Welcome to Gaia! ::

Neva had felt it before anyone else in town had, her connection to the crumbling sense of the divine that much stronger than the rest of the residents'. More than that, she could feel it in the way the tension in the air finally dissipated, as if the world had heaved a great sigh of relief. She looked towards the Pantheon, wondering just what had changed now, but was interrupted by someone else's insignificant matter before she could pursue that line of thought too strongly.

These people were so needy, like children constantly seeking a mother's approval--but they had survived literal hell on earth, and she could not begrudge them that accomplishment. Their way of life had been unceremoniously torn to shreds before their eyes, but they had survived Destruction once, and they would thrive under Creation now.

Neva would help them, and they would love her for it.

Days had passed with none of the ill effects that had seemed to plague every other abrupt change in recent months, and Neva left her Aoidei in charge of sorting out other people's problems while she finally made her way to the Pantheon. The streets, she noticed, were littered with the remnants of Destruction's influence, but knots of tentative revelers crowded the sidewalks. She ignored their drunken invitations to join them, pushing her way through the Pantheon's doors. The scent of brimstone and lotus blossoms was stifling, almost a tangible thing, and she picked her way over and around small throngs of worshipers on her way to the throne room.

The scramble of mortals caught Neva's eye before any sight of her Creator did, and she watched with vague amusement as the parted like the Red Sea for--ah, that would explain it. Her aim shifted from the throne room to this savage, familiar face, and the cold that radiated from her cut its own swathe through the horde while reaching out to greet Yu and his host.

"Beast-Creature," she said by way of greeting, offering a smile that was small but genuine in its intent. "All of these people, and not a one screaming in terror; are you losing your touch?" she teased.

"Because it appears that these trying times have finally seen their end, yet you remain, a fierce and frightening reminder of our Lord now...changed?" She looked away from her companion-ally for a moment, taking in the weary and wary refugees, the familiar foreboding state of Destruction's Pantheon--everything still looked as if it might crumble into nothingness at a stern glare, but there was a shy hope mingled with the fear and awe in the eyes of their audience. "Have things changed, truly? What have you seen here, with all of your eyes?"

Neva felt it as the Dragon King described it, like the hesitant growth of new, young green things after a harsh Winter--but she knew, too, that it would take little more than a harsh breath to kill even that. "I cannot feel the air, as such," she countered, "any more than I can see the sky. Where has the sky gone, Beast-Creature? The last time we dared hope for resolution in favor of Beginning or End, the sky vanished from above us."

Neva nodded as the Dragon King affirmed the worst of the conclusions that could possibly be drawn from the sky's sudden disappearance. "A pity," she replied, her lips thinned into a frown that belied her dispassionate tone of voice. The anchor of flesh she bore could not suppress the brief flashes of memory that reflected her, in essence, looking down at the world from on high as she chilled or buried the tiny ant-like people below at a whim...those were the days, and if what the Creature had said was true, they may someday be again.

The edges of Neva's mouth curled easily from uncomfortable frown to sly smile. "And what does He confide in you, His foremost ear, His most loyal hound? Surely He has told you better things than the sky has fallen."

Creation blinked, then shifted his eyes first, followed the motion with his jaw and chin, then shoulders, through spine to hips and finally lowered his knees from their informal resting over the opposite arm of the throne down to a more respectable flat on the dais floor.



"Emblem Pillar. "

The newer name that attached to the title he did not give voice to, but seemed to taste the sounds and shapes in his mouth, looking up thoughtfully as he did so.

A device of Destruction's, no doubt, that the suited and final vessel would be something that seemed to have stitching at its seams that wavered with the internal glue of the dragon's mesh. A better fit that way? Shards for shards and like some mad wizard, stitched together a golem out of bones and glass. "Yu.....Xia Lu Ling. I am glad to see that you are at last gaining steady strength. I it was that collected the handfuls, but I di dnot even see your first host. I had already fallen to silence and echos within my own Other. We are not far akin as every, my Evermind, both nearly Eaten. "

"Though what yo ucalled to is a strange Thing. So tired was your waiting and blindness in the slumber of the stone that your eagerness for Sight sought one of so many eyes? Thirst found such a tongue? And ears and nostrils beside.... " Creation's mouth turned up in mirth.

His smile faltered, grief edged before it was masked with stillness, "TienLung did speak with me of the matter....close wrought to the heart and yet asunder in this life. But the same answer I must give, at least on behalf of what memories the whole of Us....the Pantheon have. Lucius, our many stars and jewels, is gone from us forever. That Ending....what is named Gehenna, is the Mouth of the Void. What it consumes wholly, it does not return. There are tokens, but the memory and greater part is gone. Not enough to raise the Firstborn again."

"But the skies are the roads of the gods and immortals, and the symbol of pact and immeasurable bounty...loveliness....that is gifted to everything that Is. Inspiration embodied, wonder and.... "

"True enough the first conceptions most were ever meant to glean of surrounding silence and emptiness. This shall have to be fashioned anew. It troubles me, how to do this thing. '

"It is in silence, Outside, that so much must make a bed...." He trailed off briefly, distracted. Even shifted, he had managed to keep to thought and task for some while, and brought many through painful means to bound contract as 'fodder' for the gods.
Only for some Cold comfort seeing what had become of the pendulum swing. The mortals believed, at such terrible costs. Those he had striven so hard to bring again into the world grieved. And still the slide of the tapestry was to inevitable end. Begun in Joy.....

Left far off, were the scars worth the time? Well, the choice was made. Yu was here, standing. They were all of them there, existing and in strife of survival. They had not lain down but had sought his own rebirth from the very brink. Pillar-to-pillar.

