying down the bundle on the coffee table to swiftly undo the knots of the wrappings, before he handed the actual artifact to Illumin. "Careful, it is quite heavy."
He had accepted it without a second thought, back then, on the peak of that mountain, this heavy burden. He vividly recalled the sense of urgency of his quest, the longing for a piece of a past which no longer was. But he had not truly cared.
Quietly he sat down next to Echo, leaving the scepter with Illumin for him to examine as closely as he wished. It was hard to resist the urge to lean against her, to seek the warmth and comfort of her body, so at the very least he reached for her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. Just like Illumin, she was a child of Creation, he thought, taking notice of that distraught expression of hers. He might not have cared back then, but.. Hells, did he care now! If there truly was even the slightest chance that Sana-- Aristogeiton's return would help right things..
"It.. may be too late now," he said quietly, picking up where he had left off earlier upon Music's entrance. "But in my time among the living, I have learned quite a few valuable lessons about hope." He smiled, his white fingers tightening slightly around Echo's. "If it truly is within Aristogeiton's abilities to restore balance, he will not be alone in attempting that feat." He was not alone anymore. He had Echo at his side now, and his brother had been reborn, bound to join him again sooner or later. To remake his realm, to take care of all the countless souls of the dead - it seemed less daunting of a task now.
"Let me tell you about how I found the scepter, and this fragment of the Consort. The circumstances of his last, untimely death." Underworld leaned forward slightly, his gray, solemn eyes settled upon Light's visage, never blinking. "If you would tell us, once I am done, about how you obtained your fragment, and the nature of this calamity you spoke of.. the repercussions of which we felt all.. I must admit, I have spent quite some time away from everything and only returned last week," he added, his tone apologetic. "And since then I have been quite.. sheltered, recuperating. Perhaps this will help to shed some light on the whole picture." Sosiqui Illumin was startled by Echo's sudden appearance - of all the deities to find at Underworld's side (for Nergal's reactions to her made that quite clear), he had not expected Music. How long had it been since he'd seen her? Zero and Memi had been close...
"It may be too late." Those words drew Illumin's attention away from Echo, plunged his heart down into the pit of his stomach again. It couldn't be too late, it simply couldn't. And that brought with it a new trail of thought - had it been too late when he and Eamnonn plunged into the Ashlands? Had it all been for nothing from the start?
Nergal's tale was a very, very welcome distraction. It seemed Underworld's trial had been no less difficult than his own, Grigori not withstanding. Ghosts and whispers; when Endenis was mentioned, Illumin surreptitiously glanced around the room to see if any such spectre materialized, but he saw nothing.
And yet... in the end, Underworld sought redemption as well, it appeared. Who was this mortal, that such extraordinary ends were sought to keep him at the Crown's side, that such vast events hinged on his very existence?
When Nergal had finished, Illumin was silent for a moment. "Thank you," he said, finally. "That... fills in more pieces of the puzzle. As for myself... Eamnonn, Hunt, and I cooperated together to seek the piece we found. Research led us to know of a place called the Ashlands, a place set apart from All except for the touches of Gaia and Universe. The Grigori... a people who sought 'freedom'... lived there. Were exiled, perhaps. There was a war." Why, why had the Crown granted them that mercy? He should have wiped them all away at the start. "There is more to it, of course. But Eamnonn and I traveled to the Ashlands, through Kishara's own form, and traded a Grigori's freedom for the fragment. And she came back with us, and did... whatever she has done." He gestured to indicate the whole room, the whole world. "Their treachery, our folly. My folly." The god spoke the words dully. They were too familiar, beaten into him.
"Ea went after her, that night. I know no more, myself." The scepter was heavy and cool in his hands. "Fire's host has gone to seek Medicine and what she found. And I searched for you..." He stared into the globe atop the scepter, willing it to give forth its secrets. "What can I do, now?" Zero Dream Echo was silent, her hand never leaving Nergal's as she listened to the two recount their sides. Even on her lover's part, there where many things she had not known. This.... far from surprised her. But it wasn't time for that now. She listened.... Listened and quite suddently understood.
"But Eamnonn and I traveled to the Ashlands, through Kishara's own form"
Oh gods.... Her fingers tightened around Nergal's hand in obvious panic. She had never been good at hiding her own emotions, and when she saw the two staring at them, she knew that it was her time to recount.
"...I was there. With Hunt, when that happened." She hadn't been very smart, either... but that wasn't important. Her voice was heavy, tained, vivid with barely repressed screams and tears, and it made her look at the more haunted for a few moment. "I cannot prove she was the one to wound the Crown, but I am very certain that she has. There.... is a cocoon where he should be. Flayed open and closed upon itself." The image was all but burned into her mind, after the days she had spent there. "Alive, but..." Her voice choked down. This had far from been a good sight. Her distress was apparent.
"Kishara was there, too. She must have went with the grigori. She... is alive, but not well. One of her arms is missing. I did not understand then.... but I think I do, now." She took a sharp intake of breath, trying to calm herself down. She should have stayed, instead of leaving. But, many where tending to the Mother. She would be safe, and as for herself, she would have probably have only been in the way. She seemed to very good at that. "If the pathway to the Ashlands is through Kishara's flesh... She might be trying to bring the rest of her people out. She was much to eager to flee the scene, even if it honestly looked like she could have ended us all so easily. We could not stop her. I tried to stop her, but... It did not work." Too weak, not experienced enough... not when it all mattered. Sosiqui "Yes," Illumin said, quietly. "Eamnonn told me that much, that small bit. I am quite certain that Samyaza caused... that thing... to form, and wounded Kishara. And we, exhausted, wounded by other Grigori-" he stretched his wing, still missing a good chunk, greyed and eroded at the edges, "-we let her go with the Empress. She fought for us when the other Grigori attacked us. We... trusted her." The thought was bile in his throat.
"But the past has been beating on my mind ever since." He shook his head, sharply. "I must move forward, now, and return later to my failings if I am to have any hope." Thabara "These are quite serious news," Underworld said gravely. Grigori. The name of these people meant nothing to him. But if they had indeed warred with the gods, they were not to be underestimated.
He squeezed Echo's hand one last time for reassurance before he let go of it and got up, unable to stay put any longer. Kishara wounded - badly, from the sound of it. The Crown injured as well, they all had felt the backlash of that. And - if that 'cocoon' was any indication - He was changing once more. Creation, Destruction.. But what else was there, what would He become now?
He stepped up to the window, peering outside as he tried to quieten his mental turmoil, to digest all these news.
"There is something I would like to know, Lord Illumin," he said finally, deciding to focus on open questions first, to get a better picture of the whole. "That fragment you obtained in the Ashlands, how did you come to know of it? How did it happen to come into the Grigoris' possession in the first place? Do you know?" Sosiqui "I know... part of it, perhaps." Illumin shook his head. "When we researched, we found scraps of information. It seems that when the Grigori were first exiled, Aristogeiton went with them and remained there for fifty years, along with one of the Dragon Kings, Mang. I... had thought that perhaps he died there, but that is clearly not the case." What was it Samyaza had said, in that barren land? "... 'A piece of him whom you seek, from when he dwelt here and grew weak.' That was what she said." His eyes narrowed. "Perhaps it was they who orchestrated the whole thing."
That was a cold, dark thought. How long ago had that been? Was it possible for such a plan to have been laid, let alone carried out? Zero Dream "Is is quite possible." Echo nodded. She felt so frazzled and useless now, but she did her best to think. "If they knew it would affect the balance... They could find a way to use that in their advantage, I presume." Oh, how she wished she could remember...
She felt guiltly, and somewhay upset... mostly for Nergal. She had hoped to put off telling him of all this - hold off enough for him to rest and recover because she knew full well that he would simply leave again as soon as possible if he knew. But.... this seemed so much more serious that she had thought, now. Thabara "I agree. Perhaps a last measure taken to ensure their return, knowing full well that piece would be sought after sooner or later? I wonder why no one noticed something was amiss.." We were still busy licking our wounds from that war, perhaps. And the Fading.. how soon after did it start?
He remained standing at his place at the window for some time, his expression absent, deep in thought. Finally he straightened, and returned to the seats to stand behind Echo, letting one hand rest lightly on her shoulder for reassurance.
"If you would have me, Lord Illumin, I would like to join forces with you in search of the remaining fragments. The reasons to do so are many, we both recounted ours.. And the urgency is even greater now." Underworld's expression was grim as he spoke. How much time did they have even left? "We should leave as soon as possible."
"Furthermore, word needs to be brought out about this Samyaza, and her intent, to the others. If she alone was able to wreak such havoc, she cannot be allowed to free her kin. I can have the dead be on the lookout, but I do not know yet how far my powers stretch now, or if they would even be able to perceive her."
What else was there..? "You mentioned a war," Nergal added throughtfully, "records of this may be kept in the grand library, perhaps a weakness could be found.." Sosiqui "I think it is I who should join forces with you - I have no other clues, not right now. You... have this." He turned the scepter over in his hands again. "But I would help you, yes. The parts that remain must be found, as soon as we possibly can... as you said."
Another journey. He would be more careful, this time. An empty promise.
Illumin stood up, and held the scepter out to Nergal. "Perhaps there is knowledge elsewhere. I do not know, but I must bend all my attention to this task. Please... show me." He nodded towards the scepter. Thabara "Of course." He gave Illumin a small, polite smile when the scepter was handed back to him, the weight heavy in his hands. "There is not much to it, really." After a moment's thought he beckoned Illumin to follow him onto the balcony, waiting for Echo to join them as well before he held the staff aloft. "This should be a good spot as any.. Inside, or outside, it does not really matter. But as the ceiling inside is quite low-- Ah. There, it begins."
Within seconds, soft light had started to gather within the blackness of the orb, dim at first, but quickly brightening.. There was a certain coldness to its glow, not unlike that of the stars in the night sky. It no longer seemed to point at the fragments they had gathered in the crypt under their feet, or the light would have been blindingly bright. One beacon showed up surprisingly clear, pointing skywards. "That, I assume, is the trail Panacea has been going for, and Fire's host is following now, as it seems closest, clearest." Perhaps she had found more than just one fragment, he wondered, maybe that was why this path was lit so brightly.
"But the others.." Nergal's brows pulled into a frown. As before, the other paths the orb showed were a fragmented mess, pointing into all directions and none, ever shifting. Why? Zero Dream Echo had felt silent, listening to the two. There wasn't much more she could think of, much she could say to make things better. In fact, the only thing she could think of would make things worse.
They're taking him away from me again.
It was such an horrible, selfish thought. Especially now. And yet, she could not stop it. Thankfully, the demonstration of sorts distracted her from that unpleasant train of thought from a moment. She had never gotten to see how it worked... Curiosity overcame bitterness easily, but her ears shifted again when one signal was completely clear and another seemed muddled.
Hopefully that did not mean ashes scattered to the four winds, or something. That would be... rather complicated and bothersome.Stop this. We need to hurry. We lost too much time already.Adrian was not -happy-, no. He had been extracted from Kaelin's presence by a rather pushy deity who had apparently still recovered his bearings. He hadn't wanted to move one wit ! He grumbeled to himself as he turned the corner, hair still wet from assorted underwater... adventures. Yes. Adventures.
Heh.
He stopped suddenly when he saw the very clear beam of light point upward. Damn, if this was another catastrophe in the making... What... the hell is that ?Your guess is as good at mine. Hurry !And so, he did. The crow perched on his shoulder gave a croak of protest as he broke into a run, and by extension got a few beakfulls of long, wet red hair. He stopped right under the balcony, yellow eyes wide. That woman.... Echo ? The lavender-haired one was unknown to him. And the one holding the scepter... No idea.Unknown for one, not for the other. Well... so much for news, it seemed. He must have found his way home somehow. Ankou knew - from the wisps, from the familiar energies, from the way everything felt a bit more like home around the house. But... they seemed busy. Perhaps they should come back later... Sosiqui Illumin made a face at the shifting lights. "How many of the lights looked like this? Do you remember?" He paused, and a thoughtful look came over his face. "The piece in the Ashlands... I wonder, if you remember what that one looked like. If one that looked a certain way, pointed in a certain fashion, is now gone. Perhaps we can use that to discern where the others are."
Heaven help them all if there was another piece still in that forsaken place. Thabara "I.." Nergal hesitated, but then shook his head. "It looked fairly much the same, only now.. it seems to show less of the fragmented paths. The ones that vanished, were.. dimmer." He pursed his lips, wondering what to make of it, but quickly got distracted when he caught sight movement down below from the corner of his eyes. Something, no, someone down below? Someone attracted by the scepter's glow perhaps.. It might not have been such a good idea to wave it about out in the open.
His concerns evaporated at once, however, when he caught glimpse of a fiery red mane of hair, his thin lips pulling into a smile almost immediately. At least someone he recognized immediately, who hadn't changed during his absence. Brother. Spirit Guide. Wanderer.
"Ankou. Adrian," he called out softly. No need to alarm just about everyone on the street. "Come up and join us please. This.. You should know about this as well, and perhaps you can help." Zero Dream Ahhhh... So there he was. Both host and deity seemed in one piece. This was definitively a good thing, through the boy looked tired and weary. Echo instinctively reached for Nergal's free hand as she waited.He had just turned to leave again, turned to skitter off and flee back in Water's more-than-likely awaiting arms, when he was finally noticed. Damn.This is more important than... other activities. Hurry.The fire mage grumbled, but listened - at least in some way - he slid his way inside, and upward. Why did his timing always suck so much ?
He slid his way to the balcony, giving a small half-bow of respect to the unknown deity before peering at the orb. "What the heck is that thing ?" Sosiqui Ankou? The name was unfamiliar; Illumin peered down at the red-haired figure below. Two names... ah. A host. That much was clear.
As the young man vanished from his sight, Illumin turned back to Nergal and gave the scepter a grumpy look. Here was Light indicating a pathway, but poke it as he might, he could not make it give up any more secrets. "The Ashlands was on a plane far different from our own... so separate that only a thread of Being kept it afloat. Perhaps the dim lights indicate a distance of a similar nature..."
When the red-haired host reappeared, Illumin offered him a thoughtful nod of greeting. Apparently he was familiar enough to both Underworld and Music to not require introduction. "I am Illumin, Light. And you are...?" Some pleasantries were needed, even if they had no time for pomp and circumstance. Zero Dream This was a good thing, honestly - if there was one think Adrian hated, it was never-ending exchange of politeness and pleasantries and blah. Deities seemed to good at that, well, some of them. Some of them just seemed much more accessible than others.
"Adrian." He answered, almost absentmindedly, until it occured to him that this probably wasn't what the god was really asking. "Host to Ankou, the Spirit Guide. But hey, still, what the heck is that thing ?" He tilted his head in direction to the scepter. Thabara "My brother," Nergal added with a slight frown. They both seemed to have had bad luck when it came to their hosts' manners. Maybe it was a family thing. "To escort the souls of the dead into my realm was part of his tasks once, so he might know.." He slightly moved the scepter to have it out of Adrian's reach, because it really looked as if the obnoxious young host might be severely tempted to do something silly. Like trying to poke it.
"It is an ancient artifact which points the way to the fragments of certain soul - that of the Twin Crown's consort. The god you bear may remember, perhaps has seen this before. For reasons we can only guess at, that soul is not whole anymore. The path to one fragment is clear, but one of us is already following that trail. The other, or others.." He motioned at the set of fractured lights.
"A place too far away, or too separate from ours," he added, addressing Illumin. "Another world-plane. That may be. But how would we get there, or even find the correct one ...?" He had crossed the world-paths when he had finally escaped that place he had been held in for so long, but he barely remembered what he had been doing then, lest alone how. Sosiqui The Spirit Guide, huh. That was a divine sphere that Illumin hadn't ever really thought about before. He nodded companionably to the host, then frowned at the scepter once more. "When Hunt and I went to the Ashlands, we quite literally cut our way there, through Gaia's flesh. I... certainly hope such things are not needed again." From what Ea and Echo had said, he doubted the goddess could weather another such injury.
He glanced at Adrian, hoping the god slumbering within the young man knew more than he did. Travel was not his forte. Zero Dream ]Fragmented soul. Finding pieces....
"My greetings then, Light." The voice that came out was wholy different that the host. If anything, sounded more like Nergal's than anything else, but there was, as the time time, something so different that it almost set them world apart. "It goes seem like like it is trying to reach for another world."
Adrian. I... I need to do something.If there was one thing, one good thing about the world as is was now, it was that tiredness and disgust basically destroyed fear. Fine. Let me know when all this's over.Even if he saw it coming, being suddenly left alone on the surface still had the effect of being catapulted into something foreign. He had no time to get used to a body before now, so willing to respect his host - his knees gave in.Thankfully, behind him, the goddess had moved - and caught him before he could truly hit the ground. "You are overexerting yourself." She whispered in pointed ears, tone worried. Mules, they where all mules. That must have been another family trait of those two. So similar yet to different."I know." He whispered back. Damn this - damn being so weak. In front of his brother, even. "Please... Carry me.... I must try."
And she did. He was thankful and, by the time he was standing in front of the scepter, he had managed enough muscle control to stand, at least. Nergal seemed twitchy - he could only hope he would not try to swat him away. Blank, golden eyes fluttered closed as his hands cupped loosely around the orbs of the scepter.
