|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 7:55 am
...// Solo - A Dragon's Tribute (Word Count: 1542 - does not count quoted sections)It was a glorious celebration, and one that Yu himself enjoyed greatly. Partially because tribute was being paid to him and partially because he really enjoyed celebrations! Off to one side on his own dais, Xia Lu Ling sat, looking very regal but also kind of scary with the way his face handled smiles: all teeth, bared and dangerous looking. Even so, people approached to bring him gifts as befitted his station - some he knew, some he did not, but all were welcome to pay their respects, even those without gifts that only wished to speak with him briefly.The Giving of a Gift - Ihriye the Rokea (Fairymount) Fairymount Ihriye put the finishing touches on the manuscript she’d written and sighed.
it had taken longer than she’d liked, but her gift was finally complete. All she could hope for now was that it would be appreciated.
The young Rokea had searched long and hard before finding an empty book. And she hadn’t wanted some run-of-the-mill spiral notebook. That would have just looked tasteless. No, she’d hunted and snooped through every merchant’s cart and table she’d found. To her mind, it was pure luck that one of those merchants had just happened to have a blank book bound in beautiful black leather, each page’s edge glittering in silver. And really, given the history she’d so painstakingly copied onto those thin, parchment pages, the colors had seemed appropriate.
For a moment, Ihriye sat, holding the book and staring at the cover. She’d painted the phases of the moon onto the cover in silver paint. And spaced between the phases, she’d painted the glyphs for the changing breeds. Each glyph was a different color. Red for the Garou, the blue of the ocean for her own people, brown for the Ratkin, gold for the Mokolé.... Wolf, shark, rat, crow, lizard, the glyphs seemed endless. She’d even managed to dredge the glyphs for the peoples who were no more out of her memory. And that too was appropriate. After all, one could hardly write a history of the War of Rage and it’s aftermath without paying respect to the ones the wolves had slaughtered. Every word of the history had come bubbling back to the surface of her mind as she’d written. And she’d managed to make it all fit into the one book. It was a work she could be proud of.
Shaking herself from her reverie, she snatched the bit of tissue paper she’d reserved to wrap the book. And once wrapped, she gave in to the desire to decorate it in ribbon and a flower or two. To her young eyes, it looked pretty. Whether or not its recipient would agree was an entirely different story.
Enough, she chided herself, clutching the gift to her chest and rising gracefully to her feet. It was time to go and present her gift to the Five Claws. Hurrying, she quickly slipped into place in the stream of people who all had gifts to present. As she neared where Yu the Five Claws sat, regally accepting each gift, she felt herself tremble. Oh, this was a strange world for a lone and lost Rokea to be in. And the Five Claws so resembled one of the monsters that she’d once been sworn to fight. But in spite of a fearsome appearance, she’d heard he was gentle, kind, and not at all like the Wyrm-things he resembled. Still, she couldn’t help the chill that raced up her spine.
And then, it was her turn to present her gift. Taking herself firmly in hand, she lifted her head, managed to keep her scarred face from crumpling in terror and in a soft voice, said, “I give to you one of the histories of my kind, Lord. I hope you will like it.”
Then, with a bow, she placed her wrapped book off to the side of where the Five Claws sat. Straightening, she bowed again, managed a shy smile and then hurried away.
And with that, he dipped his head regally again, rumbling thanks as she hurried off and the next arrived.A Gift for Yu - Lisana (Eftemie) Eftemie  Lisana thought and thought and thought. She was entirely uncertain what to give as tribute to Yu. She had never met him to know what to offer. A party would not do, and neither would clowns she was quite certain. It had been days since she had heard of others giving him something and she felt she should offer something also. After all, he was the Pillar and one of those who helped protect them all.
Once she had seen him from a distance. He had several eyes and she thought about getting him three sets of sunglasses. Then she remembered there was no sun yet. That idea was quickly tossed away to think of something better. But whatever would he like? Then she thought about his fur. Perhaps a special comb to brush him out with. No. That would not do. He might take offense and think she was saying he needed groomed.
Laughter sighed as she looked thru the various tings she had. Jewelry of all sorts that had once been Eftemie's. Books of all sizes that contained puns, riddles, and many started out with "1001 ways to..." in their titles. What would he want?
His host, Fragment, looked like a big furry puppy. She wanted to scratch his head, but had seen his teeth from a distance. No, it would not do to stick her hand in his mouth at all. But what did puppies like? Bones. Chew toys. They yapped and played and thumped their tails while tripping over their long ears. These thoughts put Lisana in a quandry.
Was she supposed to give the puppy something too? Now she needed more than one gift. After speaking to her aoidei, she set them to looking for presents from the things she had. They needed to find at least two. One for Yu and one for the puppy.
Jhyett scratched her head offering a ball of string immediately. "For the puppy, mrow," she stated instantly.
"Cats play with string, Jhyett. Not puppies." Lisana laughed. "Keep looking." She moved towards the bookcase thinking about a book of riddles for Yu. Perhaps one she particularly liked that would take him awhile to read.
Jhyett glanced at Arlecchino, asking, "So what do puppies like?" Her face was in total confusion at the rejection of a ball of string. A ball of string was the most fantastic thing ever. One could roll it, unravel it, and get tangled in it. What more was necessary?
"Bones. Chew toys. Although I could see him considering you one." Arlecchino replied, then giggled as she watched the feline beside her.
"Me? Why? Dogs don't like cats." The innocence on her face only made the other giggle more.
It took them nearly the entire day to settle on what to give Yu and hope he would find some interest in them. Taking a blue basket, Lisana tied a violet and white polka dotted ribbon to it. She was sure this would amuse him. After all was that not the point of her gift? To make he and his puppy happy? And she had done it in one gift.
When she approached the dais, she set the basket before him. Curtseying her best, she began. "Lord Yu, I brought you a gift. First I thought of giving you a book of riddles and puns. But then I figured you already know how to laugh. I have seen your teeth on a number of occasions when you smile. Then there is a bubble wand that makes bubbles that sound like laughter when they pop. It's a good party trick but if you know how to laugh, then you don't need bubbles to do so. So after looking all day long..," she said, then hesitated. "well... It's for you and the puppy." Lisana hoped he understood she meant his host, Fragment.
The amber striped cat she pulled out of the basket, purred as she sent it towards Yu. "Every god needs a pet to curl up in front of the fire with, and every puppy needs a chew toy." She curtseyed, backing away to let the next person have their chance.
From within a blue basket that had polka dotted ribbon on it, Lisana drew forth a purring cat with amber stripes and gleaming eyes. The feline didn't blanch at his appearance (a major plus in Yu's mind) oh no, instead it batted at his muzzle when he accepted it, thanking Lisana. "We appreciate your thoughtful gift." It took very little time for the gifted cat to curl up in his lap, purring and kneading at the plush fur of it's new master. What to call it, what to call it...? How would he keep Joss and Dan from devouring it? All things that he would figure out at some later date, when he wasn't paying court to a long line of supplicants. Sing a Song - Arctang (Talencia) Talencia Arctang had considered for some time what to bring the Dragon King, staring into the fish pond in his gardens, surrounded by dragon song. Thus it was understandable what he held in his hands as he approached Yu.
With a bow, Arc held out his hands, cupped around a creature roughly the size of a full-grown rat. It was a small dragon, shaped more like a snake with wings than the classic version. It had a handsome, wedge-shaped head, lovely wide wings, and balanced on two 'hind' legs. It had a long tail, which was wrapped securely around Arc's wrist as its tiny claws clung to his fingers. It was covered in jewel-tone scales, ranging from rich sapphire blue to brilliant gold, with bright yellow eyes that peered brightly up at the much much bigger dragon.
"My Lord," Arc began, feeling it important to give his fellow deity the honor of such a title on this day of tribute. "I bring to you, unchained and uncaged, a parrogon." The tiny dragon trilled at being introduced and flared its wings. "I can't say I know where it is from, nor what its gender or name is. However, it has been living in my garden the past several days, making itself a welcome guset for its talent." He shifted it to one hand, gave it a gentle stroke, then tossed the little thing into the air, motioning towards the Dragon King with his other hand.
The parrogon twined through the air and landed directly in front of Yu, nearly touching the larger dragon. It looked up, stretched out its head and neck upwards, sucked in a breath that swelled its throat, and burst into song. A merry tune warbled from its throat, sweet and light. Arctang beamed, glad to see the little thing enjoyed singing, even with such a larger creature looming over it. "I don't know where it learns its songs. I think perhaps it picks them up from what it hears, mimicking them. That talent is why I call them parrogons, since they... seem like a cross between a parrot and a dragon." He stumbled a bit at the end, feeling foolish at calling them that, but it had seemed appropriate at the time. Now he wasn't so sure the pun was something Yu would approve of. Oh well, damage done!