"I should speak with that one anyway. He is presented....perhaps... Already to my shadow self. But there is intrigue in the writ that was left behind and Known again of this host and newborn god. I do not recall his allegiance to have lain in such a bed long ago, but I cannot say that Silence would not do him badly, would you? "

"Yes, I would speak with him.....if he have time, that is." Harmodius regarded the throne chamber with quiet disdain, sighing as one might at spilled drink. It was suffered.


"Though better surroundings may be wanting. By him or by me, should he agree to the occassion."

To wait was an easy thing. It required only staying still and patience, both things that he had learned to store in abundance long ago. Waiting was often the past-time of the immortals in the past. They had centuries to stand in place of their days. Waiting the walking steps of his Emblem should be an exercise in loving the clicks of claw on stone and the gentle movements of air as bushy tail swept it aside.

For mortals.....how much of their bright flames was wasted on waiting?
Waiting for love, for comfort, for the right time for hundreds of things instead of acting. But some did.

And some gods acted.
It would not be very long. The newness and shining, even in the obvious pain and despair of the surroundings in the eyes of others, to him was marvelous. He had opened his eyes an remembered colour and form and Self.


Am I within?

Can I hear me?

Any voice at all. He will seek me in my eyes. Can I move? Feel my hand? Stretch the fingers?

No. Not yet. It is still to early.

Lay still. Rest. They've done so much...they have grown. We needn't fear to be supported this time. I do not have to take every war on myself.

"Presumptuous is the Speaker that calls for Silence, and yet for his own words to be heard. " Creation nodded back to the god in respect, "But there are troubles caught in my hands that must be worked anew into miracles."


"It comes from memories that you were raised by Destruction, now wholly honestly, but not wholly mourned either of your host. But I know little of you or your bearing....of my own experience...."

Creation rose and crossed the dais then stairs quickly, lifting a hand out to his side in gesture for the Emblem Pillar to stride beside him and under it. His Pillar and base crutch. The latter was demeaning in some thought of his own now, images from the book and from the gathered tapestry about. "If you are not busy...I would know of your thoughts. Yourself and your new life....there is always role of Silence within Me, but I would know of the without. Better the ease in judging instead of drowning."

"Walk with me?" It was a request, though Creation did start a slow step forward. "Long idleness and decay are inimical to me by nature, and while I am not yet fully unwetted of the blood of the cocoon I find that this hall becomes as oppressive a cage. "

It must be likewise for most of the mortals ....and immortals even. Except those darker purpose, few bear that hollow heart.



"The question I must ask first is unkind. Do not feel locked to your answer, or even to knowing the whole of it..."

"Let us pretend as we are. What Is is infinite. Imagine. Forget the sorrows and the shadows, the scars that mar the hands and lips. Or ashes that dull taste of tears on tongues. "

He waited the paces it took for them to reach the out of doors, letting the sound of his voice ebb as a tide of mist against hazy banks of the mind. The world did seem dim and fresh and blanketed in fog that was sudden but seemed to have been there for generations. No, it had always been there.

"Tell me, how will you bring glory to what is? What is your part now, as you are? As you plan to be? What is deified Silence in this place?"

"And Then?"

"When the need to bring missive to me of quiet need and desperate prayer...when that post has faded and the great terror is passed? What do you plan to do with your power when the thoughts of the many turn towards children, money, homes and work?

The Eldest spoke softly, walking still in the mist, though there seemed to be soft greens, tendrils of moss growing from the path that he feet tread.

"Do not trouble greatly....the minds and eyes of all have been focussed on the horizons of coming end, and the ears on the sound of trumpet blasts. "

"The ultimate path and intention of a life is something that usually takes the whole of it to realize." Creation ruffled his hand into the fur of the host beneath his grasp. "There was silence before it had being, long ago. But it was not a silence that spoke or felt. It was absence. When there were words between AllMaiden and I, the sounds and words had no keeper. These things did not come until later, when enough was said and done that sound came to be a thing within and without of the Primodial. When the silence was given meaning as well. But the greatest part of the Home before was in the space between the stars. That living void that was cut with gems and bannered with light and colour dazzled all...but found special kinship in you. "

Ages ago...

"You are yet young, but when your power comes greater to your hands, may I ask a token of it?"

“When you are grown, then. “ Freely given. May these not be feelings and words spat on later with regret. Promises so often find their owners bitter when their dawn comes at last.

“You bring some ease in the task, and have my gratitude. Is there thing or deed that you desire that would bring you the same? Word or thought? “ Creation held one of the great, fuzzy ears of the beast in his hand, lightly pinching pressure between his thumb and pointer as he drew along the outer shell. In many animals it produced an endorphin effect. Pleasure-pain. “It must be wondered by the host of the Pantheon if there are any words but those drear and full of meaning to be had from my mouth. “

Strange mist was clearing to show shadowed columns and garden paths again, stone sculpture and moss walks. The place was changed again, neither shop-cottage nor charnel Throne, and surrounded again by splendour of fruit bearing trees, arboured vines and waterways with stock of fish and shells.

Pantheon Layout

“Injury and wound is dealt by sword and hand to the body, by word and deed to the mind. Both may be healed, but deepest running are but scarred over and lessened in pain. I will do as can be done to heal what hurt he has taken, but that it happened at all will remain a memory to him. “

“Though perhaps that is not wholly an ill lesson, is it not?”

Harmodius listened to the pause before the request was made. Repayment? Were tithes paid with requests further? Though it was plain the request was permissive rather then pleading. At least the original intention of it may have been. The softness of the motions and the heave gilt gold that rimmed Endiovar’s eyes said this was not necessarily an inimical payment. “Favours granted with sweetened breath? Surely I should fear to harvest such lips lest I lose my own voice.”

