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 Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:57 pm
::Green Eyes Glowing: The week of Envy:: Eftemie Solo( 07.17.08 ) She silently sat on the steps thinking about about what her life was at this moment. So much was gone, changed and yet others had more than she had. Glancing around at the buildings nearby, she realized just what beautiful structures they had once been. She was so sure they had been filled with families that had everything they wanted and needed. A father and mother. Brothers and sisters. All the things she had always wanted but never had. Lisana sorted through the memories that were still slowly becoming her own. Feelings of inadequacy and pain stumbled down on her, leaving her gasping. Once more she turned to stare at the now forgotten richness of marble columns and granite steps that led upwards to a rich burnished wooden door aglitter with the bright colors of stained glass. Inside she imagined a wide curving staircase leading upwards to an ornately decorated landing. Doors appeared along both sides, leading into rooms that were large, rich with silks and the best furniture. Drapery made of the finest cloth graced the tall wide windows where a plush window-seat appeared in each room. Beds and couches would be covered in lush pillows and comfortable quilts. An intense frown slipped across her face as her jade eyes narrowed in more than a little anger at what they had. Why had she not had all of this? SHE would have appreciated it and protected it. SHE would have taken care and it would still be standing in all its glory, burnished and looking new. Her fist clenched in more than a little anger as she got to her feet walking towards it. It should have been hers. They had not deserved it and had abused what they did have. The closer she got to the door, the angrier she got. She stared at the bright bits of glass in the door. It should have been her bright and sunny doorway leading people to her. Her foot scuffed the lower step causing her to glance downwards at the bits that had been broken and tossed to the side. "It should have been mine." she snapped, picking up a stone. Before she even understood she had acted, the rock was flung free of her fingers. She watched as it soared upwards towards the very thing she had envied them most for. The glass shattered, scattering outwards in a shower of rainbows. Each piece dropped as if in slow motion to the ground, cascading, splintering even smaller. The crash followed by the tinkling of the shards caused her to blink in surprise. Several pieces were still in the door hanging on for only seconds longer before they too began to drop, spiraling to the stone porch, shattering onto the myriad of fragments already there. For a long moment she flinched as the pieces continued to settle. She stared, her jaw open as she gazed upon the shattered and empty door. Feeling suddenly weak, she dropped to her knees gasping. What was wrong with her? Why was she so upset by what others had? Eftemie had never envied anyone for what they held. Even when her own emptiness was felt, she had pushed beyond that emotion to congratulate them and be truly happy for their good fortune. Tears slipped free as she blinked hard, picking up a violet piece of the shattered glass. It carried some milky white within this portion that had once been a blossom bursting in the corner and she clutched hit gently as she tried to wipe her tears away. This was so unlike her. Unlike the girl that had been her host. And especially unlike what they should be together. Shaking her head as if to clear it, she finally stood still, gazing at the glass in her fingers. Now she owed them. Should they return, she would have to make amends in some way. Pocketing the shard carefully, Lisana decided that it would serve as a reminder. One day, she would return and meet those people who lived there. They had brought out both the worst and the best in her. She was the stronger for it.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:59 pm
::Abstract Smiles::Eftemie Solo
Intro to Sinestra who is a follower of Lisana09.04.08For a long moment Lisana merely stared at the wall around the Pantheon. Something was very wrong here. The window had shattered, others followed some strange looking half woman and then the huge dark thing had settled loudly behind her. The power of the magics used to call forth that thing she could only guess at. They were far over her limits, but evenso the goddess was quite certain that she did not want to touch such a thing as the wall before her. Her hand shielded her eyes as she debated its height. Her bubbles might propel her up and over it, but they might as easily propel her directly into it. That could not be a good thing or that creature would not have left it there. And half woman or not, she was long gone. Lisana simply stared, hesitating on what she should do. There was little she could do. A wall did not laugh at bad jokes and she most certainly could not make it laugh. It was not a sentient thing. A feeling of powerlessness slipped over her not unlike what she'd felt during the fading. Shaking her head, she snickered to herself. Sometimes there truly was nothing one could do to directly help. Her thoughts turned to those back at the loft and the wave that had hit her. There had been bodies along the way. It made her wonder how Joe, Jace and the rest had fared. Turning away, she began walking back towards her loft though she dreaded the thought of any injured. They were under her care as they had been Eftemie's. And now they were both. She was both the girl she had grown to cherish as well as the goddess from long ago. Reconciled she had the memories of both and was both but neither. A sudden sigh passed her lips as she shook her head to clear it of the confusing thought. She was who she was and that's all she could be. She had to find who she was herself. Not live in the past. And most certainly not avoid as both had done. Glancing back at the wall one last time, Lisana's choice was clear. She'd have to return until that thing was gone. Once it came down, she could find out what was happening and what that half-woman had done. She'd check everyday. It was all she could do. The streets were so quiet as she wound her way back to the loft. The stillness was eerily oppressive as she stepped around the barricades as she always did. It was then she heard a groan of pain. Turning her head, she tried to focus on it. Letting it lead her, she stepped around the corner of a building to find a young woman holding an old woman who was obviously dead.
"Oh dear!" she gasped, moving to them immediately. Lisana reached for the elderly woman's wrist only to have the younger shake her head. "She's dead. Something happened and... she just died." the girl stated, tears in her eyes. She glanced up at Lisana, blinking in sudden surprise. "You! It was you we were looking for!" Startled, Lisana moved back. "Me? You were looking for me?" she repeated and asked. "Why?""Because we thought.. well, it was your fortune at the carnival and she knew that you were more or would become more..." the girl sighed. "You are one of the gods, no? Her name was Sinestra, but mine is Sinestra also. I mean.. It's hard to explain but that was the way we dealt with those needing fortunes told and she needs taken care of, but it was you we needed."
"The carnival." She glanced down at the old woman again, taking in her clothing, the things she wore. The pendant was missing, but then she noted it around the younger's neck. There was power there of some sort, though she could not see what it was, her eyes lingered on it as if it were familiar in some fashion. "Eftemie was at a carnival. Tempest and his friends put it together for her birthday. When he gave her the stone." Sighing, she said, "I am Lisana, goddess of Laughter. We need to bury her, but I do not think we can do this alone. Come with me. We will have to leave her here and then return with Joe and Jace. Many have died and I do not think it is safe to remain here long. I suspect it will get worse. There is nothing we can do for her. Come."
Covering the old woman with what they could find as a makeshift grave, both stood silently for a moment. Hopefully should they ever meet her again, she would not hate them for leaving her lie where she had died. Graver things were afoot and both felt it. Reaching out to touch the younger woman's hand, she insisted they move away from there. Sinestra the younger got to her feet, leaving behind the old woman. Once she glanced back, but in that moment, a faint smile slipped out. She had another life to live yet and she was once more with the goddess she adored. Laughter can be naive, ignorant, and even hurtful. Sadness, fear, and even wickedness can affect it when unprepared for the strength of will behind such aspects. But then when one avoids as Lisana was prone to do- as her host had even done- one sees but does not acknowledge what is on the peripheral of one's sight. To do so makes it live and then it must be dealt with. And dealing changes the game enough that all those touched are no longer who they once were. Lisana and Sinestra returned quickly to the loft. The streets were strangely silent as they walked along them. At least more silent than normal and it gave a surreal quality to the echoes of their footsteps making them increase their pace. Lisana sighed as the building came into view. A few moments later found them rising upwards in the elevator. "Lisana, I'm glad you are back." Joe stated softly watching her for a long moment. Something was different about her. But what was it? "What was the shockwave that came through? Your creatures were going nuts for a short time. Jace is ill and in bed. I.. had to hit him to stop him from jumping out the window." His admission was unnecessary except for the fact that it would explain the man's condition. "I don't know what's happening but some ghost named Meroe showed up looking for you and I sent him to the Pantheon where you'd said you were going."
"Un..." She blinked at him in surprise for a moment, nearly having called him 'uncle'. "I guess you had to do what you had to, Joe. I'll go check on him in a bit. This is Sinestra. She'll be staying with us. It seems she was looking for me too. I'm sure Meroe will return or I'll see if I can find him tomorrow when I return to the Pantheon. I'm not entirely certain what is happening there. There's a wall around the building and I don't think it's for a good reason. I doubt they are having a party and keeping me out." She laughed, then shrugged at her bad joke. "Welcome, Sinestra. I'm Joe, Eftemie's..." he suddenly stopped, a hand rubbing across his balding head suddenly. "I was her host's uncle. I guess that's the best way to put it."
"And still my uncle." Lisana stated suddenly, but then stopped when he turned to stare at her. "I... the wave. She merged then because I needed her to... to pull myself-us together." Her voice was soft, almost ashamed that she had used it to pull the girl to her. Her eyes filled slightly, causing her to blink hard to drive them away. "I'm both of them and yet myself with their memories.""I see." he replied watching her for a moment. Then he moved towards her, hugging her tightly. "It's alright. At least a part of her will always be within you."
"I have to." she laughed sadly returning the hug. "There's nothing else I can do. Something has truly gone wrong and I can't sit by as she..I... did before. We've all just gotten a second chance."Sinestra remained silent as she watched. She remembered what the old woman had known. Well, what she had known. The final portion was within her and she smiled at that thought, though she was quite certain they would think she smiled at them. Lisana backed up after a moment. "Sinestra, you can have your choice of empty rooms down the hallway. Mine is the loft there." She indicated the nearby space overhead. "Joe's room is the first on the right. Jace's is the first on the left. The rest are open. Take your pick."
She nodded, but then stopped. "Most call me Nestra and thank you, my Lady." The girl bowed reverently to Lisana and then moved away. She would find duties to do later. For now she would rest and contemplate what had occurred that day. It was worth relishing. The third door on the right revealed a room that suited her. From the reddish tone of the woodwork to the purplish black of the furniture, she felt welcomed as if it had been waiting on her. With a smirk, she shut the door, claiming it for her own. A laugh slipped free as she lay back on the bed, reveling for a moment. Pulling the pendant out where she could see it, she smiled. It would be a time on her own before she would need to act again. Taking the second pendant from her pocket she studied it a moment, holding it beside the one she wore. "If only your victims knew what you were, my sweet." She laughed, the sound echoing through the room. Thinking back over the death of the old woman, she began to remember what had happened long ago as if it were on a screen before her. The images moved and lived in her mind's eye. "I give you this necklace because you mean so much to me, child." Sinestra stated, smiling, as she brushed her elderly fingers against the cheek of the young woman sitting with her.It was always the same old trap for the innocent and unwary. But it was necessary to keep going and too soon this child would find herself with no options other than what Sinestra presented to her. She laughed gently, but her humor was deceptive and soft aimed in its perfection to seduce the one with her, to lull the sense of whatever warning that might push forth.
"Oh! Thank you!" she said, blue eyes wide in surprise and warmth as she wrapped her arms around the old woman's neck. In delight she pulled back, holding it close a moment for study. Caught already, she hesitated, something akin to horror starting to appear in her eyes as she felt herself shoved hard. Painfully she ripped her eyes from it to stare at the old woman. The face wavered before her gaze but she could not move further to tug them from the sight.
"Put the necklace on, dear." Sinestra stated, a faint smirk turning her lips upwards in amusement. "Or is it that you begin to understand? It must hang under your clothing, hidden from sight." Her hand indicated the neck where the pendant should hang.
Horror appeared as well as panic and fear as her own hands lifted the chain over her head. Then she pulled the neckline of her blouse forwards, dropping the pendant inside before letting go. With all her will, she struggled as hard as she could to try to get free. The old woman had been so kind and generous and loving. Why was she doing this? What was she doing exactly?
"I imagine all sorts of thoughts are going through your head right now." she smirked getting to her feet. She moved a bit across the floor slowly, joints aching. "This is why." she stated, both hands in the air moving from her head to her feet to indicate the body she was slowly loosing control over. "I'm getting old again. It makes it very hard to continue. Without a new and younger body. You see, so long as we each wear a pendant, it will allow me to possess you until I am duplicated there... I become you and you simply disappear. They are wicked relics, benign when separated by more than a few feet, but one which I find necessary because of this driving wish to remain alive. I will not go into the details on why the pendants were created. Suffice it to say it was a reward with strings attached from one who knew more than I. I got my desire but not exactly as I expected and I imagine he is quite amused. If he is still alive. Perhaps he is not."
She smiled walking over to the girl who listened to her in horror and fear. The body barely trembled as an indication that someone was there. Otherwise she was a doll. A statue. Frozen and without any hope to walk away. She could not even move the hair from her face though she focused on trying to push anything into her control.
Sinestra laughed, reaching out to touch her jaw gently. "Don't worry. I will take good care of you, my dear. You shall be my closest companion, my servant, my daughter, but in the end I will be you and you will cease to exist."Over the next week, Sinestra made herself quite at home with Lisana and the rest of those who lived with her. She became a sort of aid to the goddess, going with her whenever she went anywhere and making sure she had what she needed. At some point she would pass out the other necklace and start over again. If the goddess knew, she said nothing, but Sinestra knew she fit right into the strange and unusual things that Lisana liked. Who knew what would come of it?
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:06 pm
::Wanted:: Joint with medea, Mouse, Skieborne09.07.08 Begun Week of Plaguemidnight_medea This time she was preapared. The goddess of numbers thought to herself as she wandered back up to the Pantheon. She had a bag of supplies, the knife that Lien had carried and spare clothes. Still it was with trepidation that she stepped up those cold stone steps and into the entrance hall of the building that was the source of all the evil in the world. She breathed deeply and chewed on her lip a bit. Nothing much had changed. The lobby was still a mess. There were people, some she recognised and some she did not, waiting ... but for what? Something tickled the back of her throat and prompted her to cough, the sound echoing up into the eves and joining the hum of hushed conversation. More people seemed to be within the throne room. She did not move closer to that place, it felt wrong and she was frightened of what she might find. As Cosine glanced around the hall of people she half wished she had managed to rack Ankou down that morning, or brought Infinity in. Anything to have a little bit of familiarity and support. She was a little more than nervous about getting people together and rather embarassed about the next phase of her plan. "Excuse me." She said, her voice small and slightly hoarse. A couple of people turned her way, gave her a half glance and then returned to their conversations. The goddess stepped forwards a little. "Excuse me." This time the voice was louder, more confident. Ankou was right, she had to do this. Pointless backing out and knowing you could have done something. "Um, can I have everyone's attention. I've found some information, a cult maybe, to Origin. I um, i was thinking, if it is Creation we are at the moment, maybe ... maybe they can help us. Maybe they know something that we have forgotten. I am ... I am going to try and find them. I would like some company, strength in numbers. Is anyone willing to join me?"Eftemie She had been walking to the Pantheon alone every few days trying to get information on the things being done to right what was wrong. Sinestra had taken to walking with her part of the time and so had Meroe or Arlecchino. The aoide had merely show up and started helping and teasing Yeti. This particular day it was Sinestra and Meroe who came with her, the woman carrying a bag of things that she had advised the goddess to take with her each day. Many people were there and so many were confused. Humans, gods, and a mix of other races some of which she was uncertain what they were. But when she heard the voice asking for help, she hesitated but then as she thought about it, she grit her teeth. Was this not what she was wanting to do? The last time she vaguely remembered parties at the end. Painful parties of the worst aspect of her.
"We are going, Sinestra." she stated, then turned to Meroe. "Tell Joe I will be back when I can. He should move everyone here if worse comes to worse."The ghost blinked, but nodded and moved out through the wall. Soon he was drifting along the steps and to the street. He would deliver the message though he was quite certain the man would be unhappy about it. Stepping towards the girl speaking, Lisana smiled, the bubbles rising round her. "I'll go along and Sinestra will come with me. I'm Lisana or Laughter to some."midnight_medea Cosine watched as people spoke to each other, whispered but none came forward. This was a stupid idea, she told herself as she prepared to slink off into obscurity. A female voice however made her stop in her actions. "You will?" She asked, trying not to sound too surprised as she took in the happy looking goddess. Laughter, the world could certainly use more of that. "I am Cosine, Numbers." She smiled and held her hand out. Okay, so maybe it wasn't such a bad idea, all she needed was some patience. Mouse Pachinkorelli There was the noise of hooves picking across the floor, somewhat rhythmically accompanied by the clack of a wooden stick, but they were drowned out by the milling and mumbling of the crowds until the two responsible for the sounds drew closer to the two goddesses. David had returned to the Pantheon, looking in a worse mood than usual, flanked by a minty Aoide who seemed to really want to help the host walk a bit more easily but was stopped by her desire to give him space. The god that now resided within him had done the same, withdrawing a bit from within their shared mind after explaining his fate to him. It was somewhat admirable that the mortal was still willing to go seek out more gods for him to get information from. When Cosine and Lisana came into view, however, Glaucon was compulsed to give his host a gentle mental prod. There are two Others over there, to the left..."Oh... that's Cosine," he said, a bit surprised to see her again. "She's the goddess of Numbers." No need to comment on how strange that was, he could feel the god's reaction to that well enough to know he was just as curious. And the other?David shook his head slowly and squinted a bit... bubbles, huh. "I don't know her, but she looks like she should be in a Coke commercial." Glaucon didn't bother with references to pop culture he didn't understand, instead sticking to business. That does not matter. It's more important that they might know things that could be of use, he replied. Let us go see what information they possess.With a long sigh, David approached the two goddesses, the Aoide close behind. He was a bit reluctant to face Cosine again. It was pretty obvious he wasn't the type to stick a gem in his forehead for decorative purposes, especially now that he was barefoot and was still wearing the same clothes he had had on when they first met. Eftemie She took her hand squeezing it gently for a moment. A smile on her face, she said, "I can't imagine bad jokes to be too handy, but I'll do the best I can to help."She glanced over at those approaching with a smile. A bit of anxiety slipped into her for the entire situation but she let little of it show on her face. The way her teeth tugged her lip absently was the only indication that she was as worried as the others. Where they were going, she was not entirely certain, but at this point, it didn't matter. Lisana wanted to help and she would this time. Sinestra had stepped back slightly to let the two goddesses speak. It was perhaps a good thing that she had insisted upon bringing the pack with them. They would be traveling to another world. That could be interesting at the very least. And perhaps a solution. midnight_medea "Bad jokes are just as good as good ones." Cosine said with a slight smirk as she shook Lisana's hand. So, that was one person aboard though they would need more, she thought. Just a couple more. She glanced around and blinked as she saw a familiar face.
"Davi..." The goddess trailed off as she saw the jewel that seemed to be firmly imbeded into his forehead. She should have known mortals did not manage to stay mortals for long around the Pantheon. "You're a host?" She could not stop the blunt comment as it escaped from her lips. Mouse Pachinkorelli "Yeah," David flatly and wearily replied, the answer every bit as blunt as Cosine's unavoidable question was. It wasn't as if there was any hiding it, and there was no will or way to gingerly work around it what with how the evidence of his new fate stared obviously out at all who gave him even a passing glance. He avoided eye contact with the goddess he felt he could refer to as a friend, wishing he could make some sort of lighthearted wisecrack about it but knowing he wouldn't be able to. Maybe Bubbles would do it for him; he thought he had heard her saying something about crappy jokes. They will want to know who you carry, David.Sigh. "His name is Glaucon," he begrudgingly continued. There was another mental prod, and his glowering expression increased in intensity. "He's the god of Judgement," was the result of that, in an exasperatedly raised voice that was meant for the god, a way of conveying his desire for him to shut up and leave him alone. "And he wants to know who your friend is and if you have any idea what's been going on lately besides Harmy-whatever's heart attack screwing everything up." His sudden outpour of abrasiveness startled the turquoise satyress a bit, and she shuffled to the side to give him a little more space. Eftemie She watched him a moment. Judgement. Interesting. But necessary during these days. With a smile, she tilted her head in slight amusement. There was a chance he would appreciate it. "I'm Lisana or Laughter. I'm pleased to meet both you and Glaucon." She held her hand out to him. "I'll send one of my court jesters right over for you then. Or perhaps Meroe. He's always amusing. A ghost who loses his head or more often is found juggling it." Her lips twitched upwards as she watched David. Turning to Cosine, she asked, "Who exactly are these people you want to find? And how do we get there? Bubbles might push me, but they will not fly." A giggle broke free as she watched those with her. A person could tell alot about their companions during a bad joke. midnight_medea Cosine raised an eyebrow at the mention of judgement. That was interesting, she could not really picture David becoming what sounded like such a sober influence ... then again she was hardly one to criticise hosts.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Glaucon." she said with a polite nod of her head. David's next words caused her to snort with mirthless laughter. We'd be here all day if we started to explain what was going on around here. There is not the time. I will insist for now we concentrate at the task in hand." She gave an efficiant nod and smiled to Lisana as she laughed.