With another bow, Arc tried to regain his dignity. "I hope the little one can keep you company and entertain your quiet moments," he finished in a more formal tone of voice. He couldn't help flashing the small parrogon a last smile before stepping back to let the next person forward.
The tiny creature's song was light and happy, quite lovely. It was an excellent tribute - a dragon to a dragon king! "Though you may miss this lovely creature, be pleased to know that I am pleased." There, that was more than enough thanks to the child; Yu took a moment to motion forward one of his servants to take the parrogon and his sleeping amber-tabby further back on the dais. No point in getting them overly stimulated and possibly causing issues as more things were brought in. Artimesh collected the living creatures as well as some of the non-living tribute and went to deposit said "items" into a safer location further back - just as her Master had bid her.With Warm Regards - Neva (Inle Roo) Inle-roo It would be easy to lose himself in this crowd of people, Doron thought, to be absorbed into the bright colors of the masses and become just another reveler within the belly of the Pantheon. He had been like them, once, he was sure of it: cheerful and outgoing, all too eager to celebrate something for no apparent reason. Mindless. Shallow. Whole. Doron shied away from the eager eyes and wandering hands of the throng, fighting the urge to cover what was left of his left arm with his right hand. It had been months since he had lost the limb, and he was still self-conscious about it. He who had once been so vain, so proud of his perceived perfection continued forth with his eyes downcast, fighting the urge to turn tail and run from the welcoming mob. It was an urge soon crushed; he had an obligation here that he had no choice but to fulfill, under softly-spoken threat of death--or worse. The Lady Winter and her coterie couldn't be far behind him, and Doron had no desire to face her wrath if she discovered that he hadn't followed her orders. With that in mind, he picked his way across the floor, avoiding contact with others as much as he could, until he found himself before the Pillar and those others who had come to offer tribute. Doron's tail twitched nervously as he watched the great beast, intimidating even in repose, accept various offerings as if they were his due. His breath caught as he was finally pushed to the fore, and he hesitated before dropping to one knee before the dragon king. "Yu the Five Claws, Emblem of the Crown," Doron recited, bending his head. His long hair fell over his shoulders, filling the space in his vision other penitents had occupied. "The Frozen Heart sends her greetings to you on this festive occasion and offers a tribute of--of flesh." His voice faltered at the last, and he took a deep breath to steady himself before continuing. "She sends myself to you as penitent or...plaything." 
"So, Lady Neva has sent you to be my plaything..." The massive beast shifted his position slightly, leaning forward so that Doron would not miss a syllable. "You shall sit at my side until the day is done, then you will come to my rooms." Oh ho ho, this pretty creature was in for one helluva surprise when he got to Yu's rooms! Joss and Dan would probably chew on his tail and poke at his stump - and then there was Yu himself! Bright eyes skimmed the room, seeking out the Goddess of Winter; she was not hard to find, and she got an extra dip from his regal-but-creepy head before he motioned the next supplicant forward and Doron was settled at his side.Variety is the Spice of Gifting Ashoka, Iden, Hamath & Nashwa (Meepfur) Meepfur  Ashoka had known about this party for weeks before it had started; it was difficult to surprise someone who could see the future, at least sometimes. She'd also known that people were going to be giving things to Yu Five Claws, brother to her god and father (sort of) to her children. It would have followed, therefore, that she would have found him a present days ago, but that was not the case. Instead, she waited until the last minute to go searching for a suitable gift...whether it was anyone else's idea of suitable was up for debate.
The pard did have an appreciation for shiny things, especially in the form of jewelry, but that had not struck her fancy as a gift for Xia Lu Ling. Besides, the risk of the dragon looking ridiculous in jewelry not made specifically for him was high. Ashoka was a prophet, not a jeweler, and she couldn't just ask Sirpa to make her something - then it would be Sirpa's present! Besides, she wasn't in much of a position to ask anything of her fellow pard; choosing to tag along after Zhiji had put her on the outs with most of her pride. They were still pissed about Seppa.
Her thoughts had, therefore, gone to other things that she liked, things that might be simpler to acquire: tasty things, cute things, comfortable things, and so on. She couldn't cook, so tasty was out. The future of cute things in Yu's presence was uncertain, so that was also out. Comfortable, though...that she could do! Recalling when Fragment had brought her supplies from which to make a nest, she decided that what the huge dog-dragon needed was a huge dog bed. Finding one, however, proved most difficult, as they weren't typically made with Dragon King-sized puppies in mind.
Ashoka had to make one. In the market, she found what she deemed an excellent fabric (blue, but a bit brighter than Yu) with pretty silver accents, and then she bought the stuffing, lots of wonderful soft down that she proceeded to roll around in as soon as she got it home. Once she'd gotten that out of her system, she settled down and sewed the giant pillow. She stabbed herself with the needle a few times, but the occasional spot of blood aside, it really was an excellent dog bed!
Proudly, and struggling not to drag it on the ground, she carried it down and laid it on Yu's pile, stopping a moment to survey the other gifts. Yep, hers was totally the best.
...except for that kitten, maybe.Meepfur  Iden existed more or less on the periphery of all this godly stuff - she was friends with Ashoka, and occasionally more than friends with Rio, but beyond that wasn't very involved. She knew about and accepted it, but certainly wasn't what you'd call a devotee, or even a serious follower. She'd been a little hesitant to attend the party at all - crowds could be difficult for the vampire - but she couldn't very well ignore it entirely. Even Tori had been drawn out by it, and if the ultra-shy pard could do it, so could she...at least for an hour or so. Upon arriving, however, she'd discovered that the Dragon King whose host was responsible for Ashoka's weird spawn which she was occasionally roped into watching was receiving offerings. Oh, dear. It was never good to be that person at a party who didn't bring a present, so she went home to figure something out. It was hard. What did you get for a god - a dragon god at that - especially one you didn't know? Dragons liked treasure (or so she'd heard), but she had no treasure. She didn't have much of anything outside of normal, everyday possessions period, and she was reasonably confident he wouldn't need or want any of those. She had a few little pets, a handful of survivors from what had once been a menagerie of pooka, nyokiir, and assorted other creatures, but she couldn't help but be suspicious of what might happen to them if she gave one to the Dragon King. He was very predatory-looking. There were always the siirae, though...she had no attachment to them whatsoever, and even if she did, she wouldn't be afraid of them becoming snacks. She couldn't imagine anyone would actually want to eat one of the rotty-faced undead hybrids. She also wasn't sure anyone would actually want one, but she'd sold them to one of those god-servant guys before, so maybe it wasn't a terrible idea. Which was good, because it was her only idea. Iden selected a young one, roughly equivalent to yearling age, and the least disagreeable of the lot (which, to be honest, wasn't saying much), haltered it up as securely as possible, and returned to the celebration. The vampire had to keep a strong grip on it, and several times had to resort to physically bullying it to get it to where Yu sat accepting his gifts. Crowds might be sketchy for vampires, but they were seriously bad news for siirae - they did so like to eat people. Hand firmly on one of the creature's horns, she bowed to the god, looking a touch awkward. "So, um, this is a siira. I understand if you don't want him, he's really ugly. And mean. And he bites. But they're good guard-dog...things. Just, uh, make sure someone holds onto him." "...Oh, I guess I can if you need me to. Otherwise he might go eat somebody." And that would be bad.  Meepfur  By and large, the line of people waiting to present their gifts to Yu Five Claws had been orderly, kept moving, and not terribly long at any given point in time. Until, that was, a rather large brown dragon had entered it - not that he disturbed the others waiting ahead of him by his presence, it was just that he ended up being the line. Thirty-four feet of dragon and everything else that went with it wasn't ideal for crowd situations, and his rider had informed him of that, but Hamath had insisted on presenting his gift himself. Xia Lu Ling was not their god, but he was Zhijian's clutchmate, in the brown's limited grasp of the rather complicated situation of gods, and he was a fellow dragon...even if he looked more canine than anything.
Once it was his turn, Hamath uncurled the 'fingers' of his right forepaw to deposit a comparatively tiny stone. It was actually nothing of value to the minds of humans, not that he knew it, as he didn't have a good concept of material worth. It was just a hunk of pyrite, but it was one of his very favorite rocks from his rather extensive collection, which he'd been gathering since he was small.