The tome held much unspoken of loves and liaisons of the gods and mortals, less so of his own. Single chapters or errant pages scattered with poetry and prose. Or detached into writs of myth that insulated the house of leaves. But kisses had not yet lit upon this new flesh. Or kiss alone, singly. Creation paused, inclining his shoulders and face down, “There is neither lava beneath my skin nor fangs within my jaw to please any thrill of danger. But as you say is true of our nature.”

With difficulty the sensation of gossamer tinctured with delight was inscribed on his mind. The moment lasted, in that manner, some moments. The gratification derivable bounded outside of jest of rude recompense and arrived at some genial warmth that spread through limbs with ascending intemperance. Harmodius pulled back first, a sigh exhaled on his breath as he lifted away, “A jealousy of attendance may come of this between ourselves, but I could not regret it. “

“This is a first that is given unto me in ages tumbled over each other….and new on this wrought form. I should take the symbol to heart, that Silence first besotted this flesh. “

And yet the names of others are close writ on his being and even born out of his own mouth. Brevity makes the honey sweeter from stolen arbors. Surely it is that my own mind has been turned to the procuring of such esteem so often lately, and the issuance of such acts. The balance of absent hearts.

He took some breaths of quiet, feeling more then watching the motions of hands that brushed into his hair with relish. Touch. It happened little before, then not at all for so many ages that opiate properties remained to it. “ Your compatriot then, Revei. Do you know whence he houses now that I could call on him?"

"It shall not be long then. I will send warning before calling on him, then. It should not wait long for his own comfort,"

call on he. And..Gianfar. It has been long, long since I spoke to him. He was ever gone to the books, to his flights, since he has returned. Well, not entirely. Destruction has been unkind, and sight of me is like to be unwelcome in any matters. It cannot be helped, if Revei is to bee aided...and that he will value. If hate? I cannot say. I cannot say anymore. Everything is familiar as pages touched a thousand times and yet remote as the book held in the the lap and not the memory behind the eyes. New as first fallen petals... Harmodius lifted fingers to his own lips, deliberation plain in every gesture.


And of silence? To call again upon this youth before the appointed and already promised time? It is not my place. Knowledge may have plenty to feed down my throat on such matters as it is, let alone to come so near as one of his own friends. Not so soon, not yet. This knife edge must yet be walked a while.

"It is so, they will both be there. The little birds.....new birds, new loves. What more exotic and ecstatic a nest-feathering then that of Knowledge finally courted and Dream....dream given room to soar. " He leaned more on Yu then, before shifting to bow to the bleaching youth. "I will look for your smiles then, when my own thin with care and caution. It will not be over long. Until then, Sachem Aphonic."

Straightening, Creation guided his and his Dragon's steps again towards what served as the primary architectural structure of the Pantheon grounds.

"There is a orator's walk now that spans over a recessed floor and step bench where listeners could relax and debate at their leisure. That damned throne is gone, and the symbol of its inflexible hierarchy. "

"It would be best to rest there a while. You spoke knowingly of Gianfar's location, and purposes regarding him. Have you spoken to him, Xia Lu Ling?"

He smiled with faint amuse, "All things shall come to me only when directly invited? Speak, dragon. You tell me you spoke at length, but not a summary at least of what was come to. If it was interesting to your mind, it is so to mine, to know what Gianfar's reasoning for his recent actions are. "

"It is not my preference to be ever estranged, isolated, from even the closest of my kin. Speak, Xia Lu Ling. "

The gradual fading of mirth to some moor-soft mist of sadness progressed as did the tale. Things remote and innumerable lifetimes ago of creatures and cares.

"It was so. "

" Mortal and Ageless contrivances come and go with time. But what father will seek vengeance instead of tending wounded sons that may yet be healed? War can wait, and preparation can be made, if there are hands yet to wield needle or sword. Or tongues for words. And what could three such hope to do, even as they were, against me in my own walks?

I am Names.
Yes.
Each that ever was borne or shall be is rooted in my own. "


"Worry not overmuch. The time will come, sooner then any could hope. It will begin anew, this war They never ended. But it will...begin and end."

Bowing to Creation as he entered the hall, Glyph stopped rather suddenly as Malh'reth lurched in surprise and fear. Before them, a creature walked on all fours then rose to an upright position like a bear would and it set the Aurion's nerves tingling. Such things were the stuff of stories, the predator to his prey. Up until now, the people he'd run into had been recognizable beings... humanoid in shape.... but this, this was new and surprisingly frightening. It had to be some sort of guard to Creation!

"I highly doubt he's going to eat you, Mal." Glyph murmured, bemused as he nodded to Xia Lu as well.

But- Glyph cut the reflexive response off by gesturing at the dragon king, or more precisely, the aura that surrounded him. He didn't need to say anything, thankfully, as Malh'reth finally calmed down and nodded. The Aurion were more skittish around those things that posed obvious threats and even logic sometimes took a moment to sink in.

Inhaling and exhaling with relief, Glyph smiled at the Emblem Pillar, "Greetings my peer. Pardon the intrusion but I come seeking a few answers. He has asked that Judgement and I collect glass vessels capable of holding water but... I'm not sure just how much we need." He chuckled softly, slightly embarassed before he held out a hand in greeting as he continued, "Glyph, Silvim Illustirre, Forest."

"Ah, Dragon King." Nodding, Glyph smiled as Malh'reth settled back down. A God was a different creature altogether. Thinking back, the god pursed his lips, "Whatever we manage, actually. But there's not very much any more, not with the devastation, and bringing back only meager offerings doesn't feel right."

Turning slightly to cast his gaze around the Throne Room, Glyph sighed, "If I knew where to find pieces that could be spared I would seek those out. The mortals, however, have had enough stripped from them - what little comfort remains, I would prefer to leave untouched. It would be a cruel thing to take the artifacts of better days from them."

