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The Week of Famine: The Firebird & The Frog
Joint 35
Sh'khin, Byrne

RP can be found here. It was done via e-mail and cross posted for posterity.

((This thread is open only to those involved in the Edelsteine ritual to SAVE TEH WERLD. Please do not post if you're not involved.))

All was, at last, in readiness. The hustle and bustle of the past weeks had become a hushed silence that filled the Pantheon - people spoke in whispers, those preparing moved with thoughtful, reverent treads. This space once so defiled was becoming sacred once more.

Gods, mortals, and Aoidei together moved through the lower floor, preparing. Every bit of debris or stain was washed away, the floors scrubbed until they shone, reflecting the lights even now being strung around the Pantheon. They glowed softly on their strings, their reflections making the polished obsidian floor resemble the former glory of the devoured sky. What red lotuses remained were placed around the Chrysalis, both real flowers and those formed from every material left - from simple origami folded by mortal children to exquisite illusion. Candles and incense were lit, precious resources saved for this moment. The priests of Baadris oversaw; the mortals moved in respectful silence.

Prepare. The time is coming.

The halls were filled, and mortals arrayed around the Pantheon; those who could not be there, separated by distance, instead knelt to pray. The Pantheon had become the center of the universe; it was as if everything else in existence grew quiet, focused on that single point. All across the worlds touched by the gods, by the journeys of the divine and by the koratti in dreams, mortals turned their prayers and belief towards the ritual of salvation. We believe - show us the way, shelter us, give us hope. Save us.

One last breath.

The time has come.

When the time had come, Eddard finished cleaning the oil from his sword and placed the rag on the table. He noticed himself in the reflection of his freshly polished blade, his image distorted by the nicks and scratches that were still too deep for the sharpening stone to remove. For just a moment he let the gravity of the situation weigh down his heart recognizing his frail mortality in the sword. Before his emotions could escalate, Eddard strengthened his resolve, returning them to check. He sheathed his sword and exited his room, going down stairs into the Pantheon proper.

The atmosphere downstairs was reverent. Eddard found it hard to muster even the words for a simple greeting to those he knew. Instead he nodded and moved along the wall making his way to the exit and outside to the steps of the Pantheon.

There he found another, someone else who’s goal matched his own. He stood quietly behind the fellow protector sensing his divinity, recognizing the power. Eddard was not half the protector as this nor could Eid provide him with the extra strength needed to even hold a candle to such. Still he would give it his all, anything that he could do to help prevent any possible interruptions to the proceedings within.

Their music could be heard seeping distantly through the heavy doors of the hall to those who waited, guarding those within.
A dragon on either side, though the slim figure of a girl holding the weapon of a god didn't cut quite so draconic a figure as Tian Yue, standing on the opposite side.
Li Shing stood, no Li Shing and May Tseng stood, at attention watching and waiting. If Tian Yue was defense, shielding all within from harm, Li Shing was offense wielding a weapon to slay those who would do such harm.
All the dragon's own hopes rested on those within, as did all of May's. Perhaps her's were even the more powerful of the two.

For the salvation of All

Karaskis moved through the area heading toward the dais, the other elementals would join her there soon. She had seen the notice now she just needed the others so they could do their part. The gathering of mortals varying from those taken from the slave pens on a distant planet, a place now unreachable to an older woman holding the hand of her daughter looking on with slight confusion on a weary sorrow filled face. They were not many but they were mortals that had come to her, the child of Cinder along with the alien and the others from her home planet.

She wore a pale blue dress with darker artistic swirls over it, fashioned in an oriental style. The gold trim of the outfit was offset by a wrap hanging over her arms in the same color. It had been a gift from Jaster to Cinder, and from what she knew she felt the occasion deserved something other then utility slacks and a tank top.

Moving with Karaskis was an elemental, Ashe, his hair licked downward as the tips appeared to be made of flame. A creature with Adrian's face almost forgotten by his mistress except for brief memories. In his arms he carried a tall slender object wrapped in red silk, the silk shimmered slightly pilfered from the remnants of the world outside. Moving closer she could feel the aura of the pod, with a slight frown she looked toward what their Lord had become; if there was any chance in this she knew they would need to be together. Silently she offered thoughts almost prayers to the balance of creation that they were missing.