When I heard that we were giving presents, I asked Mine to get out all my rocks so that I could pick one for you. It is a very nice rock, isn't it?
A hint of yellow whirled in the blue of his faceted eyes. Giving up such a nice rock was hard, but it wouldn't have been much of a present if it weren't a good rock. He'd soon forget he'd ever had it, anyway.Meepfur  Nashwa had very few things. She had been displaced from her own world, after all, and most of what she had now came courtesy of the God of Love. She had her riding saurus, Altan, but she was not giving him to anyone, god or no. Fortunately, she did have certain talents, and one of them was cooking. Dancing was one, also, but the Dragon King looked like someone who would be more appreciative of a good meal than of a dancing cat.
...although, when she thought about it more, that did have potential. Regardless, she opted for food, which required recruiting Adi to hunt a deer for her; a chicken was not nearly enough for a very large, very canine god. The werewolf had been happy to help, delighted to have a hand in the making of two gifts for Xia Lu Ling. With the deer downed, cleaned, and dressed, quite a process in and of itself, she'd then readied it for cooking. Nashwa hadn't cooked an entire large animal at once in quite some time, and had almost forgotten how difficult it was.
It was an enjoyable difficulty, though, the hours of work and effort, to make sure everything was perfect, from taste to appearance. She stuffed the deer with honeyed rice, almonds, and apricots, making it as like to one of her favorite dishes as she could. Traditionally it would have been made with antelope or saurus, but there were none of the former here, and she had no intentions of stuffing Altan just yet.
Once all was ready, she asked Shyamaath, Ishkhara, and Sarka to assist her in carrying the laden platter safely down the stairs and out to Yu Five Claws, where she presented it to him with a deep bow. "I have prepared a dish of my homeland for you, effendi. May it please you."
She and her helpers left so that others could come up and give more tribute. Yu was lashing his tail back and forth, eyes bright and focused on each and every supplicant and gift of Tribute. Some were amazing, others not so impressive, but each and every one was welcomed by Xia Lu Ling with grace, good will and a very regal thank you to the bearer(s) of said tribute(s). He didn't discriminate - a gift was a gift was a gift! From the tiniest flake of Iron Pyrite to the very large dog beg to the statue of...who the hell was that statue of? Yu had no idea, but someone had brought it for him. Whatever. By the end of the day he had been given so many things as tribute that it would take his servants a good fifteen trips, loaded down, to move it all into his rooms. Even Doron, Dennax, the amber cat and the parrogon.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:11 am
Synopsis: Using various implements gathered by - or produced by - various gods (Illumin, Glyph, Harmodius, Xun Jiang - with support from Xia Lu Ling, Aristogeiton and Endiovar), Creation mounts Zhijian and takes to the heavens to fashion that which was missing: the sky. Upon Creation's return he is weak and requires Xia Lu Ling to support his return to his rooms to recuperate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:19 am
Meepfur Many times in his rebirth, Rio had thought to himself that he should be doing something, that he should somehow be more productive, do more than make mortals fall in love here and there. In such tasks, he kept himself unseen, for fear that revealing the 'artificial' nature of the origin of these newfound affections would stifle them before they had a chance to begin. But how, then, was he to draw followers, when he was so secretive about his most significant power? Should he keep it so, or reveal it? It would bring petitions for his aid, certainly, but he would have to consider them carefully.
Would it be so bad, though? He needed mortals, but in truth had only two: Nashwa and Iden. Sarka remained with him not as follower, but as an honorable friend, and Ffyrnig's first allegiance lay with Night - she, too, was friend and not follower. Even one of his aoidei really belonged to someone else!
It was time to stop putting it off (for real this time!) and wandering aimlessly through life like Alex had. With this in mind, he set off across the Pantheon grounds, in the direction of the market. Syrie The market. Mortal-built and maintained for the most part, it was a pleasant addition to the areas around the Pantheon; welcome distraction with the bright banners and painted stalls filled with wares. Noisy and bustling for most of the day, Xia Lu Ling found it utterly fascinating: it had started as a small tent with two enterprising humans hawking their wares and as the days passed, more popped up like colorful mushrooms. Eventually the mortals had decided to revamp their little tent-market and pooled resources and skills to build a market with a roof to shield from the elements. The next step involved individuals creating "stalls" from which they sold from - some little more than poles supporting a roof, others with walls of various heights or with shelving, banners or other decorations: it really depended on the stall master.
What was once a small gathering of sales-minded persons had become a thriving market for purchase or barter. And it just kept growing! Mortals were truly amazing; Yu did so enjoy walking the market and seeing the wares, watching the people. Wandering without true purpose and just taking in the industriousness of the many bodies flowing around him. Meepfur Rio tended to draw some idle attention when he went to market, mostly for his elaborate wings, but it was nothing compared to the attention the people-watching Dragon King. A handsome man with fancy wings was nothing compared to a multi-eyed, multi-horned, black-furred predator of a god. He didn't seem to be scaring (most) people, but he certainly drew their looks and comments.
Intrigued by this minor irregularity in the flow of the market, Love followed the murmurs to see who was generating them! Though he'd never properly met Xia Lu Ling, he was impossible not to recognize, both from Adi's description and from having met Joss and Dan. He carefully made his way towards the dragon, and offered him a slight, casual bow.
"Xia Lu Ling. Come to shop, or just observe?" Syrie Yu felt the presence of another with power and slipped a tendril of mana out to identify whom it belonged to - ah, Love. Rio, unless he was mistaken - the 'prey' that Joss had insisted he'd caught...the god that Ashoka had 'rescued' from the bitely little b*****d-spawn when it had gotten the idea stuck in his head that Rio was prey and yadda yadda. Hearing about that little interaction had been quite amusing to the Dragon King, and he had appreciated very much that Rio hadn't just bashed Joss's stubborn little grey-head in (which was something he had been sorely tempted to do often enough on his own).
Whatever notice he got from the market-goers, Xia Lu Ling was long-past used to it; he barely noticed when others stopped to stare at him or to comment about his nightmarish appearance. Rio's approach brought a bit of a smile-snarl from the bestial god. "Rio. Good to see you about." Yu dipped his head in greeting to the other god, then looked over at the throngs of mortals, "Mostly to observe. It's phenominally interesting, isn't it?" Mortals were so industrious! Their lives really were like short explosions of energy and vitality...beautiful and tragic and filled with so much back and forth. "You?" Meepfur "And you as well. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." The Dragon King truly was an impressive sight, but for all that he looked perfectly capable of eating a swath through the bustling market, he was quite polite! "It is. There's something new every day, it's delightful."
"A little of both," he answered. "I like to buy things, and meet the shopkeepers." And, well, pretty much anyone else. Syrie Yu was quite the unconventional-looking creature, wasn't he? With those crazy-large teeth and scary profile...if his host was still more in-charge than the Dragon King himself, a swath of the bustling market-goers would definitely have been devoured. Thankfully, it was Yu in charge wholly now, so the mortals were totally safe.
"I have to keep Joss away, he ends up destroying the wares or biting strangers...I don't get to come out as often as I would like." He chuckled a little bit, surveying the throng around them. Meepfur "Aah, I can imagine that that wouldn't go over very well with the general populace." Rio echoed Yu's chuckle at the thought. It would be like a bull in a china shop, but smaller and with more teeth. "And especially with the food vendors." Syrie "Aye, they dislike when the girl-child comes out too. Dan is as bad as Joss...maybe worse. She is twice as sneaky as her brother." Thinking of the spawn belonging to Ashoka and the Fragment (okay, so he took on the fatherhood role, trying to rear both with Ashoka's aid) rampaging was always amusing to Yu. Children were children, regardless of their orgins, but his children could be even more dangerous than most.
"I think the food vendors rather like them, as bitey as they can be. They've made a pretty penny from their escapades, I should think." Another chuckle from the beast, then he cocked his head a bit. "Tell me, how fares your daughter? Does she come here often? With so much going on, the market place seems something she would enjoy." Meepfur "Yes, I met her once as well. She does seem quite fearsome." And, yes, sneaky. Quieter than her brother, which was...well, a bit disquieting. Being watched like you were prey was rather unsettling! And if they grew to be as big as Yu, or a full-grown pard...
"I can imagine," Rio replied, chuckling. "She's doing quite well, and yes, she does. The food vendors are usually her favorite, although she does enjoy the trinkets, of course." She definitely had that feminine love for pretty things! Syrie Though he'd often thought about the youthful pardmentlings growing up, he'd not yet imagined how large they may one day become; Fragment wasn't small, even on four legs...and Ashoka - as humanoid or Pard..well, she wasn't exactly tiny either. The final sizes of JOss and Dan would likely be something between the two...unless the odd combination of genes worked more like that of say, a Liger, in which case they would both end up growing nearly twice the size of their parents. A scary thought, for sure!