Following Yu, Glyph shook his head, "The mortals I would ask were fleeing their home, chased by demons and comforted by the promise that they could return. And," he paused sighing, "with the sky fallen, they cannot return home. They are stranded here, for good or ill. I'm sure you saw the lotus flowers at the ceremony? They brought nothing but those. The people of Baadris have only the clothing on their backs and the trinkets in their pockets. I will not take more from them I can help it - I already plan on building a forge that they might use to create new vessels from the scraps of the old." Glyph smiled, "I do not intend to leave them out entirely, merely ask only what they can give."

Forest's gaze returned to Yu then, having wandered to take in the Throne Room, recalling the lotuses as he conversed, "Assistance would be much appreciated, Emblem Pillar. You know of some vessels?"

Glyph listened intently as the other spoke, turning when he whistled to watch the demoness come in. Flashing a smile, and a nod, Glyph returned his attention to the Emblem Pillar, "Thank-you. We will look in the church and school then, as starting points and fan out from there." He nodded once more at the difficulty of moving about without the Sky above, "It is. I will keep that in mind keep the searches short then - I won't abuse your followers."

Glyph smiled as he turned to face Artimesh properly and offered a hand, "I do, however, prefer to see the eyes of those I work with. Greetings Artimesh."

His gaze flicked to Jin for a moment before returning to the Aoide's, "I think, perhaps, we should attend to the task at hand and then return for a bit of socializing. A brief meeting like this is not enough of a proper introduction." Glyph nodded once before turning to regard the Emblem Pillar once more, "Many thanks. I'll seek you out for a more proper discourse once I've made arrangements for your charity. It is greatly appreciated."

"Now, Artimesh, where do we start? Harlan yes? Lead the way."

Glyph followed Artimesh as she lead the way to Harlan and introduced himself upon meeting, expressing gratitude for their help. When the labs were described, Malh'reth blinked from within his corner of their mind and wondered at what a science lab was. They had nothing of the sort where he was from, the term itself a foreign thing. What's a science lab, Glyph?

"You'll see." He replied softly, not wanting to spoil the surprise. The term was familiar to him, at least, but names and purposes changed frequently and it was better to learn before assuming. His attention returned to Harlan then, "Which way is the school? And how soon might we explore it?"

Fair and plain was the new portal to the keepings of the Crown in that day and age. Gone were the grotesques of bone, wood and blood of earlier dragon's findings. The door was the nearly white heartwood of ash, impossibly smooth and polished as though stone, curled in raised arches and symmetrical knot work.


Distinct to dragon ears was the sound of a voice nearing, footsteps and a presence beyond the door before it even opened and a echo-timbered tenor greeted them as it swung in, "Harmodius sends his welcome, Sons of Scales, and bids you both feel at leisure to enter."

Having spoken, the man back-stepped to allow them in and left the door ajar. The rooms beyond were a maze of unnamed flowers and stones that pathed in all three dimensions.

The Eldest was reclined against rose whose branches and girth matched that of a tree, arching up feet and drifting white petals as occasional rain. The great tome that had served Tian Yue in the failing days lay open on his lap to early pages and he smiled as he looked up from them.

"'Mazes nor perfumes of the bounty of the earth ever hide me from the searching of Dragons. Welcome, dragon-sons. Welcome and be at ease. "

He looked over the kneel to the full three of them, the mortal have followed the two at a respectable distance and yet still accompanying. Good.

"Does hunger or thirst sit on your minds, firstly? That is easily remedied and eases relaxation. Half yet of your bodies are mortal kind."

Water and wine both appeared with the wave of a hand, goblets and a decorated silver measure to divide and mix the two at leisure and preference of flavour.

"'Please, enjoy at your pleasure. It will not run out. Aris, join us, you are no stranger to these, nor they to you, whatever first meetings made again may seem. "

Creation said the last with mirth colouring his words. A joke, no doubt, at the expense of the failings of mortal tongues to wholly explain the situation.
...
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The mortal still seemed hesitant, but walked in wide circle around the dragons to sit by Creation's side. He took up the water pitcher, as Aquarius' Ganymede, "More water then wine? The flavour of a little of the latter will make it easier to drink in quantity. If your worried about keeping hydrated. "

The drink was mixed and set before each of them, and the mortal sat quietly beside Creation.

"'Tell me, noble dragons, how you survive and pass your titles ? What keys do you bring of knowing what goes beyond the walls of toil? "

Their nerves must have had the better of them, his sons so new returned, that their words were little else but echoes of his own. Confirmations of agreement, silence following.
"'Well then, the straw and mud of the future aside, what favor came you to request? "

"Gianfar, I have no doubts, will keep his promises of aid. Unfortunately you did not reckon that it will be on his own time schedule, and the awareness of time-"

"You mean lack thereof, Harmodius, "

"Truly said. Offhand, I should say he has either secreted himself away someplace with some tomes of import for just such purpose of puzzling them out for your efforts and for teaching, or I would say he has remembered the location of some significant tome to item to that same aim and went off to retrieve it. To him, great or small, we are all just students and so doomed to wait on his lectures in due time. "

"As for accommodations, those are easily found. The dragon door, crossed and braided with knot work of many precious metals will lead to a space that you may twist to your needs and those of your household.

"You simply will something from a clear picture and intent in your mind, Jin Huang, and it will become in the wildspace that is beyond the door." He spoke to the explanation of workings of the magic of the rooms he made.

Aris' expression sallowed, turning thoughtful, but he said nothing.

"Were there any other simple requests, or shall we leave it to wine and good company then?"