Trailing, trailing, trailing. The threads that linked the fragments to the scepter - and to each other, where a proverbial mess. He ignored the stronger ones and dwelved in. He followed them, but the farther they got, the harder it was to follow them. He knew how to do this, but it was hard, so hard, so-
Tell me where you lead.
It felt like hitting a brick wall. His control slipped again and this time, Echo did not react in time, He felt down like a rag doll, but there was a tired smile on his face.
"Wellhaven. You are looking.... for Wellhaven."
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:47 pm
Following the Lights, continuedThabara Wellhaven. A name even, of that far away place. That was more, far more than he had been expecting. He crouched down to gaze at his brother's exhausted face, the scepter leaning heavily against his shoulder. "Thank you," he murmured, the words coming from the bottom of his heart. To achieve such a feat, when he was just barely able to control his host's body.. But still.. "You would not, perhaps, happen to know how to.. actually get there?" he added, with a weak smile. Zero Dream The "snapback" had left him a bit dazed. For a moment he did not answer, before he regained enough bearing to look away from the floor and to his face instead. One arm went to the ground to support him. "The doors can lead you there. If they work as they once did, a name will be enough." Sosiqui Illumin watched, startled - the young god was doing something that much was clear, something difficult - but the result was a name, a single precious word. He crouched down next to Ankou/Adrian and offered a hand. "Thank you," he said, quietly, but it was heartfelt. In one instant the god had revealed something that might have taken many days, weeks of research. "What doors do you mean?" Zero Dream "The Doors... The doors to the pantheon act as a link in between worlds... A gateway, if you prefer." Forgotten... They had all forgotten, it seemed. It almost made him feel better for having done so. "Any door that does not lead to a chamber... work in that fashion. As long as one connect their mana to all that is and know where they want to go..."
There where dots dancing in his vision. He had overdone it... Overdone it big time. He stumbled almost blindly until his free hand finally caught Illumin's and, with his aid and Echo, he finally worked himself back to standing. His legs felt like jelly. And it had been something so SIMPLE ! For the first time, it seemed, how utterly powerless he was seemed to be hitting him in the face. He had expected at least some measure of power upon taking over this body fully, but if this was any indication, he had been greatly, GREATLY overjudging it.
And Adrian looked like he wasn't ready to come back out just yet... Thabara The doors.. He'd had no idea, even now that they were mentioned he did not remember. But then again, until this life, traveling, going to places, had never really been his thing.
"Bring him to the couch, he can rest there." Nergal's gray eyes were filled with concern for his brother. It was clear that the young one had overexerted himself a great deal for their sake. Perhaps he could do something for him, share some of his mana, like he'd done back when they'd first talked, in Shadow's temple. They had.. so much to catch up on anyway.
Later. In privacy. Once Light has left.
"What do you suggest when to leave? I suggest we travel light, as quickly as possible, so preparations should not take too long." Sosiqui "I agree with you - but I think I should speak with Hunt. He has ascended fully," Illumin said, with a nod and an ever so slight stab of jealousy. "He would be a valuable ally, and he wishes to atone for his part in this.... in this, as much as I do. Still, he is a practical sort, and I have no doubt he will be ready as quickly as any. I have rooms in the Pantheon... we could meet there, if you like, and see where the other doors will take us." Zero Dream Echo nodded, and moved toward the couch, host and god in tow. Ankou kind of stumbled behind her, but held on - which was a good thing because she had no hope to be able to lift and carry him. "I agree with Illumin... As urgent as the situation might be, it would not do much good to jump in unprepared."
Gave her some more time with him again before he left, too.
She still felt so horrible for thinking this way at all. This wasn't her. This was.... so unlike her.The couch was probably much, much more comfortable than it should have been. The world still spun around him, but now that he did not have to concentrate and do his best to remain standing upright, it wasn't as nausea-inducing. Thabara Nergal acknowledged Illumin's words with a slight nod of his head, helping his brother to settle down on the couch before he actually responded. "A valuable ally indeed. It has been a while since I have last met Hunt. Please pass on my compliments to him, and his daughter. I hope I will have a chance to meet her again as well, some time." He smiled, remembering the little goddess fondly.
"Then let us meet at your rooms," he agreed. A good starting point as any, close to the Doors. That, and.. truth be told, he wanted to have a look at what was going on within the Pantheon for himself now, and was more than happy to be presented with an excuse for this. "When?" Sosiqui "As soon as we can gather our resources. Hunt is staying with me; we will wait for you there. Preferably no more than a day, or two, if that suits you." Illumin nodded back at Nergal, then gave Ankou a worried look. Thabara "That is fine." There were arrangements to be made, messages to be passed on.. Not more than a day, he stubbornly decided, that was all he'd allow himself. "Very well then. Until we meet again." Nergal inclined his head politely.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:48 pm
Protection and Preparations
Everything seemed to happen very quickly after that. They moved the precious pieces into Hunt's temple, where devoted mortals and faithful Aoidei could protect them; Illumin donated Eibhilin to the cause, electing to assign Eliam to the Pharos Beacon and the mortals there. He was still antsy about leaving the decanter behind, but taking it with him was a foolish idea, and Nergal could hardly haul that body around on his shoulders. Best to leave them all together and defend them well.
A bag, clothing, rations - too familiar. Illumin tried to shove away the edgy, anxious feeling. He had packed thus right before traveling to the Ashlands. Well, of course he had; packing was what you did before a journey.
Two journeys, two sets of preparations. Both to different planes, chasing soul-fragments of Aristogeiton. One had ended in disaster... This one cannot. Nothing is coming back with us but the fragments we find, even if I have to stay behind and kill them myself. Illumin zipped the duffel bag up with an angry snap. And this time, he would not hesitate to do damage if the situation called for it. He might not be instinctively bloodthirsty as the Hunt was, but the time for being a precious and spoiled creature, aloof and horrified by everything, was long past.
At least I don't have to cut anyone or anything open to get to this place. Wellhaven. A mortal plane; no eldritch space like the Ashlands, with nothing ancient and treacherous imprisoned within. He hoped. And when they returned, then what? How did one make a Consort from an empty body, a crystal decanter, and whatever else they were going to find? Whatever else Pana had found and Fire was going to retrieve?
They'd have to cross that bridge when they came to it.
Illumin sighed and picked the bag up, flexing his wings for a moment. He'd already said goodbye to Eliam; no sense in prolonging things by going back for more. He opened the door to the small balcony and stepped outside, taking a deep breath. The air was stained with foulness from the sea; no sweet salty breezes here.
Time to go. This time, I'm going to find the world in better shape than it was when I left it.
I hope.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:49 pm
Through the DoorSosiqui The Pantheon was an uneasy place to be. Illumin had elected to enter the building through the window, bypassing the entrance hall completely. He knew it was willful ignorance, but he simply did not want to see whatever was down there.
Perhaps when they had returned, then he would look. Perhaps.
Light's chambers were still a mess. Fallen lanterns littered the floor, and here and there were piles of ashes when the paper had become too hot to bear. He did not bother to clean those, either. He did not intend to be here long. Only just enough to meet with the others and find the door. Perri Indiya Ea had come with Illumin to the seat of all hell breaking loose, wishing he could have stayed outside as opposed to entering it again. Even coming to Light's old quarters made him queasy, but damned if he was going to go down to throne room again. He didn't need to see any reminder of Kish's blood pooling on the floor.
"Did you leave this place in a hurry?" Sosiqui "Yes," Illumin replied, offering nothing else. He had fled like a coward, and he knew it. Ea could figure that much out on his own, he was sure, but it made him feel better to not just come out and say it.
Much like it made him feel better to take care of the people of Solde-on-Palecliff. But they would be fine, or as well as they could be, with Eliam. He had left a light globe over the village, so they would have that much, at least.
And now, supposedly, it will make me feel better to finish this thing. But his stomach was all in knots. If nothing else, he was resolved that nothing, nothing would come back with them save the fragments they sought. Even if it begged. Zero Dream They had entered by normal means, if only because of the mostly total lack of flight. Both goddess and the redhead avoided the sight of the throne room, for different yet similar reasons, wanting to do nothing but skitter upstairs as far as possible - it was Nergal's hesitation and sudden breaking off from the group that held them back. Echo's worried gaze followed him until he was out of view, then she turned back to look at Adrian, sighing. She had packed lightly - a small leather backpack rested on her shoulders, containing the bare necessities and her flute, just in case. All jewelry was home, there was none visible even her person - not only this was no time for vanity, but she had noticed the looks of the passerby as she came. And what little she had that actually still fitted her changed form was hers, damnit."Let's hurry." Adrian broke her off her thoughts - the boy already halfway up the stairs. He did not like this place anymore, and there was no knowing what else would happen, and he could NOT get out of there soon enough.Echo followed him, knowing full well his reasoning - and pretty much agreeing to it. After all, she had been unable to live here ever since her rebirth - she could not blame him.
She stopped in front of one door, recognizing it as the one Illumin had described to them. Should they just... wait here ? No, it probably would do good to at least get inside and start preparing things. Adrian leaned against the wall and she knocked, softly. "Illumin ?" Hopefully her voice would be recognizable enough. Sosiqui Illumin jumped a bit at the sudden voice from outside, but it was a welcome distraction. He hurried over to the door, his wings trailing light, unconsciously over-bright to hide his own discomfiture. At first he opened it just a peep, in case it was someone come to scream at him or worse over the state of things.
It was a relief to see Echo and Adrian, and he opened the door all the way with a soft sigh. "Echo, Ankou. Welcome." He glanced behind them. "Where is Nergal?" Zero Dream "He wanted to check something in the throne room." She did not even bother to hide her worry. "He said it should not be long."Adrian followed past, head low in respect of the two deities present. "I don't think Ankou recovered enough strength to speak yet, but he wanted me to come to show you how to use the Doors. And to assist with whatever might be needed afterward."One of the wisps, clearly the boldest of the little bunch that had gathered about her wings, slid toward Illumin, clearly attracted by the light pooling around his wings. Sosiqui Bemused, Illumin held out one finger to the wisp and gathered light around it. "Odd little things, they are. Well..." He straightened up, and nodded at Adrian. "Please, lead on. We can at least find the correct portal while we wait." Why had Nergal paused? What was more important than moving? It rankled, just a little. Zero Dream The little wisp seemed completely delighted by this turn of events - flicking and pulsing and overall pretty pleased by the attention. When Echo turned to leave, however, it darted back from the light god to the relative safety of her wings.Adrian did much the same, but seemed distracted as he walked ahead - listening to a voice none of the others gathered could hear. "It isn't really a matter of finding the correct door or portal, per se. Any door that isn't linked to a deity's quarters will do the trick - the issue mostly is in knowing where you want to go and not getting lost in the process." The flame-haired youth chewed on his lip. "We're not gonna be able to help much about that, but Ankou can at least let you know how it's done... ? It doesn't sound... too complicated or anything, but I can't say im familiar with these things... Sosiqui Illumin shook his head. "All this time, I could have gone anywhere I liked, if I'd only known..." Or remembered, perhaps. How infuriating. Perhaps if he'd remembered that, he would have remembered more important things, like not to let Grigori into All That Be. He eyed the doors as they passed. Had there always been this many? Zero Dream Adrian hesitated for a moment, but then turned to head down the hall. "We need a door that doesn't have any markings on it..." Something blank, something not linked to anything, the god had said to him. "When they're blank, it means they can be used for world travel. When they're not, they're obviously linked to chambers already."It was hard, so hard for the goddess to resist the urge to dart downstairs, to go to the throne room, to see what was going on. Being separated from Nergal was much, much harder that it usually was, that it should have been, as if something that was hers had been stolen away from her.
....Wait... what ? The thought was upsetting - her ears pinned backward ever so slightly before she could stop the motion. He was not an object, something one could simply claim and something to be owned - he was her lover, now even more so that even before - by his own will and her.
Her left hand fiddled with something hidden under her sleeve. The bead felt cold and heavy, but touching it was somehow reassuring. Sosiqui Illumin looked at the doors carefully as he went past. There were more with markings on them than he remembered - though, to be fair, it had been quite a long time since he'd been in the Pantheon and cared to wander, had the luxury to look at the decor. How many godlings had come back into existence while he and Ea had been in the Ashlands? "Any blank door..." Thabara "We will need to make haste." Nergal approached the small group quietly, like a pale ghost, the steps of his bare feet causing no sound whatsoever. "You probably heard it all, the sound of a trumpet, the shattering of glass.. The shift in All that Is afterwards."
He looked them over, expression grim, his gaze resting longest on Echo. "Each time a window shatters, another of Destruction's influences is allowed to ascend to the Throne, to rule for one week. Greed sits upon it now, I spoke to her. Before, she said, the right was Sloth's, Envy's and Lust's, but none of them appeared to take it. Famine, War and Plague remain, though I cannot be sure in what order. And after that.." He paused, shook his head.
"Four windows are broken, ten remain, I counted them. When the last shatters.. it hails the End." Zero Dream Somehow, she resisted the urge to just go straight to him when she saw him, and when her lover spoke, the goddess all but froze. 10 weeks... With almost half of them already gone.
"We...." He gaze locked on Adrian. "We must hurry."A similar kind of shock overtook both the redhead and the god within. Ankou prodded and Adrian listened. "Right." Damnit, if he screwed this up...
....If he screwed this up, Lyra would die. And what about Kaelin.... ?
He moved, swiftly, to one unmarked door. "Ankou says that there are probably different ways to do it depending on each and everyone of you - so he's not really sure how much explanations will help. He says you all need to focus your mana and keep in mind exactly where you are going... and try to stay together at the same pace, or else it's very likely you're all gonna pop up in different locations." Which meant time lost, the god stressed in his mind. "....We're probably not gonna be able to follow. It's up to you guys." Sosiqui So it... it really was... the end.
He had set the End of Days in motion.
No. Samyaza did that. Samyaza. She did it. Not me. Not me.
I just helped-
Illumin shook his head sharply and looked up at the others with barely-restrained anger in his eyes. "Let us go, then. Let us go, and move, and damned to those who would get in our way." He gathered light in his hands, then split it up into four orbs, sending one to each of his compatriots on the journey. "To guide us, light our path. I can sense them. It may help." Thabara "Let me try this then, as I am the one who holds the scepter.." Nergal stepped up to the blank door, removing the wrappings of the ancient artifact as he walked. Wellhaven. Was that a plane, a country, a town? He laid a hand against the smooth surface of the door, focusing on the flow of mana, as he had back then, when he had shared it with his brother to strengthen him. But at the same time he kept half an eye on the black orb that crowned the wand.
Wellhaven, he thought again and he felt something click into place, a connection made. He could sense paths upon paths stretching out beyond the door, quite similar to that dark place he'd wandered in his delirium when he had escaped..
They were dividing into planets, many of them, and many of them dead ends - which was fortunate, in a way, as it narrowed down his search. Continents, countries..
The orb remained dark. Back to planets then. For a moment he wondered what would happen if he'd ask the doorway to bring him to the Underworld. No, no, do not let yourself get distracted..
He started his search anew, slower this time. At least he'd almost immediately found the correct plane, it was just a question of narrowing it down.. There, hadn't the orb faintly lit up just now? He moved back one path, keeping a close eye on the artifact. Yes, there it was..
It would be easier, he figured, if he knew more. A town, a temple, something like that. Perhaps he should have asked Ankou to open the door, he surely was the one more experienced in using them. But he was still exhausted from last night's deed..
Slowly, gradually, the scepter's guiding light began to brighten, and at the same time runes lit up on the door frame, one after another. Again there was the sensation of something clicking into place, unlocking this time. "There," he breathed, hand sliding down to rest upon the knob, ready to turn it. "I think that is about as close as I can get us." With that, he pushed open the Door. Zero Dream She stayed completely still, her left hand still curled around the black bead - her right cradling the light orb that had been given to her. She had no idea how to do this. She had no idea what to do. What a great start, she was already holding them ba-
No, don't think about time. No time for self-pity. She was there and she needed to act now. Close your eyes. Think. Listen.
Listen. Concentrate.
She could see it... almost touch it, it was how detailed it seemed to be - blackness, stars... A trail of light, representing the path the scepter had traced for them.
How odd... every star, every planet seemed to have their own... distinct sound to them. A different hum. Some where similar, but to her trained ear, they where all different. Had any of them noticed ? Probably not.
The wisps moved, mingling even closer with her wings, as if they had a an idea what was about to happen and where clinging to her.
"Ready." She finally let go of the breath she hadn't been aware she was holding, her eyes still closed. As ready as she could be, anyway. Sosiqui Illumin closed his eyes and concentrated - and even despite that, in Illumin's awareness the scepter's beam lanced into the darkness like a firey path, laying out something so clear, so bright that it seemed impossible to ever, ever lose. It outshone everything except Illumin's own glory. How could they not see it?
Perhaps it was reserved for Light alone to see the true brilliance. He poured his own light into it, sending his power dancing along the path, illuminating the blackness and revealing the way he should go.
