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 Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 9:43 am
Zhijian exhaled with a purr at Harmodius' touch, a pleasant tingle raising his fur on end. He thrilled at his Lord's words, to know that he would finally fulfill his purpose and bear Him for the first time in this life. He arched proudly, green-and-blue eyes bright with anticipation, at least as much for that eventual task as for the restoration of the sky. "I will be honored to carry you again at last, my Lord."
For now, he watched his glorious brothers in their tasks, glad at heart to serve Him together with them.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 10:12 am
The call came, and thus he had answered it. It had not been a matter of if, but rather of when Ti Lung would show himself.
He came not wearing scales - could not, still could now somehow completely recall that memory, one he could only hope it would return in time - but an human form that was perhaps too familiar for some.
A selfish part of him hoped Adrienne wasn't watching, but he honestly did not think that was possible. He still wasn't sure how to handle this particular situation, and wanted to give the girl time... to mourn.
With great joys come great sorrow...
He walked, barefooted, along the grass, wearing garments that Lindita had made him rather than what he usually wore around the pantheon. Xun Jiang wasn't ever truly worried about appearances, but there were times and places where ever he had to make a bit of effort.
This was such a time. It looked definitely elven, nice and flowy in water-like blues and green, but nothing that Illisia had even worn.
"My lord." He said, head tilted down in respect. "I am here."
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 10:17 am
Taj watched in some awe and excitement noting a few gods that he did not know yet. Having the sky and stars back meant that they would be able to travel again to all those places that they had not gone yet and to those they had visited. There were still many things out there that needed to be seen whether by him or others. Noting his son's silence, Mystery watched him for a long moment. He could not wait for Madrigal to see the sky and stars. It would amaze the boy. Taj was certain it would amaze everyone- even he- to see the sky pulled forth again.
As if picking up his father's excitement, Maddie squirmed slightly, clapping when he saw the dragons. His eyes grew large and round as he gazed at them. Pointing at them, he turned to look at Taj as if to wonder why his father did not change into such a thing. Of course the child had no real clue what was happening, but he was enjoying watching like nearly everyone else. As if some part of him understood that this was about something, he made no sound but he never took his eyes from the dragons and Harmodius.
Saljin walked up beside them with Kayan in his arms. Behind him were more of Taj's people and they all stood silently watching and wondering if they would really have a sky again with all the apparel of stars, sun, and moon that went with it. Many strange things had been seen but they had been protected and believed that they were safe here. It had not been easy. This would not be for Harmodius and the dragons either, but they all waited and watched.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 12:34 pm
At Harmodious' call Tien headed toward the growing gathering. She had simply turned to wandering looking for anyone of interest to talk to after she had bid Enkepe farewell and watched the small creature scamper off elsewhere. The lithe goddess found a comfortable niche to tuck herself into and watch the events unfold. It would be nice to have the sky back again, even if it wasn't entirely the same. Tien had only had Morgan's memories of Lucius and they were few. Universe thought the girl arrogant and foolish, given what she demanded of him. The goddess admired her host's boldness, though not the risk, Morgan's heart had been in the right place at least.
Tien watched the Kings entrance, her gaze lingering on Tian Yue for a long moment. This must feel like tossing salt on a raw wound for him. She genuinely hoped the ritual would help him find at least little peace once it was done. Trickery reluctantly looked away from the Worldshield and refocused her attention on Harmodius for the time being.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 4:28 pm
Out he walked from the barrier, a sense of growing stature and strength like the unveiling of morning from behind shrouds of seaward cloud. Out he went to the circles and lifted his left hand. The vessels all responded, fireflies taken to flight in the air, dancing in place on unseen wind.
From his skin and wings tendrils seemed to snake and crawl, vines of power that flowered with raw mana that became all manner of things in the air. Bright insects, new leaves of unseen trees, small furry things or lively fae creatures. Flowers, notes of song, or wafts of perfume from untold histories. It took minutes of growth, painful in their increasing intensity.
More terrible were his eyes, turned to the vessels but clear in their light, both brightest, purest hue of cerulean...lacking distinction of iris or pupil or form but pools of mana only. Both cried down stained cheeks, tears that shimmering facets.