Blessed's eyes, wide with wonder that another being, one not Harlan, Yu or someone ordered by one of the two, would want to spend time with her, talking and doing...random girl things. Which was kind of amazing and also immensely humbling - and after all, Lord Yu had just asked Lady Adi to spend some time with her, but the werewolf-kin's bubbly acceptance of his request went above and beyond mere duty. It warmed her mortal heart and she lifted her eyes to give the girl another shy smile, hope bright in her usually sad eyes.

"I...would very much like that....but, my Lord Dragon, I thought we were to see the children now?"

The Dragon King chuckled once more and then nodded his shaggy head, "You are correct, Blessed. Adi, if you are quite ready...then I shall take you to meet Joss...Dan if her mother has left her with my servants today." She likely would be, having borrowed a top to cover her soaked shirt from Blessed as well as having her hair braided; her tail and fur would dry out soon enough - the Dragon King himself had already used his mana to dry each strand of his 'living' fur.

He rose up, four legs on the ground firmly so that Blessed - and Adi, if she wished - could sit astride his thick body and ride back to where the Gods dwelt within the Pantheon grounds. "Come. Ride upon my back, it will be faster."

Blessed mounted her Lord as he had asked; she fisted two hands within his thick fur, pulling and holding tightly lest she fall - this was something that she had done often, apparently. "Lady Adi, come up too, it's...fun." She blushed a bit, but offered one hand to the werewolf-kin so that she might help her upon Yu Five Claw's broad back.

"Well then, gents, its good to meet you." Sho and Jimbo, the tweed team from the kingdom of stick-up-butt.
"Aren't you a little...white for a name like that?"

Maybe he was raised on the fly by interstellar monks and taught the intimate secrets of wuuwongfu or such.

They provided enough distraction from the layout of the place that she started up the stairs again. The door and walls at the top were total celtic revival, a whole lot gag. Maybe it could liven up with a deathDruid motif.

"Knock Knock, and I'll huff and I'll Puff and I'll blow your house in." She kicked the door, stacatto thuds, leaving black smudges from the soles of her boots.

Hooray, it had worked! She had had her doubts for a second there, but Laurence came through and scooped her up. Being picked up in and of itself was always sort of fun, like a little ride, although the best part was just being close to someone. The still-damp pooka snuggled close, her short tail wagging happily as her sadness evaporated.

She peered curiously at the colorful woman they went to meet, glad to have a good view from being carried. This was so much nicer than staring up at people all the time!

"And I'm En!" she added cheerfully to the men's introductions, though the lady had already begun to continue on.

A little white. Irritation throbbed in the back of his mind, low and seething, but he bit his tongue even as the woman began to climb the stairs again.

”My host’s name is Laurence—“ The dragon continued patiently until her heels smacked into the door, marring the beautiful surface. There was no hope of even pretending he could calm Laurence now, and the priest would turn to, as gently as he could, push En into James’ arms before he stalked forward, not about to grab the woman, but definitely crossing the lines of personal space.

“You have hands, knock with them.” He told her frankly, not about to stand for desecration. “Keep it up, and—“ And whatever he’d been about to say would never be known, as the door opened. God wasn’t there, probably his polar opposite, really, and Laurence found himself craning his neck back to meet the multiple eyes of a horned, fanged beast that certainly met the description of a demon.

He sensed nothing but threw his arm out anyway, not caring if he caught Hjava in the gut, just wanting to get the woman behind him even as he stepped forward to face the beast, openly bristling. One swipe of those hands would probably knock the wind out of him, but if he could get a prayer off, boost his strength and speed—There was really no time for words as he started to react, ignoring the words of Shuo echoing through his mind.

Laurence, he's not an enemy--!

"I also have other body parts I know how to use. Can you say the same?"

But the door was open and the biggest furry in the universe was on the other side. It didn't actually look like a fur-suit. It made noises like the real deal.
But then she was getting ushered around like a damsel and really she wanted to kick the guy in the nuts for discourtesy. It'd be easy enough, from behind.

But if you had something snarling at you, it was usually better to be the guy in back then the dope in front.

"Is the Lord in, Handsome?" She mosh-yelled it over Sho's shoulder.

James' eyebrows shot up a bit as the female began to kick the magnificent work on the door. Now, there was absolutely no necessity for such a stunt in his mind. He didn't know how she treated her things where she was from, but she was just asking for trouble. When Laurence handed the pooka off to him, the brunette didn't spare a word of disapproval though he knew completely well what the man was going to do. His arms delicately pulled En to his chest, and while he wasn't as warm as Laurence he at least made an attempt to pet his fingers along the crest of her brow.

And then the doors opened, filled not with the face of beauty that he had come to find typical in this realm. It was a monstrosity. Though it was symmetrical, it was beastly and not at all what any of them had likely been expecting. The punkish girl had, indeed, summoned the Big Bad Wolf to the doorstep. James bristled automatically in defense as well, keeping Enekpe in one arm while his other moved for the stungun in his bag. But then, Laurence was throwing himself in, and the gaudy girl back. What did he think he was doing?

And the girl was shouting at the thing, prompting it to come along. James, who was behind her like any sensible beast that thought their hide worth keeping, gave her a stage-whisper. "It might be prudent to ask yourself if you're willing to take on the door-man to see him." He was about two seconds from running himself. But what about Laurence? And Shuo? If the thing seemed rabid, he'd have to do what he could.

..whuuuh. Suddenly, there was a really big, really ugly thing with lots of eyes at the door, and the next thing she knew, she was getting passed around! En tucked her face in James' arm, trusting that, somehow or another, she'd be protected. She hadn't gotten this far just to be eaten!

I don't think there's anything to be afraid of.