Running her hand over her arm she winced slightly, it seemed to still be tender where she had taken the vaccine. After all they had been through she hoped that the concoction that science and plague had made didn't kill everyone. Pushing aside random thoughts Karaskis turned looking over those gathered, looking for the others like her - the primals.

This... This was huge. There simply was no word that the young boy knew that could describe the immensity of what he was seeing unfold in front of him right now. That, and he had been right - there HAD been something everyone had been hiding from him.

Psh.

He peered from the top of the stairs, trying to see a bit better all the while without being spotted by either his father or uncle, whispering to his sister what it was that he could see from his perch. The faintest of whispers that was easily drowned out in the rest of the ritual, beside for Lacrymosa's sharp hearing.

What did this ultimately all mean, he did not quite know, and an inquisitive glance went to his right. Maybe big brother knew ?

Sotiris was strangely subdued. He shifted slightly to meet his little brother's gaze before reaching to wrap an arm about his shoulders so he could lean close to whisper. With as many people that had gathered, he doubted that their voices would be discernible among the masses, but they could never be too careful. Dad was becoming especially good at finding him and picking up on his voice.

"Ritu'l. Very impo'tant," was his explanation, "...is to fix things. Dad said."

((Edited in as to not interupt the flow >>))

So it was, and so it would be. The siren's song of gathered gods and mortals alike had drawn him forward, stumbling, clumsy, but rejuvenated. He had been reluctant to accept the vaccination, the strange, diseased one's face dancing through his shattered memory without any solid substance, but it had done wonders to strength his tired body. As he quietly followed behind the masses into the throne room, Arden could only watch the precession with a sense of detachment He was a stranger here, alone, and friendless. He knew not the details, nor would he be spared any; the voice in his mind was preoccupied from tormenting him with heavy thoughts of its own.

Stand here. Stay silent.

The battered marine did as he was instructed, awkwardly sidling himself somewhere where he could watch, yet remain out of the way. Look at them all. Alien, powerful--some even with children. Arden bowed his head silently, his body unconsciously stiff with the respect he would pay to a superior. Was this going to stop whatever the hell had been going on? The smell of smoke made his nostrils flare, and the voice inside his mind felt... amused. More recognition? Yes, the charred woman. And there was another--one who spoke of winds. Another not-god? His spirits were low, he realized with a vague sense of unease. Lower than they'd been in a long time. Humans, by nature, were social creatures. To be thrust so suddenly into the presence of these not-gods had him on edge. But here they were, gathered before that diseased pod he'd faintly remembered seeing before all had gone black. So, was that the key to everything...?

You are not here to think. Close your eyes and pray.

The voice chided him softly, and an inaudible sigh had his armored chest rattling. It had been an order. He was good with orders, even if they came from damn, plaguing parasites. Letting his eyes shut, Arden reluctantly cast his thoughts heavenwards, tilting his chin up as well. Let this work. Whatever the hell they're doing... let it work.

Once Beryl stepped down Karaskis inclined her head to her, glancing to the others around her she paused taking Tajnevaki's hand and with a small smile squeezes it. The goddess then turns and heads to the dais gladdened for the support of the Mystery god and the mortals and servants that had gathered. She knew well enough her powers were slight in comparison to the one that had gone before her; but if she could give her all and have it work she would. Ashe stepped up behind her, clad in the reds he was accustomed to; the golden metal that he wore for battle glinted in the light he was perhaps more impressive to look upon - though his part was small.

With a bow to his mistress he unfurled the silk from around his burden unveiling a white candle upon a golden holder. Those that look closely would notice that the piece had taken wear from the time but was functional enough. Upon the broad base of the candle the wax had been carved in, the stylistic image of a flame adorned it.

She was not known for great speeches and she could not remember much of the one that had become their doom but she had her feelings. "For we were loved and brought into existence we return our love." Her fiery eyes shifted toward the shackled dark form it's closeness breathing the uneasiness of it's destruction over her. Stopping herself from shivering over the feel of the thing she continued taking a lead from the Goddess before her as she did, "Father we offer you strength," silently she added to herself I just hope it is enough. "Return to us, creation find your way to us." At the last there was a slight bleeding over as Cinder's voice and mind joined with her own.