The beam sizzled through the spaces between worlds, found an answer, and Illumin stared into the heart of suns as the mana connected and flared around the door. Ready, yes, how could it be anything but? "We must go. Now!" Thabara Nergal felt the other gods' powers mingle, meddle with his own, the moment he pushed open the Door. Illumin's, Echo's, Eamnonn's. Some of the runes flickered and shifted the very last moment, causing Underworld to crease his forehead. What the Hell had that been for? Wasn't he the one to hold the scepter which guided the way?
But no harm seemed to be done, the destination seemingly remaining unchanged. The scepter's light still glimmered brightly, a steady beam pointing straight into the hallway the Door had opened into.
"We should be alright, I think," he said, peering down the dimly lit path which had opened for them. It started as a boring, bland hallway - bare of any decorations - but seemed to shift into a forest path further on. "As long as the door is not closed in between." He stepped half into the door frame, holding the gateway open for the others to pass through.
"Ankou," he spoke, his gaze resting on the redhead that was his brother's host. "Brother. You may speak for me in my absence, make decisions in my stead. There are letters left on my desk, to Fire's host, and to the Worldshield. Please see to it that they are delivered. I would have given the task to my aoidei, but.." Lust, eh? He had a good idea now why he hadn't seen Priya, and especially Ishum, around.
He peered down the opened corridor again, slightly irritated. It had been a forest path before, but now it was a hallway all along? He could see braziers, torches lit in the distance. How strange. Zero Dream Adrian nodded at what had been told to him - well, not really to him... but hell, he was used to be a relay by now. "It will be done."Echo stepped off to follow Nergal, then stopped, finally opening her eyes again to look at the redhead. "Stay safe.""You all do that, too. Expecially you." Yellow eyes where locked on the goddess herself, and it was evident he knew something the others might not. Too much was at stake with this, and Ankou wasn't keen on losing his potential nephews and/or nieces before they could even be born. Thabara "I will see to it that no harm comes to her," Nergal promised, but he wasn't quite able to hide his concern. He had no idea what would be expecting them on the other end of the pathway which had been opened, save that at least one fragment of the Crown's consort might be found there, hopefully.
"You, take care as well." The threat posed by the grigori, the End looming over everything like the sword of Damocles.. Wherever they went, it might - for a while at least - be safer than here. Ankou, however, would be in the eye of the storm. "We just found each other again, and.." He shook his head, not sure how to put into words what he felt. "Take care," he repeated simply, as if doing so might be a charm to protect his brother from harm somehow. Then he motioned impatiently for everyone to step through the door, letting it click shut behind himself once the last deity had passed by.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:51 pm
Separation; Echo and Nergal's JourneyThabara When he looked ahead, things seemed to have shifted again. A hallway still, but the torches and braziers he'd seen seemed gone. It was lit only by Illumin's orbs of light, and the fainter, but still steady glow of the scepter. Instead there seemed to be a junction little ways ahead, and more corridors branching off here and there. A maze?
"It keeps shifting," he murmured, mostly to himself, and reached for Echo's hand, their surroundings reminding him uncomfortably of his recent imprisonment. "Perhaps because we do not know where exactly we are heading?" Zero Dream "It is possible..." She answered, taking his hand once she could finally see it, glancing at the ever-shifting area around them, the orb of light trailing her. After a moment, a slight wave of panic made her shift and cling to his arm with one of her hand, extending another behind her for one of the others to take. "We need to be careful..."
The wisps still hung directly within her wings - at least there was no worry of those getting lost... they where still so dim that she had no idea if she even could have found them if they had wandered off. Thabara "I agree." Nergal nodded solemnly. Ankou had been right, they had to be careful to not become lost. If it was because they lacked an exact destination, or because the order of things was increasingly becoming undone due to Destruction's - if it even was Destruction still - influence.
He raised the scepter, trusting that its gentle light, together with the path he still felt within, would point the correct way. The beam it emitted was faint but steady, so he followed its guidance whenever there was doubt about which path to take, until the small group arrived at a junction at which the path the scepter showed split.
Nergal stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the artifact in confusion, Echo's grip almost uncomfortably tight on his arm. Two fragments.. on the same world? At least this was what it felt like. In that case, they were lucky, but.. "Which one to follo--"
He wasn't sure if the other's ever heard the end of his question as his quiet voice was drowned out by..
The Sound Of A Trumpet.
This cannot be. This just couldn't be happening, it had only sounded earlier today, announcing the Week of Greed! A week, damn it!!
The Shattering Of Glass.
It was True then. Time.. It may be running differently here between worlds. Time was against them.
This wasn't fair!!
But it was happening nonetheless. He just barely had the time to reach for Echo before things shifted again - much, much more violently than they had when it had been time for Greed to claim the throne. War. Somehow, he knew.
The others.. But he only had two hands. He could not let go of the scepter, or their attempt would be for naught before they had even started searching for real. And never, not ever, would he let go of Echo. Sosiqui Illumin stumbled as the radiant influence suddenly changed, sharp and violent, his wings flaring instinctively to try and keep him balanced. Light crawled along the edges, snapping at the air around them. Two paths, those he could see, but no details, no information whatsoever other than a vague direction and the name of a world. Without the Scepter to guide them...
It was too soon for this, damn it! Just as Time had shifted differently between the Ashlands and the Pantheon, so too did it seem in this strange mazelike place. Zero Dream Echo, at the very least, seemed to have a good plan - that is, until everything started to shift once more, and she almost fell over due to the sheer force of the influences changing. One on side, however, Illumin's flareup had an upside - she lunged right from him, catching his arm. "Illumin ! Take Ea, and don't let go !"
Dignified or not, it was probably the best way to do this, in her mind. Nergal would have to lead. Thabara But which path to take? For a moment Nergal stood paralyzed, unable to decide. What if he chose wrong, endangered them all? Move, a voice within the back of his mind whispered, move, move, move. To move forward, no matter the direction, was better than standstill. To hesitate, to remain where they were for too long.. If time truly flowed that differently here.. They had already lost one week in what seemed like minutes, they could not afford to waste another.
To the right then.
There was no rational reason for him to pick that path, merely instinct. They could still go back for the other fragment once they had obtained the first. His grip on Echo's arm shifted for a better hold on her as he pulled the goddess along, his fingernails digging painfully deep into Music's flesh, focused solely on reaching their destination as quickly as possible now. The walls to his sides crackled with unholy energy with the forceful shift of the influences as he hastened onward, the voices of the dead which had only been a distant whisper in this strange in between worlds becoming louder now, guiding him.
A door. A door a door a door.
It showed up so unexpectedly after a sharp turn that he almost crashed into it in his frantic flight, for a moment staring at it dumbfounded before he pressed it open with the weight of his body, refusing to let go of neither the scepter nor the goddess he loved so much. His knee collided painfully, unexpectedly, with something hard, and he stumbled, only remotely registering the sound of a heavy door falling shut, the sharp pain drowning out everything else for seconds.
They were out.
He tried to catch his breath, to calm down, realizing only now that he must have had.. panicked.
"Echo?" That was the first word he spoke, his first thought, his first concern. Two, he realized numbly. There were only two orbs of light floating in the air. Had the others been extinguished in the force of the Shift? "Everyone," he added, his voice sounding strained now, "are you alright?" Zero Dream He had pulled too sharply. The sudden pull, as well as the distracting pain of fingernails tearing through the tender skin of her arm was more than enough to distract her...
Her reflex of trying to recoil away from said pain, the twitch that resulted, was enough for her grip to weaken... and his pull enough to wrench her hand away from Light's.
"...ILLUMIN !!!!" Half-screaming and half-screeching in panic, the goddess lunged backward, ignoring the pain that she caused herself in the process. "Stop ! Nergal, stop, I lost them !!!!"
He wasn't reacting. She prepared herself, prepared to dash back toward the darkness with all the strength she had... But it was too late. They where suddenly out and she almost fell down alongside him, but sheer reflex kicked in - she literally wrenched away from him, hand going to the five puncture wounds on her left arm, trying to stop the blood that was starting to slide through her fingers as she stumbled back onto her feet.
What the hell.
Don'tscreamdon'tscreamdon'tscreamdon'tscream...
She had half a mind to slap the living daylights out of him, honestly, but that wouldn't solve anything. She took a sharp breath. "I told you to stop."
It was a good thing that he probably couldn't see the glare she was sending in his general direction. It probably could have rivaled with one of his own. It was becoming rather obvious that they where the only two that had made it... wherever this was.
She needed to at least bandage this, but she didn't have the time - they had to find Light and Hunt, and fast. Thabara "I--" What was she saying? He stared at Echo wide-eyed, shocked by the anger he saw burning in her blue-blue eyes, anger which was clearly directed at him. "I--" She was bleeding, he registered. Had he done this to her? "I did not hear," he admitted tonelessly, the scepter slipping from his slacking fingers. It hit the floor, rolled a few inches and then came to a halt, its gentle light slowly fading. "I only thought of-- If time runs so differently between the worlds-- And one week was gone already, in only a few minutes!"
He shook his head, just barely managing to suppress a shiver. "Somehow, I suddenly could think of naught else, and the voices of the dead.. the dead.. I-- I am sorry. This is my fault." His gaze went past her, resting on the heavy door they'd just passed through. The scepter would probably guide them back here, but certainly not to Eamnonn and Illumin. Could they afford the time to go look for them? He already knew the answer, but he hesitated to voice it. He had never seen Echo so.. furious.
"You are injured," he said instead, quietly. He had sworn to protect her, he had wanted her to be with him so that he could protect her, and he had been the one to hurt her. He shook his head and made a step backwards, away from the angered goddess, away, away.. Until the back of his legs hit-- Well whatever it had been that had previously stopped short his frantic flight. Zero Dream This was meaningless. They didn't have time to get into an argument - now and here of all times and places !!! - but the urge to start screeching and simply not stop until her voice gave in (could that even happen, still ?) was almost too strong to ignore. It was always his way, it seemed, even if his way seemed to have an amazing tendency to blow up in people's faces.
(Un)fortunately, something would cut the goddess' wrath short very, very swiftly.
_____Tap.
One ear twitched, annoyingly. Not now.
_____Tap. Tap. Tap. Footsteps.
_____Voices, too far away for her to understand the words, but voices...
_____Voices that where coming toward them
She was not one to swear, really. But right now, that was the only appropriate thing to say. "s**t."
They had to hide... Where where where where where.
They where coming closer...
In the end, reflex won out. Her bloodstained hand went to grip her lover's arm, and in his daze, it was easy enough to drag him off behind whatever the large object was.They had just barely skittered out of sight that the door opened... Thabara Nergal let himself be pulled into hiding without putting up any resistance, too shocked still by Echo's obvious anger at him, and the fact they'd lost their companions in the maze due to his error. He shook his head again, numbly staring up at the two orbs of light still floating above their heads. What he been thinking?
He hadn't been thinking, not at all, that was the problem.
He exhaled slowly as he buried his forehead in his hands, fingers slightly massaging his temples. This day.. Too much, just too much. Randolph's betrayal and dealing with him, the preparations for their journey, the revelation that Echo was with child, Greed on the Throne, the trumpet sounding twice, hailing the End of All.. If only the dead would. shut. up.
His head jerked back up as he finally registered what he had previously been looking at - Illumin's orbs of light were still floating innocently right above them, without an apparent way to extinguish them. That, and the scepter..
Damn.
It was too late anyway, the door had opened already, the room was being flooded with the light of several bright lanterns. Maybe they wouldn't notice. Maybe.. Maybe..
Maybe not.
The steps came to a sudden halt, several breaths drawn in in sharp, surprised gasps. A hasty, whispered conversation ensued of which he could barely make out anything, but the sound which followed was all too familiar: Several blades were drawn, and then the steps picked up again, advancing carefully, but heading straight for where they were hiding. Zero Dream She hadn't thought about the light, or the scepter. Or even perhaps the small crimson droplets she had left trailing behind her in her rush to hide behind - behind the sarcophagus, she could now see quite clearly just what it was. One among many, expensive marble and stones affixed to it.
Nergal had dumped them right into a crypt. It might have been amusing, if if didn't sound like they going to be sliced to pieces. She did not need to see to know exactly how many of them there actually where, or the sound of blades. Too many, perhaps, for even them - a god whose powers only extended to the dead and a songstress - to deal with. She wasn't quite sure if they could even run for it, either.
One of them had pointed out the scepter as being abnormal. Another pointed out the trail of blood that led right behind the sarcophagus. Heavy footsteps where coming.
With only one option visible to her, she had no other choice but to jump on it. She screamed - dazing the first few, then darted out, arm still clinging to her lover, to run for it. She passed the door, screamed again - nothing like her usual gentle and soothing songs, something that simply clawed at your soul and seemed to stir panic by nature - and ran as fast as she could. With that second scream, she had released her hold on her the first group - which proved to be the downfall of her plan.
Something, someone clawed at her mind, of all things, bringing sharp tears to her eyes and making the goddess mis-step and fall. A similar sound echoed at the back, from inside the crypt, still - one had tried to grap her mind and has his own destroyed for it.
Countless eyes locked on her, but she did not seem to notice them - the world was swirling - constantly going in and our of focus - as if she wasn't quite there anymore.
She never noticed the armed group closing in around her. Thabara The effect of Echo's mind-jarring scream was astounding - eyes widening, faces grimacing with pain, swords clattering to the floor as hands flew up to protect the ears. Nergal seemed almost as stunned as the guards themselves - he'd had no idea that the gentle goddess was able to use her voice like this.
He shook off his daze and scrambled back onto his feet, half on his own, half pulled up by Echo with surprising strength. With one outstretched hand he tried to grab the scepter, but only managed to brush his fingertips against the dark orb and then they had already ran past it, passing row after row of ornate marble sarcophagi in their frantic flight.
Another door, another scream - like a Banshee's mournful wailing, he thought - and then.. something happened. He felt the tingle of another's mind approaching his own a split second before true contact was made, enough for him to guard his mind, or - at the very least - brace himself for the brunt of what was coming. But Echo.. Echo was completely unprepared. He could feel her grip on his arm slacken, see her crumble and fall..
He caught her, just before she could hit the marbled floor, his arms wrapping protectively around her torso as he stared up defiantly at their pursuers. The mental attack had left him with a splitting headache, and he had to blink away the tears it brought to his eyes.
"We.. will put up no further resistance," he finally said. Mortal weapons could not hurt them, but the mental powers of these guards.. If there were stronger ones among their forces than those they had just encountered.. "We.. meant no harm, you have my word for it." But how much would his word mean to them, after they had trespassed on their grounds, were - albeit not deliberately - responsible for several deaths now?
The scepter.. No. He held onto the gasping goddess, not willing to let go of her. So far he had pretty much failed at protecting her and their children to be, but he would not leave her.
Zero Dream There where whispers among the gathered men - some wanted to held them, some said they where probably spy... some said it would probably be safer to kill them now before further damage could be done. There where whispers among the youngers one, wondering just what those where, just how Irisun could find spies so powerful.. The leader of the group of guard finally cut through the chatter, apparently very annoyed with his men. It would be up to the Queen to decide, and they could keep a very, very close eye on the two in the meanwhile... ---------------------------------------------------------- Confusion. The world was still spining, her mind felt like it had been emerged in a thick fog that it was only now starting to awaken from. They where... They where in a room. Some kind of cell, as far as she could tell - not in a traditional sense but imprisoned nonetheless, with countless guards all around. Where... How...
How much time had passed... ?
She let a small sound of discomfort slip out of where she was laying, nested in Nergal's lap - at least they where both still in one piece. Somehow.
The scepter. Where had the scepter gone.... ?Thabara "Are you alright?" Nergal asked softly, stroking a strand of her purple hair from her forehead. The goddess had remained 'out of it' for quite a while, not really unconscious, but not really there either. The wisps had remained huddled close to her wings for the time being, which was probably a good thing as, that way, they didn't draw much attention.
He raised a cup of water to her lips, should she wish to drink. They were prisoners, quite obviously, but apparently considered valuable enough to be treated with some respect. Their room was heavily guarded, but not half bad, and they had been provided with a simple meal and water, and bandages and a balm for Echo's injury. Zero Dream "I..." The world gave another sharp turn and she winced - and settled for drinking the water she had been offered. She'd somehow screwed it up, it was becoming more and more evident, but, try as she might, she could not quite recall what had happened. She had heard them come toward them - she had gotten scared for Nergal's safety and panicked.... ....then everything kind of blurred together.
"The... The scepter..." She managed out, panic threatening to take over once more. Thabara "Shhhh.. They have it, for now." He gave a quiet sigh. "It appears we have managed to trespass upon the crypt of the royal family." A crypt here, a graveyard upon his return from Bael's fortress. He hoped this wasn't the signs of a pattern developing. "If we are lucky, they will not think that we took it from one of the graves." There was a thin smile upon his lips, but as usual, it was impossible to tell if he might be joking or not.
"We are to be questioned once you have recovered - apparently they think us spies or saboteurs of sorts rather than grave robbers. Keep your thoughts and feelings guarded, if you can. These people.. they have the power to touch upon another's mind." Zero Dream The power to touch upon another's mind.
That was obviously a rather scary idea. The goddess gave a weak nod, even if she wasn't quite sure she could even do that. But, slowly, surely, as clarity and stability returned to her, when she was able to think and focus once more, when panic faded away...
Maybe that was actually part of the answer. It may be a gamble, but...