The housewife-gone-retro didn’t seem inclined to swagger around him to confront the beast herself, and though her words were loud enough to make him feel half-deaf. Yeah, he knew she was perfectly capable of using other body parts. Her mouth didn’t count though, and had he not been focused on the behemoth before them, he’d have snorted as much.

Black lips had peeled themselves back, though the priest had seen too much teeth in his lifetime to flinch. Laurence, I believe he is a Dragon King. Shuo sounded oddly pleased, delighted to have found another of his brothers, and in such magnificent form!

It was enough to make the dark-haired man pause, wary, uncertain, but trusting the dragon’s words. Then, the goliath spoke of Him, and his shoulders tensed again as the black body slid back smoothly to allow them entrance. Wary, but silent now, Laurence would glance back, ignoring Hjava to search for James and En. Still there, still in one piece. He moved, satisfied, and unconsciously found himself starting to tremble. One hand clamped over the gem underneath his coat, feeling the cotton of his shirt framing the cool metal.

Was He here? Truly? Wordless reassurance pulsed through his mind, and he felt Mang attempting to relieve some of his resurfacing anxiety. He straightened his shoulders in turn, took a silent breath, and searched the room as he moved deeper into the interior.

And the thing could speak to them. James swallowed a little thickly looking over Laurence's shoulder at the furry behemoth, his anxiety slowly but surely slipping into wonder. What kind of creature was this? So many horns it bore in so many different styles must make for a heavy head but it sure was impressive. Feeling the minute tremble of the pooka on his arm, he reached to run a soothing hand down her spine, scritching very lightly at the fur in an attempt towards comfort. They were going to be alright! And, it seemed, the Creation deity was here in the throne. Most fortunate, seeing as he and Laurence had been prepared to scour every corner of the wide gardens looking for him!

Somewhere behind, another approached them. He also bore a horn, but a single one in the center of his head, ears tufted. He almost seemed to wear a crown of sticks in his hair. "We're alright," He said kindly to the man, not yet aware he was speaking to Forest himself, "Thank you."

But he could not linger- Laurence had started forward into the room. Impatient man! But it gave him an excuse to move. As he meekly slipped by Yu, he gave the Dragon King a soft 'thank you' and pointedly did what he could to hide the fuzzy En against him, as if sensing the creature's intention. To Harmodius, then. Would that loud-mouthed girl follow them?

These creeps jumped at everything, and sure enough, here was no need to worry. The doorman was probably also the bouncer, so keep on the better side of the establishment and it'd be cool. The inside that was revealed by the hulking furbag stepping out of the way was a greenhouse on the greatest LSD trip known to mankind. She didn't even know what a fraction of the plants were. Another gawker crashed the party, sure enough, adding sugar smiles that Fay had warned her about. Wasn't everyone just so damned nosey and helpful here!
She had business to attend that didn't involve the greenhouse tour. She side stepped around Sho, Jimbo, and Twiggy and strode in with a nod a the wall-of-fur. Being at the back of this line was a nuisance.

"Won't be a minute. Lord of the Realm, right? Well, I know how knights and vassals work, gotta present and get permissions to pass the grounds. " She walked as she talked, not patient enough to carry on a conversation with Slaver and remain in the company of her taggers-on. Not like she'd invited them anyway.

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Creation sat throned in living, writhing mana, less like to mortal seeming in stature then normal. The plants nearby had ceased to be single entities, wyld forms infused and sentient which moved to fence newcomers some ten feet from the base of the strange seat.

Words came down in majesty, not the tongue of men or beasts, not tongued at all for his lips did not move when it sounded.
" You'll find I'm less of an absolute monarch then that, Hjava."

...it wasn't going to eat them? When it seemed safe, En peeked out to get a better look at the much larger creature. Was it another god? 'Yu' seemed to ring a bell with Kikechum, at least a little bit. And there was Harmodius again! She certainly hadn't been expecting to visit him today, not that she minded. She was pretty much just along for the ride, as it were.

And oh! That new man had twigs in his hair, and a funny little ivy-covered thing! The pooka turned in James' arms to peer at it.

Yu-- He caught the name, understood its significance, and turned his head to take in the newcomer, was rewarded with a glimpse of twigs and something like a horn, and long, furry ears--

--but none of it mattered.

He sensed Him before he saw Him, felt ripples of peace settle across his conscious, and the priest sighed before he could help it. Greenery was everywhere, life was everywhere, and though he couldn't even begin to understand the throne that He was seated upon, Laurence didn't look long enough to truly puzzle it out. Pale skin, a flash of bright, brilliant hair, and what looked like a sanguine stain of a tear tracing down one cheek...

Overcome, the man had sank to his knees, bowing his head slightly and trying to keep his shoulders still so they wouldn't shake with joy, with sorrow, with disgust at himself, even being here, in His presence. Likewise, he could feel Shuo aching, burning, needing to lay at his Lord, his Master's feet, to be in his services again, to beg for forgiveness.

The sound of fur sliding against surfaces made him look up, startled only briefly, but it was just... what had Shuo said, Yu Five Claws, coiling about the throne as though to support and protect it.

Let the woman talk all she wanted. Both dragon and host could only look on, their pain both terrible and beautiful as they were finally able to gaze upon their Lord.

Creation's quarters were (aptly, James thought) covered in lush spires of vines and more types of flora than he could count. It was indeed more of a greenhouse than what you'd expect of a throne room. The plants were the tapestries, the drapery, the carpet. James half-expected the hum of bees or the sight of some sort of critters to peek out at them from the thick collection of plants, but he did not look for them. Naturally, his eyes were drawn up and up, to the pale figure that sat upon the formidable structure of the throne. Lord Harmodius, wasn't it? His breath drew short, never having laid eyes on a being more radiant and now having a picture to which all else would fall short in the future. He was a being of scientific intrigue, but for a moment, he found his thoughts fumbling. And yet, he was calm.