"They'll grow strong and if we raise them well, wise. For now, we only try to keep them from mauling innocents." Poor Rio, he was still considered prey by Joss! But at least he had deific immortality to help protect him; many mortals that came into contact with the kits did not. "Good. My servant, Blessed, is quite fond of her. She will be happy to know Adi is well." As was he. Though they did not interact often, he was fond of the pink-bowed were-child...she was so open and kind. Not many could stay so sweetly innocent and fresh under all of the shite that had gone down within their world(s).
"Who doesn't enjoy the food vendors?" Yu chuckled and flicked his ears a bit, teeth glinting ruby in the light "Some of the..items they have held onto to sell seem strange, but who knows the hearts or minds of mortals? As long as they keep serving foodstuffs, I think I'll continue to give my patronage." Meepfur "I'm sure the innocents appreciate your efforts," Rio said with a chuckle. Adi had had a habit of biting when she didn't get her way, when she was smaller, but didn't quite have the teeth to do serious damage. Joss and Dan, on the other hand...
"Aah. I trust Blessed is well, also?" He'd enjoyed their little outing, though it had been some time ago now. She was a fascinating woman, one he would like to get to know better, and not necessarily that way. Actually, probably not that way, at least not as quckly as he sometimes did. Syrie Joss and Dan notwithstanding, Pantheon-dwelling mortals generally found it best to be appreciative toward the efforts of the Gods, lest they find themselves on the sharp end of a very short stick (or claw or tooth, as it may be). There was a great deal of truth to the words and thoughts of both Love and Yu Five Claws where the Pardmentlings were involved...but only time would tell as to how things turned out.
"Indeed, though she spends far too much time with Harlan, or in the Library now that Silence and his assistants have managed to get it back to a working order." Yu chuffed in annoyance thinking on the Library, not for the place itself, but more for the missing Master of said space. Gianfar. The grey-dove had been missing for an overly long stretch of time, at the worst possible time - or perhaps not. A Council to rule had been his suggestion once upon a time - and they had seen first-hand just how pathetically ineffective that had been. Without the Twin Crown or Council ruling, chaos would rapidly fall, save that a few fair faces were working to keep the peace, keep Things Happening.
He himself had taken to shaping the dwellings of the Gods, when they had wish to request it - and Aris could do so as well. It allowed Harmodius further time to recuperate...to work on healing that which needed healing so desperately after Gehenna. It was the least he, Xia Lu Ling, could do (beyond playing the mount and the like).
"Adi visits her, sometimes, but the girl needs more company." Yu gave Rio a sidelong look, wondering at the relationship that might exist between Love and his Acolyte, but then dismissed it out of hand. Blessed was no blushing virgin but was as good as and she would not have been intimate with Rio without coming to seek his council first (as strange as it seemed, she would have). Not that he would have found issue with any such relationship; Yu had no use for mortal constructs and restrictions like monogamy or polygamy, marriage or other form of 'binding' union based upon religion or morals. He bedded whom and when he wished and did not get in the way of another's wont to love-make (or ********, if that was their ken).
"I would be most pleased if you would befriend the girl, Rio. She has...a way with Joss. He bites her less than other mortals, perhaps she will help tame him towards you as well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:22 am
Meepfur After the Council meeting, Ashoka left the orator's walk and went in search of Xia Lu Ling - she wanted to talk to him about these things! It wasn't as if they were super-secret, after all, all they'd talked about was finding old stuff. Besides, even if it had been 'sensitive' material, he was a dragon! Harmodius' personal ottoman-dragon. Would she share things with him if they were supposed to be secret? Hmm. She would have to think about that.
But for now, she bounced off in search of Five-Claws, looking for him with eyes and mind. Where would he be? Syrie It was one of the rare times when the inky Dragon King wasn't being Creation's lounge chair; instead he was off in a semi-secluded part of the Pantheon grounds, lazing in a "sunny" spot while enjoying the quiet. He'd spent the earlier part of the day with Harmodius, then went to the Library to see the progress (frankly amazing how well the Grey Dove's mates had managed to pull the whole thing back together so well). After that? He spent some time with Joss and Dan, teaching them about the world they lived in, about the True Gods and All That Is and whatever else.
Learning was important for younglings like the Pardmentlings: the world could be as painfully harsh and hard as it could be stunningly poignant and beautiful. Some days Blessed or Harlan taught them (Joss always, Dan...well, she didn't always join them), some days it was the Demoness Aoide Artimesh. Sometimes it was the zombie, Saul, but sometimes Yu did it himself. And afterward, he inevitably went out to find a sunny spot to relax - the little monsters were sly and seemed determined to test his limits.
It was in this relaxed, half-dozing open state that Ashoka would find the Dragon King she sought. Meepfur Aha, there he was! Once she'd spotted him - which wasn't especially hard, given that it was Yu, Ashoka bounced right over and flopped on the Dragon King. Such a good thing she wasn't heavy!
"We had a meeeeting~" she informed him in a sing-song voice. He could nap later, after she talked at him, she had obviously decided. Syrie Ashoka's flopping onto him brought not even the slightest of "Oofs"; she was a featherweight, really. He gave a deep, rumbling chuckle and glanced back at her with amusement bright in his sapphire eyes.
"And how did it go, 'Shoka? Was your voice heard too?" Yu worried that the Pardess' voice might be drowned out by the powerful voices of the gods...she had been elected to the office, given the station just as the others were, but...well, this was Ashoka. He was quite fond of her and had every intention of backing her within the Council, should the need arise. Meepfur "It wasn't very exciting," she revealed with mild disappointment. "Talked about finding things about Grigori, old stuff the gods lost, that kind of thing. I'm going to go to the Old Pantheon with Tian Yue, when he decides he's ready. He has to look at a book with Glyph first."
"If they take too long, maybe I will go myself." Ashoka was only half-joking about this - she wanted to do things, and she sincerely doubted the old place was dangerous, seeing as everything was dead. Syrie "So, basically the Council is talking about things that we Dragon Kings have already ascertained. Hmph." Yu shook his heavy head a bit and made a chuffing sound as though he were dissappointed with the newly-formed Council's lack of advancement - that they were going over things that he himself had told Tian Yue was just...confounding.
It was a good thing that Ashoka mentioned going to the Old Pantheon first, it was forward motion: he appreciated that. "If they take too long, we will go." Yu was casting his lot in with Ashoka - they could travel together; any dangers along the way would be swiftly and deftly dealt with by the Dragon King. Meepfur "Yep," she confirmed, snuggling into his fluff. The pardess certainly appreciated Harmodius' taste in sofa-dragons. "But Glyph wanted to talk, so we came...except for Nergal. I don't know why he volunteered if he was too busy. Are we allowed to replace him? Would rather have you."
She wasn't especially fond of anyone on the Council, not that she could be said to be especially fond of...well, pretty much anyone, with a very few exceptions. "Good. You'd be more fun, anyway. Purple-dragon is very stuffy." Syrie As Ashoka snuggled against him, Xia Lu Ling felt a familiar warmth come over him - the warmth that came from caring, from sharing bond with another. Fragment may have been the one to woo or 'mate' with Ashoka, but Yu was the one that had been with her to cultivate the devilish spawn borne from his host's lust. Yu had provided for Ashoka and the pardmentlings, with his brother Zhijian's permission, of course - and they were quite close. "I'm sure that you are allowed to speak up about that - if Nergal is not doing his job, then he needs to be brought forth, made accountable."
He chuckled a but when she said she'd rather have him there, but then again, he himself would rather have been there with her, making sure that the Council did what was best for the Pantheon - as much as he could. Granted, that would have cut into his time as Creation's personal lounge...but still - this was important. Incredibly so; the fact that Nergal didnt' seem to care about the position he had sought was not only annoying to the Dragon King, but in his eyes very close to treason against the Twin Crown.
"Tian Yue? Yes, he is. But he is also very wise and kind - there is a great weight upon his scales..." Yeah, he would stick-up for his Brother, but he couldn't help but agree with Ashoka's description: sometimes the Worldshield could be quite stuffy (just like he could be quite...bestial, from time to time). Meepfur "I will ask, next time," she decided with a firm nod. "There are supposed to be five of us, and now there are not." Even if the other Councillors didn't agree to having Yu as a stand-in, almost anyone would be better than no one!