He lifted his right hand and the vines of power locked into each vessel, catching moths as fastnesses of alien limbs. The vessels grew, turned as small globes of life and light and fire, Became Stars.
“Treasurer, I have task as well for you as well in this endeavor. Gather the wealth as is your power, and choose one hundred of these vessels. Into those you choose, drop a coin, and these among the counted shall be as great and bright as gold, to send to the deeps as brightest beacons. They shall form the Emblem of the Crown in the sky in many places, and the presence of the True Gods be known again. ”
"Xun Jiang, I ask you gather the attention of the Consort, and get of him a drop of blood for each vessel, that theses stars have life and death and each should. Mix each with drops of your pure wellspring before adding to the vessels. "
"Tiring, these tasks must be, but shall they not be joyous again, your claws at work to wield dominion and aid to our beloved followers...to hear their stories spilled out anew with worry of survival abated."
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 5:13 pm
Arctang had come with the others, Raja and Riss at his back, the others of his household scattered through the crowds. He watched with awe as things began to unfold. Names were called, tasks given. He itched to do aught in service himself, but knew that he was as yet too weak, too new. His powers were of no assistance in this great task, especially if it was going to tax Harmodius himself.
He watched as Creation grew, glowed, shedding bits of life and joy and reality. Transfixed, eyes turned towards the shining orbs, he listened as orders were given concerning them. The very idea of the stars being brought back before his eyes was staggering. The mortal influence informed him of just how unthinkable this was, even as the immortal part marveled and rejoiced. Still, the darker element of replacing that which had been and was no more, the one of their kind lost forever, pervaded the mood of the crowd, giving the current hush a depth he'd never experienced before. Quiet of both joy and sorrow, it tore at his heart.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 5:13 pm
Two smiled politely back at Nashwa, if only very shortly. She was still getting used to they way they did things here. She passed her eyes over the Saurus too, still unsure about the creature who made strange noises and poked about when you slept.
Her eyes turned back to what was happening? What was happening, she wondered. "What... uh.. that is... um... do you... know... what is happening?" Two timidly asked the one beside her, painfully drawing the words out to form a question, something that she'd not been allowed to do her whole life.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 6:19 pm
Raw mana beat upon his scales like waves, both exultant and terrifying in their power - life, pure, unfettered, was as fearsome in its way as death. But Tian Yue held firm, letting the Crown's power slide gently away from his shields. This much he could easily do, though it felt odd; Destruction's power was more often the one guarded against.
As the stars flowered into being, tears fell down his cheeks as well; Tien Lung tilted his head back and sang, wordless, a reverberating rumbling that spoke of the vast spaces, the sudden glow of stars, the dance of planets. Welcome and dirge both.
.....
Despite everything, Illumin's heart leapt inside of him as the lights - his lights, each one shaped in his hands, his own power poured out to the utmost - joined Creation's dance. The moths cried out in ecstasy; the mortal followers of Light echoed that cry unknowingly, recognizing the fruits of their Lord's labor.
"Glory to the Twin Crown! Glory to the Lord of Light!"
The words spilled out unbidden, and Illumin drew back, startled by their fervency.
.....
Phaedra, meanwhile, had pushed her way as close to the action as she could possibly get, not caring about giving offense. Let them rail at her; she was Greed, entitled to what she wanted. ******** their mortal morality.
Thus, she was near enough to hear the Crown's charge to Futs Lung; her ears perked up sharply. Suddenly this had all become much, much more interesting. She shifted her focus to watch what Jin Huang would do... perhaps she could track these blessed stars. Anything so infused with the wealth of the Crown would doubtless bless in turn the worlds their light touched.
They hadn't even been born yet, and already she wanted them.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 6:29 pm
Pris watched, her eyes wide as yet another dragon appeared. She had not known there were such creatures here. How wonderful they were. But even more awesome was the man in charge of them all. She was not sure who he was but he was beautiful with hair all colors. Her eyes were only for him for the moment but someone moving beside her caught her attention. She still searched for a glimpse of Arctang nearby, but no sight of him yet. There were too many people and she frowned for a moment before turning her attention back to the dragons and Creation. It was even better than her doll.