Nearby, Laurence sank to his knees. James sensed the motion more than he saw it, his eyes still attracted to the various colors that composed the deity's hair and the aura that seemed to surround him. Of course, his first thought toward the mana was radiation, and perhaps it was, but there was no going back now. He didn't want to. He did fumble a moment before he too, more awkwardly, slid down to a kneel near the priest, figuring in this situation Shuo and Laurence were going to be his model for courtesy. His arms uncurled and Enekpe was delicately placed down upon the thick carpet of clover-like structures, allowed to move off after the ivy dragon as she wished. He, in the meantime, honed in on the conversation that went on between Hjava and the Lord Harmodius, bowing his head enough as if that would truly cause him to become invisible to all. He was a normal-looking man thing and knew there was just as much value in going unnoticed as there was having the attention of another. He was serenely patient. In this time, he took to exploring everything in the room with his eyes, having to tear them away from the Twin Crown with some effort. Undoubtedly, he was exquisite, but he was also stationary and the alien did not need his eyes to listen.

The fuzzy-eared, horned man spoke to Harmodius as if he were a friend, he noticed, and secretly awaited for a response to build a further judgement upon just what sort of a god Creation was.

IT KNEW HER NAME.
Wait, no, that was definitely a guy. Freakin' four stories tall guy packing more then this whole road crew, even doggie woof-woof there, combined could ever want for. The gloow and sparkles s**t throwing off little fairies and plants and who knew what else meant someone must've slipped her a good one at some point. No one just SAW this kinda stuff unless they'd shot a frisco speedball.

"Uh...yeah..."
She couldn't look away, but her eyes were blurred up with tears, so it all got fuzzy anyway. And she sounded like an a**. "I......"

Where had she been going with all this anyway?
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" You wanted to humor a farce about presentment. You are accepted here, and may come and go at your leisure. The resources of food and shelter are yours to share in. Trouble no others, and no judgment will be brought on you. This is the dwelling land of the Gods. Heed the advice that they are perilous, wise and wicked both. If you seek guidance, Aris can answer questions for you. "

"Will you guide her? Of similar cloth you are both cut. Mankind's finest gather to start the journeys anew to far kingdoms under the eyes of the gods. "

A man stepped forward, untroubled by the plants, from a side archway of pallid roses. "Hjava, follow me."

Once set down, she wagged her tail at James in quiet thanks, and wasted no time in going to investigate the strange, ivy-covered creature that had come with the twiggy man. She kept an ear flicked in the direction of conversation, listening curiously, but said nothing. It seemed best not to interrupt without some good reason, which she didn't have.

The priest was attempting to keep his breath slow and steady, the sound of Hjava’s voice slowly filtering in through the blood roaring in his ears. From the sound of it, she was dazed now, and he was too overwhelmed to even feel the slightest bit of satisfaction. None of that mattered anymore—nothing but Him.

Amber eyes flickered to the mortal that He called forth, watched him beckon to the woman as though to lead her away.

It was the young mortal that captured his attention, and Mang felt a horrible twisting of guilt that he could not quite place. It felt somehow familiar, a scene like this, but there was that name again, just on the tip of his tongue. Aristo...? He had failed his Lord, he knew it--and that failure extended far beyond being given this second chance.

Jarred out of his slight stupor by the dragon’s puzzled tone, Laurence refocused on Lord Creation, wanting so badly to say something to Him, to confess his weaknesses, but words still wouldn't come. And somehow, that was all right.

It was enough to merely gaze upon Him for now.

His eyes drew back to the conversation at hand when he heard the female stumble for words to say. She'd been quite the bigmouth up until now, even daring to snap back at a creature who could probably snap her when she swaggered right on past him. She had the gall to kick the door of not just a god, but supposedly that of the God. And now that she was before him, he had but to speak her name and she quelled. James didn't see her tremble, but there were tears in her throat. Something in him softened a little, satisfied but in some ways confused by her change in demeanor. Was it her nerves finally caving in on her? Or had she truly been stunned by the visage the deity presented, the aura that seemed to exude from him from on high.

The first Harmodius seemed to tell the girl was that she could cut the tough-girl act, not quite threatening to 'judge' her if she continued to act out. He hailed a man he had not noticed from nearby to help her further, which seemed a dismissal of sorts to him. But what did he mean, similar cloth? Both human? Surely not related. What stuck with him the most, though, was Creation's statement about the gods- perilous, wise and wicked both. This was not the standard of most Earth religions, who held their gods as perfect and above all human fault. If these gods could be wicked, then... the closest he could equate them to would be the theology of the Greeks, the Romans, or the Africans. There were other religions he had heard of that would fit the category as well, but they were not of Earth and this place seemed to be so very similar to that planet that he did not dwell on it for long.

Green eyes slid to their corners to observe Laurence, quite obviously stunned and reverent. He looked like he wanted something, but was too polite to say yet. Creation seemed, at the moment, very formal to James. He had ignored the words of the twig-bearing man, though he wasn't certain if that was because he was trying to address someone else at the moment. Get the upstart out of the way, as it were. Perhaps the twig-man simply was not worthy of attention, but when he looked over to him, the aforementioned humanoid did not seem offended. Perhaps he was used to it, or afraid to. Where he came from, his lords were tyrants. They would ignore or praise as they pleased, offering no respect to anyone but themselves. Even the leader they had assigned to represent his race was a toy. One moment they could dote on it, bolster it, and in the next just toss it aside in a fit of impatience. The Tzech, unlike the Esarians, could be moody. In a way, they were gods with how much they had accomplished. Everyone handled power individually, and it seemed to him that if these were indeed gods, they were power. What had that Yu creature said? That Harmodius welcomed all of the ones he created? But how did he welcome them? Certainly not equally, if the hierarchy of species and the distance between this world and the next was any indication.