"Hn, yes. He's always been nice to me." Nicer than Zhiji, even, who could himself be rather grumpy, to put it mildly. Syrie Yu rumbled something in approval and chuffed against her soft hair. "Remember, 'Shoka...if you need me there, I will stand with you." And yes, she was correct - the council was meant to have four gods and a mortal...and one of those gods was shirking. Bah. And if the others didn't agree? Well, that was no matter - Xia Lu Ling would deal with things as they came, in that area.
"Nice and stuffy." He chuckled and put one large hand on the small of her back, rubbing gently between her shoulder blades and at the base of her wings. "Anything else new, 'Shoka?" Meepfur "Next time we meet, I'll tell you, and you can come." Yes, she was liking this idea of having Yu 'tag along' more and more. "Maybe then we will do things."
Ashoka sighed and purred approvingly, arching her back with a little wriggle. Aah, that was such a good spot! "Not much, just waiting. Always waiting. ...Oh! I did get to give a goddess to her host. I liked that! It was nice to do something." Syrie "Yes..." Yu rumbled the word out, low and soft, "Next time the Council meets, I will attend." And there would be absolutely no stopping him from insisting that he be there, oh no. Only the Twin Crown Himself could keep the determined Dragon King from attending...but he did not expect anyone to protest, after all...Xia Lu Ling had offered his assistance from the start. That had been his offer, should he not be elected and it was still valid...only now, after hearing what Ashoka had to say it was less an offer and more a...demand, for lack of a better word.
Oh ho, did she now? Lovely little Pardess, the vehicle aiding another Goddess' rebirth? "Is that so? Do you know which Goddess you aided, dear 'Shoka?" Yu sounded a bit proud - and why shouldn't he be? It was nice to do something...and nicer still to hear that she had been party to forward motion within the deific ranks. Meepfur "Good." Ashoka beamed, already anticipating a very exciting meeting if Yu were in attendance. How would the others feel that she presumed to bring a 'guest'? She could not see what would happen, but she was certain it would be delightful.
The pardess combed her fingers through the dragon's fur and answered, "Hunt." Syrie Whether the Council members were comfortable or "okay" with his attending was of no consequence to Yu; he'd made up his mind that he should be there and that was that. They would see his dark-fur, hear his low, grave voice and heed his words...because he was Xia Lu Ling -- he was Yu Five Claws. A respected member of the Pantheon, Pillar to the Twin Crown and more than that, he was Harmodius' voice to the Gods. Disregarding him or the wisdom he may (or may not) impart would have not only been bad form, but dangerously careless.
Yu kneaded at her back lightly; she was so small against him, but warm. Very warm and pleasant as she toyed with his plush coat. "Hunt, hmm? Good. We could use more active Gods around here. Perhaps we will someday have the pleasure of the hunt with him - or her." He chuckled and leaned his head in so that he could press a kiss to the top of her head; muzzle to silky-soft hair, eyes squinching half-closed as he breathed in her clean scent once more. "Hnn...speaking of pleasing things, you smell delicious, my dear." Meepfur Ashoka purred happily at the dragon's kneading, sighing and shivering a little with delight. It was rather like a massage, and who didn't like those? She made a soft sound when kissed and wriggled even closer. He was warm and soft and big, and his nearness was comfortable and safe.
"Do I~?" She giggled pleasantly, tail twisting and twining. "That doesn't mean you're going to eat me, does it?" Syrie His relationship with Ashoka was somewhat strange, to say the least: First she was Zhijian's servant...then she fell in with his host, the Fragment, with whom she bore children during the end of freaking EVERYTHING. That tempestuous relationship had sort of rolled over into what they shared now after Yu had taken over their shared form: Pardess and Dragon King. And of course Yu helped to care for Joss and Dan! They were Fragment's children, but they were also his too.
"MMhmm..." He made an exaggerated inhalation and then nibbled at her ear. "It might...but don't worry, you'd enjoy it." The beast bared his red teeth in a nightmarish grin. Meepfur The progression, as it were, of their relationship wasn't something the Prophet thought about overmuch - for all that she happened to See some future possibilities, she was very much a creature of Now. And the past? That was Done, and little more than a fleeting thought. She had liked Fragment, and now she liked Yu, and that was that and just that simple.
Ashoka was not the least bit bothered by those red teeth or that horror-movie grin, which were just parts of Xia Lu Ling. The pardess' ears flicked as he nibbled at one, and she twisted away from the nibbling to wrap her hand around one of his curling horns and pull his face closer to hers.
"Is that a promise~?" she sing-songed. Syrie Ashoka could be so very strange and yet so incredibly lovely at the same time; Yu really did enjoy spending time with - and around - the Pardess regardless of what they might be doing. She was also one of the few beings currently alive that were allowed to push and pull at Yu in a figurative or literal manner; case in point: she was holding one of his horns and tugging his head down while sing-songing back at him.
"Yes." With his head so close to hers, the Dragon King leaned in so that there was no space between them, pressing his muzzle against her mouth in a kiss light enough, gentle enough that his sharp teeth would not harm her soft flesh. "And a threat, too." Xia Lu Ling's tone was suggestive; he'd eat her, alright...she would squirm under him, sharp-nails digging into muscles covered in thick, plush fur if he had his way. Definitely a promise and a threat, oh yes! Such a naughty creature Harmodius' Emblem Pillar could be! Word Count: 2499; 1776 (Sy) / 723 (Meep)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:27 am
Zero Dream His master was resting, that much he knew. He also knew that his brother would see to anything he might need, in any way he possibly could.
And yet...
Yet Harmodius would likey enjoy the company of another of His kings. And if he found himself disturbing anything, he could simply turn back. Little thing to justify what was, deep down, only the need to see his master.
And so, he did.
He was wearing the purple and silver outfit that his host has worn after having been deemed a prophet by her people, adjusted by Lindita to take account for wings and tail, bare feet brushing along the stone paths of the garden as he headed toward Harmodius' personal chambers, where he figured both master and brother might be. The fact that he was wearing a skirt - elaborate and pretty as it was - did not bother the dragon in the least.
At least, he stopped before the door and, without hesitation, knocked. Syrie Unexpected as it may have been, the face that greeted Yu's Brother-Dragon belonged to the God of Silence, Endiovar. Creation remained where he rested, atop the darkly plush Xia Lu Ling, as Endi's pale face opened in a warm smile of welcome.
"Welcome, Dragon King. You are looking quite well, please, do come in. Harmodius will be pleased to see you." Of that, he was quite sure; Creation did so love his Dragons! Among all of His 'children' they had been most favored Before and were once more sliding into such an exalted status with scale, fang and claw. Once the visiting Dragon had stepped inside, wings and tail clearing the doorway, Endiovar would close up once more before leading the purple-decked god along the footpath that lead back to Creation.
Chimes called softly and all manner of exotic life surrounded; flora and fauna alike. It was beautiful, so very beautiful, and also quite familiar to Silence; he could have left Xun to traverse the space on his own - to approach his resting Lord without escort, but Endiovar wasn't the sort to gesture in some vague direction when he could easily accompany the other. Zero Dream Definitively not who he'd been expecting, no ! But seemingly pleasant nonetheless. He'd seen this god around, but not known much of him just yet. Well, perhaps it was time to remedy such thing ?
"Thank you." He offered with a nod of the head. "Silence, was it ? I believe we have crossed paths, but not properly met. I am Ti-Lung, Xun Jiang."
At second glance, perhaps Endiovar's presence here wasn't so surprising - hadn't he kept quite close to Creation at the remaking of the sky, after all ?
Hmmm... Ivynian The pillar was really wonderfully soft when he had a mind to be. While Zhijian was in all technicality his steed, it was turning out that Yu had been thrust into the role of walking fainting lounge. Duncan had gotten a good laugh in conversation of this observation, calling him “the Sofa King instead of a Dragon King” some hours ago. Apparently that lent itself to some other joke that Creation wasn’t quite privy to yet. He was contemplating asking Endiovar about it, having no energy himself to spend on the dissemination of self or consciousness to come to the answer himself. What occupation had been taking up the time since the mortal’s departure and silence’s arrival was unapparent. Just the same, Creation remained stretched along the length of the Pillar, as though the beast were a tiger and the both of them in some old fantasy illustration. He was experiment with the the differences in rumbles given by the dragon based on where in the fluff and scales he scritched his own claw-like nails. “Whom was calling?”He hadn’t looked up, assuming on hearing return of steps that Endiovar was returning from the door. Syrie "It is good to place a name to a familiar face, Dragon King Xun Jiang." Walking with Ti-Lung, the Silence god was afforded another long look at Creation lounging upon his "throne"; the pillar didn't seem to mind and had happily played the sofa to his Master for some time now.