Everything so far had been an huge gamble. She had better get used to it, fast. They would be dealing with monarchy, then...
She might have an idea on what could work. Maybe. Thabara He could see the focus return to her gaze, the slight shift on her features as pain and confusion was replaced by determination and hope. Did she have a plan of sorts? It was possible, he figured - communication, reaching for another's reason and feeling had always been her forte.
"We are ready," he said brusquely, helping Echo to sit up. "Let us get this over with, quickly. It is essential that we waste as little time here as possible."
The guards next to the door exchanged bewildered glances at what sounded way too much like a command, one of them sneering derisively. Some nerve these intruders had. As if it was for them to decide how much time they spent here or what would happen to them..
But it was also fact that they had made it into the crypt somehow, locked from the outside. That the attempt to 'bespeak' them to halt their flight had killed a dozen men, and the survivors swearing holy oaths that they had never touched upon something so strange and different.
The Queen was interested, sure enough.
He nodded at his companion, sending him off to give word of the strangers' recovery, the man's position at the door immediately replaced by another soldier. Zero Dream Again, the only answer the whole string of event caused in her was a nod. Focusing was still a bit of a mental effort, but at least was doable by now.
"You will probably think I have completely lost my mind..." There was a amused smile at the thought - small but there - as she reached upward to sit, and plant a kiss on his forehead. "But I honestly believe guarding ourselves will work against us. That will only raise their suspicions further. I do not plan on lying - therefore I have nothing to hide. I do not know much about how the mind works - but I figure, at least, that one saying the truth has a wholly different mental pattern than one trying to string together an elaborate lie.... would it not ?" There was a pause, her expression shifting to worry. "Shelter yourself." She finally added. That might, after all, be too much for him. "I will do the talking for us."
If the end of all worlds could not sway them.... No, she was not in a position to promise such a thing. There simply was not time for them to meddle in the affairs of mortals - not with the end of the world at stake. They needed to be in and out as quickly as possible... And they had already wasted quite a bit of that precious time. Thabara Nergal accepted her sign of affection with a slight bow of his head and a small smile of his own. "You may be right. Just.. be careful. You felt the effects of their mind-touch once, if they have someone more skillful--"
He didn't get to finish his sentence, as that moment the door was flung wide open and the room exploded into a flurry of activity. Guards entered and lined the walls, their faces expressionless, but keen-eyed and vigilant. After them, servants came, carrying in a large, ornate chair - not a throne, but something quite close. Next were a group of elderly men and - few, only - women: Some of them clad in formal robes, scholars or clerics perhaps. Some others were clothed rather fanciful, distinguishing them as members of the noble houses. Others again were wearing uniforms. The queen's advisers, possibly. Probably.
Finally the queen herself entered, whomever had assembled of her court immediately bowing or sinking to their knees in her presence. She was a tall charismatic figure trailed by an entourage of noblewomen, their colorful dresses of damask and silk giving the impression of a swarm of exotic birds. The queen herself, however, was wearing black.
Nergal inclined his head respectfully. But to bow, or even kneel, was out of question. Never again, and most definitely not to a mortal. Zero Dream This was a risk that she had no choice but to take. She had been about to say just that, but the entrance had stopped her. She broke away from him to stand on her own, sightly startled. She had expected they would take them out... not that they would come to them.
Perhaps they considered them more dangerous than she had thought.
While perhaps such things was beyond him... it was not beyond her. Had she been anything else but herself, it would have probably been a severe blow to her pride. She bowed, a smooth and fluid motion, probably longer than she should have. The wisps in her wings fidgetted - fewer but stronger, brighter than they had been before, yet apparently scared by the amount of people in the room.
"Your highness... We apologize for the wrong our actions have caused - such was not our intent. We come from another world, to retrieve artifacts needed to hopefully stop a great wrong - something which will affect each and every world in existence - and will be gone just as swiftly once it is retrieved. Again, I must apologize, even if apologies will probably not be enough to make up for what has been done - we meant no harm to your people."
Hopefully they could tell that she was speaking the truth. Thabara "So rash to apologize, even before introducing yourselves to Us." The queen's tone seemed calm, despite the mild reproach, patient. A tad motherly even. "But We can see you are trying, child. If it is as you say, that you truly are from another world within the Alliance, you may not be familiar with the proper manners at Our court." She offered up her right hand for the intruder to kiss - the middle finger dominated by a huge, ornate signet ring which seemed almost too big for her pale, slender hand - and a smaller, simpler band of gold set upon her ring finger. Zero Dream "I admit that I am indeed unaware with such manners. I must apologize once more." She was, honestly, unfamiliar in about all courts now, even those of her fellow deities... So much lost. So much that may never return.
But it wasn't time for this. She took the offered hand with a feather light touch and brought down her lips to touch it. It became apparent then that, a least, whatever she was, she was not wearing lipstick.
"We shall rectify this, then. I am Echo, the Voice of the Countless." ...It will probably be a hard thing to make them swallow, but she couldn't even afford to hide even a fragment of the truth. Too much was at stake. Thabara "We are intrigued to make your acquaintance, Echo, Voice." The queen inclined her head. "And your companion, who would he be? He seems to be of a much more reserved nature than you are." She eyed the odd pair with open curiosity. "Servant? Accomplice? Friend? Lover ...?" Nergal's head jerked up, eyes narrowing slightly. Promptly he cursed himself when the fleeting, satisfied smile on the queen's face told him that he had just given her the information she'd hoped to gain. Stiffly he rose to stand at Echo's side. "I am Nergal, the Overseer of Souls.""Such strange titles.. We have never heard the likes of them." The dark clad woman quirked a delicate brow, before she turned to take seat upon the ornate chair which had been brought in for her. "You, in turn, have the honor to converse with Julstecca III, Sovereign Queen of Brilsworth. Explain yourself to Us: How were you able to infiltrate Our Lands unnoticed? What purpose did you have, sneaking into Our Palace and - of all things - the royal Crypt?" Zero Dream She would probably have found at least a bit of amusement in Nergal's reaction, if the situation had been much less dire. "He is indeed my lover, your highness. As for being shy... I guess one could put it that way." Arn't they always said opposite attracted ?
"I will admit that what I am about to recount to you and your people may seem unbelievable as we dwelve more and more into details - I will do my best to show the truth backing my claims without risking further injury to your people and answer your questions."
She paused, for a moment, then continued.
"We traveled from our world to our own using partway a connection trough one and the other, the scepter which your men have most likely found in the crypt with us, and our own innate powers to do so. You must have probably noticed strange events unfolding as of late, urges and events unfolding that where there where none before, preceded by a sudden shift in all that is... Such event happened while we where in between the worlds, separating us from our companions. We panicked, and... It seems our abilities are closely linking to what we are. Nergal was leading, and with his connection to the soul of the dead... I figure that is how we ended in the crypt, of all places. Had I been leading, it might have been your orchestra room, should you have one." The irony was almost too much, and she doubted the questions that would follow would be as easy to tackle. Thabara "Our relationship is none of your concern," Nergal added sharply, inwardly wincing at Echo's confirmation. It was obvious anyway, but did she have to tell them so plainly and casually, when he still wasn't used to the idea himself yet? Next she would tell them she was with ch-- With effort he stopped that train of thought before it could fully form, glaring at Julstecca and her entourage with suspicion."So the scepter was indeed yours." Julstecca nodded slightly. "We were wondering. Our scholars and scribes confirmed it was none of Our heritage, not taken from the offerings in the crypt. Had it been.. We do not need to explain that such an affront would have been unforgivable, do We?" She held out her hand, a dark fan of black lace and silk immediately placed into it by one of her ladies in waiting. Dark eyes thoughtful she flipped it open, her pale face now mostly hidden by its crescent shape. "You speak of a pathway between worlds, and We feel it is not the worlds of the Alliance you are referring to. You speak of abilities of yours, of the souls of the dead." She paused, the fan gently moving back and forward in her hand. "Several of Our Eldeli were killed when they tried to bespeak you, yet you do not seem to be Speakers yourself. So We shall be blunt: What, pray tell, are you?" Zero Dream "There is indeed no need to explain such thing, your highness. It would have been unforgivable." Thankfully that so extremely unlikely to happen that it hadn't even crossed her mind that they may have thought the scepter had been part of the treasure. And Nergal, of all beings, was the least likely to do something like this.
But then came the question came, the one she'd been fearing. Inside her fear, fear of rejection was starting to build up and impede her judgment.
Her voice gained an even deeper song-like quality as she spoke, somehow unwavering, working as much of her power and self in it as possible. "We are immortals, lord and ladies of our own sphere of influence, god and goddesses of our respective elements. I am Music, and as such, my art is mine to weave."
She couldn't afford to be indecisive and weak anymore. "I must once again apologize - I have personally never been in close contact with those with the power to read minds. Had I known this would have happened, I would have tried to warn them. Death, expecially senseless and unneeded ones, is not something I appreciate to leave in my wake." She had pondered this - but now it seemed clear that their divine powers at least attempted to shield them from such mortal assault. It made sense.
"...We will need your help, your highness. The help of you and your people - to find the missing pieces of what we seek... This is one of the many leads we have, and this is the one we have chosen to follow. Most of my kin is working toward this in one way or another." Thabara "Gods.." The queen's green eyes locked onto Echo's. "We were assuming clerics, or perhaps druids or shamans, with those titles of yours, though the latter have not been seen in Brilsworth fro a long time now. True magic is a rare sight hereabouts. But gods..? Folklore, myths. It has been Ages since your kind supposedly last walked these grounds. Old wife's tales discussed by scholars, philosophers and poets for their morals and messages." One of the noblewomen in her entourage coughed politely, obviously trying to catch the queen's attention. Julstecca quirked a thin brow and then leaned over slightly, raising the fan so that her confidant would be allowed to whisper into her ear as privately as it was humanly possible. "Our cousin would like to hear you perform, dear Echo. We agree. Perhaps it will help Us judge if you speak truth or not." Her words caused an uproar within the ranks of her advisers, but it quieted down immediately when she flapped her fan shut with a crack, the act resulting in everyone looking at Echo expectantly. Nergal touched Echo's hand gently to offer reassurance, before he quietly stepped away from her.Zero Dream A performance, uh.
Not long ago, she would have frozen. This would have scared her. But now ? Now, for some reason... it didn't. And for the first time, she really could see how much she had changed in the last couple of months.
"I must admit it has been quite a while since I played for a royal court. Ages, even..." She couldn't remember what it felt like. "I would be honored to do so, but I will need my bag back, first." The queen had not told what kind of performance she had wanted, but... she could make this work with what she had.
There was a slight hesitation, but one of the guards came forward with the item in hand. It was painfully obvious that at least one of them had looked trough it, but at least nothing was missing. She did her best to ignore the building irritation at the fact and took out a black leather case.
The goddess was quite glad she had thought about bringing at least the flute with her. She let the case down on a nearby table, opening it and assembling the instrument with such care that one just might think she was handling expensive gemstones or crystal glass - where in turn, there was nothing out of the ordinary about it. She had brought it in a small music shop shortly after being reborn, before the age of destruction had started to hit too deeply.
When that was at last done, she walked a few steps back, to the center of the room. All eyes where on her - and while that did make her a little squirmish... it was nothing compared to that day where she had walked on the scene of Evergreen Park for the first time. Nothing even close to it. She was facing a disbelieving public, perhaps, but she was, for what was probably the first time, confident that she could prove herself to them.
She brought the silver instrument to her purple lips, and let it flow out. There was no way she could do an happy melody, not right now with so much weighting on her shoulders, so what overtook the room was all but that - heavy, sorrowful. She pushed out everything - all she had felt while Nergal had been gone, the horror of seeing the coccoon in the throne room, finding the first mortal that had believed in her dead... She wouldn't be missing any emotional fuel anytime soon, honestly. It had also been so long since she had taken the time to play, to actually unwind. When the first notes escaped, the wisps in her wings perked, going back and forth as if quite suddenly dancing.
Her fingers danced on the smooth metal with an unparalleled skill - and it became evident, as the play dragged on, that she didn't even stop to breathe. There was nothing else but a constant melody - powerful, beautiful and haunting - the kind that just reached up to someone soul's and pulled just the right strings to summon whatever emotion she was inducing with her play. Something that was quite honestly out of the grasp of any mortal, no matter how talented. Even if she would have taught them herself, a mortal's lifespan was simply not long enough to achieve something quite like this. Something so deep and tangible one could almost touch it in despite being shapeless.
This went on for quite awhile before she finally stopped, eyes straight on the royal court that had became her audience, gaging their reactions. Thabara When lips and instrument finally parted, the room was filled with somber silence, a sense of loss. Many faces of those among her audience were pale, shaken. Some had to look aside or blink to hide the tears welling up in their eyes, others were crying openly. There was not a single soul present who hadn't lost someone dear to him, or her, recently. If not during the past two years of Destruction's reign, then certainly during the Shock Wave caused by the Grigori Queen's attack, or the Calamity which followed the sounding of the Trumpet each new week. Not even the two gods present were an exception from this. "That.. was truly remarkable," the queen finally spoke, the hand bearing the heavy signet ring resting upon her chest, a single tear leaving a dark streak upon her pale, powdered cheek. The sound of her voice seemed harsh, a discord in the reverent silence Echo's intricately woven melody had left behind. Inadequate, like well meant condolences trying to fill the gaping void the loss of loved ones had ripped into one's heart. "The calamity you spoke of, it is not unbeknownst to Us. There are books of prophecy, long forgotten and fallen into obscurity, only recently brought to Our attention. They speak of the End of All. We are inclined to believe." She reached for a laced, silken handkerchief which was offered to her, delicately dipping the tear from her face. "However, there are more pressing matters at hand. If the End is prevented only for Our Queendom to be--" She broke off, realizing she was about to say too much and shook her head. "Before you try, We fear the argument of the 'greater good' is not going to work on Us. We are concerned about the safety of Our subjects and lands first and foremost. Then comes everyone and everything else." Abruptly, she rose from her seat, tipping the closed fan thoughtfully against her chin. "We shall hold council. In the meanwhile, the two of you might want to think of what you've got to offer to Us. Prayers, offerings and worship. Miracles, knowledge, protection in turn - these go hand in hand. It has always been give and take in the times of old, has it not? Unfortunately, We cannot afford to be charitable." She rushed out of the room after giving the divine couple a last polite nod, most of her entourage following after her, safe for the slender, unassuming noblewoman who had whispered to her the request for Echo's performance before, the one she'd named 'cousin'. "Please forgive me my curiosity, fair Lady," that one said, her gaze cast down demurely. She was one of those who had cried more openly. "But I could not help but notice.. These lights within your wings, they danced the most beautiful waltz to your sad melody. They seem.. sentient, almost. I certainly can sense feelings from them. A deep, deep love and affection for you, mostly." She offered a shy, hesitant smile. "Are these your, uhm, pets? Or little spirits, muses or faeries of sorts?" Thabara Nergal stepped back even further once Echo was about to start her performance, in the end settling to sit down on the bed once more. Why she would ask for her flute, escaped him at first. With her wings having taken on the shape and appearance of a harp or lyre, certainly there wasn't need to request another instrument? But then it occurred to him that he'd never seen her make use of those ever since his return. That - just like he himself - she might be unaccustomed to the changes her growth had brought about.
And then again, he added in his thoughts, when the first haunting trills of Music's performance filled the air, sometimes certain instruments were simply inadequate for certain purposes. Nothing, he had to admit, would be able to convey the hauntingly sad and grievous melody Echo played, than the flute. He swallowed hard, one hand pressed against where the gem which had contained his essence lay buried in his chest, shivering slightly. That tune brought back so much of the recent pain and loss.. Annie...
He only looked up again when the melody ended, his gaze resting briefly of faces distraught with grief and loss. I wish.., he thought, I wish I could tell them their loved ones were safe within my domain. But alas, he could not. His kingdom of dead remained still unmade, the crescendo in the back of his mind a constant reminder of this. Even now, he sensed, there were far more dead than living souls dwelling in this plane. And if things came to pass, his rebirth, all the trouble and suffering he'd gone through, would be for naught. 'Nirgali..' The answer he sought might lie there, in that old, old Name the Crown had called him by. But how to possibly make use of it, he did not know.
A distinct frown creased his forehead when Echo was approached so brashly by the queen's lady in waiting. "Echo.." he said, warningly. It might be wise to not give away the little ones' nature, it would only serve to make them all the more vulnerable in the eyes of these mortals. That their queen was making demands already irked him a great deal. Zero Dream Pets ? That made her frown, ever so slightly. Did she just call her children -
...No, this wasn't worth it. She couldn't know better.
"These..." She could almost literally feel the look Nergal was giving her, and she weighted the choices that where offered to her. She would probably be able to feel if she was lying, given that she seemed acute enough mentally to actually feel them. One of them was sliding closer to the lady, and it returned to her wings almost sheepishly when she clicked her tongue. "These... are my children. Or will be. Could be, if all that be doesn't end." She shook her head. "Please understand... And let your highness know that I will do anything to insure their future. And that if anything should happen to them... It would be... unforgivable."