"Come with me, I'll show you."
The goddess led the way to a low table and started to rummage in her bag for the infomation she had managed to gather.
"These people, they are worshippers of Origin. They have been for a very long time. I thought they may know some information that has been forgotton with the fading. Or maybe have items of note?" She shrugged a little and handed Lisana the book with the passage on the city. "As for getting there, I have a friend, a god reborn. He told me he knows how to get to these worlds through doors right here in the Pantheon." Mouse Pachinkorelli If David had even caught the little pun Lisana had greeted him with, he didn't seem to acknowledge it, taking the offered handshake with the hand that wasn't gripping his shoddily-carved wooden cane. "Laughter, huh. Bet you're a hit at parties." It is an equal pleasure to meet you both, Lisana and Cosine, Glaucon added. The host realized with a huff of a sigh that he'd be expected to relay everything the god had to say from here until... well, for now. Slightly annoyed at the prospect, he said, "Glaucon says hi." That is not what I said."It's close enough for them to get the idea," he replied snarkily, furrowing his brow and turning his gaze briefly upward, in the direction of the gem sitting above the bridge of his nose. "Oh right, and that's Eudocia." He gestured with a wobbling hand towards the goat girl, who shyly smiled and gave a little wave towards everyone present as they followed Cosine to the table for the promised information. David could feel Glaucon's mind working as the number goddess revealed her knowledge, seeming more than mildly interested at what was being revealed to them. The host, on the other hand, squinted in confusion, not quite seeing how this separate world would be able to help them. "Uhhh, waaaait a second," he requested, looking back up at the two he was with. "Who's Origin?" Glaucon sighed. SkieBorne It is busy today… Do they believe the pantheon will shelter them from the forces that ravage the land? The god sighed, watching the crowds with Malh’reth as they navigated about the sick and desolate. It was a shame such little shelter was to be offered here.
Still, it was a good place to come, to catch up on the world with a more informed mind to help guide the questions. Aisling hadn’t been lying… not strictly speaking, but her words and her manipulation still rankled the Aurion. And they were servants! Malh’reth’s lips pressed into a thin frown as he thought about Glyph’s reunion with his treasured goat girls. Don’t be sore… we spoke to Aisling and Natasha about their actions. They apologized for being elusive, Malh’reth.“Of course, you don’t feel bad about that because they brought you back, Glyph.” Mal retorted, rolling his eyes. The situation had been resolved but he’d refused to allow them to attend him at all unless he asked for their help… he wasn’t Glyph, wasn’t their master and didn’t want the fawning attentions.
Touching his stone as he spotted three auras that differed from the rest, he paused and adjusted the collar of his shirt, hoping to hide the gem under the fabric, instantly self conscious. It was one thing to know he was a host, another entirely to be blatantly obvious about it. Still, his efforts were in vain as the fabric shifted and let the gem peek out from the base of the V in his collar.Why do you fuss? They will know you carry a god without seeing my gem… It is nothing to be ashamed of. Glyph mentally patted the Aurion on the back, smiling softly. There was nothing to hide now.
“I’m not ashamed. Just… why my throat?” He grumbled and ran fingers over the lump in his flesh and sighed, “I guess I should go talk to them? You wanted to know more.” If you would. You’ve acquired a great deal of knowledge on your own… but more cannot hurt. My brethren will be most helpful in filling in the gaps in our knowledge.“I guess.” He laughed softly, “Perhaps I’ll be useful through you, then, Glyph.”
People around him were beginning to give him strange looks, eyes narrowed and posture defensive as though they thought he joined the growing number of insane, broken by wave after wave of tragedy. He only met their gaze boldly and moved on – there were more important things to do then question his sanity.
As he drew near, he blinked as he recognized the form of David and stopped, “David? What…?” Though he’d only met the cripple briefly and traveled only a short time with the man, he hadn’t thought the other would be one to plot with others… seemed far too grouchy for it. And yet, there he was, hovering around a table with two others whom he didn’t recognize.A friend of yours? Glyph asked, perking slightly as he ruffled through the other’s memories, looking for David’s face.
“Stop that. Yes. Er, no. I know him. Met him when I first came here.” Moving forward some, he took up a position on the edge of the group and leaned forward, “If I might ask, what are you doing?” Eftemie Lisana glanced over at Malh'reth, smiling warmly and welcomely. "I'm Lisana. Cosine has found something most interesting out. There's a city that we are going to go visit. They may have some answers we need."
She was so pleased to be doing something this time. Visiting an ancient place that she may have once known existed did not sound exciting, but to her it was. If everything came to an end this time, she would know she had tried to prevent it. If there was a chance, then they needed to take it and not sit around and wait. She had done that last time and it was not within her to do the same now.
Passing the book off to David, she asked, "Are you interested in coming along also? More help cannot hurt." midnight_medea "Origin is Creation." Cosine said with a smile to David. "He's the balance to destruction and a force we are greatly lacking at the moment." She glanced up as they were joined by another, a host her spider senses told her.
"Welcome Malh'reth." she said with a smile, spreading all the maps on the table so that everyone could see. "This is the planet and here, here is a map of the city. it is old it seems but maybe of some use."
Lisana's words made her smile more.
"Yes, you are all welcome, no, encouraged to join us, if you would like. I do not know how long we will be gone nor how dangerous this journey may be." SkieBorne "Lisana...? Cosine?" He blinked, understanding failing to dawn as they spoke. Gods, obviously, but of what? He'd never met them before.I have been gone too long... I cannot associate their names with domains. Ask, please. Malh'reth nodded, "Pardon, but goddesses of what? Glyph can't remember." Leaning forward, he looked the map over, grateful that his question had been answered. They were leaving to seek answers but what did Origin have to do with anything? "What's related to Origin there? Do you know?" Eftemie "Oh!" and then she giggled at herself for forgetting her manners. She had been so interested in what Cosine had found that she had assumed they would know. If they met, it was long ago and not a memory either of them appeared to have at this moment.
"I'm Laughter. Cosine is Numbers, and David is host to Glaucon who is Judgment." She shook her head frowning slightly. "I can't say I remember you either. It has been so long and some names must be different now, though some are the same. Mine is. As for what is there, we don't know."
She shrugged glancing at Cosine. Numbers seemed as unsure as she was, but if there was something to stop all this and help return the world to what it should be, then they needed to take the chance. Didn't they? Mouse Pachinkorelli A spark of recognition of another god flew through Glaucon's mind, mixed with David's spark of recognition of Malh'reth's voice. He momentarily turned to look at him, appearing equally surprised to see such a person in such a place - and as a host no less, as the deity residing in his forehead was quick to inform him. He didn't get a chance to speak, his attention turning back to Lisana and Cosine, but was able to acknowledge the Aurion with somber look and an arched eyebrow that clearly said 'You too, huh?' A similar look of surprise and uncertainty overtook him when Lisana asked if he would join them in a potential journey - and Cosine agreed with her. "Me? Go to... wherever that is? I..." The crippled host faltered, not sure how to tactfully state the obvious. David wasn't exactly built for travel... or danger. He was doubtful about how useful he could be. You are useful enough to assist in a god's rebirth, Glaucon offered. David replied with a huff of air through his teeth, and stood idly to let the introductions get themselves out of the way before speaking up again. Glyph (or his weird-looking host) would let people know of his domain soon enough, since nobody here knew what his was. midnight_medea Cosine listened to them all and nodded.
"At this point anything is worth a try." She said as she started to roll up the maps and stuff everything back in her bag. "This report tells of some enchanted weapons. They may come in useful even if it is just to keep people protected." She shrugged and glanced around the hall they stood in. "I need to go and hunt Ankou down. He will help us get through the gateway. He will be around here somewhere."
She stood and ran her fingers through her hair as she tried to think about all they needed to do.
"So um, if you wish to come I suggest you get some things together. It's a desert so appropriate clothes, supplies. Fresh water would probably be most useful and food that will not perish easily. I do not know how close to the city we will emerge." SkieBorne Malh'reth nodded to pass along Glyph's understand, "Greetings." Together, god and host listened to what had to be said, mulled it over and the mage blinked as they asked if David would go with them. Surely... if David could do it, so could he? He'd been hoping, searching, for an opportunity to help like this and now, maybe, it would be his turn to at least help influence the tide of events.So can we, you mean. I will assist as I can. He nodded begrudgingly, returning David's look with one that said he hadn't asked for this. "Can.. I come too? I can be useful... I'm a summoner, draw things into existence. Like a tent or a sleigh." As he'd been speaking however, Cosine described the conditions and Glyph groaned loudly, "The desert might be - is - not something I would normally travel in but Forest would join you."Malh'reth blinked as he found his voice was not his own, the cadence had changed was softer, smoother and railed against it, pushing forward to regain control of his body once more, Glyph!! You promised you wouldn't do that! He highly disliked being a spectator and prodded at the god's mind until Glyph receded with a faint smirk.My apologies, Malh'reth. I do not like deserts... not enough life."Yeah? That's too bad. I'm the one that will be walking in the heat, not you." Shaking his head, he lifted it to regard the others once more, "I want to help, and so does Glyph. May we accompany you?" Eftemie "I would think the more help we have the better. We are all in this together. I just needed to do something this time. Parties just aren't enough." She frowned slightly, then shrugged.
"I vaguely remember strange parties at the end last time. I refuse to go so easily this time." Her voice was soft, overshadowed by what had been but after a moment, she shrugged. "No time to dwell on what coulda, woulda, shoulda been. All we have is now. Sinestra and I will see if we can find some extra water to take along. I have a bag of things with me."
"Where shall we meet, Cosine?" she asked, smiling once more. They all needed to do this and push the past aside except to remember that they needed to try harder now. Mouse Pachinkorelli David carefully down on a part of the table they were having their improptu meeting at. He listened to the decisions of the others in the group, not quite sure if he'd be willing to throw a yes in the pile. When his thoughts turned to the morbid reality that he was going to die in some shape or form soon enough - whether it was from the End of All, his god absorbing his soul, or the now mundane-seeming disease that he had thought would be be the cause before all this happened - he gave a long, quiet sigh, and his voice was tinged with a resigned bitterness when he made his decision. "Fine. We'll go, too." It would be difficult to find supplies when they didn't technically live anywhere or own anything... but they'd hopefully figure something out. From the corner of their shared eye, both David and Glaucon could see Eudocia's tail twitching at the knowledge she would be of service soon. Seriously, though, a desert? And these were all the people that Cosine was able to recruit for the cause? She must have just been standing around in the middle of the crowd hoping people would notice she had something to say... It would be a good thing if this sort of information could be more easily seen by everyone, Glaucon mused. Sounding quite annoyed that the god was listening in on his thoughts again, David replied with "What, you mean make some kind of Apocalypse Corkboard?" A bit of air huffed through his lips at the thought. He could only imagine the ads that would show up on that kind of thing. midnight_medea "Excellent." The number goddess grinned, ignoring David's less than enthusiastic tone. He was joining them that was enough. "We'll meet back here in say ... two hours. That should give us plenty of time to gather supplies." A small nod and her eyes move back to David who had just spoken.
"And an Apocy what?" She asked, wondering where that random argument spoken aloud had come from. She closed the book and shoved it back in her bag with all the other things. SkieBorne Malh'reth just sort of blinked. That was... it? That's all the planning they were doing? "How are we getting there? Just two hours...?" He turned to look at David, "What's a corkboard?" The mage scratched his head, rather lost. This was beginning to seem like a random encounter... then anything thought-out and the Aurion fidgeted.You might as well tell them your abilities, so that you can lighten their loads, Malh'reth. Desert travel is not for the faint of heart. "I know, but... they seem so ready already." Struck by a wave of nervousness, the mage glanced from Numbers to David to Laughter and sighed.You want to be helpful, yes? Then just speak.Grumbling, the mage stepped forward and held out a hand to slow Cosine's seeming bustle, "You don't have to pack too much, miss. I can summon the supplies needed for camp... tent, blankets, fans, pots... even water to some extent. I can't make food though, it has no nutritional value." He fished his sketchbook from his sleeves and presented his travel sketches to those assembled, "See? I can make these things and they all fit in a little book like this." Gingerly, he ran long fingers over the charcoal drawings and smiled. They had often been of use to the mage, enabling him to travel light regardless of the length of the trip. Mouse Pachinkorelli He looked understandably surprised that the goddess and the horned whateverhewas didn't know what he was talking about... and as things went, he couldn't resist the urge to explain. "You know, a bulletin board? You tack it up wherever there's a lot of people hanging around and they can pin notes and s**t to it." So... pertinent information could be put in a place that's easy to access, instead of needing to find the few who possess it?David nodded at the voice in his head. "Yeah. People would use it to sell cars, or, like... start clubs, and have contact info. Stuff like that. Why, you want to make one?" To be honest, I'm surprised one hasn't been made before now.Was Glaucon... impressed? In the host's opinion, Malh'reth's ability to make drawings come to life seemed a great deal more impressive than a corkboard. Eftemie "Bulletin board. Hm... my host had something like that." Lisana frowned thoughtfully, "but she had notes all over the place. Refridgerator... "
God-killer...
"I also remember something about an appliance God-killer. Strange..." she snickered faintly shrugging. "I think there was a mop and a bucket helmet involved also. The board could be a good thing to let others know what we are doing and going. "
Realizing her attention had wandered, she turned back to Mal. "I'll still grab a little water. We can use it just in case you can't conjure any up."
Sinestra simply waited, listening as the plans were made. She'd make sure they did not forget what they needed to take along. midnight_medea "Noticeboard." Cosine mused, raising an eyebrow and smirking a little. Oh she liked this, the organisation, yes that appealed. The chance to give information freely. That also appealed as it would save people a lot of wasted time.
"Great idea. Mal, could you magic one of those up?" She asked with a smile. "we could set it up on the sofas over there."
She looked to Lisana as she spoke and nodded. Not entirely sure what godkiller meant and a little afraid to ask.
"I agree, we should be prepared properly so at least bring some supplies. I know it is a city we are going to but we do not know what state it might be in." SkieBorne Malh'reth frowned as David made his explanation, "What's a car?" There was little time to dwell on the fact as both host and god's attention was drawn to Lisana. "Appliance god-killer....?" Looking inward for answers he was met an equally confused Glyph who simply shrugged.I haven't the faintest idea. Perhaps a joke of hers? She is Laughter after all."True..." He nodded, "Go ahead. Casting too much magic wears me out..." Another blink as Cosine asked him the make one and fussed. "I can make one but it will last 3 days at most, Cosine. I don't conjure... I summon. The only think I can bring into existence is water because it's a simple thing... the rest is temporary. It fades after a while." Embarassment flooded his features then for he knew if he'd stayed with his people, he'd be able to just as she asked but as it was, he'd left before he'd learned how to make a summoned illusion permanent. "I'm sorry." Mouse Pachinkorelli David, may I speak for a moment?"What? Fine," the mortal responded, and there was a small shift in his features until they smoothed and calmed to make way for the god, whose voice was almost jarringly somber and analytical compared to how bitter and irritable David sounded. "That may not pose as much of a problem as you appear to think," he started, directing his words to the mage. "One could always leave a note explaining its nature and asking for it to be replaced before it can fade. It's probable enough that someone would follow through with that request in time." midnight_medea Cosine listened to the conversation and smiled as the voice of judgement spoke through David.
"Hah, yes, good idea, very good idea." She said with a smile, looking back to the mage. "We'll do that then, and if it vanishes, well, at least the notices will still be there." SkieBorne He blinked as David's voice changed, pausing to digest the words Glaucon spoke, mulling them over before nodding slowly. "I could do that..." Ruffling through the notebook in his hand, he found a blank page and fished a stick of charcoal out. It wasn't long before he'd drawn a fair sized notice board and was casting his magic, placing fingers on the page and shifting them, drawing the smudges with the motion of his hand. Then, pulling his hand from the page, he gestured upward like he was tossing a ball in the air and smiled as the dark, charcoal-coloured cloud spun up then coalesced into a board of appropriate size and materials. Catching it as it fell back to earth, he then set it down to let it lean against his side, "Is this what you want?"
In the back of his mind, Glyph stirred, intrigued by Malh'reth show of talent and smiled, silent applauding. How very intriguing. Do you have a size limit to what you can cast?"Mmn? Oh. Not really... the larger it is, the shorter amount of time it exists... I have a picture of Zhijian in one of my books. He's the largest thing I have drawn at the moment." He tilted the board, and smiled as he scribbled out a note that read:
This notice board is temporary, lasting no more then three days.
Please build another to replace it before it is gone.
Put your notes here.
"Is that alright?" He waggled the torn page at the others, hoping this wasn't just an exercise in futility. Mouse Pachinkorelli There was a spark of surprise from David's mind as he saw the mage do his work - it was an awe-inspiring thing as well as causing the man to really wish that things could go back to being boring again. Glaucon shared at least the first half of that sentiment, as it would be a very useful skill to have in their arsenal where they were going... The god voiced his approval at Malh'reth, and then provided a reply. "It should have a set of guidelines to abide by, so people will know its use and how to use it properly." He began to list a few rules for the board, making sure to adjust the pace of his speech with the Aurion's writing speed so this step could happen seamlessly. (( Those are just going to end up as the rules that are already written in the noticeboard thread, so no need to write anything for that. XD )) Eftemie "Wonderful!" Lisana approved of the board. Then she began to laugh. "That could be a quite useful skill to play jokes on others at parties, Malh'reth." Her eyes twinkled merrily at the thought of what she could do with someone who had that particular ability.
"We will return shortly then. Sinestra and I will go get some water and extra food just in case we need it. We will meet you back here in two hours. Sinestra, keep track of the time please." she said, bowing to Cosine, Malh'reth, and David.
"As you say, my Lady." the woman nodded, bowing slightly. Who knew what would come of this trip into the unknown world, but something needed to be done. midnight_medea Cosine watched with equal wonder as the board was produced and laughed with Lisana. It would be a fun trick indeed.
"Excellent." She gave an efficient nod of approval and took out her notebook and pencil. "We should leave a note of our journey and then hopefully others will get the picture." Mouse Pachinkorelli Glaucon didn't seem to have one opinion or another on the use of summoned illusions to play jokes, but David gave a small snicker from behind the god's thoughts, and he was fed some mental images from the mortal that could best be described as 'immature'. "Yes, and hopefully that will encourage people to use it more," Glaucon said in reply to Cosine. He attempted to shift over in order to help the number goddess put together a note, but it only resulted in a weak fluttering of the muscles. It was hard to ignore some snickering from his host in the background. For a god of Judgment, yours sure is shitty, he quipped. "Eudocia will also collect some supplies," the god continued, and with a wispy utterance of "Yes, my lord," the satyress had dashed away to complete her assigned task. "I'll be more useful with this stubborn body rested."And with that, he allowed his host to rise back to the surface, the analytical face turned pessimistic again. SkieBorne As Glaucon spoke, Malh'reth hurriedly scribbled out the guidelines in the air before him, the shapes and symbols bobbing slightly with the air currents. When Judgement finished, the mage tore out a page from his book and copied the notes down, each rule fading as he got it down on paper. "There."
As Lisana laughed, Mal glanced up with a small smile, "I an entertainer by profession... though I do not Jest."
If you are done now... we should go pack and inform the girls. We will be gone long, most likely. Quietly, subtlely, Glyph turned the mage's body and edged him away. Malh'reth didn't fight it... didn't mind quite so much when the god was gentle and simple like this. It was the forceful explosion of control that he feared.
"We don't need to inform the girls but we do need to pack a few supplies." Glyph eased control back to the mage and the two walked a few paces away, "We shall be back."