"The Dragon King Ti-Lung, Xun Jiang." Endiovar couldn't help but smile at the way Creation was playing with Yu Five Claws. It was amazing how something so brutish and bestial could be reduced to rumbling purrs and other soft, felid sounds. Endiovar returned to his place near Harmodius after introducing Xun Jiang.
As likely to get up and move as the sofa that Duncan had jokingly referred to him as, Yu's ears did perk when he heard his sibling's voice speaking with Endiovar, but he was rather quickly distracted by the delightful scritching being given to him by Harmodius. Glorious scritches! A world of rumbles, purrs and near-purrs blossoming from within the Dragon King's massive chest; one might have been surprised at just how many different tonal variations could come from Xia Lu Ling...if one could get past being utterly terrified of him, that was!
"Brother Xun." One blue eye opened to look at his purple-clad sibling; tail swishing slowly once, then twice, to show his pleasure at reuniting once more, but that was all - the rest of his being was devoted to Creation. Zero Dream "It is I, my Lord." He said as he took the last few steps that lead him to his beloved Master, smile breaking free easily. Oh, Yu... ! Certainly it would be hard for anyone to fear the emblem pillar if they ever saw a sight like this. That his focus remained Him was perfectly natural, and Ti Lung only nodded at the greeting.
"I thought you might enjoy some company, today." He nodded. "Even if it seems that the thought has occurred in others, as well."
Silence's presence did not bother the dragon, not really. Clearly the pale god was here because he was allowed to be, especially with his brother being present.
Another smile took form when Xia Lu let out another low purr, definitively amused. Lucky dragon king, right there. Maybe one day he would be the one to recieve such attention... And really, he'd probably be little more than putty in the Crown's hands, as well. Ivynian Creation sat up slowly, though he did not remove one of his hands from its deep ensconce in the midnight fluff. “So comes the giver of gifts to the Worthy, as the sea to the sky giving up its sweetness, that frequent may be the rains then falling. More common than wine, but more precious- what is the vine left untended by these efforts? Dust. What is the tilled earth unsounded? Parched. The little rivers dried up and the mouths of the many clamorous and hoarse for their great needs. The guide of Waters comes, of their needing and distribution, from smallest spring along scales searching out to wide lochs and lakes, and looks greater in stature than was before. You grow well into your coils, Ti-Lung. Welcome, as ever. ”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:07 am
Synopsis: In which Endiovar and Harmodius spend some time together talking and then go to visit the mortal-borne marketplace. Harmodius, in a ploy to remain free of a million people clamoring for his attention/mana, plays dress-up, but is still so weak that he ends up giving some rather large hints as to whom he truly is due to needing Xia Lu Ling's continued assistance to walk....
It's not like Puppy is exactly inconspicuous![Word Count: ??? Endiovar / ??? Yu / ??? Harmodius]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:31 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:40 pm
...// PRP - Doors and Rooms (Carp / Valor / Yu) Eftemie Tristan had been living with Taj for some time now. Although his family were remaining there, he needed some space. He hated the fact that all the women chasing him, because of the condition his brother had placed on him, were in fact disrupting Taj's rooms. Every time he turned around Illiad was chasing someone out or Taj was having to prevent by leaving two of his aoide at the very door to keep the women out. He was beginning to think that the God of Love was playing tricks on him and had instigated his brother. It was time he had his own rooms but he had no idea who to speak to about it. He knew that Tien would be asking and at some point so would Priscilla who was now firmly entrenched in Taj's rooms with Teilil and Sha'dera. Alfonze had also come along. He shook his head. Mystery nearly had a full house already. He sighed as he walked past Illiad. "I'm going to go see about something, Illiad. If it works out, we will be moving out of here. I'm sure that my family will be following Tien except maybe Kinjin. He's got it bad for Keeva and she's going to remain. I'll need your help getting things set up as they should be if I do manage to find someone and an empty space." The naga aoide glanced over at him from where she was folding towels from the bathroom. She had washed them and hung them to dry outside. They smelled fresh but as she watched him, she knew why he was doing this. "As you say, Tristan. If so, then I will get things ready when you return. We don't have much so it should not take long." He was out the door quickly moving through the pantheon. Tristan glanced around the various people and gods moving around for someone to answer his questions. He felt a bit lost with no clue who to speak to. A room of our own would allow not just privacy but performance of our office more. We would rest more easily as ruler than guest. Valor was definitely for the idea of having their own room. Perhaps Tristan would relax more and it would be a bit easier between them.Priscilla came up behind him as he walked out the door. "Where you going, Tristan?" she asked, taking his hand. She was at loose ends and her newly repaired doll was sitting on the bed in her new room. She had only been in it a few weeks, but she was having fun having a family with Tei and 'Dera. And Alfonze. She couldn't forget him. "Going to have some fun? Take me too. I like fun." She squeezed his fingers tightly for a moment, smiling up at him. "I like my new room, but Carp and I need more space. I want to make dolls and for that I need tables and fabric and all sorts of things to make them right. Carp and I are going to be a dollmaker when he wakes up more. He's kind of sleepy still. Is Valor sleepy too? I asked Carp and he said he might be." She babbled as she watched the people pass by. "There are sure a lot of people here. I wonder which ones are all gods. Do you know?" Syrie So much to do, so many to speak to! Wonders of sight and sound and scent and so much more were continually washing over the darkly furred Dragon King; Yu Five Claws spent a great deal of his time securely in the company of Harmodius. The Twin Crown was his charge to protect, to speak for - to aid in whatever myriad way(s) available to him; duties he fulfilled with great joy and pleasure. What wasn't to love about being The Pearl That Fashioned All's right-hand Dragon and favorite chaise lounge? And yet there were times when it suited his Lord and Master to be without His fuzzy couch; times spent privately with Endiovar or Aristogeiton...or just times spent communing with Himself as He lay broad strokes to His book. It was in these times that Xia Lu Ling would lurk about, perhaps with his "adopted" children, Joss and/or Dan, their mother Ashoka, or any of the other Dragon Kings. He might be found wandering the mortal marketplace or just lounging near the various stretches of water within the Pantheon proper, but whatever activities Yu indulged in, he was always gracious to any that wished to speak with him. Unless he was in a wretched mood, rather.
Being Creation's mouthpiece, effectively being Metatron, meant that he needed to remain open and willing to speak with others; help guide those that wished for his guidance. If not Yu, there were those within the Pantheon grounds and beyond that belonged to the bestial Dragon King that could be sought after. Blessed and Harlan, the members of what had once been Harlan's congregation that were now devout followers of the Dragon King. Aiode or mortal, Yu had many under his protection that could be counted upon to pass along messages, to assure that Xia Lu Ling would come and speak with whomever had requested a meeting.
Although his time was heavily spent towards being with Creation, Yu was at that particular moment on that particular date not twined around his Lord and Master. He was, however, resting on marbled steps that lead down to a breeze-kissed pool of reflective water in one of the many "theaters" available for beings to gather within for speech or arts or whatever else might be wanted or needed. Useful places, really. Xia Lu Ling quite enjoyed them, as did Harmodius and Endiovar. From where the black-furred Dragon rested he could watch people coming and going from deeper within the Pantheon Proper, where the rooms belonging to the various deities could be accessed as well as the Marketplace - if one had sharp eyes, that is. Yu's many eyes were quite sharp and lost details of nothing wherever he cast his gaze while his large ears caught and funneled sounds just as effectively; a light, soft voice chimed in bright question, piquing his interest.