She honestly doubted she could control herself then. They could do whatever they wanted to her, but if they dared to do anything to them... Thabara " Children?" The noblewoman seemed shaken, her mask of polite reservation cracking and revealing an underlying deep grief for a split second, before she regained her composure. Clearly this was not the answer she had been expecting. "I see," she said quietly, her voice dropping to almost a whisper, one hand resting lightly on top of her belly. "So even the gods feel love, and bear its fruits. I pray.. that you will never have to mourn their loss." She seemed about to add something, but apparently thought of it otherwise the very last second, slightly shaking her head. Without further notice she turned briskly on her heals, the last of the queen's entourage to leave the room, followed only by the additional soldiers which had lined the walls and watched their short conversation with keen eyes. "She has felt this loss," Nergal said quietly, once the door had fallen shut. He had seen that look before, in Kishara's face, when she had realized her champion was lost to her forever. In Xing's, when she had told him of the loss of her daughter. Randolph's, when he had spoken of his wife and son's death in a traffic accident.Zero Dream Echo nodded in answer, finally taking the time to put the flute back in it's case, and the case back in her bag, before sitting on the bed as well, lips pressed in a thin line.
What was she supposed to do, now ? What could she promise them in order to have safe passage through the lands ? They did not have time for things such as this, but...
But she could understand where she was coming from.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:52 pm
Rendezvous; To Visit the QueenThabara Several hours passed, the doors remaining tightly shut for most of the time. Only once a maiden entered, carrying in a tray loaded with refreshments - a large pitcher of water, and a variety of pastries, meat, cheese and fruit - leaving the room hurriedly once she had set it down upon the table. Perhaps she had heard of the deaths these two had caused. The door wasn't opened again until it was already nightfall, the sky having darkened significantly. Nergal stood at the window, but it did not have much of a view to offer. The walls of the inner courtyard, that was about it. He turned when he heard the door be flung open, gazing upon the official sent as a messenger and the soldiers lined up behind. "Follow me," the man said simply. Judging by the grim faces of those who were to be their escort, they didn't have much of a choice in that matter. Nergal searched Echo's eyes, giving her a slight nod. Best to cause as little trouble as possible, after the initial havoc they'd wreaked unintentionally. The queen had seemed reasonable enough of a person.Zero Dream Echo had been sitting on the bed, polishing her flute, and most of all thinking. They had both worked out what they could offer quite some time ago, but... would there be enough ? They had to get this done, but... If they could avoid yet more complications... it could be best.
As a goddess, she felt like she owed something to them. Without the mortals, none of the god would exist, or survive long - but she wasn't sure exactly how she could help them, if what she had to offer would even be enough. She was not a fighter...
She nodded, and put everything back in her bag, pulling the strap of the backpack on one shoulder as she moved to follow along. Thabara Nergal hadn't paid much attention to the grandeur of palace's hallways when they had first been brought to the room they'd been confined in, much more bothered by Echo's wellbeing at this point. This time however.. Skillfully executed murals covered the walls - garlands, panels of faux marble, statuettes of nymphs and angels. What was visible of the floor they walked upon, bore an intricately woven pattern of marble tiles in different hues of brown, but mostly it was covered with exquisite rugs. The heavy crimson curtains had been closed shut, hiding the view of whatever lay outside from them, but the grand chandeliers they passed under, more than made up for the missing daylight with their brightness and sparkle. All of this luxury, however, paled in comparison to the throne room. The two deities were escorted to the base of the dais at the far end of the hall, bearing two thrones beneath a crimson baldachin. One of the thrones, the smaller one, remained empty. The other one was taken by Julstecca, the queen, her entourage and host of counselors seeming dwarfed and insignificant in the vast grandeur of the hall. Nergal inclined his head in a polite greeting once they reached their destination, but again, did not bow as the soldiers did.Zero Dream Echo paid only the slightest attention to the decor around them, being much too focused with the task that laid ahead of her to pay close attention, or notice the guard leading them to the throne room sidestepping back and forth to avoid stepping on the tail of string that moved back and forth like a metronome as she walked.
As she had done earlier that day, she bowed once more. "Your highness." She started. "We... have pondered."
She waited, then, unsure if she would be once more breaking protocol or not by going forward. Thabara "Speak up then, Weaver of Melodies, what is it that you and your lover would have to offer to Us?" The queen leaned forward slightly, pale fingers tense around the closed fan in her hands. Nergal exchanged an uncertain glance with Echo. They had talked, and despite both of them having grown in power recently, what they had to offer wasn't.. much.
Not enough, he feared, especially as they only had a vague idea of the situation they had gotten caught up in.Zero Dream The goddess nodded. "First of all, being what I am... I fear that there is little I can offer to you in term of concrete, direct action against those who stand against your kingdom - my influence is not one of war and strategy, and my power does not extend to those things. What little I can offer, however, I offer you willingly - What I can give to you and your people is my voice, my song and my plays - to strike fear in the enemy's hearts, to strengthen the morale of your own - as my voice knows not the boundaries of buildings and wide spaces, I could also offer myself to relay orders, but given the mental process of your people, I doubt such thing would even be needed. I know the basics of first aid and am willing to offer an hand with the wounded - through I am sincerely hoping such will not be needed."
She paused, for a moment. "I would prefer not to make promises on behalf of my companions, but... As I told you earlier today, we where separated - there are two more that where traveling with us. They are also gods, of Hunt and Light. Once we find them again, I could ask and see what aid they would be able to give." Thabara The queen nodded, her expression carefully guarded. It was hard to judge if Echo's offer met her expectations or not. "What of you then, Overseer of Souls?" Nergal hesitated, but then stepped forward. "It is the souls of the dead which are mine to reign and to judge. As such I hold little to no power within the domain of the living. If they can be summoned, I could offer you the advice of your ancestors - necromancy in it's oldest, truest sense."In the silence which followed, one could have heard the sound of a silver needle dropping onto the exquisite marble floor. "That," Julstecca finally said flatly, "is not much. Given that you are gods, or claim to be, We were certainly hoping for more." "Perhaps you are not fully aware of how dire the situation. Our Queendom is - and has been for quite a while - at the brink of war with Irisun. They have six Speakers at their disposal, whereas We have none. Not anymore," she added with a wistful look. "Our lands have been ravaged by catastrophe upon catastrophe. Our people are tired, exhausted and grieved by the losses they had to endure. It will not take much for Irisun's forces to overrun us now, even if they did not have their Speakers. They are practically at Our doorstep with their fleet, only waiting for the summer storms to cease and enable passage." "So let Us be blunt - the End of All is of little significance to Us, if we perish at the hands of the Irisun Empire." Slowly, but steadily, the queen's voice was growing impatient, agitated. "Is there no way to shield us from the powers of their Speakers? To halt their advancing fleet? Or perhaps guide us through what is to come? We have read the prophecies speaking of the End - if we were to have food while they hunger, if we were to remain in good health while they waste away in sickness.." She rose from her seat, her green eyes locking upon Echo's blue-blue ones. "We were told you are with child, Songweaver. We are Mother to a whole country. And just like you, We would do everything to protect Our children. If you truly cannot offer more, We fear your sons or daughters to be will have to perish alongside Ours." Sosiqui The silence which followed the Queen's impassioned words was broken by a ringing knock, then the sound of a door opening on one side of the massive hall. Footsteps sounded on the marble for a moment before being swallowed by the rugs. Many footsteps, walking in rigorous order. The sound of an army... "Majesty, I come bearing news." A man dressed in clear military fashion stepped up before the throne, standing a good ten feet away from Nergal and Echo, and bowed, taking his hat off as he did so. He glanced sidelong at the gods and at the gathered court beyond. "And I find these visitors before you, bearing strange skin, strange faces. They are not unfamiliar to me." The man made a gesture with one hand, and six men - dressed similarly, but more simply to indicate lower rank - came up behind them all. "Majesty, my scouts found these... men... in the forest, near my own holdings. I thought they spoke madness, but all attempts to touch their minds resulted in shock. I, at last, used my own skill to divine truth from lie... the details of which I shall relate to you in private at a later time, should you so desire." He glanced back at the strange figures that his men flanked, one massive, muscular, and green, the other smaller and more pale, but with brilliant wings and a strange, fluctuating glow that gathered around his skin. "They spoke to me of gods, Majesty, and I plucked the truth from their words and found them not wanting. And I found also the images of those others who stand before you now. If I may be so bold, I must strongly advise you not to waste your resources further in testing their statements. There are larger matters at hand." He saluted, a grim look on his face. Sosiqui That, Illumin had long since decided, would have been one of the more horrible experiences of his life if it hadn't been for the Grigori. They had been separated from Nergal and Echo, appeared in a forest, and promptly stumbled right into an enclave of guards... well, he had, at any rate. Light did not camouflage well.
It was to Hunt's credit that he hadn't abandoned his luckless companion at the start, choosing to willingly fall into their hands and remain together rather than vanish into the forest, as he could have easily done.
And then had come introductions, interrogation, and what Illumin now knew was Speaking - the touch of mind to mind. They had never felt a divine mind before. It was beyond them... and the touch had been terrible at first, a sharp violation. It had not affected Eamnonn, the ascended god being beyond their ability. Attempts to meet with his mind had resulted only in more shock, more pain.
But Light was another story.
One minute, he had been standing before Captain Ghavaliel, blazing in defiance that the man should dare to doubt his words as truth - the next, he had found himself in the terrifying place he had not held since coming forth from the gem to claim Sosiqui's body for his own. The man's mental prowess had flung him backwards, dragging out truth and the catatonic remnants of his host - if the fragments the Captain had unearthed could even be deemed that, anymore - and he had trawled through Illumin's mind with sweat pouring down his face.
At the end, Illumin had a massive headache, as did the Captain - but he knew not to doubt Light's words again.
"I will bring you before Queen Julstecca and tell her what I have seen, and we will make counsel - but damn you, damn you both for coming here. Do you know what I could be doing, should be doing?" the Captain had told them, filled with exasperation, frustration, and no small amount of fear. "Irisun could come from the sea at any time, and now I must leave my post and take you to the capital. I dare not imagine what calamity could fall should they land in my absence."
The suggestion of just letting the gods go was met only with narrowed eyes.
And so they had come, though they had not been treated unkindly by the Eldelli. And here, thank goodness, were Nergal and Echo, and this mortal Queen...
We could just break away, fly and flee - and swat them like flies at every moment as we fight for what belongs to us. We could do this.
The Queen's face was pale, and the echoes of her passion hovered in the air.
But then I would be bringing more death into this world.
Illumin merely looked up at the Queen, met her gaze, and nodded, acknowledging her presence as a lesser ruler. "I am Illumin, the Piercing Radiance, Light; my companion is Eamnnon, the Wild Hunt. What Captain Ghavaliel says is true. He has... explained the situation to us..." He glanced over at Echo and Nergal, though separated from them by the Eldelli that flanked himself and Ea. "I assume my fellow deities have done the same for you." Zero Dream She should have been rejoiced to see them here - to see them safe, to be reunited with her companions once more - they where here, in what seemed to be one piece, they could help.
She would have been - if she hadn't been absolutely livid.
Both her hands had been balled into fists ever since the queen had stopped speaking - fists so tight that her fingers where starting to take on a coloration similar to her lover's.
Oh, she had not just went there. This was beyond anything decent, a stab beyond anything else she could have conjured against her person. She had been polite and respectful, in and out of the queen's sight. She could have just as easily been arrogant and considered herself above her, if that had been in her nature. They, after all, did not have to bother about her kingdom - it would mean fighting against two opposing forces and time, but they could very well go and do that. Let them die, one by one, at trying to stop them !
And this is what she had gotten for it. That was low. Very low. Oh, how tempting was it to just start screaming now - watch them write in pain for that insult - but... the air was volatile - she was the perfect proof of it.
She bit down on her lip, quite hard. No, she had to shut up - let the boys speak. Let them salvage this before she blew up whatever was left of it. Thabara Nergal's eyes narrowed at the queen's words. He understood her position, the responsibility she bore towards her people. He was already struggling just to protect Echo and those few dear to him. To care for a whole nation - such was a huge burden.
He could only shelter the dead, and currently, not even that much.
Underworld lowered his head, casting a sidewards glance at Echo. The way her features had frozen, the way her shoulders were stiff and tense, fingers clenched into fists until all blood was drained from them - it was easy enough to see she was livid with rage. Two mothers, each of them set on protecting their 'children' by whatever means necessary - not something he wanted to get caught up in.
He reached for her hand, gently closing his fingers around hers reassuringly. Perhaps his cold touch would help her calm down some. The queen, however, was right. Without the assistance of her and her people their task would become significantly harder, more likely to fail. And if they did, his children.. They might not even be born. He shook his head. If only they had Water with them, or perhaps Wind - these would certainly be useful in dealing with a flee--His train of thoughts was interrupted abruptly by the sharp knock which preceded the Captain's arrival, and he perked up significantly when he caught glance of Illumin and Eamnonn, relieved that they had not come to harm through his rash action back in the maze between the worlds. "Captain Ghavaliel." The queen inclined her head in a polite greeting, stepping to the edge of the platform which bore the thrones. She seemed almost relieved to see him, yet at the same time concerned. "Yes, We are aware of their nature, albeit for being gods, We certainly expected more of their abilities than what they have just offered to Us." She tilted her head, nodding slightly in return Illumin's greeting. "Songs to encourage Our forces, or to strike fear into the hearts of Our enemies, the advice of the dead - that was what your companions were willing to give, Light. We do not believe that will be sufficient to hold off Irisun's forces, to protect Our subjects. The End of All.. We know of it, indeed. But it matters little to Us if We are to perish anyway, one way or another." She seemed to hesitate for a moment, glancing back at where her court had gathered before she went on. "We would be generous, beyond granting you permit to travel freely and assisting you in your search. If Our people were to be told they have been saved through a miracle of the Old Gods.." She looked at Illumin expectantly, leaving the numerous possibilities to his imagination. Sosiqui lllumin stepped forward, the Eldelli guard modifying their positions slightly to permit the movement yet still keep the gods in the center of their formation. "My esteemed companions have offered you their all, then - do not underestimate the generosity of those words. Erase from your mind, Majesty, the concept of all-powerful, all-seeing deities. That was true, once, and may be true again, but we are Old Gods reborn. Your Captain can confirm the truth of that."Captain Ghavaliel nodded, slightly. The splintered remains of a mortal soul that he had plucked from Illumin's mind had been rather disturbing confirmation of that. "Rebirth may, in time, mean greater power, but it also requires a time of growth. The Wild Hunt has ascended in full," and Illumin indicated Eamnonn, with a small manipulation of light to subtly direct attention to the god's imposing stature and features, "but even so, he is Hunt, alone. Lightning bolts will not answer him, nor will Flame. We are no war party, Majesty. We seek only these ancient relics to stave off the End."
He frowned, slightly. "Do not misunderstand us, nor your own position. We could have broken free of your grasp in a moment. We still could." That was probably not a bluff, not with Eamnnon's strength and Illumin's light. He glanced over at the Eldelli Captain; the man returned his look with a wary one of his own, but Ghavaliel made no movement."Oh, true, you could incapacitate some of us - temporarily - but only at great cost to yourselves, coin that would be better spent against Irisun. We did not come here to bring death to your people, but to save them. I say this bluntly - Irisun's invasion would be merciful in comparison to the End we all face." Illumin met the Queen's gaze head-on, looking soberly into her eyes. "Consider that with care, Mother of your people."
The god held the gaze for a moment before nodding, just once, a faint smile on his face. "But, as I said, we did not come to bring death. I will honor the offers my companions have made to you - but do not disrespect the graciousness they show. We are not offering you a pittance of great power, but a large measure of what strength we do now possess. As Light, I can blind their armies, set false lighthouses on your coasts to guide them into rocky shoals, even cut them in pieces should they come too close. But only to a point. Hunt can likewise extend his power. In exchange - the relics we seek, at all possible speed."Captain Ghavaliel reached with his mind to the appropriate parties, slipping thought into the surface of their minds; no intrusion, but a soft breath of communication. He speaks truly, Majesty. An almost disappointing thought, that; Gods had come, but they were so much smaller than he had dreamed. Tread carefully. We could attempt to overwhelm them, but the one they name Wild Hunt is impenetrable to mental arts, and touching the others is agony to all but the most skilled. We cannot afford to fight a two-front war.Damn these Gods, for making things complicated. He didn't need complications, not right now. Thabara The queen gave a brief nod then abruptly turned to sit down again, the heavy fabrics of her dark gown rustling as she moved. Her fan flipped open again, hiding most of her pale face and allowing her some small amount of privacy while she thoughtfully stared at the small, exotic group of deities assembled before her. Brooding. Thinking. Calculating. Weighing the odds. We are aware, came the silent reply, her faint mental touch somewhat clumsy compared to the Captain's - part due to the lack of skill, part because she was strongly so focused on the matter at hand. We think We shall put an end this masquerade soon..Finally, the woman upon the royal seat shifted, straightened, the elaborate fan sinking to her knees. "A small advantage in battle would be better than none at all, especially against a force such as the Irisun Empire. Perhaps more can be done at a later time - given there will be a later time." She paused, her lips slightly pursed. "What will you do," she asked, "if you do not find these relics you seek?" Sosiqui "Impossible," Illumin said, immediately. "That will. not. happen." Did they knew about the Scepter, with its guiding power? He wasn't sure. "With all we have gone through up to this moment, with so much at stake - failure is not possible." He spoke with a grim determination, one fist clenching at his side.