We...? The god sounded pleased and amused at the use of that pronoun, settled more comfortably in the back of Malh'reth's mind. It was the first, and the the second, time that the mage had referred to them as we instead of I or Glyph. Perhaps Malh'reth was beginning to accept him....
"I!" Malh'reth half shouted, mostly to Glyph, "I meant I. I'll be back." Grumbling, he wandered off, intent on packing and returning within the allotted two hours.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:07 pm
::Onward ever striding onward::Joint medea, Mouse, Skieborne, Zero Dream09.07.08 2 postsmidnight_medea Cosine had made it back to the notice board without having found Ankou or anyone that could possibly point her in the direction of his rooms. She supposed that she could go around knocking but was sure that most gods would not appreciate the disturbance. Especially not now of all times.
Sighing she looked at the notice board and realised that it had been replaced already and filled with information.
"Well that was quick." she said with approval for efficiency and leaned closer so that she could take on some of the information that was written on the posts. Zero Dream  Thankfully, it seemed that there would be no need to do so - as Ankou came down from the stairs, followed by two similar, yet different, aoidei.
And, this time at least, he wasn't half-naked.
He had glanced sideways to see if there was anything new on the noticeboard, but saw Cosine instead. A small, impish smile crossed his features, and he deviated from his trajectory to go toward her, careful to keep his steps as soft as possible. Jinx had to bite her lip so that she did not giggle, and Anima shook her head. How childish...
Unlike Nergal, he did not move soundlessly - however, with the goddess reading, it had been easy to wind up standing behind her without the counting crow to seemingly have noticed a thing.
"Interesting read ?"midnight_medea The goddess was indeed completely absorbed by the information that was on the board. Her academic mind enjoying the work out from digesting it all. His voice, coming as a complete surprise made her jump.
"You are quite the source of information." She said, placing her hand at the base of her throat to calm the pulse she felt there from her shock. "And just the person I was looking for. I've managed to get some people together and I've found the name of the city." Zero Dream I seem to have served as quite the convinent answer machine." The god grinned, turning to allow her her space back, now that he had gotten the effect he had wanted. "Which, more often then not, netted me pieces of information in return. Link all those pieces together and... well. At least this is better than doing nothing, I presume."
"That would indeed make things much easier." He nodded. "And that name would be ?" midnight_medea "Baadris." She said, glancing to the board and pointing to the notice she had placed there. "I have maps and things, which should make things easier and a few people to help." The goddess shrugged and glanced around, she was not entirely sure if two hours had passed. "They should be here soon. Are you joining us?" Zero Dream Baadris, uh....
"That ought to work nicely." He answered. "And... that would depend - how many have you found ? Too big of a traveling party will only draw more attention... attention which, at this point, will probably be the bad kind." The spirit guide paused for a moment. Yes... he ought to warn her.
"Mortals are dying in steady waves now, due to the influence of the weeks. War, then Sickness, then Starvation - the culling of the worlds. Those who are left would probably do anything to survive."
He stopped on his rather grim explanation. "Also, who have you found ? Gods ? Hosts ? Mortals ?" midnight_medea "I know." She said, her eyes full of concern and helplessness for the numbers of dead she could see in her mind. "Um, as for those I've found ... another goddess, like myself. Two hosts and their Aoide." Her eyes turned downwards to the floor once more. It didn't sound like such a great party once you thought about it. "Nothing fancy but ... well, I think we will all bring our strengths to the mission." Mouse Pachinkorelli 'Nothing fancy' was painfully right, if the two approaching Cosine and the spirit guide was any indication. Besides the red gem on his forehead that marked him as a host and a wooden cane that marked him as a cripple, David was as un-fancy as anyone could manage to be in a place such as the Pantheon. At least now he had some shoes - neither he nor Glaucon were comfortable with the possibility of wandering barefoot through the desert. Their toothpaste-colored servant followed close behind, having managed to salvage some food from the area around the Pantheon and some frayed cloth to wrap it in. "Ready for our little desert adventure?" the mortal asked as he drew closer, but his expression and voice were devoid of the playful wit that such a greeting should have come with. He turned his gaze towards the god that was with Cosine, giving him a little nod. That must be Ankou. Cosine spoke of him being able to show us through the Gateway to the city, Judgment observed, recalling mention of the Spirit Guide from the meeting a couple of hours ago. To that, David gave a small smirk and said, "If you're Ankou, Glaucon says hi." I did not."Well, it wouldn't kill you to be a little more friendly..." SkieBorne Strange might have been the word to describe the pair that approached behind David for if Malh'reth had not been sporting the gem at the base of his neck it may have been difficult to tell Aoide from host. Both sported horns of some fashion and both possessed a pair of furry ears, though the mage's were canted in an expression of annoyance.
The blood coloured Aoide came bearing a few parcels as well - some food wrapped in cloth, strung over her back like a rucksack and a side bag that hid several glass and crystal ornaments to barter with in necessary.
As they moved, Glyph stepped back into control and offered a smile to Cosine and her companion, "Greetings. Have the arrangements been made...?" Lavender gaze flicked to Ankou as he picked up the Spirit Guide's name from David, "You will guide us through the gate?"That's what Cosine said before... Malh'reth chirruped, smirking, Give me back my body already.
Glyph nodded to that inner voice and took a mental step back as Malh'reth moved forward, "She insisted on coming along, I hope that's alright." He gestured to Natasha, who merely stood straighter, proud to be of service to her Lord even if the host disliked her. Eftemie Lisana and Sinestra had made it all the way back to the loft. Several bottles of water, a bag of dried fruits, and a second bag of jerky went into their packs before they quickly returned to the Pantheon.
"It looks like we made it in time." she laughed walking up to the gouping. Watching Ankou a moment, she smiled brightly. "I'm Lisana. Are you going also?" Her clothing and Sinestra's were made for ease. Loose tops and pants that would comfortable in hot weather. Her short suede boots were as soft and easy on the feet but would keep the sand out.
Sinestra bowed, even with the stuffed backpack on her back. She said nothing, but smiled at the grouping. They would all do the best they could. Zero Dream "Indeed it would." The nature of the group was something he needed to keep in mind - and something that would affect his eventual decision on that matter. He wanted to go, but he refused to endanger them.
And right now, it looked safer, much safer as far as the group was concerned for him to stay behind, open the door, and more importantly hold it open for them. The hosts would not be able to forge their own path in between worlds and keep the door open. The aoidei where disputable gray areas - Jinx and Anima could, but it was entirely possible that he had trained them to do such.
The hand that was in his pocket had started to fiddle with something inside, in his thoughts. One eyebrow rose, and he recognized the object inside - wooden beads in form of sun charms with crow feathers hooked to it in an ornamental fashion. He remembered now - Jinx had brought him these things to keep him occupied in the span of time where he had basically been on bed rest after the transformation - in order to actually keep him in it. The thought made him smirk. It had worked well enough - the catgirl was ever so good at reading him - and back in what had been left of Greed's influence, he had fully intended to keep it. Now, however ?
The smirk faded, the amused look replaced by a thoughtful one. Yes... she should have it. He pulled the ornament out of his pocket with care and moved forward, reaching to twirl one large lock of streaked hair on the side of her head, looping to secure it in place. "You stay careful..."
He was interrupted in whatever else he had wanted to say by the sudden arrival of the rest of the group, unable to keep the sudden blush of embarrassment on his face completely in check. He hadn't expected them in so soon, but this was a good thing. Less time wasted.
Glaucon... The name seemed oddly familiar, but now was not the time for such things.
He turned to face them and stand at Cosine's side, his trenchcoat barely brushing on the floor in the smooth motion. "It is a pleasure to meet you all, through... I wish it could be in better times." He shook his head. "I can open the gate, yes. However, I will probably be staying behind - it will be easier for me to hold it open from here. I fear the constant shift in all that is may disturb things, otherwise." It would all be for nothing if they ended up stranded in a desert world with no mean of return, and it was no use getting them stuck in a time flux, just like he expected the other world-travelers to be stuck into. He had no idea if he had enough power to go fetch them, wherever they may be lost. midnight_medea Cosine nodded and allowed the short silence to fall between them. She glanced around to see if any of her companions were around and then back to Ankou as she caught the movement of his hand.
She watched, saying nothing as he looped the charm through her hair and felt a warm blush creep up her neck and over her cheeks. So embarassing. About to say something in reply she was interrupted by the arrival of the others that only made her pale skin redder.
She listened to the introductions with her eyes on the floor and nodded to herself as she commited words and information to memory.
"Right, I suppose we should get moving then? As we're all here and ready." Mouse Pachinkorelli All of the blushing and hoping the newcomers didn't see that little act of affection... wouldn't stop the newcomers from seeing it. David made an uncomfortable little mental twinge at the unsubtle display, and not being able to help himself, broke into a strained, sly grin and said "Hah, didn't know you had a boyfriend." before pausing to take a quick glance at the new information on the noticeboard. He couldn't make heads or tails of it, but it distracted Glaucon enough that it stopped him from commenting on how tactless his host had just been. After Cosine acknowledged the other three in her group, Judgment perked back into awareness and responded, If there are no objections, it would be good to begin our journey as quickly as possible."Glaucon says he's good to go," David translated, giving a short thumbs-up with a nervous grin. SkieBorne Malh'reth and Glyph listened with interest as Ankou spoke, though Glyph laughed softly in the back of the mage's mind, bemused by the show of affection between Cosine and Ankou. "How does it work? I've never seen long-distance transport before... What is the name of the city we're going to? I think we missed it..."This will be interesting trip, so soon after you've offered me rebirth, Malh'reth. I would like to set out soon. His sentiments echoed Glaucon's as Forest steeled himself for the trip into hot sands.
Malh'reth chuckled and nodded to David, "He's not the only one who wants to get started. Glyph's anxious to go... and I'd like to see this portal."
I am not anxious. Glyph huffed, giving the impression of pursed lips and crossed arms. Eftemie Lisana listened carefully to what was said. She'd noted the gesture but remained silent, though she smiled. "I think the sooner the better. Sinestra, are you ready? We aren't forgetting anything." There was definitely a bit of excitement in the air.
"I don't think so, my Lady. If we have, we will do without it." The woman shrugged faintly as she shifted her pack slightly.
"I suppose we will. " Lisana laughed softly. "I'm sure we will find what we need." Zero Dream Ankou simply rose an eyebrow at David's comment, as if he did not quite grasp exactly what the man was going on about. Thankfully enough, Malh'reth's question took over his attention and probably prevented something quite stupid from happening.
"It works with the flow of mana and the connections in between worlds, as well as-" He stopped, quite abruptly, when he belatedly recognized that he was probably speaking greek to the aurion. "...Well, you will see. It isn't exactly a portal, per-se - it is a door. If everyone is ready now..." He went on ahead of the rest, making his way back upstairs, past a still-giggling catgirl who was being prodded by a satyr in a faint hope to get her to be serious for once. midnight_medea Cosine shot David a death glare and turned to the rest of the party. Okay, maybe it would be nice if the world did swallow her whole, save her some of this embarassment.
She looked between gods and Aoide and realised she had none to help her. Even Infinity had chosen to stay beind in the world she knew.
"And, to get back we would just return to the place we arrive?" She asked, shifting her bag on her shoulder and giving the laughing Aoide a frosty glance. Mouse Pachinkorelli The cripple's grin only brightened in response to the death glare, clearly amused that he had gotten a rise out of her. What with a possible apocalypse looming over their heads, even the god sharing a body with him could understand his need to squeeze every drop of joy he could out of this situation. It might end up the last laugh he would have. His mood quickly dampened again, however, when Ankou led them to a flight of stairs - a thing that he and his weakened body clearly disagreed with. After a long, raspy sigh he stepped aside and allowed the others to start their ascend first before carefully picking his way up the steps himself. SkieBorne Mana..? He paused, not recognizing the word.
Glyph stirred and offered the answer, benefiting from the few memories and little knowledge he'd awoken with, Mana is essentially the energy you draw on for your magic. The mage nodded eagerly, thanking Glyph.
While the god might think the Aurion did not understand, Malh'reth himself was quite intrigued, hurrying forward to walk beside the god as they ascended the stairs, "The worlds are connected by lines of power, yes? That's what you're going to use?" His curiosity was piqued - he'd left his people before he'd learned the most advanced of the disciplines and stashed that information away hungrily, "As well as what? I am not a foreigner to the workings of magic, sir." Eftemie Lisana climbed the stairs behind the others. She was excited, but wondered where they would appear and how much desert they would actually have to go through to get there. Hopefully they'd not end up baking in the desert too long.
She glanced around quickly, but then smiled. The last time she was here was when Byrne was trying to decide what to do with his door and room. Then she blinked in surprise. Not her, but Eftemie. A sigh slipped free. Maybe he'd be around when they returned from Baadris. Zero Dream "Indeed. You will come out from another physical door - to the mortals from that world nothing will be odd, but it will allow you to travel back and forth as long as I hold it open from this side."
When Malh'reth rushed back at his side, he rose an eyebrow in his own streak of curiosity. "Yes, that would be close to it. Mana... magic, if you prefer, pretty much hold everything together. Worlds are linked, but not exactly in a straightforward way - the door are catalysts that create an actual link. Any god can do it, actually... But I figure not while trapped in jewel. There is too little of their mana to spare... But with times like these, I do not exactly have the time to teach everyone anew. And I do believe it is easier for me to find the exact locations than it would be for anyone else, ence more saved time."
...But now he was babbling, to a mortal none-the-less, which was rather odd of him, but he rarely got people genuinely curious about the inner workings of this. Yet another thing where memory and personality collided to leave him confused.
He passed the string of doors with detail on them, and then the one with flaring runes. He checked on it every time he passed - paranoid that it might close, but it seemed like it was holding well, in spite of everything. Too bad he couldn't leap in and go check on the traveling party for himself...
But those where useless thoughts. He stopped in front of an unmarked door a few steps away from the runed one, staring at it for a moment.
.....It's been awhile, hasn't this ? I must remember how to do this.
I must
Both hands went up to touch the smooth surface, gold-yellow eyes closing. midnight_medea "Okay, that makes things easier." She said softly, nodding to herself as was her habit and glancing around the hall of doors. All these lead to different worlds. That was one hell of a thought. So many worlds, so different and all connected by the same core, the same fate.
The open door did not go unnoticed and knowing to whom it lead she sent prayers. She truely hoped that their quest was going well.
The silence continued as they reached their door. She felt nervous and the little voice inside her head was telling her this was not such a good idea after all. SkieBorne Malh'reth nodded, infinitely glad to know that the cords of power and energy that twisted off in seemingly random directions were just things of mystery but the binds that connected and held the worlds together. "I see those links... not the doors but the links... The first wave of Gehenna altered my vision." He spoke quietly, hoping to sound as though he were not boasting. To Ankou's gentle refusal to teach he merely nodded, "I'll watch and learn, then."
Glyph had been listening with interest as well, intrigued that he might open doors to the unknown. Hoped, perhaps, to unlock some of his memories and feel less infantile, less constricted.I would like to remember this. Maybe there's a door that links to my grotto that need only be found. The mage blinked, turned his attention inward, "Your grotto?" He paused, however at the door with the glowing runes and stared, transfixed by what he saw. It wasn't just a door for the mage, it was alive with energy... ribbons of mana curling about the edges and disappearing into the unknown inside.
As Glyph shared Malh'reth's vision, he too was spellbound. It was one thing to feel the fabric of reality, another thing entirely to see it.I am glad to be reborn through you, Malh'reth, there is much you have to offer. He started, snapped out of his trance by the god's words and hurried to catch up with the others, "What? Where'd that come from?"Your vision, among other things, intrigues and impresses this one. "Oh..." He fell quiet, unsure of how to respond to that. His accident at the beginning of this whole mess seemed more like a curse then something special enough to impress a god.
Glyph simple smiled fondly as he felt Malh'reth's thoughts flutter about haphazardly. Mouse Pachinkorelli Ankou's lecture on the technicalities of how the Doors worked reached David's ears only as formless, blurred half-words as he made careful work of the stairs - it was all complicated magic crap to him, in any case. He and Glaucon were more concerned with what would happen after they passed through them. Would the city even still be standing? What would be the nature of the survivors there? The host wasn't so sure they'd be very friendly, and the god was busy muttering to himself with some potential plan of action or another. Their shared body rippled with nervousness as they waited for the unmarked Door to open. (( If it's okay with you guys, my next post can be a description of their arrival via the caryatid-Gate from the perspective of the city. )) Eftemie Lisana listened carefully at the explanation given. All she really cared about was that they would be able to go and return. It would not do to get stuck on another world and be unable to tell what they found that might help. But learning to understand this way of travel could be of benefit later, so Lisana forced herself to remain focused upon what Ankou was saying about opening them.
Sinestra on the other hand was intrigued by the doors and watched carefully. Before she had always been limited to those here, but now she had so many more options and choices that could be made to suit her own needs. New vistas appeared before her as she watched with interest. Zero Dream Oblivious as to what was going on around him, Ankou focused on the task at hand, spirit easily disconnecting from his body so survey what was unfolding in front of him. Here, unseen by anyone else, he felt free, unlimited - as I should be - as he followed the thin, brilliant stands of mana that linked all that be together. They seemed... to be weakening. That was not a good observation, but he forced himself to ignore it for the time being.
He had been right. There where a few ancient keypoints he could use as bearings, but other than that, almost everything had shifted, rendering what little he could remember mostly useless. At least, he knew now that restoring those memories would be useless... if he ever did have the power to remember completely.
At least, he knew what he was looking for. Baadris. A planet's name would have been much more useful, but it did keep him from having to check out every world one by one. As did one other, small detail.
Desert world.
That discarded quite a few planets, worlds, and places - thankfully. This would probably have taken me years otherwise... He looked for quite a long time, sending his consciousness spiraling among the celestial bodies, checking the planets closer to suns and those with warmer climate, going with the more logical choices first in attempt to narrow down the search.
It worked, and, finally, he saw a city. A city lost in the sand, the architecture completely different from this world he had been reborn in.
Two statues, standing tall, easily seen by all, hands interlocking.
Found you.
What had seemed to be only a few instants for him had been quite a few minutes for the gathering standing beside him. All this time, he had remained completely motionless, unresponsive to what was going on around him, as if he was quite literally gone.
A sudden smirk on what had been a blank face seconds ago and him backing away from the door was the first hint that something was about to happen. One by one, runes similar to those adorning the previous door, yet different, flickered into existence, and it all ended with an audible click.
"There." He shook his head, mostly to try to chase the dizziness away. It had affected him more than he had let on. "It is ready. Do not worry about the door, I will hold it - be careful."((There ya'll go. <3)) midnight_medea Cosine watched nervously as Ankou went through the processes to open the gate. It seemed to take a long time, which made her nervous. What if it did not work, they would have to resort to space travel which would take days.
Finally, slowly it opened and she felt a rush of heat come through the door. This was it. They were truely going.
The number goddess took a deep breath and glanced to the others before stepping forwards.
"Thank you Ankou." She said with a smile, placing a hand on his arm. "You be careful too. Hopefully this will not take us too long." Mouse Pachinkorelli
The city of Baadris had endured wave after successive wave of Destruction's influences just as every world in every plane had, and yet it still managed to stand as a functioning mortal stronghold where nearly everything else around it had been torn apart by War or left as festering ghost towns by Plague. Those people who still had the energy for it were managing to mill about as townspeople should; noblewomen with sugarspun feathers bobbing over pearly tiaras, and men in regalia that seemed far too magnificent to be worn in such a troubling time. Towering above it all was the pristine form of Origin rendered as a massive statue, still as flawless as the day it was built, as the centerpiece of a Byzantine palace that seemed to still be standing out of a stubborn will to be near the wonder it was built around until the End.
It didn't make the people wonder much about the nature of the statue, except what ancient methods had been used to build it to keep it immune to the erosion that had been eating at the rest of the city. Many were aware that they were doomed to fall to ruin like the society that had built it, but none dared to mention it. Any sign of weakness would mean a great loss of power, especially now.