Looking out to those gathered a moment she stood, before extending her hand and willing what little power she had to her to manifest, to create. A small flicker and then one more sure danced over her fingertips before she lightly 'touched' the candle and lit it. She felt a drain at the act and with a look toward the pod again, bowing her head made her way down the steps. Making her way to the side to allow the next to go up, she took Mystery's hand lacing her fingers with his for comfort and support as she waited for the next to go.

The Fangbridle had no real role to play, now that it had come to this - all that he had done had come before, to help to lead to where they were now. More recently, he had accepted Plague's vaccine, assembled what pards he could with Ashoka's help, and of course the errais. All that was left to him was to stand, and to believe. He stood quietly, as a dragon, armored and watching. Waiting.

Finn-att stood silent also, rubbing his arm. Thanks to Itztlac, he'd had his first encounter with something called a 'vaccine,' and was far from happy about it. Not only that, but there were far too many people in here for his tastes. Necessary, he knew, but he was somewhat claustrophobic to begin with, and the crowding wasn't helping. Still, as irritable as he was, he was here, and he believed.

Rio had come, of course - who hadn't? - as yet another relatively passive participant, compared to the others. Adrienne stood beside him with her two remaining flooxes, holding onto them carefully so that they wouldn't end up stepped on or getting into some other kind of trouble.

Tugging slightly on Yaxha's skirt Una stood on her toes attempting to see past the people, the pretty lady with wings had talked some and created wind. And then the lady with funny colored skin had gone and created some fire; she knew they were creating because she had made Yaxha read about it on that board she had found in the main hall. Frowning faintly the little girl looked around, she couldn't see her Daddy anywhere yet. Frowning faintly she glanced over toward her guardian; the gypsy seemed to be concentrating on what was going on around. Others from her clan stood nearby as well but she didn't see her father. She knew wherever he was he was doing something important but if he couldn't be here who would make the water.

Leaning slightly toward her sister Una whispered to Nixie some, the white haired little girl sighed slightly. Nixie seemed too shy to want to go up to the dais, but she knew what needed to be done - that was if that board with the note from the man with the funny name was correct. Squaring her shoulders Una made her way through the crowd, Yaxha had set them further back so others could make way. Her small size allowed Una to wiggle away before her guardian unnoticed.

Crawling up to the dais the little purple girl turned to look at everyone, a muffled cry from where she had been standing with the gypsies and her sister made it clear that her guardian had realized where she had gotten off to. Realizing that now everyone was watching her Una squirmed slightly, she wasn't sure she liked this feeling it gave her; it made her feel like she had to do something. Frowning and squaring her shoulders she spoke up her tiny voice carrying as she did.

"Um, hullo!" Smiling slightly she gave everyone her best smile and waved to those present. "I don't think my Daddy is here right now, and uhm, the board thing says you need some water." There was an awkward pause as she considered what to say next, the two others had said things that sounded grown up she wasn't sure she could do that but she could. "I'm going to help, I never knew the God that turned into the pod. But he helped restore my Daddy, and without my Daddy there wouldn't be any me." She nodded in a somewhat sagely if childish manner at the last part.

Glancing up Una realized that Yaxha was making her way toward the front of the people gathered, she wasn't sure if she would try to pull her down or not. Biting her lip a moment she glanced down at the floor; focusing to the best of her ability she started at a particular crack in the flooring her aquamarine eyes set stubbornly. After several long moments her touch of creation reached down and a small spring of water spilled over the flooring. It wasn't much water, but it was still there blinking slightly in surprise that she had actually done it Una looked up with a small smile and then made her way toward Yaxha feeling somewhat light headed. It was lucky that her guardian had come forward because as the little Goddess moved down the steps she dizzily fell into her guardian's arms. With a worried sigh Yaxha started carrying her back toward where they had been standing before; peeking over the gypsy's shoulder she waved to those she recognized, spotting Adi and her father, and then Froggy.

Taj squeezed Karaskis' hand tightly as those of his own crowded around behind them. He could hear the prayers whispered by his own aoidei and followers. Even the aiko were standing nearby as were the small fairies clinging to the fur of the felines. All wanted this to work and had understood the import of what was being done in reverence and faith that he would awaken as they needed and wanted him. But for now all they could do was wait anxiously for the end result.