Lisana watched as Harmodius moved and things began to slip into place. The shimmer of the magic was brilliant and filled with a warmth that only the living understood. But as they became stars, she sucked her breath in. She had never seen anything so woundrous as what Creation laid out before them. She saw the joy rise in the faces of the people in front of her. Their fear and trepidation were gone replaced with light and life. It was marvelous to watch yet as she heard Tian Yue's cry, a sad thought occurred to her. How had they ever let so much fade the last time?
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 7:50 pm
Ti Lung could not help but watch as his master walked out of Tian Yue's protective barrier, watch what happened then with both awe and longing. The first time he was witnessing something like this, in his new life.
The was no use longing for what had been forgotten, but yet in a way he couldn't help it. How many such moments had been lost ?
No matter. It was the present that mattered, and Xun Jiang waited to be addressed, to know his role in all this. Patience was something he had learned, and so he waited, then nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, my lord."
The consort... His first thought was Gaia, but no. Gaia had not been seen for a long time, so he had heard. Life and death.
The other consort then. The second of his sister's charge. The one mortal that had been this close in spite of the danger. Yes.
But first... the wellspring. His rebirth was still new, and he hadn't wandered head first into his tasks, his reasons to be, but now was the time. Instinct said that this would not do - he needed to be himself. Dragon.
But he didn't remember how. But maybe... Maybe he had been over-thinking all of this. Maybe he just needed to be.
He called forth the scales, and they came, light and dark blues both as his form changed. It felt... so right, more right than anything else so far in his rebirth.
From there on, it all seemed so easy, so obvious, that he couldn't help but wonder how it hadn't occurred to him. Not now. He chased the thoughts away. He had something to do, and he would not fail his master.
The dragon seemed to study the area around himself for a moment, paws padding at the earth as he moved, but then he suddenly struck down, fangs sinking in as deep as they could go, once he had found a location to his liking. He called the waters forth, and it answered - once Xun Jiang rose again, a small trickle of water came from.
The Wellspring. He hoped it might remain here, available and undisturbed, able to be used for anyone who would need it, but it was neither here nor there.
He padded his way toward the red-haired man, then, even as his brother sang his wordless sorrow and joy both. Tail brushed against a much bigger leg in passing, in hopes that he would find some comfort.
When he had reached Aris, he stopped and sat, tail curled around himself much like a cat. The spines of his tail could probably draw blood, if he chose to use that mean. He just hoped not to have to force him along - it was not something he appreciated.
"Well, we probably should get started." There were a lot of vessels that needed both their careful attentions.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 8:08 pm
Aris balked at first, a dragon sitting just in front of him to add to all the rest of the commotion.
He knew that he himself was always referred to so lovingly as 'Consort'. So this one must be 'Xun Jiang'. Were any of their names not like hissing through teeth? Though they all had plenty in abundance.
Blood? He was supposed to be leeched for the greater good now? The terms of his awakening into this life were getting better and better. So far nothing more than his name felt familiar or fitting. He'd played along so far, so why change now?
He didn't need proof that they were as they claimed...he'd been by the side of Harmodius since opening his eyes, being tutored on occasion with some basics while he acclimated to being alive. He didn't need proof, with the gaping black overhead, where there was supposed to be something that everyone was mourning about, that something needed to be done. That this was Harmodius' doing something finally in his own sweet time.
He stood, taking a long breath, "Son of Scale."
The dragon was just sitting there. Looking at him. With it's creepy serpent eyes. "So...you have...claws? I don't carry weapon. I could...cut my hand on one and It would probably bleed enough. We'll need a vial...well, more than one. I can't leave the barrier and the blood needs to be mixed with the water as he said. "
He looked around at the gathered crowd for another god, an Aoide, a servant, SOMEONE who might be able to provide on that account.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 8:22 pm
The call had gone out, a summons he felt deep within as well as heard and he paused in his playing with the floox, his delight as their little clovers and grasses momentarily interrupted as he looked up from the place he sprawled in the grass, ears perked.