They never assumed any divine power to the caryatid. It was mostly regarded as a mystery of a long-dead culture that meant a constant influx of tourism, a figure of glory among novelties that had shaped their image of beauty since their own ancestors had settled there.
It would only take a brief moment for all of that to change.
A couple stressed beyond their young years was the first to notice. Both of them were certain they were seeing things at first - a few drops of luminescent liquid pearl flickering down from the statue's outstretched arm. They spoke to each other in hushed whispers about it, drawing the attention of a recent widow and her son, who were pointed towards the phenomenon and were equally surprised that they were seeing it themselves. A small crowd drew as they began to silently watch it, how the liquid-jewel-glow spread itself into a towering arc. It wove itself down into a faint prismatic tapestry that all-too-quickly reached the ground, draped across the entire space between the perfect novelty and the serpentine terror it had always been joined with, hand-in-claw.
The slowly waltzing threads suddenly brightened, almost enough to drown out the majesty of the ageless figure they adored, and several figures stepped out of it, directly into the Sultan's prized gardens. Their appearances were distinct and easily remembered: a few with horns and furred ears - the male had one like a unicorn, while the females' were more reminiscent of a ram - a short woman with crow's wings that possessed a bright green aura of perfectly repeating geometric patterns, a man with a cane and a mark of enlightenment on his forehead, and another female whose back foamed with large bubbles, seemingly attended by an older woman.
None of the modern technology and magic they possessed could explain such a thing, and no events like this had ever occurred in their history.
Some wondered if they had just witnessed a miracle.
Unfortunately, some of the guards seemed to disagree. There would only be a brief moment for the newcomers to admire the garden before they'd get the same treatment any old intruder would.SkieBorne Light had flooded the gardens surrounding the statue of Origin in an ethereal glow that made every living thing within it pause in awe. The flowers, the vines and waterways… the very air seemed alive with magic and mystery. Something was unfolding, everyone could sense it. Startled harem women broke the stunned silence first, their whispers cutting through the air as they rose and rushed away from the invasion. Guards came rushing back just as quickly only to watch in stunned disbelief as a handful of people stepped out from that light, right into the middle of the Sultan’s gardens.
They had not been invited nor had they committed any crime… and bloodshed was forbidden here. Wary, if awestruck, the harem guards stayed at a distance, too well trained to burst upon the scene and ruin the element of surprise should it be required. One man, a senior officer by the number of scars that marred his face and upper torso, issued a command to inform the Sultan though he doubted their emperor needed any notice.
When the younger guard reached the room the Sultan was currently occupying, he burst through the doors and fell into a bow before the man that had kept the city from ripping itself apart. The youth had forsaken many a formality in his rush and the Sultan rose abruptly, brows drawing down in a disapproving look that forecast great difficulties for the foolish boy upon the floor.
“Your Majesty, a thousand apologies for the intrusion! There are a handful of strangers in your garden c-“ His words came out in a rush and were cut off just as quickly as the Sultan spoke over him, voice calm and controlled.
“I saw the light. How many?” The gears of his mind were already turning, working through the repercussions of such an audacious intrusion upon the inner sanctum of the palace. Who would dare such a thing?
“Several, not more then a dozen, your Highness. What would you have your Guard do?” He kept his gaze down, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
A quick decision maker, Jherrem Iben Vathassae V turned to regard his advisor though he addressed the man on the floor, “Surround and question them, take them out of the gardens. Put them under heavy guard and wait, I will see those who are so brazen to attempt this.” Such an event might be useful… though he wasn’t fool enough to walk into what could possibly be a clever trap by one of the other Houses.
“As you wish, your Majesty!” Saluting, the guard backed out and turned to run to his commander, delivering the news.
In the meantime, the Sultan's face remained carefully controlled as his attendants were summoned and the preparations set into motion for the impromptu visit. Eftemie Whe she stepped through, Lisana stared in awe. "How incredibly beautiful!" Even the women who had scattered when they appeared were dressed in silks and what she assumed was the height of fashion here. Noting one dress in particular, she smiled, studying the jade green. Perhaps she'd have to look at the markets if there were a few moments.
"Sinestra, remind me to look for a dress like that girl is wearing. Perhaps in blue or white or even violet. I like it." The goddess smiled as she turned in full circle to look at the plants. "I think this is a place that should be visited frequently. Their culture seems thriving."
Sinestra nodded, bowing. "As you say, Lady Lisana. I will remember to look for such." She glanced upwards as her goddess did to stare at the statues. The hands reaching out to each other and the creation itself amazed her. Perhaps they could find an answer here.
"The beginning," Lisana murmurred softly as she glanced over at the others. "The beginning of it all perhaps." The hands reaching out to each other and the creation itself amazed her. Perhaps they could find an answer here.Then she added, "I do not think the guards look too pleased to see us here.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:08 pm
::Onwards ever striding onward Pt. 2::Joint with medea, Mouse, Skieborne, Zero Dream09.07.08midnight_medea Cosine glanced around in wonder at the Oasis they had stepped out into. After the barren wastelands of the Pantheon it was as though she had stepped into paradise. Beautiful, though she could not help but see it all as guilding. Destruction's decline reigned over all of them afterall.
"I wonder how many slaves and public wells they drained to keep it like this." She muttered cynically.
The people around them kept their distance and she really couldn't blame them. She knew Lien would have some quip for a moment such as this ... 'we come in peace,' 'take us to your leader'. The goddess of numbers remained silent for a moment.
"Well, I suppose the maps were a waste of space." She smirked, looking up at the sprawling palace with its glass shining in the sun, only vaguely aware of the guards waiting for their orders. SkieBorne When he stepped through the door with eyes shut and felt a wave of coolness rather then searing heat break upon his face, the mage blinked and opened his eyes. Both god and host stopped for a moment to take in the gardens... the hanging baskets, the waterways and the perfect tranquility of the place. Malh'reth's eyes were large, impressed by the beauty of what he saw - dazzling auras that danced and played with the flow of water, chords of power that weaved throughout the gardens, collected above the lotuses and then spiraled up towards the statue that stood like a proud titan above them. Only when he turned did he realize that the gardens were circular, lotuses clustered around the base of Origin's statue that gave way to fragrant greenery bordered by ponds... It was breath taking.
And for Glyph it was a breath of fresh air. He had yet to see the world proper, to see and feel and smell the greenery that he so loved. There were even little birds and bugs to accentuate the beauty, little things he felt an intense desire to experience. Before Malh'reth could do anything, Forest and stepped into control and moved them towards a nearby basket where a few colourful and exotic birds currently roosted."So far from home, little ones... Are you content?" The smile upon the mage's face was soft and gentle, reverent of the life that stood before him. Forest knew that these had been transported from some exotic rainforest on this planet, a pocket oasis perhaps, but a forest nonetheless. The birds peered at the intruder for a brief moment before flitting off, much to Glyph's sadness. He was not strong enough to influence the world yet.
Can I have my body back now? Malh'reth asked quietly, not really trying to struggle against the god's control - Glyph clearly preferred the vibrancy of a garden to the ash and brimstone of the pantheon and he wasn't so insensitive as to argue the point.
Glyph blinked and laughed sheepishly as he nodded, "My apologies."There was a subtle shift in posture as Malh'reth came back into control and rolled his shoulders, "Thought this was a desert world..." He looked up once more to admire the towering statue and the glittering glass domes of the palace."It is." Natasha replied as she pointed to the sky and then gestured at their welcome party, indicating the garb."They wouldn't be showing so much skin if it were a temperate location, ne?" She smiled as she came up even with Malh'reth and frowned, "I wonder why they're just standing there...." Charcoal eyes scanned the area and noted the forms hidden behind bushes, their presence felt even if it was difficult to actually spot them amongst the foliage. Mouse Pachinkorelli "Holy s**t, dude..." David reflected the entire groups surprise upon stepping into a tiny paradise when so much of the rest of the universe had long since descended into a living hell. After so many weeks of seeing only the dull colors that dust, rot, decay and destruction painted everything with, the lush greens and pristine glass were enough to hurt his eyes. It made his thoughts flutter briefly back to his skepticism about the influence of True Gods on the world, until his gaze caught a streak of sun-hazed sky threatening to fall apart at the seams above the towers of the crystalline city. That was enough to snap him back into reality. It is almost as if they're in denial, thinking their prosperity will allow them to live on past the End, Glaucon noted darkly, though he couldn't help but appreciate and wonder how this society could appear so functional when the influence of Gehenna had undoubtedly torn countless more apart. The guards continued their wary approach of the intruders, even as it became obvious to them and the garden's patrons exactly what they were doing. After asking David to borrow his voice, Judgment spoke to the group while keeping a careful eye on Eudocia, who seemed infatuated by the red lotuses growing at the base of the statue. "They're 'just standing there' because they are uncertain how to approach us," he quietly theorized, getting as good a look at their faces and stances as he could manage. "We arrived here in a very unusual way, and as such we're most likely not mere tourists in their eyes. Think about the assumptions that could lead to... I recommend we remain peaceful so they don't become poor ones."Eftemie "It's incredibly beautiful. The detail and work that went into all this..." her voice dropped off as she moved towards one of the baskets. "I wonder who takes care of if. There must be someone who makes these plants flourish like this. And I wonder what else they have here."
She glanced over at Cosine. "This was most definitely a good idea, Cosine. They may know something about them. I can't imagine that anyone but He created these statues. They've stood for too long and there are still here. I mean wouldn't there have been some sort of change to them unless it was something Harmodius did?" Her eyes went back for the towering statues. Perhaps they knew of something here. A bit more excitement slipped over her and she smiled again at the goddess beside her. Lisana was definitely ready to go exploring.
Sinestra watched the guards warily for a moment but then smiled at the joy and excitement in her goddess's voice. It had been a good idea to come along though she had been a little uncertain. midnight_medea The guards were indeed uncertain what to do with such intriguing strangers. The other clans were resorting to desperate measures these days if they were bringing foreigners in to try and bring the emperor down. On the words of their commander they moved forwards, their uncertain fear seemingly gone and weapons at the ready. Cosine glanced around the party and then back to the guards. This was about to get interesting.
"So um, we let them arrest us?" She asked the god that resided within David. She wasn't fancying taking her chance with the glass scimitars they carried.Mouse Pachinkorelli Glaucon replied to the Counting Crow with a confident nod. "Yes. I doubt they've been given any orders to kill us, as such a thing would leave a great deal of questions unanswered." His host's arms were too stubborn to allow themselves to be raised over his head, but he managed to spread them out and turn up his free palm in a universal gesture that meant he wasn't about to reach for a weapon. "Cooperating with them could very well lead to answers for us as well."SkieBorne While the Head Guardsman knew not how the other clans had spirited such... creatures into the inner portions of the palace and would have rather taken them out to dispatch quickly, orders were orders and coming directly from the Sultan himself made them irrefutable. Clearing his voice, he stepped forward through the foliage, back straight and head canted at a proud angle, "Who dares tread on His Majesty's Gardens?" Voice rich and robust, it filled the area around him with an air of command leaving no doubt as to his position. Smoothly, he gestured for the other guards to surround the intruders and nodded as a ring of glittering, enchanted glass was formed around the gods.
Glaucon's authorative tones and Cosine's subordinate-like actions made the Captain turn and address the cripple. Though his lip turned down in a frown at the obvious imperfection of David's body, a leader was a leader and a powerful one at that to have staged this flashy intrusion, "Move. Outsiders are not meant to be here. We shall talk." Short and crisp, he moved forward and the ring of gem-like swords moved with him, pressuring the group to move without a single drop of blood being spilled.Glyph remembered to ask before taking control this time and nodded in agree with Lisana, "That these gardens flourish at the base of His statue should be testament enough of His influence." Moving up beside Laughter, Forest turned as the guards made their presence more then obvious, shifting back away from the flimsy-appearing swords they bore. "There is no ill will here..." He offered a smile even though Natasha stepped abruptly between her Lord and the guards that threatened his safety. "Calm, Natasha. Do not cause trouble." Resting a hand on her shoulder, he shook his head and the Aoide backed down though she still kept slightly in front of Glyph. To Cosine, he sent another nod of agreement, "I would agree with you... we did not come to fight." Eftemie Lisana giggled suddenly. "Boy, are they going to be upset when they understand they are throwing gods out of their gardens when they should be showering us with gifts. I guess they need work on their people skills." She broke into full laughter, a musical sound that echoed lightly through the area. "I suppose we will have to teach them better."
Sinestra's lips twitched upwards, though she said softly. "Goddess, I think that we should remain serious for a few moments."
"I am serious, Sinestra. I can tell they all need to laugh more already." she smirked. "Someone wants to talk to us. That's plain to see or they would have attacked already." His Majesty? Hmm... probably who we should be speaking to. Mouse Pachinkorelli Glaucon lifted David's eyebrow at the demanding voice that rang out outside of the quickly tightening circle of guards. Lisana was right, this was turning out to be rather unusual, with gods being treated so callously by ignorant mortals. They would have to choose their words carefully if they wanted a good shot at making these people realize that they were being visited by divine beings. He quietly allowed the circle of guards to lead him outside, the analytical expression on his host's face giving him an air of confidence that almost seemed to exist separately from their crippled body. If the commander wanted to talk... well, Judgment would be more than willing to oblige. It would also be worth it to earn an audience with 'His Majesty' - he was sure that his companions were probably thinking the same thing. Eudocia followed close behind her master, unable to resist the urge to nervously fumble with the wrappings one on of her packages of food. SkieBorne The group was ushered through hallways lined with rich tapestries and complex, glittering glass and crystal ornaments in the alcoves recessed into the walls. Some were empty and if one looked closely enough, dust and sand had collected about the bases of several display tables, subtle but there. It seemed at odds with the otherwise immaculate palace but was, perhaps, one of the less obvious signs that the city was indeed feeling the effects of Gehenna. A palace so grand as this would surely employ enough servants to keep it spotless.
As it was, the few they did pass glanced in surprise, expressions ranging from shock to distrust but all held some semblance of wonder. Who were these people surrounded by the finest guard coming from the Gardens? Why was that one bubbling...? And the other with the hypnotic patterns? Beast people and a man who sported a mark of enlightenment... they all inspired curiosity in the mortals they passed, broke up the monotony of pretending that all was well.
When they arrived at a pair of frosted crystal doors with images of the statues that dominated the city molded into the surface, the guards stopped. A few opened the door and the group was shepherded into a mostly empty room but for pillows, a few low-lying and whispy-looking tables and a bank of massive windows that overlooked the city. Behind that glass was a precipice that no mortal would survive should they break through. The Captain smiled. It was a wonderful room for questioning... open and yet secure - the entrance enchanted to withstand most everything their world, and many others, had to throw at it.
"Sit..." He gestured for them to find their seats as his guards lined the room, six to either side, and the doors closed behind him with a definite click. Making a show of sheathing his weapon, the Captain crossed his arms to properly regard those inside.
Question them. The orders were simple enough... "You are intruders, coming unannounced into the Palace. Your efforts have caught our attention, and I assume that was your goal." Pacing to stand before the table, the man scanned those assembled before letting his gaze fall back to Glaucon, "Who are you and what do you want? These are difficult times, do not expect charity from us." More then once, peoples from all over had snuck in in the attempt to gain an audience with the Sultan and make a case... and every time he'd had to throw them out, usually before they even managed to beg for the Sultan's attention. His Majesty had it clear that charitable acts were his and his decision alone.
In the meantime, while the Captain had been escorting their 'guests', the Sultan had arrived and settled in a room hidden behind one of the walls where Cosine and her group were being held. Mirrors and crystal had been inlaid into the woods and stone, creating a beautiful lighting effect but also allowed for cunning one-way viewing portals that conducted both sound and images to those in the secret room. One could watch without fear of being seen in return.
It was here that the Sultan sat sipping a spicy traditional tea and listening to the intruders. An interesting lot, at the very least... His gaze traveled not to David but the two Goddesses, so obviously different from the others. What were they...? While not a particularly pleasant man, the Sultan was not impatient. They would speak, sooner or later and he would have his answers.Malh'reth frowned as the guards ushered them like so many sheep and kept close to the center of the group, wary and nervous. He had not expected such a display of.... what? It wasn't agression and in these times he couldn't really blame them for being cautious...Calm down, Malh'reth. If they had wanted to attack us, they would have by now. The mage nodded but continued to frown as he settled onto a pillow and pulled one into his lap. Beside him, Natasha chose to stand, ever watchful and loyal. If the guards chose to attack, they must go through her. She wasn't much of a fighter but a few good kicks with her strong legs would injure at least a few. To emphasize this, she tapped her hooves against the ground.
When the guard spoke, he blinked and turned to regard the man. Who was he addressing...? David? The mage blinked again but nodded, the man did have an air of authority about him at the moment. Probably more from the god who resided in that gem then from David himself, though. Clearing his throat, he wondered if he should answer the question... Lisana and Cosine were deities while the guard had chosen David as their leader, leaving him somewhere in the middle.Remember our purpose. You are an entertainer, you will illustrate our plans. Glyph's words were gentle, calming him with the god's steady confidence. "Right." Nodding, he settled and waited for his turn in their plan sure that he would be of use somewhere. Eftemie Lisana sighed, but followed as did the rest of the grouping. She wanted to look around at the glass, the gardens, and the rest of the city. The wave had hit here also as had the weeks of unrest in one form or another. The dust and lack of care spoke of less servants.
She glanced out the window entirely unafraid but appreciating the view as she moved to take a seat. "Beautiful. Cosine, do you suppose we could fly across that? Well, you would fly. I suppose I would just bubble along merrily to the bottom." A giggle slipped free as she took her seat, now watching the Captain of the guards in amusement. "Bad jokes are what I'm best at or making mortals laugh whether they want to or not."
Sinestra moved around to stand behind Lisana. She glanced at the mirrors and glass around them for an instant as if something were bothering her. Something nagged and her eyes narrowed for an instant causing a frown. But shrugging it off when nothing came to her, she turned around again. There was the oddest sensation of being watched though she could not quite figure it out. Too bad she could not pull her cards out and look at them. Perhaps she'd have been able to see something. But the fortune-teller was quite certain that any movement into their things might be misconstrued as a possible attack. The last thing they needed. midnight_medea Cosine followed silently, her eyes also taking in the details of dust and the worry behind the eyes of the guards that led them. The numbers in the palace were depleted. A skeleton staff.
She did not sit in the room they were brought to and looked up at the captain of the guards as he spoke. So sad. She thought to herself, pretending that they still had power left to throw around.
"We are unarmed." She said calmly, nodding to Lisana and following her gaze. She was not so sure that she could fly. The math didn't add up, too small to support her weight. Or were they.
Again her eyes returned to the captain of the guards.
"We do not come to overthrow you or to beg for your charity." She glanced to David and then to Lisana. This was going to sound rediculous to the men before them. "We come to offer help, not beg for it. You cannot keep the evils from paradise forever." Mouse Pachinkorelli Glaucon observed every inch of his surroundings he could manage as they were led to the interrogation chamber, being particularly drawn to the tapestries hanging from the wall. Some of them depicted what looked like historical events and war triumphs, with crystalline spacecraft triumphantly rising from seas of debris. Others seemed a bit more spiritual in nature - one series appeared to be a creation myth of sorts, with what he assumed might be the Sun and Moon trying to court a River by gifting her with warm mantles of light and necklaces of stars. It progressed to her running away to escape from their advances, droplets of herself falling on grains of sand that grew into plants. Her sparkle from the Moon's gifts then drew groups of desert nomads to her dwelling place... and then they were in the door, sitting down, hearing the demanding voice of the commander. It was definitely an effective place to question your average mortal... while Lisana and Cosine might have a chance of escaping, he was fairly sure he wouldn't be able to, confined in David's less-than-impressive body. Hey, I heard that!The god decided not to respond to David, instead focusing on the interrogating commander. Nodding at Cosine's words, he said, "We arrived from the house of the Gods in search of a means to stop the End," sparing no seriousness from his voice. He figured it would sound ridiculous to any mortal at first, but supplemented with their unintentionally grand arrival... hopefully they would be able to recognize the truth in time. SkieBorne One of the guards along the walls couldn't help but chuckle at Lisana's remark, having overheard her comment and was now imagining the goddess bubbling down and out of sight - a rather amusing image, all told. A sharp look from his superior cut the chuckle off and he shifted, straightening his back and returning his gaze to directly forward.