Rasmus held a red cloth wrapped shape for Taj. It was his Lord's gift for the God within in the pod. Not the first, but equally made with love and attention. For now all held their breath watching, silently praying or whispering the words of faith they had.

Lisana's grouping was to the other side of Taj's. She and her aoidei were standing silently watching. Their eyes took it all in as each god of elements walked forwards. The guards and people of Baadris as well as those few she already had, watched from beside and behind her. There were so many crowded around, each praying for Him to return.

(Just a quick one to get them there.))

((OOC note: I am putting Kishara's actions here with Oura's permission.))

Illumin waited, his heart in his throat, as the other gods moved in their patterns - an ancient dance, echoes of Creation. There was a deep beauty in it that he had not expected, a resonance with that ancient time.

He watched as Kishara moved, taking up her part in the ritual, her movements and words exquisite even in her grief; he could see it in her face, the crushing sorrow she felt at Universe's ending. I am so sorry, he whispered internally as she moved, red lotuses springing at her feet, delicate traceries of vines reaching up to curl gently around the Chrysalis. Do you hear the echoes of that first Song, Gaia, the one that only you and the Crown heard? Do we sing anything like that, do we move well?

And then she stepped back, her part completed; Illumin had not seen all of it, but those around him were murmuring, whispering her name in appreciation of her actions and her courage.

And then it was his turn.

Illumin took a deep breath and stepped forward, light gathering around him, streaming through his wings as if they were stained glass. "Father," he breathed, "you pulled Light from your Form long ago, under the bright leaves of Yggdrasil - here I am again, returning to you." Light curled from him, and he sent it downward; it formed into the shapes of lotuses, just barely tinted red, shining and intangible. He cupped one in his hands. "I am Creation's child," he whispered, coming up to the Chrysalis; light flared forth and wrapped around it like an embrace. "You birthed me, kissed me - please, dear one, be reborn now again, come again to see my Light." He reached out one hand and touched it, felt it cool and leathery against his skin.

"Please..."

And then his part was over, and he was stepping back, his light sinking to pool warmly around the Chrysalis with the offerings of the others in Creation's dance. Please, Father. I love you. I need you. I miss you, he prayed, in his heart. Return to us.

Smiling faintly Karaskis watched the others and then her eyes also fell upon Bryne, tilting her head slightly she had a feeling the bird god was most likely lost as to what he should be doing. She idly wondered if anyone had spoken to him of it.

I'm not sure he would have remembered...or understood. Cinder's voice was thoughtful and somewhat worried. She knew of course what the note had said but she also remembered the scatter brained deity from when she had met him before Karaskis' awakening. Glancing over toward the others near her and giving Mystery a small smile she let go of his hand and headed toward the dais again, the note said she should aid Bryne with her fire; she was not sure how she would do that but she would attempt it if nothing else.

Moving back toward Bryne's nest she held a hand out to him, "Bryne we have need of your own particular gift next. Of your fire of rebirth," she gestured toward the pod with the hand that wasn't offered to Bryne as she spoke. "I will aid you with my fire if you will have it."

Karaskis paused a moment thoughtfully, she didn't have the strength to create a bonfire by herself her eyes flickered over toward a bottle on the end of the stage. Stepping quickly and thoughtfully she picked the bottle up, sniffing it carefully she smiled faintly someone had brought scented oils meant to be burned.

The oil usually would have been placed in a basin so the sweet scents could fill a temple or some other place of offering but now she'd use them as an accelerate. Dashing the oil over the various flowers and incense laid upon the nest she stopped once the container was empty hoping she had thoroughly drenched what would be needed. Resting the bottle to the side she then watched the pile and willed her fire to lit it.

Once again the creation of fire was small, but with the oil to help it quickly spread over the gathered offerings in a more impressive display; she hoped there would be enough oil to actually catch the incense and flowers on fire. Already she could smell the sweet smoke rising from the nest, yes it seemed it would burn.

Smiling faintly at the brightness Karaskis took what strength she had, and made sure that the flames would flitter down through the various offerings extending little bits of power to create small sparks and bits of fire if she caught the bonfire cooling anyplace. Her eyes then went to Bryne waiting to see if the Rebirth god would approve of their last minute preparation.