"Aye, child. Some do." From deep in the great-shaggy head belonging to the massive pitch-coloured monster came a low voice, projected so that small ears would catch easily. He knew not the names of the small one, nor that of her companion, only that both had the feel and scent of god-gems. Hosts, both of them! And one a babe? Curious and curiouser. He did not move, more than to lift his head some; although his form was typically bipedal (or massive dragon!), today it was very plainly that of a four-feet-upon-Gaia quadruped. A very horrific, nightmarish quad, thus his remaining still so as to not frighten either Host. Eftemie Priscilla tilted her head looking Yu over closely. She was entirely unafraid of him. It never occurred to her that she should be. Everyone here had been really nice and she had forgotten all the trouble with Zrath and his minions. "Wow... you are really big. That's sooo cool... There are so many people here, but I think you are the coolest I've met yet." She stepped to the side to study him, a smile on her face. "I bet I could make a doll that looks just like you. Well, if Carp helps me. He's better at it than I am." "Priscilla, you should introduce yourself first," Tristan said chuckling. He bowed to Yu, saying, "This is Priscilla, she is host to Carpediem, Manikin Virtuoso, the Dollmaker. My name is Tristan Vryce, and I am host to Phalanx, Orie Baniere, also known as Valor. We were unsure who to talk to about rooms of our own. We are housed with Lord Mystery at the moment. He also has quite the following, so it made sense for us to seek our own if possible rather than intrude on the cat's intrigues." Tristan was not afraid either. If Yu had meant them harm, he would have done so already and not spoken. He did wonder what Yu was but he had no clue just by looking at him. Perhaps canine he decided.How else could he put it? Mystery seemed to have his fingers in many places. Then he added with a grin as he watched Priscilla. "She's right. You are big. I don't think I've seen anyone bigger yet. I suppose that might come in handy if you were in a battle. Or for keeping people in line." "Yup, like he said, I'm Pris." she said, but then her eyes got really big at what Carp said next. *You don't suppose he would give me some of that hair for a doll, do you?* He knew Pris was the only one who could hear him and her reaction would be amusing."I don't think I will ask him that, Carp," she giggled aloud. Pris pursed her lips. "Maybe if he ever sheds, I might ask, but not asking to cut his hair for a doll. I just met him and it's not polite." Her hand flew over her mouth and she turned slightly red. "Um.. I said that aloud, didn't I? I'm sorry. He gets these ideas... but not all of them are well.. I don't repeat them and sometimes I forget that I need to talk to him silently until he can speak on his own." Syrie From the mouths of babes. One set of sapphire eyes closed in amusement as he took in Priscilla's reaction to placing voice to face and form; so very much like his own spawn; utterly fearless in the face of the new until given reason to believe otherwise and forever ready to speak openly from mind and heart. Briefly did he wonder what Joss and Dan were up to - 'Ah yes, today they are with Blessed and Harlan for studies...good. Perhaps I shall take them today, later.' The Dragon King spent a good bit of time with Fragment's children - effectively his children - teaching them the things they would need to know, as well as many other things. If not him or Ashoka, there were always his most trusted followers to take part in caring for the pardmentlings.
"Is that so?" One brow quirked as Priscilla expounded on the "coolness" of his nightmarish face; Yu shifted so that he could face the pair better, half sitting, half laying in the manner of a very large dog with it's forelegs reaching out in front, elbows tucked under the thick ruff at his collar. Behind the lengthy beast and just reaching the pool of water to dampen the tip, Yu's tail twitched lazily; Tristan came forward to gently chide the girl for not following societal norms and offering up introductions prior to talking of other things. A formal introduction came after, in which he learned that both were indeed hosts to gods, specifically to Valor and the Dollmaker; such interesting domains! Valor felt a great kinship to - were not the Dragon Kings possessing of such lofty traits? And it made sense, of a sort, that Priscilla held Carpediem - what better vessel for his rebirth than a child?
Not only an introduction, but purpose. "Greetings and much welcome to you, Host Priscilla and esteemed Dollmaker, Carpediem. And to you, Host Tristan and banner-of-brave, Phalanx." Eyes bright, the Dragon King shook his great head so that the light shining over them glinted off small sapphire scales under the color-tinged black fur. "I am the Emblem Pillar, Yu Five Claws. Companion and Voice of His Will among the Pantheon, the Dragon King Xia Lu Ling. As he spoke mana seemed to crackle across his body, making his fur fluff up so that he seemed to grow larger.
He was amused at the conversation between the Dollmaker and Vessel - what he got of it, anyway. It had been so very long since he had been as the two new gods were: housed in a gem, buried within his host's flesh, building his strength for rebirth by siphoning energy and life-force; memories of conversations held with the Fragment were amusing and tinged with fondness. "I take no offense. There is no harm done with asking a question, regardless of what the answer might be." Yu chuckled again, "At one time I would have denied such a request as my host's coat was less fur than directed and shaped mass. Since rebirth I find this has changed." Yu's muzzle skinned back from sharp teeth of red in a horror-show of a smile, "Perhaps you'd like to gather some now, lest you forget? I could use a good scratch." Generally Xia Lu Ling didn't offer to let people give him 'scritches' like a dog, but for the child's amusement - and as a gift to Carpediem, he was willing to suffer potentially looking ridiculous. A boon to the Dollmaker as a show of good-will; definitely something done with the knowledge that he was Harmodius' fuzzy ambassador of sorts. It would please the Dragon King greatly to forge a friendship or alliance with both of the new gods, at the very least they would not fear to come to him, come near him should they need something he could aid with in the future.
"Do not fret, child. We all of us have been through it, it is part of the cycle of rebirth." Poor Tristan, he must have felt sorely forgotten though he was more assuredly not. "Host-Tristan, you spoke of seeking space of your own, yes? I may be able to help you in your quest." Eftemie She giggled at his use of her name and Carp’s title, but curtseyed to him. “It’s just Pris.” Then Priscilla’s eyes went wide and she laughed. “I really can?!!” then she frowned, “but no cutting. I will only take what falls. Sha’dera says that when she gathers nuts and fruit from the trees. She will only take what they give her. Of course her magic was going crazy for a while with the babies and all. She’s got twins now. I’ll brush your hair, but only what clings to the brush will I take. It’s only fair.” Her eyes said she was adamant about her choice too. Pulling the hairbrush she always carried in her pocket, she moved over to where she reach his hair easily. Alfonze had insisted she keep her hair neat as there was so much of it. Maybe she should have ‘Dera trim her hair and use it for a doll too. “Tell me if I pull too much and it hurts, Yu. I will be gentle, I promise,” Priscilla said softly as she began to brush out Yu’s hair. There had been a time or two when a maid had pulled her hair too much and it hurt. She didn’t want to hurt Yu. She liked him and she could tell that Carp liked him too. It amused her that Yu had said yes, but she was not letting Carp get away with cutting anything. There was no reason to when it was so pretty on Yu. There were always things to pick up and her pouch was usually full of useful things for making dolls. Today was an exception and the pouch was empty. She carefully picked each strand stuck to the brush up and placed it in the pouch humming one of ‘Dera’s lullabies as she brushed his hair. Tristan was amused as he bowed to the dragon king. “This could become a habit. She already has Mystery watching for things wherever he goes for her dolls. And somehow I’m quite certain Phalanx will be doing the same. Sha’dera and Teilil are two elves who more or less adopted her when we found her. It was quite the adventure with me ending up in trouble as usual. I seem to charge forward without thinking most of the time.” He thought for a moment. “Yes, we have been with Mystery for some time. My people come from a world called Eshurian. It is a long story, but recently demons appeared and we had to abandon our home. There were only about 243 or so of us left. Many are followers of Lady Trickery, but others follow Mystery, but Mystery is housing us all within his rooms. He seems to enjoy the distractions for some reason,” he laughed softly. “The cat is a cat and must play I suppose.” “Yes, we need the space. I alone have five brothers, and there are things that Valor would like to begin, but it is not possible while we are still housed with Tajnevaki. There are those who are already swearing loyalty to me and I would see them properly taken care of. Although the trouble I cause them to get into later is I am sure to cause them to want to hit me.” He chuckled. “And I am a twin, so if you do happen to see another who looks like me, but does not seem to know you, it is likely my brother Enjiron.” Syrie Priscilla's giggle was like tinkling bells to the Dragon King; he did so enjoy children! And definitely, absolutely not in the way his host once had, as a nice - if noisy - snack. Though she bade him call her Pris, the way that Yu addressed hosts was not really up for discussion; it was as much a part of him as his long pale hair, sapphire colored scales and horns, multiple sets of eyes and strangely-hued pitch colored fur. "Host Pris, then. Take whatever you will, child." So, she carried a hairbrush around with her, and a satchel for gathering any bits of bricka-brack or flim-flam that might be used in doll-making no doubt.
"I had forgotten how pleasant this could be." With a pleased grunt Xia Lu Ling relaxed under the gentle ministrations of Carpediem's host, the brush smoothing out errant bits of hair and fluff; she would find that quite a bit actually came out with the brushing. Clearly Yu had not groomed himself well that day...either that, or he just hadn't gotten to the task yet, preferring to have basked in the "sun" before anything like that. At any rate, the very important sounding Dragon King almost purred while being brushed and likely would have taken a small nap right then and there save that Tristan remained and had presented a quandary, a quest. And just plain interesting conversation to boot!