This was not a time for jokes.
However when Cosine spoke, the Captain had to choke down a scoff. "Help? And is it you bring that could aid us?" He cast an appraising look over those assembled and frowned. What indeed.
The Sultan's expression never changed as he listened to their sentiments, only leaned forward slightly in his chair. How curious. The House of Gods... and the End? Supposed messengers from their holy spirits? Sitting back in his chair, he shook his head and decided these were likely misinformed people, driven mad like so many others.
Still, it would not hurt to be entertained for a few minutes more and so he halted the servant who had moved to receive the orders that would either kill or dismiss the four. "Not just yet." He spoke evenly, without looking over.
"House of Gods?" The Captain really did scoff now and shook his head, "We are a port city, we see many... unique peoples come and go every day. We are not short on faith, I'm afraid." He had come to the same conclusion as the Sultan, it seemed, and turned, "If you wish to to make a case, you will need to speak to the Sultan. I can do nothing for you."Glyph spoke up then, "Your world has been touched by the End... would you so easily deny an opportunity for help? As my comrade said, we come unarmed with no ill intent. We would speak to this Sultan if we cannot speak to you." He crossed his arms and gazed at the guard, deliberately leaving their status a mystery - that was a card to be played later on.The Sultan tilted his head to the side, bemused by this grand farce. If they wanted an audience, they would have to earn one - just like every other person who fell to their knees before his great throne. Silently, he raised his hand and gestured for the servant to deliver the orders. "Remove them from the palace, watch them for a few days - if they do not cause trouble, leave them be. If they do... dispose of them."
A sharp nod from the servant and he darted away to pass along the orders. Lucky intruders, they were, to not be thrown in the dungeons. Their flare and their high hopes had likely saved them that fate. Eftemie Lisana caught the chuckle and amusement turning her head to watch the guard for a moment. One with a sense of humor. Perhaps he would be one to take home with her. If they found what they needed here, then he might be one to guard her own temple. Her servants needed such amusement within them. Afterall, what would Laughter do without the laughter of her own?
Such disbelief to be found here. Perhaps all this trouble was the very thing needed to stir not only the hearts of the mortals, but also the hearts of all the gods. Including her own. She and Eftemie were one now. The girl was gone except for the memories and feelings she possessed for the things that had touched her. This man would have amused the girl and she'd have befriended him instantly.
She watched him another moment, laughing suddenly emboldened by the thought the Captain would disapprove. A smile on her lips, she stated, "Well, at least one has a sense of humor at the state we find ourselves in. I approve. Everyone should laugh at least three.. no four.. make it five times a day. Even better than an apple for what ails one." midnight_medea Cosine listened to them carefully, a slight smirk spreading across her lips. For beings that could create such wonder with imagination and faith mortals truely were stupid sometimes. It was rather depressing that as a goddess she had to rely on them for existance.
The guards words made her angry, if there was one thing she could not stand ... it was those who could not see beyond their nose.
"You seem so sure of your position, of your future." She looked out at the window, a city that was only a shadow of its former viberance. "Will your Sultan grant us an audience?" Probably not, she thought. He would be so arrogant to think his position and power might spare him a one way ticket to the End. "Surely he can do the math?" Mouse Pachinkorelli "You would disregard one group of foreigners based on a generalization of all of them?" Glaucon challenged the Commander, locking eyes with him. "Even with how rare visitors must be these days, during a time where 'strange foreigners' have more important concerns than attempting an audience with a ruler who would most likely deny their presence, let alone assist them in the world's time of need?" There was an earnest disapproval in his voice, of how arrogant these people were able to remain when their sparkling glass city was as doomed to shatter as the rest of All That Is. Before more could be said, however, the Sultan's servant discreetly entered the room, and whispered his given orders to the Commander. SkieBorne The guard Lisana had spoken about shifted and smiled, eyes flicking to her for but a moment before returning his gaze to the other wall with a slight nod. Another time, perhaps, and he might have searched her out for a conversation - something about Laughter drew the guard.
The Captain noted the guard's mannerisms and frowned slightly, shaking his head but did not speak out again. It was difficult finding things to laugh about now... to find merriment and the guard had not broken form as he had earlier so he left the man to his amusements. One never knew how long it might last.
To Cosine, Glyph, and Glaucon, he replied sharply, eyes narrowing, "The Sultan has kept this city together when every other one around has fallen into chaos. That he has lead our people so far only gives me further faith that he will lead us out. You speak of our denying help but is it so wise to offer assistance before you even know of our land? To be granted an audience, you must apply and catch his eye. The-" He broke off, narrowed eyes remaining locked on Glau's a silent answer to the other's challenge. He had not attained his position by backing down.
Leaning over to hear the other's whispers, he nodded once and wiped his hands, a look of relief flashing briefly across his features. He would not have to debate with these strangers any more. "My company will escort you out of the palace. Do not attempt to break in again." He signaled the guards and as one, they clinked their feet against the ground and turned to form the wall around the group once more, "If you'll please come along, nothing unpleasant will tarnish this day." Almost graciously, the Captain gestured to the now open doors.
The Sultan had been watching the entire time with a feeling of satisfaction at his Captain's words. Years of work, expressed so simply. The Sultan had the militia's complete loyalty, and many others', and could orchestrate the city in any way he chose - so long as he kept an eye on the other influential families. Loyalty only went so far when the ruler was 'elected' by strength.
His entourage was up and ready to leave but he remained, wanting to witness the interrogation until the very end. Malh'reth spoke up, then, pushing past Glyph to voice his opinion, "Then how do we apply? Do we need proof of our claims? We have that in abundance." Glyph nodded, agreeing with the mage's sentiments and settled to watch the Captain as his gaze shifted to meet Mal's."You apply like any other being. Any proof you have is to be shown to him should he deign to see you." His tone wasn't particularly accommodating as he shrugged, believing the likelihood of their audience was next to nil - and just as well, it meant less headache for him. Eftemie Lisana sighed getting to her feet. They might as well look about the city. She had no doubts that they would find a way to see the Sultan. At some point he'd recognize what they were and he would have to speak and ask for their help.
Sinestra followed just behind her, patiently. She had said nothing but shook her head at the treatment the gods were being given. But she was certain there were those here that would accept them. Perhaps the guard her goddess had picked out already.
When they exited the building, Lisana turned deliberately around. A wide smile on her face, she moved towards the guard that had laughed earlier. "In my temple you would not be just a guard. True laughter is a rare gift. May I know your name?" midnight_medea "Well that was productive." Cosine muttered as they were escorted out of the building and into the heat of the desert sun. She looked to the guards, to Lisana who seemed to be doing her bit for recruitment and then out to the city that spread before them.
"What now?" She asked, turning back to the party. "We try and petition? Or just find another way to get in and beat the Sultan into submission?" Mouse Pachinkorelli The moment the final doors had closed behind them, there was a haggard sigh. "Gaaaaaawd, what a douche!" Glaucon had let his control over his host slip away as soon as they were out of the palace, partially because David had an easier time controlling his body than the god did. The first thing he did upon readjusting his footing was reach his free hand up as far as he could, giving the crystalline palace door the middle-finger salute and an icy scowl. "Bunch of elitist faggots with sticks up their asses." He obviously didn't care whether the few straying guards had heard him, but they seemed to start at his sudden and absolute change in demeanor. Was he as crazy as the Commander made the group out to be... or some kind of spirit channeler, what with that stone inset in his forehead? "Dude. Cosine." He turned to the number goddess, his annoyance not planning to waver anytime soon. "Petitioning that guy isn't going to do s**t. It never does, especially if His Majesty is half the a*****e that guard was." A loose and shaky thumb gestured towards the door in emphasis. "I learned that in college." Then what do you propose we do? We know almost nothing of this city, besides the nature of its leadership..."Hell if I know. Go sightseeing, maybe?" he suggested to the voice in his head with a painful amount of sarcasm. SkieBorne The guard whom Lisana had taken an interest in, lingered to catch a longer glimpse and hear a little bit more of this intriguing group. They offered help... and he felt drawn to the one who bubbled and laughed easily. When she addressed him so suddenly, he blinked and for a moment words eluded the mortal as he looked at her dumbfounded. "Wh-what?" He frowned slightly when words finally came to him, and bowed slightly at the compliment, "Temple...? My name is Hasheem Karez, Royal Guard." He stopped there, at a loss of what else to say and then was called away by his comrades. With an apologetic look, he smiled at Lisana and offered a half wave before he hurried into the palace with the rest of the guards.Malh'reth and Glyph both had no idea what a douche was but both agreed with the tone in which is was spoken, "I agree, petitioning that monarch will get us nothing. If anything, we'd likely end up dealing with that biggot of a guardsman once more." The mage frowned and crossed his arms as he looked up into the sky and blinked at the streaks of light that were the incoming space ships and pointed, "What are those!?"
Glyph had shrunk back a little, disliking the dry heat that his host felt and did not answer. He was only recently returned the world and ages of being confined to a gem did not let one update one's knowledge of the current peoples.
As Cosine spoke of beating the Sultan into submission, he laughed and shook his head, "Somehow I doubt that would work, Cosine.... but they did insinuate our flashy entrance was what saved us.... I think we should find another way to get in - force the sultan to meet us. There must be some clues around here that'll help us with that..." He turned to eye the sky once more, obviously wanting to investigate those ships as he'd never seen something of their like before. midnight_medea Cosine gave both men a look and then turned her eyes back to the city.
"And you both seem so full of wonderful ideas." She said dryly, shifting her weight and folding her arms. There must be something they could do.
"At least we are agreed that we need to get in there and force the Sultan to listen. Which might involve some research. I vote we split up. See what we can find out about the city, its people. Anything and meet back here ... say, sundown?" She suggested, her green eyes flitting back to the party. "That will give us the cover of darkness."
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:10 pm
::Forgetful Deserts ::Eftemie Solo09.08.08They both walked into the brightly colored area of the markets. Awnings striped in bright reds, blues, and violets greeted both as they began to look at the colorful displays of goods. People moved aside as their presence was noted and taken in. It had been rumored some strangers had appeared within the very gardens of the Sultan and that they were linked to the light that had been seen dripping from the statues. "Lady, I think this place is very beautiful but should not be underestimated." The fortuneteller's voice was thoughtful as she kept a wary eye on the surroundings. "I think we are safe enough," she replied smiling at a child that hid behind his mother. He poked his head around to watch her, dark eyes shy. Lisana winked at him, smiling gently as they continued past though he still clutched his mother's dress. She glanced at the clothing as she passed by. Some were silks and others were much coarser. She was looking for something similar to the dresses worn by the women in the harem. It could be useful on formal occasions and audiences. Sinestra had been insisting that she take more care with her dressing. For a time they wandered around glancing at things as people moved aside, watching them or hurrying away trying not to notice them. Both actions made Lisana sigh as she glanced about in the glare of the sun. Towards supper time she and Sinestra stopped to the side, simply watching people go by as they ate a little and drank some water. Several people did stop to speak shyly for a moment or two, but few would give information. In the end she did find a dress similar to the one she had seen and was attempting to find out the price of it. An old woman approached bowing politely to her. "I would not have dreamed I would see one such as you, Lady. Not in my lifetime." Her eyes were filled with tears as she glanced up at Lisana, having taken the dress from the clerk. "I know power when I see it and what is disguised in frail human form. I would die happy now if you would accept the dress as a gift." Lisana smiled, suddenly hugging the woman to her gently as Sinestra placed the dress in the pack. "It's very beautiful. I would gladly accept it. When I leave here, you should come with me." "My life lies here, Lady, but my heart goes with you. I will think on it." Faith was all Mian needed. Often she had thought on the statues seeing more than perhaps others did. The rumors and light from the statues earlier in the day had left her thoughtfully contemplating such notions. And seeing one as the girl in front of her made her understand that she had seen truly. Her heart was at peace now that even in the state of things, they were fixable. The old woman moved away after talking a few more moments to finish her work inside. Perhaps there would be time yet to do another dress for the girl. Violet perhaps instead of the blue. Both would complement.  It was not long afterwards that she suddenly heard a voice behind her. "Excuse me? I..." he began then stopped when she turned to watch him. A smile brightened across her face and all he could do was stare. What was it that drew him to her? "Hasheem, hello." she stated watching him in amusement. Her lips twitched upwards as he watched her, then shifted uncomfortably. "You remembered my name?" he asked and then flushed a bit red. "I wanted to talk to you." He ran a hand through his hair. "Just to find out a little. I don't understand how all of you could have just appeared like that in the garden. And... what did you mean by 'your temple'? I probably should not be here. I'm sure... well... that you are being watched." She laughed musically, shaking her head. The bubbles cascaded around her causing a murmurr from those nearby. "I'm quite certain we are being watched. Everyone is wondering just like you are. My name is Lisana, and I'm the Goddess of Laughter." She glanced around her. "It's been very hard here lately. I can see that." "Goddess...?" he blinked in surprise, shifting his feet again. Almost as if he wanted to run. Lisana sighed. "Yes. That is what I am. They are. You did not think of that possibility with things the way they are? Perhaps more should." Hasheem watched her hesitantly for a moment, then sat down beside her and Sinestra. "No, I really had not. I mean... the wings and the bubbles..." He sighed running his hand through his hair again. "We get alot of strange ones through here sometimes. As a guard I see alot of oddities." "Are you calling us odd?" Lisana asked then broke into laughter as his face turned bright red. "No! I mean... " he stuttered stopping to stare at her before shaking his head and laughing himself. "I see. I think. This place works differently than what you probably know. For a long time the Sultan's family has been holding power here though many other families would like to have such and remove him. If something happens- even assassination- and there is no proof even though everyone knows who did it, they are applauded. One family spies on another and even sons on fathers, daughters on mothers. It's just the way it is here." "So everything works on cunning and money then?" Sinestra asked softly, still watching him. "Basically. Each family wants more but propriety is maintained until the moment they can get away with it." His words were earnest and Lisana frowned faintly as he got to his feet. "It's getting late. I need to go, but it was very nice speaking to you." A shiver suddenly ran down her spine as she glanced over towards the woman and child. Both were frozen in fear as two creatures suddenly appeared before them, shaking the very air around them. Large wings flapped backwards tossing aside the stand of clothing as the creatures stared around them angrily. They had not expected this. And they were definitely not happy about it. Hasheem turned at the sound of a scream from the woman as she pulled her son backwards. Flinching he moved forwards, pulling his sword free of the sheath as two other men did the same thing. Both demons suddenly reached out towards the frightened child and mother, but she had backed away as far as she could. There were no summoners here and they were where they did not want to be. She reacted jumping to her feet. Pointing a finger at the demons, she whispered, focusing with all her might. It filled her pulled from the very depths of what she felt. She would not let that child and mother be injured and power slipped upwards at her demands. Slowly but increasing as she watched as if time were slowed on this event. It was not and a sense of urgency slipped into her. "Laugh." she said simply, the bubbles streaming around her wildly. Tasteless colorless it surrounded them, swirling at her command. Weak at first but then stronger. Each creature turned at her statement, eyes flashing in fury but understanding dawned upon their faces at her demeanor. This was no human as first thought. She was more and they turned directly towards her as it gripped them with their own steps. Both began to laugh uncontrollably though without humor. They could not fight it nor could they act otherwise and take the lives of those around them. Her focus still on them, Lisana continued to try to prevent. Her eyes were angry yet sparkled with amusement that she had them. Having never really used her power she wondered how long this would last. "Hasheem, kill them quick. They struggle like fish on a hook and may be able to get off." Sinestra had turned to watch the area around them to see if more would appear. When none did, her eyes shifted back to the goddess. They would come straight for her if given a chance. Her own voice added to Lisana's. "Quickly! Before they chance to bring more!" Hasheem and the men understanding moved as one attacking. A few moments later both creatures lay headless on the ground. The mother and child were staring at the goddess, their faces both fearful and yet awed. The men backed away watching her for a moment but then moved to clean up the mess that had been created. Hasheem walked towards her, bowing suddenly. "You really are..? My Lady, I don't quite know what to say." "Yes. Perhaps later I will explain how and why and everything else, but it's getting late and I need to meet the others." She smiled reaching out to touch his hand. "When I leave here you are most welcome to come with us, Hasheem. You would make a very good Captain of my own guard. Why settle for a Sultan when you can protect a goddess?" A faint smirk was on her face. She liked Hasheem and his humor. He would fit in well with her own. He started at her without knowing what to say. "I... " "It is your choice, Hasheem." Lisana stated bowing to him as she watched the sun dropping lower. "We are meeting back where we were so kindly escorted out of the palace." She turned away without saying more. His dark eyes watched her as she and the other woman walked away. What did the Sultan truly mean to him? And what did she? That was the choice he would have to make. A Sultan or a Goddess of Laughter? There was no choice. He knew the ways here and had always wanted more. With her there was that. He needed to tell the Captain that he was leaving. He had better employment or at least a better chance for something else. And maybe he would see if a few of his friends wanted a new start. One where Laughter lived
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:11 pm
::Helping Hands::Joint with medea, Mouse, Skiemidnight_medea  As the light began to fade on the desert city it caused a spectacular show. The colours of the sky reflected in the glass that decorated many of the buildings and reflected to cause an amazing light show.
"Beautiful." Cosine said with a smile to her companion.Isra. She was a judge from a group of space nomads forced to the city because of harsh times. Their ships were broken and their trade routes had been destroyed. Cosine had run into the tall woman and her young son in the market. They had been accompanied by two more familiar faces. Twin Aoide, lost in the fading and adopted by the tribe. Mouse Pachinkorelli The reflection of the dimming sunlight on the buildings was particularly nice on this night, especially with the shine of the active Gate playing soft pastels over the glass roofs of Baadris, making the city almost look as if it were floating in the air instead of glued to the dusty ground. It was certainly more than enough to give people reason to overlook the influence of Decay slowly eating away at the pristine buildings, promising to make them look less magnificent with each passing day. Cosine and her new friend were soon joined by Glaucon and Eudocia, who were sure to leave early so David's slow body wouldn't make them late. The look on Judgment's face was analytical as always, but there was a tinge of excitement with having so much useful information to share. Noora the seamstress had been quite the font of knowledge - he was hopeful that his companions had learned other things so they could all compare notes. SkieBorne Decay indeed. It was seen in the riff raff that hung around the buildings, lean from famine or wounded from plague and war... the city was beginning to truly show the signs of the End. Light filtered down through the sky and played across crystal shutters, scattering rainbows over the street like a fine vaneer that would hide the spiderweb cracks in them.
Wearily, Glyph approached the group once more squinting and yawning hugely every few moments. He was tired from his story telling, having put in a great deal of energy to make it as real as possible for his audience. Mal only hoped he'd done enough to plant the seed of belief that Glyph had suggested.
Coming up behind David, Malh'reth gave way to Glyph as he yawned once more, knowing the god would do a better job of communicating his epiphany to the others. "Greetings. I have much to discuss... and it seems you do as well, Cosine. Glaucon...?" Forest titled his head, catching that slight look of excitement. It seemed their forays had been informative!
Natasha stepped closer as Glyph was unable to suppress yet another yawn. "Malh'reth has expended much energy in our little trip around the city... but I have a few intriguing ideas to share." Eftemie Lisana and Sinestra walked back to the meeting place. Those few people still out and about moved aside letting them pass even as they watched them. There was so much that was beautiful about this city but there was so much more that it could be.
The silks and clothing were intricately made with glass beads and a finesse to them that was incomparable. But there was an ugliness to the place despite its beautiful glass. It was that which was going to change perhaps. The talk of assassination and .
She smiled seeing them all there. "I found out some information." Bowing faintly to the woman she did not know, Lisana smiled then added, "From a friendly guard who likes to laugh." A faint smirk was seen on her face at the thought of Hasheem. "He may be joining us. I made him an offer I do not think he can refuse."