They had gone to the Ashlands to find Aristogeiton; they could not possibly fail with the Scepter to guide them and in this mortal plane. Wellhaven did not fight them at every step, not in the way that forsaken land had.
"Time grows short, Majesty. The End we speak of is not some distant and nebulous thing. You feel the touch of it yourself, all of you, and have for some time. Your hearts have all inclined, in turn, to the Domains of Destruction - Sloth, then Envy, Lust, and Greed. Now War. That power will have inflamed Irisun as well. The longer you hold us here, with some of your strongest men... it is a risk, Majesty." Illumin nodded, slightly.Captain Ghavaliel kept his eyes on the throne, waiting. He knew what these Gods said was true, even if it was deeply, deeply frustrating. He had injured and lost some good men simply by trying to touch their divine minds. Men he could have used against Irisun - and now here he was, in this palace rather than where he should be. Thabara "Very well then," the queen said. "You shall have Our support, as much as it is possible with Our resources so strained. A permit to freely travel Our lands, at the very least." She raised one pale hand to beckon, and one of the noblewomen among her court stepped forward, the same who had spoken to Echo briefly earlier this day. "The map room will be at your disposal, should you require it, the same goes for the library. There are Books of Prophecy which refer to the current string to events, albeit they are far from accurate. Provisions, horses, a guide - all this can be arranged for. Even a carriage, if it needs be," she added, vaguely eying the wisps within the vicinity of Echo's wings. "And of course," she said with a faint, but almost impish smile, her gaze resting upon Nergal's ascetic features as she spoke, "the scepter shall be returned to your hands." Nergal nodded, inwardly wincing at the last remark. He had hoped for a chance to ask it back in private, not in front of the other gods, and thusly admitting he hand managed to lose it in the first place. "That should be sufficient," he said, glancing back at Eamnonn and Illumin.Zero Dream When she felt something cold against her skin, one fist went undone to take his hand - thankfully not the grip of steel she had held until now. The opposite hand relaxed, slightly - enough for a tingling sensation to take over the tip of her fingers as the blood flow resumed. While Echo's rage was quite something, she wasn't exactly known for staying angry very long. Thankfully. Short, deep bursts that tended to leave people wondering just what the heck had happened - including herself.
What was it ? The week of war ? The obvious changes within herself ? After all, while she was not pregnant in the mortal sense, she still had to support life - create it, nurture it. The end of the world ? A little bit of everything, melding and spiraling and forming one Huge thing ?
Oh, how badly did she wish that Tian Yue was here, right at this moment. He might have been able to offer them exactly what they wanted, and none of this would have even happened.
Wishful thinking. How can one not feel insignificant in this situation, facing the end of all... no matter who they where ?
She felt herself being watched and perked up, the lines on her face having softened enough to at least put a pretense that nothing had even happened. Oh, please, please, please not have her mention it again directly. Illumin and Ea still didn't know, and she had no idea how they would react. She didn't want to go home, and watch everyone else do things for her - but... so far, it seemed like the hurdles she had created outnumbered the advantages.
"I... Do not think that will be needed." They may be tiny souls, unborn, but they where divine - if the state of the world was not affecting them as badly as the mortals actually where, it seemed to her that they where much stronger than they let on. "The rest, however, would be a great help. I... Thank you." Sosiqui Illumin nodded cordially to the Queen. "We have an agreement, then. The scepter first; we will need only a guide to direct our steps, as it will lay out our path. There are two relics in your land, Majesty. We will secure them and aid your people."Captain Ghavaliel cleared his throat. "Majesty, I found these two in my own holdings, not far from the sea's watchpost there." And that had been fortunate; a man of less experience and skill might have burned out more minds on their unusual visitors, wasting even more precious resources to no purpose. "By your leave, I will assign some of the escort guard to them, and one relay... but first, I suggest we see the direction in which these 'relics' lay." He gave the gods a dubious look. He did not want to spare good men to journey far into the wilderness and, indeed, it would be rather pointless if their new guests had to journey so far away from the potential front as to be useless in a sudden crises. Thabara She acknowledged the Captain's request with a brief nod, a flick of her finger enough to send a member of the palace guard flying to retrieve the scepter from the chamber at the back of the throne hall. "In that case We shall consider ourself lucky they lay in Our land, and not within Irisun," the matriarch remarked with a dry smile. "Perhaps this is fate?" she murmured to herself, not really expecting an answer to her musings. Nergal squeezed Echo's hand slightly. "There is a good chance, I believe," he said towards Captain Ghavaliel, "that at least one of the relics may be found either here, or close to your holdings. We used said scepter for guidance between the worlds. For the relics to be close to where we stepped into this plane would.. at least not be entirely unlikely." He shrugged, about to add something, but breaking off when the doors reopened, and the scepter was brought in.
Underworld's lips formed a thin line of displeasure when the man headed straight past him, offering the ancient artifact to the woman on the throne instead of its rightful wielder. She only shook her head, implying with a small gesture to the guard that it was to be returned to their pale 'guest'.
The god offered no thanks, after all he had only been returned what was his anyway. He pretty much snatched the elaborate wand from man's hands, noting with a certain amount of satisfaction that the mortal was in quite a hurry to get away from him, bearing an expression as if someone had just stepped onto his grave.
He raised the staff into the air, noting too late the wary glances of the present Palace Guards and Eldelli. Nergal held his breath for a second, but then relaxed. Thankfully, none of them had felt the need to rashly. He honestly wasn't sure if he could have taken such an assault once more without.. He shook his head, banning these thoughts from his consciousness.
"This is merely an instrument of guidance," he explained, just to make sure his actions weren't misunderstood. "A beacon, which points the way to our destination, nothing more. However.." He glanced at the scepters orb with a frown. It had lit up, but the paths it showed were almost completely drowned out by the bright lighting of the throne hall.
"Lord Illumin..?" he said questioningly. Perhaps he could brighten the beacon, enough for everyone to see?Sosiqui Illumin nodded, then raised one hand. Light gathered around his fingers, then coiled upwards to latch onto the thin beams radiating from the Scepter, strengthening them. The new light crawled out along the Scepter's pathways until they shone brightly, all the way to where they vanished through the walls of the great hall. "And there you see the paths we must follow."
To his surprise, the two beams pointed in almost exactly the same direction, though it was still clear there were two separate paths. Still, they seemed to be pointing somewhere close to each other. Very close.Captain Ghavaliel looked at them in surprise. "That is back the way we came, Lord of Light. In that direction lie my own holdings, on the coast and mountains." Illumin stifled the urge to sigh with exasperation. Thabara Two relics, seemingly in close vicinity to each other, given that the coastline couldn't be all too far from their current location. That was quite a surprise indeed, a pleasant one for a change. Unless, a pessimistic voice at the back of his mind remarked, one of the relics lay beyond the coast, buried somewhere in the cold depths of the sea. I seriously hope that is not the case..
It also meant, that whatever had guided them here, into the castle, had not been the scepter's power, but probably rather his own desires for a familiar, a 'safe' place. A crypt, of all things.. He certainly would receive an earful from Echo about this at a later point."Fate," Julstecca's lady in waiting echoed quietly, the corners of her lips perking up ever so slightly. "We will see to it then that everything is prepared as quickly as possible. While We would certainly like to see you embark on this journey well rested," the queen's gaze rested upon the Captain for a moment, "We are aware that time is of essence." She rose, the heavy fabrics of her dress rustling, her hands folding in front of her lap. "For now," she said, directed towards her exotic guests, "please return to the rooms prepared for you. Word will be sent as soon as everything is ready."
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:53 pm
Nighttime Conversations
They had been placed in separate rooms - except for Echo and Nergal, obviously - and Illumin flopped down on his bed as soon as the door was locked behind him. He was a prisoner, sort of, but he didn't care at the moment.
What a day... Being separated from everyone else except for Eamnonn, being chased by guards, captured, and... touched... his wings shivered against each other again. That had been the most terrible thing of all, the mental intrusion. He had not expected anything remotely like that. He was very glad that he had not been very aware of what that man had found in his mind, the remains of his host... all he knew is that it had not been pretty, nor pleasant.
I'm sorry, Sosiqui. I won't let them do that again.
A knock on the door made him sit up with a start; he glared at it, frustrated. He just wanted to be left alone and to sleep. Was that so hard? Still, they could read minds here. Just pretending to be asleep probably wouldn't work, and after all his fine and glorious talk, he had rather trapped himself into being hospitable even when he really didn't feel like it. "Who is it?"
"Captain Ghavaliel of the Eldelli. May I enter?"
That was a surprise, and Illumin sat up a little straighter, edging to lean against the wall and subconsciously calling light to halo around him. "You may." The locks clicked, and the heavy door swung open to admit the Captain, who looked just as tired as Illumin. The god raised one eyebrow. "To what do I owe this visit?" It didn't look like the man had even slept.
"Curiosity, perhaps. A chance to speak privately." The Captain turned and closed the door behind him; the locks clicked closed again. "Such minds as you and your compatriots bear are like nothing I have ever touched, and I would label your divine claims as sheerest madness had I not seen the truth of it in your mind..." He shook his head. "In one day you have overturned the foundations of my thought."
"I didn't particularly enjoy it either," Illumin said, sourly. "I am sorry that..." He couldn't figure out how to end the sentence. Sorry that all your conceptions about gods are wrong? Sorry that you hurt your head while shoving blades into my own? No, I'm not sorry about that part at all.
Sorry that I'm not better than this? More like what you think I should be? The people of Solde-on-Palecliff had had the same ideas. Perhaps living for so long with the Twin Crown as the only True God alive had given rise to these thoughts, that all the gods were so blessed with power as He was.
"You were an unknown threat," the Captain went on, apparently ignoring that Illumin hadn't finished his sentence. "I handled you as I would any other. I meant no disrespect."
"I understand," Illumin said, wearily, "but that can't be why you are here, rather than in your bed." Rather than leaving me to my bed.
"Can you do this? Can you truly save us from Irisun? Their Speakers - they are many, many times more powerful than I am. They have eight of them, I believe, and Brilsworth now has none. The strength to reach their minds across the stars. That could break us. I believed that, until I touched your mind, and tried to touch the mind of your green companion." The man winced, visibly, and Illumin took a little wicked pleasure from it. "And yet you are raw and untrained in the mental arts."
"We do not wield such power as your people do. The power you feel is the divine, that's all."
"The Queen lost much, you know," the Captain said, abruptly. "Much. Irisun has already destroyed a great deal without even landing on our shores. Yet I am sure they will do that as well. That is where I should be, at the Sea-post, defending the shores of Brilsworth, and yet... here I am. Because of you."
"I am sorry to have disrupted your plans." But you didn't have to haul us back here. You could have just let us go. The man's face shifted a bit, and Illumin blinked. Damn. Mind-reader-
"I could have," Captain Ghavaliel said, slowly, "and perhaps I should have, but we are desperate enough to pin our hopes on strange things that wander out out of the air. This is what we have come to." He looked Illumin straight in the eye. "You are desperate, too. I felt it in your mind."
"Yes," Illumin agreed, though his gaze grew cold. "Some things you are not meant to know."
"She was a nice girl, once," the man replied, enigmatically. "It is a strange thing, what you are. But you and your companions have become our hope."
"We will prove that hope, or..." Or die trying? No, he couldn't say that, couldn't promise that. If it came down to it, he was not willing to die for these strangers of Brilsworth.
"I do not ask you to," the Captain said, and Illumin realized that the man had 'overheard' his thoughts again. "Only that you keep your promise."
"I always keep my promises."
"So I saw." Captain Ghavaliel straightened, then nodded. "Rest well, strange god. We will be gone at morning's light."
"You as well," Illumin replied, bemused. The man knocked on the door, and after a moment it was unbolted and opened for him. He left without another word. That... was strange. Illumin resettled himself on the bed, stretching out on one side, his wings fanning lightly behind him.
So now he was the hope of another people. A whole kingdom, this time, not just the remains of a fishing village. So strange, and yet so familiar at the same time. The emotions tasted of ancient days. But I will try, for the sake of what we have promised.
I will try.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:54 pm
To The MountainsSosiqui The outer courtyard was abuzz with activity. Soldiers of the castle's guard and the Eldelli moved about with grim purpose, and every so often wings fluttered in the sky as carrier birds descended and ascended with messages tied to their legs. The Court had been well sheltered from this barely-managed chaos. Perhaps some of the nobles preferred sticking their collective heads in the sand. Captain Ghavaliel stood near a trio of carriages, and quite a bit of the riotous activity centered around him. Still, he stopped what he was doing when the deities arrived, greeting them with a half-bow and a curt nod. "Good day, Lady and Lords. By our Queen's gracious generosity, these carriages have been prepared for you and your escort. It seems I am traveling in the same direction, at least until your relic tells you otherwise, so I and those Elidelli who came here will join you. When our paths diverge, Corporal Teircan will accompany you, along with four guardsman. He will serve as relay, and will alert you when your aid is needed. I pray the artifacts you seek lie not too far from the coast." His expression was grim, serious. He had wasted enough time with this, more than enough time. Would what they had gained be enough to justify what had been lost? "Thank you, Captain - once we are out of the city, we will check the Scepter's path again, until we see a divergence," Illumin said, glancing over at Nergal to confirm."Prepare yourselves at all speed," was the man's only reply, and he strode off. The aforementioned four guardsman subtly took up positions around the gods, though whether it was to guard the gods from the people or the other way around, one could not tell. Illumin resisted the urge to snark at the Captain's retreating back, but there were better times to be uppity and insist on ceremony. "This would all be so much easier if we really could snap our fingers and grant wishes," he said, with a sigh.Zero Dream Echo had been all but silent ever since they had gotten moving - with only the sound of her wings and the curious little wisps to confirm her presence, as her height did happen to have her mostly overlooked among the three gods she traveled with. It seemed like most of her energies where focused on keeping the little wisps in check - all this different chaos and movement and all those people seemed to be attracting their attention.
As for the goddess, she was already ready - her small backpack strapped across one shoulder. At Illumin's last comment, she managed to bite back the strained laugh that had almost fought its way out. "You tell me..."
Honestly, if she could snap her fingers and grant wishes, she would simply wish that none of this had even happened. Thabara Nergal trailed after the others, the bustling activity putting him at unease. To rule and issue orders which would raise and direct such hustle and bustle, yes, but to be caught up in the middle of it? He didn't like it, lest alone the chance of someone but Echo touching him. He hastened his step to catch up with her, remaining at her side for his own reassurance as much as hers.
The scepter, carefully wrapped once more to hide it from all too curious glances, was leaning heavily against his shoulder, and he gave a small nod at Illumin's glance. He had little else to carry, only a small bundle at his side, and the vessel pendant hidden underneath his shirt. A talisman, blessed by Universe, though he did not know if there was true power in it. He hoped it would bring them some of the luck they so much needed.
He did not even smile at Light's little remark. He had never been one to grant wishes. Sosiqui The creatures that were hitched up to the coaches were not, precisely, horses - they had far longer legs and a willowy look to them, and they stamped not on hooves but on large-nailed paws. Still, there was something unmistakably equine in the look of their heads. As the gods approached, one of them twitched away from Nergal, eying the pale god with a dubious look. One of the guards stepped in front of them and opened the door to the coach. They were not elaborate conveyances, being designed for war - sturdy with thick walls and slits instead of windows. Bales of supplies had already been lashed to the roof, and the wheels were massive, thick-treaded. "By your leave, Lords and Lady," the guard said, with a salute. The other two coaches were slowly filling with supply bales and weapons under Captain Ghavaliel's direction. After a few last directions, he returned to them. "This is not a time for opulence, divine visitors. I hope you will understand," the Captain said, gesturing at the coach with a weary look. The Court he could manage, though mostly because of his mental abilities. These gods were well beyond him, and he was not a man used to dancing around offense by sheer guesswork. "I will ride with the coachman here until the time comes for us to follow separate paths." Sosiqui Illumin nodded at the Captain. "It is better than walking, at least. Thank you." He climbed up into the coach - the interior was dark, and the seats inside only makeshift, but some effort had been made to make it more comfortable with cushions and a fur on the floor. Instinctively, his own glow increased, little wisps of light curling into the corners of the enclosed space.
He, too, was not used to dancing around mortal wishes; surely he should order, and thus it would be? But this was not the case. Not here, and every time he thought of imposing his divine privilege it was quickly followed by a twist of guilt.
He wasn't sure what degree of redemption could be gained by riding in a common coach rather than some gilded and opulent construction as was his due. Probably very little, if any. And yet... it was still a sacrifice for him. Spoiled thing that I am. The mortals at the Beacon had taught him that.
Illumin moved away from the door as Eamnnon followed him in, the Hunt's large size making the coach seem more confined than it already was. He squashed himself up next to the green god, leaving the other bench-seat for Nergal and Echo. In better times that would have called for a quip, but Illumin was in no mood for further levity. Zero Dream "Of course, Captain. Such is more than understandable." In contrast to Light, having to travel in such a coach did not exactly bother Echo all that much. As long as it got them to their destination in one piece and they found what they needed to find, she honestly could not care less at the moment if it was an opulent carriage or a plank on four wheels.