As Hjava was ushered off, he lowered his gaze again to his hands. What would happen now?

" So it must be, unfortunate but true, that in this untimely hour I must turn away my children whose eyes and minds should not be profaned by too raw a sight or sound. Here in this sanctum I am less bound. So it is, fair sons reborn of scales covering second flesh.....you come unto me new again and hale. "

"And in good company of strangers who study of our names and ways and would not in truth be whole unmanned by sight of Us. "

Creation stood from the striving mana flows and laid his hand down and out to Yu, palm up in beckoning, " Pillar, it is by my side I must entreat, that I can stand as even my strength flows in this time outward to the many. "

"Welcome, Glyph, and good morrow to you as well. My company is ever strange and wondrous, but no complaint will you find on my part. And you, sirs, kneel so and do not speak. Speak, else I will have no knowing how better to attend you then to hobble as I might to find you softer surface for your joints."

A silence had filtered through the gentle atmosphere of the greenhouse, if it could even be called as much, but Harmodius soon broke the silence. Laurence hung onto every word without realizing it, struggling to understand, to comprehend. Less bound? Was that the reason He had sent Hjava away—as a sort of protection to herself? And fair sons reborn of scales—was He referring to Shuo? And studying strangers could have easily been James.

He called for Yu then, spoke something about His strength, and man and dragon observed with varying degrees of awe as the black behemoth complied and his sleek fur seemed to crackle just from being so close to Him.

Words still failed him as his eyes flickered to the one called Glyph, and Laurence immediately remembered being told about him. The Forest god, just as Illisia had said. He knew his judgment was too clouded to tell whether or not the other was sincere, but he trusted the elfin woman, and would silently bow his head to the Forest. Later, perhaps, when he was a little more focused, and a little less overwhelmed. If he was right next to Xun and Illisia’s door, then it would be a simple, effortless thing to find and meet up with him.

Sensing Laurence could not yet speak, Shuo would lend his voice, and the deep, sonorous tone did not hide the joy he felt. “My Lord.” The dragon breathed, and Laurence tilted his head down a little further, as though to hide both of their shame. “I have come before You to announce my return, to lay myself at Your feet. I am Shuo Huang Zhe, now, Mang. I do not... remember, my Lord, but I feel—I know that I have failed You, in more ways than one.”

“I wanted to beg Your forgiveness.” The priest suddenly rasped, his voice rough with emotion. “For being weak. I never doubted You, Lord, but I couldn’t—“ He broke off, hatefully staring at the floor for a moment until he could compose himself, speaking in more level, almost monotone notes. “I never lost my faith. ...I’ve taken your dragon, and I’ll help him, but only for You. I’ll prove myself to You, again.”

Unbeknownst to Shuo and the others who had gathered in the presence of Creation, Harmodius' first words seemed to eerily reflect some of James' own thoughts. The Esarian blinked with mild surprise, trying to decide whether or not it was truly just a coincidence. It sounded like it could be a statement that simply went with the departure of Hjava, and very well may be as simple as that. Was it possible that a god could read his mind? Yes, he decided, it was not impossible to decipher a mind if one had the proper abilities or equipment. He had known of a species who read the brain waves of one another to communicate. He had a brain, ergo it was possible that Harmodius could read it. Was it likely...? No, not really. Who would want to bother reading his brain? But then, he did mention something about a stranger studying them, and if that wasn't James, he didn't know whom Harmodius was referring to. Just how much did Harmodius know, he wondered, how boundless was his knowledge and how did he come by it? Had he been told of them or, more strange yet, had he been expecting them? Did Creation's power go so far as to shape every part of their existence? It seemed improbable. Was he like the Christian's God, where he was all-knowing and all-powerful? Or was he merely limited to his title, just creating something and letting it go free from there? James wasn't sure and almost wished he could have more distinct proof for either way. But then, all gods he'd ever read about disdained showing their powers upon request. Oh, they would use them to prove a point more than once, but never when specifically challenged.

The god went on to address them all in turn, first Forest, who introduced himself as Glyph. James dipped his head in acknowledgement to the leafy god, mulling over what he divulged to Harmodius. If Glyph traveled a lot, perhaps he could be of some assistance to someone who had travel considered as an option, as well as the intrigue to get started on some sort of geographical map. Perhaps Glyph could also tell him what he knew about certain flora and fauna before James got around to going out there himself. It was something to consider later, so he tucked the god's room location into the depths of his mind and made a note to bother him some time when he was free.

The Yu-creature slunk over to Harmodius in haste, bypassing the plants that had once made to block their passage. Pillar, he called him, and the canine-like creature put his head obediently in the pale hand. So gods could be like furniture to one another? Or just to Harmodius. Interesting. It suggested a hierarchy of gods, then, aside from just Harmodius and the other gods. He'd have to ask someone later.

James perked a little as Harmodius addressed them, his lips drawing thin with wan amusement at the god's statements. Hobble indeed. For them? Perhaps for Shuo, who would mean something to Harmodius as a Dragon King, but not for him. To back the thought up, Shuo and Laurence began to explain their situation to Harmodius and their concerns. It was something he hadn't been told, and something he tried quite hard to keep his curiosity from now.

"Assuredly, Lord Creation, the shape of my joints and my reason for coming here are not so pressing. Suffice to say, my name here is James and I'd rather see Sir Shuo and Laurence taken care of first. Should it suit you, of course." He said carefully, keeping his tone level and demure even as he offered a slight, humble smile.