"Oh! The oddest thing happened. Two demons appeared in the marketplace without summoners. I wonder if that is something that occurs frequently here." She frowned slightly at the thought. "They are dead, but still it was most unexpected." midnight_medea Cosine smiled as her companions returned, she was excited to hear what they had managed to discover and also to share her news. Her exploration of the market place had prooved very fruitful indeed.Isra looked around the group and smiled, returning Lisana's bow. The woman was clearly a goddess as well. He words however troubled her.
"Not in the city, no. The desert sometimes if you wander too far." She looked to the others and then back to Cosine.The green eyed goddess smiled.
"This is Isra. She is from a nomadic caravan. Part of a group of ancient tribes, they believe in us." This was clearly exciting news, Cosine flapped her wings a little and looked to her new friend. "She is a judge, on a tribal council and might be able to get us inside the palace. Her people are going to help rally support to return with us." Mouse Pachinkorelli The reunion was very timely; both Glaucon's mood and his opinion of his companions lifted considerably when they came not only at around the same time, but with news to share as well. He frowned briefly at the mention of demons... he hadn't noticed any himself. It was a mystery that would have to be pushed aside to another day, however; right now they had more important dangers to worry about than an attack from a handful of small monsters. He gave a nod to Isra, saying, "It is a pleasure to meet anyone willing to help another in times like these." The fact that her tribe believed in the True Gods provided more hope, especially if they had the influence to help them back into the gardens. "I was able to meet with a seamstress who hears a lot about the inner workings of the city from her customers," he added to the list of the people they had seen. "She gave us an idea or two that might help cement our chances." At 'us', he gave a side glance to Eudocia, who dipped her head bashfully at the attention. Her hands were carefully gripping one of the bits of cloth used to wrap her food, now loosely around a distinctly different shape from anything she was carrying earlier. David had become increasingly silent since they had started this journey... but that would also have to be a mystery to explore in safer times. Glaucon looked between the goddesses, Isra and Forest's host, eager to hear the information they each had. "What of you and your host's 'intriguing ideas', Glyph? And assistance from a guard of the Palace would be very useful."SkieBorne Glyph caught Eudocia's uncomfortable shuffling and arched a brow, lifting his gaze to meet Glaucon's as the god spoke, "This place is parched and drying up, and many believe their gods have abandoned them. Or else the city stands because the gods smile upon them." Forest couldn't help the slightly sardonic smile that played across his features, pausing only long enough to ensure that the others were not about to recount their encounters as well."While we were investigating the city, the ports in particular, it came to our attention that water is being rationed rather fiercely. Malh'reth and I ended up discussing we True Gods and several people over heard. The mage then took that opportunity to quench their thirst and tell our story." At this, he crossed his arms and smiled at the group, "Which made me realize - we draw our power in part from the worship mortals offer us so why not Harmodius as well? In particular Creation... Could we not, then, strengthen what remains of Our Lord by bending the will of the people to worship," He pointed up at the Gate, "Origin? Origin, the beginning of everything... a symbol of perfection and mystery among the mortals here. They worship us though they do not know it. Spreading knowledge and belief in that which stands above them, could we not call Him back, in part, by empowering his Creative incarnation?"He sighed and shrugged, "Or at the very least, buffer him against the Void that must rage within that Pod." midnight_medea Isra's eyes also drifted towards Eudocia, falling on the bundle that she carried. A leaf poked out, and a petal. A dark eyebrow raised and a smirk crossed the exotic woman's lips.
"You stole a lotus. You know there is a penalty of death for that." She teased. "They used to be for all once. We would use them as offerings to our alters, they symbolised the begining of everything. Life. Rebirth." A smirk, her eyes glanced towards the palace. "Can't have everyone holding the gift of life in their hands. Just like the Statue at who's feet they grow. he keeps them for himself." Eftemie Lisana listened then said, "Hasheem said that this place runs on what can be done without getting caught via cunning and money. It's an honor or some such even to the point of assassination. It looks like we already got away with that. Can we not use it in some way to force his hand?"
"And if we can find those who still have faith or are at least searching, then it's a beginning of what we need. An old woman in the marketplace believes too. She said as much when she hugged me." Lisana stated thoughtfully. "I intend for her to come with us and I've already asked Hasheem. Would a large enough group force others to move in our favor here? And help our Lord as well?" Mouse Pachinkorelli Glaucon listened carefully, his calm exterior belying the whirling of hope and inspiration that was quickly brewing inside his mind. Forest and his host... it was so simple, and yet so brilliant... and Isra's talk of the lotuses... his mouth would have been spilling with words before his brain could properly form them, were he not the level and analytical god of Judgment he was. Things were starting to turn out so well, it was almost as if Fate had been reborn and given them their blessing. He waited for Lisana to say her piece and then continued with his own information with a practiced deliberation in his voice. First he nodded to the goddess of Laughter in agreement with her words. "Yes, I heard as much from the seamstress. Reentering the Gardens in the correct way is imperative to our success here." About gathering a larger group... yes, converting the masses of the city while verbal chess is being played with the Sultan... "Leaders in any society have a way of losing their power if their people disagree with them," he agreed. "And if mortal will is as important to the Twin Crown as it is to us, then the citizens of Baadris will be the first to fuel the spark of Creation trapped in that Chrysalis."And yes, the importance of belief - such a simple, obvious thing that they had overlooked before, and now it would be shaping the rest of their journey. His gaze shifted to Glyph and his host, the heightened levels of respect for them clear on his face. "If we want to inspire more belief, then I believe our return to the Sultan must be impressive... so much that it can be thought of as an act of the Gods... seen as divine intervention.""The lotus will be returned to him as an act of kindness and grace," Glaucon finished, facing Isra now. "And perhaps they can be seen on altars yet again someday, if we are successful."SkieBorne Glyph stepped forward as that lotus winked into view and then out again, holding long-fingered hands up to Eudocia, "May I see...?" He nodded as Isra's words, "Symbols of life and rebirth, hrm? Why were they taken away?" The God of Forests quirked a brow as dots began to connect themselves in his mind, "Are they revered still, as more then some pretty ornament in a Sultan's garden? They should be shared if they bring hope to the people... do they connect at all to that Statue?" Speaking thoughts aloud, the god stepped away from Eudocia."Bold and flashy, tied to the spiritual..." He smiled at Glaucon, nodding to acknowledge his words and turned to do likewise with Lisana, "Why not appear in their gardens once more? If these lotuses are important, we should make use of them - symbols of perfection that they are, they could be tied to Origin through our actions. Malh'reth has his images... and the Fangbridle reigns alongside Greed as his favourite portait. A dragon resplendent would be useful, do you not agree? A fellow God, the mount to Harmodius himself, to draw attention."
Returning his gaze to Isra he pursed his lips, "With such a distraction, do you think you could help us through? You and Lisana's Hasheem?" Glyph tilted his head to look at Laughter questioningly - would her new follower be willing to help them? They stood a chance only if they could gain access to the palace and force the Sultan into working with them - caught between divine intervention and a city being converted to the True Gods, it seemed like the perfect pressures to ease a leader into a suitable position, better if they converted him as well. Eftemie Hasheem thought about what he had seen. And the words the goddess had given him. She obviously had power to stop demons. Even if it was laughter, it had held them allowing their destruction. In their time of need, she had not hesitated to act pulling the attention to herself for their protection. Was this really a chance for him to leave this place and find more? He wanted more than just standing guard over the Sultan expected to give his life for him.
Laughter was more than the Sultan ever would be. But did he take this chance. He was drawn to her more than he had ever been drawn to his job or anything else. Heading towards his parent's home he stopped just outside for a long moment. Then he turned around and went the other direction. He would take a chance. His family could kill him later for it, but only if it did not work out. For now, he knew what he had to do.
She had said they were meeting back at the outer doors of the palace. He needed to tell the Captain he was quitting and pick up his gear from the barracks, but he would tell her that he wanted to help however he could. Whatever the consequences it was time. Now he had a true chance to do something that would perhaps better his own life, his family's, and save what he could. The world was in a very strange place right now and gods were there to help. At least he believed so now.She nodded. "I believe he would. And perhaps some of his friends. He approached me in the marketplace asking questions but I got the impression that his information in return was something he should not say, but did." She frowned thought fully for a moment. "I wonder if we can find him by asking one of the guards here. Surely they would know him."
Sinestra listened quietly as she glanced at the flower. The goddess was right. He had been drawn just like others were to the group, but more to her than any. midnight_medea Isra listened to the strange creature as he spoke of the lotuses and asked questions.
"The Sultan is greedy, he likes to keep beauty for himself. You know, only the beautiful are allowed within his inner chambers." She smirked and shook her head a little, her earrings making a light tinkling noise as she did so. "As for the statue, the people here, they see it as a kind of icon. A symbol of wonder and power. If you can convince them that it represents something true I think they will be ... more easily converted."Cosine nodded in agreement with everyone.
"So, maybe some of us need to go to the gardens. We can investigate these Lotuses and the statue more. I remember, there were people there, families. We could speak with them." Her eyes travelled up to the darkened palace, glowing light emmiting from the windows. "The general population are one thing, but converting the Sultan's supporters." Mouse Pachinkorelli "I agree," Glaucon said in response to Cosine's suggestion of splitting up. "You and Laughter would most likely have an easy time converting these people, as you have already begun your ascent and can demonstrate your influences. If they can be swayed, then it would make the Sultan easier to convince as his power over them begins to wane." He waited a moment before speaking again, looking across the group to see if there were any objections so far. In that time the breeze in the cooling air was cut through by footsteps being made by a familiar face. The guard that Lisana had quite an easy time converting, no doubt. He must have been desperate for a shred of hope in the despair that was draped over all planes; despite how much this city wanted to ignore it, there were definitely some people in Baadris who weren't so blind. Judgment gave Hasheem a quick nod before turning back to Cosine and her new friend. "Isra, I trust that you and Hasheem will be able to assist in our re-entry. The displeasure of the Gods played out by Malh'reth's summoned dragon should be more than enough of a distraction."A tingle in the back of his mind suggested he would normally be disapproving of such criminal acts... but that's the way this society worked, and they would have to use it to their advantage if they were to stand a chance. SkieBorne After their initial meeting, they retired to a place of safety and spent the next few days in proper planning. Isra had been of great help, outfitting them all in appropriately noble attire while offering advice and tips – someone to remember if their plans succeeded. The break in would have to be as flashy and divine as possible while striving for the gardens once more. This city’s society allowed for cunning and daring for those bright enough to use such skills to their advantage and the rag tag group meant to take full advantage of that little loop hole. None would see them enter if all went according to plan. Thus, a few hours after dusk had fallen once more on the city of Baadris, they approached one of the many servant’s entrances to the palace – gateways only the staff and guards knew about. With the palace being so severely understaffed, these entryways were patrolled and no longer actively guarded, perfect for their secret entry. Lurking in the shadows, out of sight and away from any prying eyes, the group waited for the guard to pass by, peer out into the night then close and lock the door once more. Several more long minutes saw the gods waiting in silence before Malh’reth pulled his book and set about summoning a copy of Zhijian. A nearly perfect duplicate, he pulled the drawing from the page and took his time in building the necessary energy to cast the dragon into reality. Shimmering and translucent, impossible to tell the origin of, the illusion grew in size until the appropriate size and then it stepped into reality, the 2D lines and forms literally ballooning out into muscles and bones and fur as the dragon opened its maw and roared. Floating above the palace as it was, that roar was more then enough to draw attention. Lights and torches flared into life, focusing on the dragon that circled above their homes as shouts and orders rang out into the night. There was a look of intense concentration on the mage’s face as he guided the dragon, moving it into elegant flight patterns, wavering like a benevolent specter with its serene smile and glistening coils. It worked like a charm. As a group they moved in while the dragon drew attention away from the walls. The locked door was quickly picked and the way inside opened. Hasheem lead them through the winding corridors and broad halls, ever closer to the sacred gardens. There was a sense of urgency now, this stop and go pacing that had them on their toes at all times. Servants bustled now, taking to the public halls for the servant’s pathways were longer and more convoluted. Weapons, lights, spell components, messages… it was all to be carried and delivered in mere moments, a difficult task for a weary people. More then once, a sleepy eyed servant tripped on the plush rugs. Deeper and deeper they went, stopping for a long while as soldiers marched through, miraculously keeping to protocol in the chaos. Hasheem, of course, had to hide as well – his sudden departure from the ranks had stripped him of his titles and his privileges, he was just another citizen now. When they passed, the group darted forward once more and within moments arrived in the gardens. They were abandoned in favour of watching the mysterious creature. Dragons were symbols of nobility, freedom, and divine will, spiritual creatures rarely spotted and thus given over to the pages of mythology like so many other things. But now… to see such a thing in their time of need… it was miraculous. There, at last, they were free to collapse and relax until such a time they were discovered nonchalantly lounging once more in the gardens. ~~~~~ Only a few people saw the dragon at first, taking no thought in the creature and dismissing it as a dream or another symptom of the times. As it began to dance and weave in the sky, curled around towers and looked on with a gentle smile, the people began to pause and whisper, look up with large eyes. ”A dragon…”
“Weren’t they a myth?”
”Why was it gracing the palace?”
“Did that matter? There was a dragon”
“It must be a sign.”
“It must be a sign.”The sentiment rippled through the people gathered in the streets, washed up on sleepy neighbours and drew them into the masses. It was a sign. Something was here, hope where it had seemed like nothing would help. Would they be spared? Would life regain its former glory? They looked on, some caught in heated discussions while others offered up quiet prayers the to gods and yet all fell silent as the dragon let go of its perch and flew off, making its way to the statues that dominated the city. Silently, it curled about Origin’s body as though embracing it and laid its head down upon the statue’s shoulder. Perched like a pet, it settled contentedly and peered about for a few brief moments before it began to glow and then burst into millions of luminescent orbs. Those orbs floated slowly down the statue’s length, bathing it in golden light before sweeping up to the joining of hands between the two statues and flaring, spent. ~~~~~~ Malh’reth sagged when his illusion burst and sighed, knowing his drawing was broken. He would have to find Zhijian once more and paint him another portrait to restore that image to his pages. Disappointing that, as he rather liked that piece. Still, it wouldn’t likely be too much trouble to find the dragon once more. Quietly, he sank into a sitting position and leaned against a massive pot full of flowers, “Now we wait.” Eftemie "We made it in. That's all that matters." Lisana glanced over at Hasheem. "In no small part to you and Isra, Hasheem." She smiled, but bowed to him as she sat down next to a plant that had beautiful bluish violet flowers on it."I only did what I had to do, Lady. I will speak to the ones I know again. I'm certain after seeing the dragon they will be thinking more our way." the man replied, standing against the wall nearby. They would come through him before anyone got to the gods. "I am quite certain that they will want to leave with us. I also sent word to my parents and sister to spread the word when something happened that the gods had returned. They were supposed to send messages to others for me.""Then all we can do is wait for now." Sinestra replied, sitting down just behind Lisana. It would be known soon enough what would happen. midnight_medea Cosine watched the drama unfold with amusement and followed them into the palace. The spectacle was impressive and she had to admit very, very realistic. If she had not known better she too would be there, looking up in wonder and fear.
With Isra leading the way and Hasheem, she followed along with the rest of the party, trying hard not to be distracted by the ornate glasswork and beautiful surroundings.
When they stopped, Cosine paused too, though she did not drop her guard. There were things that neede to be done and she was a bit miffed that they were hanging around waiting. Across the gardens a crowd had gathered, still staring at the sky as if they thought that the dragon, or something more horrifying might appear again.
She looked to Lisana and gave her a soft nudge.
"Over there." She said, pointing to them. "We should go and talk with them, whilst the spectacle is still fresh in their minds, make ourselves look goddesslike." Mouse Pachinkorelli Glaucon stayed focused, not allowing himself even a split second of distraction by the image of the Fangbridle twining through the air and catching the attention of every mortal who cast a chance glance up at the sky. There were more important things on his mind than seeing Malh'reth's magic firsthand - among them, following Hasheem's careful directions through the corridors of the palace so they would safely get through. The guard definitely had the experience to make this part of the mission successful, as the few people they skirted past were out of earshot or were merely too distracted by the flight of the dragon to pay attention to anything that was happening on the ground. His host's body was shaking and wobbling from the fatigue, more than ready to collapse at the base of a small fountain once they had the breathing room for it. It seemed like far too short a time span, however, before he was forced to return to his increasingly unreliable feet yet again as Cosine pointed out a slowly growing mass of people nearby. Among that group was a mortal who looked as if he was trying desperately to force his skepticism back onto his features and in his mind. That battleground of a face was painfully familiar - it was that damned Captain again, and a glance in their direction led to him walking towards them in order to deal with the intruders once again. Before that demanding look on his face could be formed into a question or command, Glaucon stepped forward to re-challenge him, using every ounce of willpower he had to stop his cane from wobbling under his hand. "Commander," he started, with a cooly authoritative voice, "go wake your Sultan. Tell him that he has visitors from the House of the Gods who wish to speak with him."SkieBorne The Commander blinked and drew himself up to his fullest height at that demand, frowning. How daring... Still, glancing up at the idol that towered over them and then back at these persistent four - now grown in numbers, it seemed - and shook his head. "You're a determined group, aren't you? I cannot fetch the Sultan, he will see you if he chooses to but I wouldn't get my hopes up." Without another word, he turned and left with a purposeful stride, secure in his belief that the Sultan would not see them at such an early hour. With him went many of those who had gathered in the Gardens - soldiers, mostly, but the concubines and others disappeared into the attached rooms as they were ushered away by their gallant guards.
The Sultan was found in his bed chambers, standing on the grand balcony overlooking the gardens and staring up into the sky at the statue. He'd missed the arrival of the group but the commotion at his door made him inwardly groan. Now what? Was he doomed to continual interruptions? Turning, he swept his mantle out of the way and watched one of his servants approach, head bowed and deferential. "Yes? What's the problem now?"
"Your Highness... Those people from before..." The servant gulped, nervous for he knew what it might look like to both the Sultan and the Heads of Houses once they found out, "They are in the gardens once more. Nobody saw them enter... th-the-"
"Enough!" The Sultan's voice slashed across the servant's and his eyes narrowed. "Back? Again? How dare they. Did they have any messages?"
A nod, "'He has visitors from the House of the Gods who wish to speak with him.' That's what they told the Commander."
"Mmhmm..." Turning away, he waved his hand at the servant, voice cold and decisive. They had either just intrigued the man or royally insulted him - likely both, "Take them to my audience chambers immediately. They are to be held under heavy guard at all times and confined to the west guest wing. Alert the soldiers and find the leader of these impudent upstarts, I will speak with him."
Again, the servant nodded and then skittered away, glad to be away from that chilling gaze. The Sultan was not a man to toy with.
The Commander returned a few moments later, looking weary and worn. The Sultan was going to meet them!? It was unheard of... and yet, he didn't envy these people their impromptu audience. In fact, he was rather curious how this would turn out and how the Sultan would deal with them - once and for all, he hoped.
Again, a ring of soldiers surrounded them and the Commander stepped forward, "Who among you is to speak to the Sultan? The rest will wait in prepared guest rooms in the west wing."
((Note: Since Glyph and Glaucon will be speaking to the Sultan, Lisana and Cosine will be taken to the guest rooms for the next day (24 hours maximum) while the initial meeting is taking place between the gods and the Sultan. The west wing is a plush and well endowed section, complete with bathhouse, gardens (not the central one), etc etc but is, in essence, a gilded cage since the goddesses will not be allowed outside that area until Glyph and Glaucon have unlocked the gardens and begun swaying the Sultan's mind. The reason this is happening is because the Sultan does not want such skilled and unreadable strangers wandering about the palace.
During that 24 hours, Laughter and Numbers can talk to the guards, each other, formulate plans about the lotuses, etc etc - it won't be very long and does not impede our plans whatsoever. Once the Sultan allows them back into the Gardens, you can assume that they can enter and leave the palace as they will - under guard. It won't take very long and doesn't impede the converting at all since the guards are probably a good idea to work on.
Medea and Efte, you don't have to wait for the actual intital meeting to be played out by Mouse and I before you start on your bits, just wanted you to know what's going on on our end of the spectrum~
Thanks!~ )) Eftemie Lisana glanced over at the Commander, a sigh slipping free. "Hasheem and Sinestra will remain with me. He serves me now, but we will go to your guest quarters. For now." Her voice indicated that she would accept nothing less than that for the man other than staying beside her. He was now hers to protect having given up the Sultan.