It was a good thing that Illumin had stepped in before she had - made it so much easier to sidestep crates when it was not pitch dark, and she sat on the opposite bench. The placement was a good thing, as she was quite unwilling to leave Nergal's side at the moment... quite literally. She had to keep an eye on him... He had seemed so nervous, almost even scared in the courtyard - she was, of course, quite good to read even the subtlest of his reactions by now.
And yet he will not tell me a thing.
Given her recent moodswings, even she could realize it was probably best left as such.
Now that they where inside, with no bustling activity about, the children seemed to be calming down a bit. She seemed quite certain of the plural now, at the very least. Now that they where stronger, bolder, she could notice some of them acting and reacting differently from the rest. Some where near-identical, but Ankou had in fact told her that some would merge together. At least that was what she understood of it. Thabara Nergal slipped into the coach last, giving the equines a last wistful glance. He much preferred riding over being confined to such a contraption, even if it was supposedly more comfortable, yet it seemed obvious that at least some of the horse-like beings of this world reacted in a quite nervous way to his presence - much like the cats which had infested his dwelling back 'home' - and would likely not bear him anyway. Still, he was more than relieved for the chance to get away from too many people the coach offered.
"Your efforts are much appreciated," Underworld said with a solemn nod, carefully moving the strings aside which emerged from Echo's form before he sat down next to her. Even in the short amount of time they had spent together since his return, this had become somewhat of a reflex to him. For a moment his expression softened, as he gazed upon the wisps hovering within the vicinity of her wings. "Especially given the current circumstances," he added. He, of the four of them, was possibly closest to War, to what it meant. After all, he had been on the receiving end of it. If only I could open my Gates for them now. If only..
His thoughts were interrupted abruptly when the door was thrown shut, and without thinking he reached for the latch to lock it, before he leaned back, finally able to relax a little. As much as it was possible in this cramped space, especially with Hunt's hulking figure opposite to him.
"Are you alright?" he gently questioned his lover. He could not see the flows of mana, but it seemed obvious that the wisps would draw strength from their mother to grow, and he had noticed how tired and weary the goddess looked. Sosiqui ]The coach rocked for a moment and there were scraping sounds on one wall. Then a trap-door in the ceiling opened, suddenly, revealing Captain Ghavaliel above. "Are you settled, then? We will be off. Let me know when you wish to stop and take your bearings." After a moment, the coach lurched forward with an odd swaying motion, distinctively different from how a horse-drawn carriage would move. There were shouts and other sounds from the courtyard as the caravan mobilized, then the heavy thunk and clatter of chains as the gates and portcullis were opened for them. Illumin peered through the slit in the wall next to him. "The streets are empty," he reported. "They must all be afraid of Irisun."
The coaches wound their way through the city - this particular pathway was paved with cobblestones, and thus went through a more wealthy quarter - and before long there was another pause, and more clatters and clanks for the city gates. Then forest, cool and dark and still.
"The way we came in, there was farmland," Illumin added, quietly. Zero Dream "I will be fine." She answered simply to Nergal's question, laying back against the side of the carriage to look out at the window. "If they possess the same kind of mental powers as this people do... Perhaps not even their own homes are truly safe." Something in her heart ached. This wasn't a way to live, to be constantly afraid of something that might strike at any moment, and remain completely unseen while doing so.
To be constantly afraid...There was a young man, sitting on a crate a respectful distance away from the gathered deities, who probably had been told to keep an eye on the deities, but he seemed more focused on the direction the beam of light kept pointing to, a thoughtful expression on his face. Wasn't that... ? Yes, it was in that direction. He'd heard the stories, of course, pertaining to that place. That haunted battlefield... It was too far for him to be sure, but... Thabara "They do," Nergal confirmed quietly. "Her Highness told me so, when she sought advice from the dead this night. The Kingdom of Irisun has six Speakers at its disposal, while Brilsworth now has none after Prince Herus' unfortunate demise. He was the Queen's Consort and beloved. He and their two children died the very same night." Were killed, that meant, but Julstecca had been quite clear that this information was strictly confidential and was not meant for the ears of her subjects, so he wouldn't mention it while the mortal was present. "The only one that remains with powers close to those of a Speaker's would be Captain Ghavaliel, if I understood correctly."
"They are powerful enough enable communication over vast distances, between the planets of the Alliance even. And they also can strike from a distance, kill even, by 'eating' people's minds." Nergal paused, the look in his face seeming haunted for a moment. Fate be blessed that Bael had not managed to get his hands on a telepath of a Speaker's caliber.. While they probably possessed not enough power to destroy them, they certainly would be able to harm them. He was concerned about Echo, and - more than anything - his children to be. Sosiqui
"That is what the Captain told me - we spoke last night as well," Illumin said, quietly. He was pretty sure that the mortal could not overhear their soft words, but he made a quick hushing motion anyway, just in case. "And I can confirm from personal experience that their mental powers are quite... astute. The Captain was able to force my consciousness back and pull forward the... remains... of my host." For a moment, he too had a vaguely traumatized expression, though nowhere near as deep as Nergal's. "Ea was immune, however. It seems fully ascended gods are beyond their capabilities. Perhaps we should sic them all on him and watch the fireworks," he added, wryly.Zero Dream
The look of worry that was on Echo's face was impossible for her to hide - even in the relative darkness of the carriage. While her eyes did not glow, per-se, they did stand out a bit in Illumin's glow. It seemed like the goddess was about to say something - but then decided against it. No, no words she could say would make it better for either of them.Such precaution looked almost superfluous, because it did not look like the young man was, in fact, listening, or watching them. Which was not to say he was ignoring them - oh, far from it. While obiviously not as skilled as the capitain, it was easy for him to tell that they where, at the very least, calm. He also believed that, if they where to use force, they would have done it some time ago. He had been there, had seen the capitain struggle with them - and while he was not going to abandon his duty by any mean, he was not quite willing to anger them. He was more useful to his Queen alive. Thabara They'd go splat like flies on a windshield, he thought, the thought so atypical for him that he did not voice it aloud. It sounded too much like something Aislin would have said. Was there enough left of her to still be drawn forth? He hoped not, that would be her worst nightmare. On the other hand, he wasn't sure how far she truly was gone now. He barely remembered the circumstances of his growth..
"An amusing thought, that," he finally said. "However, we should grow accustomed to the fact that our efforts may not be enough to turn the tide. From what I've heard, the forces are.. very imbalanced." If we succeed, however.. Surely they will show their thanks? A true miracle, worked by the true gods. That is, if we actually manage to prevent the End.
Unconsciously Nergal clenched his hands to fists. His children, he wanted them to live dammit, not to perish with His Creation in a matter of a few weeks. They had to succeed, somehow. Sosiqui "Perhaps, but let us keep quiet on that score for now. There is enough hopelessness in the world without such thoughts," Illumin said, casting a wary glance back towards their mortal observer. "We shall try, at least."
....
The caravan rumbled and swayed through the forest, the movement of the coaches almost relaxing, lulling the occupants to sleep. Illumin slept, at least, and when he woke again he was surprised to see darkness outside. The carriage had stopped moving.
The trap-door in the ceiling opened suddenly, making the god jump. "We are on Caveil Ridge, Lords and Lady - a high point, which will surely be good for your pathfinding magic," said Captain Ghavaliel, from above. "If you would?"
Illumin stretched as best he could in the confined space, then stuck out one foot to poke at the door. "Let's. I think my wings are going to crumble off if I stay in here much longer." Zero Dream Echo had also been sleeping - nested against Nergal's side without really noticing it, and suddently darted awake when the trapdoor opened. This wasn't such a bad idea - to walk around a bit, at the very least - this was starting to get a bit uncomfortable. She stood and did much the same as Illumin before making her way out.As for the man, he slid out by climbing out of the trapdoor. "Captain... I have been watching the direction in which the light pointed. It is hard for me to say for sure at the moment... but it kept pointing toward direction of the haunted battlefield. Do you think it could be possible... ?" He flicked brown bangs away from his eyes, a nervous habit he never quite got rid of - head hung low in respect. Thabara Nergal merely gave a quiet nod, remaining silent for the reminder of their journey. He did not sleep, and only once - when Echo's sleeping figure slid aside to rest against his shoulder heavily - did a small, affectionate smile cross his features.
For most of the time passing by he simply listened, occasionally glancing down at the scepter's orb, or staring out of the narrow window slit. There was little else for him to do, and once the voices of the dead had guided him to find Endenis, and the scepter. It would be folly to ignore them, no matter how much they teared and scraped at what little he had regained of his reason.
He leaned back, eyes closing for a moment. It was hard, at times, to keep up the facade of his usual calm and reserved self, while inside everything still felt.. in disorder. He was carefully avoiding to even as much as think of the word 'broken', as if it might somehow throw off his frail balance. There were times at which it almost felt as if nothing had ever happened. And then there were times at which it was so very hard to resist the urge to recoil and withdraw from every touch, every look.
He jumped significantly - much more so than Illumin - when the trap door opened so unexpectedly, for a moment fully expecting to see that mad naga smirk at him and then flood the cell carriage with boiling oil, wiggling, slippery leeches or-- He forcefully interrupted that train of thoughts - she isn't here - but suddenly he couldn't get out of the carriage fast enough. He only nodded weakly at Ghavaliel's words, glad that his new alabaster skin wouldn't show how pale he had grown. That his fear and paranoia probably shone like a beacon for the almost-Speaker, that, he didn't think about.
He opened the door and practically fled the carriage, fingers clutched tightly around the scepter's carved shape, but regained his composure quickly enough to stop and turn almost immediately and offer his free hand to help Echo descend. Yet there was something mechanical, abrupt to his movements, and while the smile he offered her was polite, gentle, it seemed at the same time distinctly strained. Even after she stood safely he didn't let go of her hand, only tugging at her slightly to move aside and allow Ea's massive form enough space to exit the vehicle.
"Haunted?" he asked quietly, rising his voice just enough to be audible as he raised the scepter aloft, the two men having been close enough for him to have overheard at least some of what had been said. "The whole world is haunted with no place for the dead to go to," he added bitterly. There must be more now, far more, than there were left of the living, even with those countless destroyed by the sheer force of the 'Wave'. What effects would such imbalance have, if any? Upside down, inside out.. What if the whole world were to.. flip and suddenly to become his?
He shook his head, his grip around Echo's hand tightening some. He might be hurting her, he realized, again. Yet he could not let go of her. Queen she might never be for him, but anchor, pillar, that she was to him. He needed her.
The scepter's beams were much clearer now in the darkness of the night than they had been in the brightness of the throne hall, but still they seemed surprisingly close to each other. They were shifting and fluctuating unsteadily every now and then, as if they were having trouble to lock onto their actual destination, but at the very least, the general direction seemed clear Sosiqui Captain Ghavaliel looked at the scepter's twin paths, looked at the compass in his hand, and frowned slightly. "Perhaps," he acknowledged, glancing at the Corporal. "That forsaken place is part of my holdings, if anyone can claim to own it in more than name. The Woldpost, and the valley below, are indeed haunted by numerous unkind spirits. It is said that long ago, before this kingdom was in place, there was a great conflict between two armies there. It was a terrible battle, spending many lives even before the end." He put the compass back in his pocket and looked back at the scepter's light. "It is said that, during that battle, a young Speaker of one army, along with that army's shaman, lost their minds when they watched the war destroy their companions. The backlash of their insanity was so powerful that it obliterated all the combatants, friend and foe alike. Their shades still wander, lost and enraged." The Captain shook his head. "That I have seen with my own eyes. My family does not go there, except to remind ourselves of what we 'hold'. If your magic indeed points to that place... then I hope you are gods indeed. You will need that power." He turned towards Nergal, briefly. Illumin sighed. Wonderful. Two whole armies' worth of ancient crazed ghosts. At least... we do have Underworld with us... He, too, gave Nergal a quick glance.Thabara "They manifest this strongly?" Nergal glanced back over his shoulder at the captain and the corporal, his previous unease quickly fading not that his curiosity was piqued. He had dealt with poltergeists before, but only one at a time, and he had not been able to hold them for long. But that had been before he finally rid himself of all that had been mortal still, and he hadn't truly flexed his powers since then. He had no idea whatsoever how far he'd be able to go now.
"I should be able to deal with them," he vaguely said upon Illumin's glance. Who else, if not me? Zero Dream The iron grip that Nergal had on her hand was not exactly comfortable, but not quite as painful as to when he grapped her arm in wild panic. This she could deal with, and so she did. Oh, it was easy for her to see, to know - the haunted look in his eyes, the twitches he let out every now and then...
And yet there was nothing she could really do. He wouldn't even tell her what happened - but she could very well see how much he needed her. On one hand, it did hurt - did he not trust her ?
On another, she was scared of what she would do to those that had done... this to him, with what little she knew. There was no way to tell how she would react to knowing the full depths of what had went down there. Ignorance could be bliss, indeed. She hated herself when her rage was brought out, hated what she became when even self-control failed. Was she not supposed to be Music.... kind, gentle, loving ? Somehow, when she even allow herself to express anger, go outside that mold, it felt like she was failing.
Failing who ? Myself ? Who is imposing me that mold... ? Is it fear ?
All she could do was keep a mostly-neutral mask - when deep down all she wanted to do was scream, or cry.
But how am I supposed to keep him stable when I can barely do it for myself... I don't know what I should do anymore. Lost...
She closed her eyes and breathed out a sigh, trying to do her best to erase the worry that had grown onto her features. What could she do, but pretend nothing was off ? It wouldn't solve the problem - but it wasn't like she could make him talk.
This is a huge mess... And I am starting to wonder if it's ever going to righten itself out again."They indeed do, lord." Corporal Tiercan answered, head still low in respect. "There have been instances of the ghosts driving men mad.... if they do not outright kill them. They are extremely hostile. If you are to go there, I would recommend extreme caution." Thabara "We will keep this in mind, thank you." Nergal inclined his head politely, but looked up again only a moment later, a thoughtful expression upon his face as he eyed the scepter's light. 'Extremely hostile' - he didn't like the sound of it. Especially as, to his knowledge, none of the gods present could even as much as see the dead - with the sole exception of the flickering lights of the Will-o'-the-wisps perhaps - lest alone deal with them.
"If the relics, or one of them at least, truly should be found within the vicinity of that place.. I could, perhaps, attempt to recover it on my own while you seek for the other one?" he suggested carefully, the vision of Echo's hot, burning anger directed at him the other day still quite vivid. "I highly doubt that I myself might come to harm, but I wouldn't want to endanger anyone else." Least of all, her. Zero Dream When he spoke, Echo looked up once more, peering at him. He wasn't... serious, wasn't he ? He couldn't go there alone if those things where as dangerous ! But... she should probably stay with Ea and Illumin. Stay safe. Keep the children safe. There where many ways, she could think of it, many way she could have expressed it in answer to her lover's statement, but she couldn't hide the truth from herself.
She was afraid. Scared. Scared to lose them. Scared to lose him. Scared to be hurt. So much fear and so much unknown that in threatened to root her in place, paralyze her. She had no idea what she was supposed to do, and she was, once again, starting to have doubts about if she should even have come at all. The goddess had no experience in things like this - it just seemed like she was holding them back. Long, pointed ears drooped back slightly, betraying her thoughts.
How else am I supposed to learn ? Sitting back, away from everything will not fix it. Ignoring it won't make it all go away. How many times have I made that mistake ? How many more times will it take for me to learn ?
I can't sit back and just take it, or ill remain weak, hesitant and useless to the end. Fear.... exists so that it can be be won over.
She wasn't quite sure where that thought, where that realization did come from, but now that it had... Her decision was made. Fear had killed her once - she would not let it happen again. "No, you won't. I will be coming with you." While no hot, burning anger where in those words, they did not quite allow for a retort. "My song... may calm them." Sosiqui Illumin nodded, with some relief. "I fear I would be useless against ghostly beings. I know very little about them, and all of my combat skills-" hah, as if he had a vast variety at his command- "are more suited to Irisun than angry spirits." He glanced back at Captain Ghavaliel."You should pray to whatever you like - your own selves, perhaps - that your path does not lead there, all the same," the man replied. He looked nervous for a moment. "The heads of my family are shown the place from a ridge, so that they will know it, and the danger, and keep those under their care away from it. In the past, we would throw murderers in there, so that they could face the true horror of the death they brought to others. No sign of them was ever seen afterwards." "How much further is it to your holdings, Captain?" Illumin asked, turning away from the beams; some of the light followed him, tracing a playful trail between the beams and his wings. "I do not remember all of our travels." That was pointed, I don't remember because it ******** hurt."To the Sea-posts, another day after this night. To the Woldpost and the field below? Another day and night again. Far away from Irisun's front lines, should they attack," and that was pointed, too. "Understood... but if the path points there, we must go. Still, I will do what I can for your men at the Sea-posts. False lighthouses, as we said, among other things. Perhaps Lady Echo will inspire your troops with song."One of the men on the coach smothered a bark of derisive laughter, but there was no levity in the Captain's eyes. "Unlike some of those under my command, I know the importance of morale," he said, his voice louder than it needed to be so that it would deliberately carry back to the man who had laughed. Zero Dream She smiled in return, but that immediately vanished from her face the second her keen hearing picked out the laugh far too clearly. She frowned, the look seeming almost alien on her face, but otherwise did nothing. She had better things to do than to let this bother her too much, she decided - as much as she would have liked to sing until he broke down into tears - something she was extremely confident she could have done - this was too childish and petty for her.