"My son, Joss, has lovely fur that needs brushing...perhaps, if you are not afraid you might make an attempt." Yu used magic and pure strength and force to do it. Or Rio's magic-borne candies. Both Joss and Dan would sit still for the god of Love, but not for much else, the horrid little bitey things! "I see, that sounds quite chaotic. The Lord Mystery has far more patience than one might think of such a domain..." It was pretty clear that space was definitely needed - luckily, he had learned a thing or two from Harmodius and could help out in just that way. "Some day, you may choose to build your own temple, but for the time being space shall be fashioned to your liking, to suit all your needs. Understand you that the ability to change the space will be yours, once you enter the doors. We only ask that you spend the mana with reservation - All That Is remains in a state of continual healing and much of His energies expend in that direction. Through me also." Mostly, he was warning them to not go nuts immediately, to take their time and slowly shift things, changing them or whatnot. It was only polite to the living batteries!
"Will you be sharing your spaces together, Host Pris and Host Tristan? If you decide to do so now and wish to separate later that is also an option." But he needed to know so that he could get started. Never mind that he planned to wait until the child was finished brushing his hair! Pleasure first, then work, right? Eftemie Priscilla was pleased to do this for Yu. He had such lovely hair and she was getting more than she had expected. But each strand was taken carefully and put into the pouch at her side. She would have to figure out a special doll for this and then send it to him. But Carp would have to do it she decided as she continued humming for him. “I could try brushing them. That song is a lullaby. ‘Dera sings it to her babies. Of course she sings better than I do.” She brushed his hair at least 100 strokes for each section. That’s what Dera said would make her hair shine so it would his too. When she was finished, Pris sat down beside him, carefully closing her bag and putting the brush back in her pocket. *Thank him for me, Priscilla.* Carp was pleased that Yu had allowed him some of his hair. Real hair would be something rare for a doll, but this would be even more of a rarity as it came from a dragon king. “Carp says thank you, Yu,” she said, wrapping her arms around him as much as she could. He was bigger than she was so it was more of a lean against him with her arms spread out. “And I need lots and lots of room. I have to have enough space for at least three things. Alfonze. He makes my dresses. Second, I have to have room for making dolls. And third I have to have Teilil, Sha’dera, and the two babies even if they are noisy. Well,” she frowned. “I suppose Teilil, ‘Dera and two babies is four things, so guess I need more than three.” She giggled again. Tristan grinned at her actions, but then said, “No. We need separate rooms. I am sure that Teilil and Sha’dera can use the space because of their twins. And I have some of my family with me. I think honestly that it gives the cat more to play with.” He laughed thinking about Tajnevaki. “He is the one who gave me the stone containing Valor. He indicated nothing, but we have learned that it was he who helped seal our world from the dangers that hunted us. And he even knew that I was not who I professed to be in the beginning.” Tristan grinned widely. “As I said I jump in first then ask questions most of the time. When we were chased from our world to this one, I arrived here before the others after having been separated from them. I told everyone I was Enjiron because I figured that people coming up to him and saying ‘Hello, Enji,’ would let him know that I was alive. Needless to say, he hit me a few times when he finally did catch up to me. Although I deserved it, he hits very hard.” “And we can limit what we use. I would rather not weaken anyone else to accommodate us. For now I will simply make what I need. Then later if I need to change anything, I will do it slowly.” He had not understood that the rooms were changeable because of Creation and those closest to him. But it made sense when small things were reshaped by Taj that he was able to do so. Syrie Still almost purring from the blissful sensations Priscilla's brushing, Yu was feeling too kindly to the child-host to have her waylaid by his sharply-fanged little spawn. "If you do come and try to brush them, I will make sure they do not take bites out of you." His tone was not one of exaggeration or hyperbole - it was as bland and straight as if he were describing the state of the weather; to say that Joss and Dan were half-feral and sharp would be an understatement.
When the child-host tried hugging him, he put a large paw around her a bit; his way of thanking her for such a nice brushing. To their thanks he simply shook his head slowly, "No need to thank me, Dollmaker and Host. I benefited as much as you may." Once more the large quadrupedal Dragon King shifted his big body, moving water-dampened tail tip from the water pool so that it might dry. Yu's attention focused wholly when both hosts began speaking of their spacial needs; all words were considered with due gravity.
What they were asking wasn't some arbitrary thing, it was important. Harmodius would want them to be comfortable, to have the space that they needed and by the Pearl Xia Lu Ling would deliver just that! Of course he informed them that it would be best to have some restraint when it came to shifting their spaces around until they themselves had the mana to burn - until then they were borrowing from Creation and his Pillar. "Thank you for understanding. You do not need limit yourselves greatly but have some care. Once you've grown in power you will be able to do as you wish on your own." He chuckled a bit and looked from man to child. "Stand clear and give me a moment."
As soon as the child stood safely away from the Dragon King, Yu's eyes closed; the air around him began to smell sharply of ozone and something more, something undefinable. Dark fur began to stand on end, with each strand fluffed out and almost crackling with the energy being channeled. For long moments mana would swirl around the Dragon King, pooling briefly between his horns before seeming to wink out of existence. When the last of the mana faded and his fur ceased being poofed out like an angry cat, it was done.
Finally, Yu's eyes opened, he looked to Priscilla first. "Seek you an arched door of gilded working wonders, Dollmaker. Figures and parts that move like clockwork to delight and guide your guests within." After giving her guidance to find her newly appropriated rooms he smiled and then turned to Tristan, "For you, Host-Tristan, and yours..."He breathed deeply, then sighed, resettling his great head tiredly atop his freshly crossed paws. "Valor's home is kept behind straight, squared beams, emblazoned with engravings. Scenes of glories and inspiration."
He was tired now and wished for a nice long nap or the healing presence of his beloved Lord. But he would not take his leave or allow the pair of hosts-with-deity-within to go so long as there were questions needing answer, requests that needed filled. "Within the Pantheon now stand two new doorways. Within you will find space to fulfill your needs and the means to augment and change things to suit your whim and will." Laying there, one set of sapphire eyes watched the pair as he rested. Eftemie A giggle had slipped free when he spoke of them taking bites out of her. Maybe they were.. what was the word... teething or something like Dera said the her babies would do when they started growing teeth. She should bring them something to chew on, maybe. But then the thought was unmentioned as Priscilla's grew large when Yu created their doors, but the description he gave made her suck her breath in sharply in anticipation. "Working things?! Oh boy!! Thank you, Yu." She moved forward and would kiss him on the cheek softly. "I'll make Tristan help me find my rooms." She glanced up at the man with a grin on her face. Tristan nodded, bowing. "Thank you, Yu. I am quite sure we shall be able to find them." Glories and inspiration, huh? His family would have said it was more like pranks and diving in without looking. Tristan was amused. "Come along, Priscilla. We need to go find these now that we have them." He offered his hand to the child, smiling at the kiss for Yu. Would that such innocence would never disappear. "Come visit me, Yu," she said after taking Tristan's hand. "If you don't, I'll have to come bother you again." Priscilla giggled as she let Tristan lead her away. Syrie When Priscilla kissed his furry cheek in thanks, her excitement at having her own space - with doors that held visual wonders, no less! - Yu's tail thumped once, twice. "You are both welcome." It was obvious that he was tired now, though he kept the bulk of his strain hidden even from these two; it did no good to advertise that one was so drained to those newly met, no matter how friendly they seemed. But then, he had never done this before and hadn't known just how tiring it would be at this point; even with those feelings of power swelling beneath the surface, of self grown more formidable, Yu's body was still that newly-made thing, not so long past having fused and changed to suit.
"You will no doubt find them easily. They shall speak to you." For he had also keyed them to the pair's energies, as Harmodius would have. Yu chuckled once more, eyes closing completely as though he were going to nap in the warmth of the light shining overhead, again so like a dog or cat. "I will visit, when you are settled, but come see me anyway, host-child." One eye in four cracked open to watch Priscilla and Tristan's retreating backs; good people. Good vessels, Valor and the Dollmaker had chosen well...and what would they retain, when the mortals were no longer there? The Dragon King could only muse momentarily before falling into a deep - but wary - sleep; resting the way only predatory creatures could, with one ear open to his surroundings. Word Count: 3,147 (Yu) / 2,415 (Carp/Valor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:51 pm
another solo? WTFH.
DAYUM DAT WAS HARDER DAN I THOUGHT. HMMMM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:55 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:47 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