She stared at him, daring him to disagree, but before he could, Lisana turned glancing at the other guards. She might be in a cage, but it could be used to their advantage. The guards were afterall the core of the Sultan's protection. What better place to be than where she and Cosine could speak to them and others. And she was quite certain that others would find a way once they understood that the gods were there amongst them. This place thrived on bribes and cunning. A few guards and she was certain that others would be found to meet them.
Laughter winked at Cosine as she stated turning a stare to the guards. Let their commander lead the others to the Sultan. "Well, show us the way to these rooms. Come along, Hasheem. Sinestra."
The two guards in front of her blinked in surprise, but glanced at their captain. Then one moved towards the hallway leading off. They stopped opening the doors for her and indicated that these were the rooms for them.
Lisana winked at each one, leaving them nonplussed as she stepped inside. Hasheem coughed to hide his amusement. "I hope he does not expect me to sing like a nightingale from its golden perch. I croon more like a frog in a pond."
Hasheem lost it entirely breaking into laughter. "My Lady, I suppose there is always bubbling merrily out the window and down to the bottom." A large smile crossed his face as she broke into giggles. He decided she was very well suited to her domain for when she was amused her eyes sparkled.
Moving towards the cushioned couches, Lisana reached out to touch the fabrics of the pillows on the couches before sitting down as a test of the softness. Rich silks and tassels adorned everything in the room. Porcelain pots with lush greenery were placed about the area and even a small garden. She would look at one of the bedrooms later. It was certain to just as luxurious as everything else was. She had to give the Sultan credit for one thing- the palace was beautiful.
"Soooo...." she drawled looking very mischieviously at Cosine. "what trouble shall we cause first? All for a good cause of course." A smirk settled upon her face as she glanced to Hasheem and Sinestra. "Anyone have ideas?" Mouse Pachinkorelli And there it was... not too long after the flaring emotions that had leapt across the city thanks to the appearance of the Dragon, the Commander's own feelings had cooled and hardened into a thick shell of skepticism yet again. Glaucon could feel his free hand twitching a bit - David had a very powerful desire to give the man some more rude hand gestures, enough that it had pulsed out of his mind and to his fingers through a road of nerves that the god didn't have tendrils of his own power wrapped around. That contempt for the mortal's bolted-shut mind was easy to see in both expression and voice as he answered, "I will be speaking with His Majesty, as will my companion here." He gestured towards Glyph and his host with a nod to the side. "I am sure he would wish to know the man who summoned the dragon you saw a few moments ago." There was a rare, amused little smile at that, joined by a lifted eyebrow. He was practically daring the Commander to start asking questions about that and waste the Sultan's precious time with what could possibly be another lie from a delusional religious fanatic. Glaucon gave a nod and another smile at Numbers and Laughter before being led off to what was sure to be an interesting discussion. He was confident that their efforts would do well to erode the foundation of what was already a cracking house of disbelief. midnight_medea Bugger ..
So there was the slink off plan foiled. Cosine thought as the guards surrounded them. She looked around the small party, judging reactions and movements for how they were to proceed.
No one moved and so she held her ground, watching as Isra turned to her and gave a warm smile. Go with them, do as they wished ... for now.
As they were led off she glance to the other two and breathed deeply. She hoped that this would work. That the Sultan would believe a pair of hosts based on magic and fine words.
------
As they entered the beautiful rooms she gave a small laugh and raised an eyebrow.
"All the perfumes of arabia." She muttered softly, a book, no a play she had read once coming to mind.
At Lisana's words to the guards she gave a low laugh and looked to the goddess.
"Me too I fear, how about you Isra?" The taller woman returned the smirk and folded her arms, her glass bangles chinking together as she did so.
"I have a fair voice, though if the words of my song reflected how insulted I am they would make even these grown men blush."
She took up residence on one of the cushions, her legs crossed and her hands resting in her lap. Watching the goddess of laughter with a smile.Cosine followed the both of them and sank down to her kneesher back straight and her chin held high. At the laughter goddess's proposition she could not help but laugh a little.
"Trouble?" She asked, turning her eyes to one of the guards who was watching her intently and giving him a coy smile. "If we take a leaf from my host's books there would be too may routes to choose from." Another smirk crossed her red lips.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:12 pm
::Map of Belief::Eftemie Solo09.13.08It was after he had helped get them into the palace once more that he decided to speak to his friends in the guards. Rumors were already flying around about the strangers and what they were capable of doing. But if he was leaving to protect the Goddess Lisana's temple, then he wanted some of those he liked well to have the same chance. He was known for never doing anything lightly though his sense of humor was said to have no place in a guard's duty. Never show a weakness in standing at attention. That was all well and good, but he felt that if one did not have a bit of humor as a guard for the things that happened, one would be cold and not understanding that people were flawed and there were accidents, mistakes, and various other oddities as bad luck. To be a good guard one obeyed the duties given. To be a great guard, one knew when to adjust those rules and how. His Captain was a good guard, but there were others within the corps that were great guards and Hasheem wanted to be one of those. He was not far and he would know if something happened to the goddess or they tried to throw either she or her sister goddess out. As many as possible needed to know that the 'gods' were here and that they had come to help everyone before it was too late. Stopping in front of Fashad, he watched him silently a moment. "I want to send some letters to my family." Fashad stared at his friend a moment as the other guard stepped back a bit more so that they could talk privately. "I don't think that's a good idea, Hasheem. I cannot believe you actually quit for her. Them. It took a long time for us to get to where we are." Hasheem gazed at him silently for a long moment. "Yes, it did take us years to become trusted enough. You know me, Fashad. I never do anything lightly. They are gods and if the sultan refuses them, our world is doomed but even beyond that, I want more. I always have. It's not enough to simply be a guard here never knowing if there is poison in your food or you will be stabbed in the back by someone trying to get to him." He shook his head. "I can serve her in joy, protecting her and those who are hers. Giving the orders myself and making exceptions for those who deserve them. I want you to come with us." The guard blinked, gritting his teeth. "Are you serious? You want me to give up all this for something I can't see. Who is to say this world of theirs is any better?" "It's not, but the gods are- have returned and they may be young right now, but they are the ones who ultimately have the power no matter what the sultan thinks. I really think that you and the others should think about this. We've always wanted more than what we have here. I'm taking my parents. And Rejali." Fashad stared at him. "Rejali is going too?" He had been in love with Hasheem's sister for some time now. She was a dancer and one of the best to come along in some time. She had not come to the notice of the sultan however which was a good thing. The man would have locked her away here in the palace for his own pleasure and her joy of dancing would slowly die. He knew that she loved to dance for everyone else. A frown crossed his face as he thought of her leaving but it was probably for her own best interests that she do so. Sighing suddenly, he whispered. "I think I might go see Rejali after I am off duty, Hasheem. Slip me the letters later. I'll do what I can, but I won't promise anything." "That's enough, Fashad. I really do want you with me on this." Hasheem stated, moving away and back to the grouping. Now all he needed to do was get some things written. Information that his family and others could use to get even more stirred up without taking the brunt of what was coming. Now to write the letters quickly before the man changed his mind. To his sister he sent a simple note.
Rejali,
It is very important that you do exactly as I say. I have found out that those strangers are Gods. Laughter, Numbers, Forest, and Judgement. The dragon was a sign of things to come and the statues... those glorious statues are of their Lord himself. Fashad is delivering these for me, but we are in the palace in the west wing. Confined but not unwillingly. Power walks with them and when they leave this place, so too will I. Get our parents and some things together and be at the palace gates. It is a new start for all of us and a great change. Tell all you can, but move quickly. You must hurry. The vendors, Mirabel and Mian are receiving notes also. Feran and Gortres are also. Look for them and remain together if possible at the gates. I'm counting on you and Fashad, sister.
Hasheem
His second letter was sent to
Mian,
I am writing to you for the Goddess Lisana whom you so graciously gave a bright blue dress. Gather what you can, what family and friends you have and be at the palace gates. When she leaves this place, so too are you invited. My sister, Rejali, will guide you. Stay close to her."
Hasheem, former guard to the Sultan, now servant to the Goddess Lisana
The next two notes he wrote were similar to Mian's but to the two men who had helped him that day. They would understand having seen her. And they would draw whomever they knew. His final letter went to the woman and her child that Lisana had saved that day.
Mirabel,
Gather your child and whatever you can carry and meet at the palace gates. The Lady Lisana who saved you that day is the Goddess of Laughter. She resides in another place and extends to you this invitation to leave when she and the other three gods with her do. They are Numbers, Forest, and Judgement. Look for my sister Rejali. She will be looking for you also.
Hasheem, former guard to the Sultan, now servant to the Goddess LisanaWhen he was satisfied, Hasheem thought about anyone else that might perhaps need something. With a smirk on his face, he place a note inside the one to his sister. It was for Fashad, which Rejali would give to him when she saw it. Fashad,
Some friendly advice. Tell Rejali. If the world is coming to an end, how do you want to spend it?
HasheemCarefully wrapping them up, with the names on the outside, he turned to look around the room. Isra was on the other side. He would see if she had hers finished and then it was up to his friend to do what needed done. They would all have to rely on others for a short while.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:13 pm
::Running For Cover::Joint with Cinderfae09.11.08Una Daughter of Water Yaxha moved quickly toward the Pantheon, a bag of clothing and the few items that had not decayed and turned back thrown over her shoulder. She hand her hand out holding onto Una's as she went; even in the forest it was apparent that the worse was happening and she needed to get her charge to safety. With quickened steps she navigated the broken bits of the sidewalk, her eyes darting around the area as she did. The creatures being in the forest had been more then enough for her, she wasn't sure where would be safer but hoped that the Pantheon would at least have some answers as well. Luckily she knew where her Lord's old rooms were and he had once said they were not locked, after the ordeal with Una running off into the building it seemed somewhat strange to her that they must go back. She didn't wish to bring about her lord's anger but she also had a mind to keep her young charge safe at whatever cost; the other deities she hoped would be able to help with some protection. Una clasped tightly onto Yaxha's hand the little goddess was keeping up rather well, small sandals adorned her feet today. She hated the very idea of shoes as well as clothing but with how things were changing Yaxha had insisted. The little goddess wide aqua eyes looked over the area as she was rushed along, worry filling them despite her youth. She knew what few fish she had left alive in her small pond were likely going to die soon and the reality of what death was wasn't comforting at all to her. A small pack over her shoulders held her prized possession of books and her arm was wrapped around a small plastic aquarium that held her surviving frogs. Turning a corner Una's eyes darting to the side seeing a motion further out in the street, "Yaxha!"Yaxha spun hearing the shout, moving Una behind her a charm in her hand and the beginnings of a spell on her lips. If neither were effective the gypsy also had an ancient club on her hip. Eftemie She was trying to hurry. To this point she'd not found her goddess. It was certain that she was back, having run into that unpleasant drooling thing called Yeti. The goddess loved him. Heaven only knows why, but now he was floating around her and drifting ahead and she just wanted to ditch him.
"Yet! Wait on me!" she growled. "You are going to get us both into trouble. Stupid.. " Shaking her head, she tried to catch up to him as he darted around some trees. "Yeti! Wait!" Hoisting her pack further up on her shoulders, Arlecchino quickened her pace. Yeti darted around the trees left and right. "Purple tasties I want to eat!" His voice was gleeful as he hunted his favorite food. Lisana would have had them waiting for him. "Lisana!" His call was as if she were simply playing hide and seek with him. "Sana, where are you? Yeti's hungry!"Una Daughter of Water Yaxha paused the scene was not what she had expected, the creatures certainly did appear to be demons but they were not menacing in the least or were at the very best the demons the other demons didn't talk about. Dropping her hand Yaxha reached over and pulled Una closer to her side the beings were close and she had a feeling that they wouldn't get by unannounced, but it was likely that these two at least were not a danger. Una blinked her eyes a bit watching the two, "silly thing..." one had an outfit that appeared sort of like a clowns usually Una didn't care for clowns as the white make up they wore made her feel uncomfortable. And the other thing she thought looked a bit like a ball with an eye and wings or something. "Yes very, but lets see what they have to say...and be careful," As the two came close Yaxha spoke up to catch their attention over their squabbling, "Hello, and where are you two heading?" As she spoke it sounded weird to even her but decided if they were as harmless as they looked hopefully there would be some sort of information forthcoming. Una watched the two suspiciously as Yaxha spoke the one still looked very much like a clown to her and the other thing was just funny but there didn't seem to be many 'funny' things left so she decided it must be trick. Eftemie Yeti stopped to stare a moment blinking in surprise at the purple girl. She was too big to eat he decided quickly, but she was purple. He was tempted to try, but then Arlecchino stepped up behind him. She watched the girl for a moment and then turned to Yeti.
"Yeti, don't you even dare. She's not a purple tastie." the aoide stated firmly "The goddess would not appreciate you eating someone she might know." Then she turned back to both in front of her. "I'm Arlecchino, an aoide. And this thing is Yeti. We are looking for the goddess Lisana. She said if things got worse to go to the Pantheon. The others were already gone when we got there." Yeti had been scouting for food, but she was looking for Lisana for some time before finding out that she was living nearby. Una Daughter of Water Yaxha quirked a brow slightly as the creature introduced herself she knew what an Aoidei was but she had not been the presence of those of her Lord for sometime. It seemed that they took on a variety of shapes. With a soft sigh she allowed herself to relax somewhat, "we are heading to the Pantheon. If you seek your goddess it might be safer to wait for her there. Infernal creatures have erupted into our world. And it is hardly safe anywhere." Yaxha's voice was steady but she looked over the area as she spoke a small frown on her face as she did, the changes in the world did not bode well and she felt exposed in the open. "If you need someplace to stay my Lord's rooms should be big enough for you to rest in until your Mistress returns."Una eyed the purple flying thing with a sour look she had a pretty good idea what the other one had meant about tasties. And she didn't care how silly it looked she wasn't going to let it get away with attempting to make her into a snack, "and I'm no one's tastie. If you try to bite me I'll poke your silly big eyeball thing out." The little goddess gave Yeti a stern look as she spoke. Yaxha glanced to Una as she spoke and then toward Yeti, "and you should believe the little one she would do it." Yaxha wasn't overly worried about the creature as it seemed more silly then dangerous but letting it know that Una would not be a snack couldn't be a bad thing. Eftemie Arlecchino nodded gratefully. "Call me Arle. I think that is best. If she returns then I'm sure that it will be there. And Yeti will behave himself. Or else." A faint growl was heard in her voice as she watched the drooling disgusting creature. "Why the Lady Lisana puts up with him, I do not know."Yeti tilted sideways watching Una a moment. "Big purple tastie. But no wings. Wings crunch. Yeti's eye not stupid. Yeti not stupid. Sana loves Yeti." He muttered turning upside down and suddenly dropping straight out of the air to hit the ground. For a moment he wiggled his horn stuck in the earth. Then he finally rolled free, his wings lifting him upwards into the air again. Arle sighed again. "Stupid." she agreed. "She has purple fairy shaped cookies made for him." A faint smirk was on her face. "But he drools on everything."Una Daughter of Water Yaxha nodded slightly to Arle and then gestured ahead of them down the sidewalk, "we aren't far from the pantheon as it is. Lets keep moving, I'm not sure if you have seen the infernal beings I encountered earlier but trust me they are out there." Yaxha took Una's hand firmly and prepared to continue moving on, "lets hope he doesn't drool all over Lord Kaelin's room or he may have to stay out in the hall." Yaxha glanced over at the flying purple creature as she spoke. Una gave Yeti another glare and stuck her tongue out at him before allowing her guardian to pull her down the sidewalk some more. "You better be nice flying thing, because your purple with wings so something might eat you!" The little goddess grumbled slightly at the creature mostly ignoring the adults and whatever their conversation was. Una Daughter of Water Yaxha nodded slightly to Arle and then gestured ahead of them down the sidewalk, "we aren't far from the pantheon as it is. Lets keep moving, I'm not sure if you have seen the infernal beings I encountered earlier but trust me they are out there." Yaxha took Una's hand firmly and prepared to continue moving on, "lets hope he doesn't drool all over Lord Kaelin's room or he may have to stay out in the hall." Yaxha glanced over at the flying purple creature as she spoke. Una gave Yeti another glare and stuck her tongue out at him before allowing her guardian to pull her down the sidewalk some more. "You better be nice flying thing, because your purple with wings so something might eat you!" The little goddess grumbled slightly at the creature mostly ignoring the adults and whatever their conversation was. Eftemie Arle nodded, shaking her head at the creature. "Let's go, Yeti. And keep together or I'm leaving you behind." She caught up to walk quickly behind Una and Yaxha. Glancing back once, she sighed. He was just drifting there.
"Nothing eat Yeti. Yet no taste good." A drooling dripping smirk crossed his face as he watched Una. Then he stuck his tongue back at her, the huge thing slipping out of his mouth covered in slime. Then he proceded to taste the air. Curiously he had never done this before and it amused him.Then he noticed they were leaving him behind. "Wait! Yeti come too!" he suddenly blurted out, his wings flapping furiously as he tried to catch up. "Arleeeeeeeeeee! Wait!"Una Daughter of Water Gesturing over the top of the next hill Yaxha spoke, "it is that large building there. The black one it seems to be holding up better then those in the rest of the area. Kaelin's rooms are within it, he resides in the lake near it most times however and business of some sort has taken him elsewhere. I'm heading there I need to keep his daughters safe." Moving the girls ahead and onward she didn't bother to take too much notice of Arle assuming that the Aoidei would be able to make her way over the broken sidewalks. "Your mistress likely has rooms in there as well, I know where the hallway is with them you can look there if you like." Yaxha glanced over as she spoke and then looked ahead again. Una attempted to keep an eye on the area as they passed, "yeah, your right I bet you taste horrible like cabbage or mold or something." In her young mind the two were almost exactly the same thing so it made sense that the flying creature would taste like them. Una looked up to Arle as they walked, "even if we don't find uhm...Lisana's room we can find a closet or something to put the silly flying thing in. But you could stay in my Daddy's room you seem alright even if you look kinda like a creepy clown thing."Eftemie Arle blinked in surprised then laughed in amusement. "I suppose I do, but what else would I dress in when I serve the Goddess of Laughter? Her servants are clowns, jesters, magicians, and such other things. All the silly things that make people happy."Yeti grumbled faintly. "No closet. Dark closet. Like when Yeti stuck in bucket. Miss Dat. Yeti chased Dat."
"Dat's gone right now, Yeti. I'm not sure when she will be back. Maybe when Lady Lisana is back to herself entirely." Arle said, then nodded to Yaxha. "I'll look for her rooms. That way the drooling thing can find a corner and stay there. And when the others get there, they will have a place to be."Cinderfae Una seemed to consider this a moment it didn't sound all that bad really, "well I don't really like clowns they seem weird and not funny. Maybe some of the Laughter Goddess' people will be better, I think I would like magicians though." Una beamed slightly as she considered the possibilities. A Laughter goddess didn't seem so bad, she wondered if there was a negative side to laughter as well...she knew about water and how you could drown but wondered about the rest some. Of course Froggy's domain wasn't very nice either, it had been explained to her some but she still called him Froggy to herself as it made it easier to consider him friendly.