Let him laugh - I have better things to worry about.Teircan did not say anything at first - but the rather dirty look he sent to that individual probably spoke volumes more than any words he could have chosen. But then, he shook his head and focused once more. "Captain - I am willing to accompany and guide the lords and lady as much as I am able." And then, unheard by all but him... We cannot allow these dogs to take over the kingdom... I can easily be replaced if something happens to me on the way. I will take care of this, on my own and with perhaps a man or two - if you allow me, captain. Let me take care of this, and keep your focus on Irisun - as it should be. Sosiqui Bravely said, Corporal - I will accept that offer, though you need not enter the Pass. I will force no innocent man to enter that benighted place. If need be, you can stand on the overlooking watchpost tower and project from there. The Captain's answering thought was swift, and he turned at once and nodded to the gods. "Well, then. Shall we proceed? The light continues to point in the direction we travel to the Sea-posts, and I will take your promises to aid us." Illumin nodded. "Yes." He gave the sky an uneasy look, and wondered what was happening at home. Already there had been squabbles among the men, even with the Captain's iron discipline; the man had tried to hide it, but it had been there, all the same. War is descending. It will call Irisun. They had to find the fragments before that, secure them and then do what they could for Julstecca until they could do no more... for whichever reason. And quickly.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:55 pm
Setting Traps
The boat swayed in the water, making Illumin feel vaguely ill - he was not used to the sea, and even if the breeze was pleasant, he found it difficult to keep his balance. Captain Ghavaliel stood by the wheelman of the small vessel, a fishing boat commandeered for this purpose. It all reminded him of Solde-on-Palecliff, or of how the town must have been before the Age of Destruction, and then Gehenna, had ravaged it.
"You can see, there, and there," said the Captain, gesturing, "the lighthouses marking the rock outcrops, the two Points Destere and Capere. There are smaller floating lights to mark shoals. This area is treacherous in places, but it has several beaches that would be sweet to land upon. Distant from the capital, true, but our intelligence says an attack must come here. Our more tempting harbors are also far more fortified. If they can get a foothold..." He shook his head. "We will put out the lights once you've laid the false ones. Shipping in this area has all but ceased in anticipation of Irisun's invasion, but I have notified the fishermen and tradesfolk nevertheless."
Illumin nodded, studying the height and relative brightness of the lighthouses. "Where are the most damaging areas? I am not familiar with sea-signals, but if you tell me what to duplicate and where, I will do what I can."
One of the Captain's men had a sea-chart; he spread it out on a crate. Captain Ghavaliel went over immediately and looked at it, making marks with an instrument not unlike a flat-sextant, occasionally asking questions of the wheelman. Illumin waited, feeling awkward, trying not to let the rise and fall of the vessel get to him. At last, the Captain straightened and motioned for him to join them at the chart.
"I believe... if you could duplicate the two lighthouses, here and here-" The man indicated on the chart, then turned and pointed out in the distance. "Place them there, and that will guide them into the teeth of the rocks."
"Hmm..." Illumin paused. "Close your eyes, then - this will blind you if you look, until I can get it far enough away." He waited until the men hid their eyes, then spun light between his hands, growing it into an orb five feet in diameter. Illumin directed the orb up and outwards, tugging it by threads of light that connected to his hands, a puppeteer and his puppet. He watched the lighthouse, matched the orb's blink frequency to that of the man-made beacon, then nodded in satisfaction. "You may look... now, tell me precisely..."
To Illumin's satisfaction, the Captain looked surprised when he opened his eyes and saw the light-orb. "You are skilled indeed," the man murmured. "Up a bit, I think... and larger, and a little bit brighter..." Not terribly precise, but Illumin followed his directions and corrections until the orb was placed to his satisfaction. Remain there, Illumin told it, setting it hard into place in the air. "There. It will remain for fourteen days, and wind and weather will not move it."
"It will not fool them should they come by day, but our intelligence speaks of a night raid... yes, it is not a certain protection, but it may aid us indeed. With any luck, they will be in the teeth of the sea before they realize the light has no tower under it." The Captain actually smiled. "I will pray, thus."
"To whom?" Illumin asked, curious, as the boat turned and began to move towards the other lighthouse.
"The god to whom we have always prayed. My family is sworn to a Sea-god. Do you know of such?"
"I know of Water, though I have not seen him for quite some time... perhaps he knows your sea-god, or is your sea-god. I would have to ask him... but we have more important concerns at the moment."
The Captain shook his head. "I cannot conceive of such responsibility. We so blithely assume all-knowledge, all-power to our divine, yet..."
"If only," Illumin said, with a wry smile. "It would make so many thing so much easier, including this battle you fear."
"But your power will help, nevertheless... and when we call for your aid, then what?"
"I am Light; those are my virtues. I can signal, or blind, or even create a kind of light that cuts like a blade. I... am not seasoned in combat," he admitted, "but I will do what I can. My own fear is my lack of experience in the mental techniques your people employ."
"Then I will have to have someone teach you - Corporal Tiercan will go with you. I will ask him to instruct you in the basic arts of the mind. Such arts will not stand against a true assault such as Irisun's Speakers can mount, but perhaps your divine power will make up for your lack of experience. Your minds burn, and the Lord of Hunt's mind is a blazing star that no-one can touch."
If only I was so fortunate. "Thank you."
The ship turned against the waves and there was a splash as she dropped anchor. The Captain looked up. "Ah, we are ready for the second one, I think. Once this beacon is set, we will drop false shoal-lights. Can you spin colored lights, Lord?"
"All Light is in my purview." To demonstrate, Illumin floated a wisp of red light from his fingertips. Ultraviolet or infra-red might be fun as well, but sadly, he doubted the Captain could see it. His species seemed fairly solidly analogous to his host's.
Within ten minutes, the second beacon had been placed and precisely modified. As soon as they lay the shoal-lights, the whole shoreline - to someone looking at the lights - would have shifted a good mile, marking beaches as rock-strewn points and the actual dangers as safe harbor. A sneaky plan, perhaps not honorable - but Irisun was certainly not going to be honorable. They hadn't earned the privilege of a fair fight. "It has been long since I have been able to stretch my power," Illumin admitted. "It is a joy to properly wield Light."
"When Irisun descends, you will have many opportunities," the Captain said, with a sigh. He gave Illumin a look that the god couldn't quite read. "Gods that cannot do as they like... a strange thing."
"It is all responsibility, as you said, Captain."
"Hmm." The man was silent for a moment, then turned to the wheelman. "Guide us along the shoals, as if they were here and here." He marked them on the chart. "We will drop lights along the way... Lord?"
"Ah... yes." Illumin shifted to the side of the boat, holding on to the rail. For a moment he listened to the sound of wind and waves, and watched the true lighthouses blinking in perfect time with his false lighthouses. Then he bent and spun light between his hands, ready to release them into the water. Sea-god... whoever you are, forgive my intrusion. He wondered if this other deity was listening, if he even truly existed or was aware.
The lights dripped into the waves, floated, and stilled as he ordered, leaving a string of stars behind to blink in deception.
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:55 pm
Guiding LightsThabara They met again late at night, high up on one of Sea-posts' watchtowers. A good part of the coast could be overlooked from here, from the close by beach - which seemed the most likely landing point for Irisun's forces - to the steep cliffs and the mountain range further north. Illumin's false lighthouses were glimmering in the distance, a sight which might have been deemed romantic under different circumstances, in a situation less dire and tense. As it was, none of those present had eyes for the beauty of the nightly landscape, their gazes instead locked upon the scepter's orb as it came alight when raised high into the air, the faint arcs of guiding light dutifully springing forth. All of them - gods and mortals alike - looked weary, exhausted and worn out from the long day's efforts and the previous journey. Yet even a short rest had been out of question until now, not when time was so much of essence. They still would have a chance to recover later, once they were on the road again, confined once more to the cramped interior of the carriage. Zero Dream Echo was, as it had become usual to see her on this journey - stood at Nergal's side, expression as neutral as she could hold it - yet the sheer feeling of fatigue that clung to her features and, most importantly, to her psyche, morso than the rest of those assembled, was impossible to hide and ignore. She quite honestly looked like if the only thing that was keeping her awake was sheer willpower, and she often felt the young Corporal's attention settle on her - as if he was afraid that she might just faint.
The wisps that always followed her where still in movement, as if apparently untirable - darted left and right, up and down, back and forth, coliding with each other and darting off as if they where playing a game of tag. The somber mood of those gathered around them, and the overall weight of the world and of the situation at hand, seemed to elude them completely. Sosiqui Illumin slowly fed light into the beams of the scepter again, making them unmistakable for all to see - he had tired himself greatly today, setting up the lights as directed both by the Captain's maps and by Nergal's ghostly aid. But, with any luck, they would guide Irisun's landing parties smack into the maws of rocky shoals, whirlpools, and every hazard the coast presented, while keeping them away from the lovely beaches that were even now marked as most direly dangerous.
What he had now, he gave.Behind him, Captain Ghavaliel let out one long, slow breath. "There is no mistaking it. It does indeed point to that place." Nobody needed to be reminded what that place referred to. "Unless it lies beyond, but I have little hope of that." His gaze flicked down from the beams to Nergal. "You chose your companions well, it seems." Ghosts. They were going to have to walk among the ghosts, the mad and furious dead... Illumin fervently thanked Creation, if He could listen, that Nergal had indeed come. Who else among the gods save perhaps Ankou could be so useful when faced with an army of spirits? "How many days?""Another day and night will take you to the base of the pass; four hours more, to the battlefield itself and the Woldpost. There is a high path that goes to an overlooking ridge, where there is a stone platform, an ancient overseeing watchpost of my family. We would watch the murderers die from there. I saw one, once." The end of the sentence was iron-clad; no more details about that incident would be forthcoming. Thabara "You seem to fear the wrath of the dead so much," Nergal quietly said, lowering the scepter now that they knew where they were heading. "Has there ever any attempt been made to appease them, to put their spirits to rest?" He did not know how much that would have done, without him being around, or his brother. But for some reason it was important for him to know if they'd at least tried.
His gaze lingered on Echo's features while he waited for the answer, noting just how tired she looked. He knew her fatigue was caused by more than just using her powers as extensively as she had done today, and he wondered how much longer it would take for the other gods to suspect something. It was blatantly obvious that the tiny wisps playing tag so unaffected by the overall heavy mood followed her, not him. Zero Dream "There probably has been... but that was a long time ago, before the kingdom was even formed." Corporal Tiercan answered, eyes still following the beams of light that had cut in the darkness. Oh, how had he been hoping he hadn't been right about this one... "There are little written records that have survived that span of time, and thus there is not a whole lot of information and details beyond what we have already told you, lord and lady - in fact, most people simply think it is pure legend... until they figure out for themselves." Echo remained silent, at Nergal's side, taking in the scenery before her, but unable to to completely enjoy it. Wellhaven seemed to have been much less touched by destruction as their plane, whatever it was called, which was the epicenter. And yet... if they failed, it would come undone, just like everything else.Sosiqui "What could we do?" Captain Ghavaliel replied, shaking his head at Nergal's question. "Their minds are too mad to touch without danger, and in recent times those of power become far too precious to waste on any concerns beyond the most dire to the Kingdom. Perhaps in the past such things were attempted, as Corporal Tiercan says, but they are long-known hazards now. Those of us who know the truth of the legends simply fear them as we fear avalanches and storms. At least they do not leave the pass, and other ways through the mountains - more dangerous in terms of terrain, far less dangerous in terms of angry spirits - have been made." He did offer Nergal a half-bow, though, vaguely aware that his people's treatment of these dead might be displeasing to a Lord of the Underworld - but he had only ever done as tradition dictated. A mountain pass stuffed with insane ghosts, relegated to the status of mere folktale in most minds, was not anywhere near as big a concern as Irisun. Illumin let the feed of light stop, and a dim glow remained to halo around his wings. "Eamnnon and I can fly, at least," he told the Captain. Could Echo and Nergal do so? Their wings seemed far more ethereal than his. "If there is need, we can likely make better time back here from the mountains than anyone on foot or in a coach could manage."Captain Ghavaliel looked grim. "Intelligence reports indicate that Irisun is massing for an attack - the physical attack is likely to come along this area of the coastline, as I said, but the mental assaults... will undoubtedly be centered on the Palace. You should learn to guard your minds; the Speakers of Irisun will doubtlessly focus on you once they realize your danger. Yourself expecting, Lord of the Hunt," he added, nodding at Ea. Zero Dream The corporal seemed thoughtful, for a moment, and sent a side-glance for the captain. ...I could try to shield their minds, when the time come. I have no idea if it would work, and if, by some chance, it actually does... how long I would be able to resist Irisun's assaults paired with their own resistance. If they honestly cannot shield their mind on their own... Or I could try to show them how - if there is time....Echo nodded in answer to her lover's word. And, he would probably be surprised by her riding talent, even at high speed - after all, she had spent months wandering either by foot or horseback looking for him. That and her growth had developed her physical endurance quite a bit. If it hadn't been for that new endurance, she probably would have passed out in a corner by now. "Depending on the distance, also, I would probably be able to hear you when you fly over, no matter the altitude. If you two can see me, I will probably hear you if you scream for me."Sosiqui Teach them the basics, as you would a gifted child, the Captain replied, mentally. Defense only, for this time. The Hunt can be left to his own devices - I have no doubt his mind would shatter even a Speaker's highest offense. When it came to the wild green god, Captain Ghavaliel had far less difficulty believing in divine power... at least in terms of the mental realm. Out loud, he said, "There is a watchtower at the base of the pass as well, to warn the unwary and protect common folk from wandering into the area by accident. You will need to ride beasts the last few leagues in any case, as the road becomes too steep for a coach to manage. I will send orders with the Corporal to have them maintained there for your use." You can wait at the high platform, the overlook, if you wish. I will not order any under my command to enter that place, he added, to the Corporal alone. "Two pieces," Illumin mused, aloud. "Perhaps we should split up and search for them at the same time... unless it would be unsafe to stray too far away from Nergal..." Thabara "That certainly would help to speed up the search. Albeit only one group could take the scepter with them.." He gave the artifact a pondering look. "I would be willing to try without," he finally said slowly, hesitantly. They had found a body without a soul, Karaskis' letter had spoken of bones and an actual living person.. Considering the history of the pass it seemed somewhat likely that at least one of the remaining fragments was to be found among the souls of the dead. This was mere speculation of course, but.. "As I said, we-- I will have to wait and see for the situation at the pass myself."
He sighed. "And we should try to find a mount among those beasts of yours which will actually be willing to bear me on its back," he suggested grudgingly. This was embarrassing, but better to get rid of that problem now, than to slow down things later on because he had been, once again, too proud. Zero Dream "We probably should." Echo sighed, not exactly liking the idea of being separated from the rest of her companions once more, but time was the essence here. This needed to be done, quickly.
Hopefully one of the pieces would be easy to find without the scepter...
Right now, she really wasn't too useful at thinking, or trying to figure things out. All she wanted to do was sleep.Then I shall go under no one's orders but my own, Captain. The quicker this is out of the way, the quicker our focus can be back on Irisun. I will teach them what I can in the travel tomorrow. I doubt the lady, at the very least, would remember much if I tried now. Tiercan remained perfectly still and placid on the outside, self-control going far beyond what could be expected on one his age, but not one of his rank. He could definitively notice something was up with her, with her lethargic while all of her companion where at the very least more aware than she was - he could also feel tiny presences from those wisps... but whatever it was, he was not talking about it. Sosiqui "I can tend to the scepter, Nergal, if you will instruct me on its use," Illumin said, his wings fluttering for a moment before drooping to rest. The rest of him felt like drooping, too. He had spent much mana on their promise to the mortals. "We can make our final decision when it becomes clear exactly where the scepter points at the pass itself."Good man. There may well be a promotion in it, afterwards. Provided the Corporal survived. He was the kind of man that Captain Ghavaliel liked to have under his command. Earnest, wanting to save the world, but not so much so that they'd defy orders from their betters to do it. He could feel the exhaustion from the gods prickling at the edges of his thoughts, just barely; Tiercan probably couldn't notice it, but it was apparent to him, even beginning to creep in at the edges and make him sleepy. "Lords and Lady, you must be tired from your efforts today. I will set the coach to readiness - I am sure you will want to leave as soon as possible, but it will take some hours to prepare everything. I see no reason why you should not sleep as you like during that time, if it pleases you." "That... would be a very good idea," Illumin replied, immediately, gratitude evident in his tone. Even deities benefited from a good night's sleep. Thabara "There is not much to it," Nergal admitted, returning the artifact to its wrappings of cloth which protected and hid it from all too curious glances of the mortals for most of the time. "There should be more than enough time to take care of it during tomorrow's journey."
Rest. That seemed like an excellent idea right now, even to him. But, more than anyone, Echo needed it, and he looked forward to finally be able to spend some time with her in private. Though, he strongly suspected, she would probably sleep right through it, weary and exhausted as she looked. "Then rest we should, as long as there is a chance for it."
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