Around him, others were beginning to filter into the Pantheon and smiled, anticipation rolling through him as he rose, offering a ride to those creatures he could. One of the crows he'd helped raise for Ankou lit on his horn and and a floox was cradled in his arms - free animals, none of them his - as he made his way into the chambers where mortals and gods were assembling.
He hadn't been sure what to expect but the power that radiated out from the Pantheon was undeniable and he blinked as he came into view of Harmodius wreathed in power, calling forth stars and commanding the Dragon Kings. His gaze lingered there for a while, watching the creation of so much with a curious, grateful smile. The sky would return now... for that he was grateful.
A flash of blue and familiar voice drew his attention and he found his friend approaching a mortal, smiled for the dragon and stepped further into the Pantheon, present so that he might offer his services if they were needed.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 8:28 pm
Brighter, brighter the light of power came burning; the whole of Creation's form pouring out raw mana - more than ever before. Yu's fur fair crackled with energy, each strand bristled with it so close was he. Close enough to catch sight of Phaedra's greedy face, of the mortals...of the still and Silent god that proposed companionship along with Aris - his eyes were wide with amazement, his mouth pulled into a smile that seemed almost proud. Odd, but not odd enough that Xia Lu Ling would bother to more than give Endiovar a glance.
Mana swelled, thrumming inside the Dragon King. Aye, this was glory, praise Him - Yu's head lifted and his body shimmered, shifting and swelling as it went from bipedal beast to full-on dragon; his regal head rising higher and higher, coils twisting slightly, shining as some of that raw mana danced along his serpentine body and long, muscular legs. Bright eyes stayed focused upon Harmodius - no, he was not needed just yet...not yet - perhaps not at all. But he was watchful and wary even he watched Aris twitch and then approach his Brother.
Ah, poor creature - finding his life's blood needed to be spilled now...another term of his "rebirth". Yu smiled a toothy grin, muzzle skinning back, eyes seeking out Silence - close enough to have his servants begin bringing items for Aris' blood to be collected. Yes, there he was, already sending his servants off to bring whatever they could to house Aristogeiton's blood-offering.
It wouldn't take long for Alaska, the demoness, to return with several containers borne by Endiovar's servants - hastily dumped of whatever they had once held. An ice-demon looked decidedly queer at the mana crackling about (too hot!) and once he'd offered the unstoppered glass bottle, he poofed away quickly. It was likely not enough, but a good start for the blood letting to begin.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 9:38 pm
His power? Jin Huang had found that reason to exercise his power rare enough and it was with startled thought that the dragon cast his mind inwards, seeking to find some worthy currency for this task.
Gold, of course, his instinct demanded. But coins were hard enough to manage with claws, and he spent a moment flipping through an appropriately vast catalouge of coin, before alighting on a splendid solution. Some places had cast their currency with holes in the center, to string the pieces along, or for luck. There was a bright and cheery noise as 100 of such coins appeared before Futs Lung, who began to pick them up delicately with his claws, making sure to grab each one through it's empty center.
"I am counting these, Lady Greed," he rumbled in amused warning to Phaedra as he began to gently place the coins in the waiting globes.
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Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 11:01 pm
Taj watched as the mana filled everything coming from the dragons and Creation. The glowing objects moved upwards. All he could do was stare in awe of what his Lord was capable of. Again he thought of Jaster and almost wished he were there physically so that he himself could see all this. A sigh slipped free of Taj as he held his son close and watched. This was wondrous and he could see so much in the light before him. But a twitch curved his lips upwards. There was far more that he could not see that was hidden even from him. Those were definitely the places he would go.
The gods had ended all but Creation. And then there had been Gehenna. Maybe he would not stray too far for too long this time. Instead he would visit and return more often to share some of what he had seen. Maybe that was what his new purpose should be since he was not the same as he once had been. Jaster had done that for him.
Maddie watched silently as he stared at the globes that were so lit up. Several times he reached for them as if he wanted to take them in his hands and hold them. But they were far out of his reach. Normally this would have frustrated him to no end. Instead he simply tried for a different one. And with so many, he never stopped trying even though he was most definitely too far away.
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