"Yeti better be nice or I will get a bucket!" Una looked over at the flying creature, she could see a laughter goddess liking it and really she didn't think she disliked him all that much, he was noisy but sorta funny to watch. Yaxha paused and drawing Una close and motioned Arle to move with her resting against a dried out dying tree she held her breath as several snarling dark figures moved closer. She lowered her voice, "quiet, some sort of hounds...I'm not sure I could repel a pack like that."Hearing the creatures close Una cut off a little frightened whimper and hid against Yaxha's skirt as they moved closer. Eftemie Arle moved over behind them, glancing towards Yeti. She winced. The idiot was standing out where he could be seen. It would do no good to draw attention to him and themselves by yelling. The goddess would be angry about him dying though and blame her. At that moment, she hoped he'd do something himself. He stopped to stare at a moving brush, but there was nothing there. Then he saw them coming towards him, but they weren't the funny things that Sana liked. They looked mean and Arle was hiding. So was the purple one and the other one. Should he be hiding too? For an instant he blinked in confusion but then decided. Using his wings, he moved upwards and over behind a large tree. For once he kept his mouth shut simply watching. A slight shiver went through him as he watched, drool dripping down the side of the tree silently. Cinderfae Yaxha held her breath her body shook slightly as a wave of fear washed over her some effect of the dark hounds that were passing close. She held her hand tightly over Una's shoulder the little Godling shaking even worse then her guardian her usually joyful aqua blue eyes wide with fear. Una bit her lip attempting to keep from crying out as she pressed tightly against her guardian clinging her arm around her leg. Yaxha's eyes shot over toward the tree glad to see that the flying slobbering thing had at least some sense. She would not be able to save it if the creatures had gone for it and could have only hoped that they did not catch sight of the others. Gulping slightly the gypsy closed her eyes resting back and in her mind a prayer to the true gods as she knew them was. Prayer or not the Hounds did not find the group but gutteral sounds seemed to pass between the creatures as if they were speaking to one another. Sniffing along the ground was heard as they seemed to be picking up some other trail and then with a blood chilling howl from the larger of the hounds the pack dashed off passing close by the tree Yeti hid behind. They either did not notice the small purple flying creature or they were not concerned with him. For long moments Yaxha kept Una close to her before she finally moved from the tree. "Lets hurry, they seem to have another trail. We cannot help whoever or whatever it is they hunt but we must move so we can live. If we hurry we can make it to the Pantheon on a few moments."Eftemie Arlecchino nodded. She wanted to get out of there now. Thankfully Yeti had understood. Perhaps he was not as stupid as she remembered. Moving out behind Yaxha and Una, she motioned for Yeti to follow them. "Yeti, let's go." she called though her voice was soft. She agreed that they needed to get to the Pantheon as fast as they could. He turned slightly looking around him and then flapped quickly to them. "Eat Yeti. No eat Yeti." he muttered, still drooling. His voice was quieter than normal. He knew what would eat him and those evil shivery things would eat him quick. When he moved up beside her, she said, "Stay up with us, Yeti. Or they might eat you. We have to get to safety."
"Sana?" he asked staying up with her.
"Yes, Sana." she sighed. He had a one track mind, but he did truly love the goddess. And she loved him. That was truly the creature's most redeeming quality. He loved the Goddess Lisana unconditionally. Cinderfae Yaxha started off quickly once she knew that everyone seemed to be together. She didn't know Arle but if she was a servant of one of the gods she hopefully would be a good ally to have. It wasn't long before the Pantheon was in sight with a soft sigh Yaxha almost jogged the last portion of the way there but keeping in mind her young charge she kept the same pace she had been using. "Here it is...the building looks secure enough at least from here."The group made it to the safety of the Pantheon front doors, motioning everyone inside Yaxha then shut the doors behind them after the chaos outside the hall seemed almost friendly. "I can show you the doors..." Yaxha looked to Arle as she spoke.
"There aren't any inside...right?" Una frowned still clutching her guardian's skirt her eyes flickering to the various shadows in the hall. Reaching over Yaxha soothed Una's hair, "lets hope not...stairs are this way." She then headed down the hall toward the stairs feeling that if they made it upstairs things would be much better. Eftemie The aoide nodded. "I think we are safe now. If nothing else, finding the goddess's rooms will give me a chance to get things ready for the others. If they happen to make it. And I don't think that there will be any inside. I'm sure the protection here is from the other gods and some would be much stronger than others so I would think the demons would mostly stay away."
"Yeti not like demons. Eat Yeti." the creature mumbled faintly as he moved behind Arle and glanced at the shadows warily. He could hear voices but it was not Sana and that was who he looked for. "Sana here? Joe here? Jace here?""Maybe, Yeti. I don't know for sure. We will just have to wait and see who shows up. Right now we are alone." Arle knew what was bothering him. He was used to having lots of people around him. She'd found him as the demons had torn into the loft, but she heard no screams so she and he had simply begun to run in another direction when they had found Una and Yaxha. Beyond that, she had no clue what would happen. When they got to the upper hallway, she saw all the doors. Strangely the place had not looked quite this large on the outside. Doors of all descriptions lined the sides of the hallway. "I wonder what her door looks like. How does one describe Laughter? Her wings are bubbles, but does she look the same?" She sighed. All she knew was that she liked bright blue, a teally green shade, and violet. Lots of violet. Cinderfae Una nodded slightly looking up toward Yeti, "I agree the demons are bad, and they didn't eat anyone which is good..." frowning some the little girl looked over the area allowing Yaxha to lead him along. "Daddy's rooms are here?" Yaxha nodded slightly and moved toward the stairs, "perhaps if you look over the doors you will be able to find which one belongs to your goddess. My Lord Kaelin's door is his by look alone and is easily recognized." After walking for a brief time Yaxha came to stand before a beautifully decorated door with dolphins and seashells upon it, "this is my Lord's room..." she then turned to look over the doors of the hall. "Do any of the others have a look that would suggest they belong to your goddess?"Curiously Una reached forward pushing the door open that Yaxha had said belonged to her father, letting go of Yaxha's hand she peeked inside smiling slightly as she heard the sound of water within. Eftemie Arlecchino began looking down the row of doors. When she caught sight of a stained glass door with silvery lacings and violet bubbles rising upwards and the little fuzzy creatures that looked like balls with wings, she began to giggle softly. "I think I found it, Yaxha. The door is violet but it has bubbles rising upwards. I would say this is most likely hers. We will check inside and if not, then we will come back to remain with you until she returns."Yeti moved in closer with his one great eye to look at the glass. "Alfestus. Mikimoooooo." He drawled the moo part out adding his own brand of humor to it. The jester began to snicker. "Yeti agrees with me. We will let you know later. Thank you for letting us come with you and the offer of a place to stay until she returns. I'm sure this is hers. It feels like her."
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:14 pm
:: Crystal Bubbles ::Eftemie Solo10.01.08 Meroe had gone back to the others to tell them what the goddess had said. But then as was his way, he wandered. At the moment, there was little that could harm him, though he had felt a tremor here and there of what was going on in the world. The ghost did not entirely understand what was happening in the world. He was still losing his head too often, but it occurred to him that perhaps that was because he took it off to juggle with so readily. The thought made him smile for an instant as he continued searching the area for things that he knew she would want protected. The two men, Joe and Jace, were out also, trying to gather as many shells as they could find. All that Meroe knew was that some sort of little flying creatures hatched from them. She would want them protected as she did others. Yeti had not been seen in a day or so. He was out looking for her and rather upset that she had left him behind again and the ghost thought that the silly creature should have remained with them for his own protection. He was quite stupid, though funny, and if something happened to him, she would be quite sad. Why the drooling, ugly creature was such a favorite with the Lady Lisana, he could not quite understand. But there must be something there that she liked about the odd thing. When he looked around at the dead place her meadow had become, he shook his head. It nearly toppled off but he grabbed it quickly to keep it in place. There was so little left and what was was decaying at an alarming rate. The buildings and things were slowly falling apart and turning to dust. As he drifted down into the cove, Meroe looked back to see the two men not far away. They were spread out, coming his direction as they looked for anything that needed saving. He studied the pattern of the water against the sand of the beach for a moment. Then noted several shells at the edge. Uncertain whether that was what they were looking for or not, he called to them. "Here. I found some shells. A few." Joe glanced upwards nodding. "Be right there, Meroe. Jace, let's check there." Carrying the bag that contained the few he had already found carefully, the man moved slowly towards where the ghost was drifting. A cursory glance at the shells made him smile. "Yes, those are the ones. Look for more. If these were here, there may be others. We need to search this entire cove." He glanced upwards at the sky. "It's going to get dark soon. We need to hurry." It was always sort of dark, but there was a definite night still and it was even darker than it once had been. Strange things came out in the dark and he wanted to be locked up inside. Jace nodded, as he began picking up the few shells he found. Working his way opposite, he walked the entire length and then back. "I think this is all there are, Joe. Not that many."
"I know, but she'd want them saved if possible. Let's get inside." They had found perhaps a hundred of the tiny shells that contained the dormant mikimoo. Now there were even less than there had once been. When he got them back, Joe would put them into a box and pack it carefully into one of the bags they always kept ready should they ever need to leave in a hurry. That way they would not be left behind.
"Thank you for the help, Meroe." he added as the ghost moved past him. The phantom barely touched him but he shivered slightly from the cold touch. "I did it for her." the ghost replied, continuing up the path.
"I know, but still..." Joe replied, wondering if she were alright. Eftemie had never been off the planet. She couldn't find her shoes without notes. Lisana was much different though no less independent. He hoped that whatever she was doing helped the situation. A tiredness was in him and he wondered how much longer he would be able to help her. He still missed his niece a great deal more than she knew and they were not close as a result. But he understood that she was new to all this too. Though he was unhappy about it, he did understand it. That was the best he could do for now. And he hoped she returned soon.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:15 pm
:: Fleeting Hours ::Eftemie Solo10.31.08It had been a long trip and somewhere along the way Tempest and Elana had gotten separated. He hoped she was alright but because of the demons, he had gone one way and she had gone the opposite. He tried to find her afterwards, but the demons were intense. He hoped she would head for the same place he was. He needed help to find her. Still blaming Lisana for all his troubles, the man knew that Jace would be able to help him. And perhaps anyone else staying with her. For his sister, he would go back there and ask. It took nearly two days with he, Yuri, and Moon fighting as well as hiding to stay alive. When he finally saw the building, Tempest sighed in relief, but then he heard a yell. His pace quickened though remained wary as he moved forwards towards the door. It was open and he scowled. They never left it open, but then he saw it had been bashed and broken. Carefully all three moved up the steps to see both Joe and Jace fighting a couple of demons. Both were bleeding and Jace suddenly toppled over clutching his body.
"Jace!" Tempest leaped forwards, pulling his shotgun upwards, ready and shooting as he moved. A shot rang out striking the larger demon in the shoulder as both felines growled and jumped into action. Joe moved down to where his friend lay bleeding and tried to staunch the wound. The demon's claws had ripped into his chest and the man was bleeding profusely. He was suddenly sure there was nothing they could do even though he tried. "Take care of Tempest, Joe. He... needs..." he gasped and then the pain slipped through him again. Strangely he now felt nothing at all, but a warm darkness crept over him as he closed his eyes tiredly.
"Stay with us, Jace. Just..." Joe began but then understood the man was gone. His eyes bright, he straightened the man's shirt a bit. What else could he do? Furiously Tempest and the two felines slammed into the demons. Using his gun as a club, he lashed out as hard as he could. There was no time to reload. As one went down, the second smaller one ran. Outnumbered the demon's best chance for survival was getting help and he was soon out the door. Tempest moved immediately, reloading and shooting the demon in the head a couple of times. When it lay twitching, he moved towards the two men, but noted that Yuri was moving towards the door. "No. Stay here, Yuri."
The aiko growled but stopped at the door, turning around to lick his wounds. He glanced over at Moonshadow to see he was watching the door. Joining him, they maintained a tight guard at the opening.
"Jace?" Tempest was on his knees beside them.
"He's gone, Tempest. I sure am glad to see you though, boy." Joe's voice tiredly related what he was feeling. Lisana was still gone and they were uncertain when or if she would return. Any help worked but the fact it was Tempest meant alot to him. "Where's Elana?" He suddenly noted the girl was not with him and flinched.
"Not sure. We got separated a couple days ago. I hope she thinks to come this way. I was looking for help to find her." He admitted, but then shook his head. He did not want to shove his worry onto the older man. "Where is SHE? She should be here protecting you."
"There was an emergency at the Pantheon. I think that's what they call it. She's trying to help fix this situation we all find ourselves in. I think there will be little left of this world when all is said and done." Joe replied, getting to his feet as Tempest covered Jace with a blanket.
"Pack your things. That's where we are going. Only what you can carry. Mostly whatever food, water, and weapons we have."
"Alright. There's a box of shells and another gun in the closet, Tempest." The man got to his feet moving towards the few remaining food supplies they had. Tempest was right. It would be safer there than anywhere. Or so he hoped. Grabbing what they could, Joe and Tempest moved towards the door, the two felines going first for protection. Joe would be safe and then they would look for Elana on their own. Taking a last look at Jace's body, Tempest clenched his jaw. The man had been more father to him than his own. He would miss him. And she had let him down. All she seemed to do was take. Now Joe was all he had and he would make sure he was safe inspite of her.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:18 pm
::Melody Of Nightingales::Joint with midnight_medea10.22.08Eftemie Lisana laughed as she glanced towards the guards. There were two at the balcony doors that went to other balconies she assumed and two inside the room as well as two outside the doors they had walked in. First things first. "I think a party is in order with all the accouterments. Delicacies. Wine. And some music. But first I think we need to see exactly what the guards will allow and then do as we like." A smirk firmly planted on her face. "Hell hath no wrath like two trapped goddesses." The last was whispered softly as she got to her feet, sauntering over to the guards nearby.
Fashad watched nearly wincing. He knew the rumors and why Hasheem had The other guard glanced at him for what to do and he merely shrugged.
She was used to getting her way. Pampered and spoiled by the parties and things she had before the fading. Though only vague memories, she was quite certain that she had enjoyed them immensely.
"Exactly what are we allowed?" she asked smiling at him.
Fashad glanced over at Hasheem. Surely he had advised her. His friend shrugged, smiling causing the guard to glare at him an instant. "You will remain here, Lady. We will see that you get whatever you desire. Although confined, you are guests or you would not be here in such rooms as these."
"In a gilded cage you mean." she mused, smiling sweetly, then she thought for a moment teeth tugging her lower lip. "My name is Lisana, and I 'am' the Goddess of Laughter. I want some delicacies brought here as well as some musicians."
Goddess, huh? She could call herself whatever she wanted but she was not getting out. But that was not her request and he started in surprise. "My Lady, I cannot wake..." Fashad began then stopped.
"Do not tell me that the people here do not have parties at all hours of the night. In settings such as these, there are no limits. I want what I asked for. Get the kitchen help up. Now." Lisana cut him off entirely, smiling the entire time. Her attitude was godly if the clothing she wore was not. "Perhaps you should rethink your position here. We 'are' here willingly. Do not take that for a sign of weakness. Get it for me." Turning on her heel, she simply walked away leaving him blinking in surprise. With food and music came people and she smiled as she sat back down beside Cosine. midnight_medea Watching Lisana work was a true eye opener. She was so bold and confident, just marching up to the guards and demanding what she wanted. Well, and why shouldn't she. She was a goddess after all. Cosine smirked, as was she.
Slowly, she stood, glancing around the room as though for something she could use. She would need to display power. There was a clock on the wall, the numbers sitting quietly behaving themselves as all good numbers should. She smiled and walked back to sit down, nodding with Lisana's demands.
"Yes, I'm starving." She agreed, smirking at the laughter goddess. "And bored, do you really wish to see us get angry?" She asked, leaning back on her hands and looking up at them. "You are willing to incur the wrath of gods over some simple requests such as food and music? I assure you we can be quite vengeful when we do not get our way. Look at our dragon friend." Eftemie Hasheem took the moment to glance over at Lisana and the others. "I'm going to try to talk Fashad into letting me get some notes out to my family later once your 'party' has begun, Goddess. I don't want them to worry and I want them to come along with us." His voice was low enough that only they could hear him.
She nodded, then added, "The seamstress Mian, and the woman with the child also, Hasheem. I want them along. And the two men that helped us with the demons. In fact, have them spread the word to whomever they know and meet outside the palace gates early with whatever they can carry. I'll find a way to get them inside."
"Very well, I will include them then." he nodded. "Fashad is a friend, Lady, but he can be very stubborn in his duties. I've not been able to loosen him up because of the Captain's influences on him."
Having been discussing their wants with the other guards, Fashad still had not made a decision. He glanced at Hasheem catching his eyes. His friend simply smirked and watched in amusement. Fashad was all on his own in this. The former guard was quited certain a point was about to be made. "My ladies, I simply cannot..."
She sighed, glancing over at Cosine and then back to the guard in charge. "Perhaps you need to understand something, Fashad, and those with you. We are used to getting our way. You seem to lack a sense of humor entirely as well as a sense of true respect for what you should honor. Don't feel bad. You are not the only one here that feels that way in this city. But even though you seem to think you are in charge, perhaps we should show you exactly what we mean. Cosine, would you like to do the honors or shall I? Or perhaps even both of us should make the point."
Sinestra smiled widely as did Hasheem. They knew what Lisana was about to do and Cosine must have some ability also. Two unhappy goddesses were not something she wanted to face.
midnight_medea "Could you get a note to my family too?" Isra asked softly, looking up to Hasheem and smiling a little. "I have told them to gather people outside the gates, though it would be a comfort to know that they are safe and well."I can do the honours if you wish." Cos smirked, getting to her feet once more and flexing her dark wings. She glanced to the clock and then to a calender and star chart that was framed on the wall. All of them rquired numbers, if only they were actually on one of their space ships. She thought to herself. Then she would be able to make more of an impression.
"I am Cosine, goddess of Numbers." She raised her hand as one of the guards looked about ready to scoff. This attitude was starting to irritate her. "And I challenge you to tell me a part of your life I do not affect." A smirk and she pointed to the clock on the wall. The guards followed her fingers to the fine example of craftsmanship. Glass and gold with gold numerals to indicate the hours.
She had never done this before, she realised. Manipulated her numbers, though she could feel them talking to her. She knew they would do as she said.
Slowly as she stared at the clock things began to change, the twelve remained, but the eleven began to shift and become a one, the ten a two. The numbers changed to arrange themselves backwards.
"Now, I cannot change time, of course. But perception of time is numbers. Numbers belong to me.
She pointed to the sky chart.
"I keep you on course, I keep you on time. The money you spend, I keep its values. Age, weights, your perception of so much ... your accuracy relies on me. Make me angry and I can take it all away. Leave you lost and unable to organise yourselves." Eftemie Nodding, Hasheem grinned faintly. "The more the better, Isra. Write your notes to whomever and I'll slip them into mine own and get Fashad to deliver them for me. He's in love with my sister and she's already said she wanted to go with me. He'll come and do for her. Besides, he should have told her long ago." A faint smirk slipped over his face as he glanced back at his friend. "He's just stubborn sometimes."
The guard blinked at the numbers on the clock and then at Cosine skeptically. The clock was physically changing to her purpose or was it a hallucination of some sort? Numbers? She could change the very foundation of what they had, would receive, and many other things. He nearly took a half a step back from the goddess, but dug in simply watching her. Until the Sultan gave orders, he was to do what he thought was necessary to prevent further harm. Then Fashad turned to Lisana a moment as she walked to stand beside her sister goddess, amusement on her face and he flinched, gritting his teeth.
Lisana laughed, as she watched Cosine and Fashad. Some added incentive might be needed. She walked over to stand by the goddess of Numbers. "My own domain is Laughter as I said."
"Laughter. You said that already. I refuse to laugh, Lady. This is no laughing matter to me so you will find little amusement here." he stated simply watching her as one of the other guards took down the clock to examine it. It had reshaped itself and he nearly dropped it in wariness of what was being done.
He glanced over at Cosine and then back to Fashad. "It has reshaped itself entirely to what we saw, Fashad."
She smiled widely, "Such disbelief. Try with all your might to refuse me and you will find that you cannot, Fashad. Not all Laughter is amusing, my friend. There is sadness, ridicule, cruelty, and many other variations. I have been and am all those at some point or another. Not just Joy though it is the state I prefer. So tell me, do I add to what you've already seen? As I said before you are not in control of this situation. We are here because we want to be.""Fashad," Hasheem encouraged. "I'd do what they say. The demons did not refuse her laughter. Do you think you are stronger than they are?" midnight_medea Cosine looked to Lisana as she joined her and smiled, she was warming to her fellow goddess. Who knew she, of all people might be friends with Laughter.
"We do not ask for much. We are not asking you to break your orders." She walked back into the centre of the room and gestured. "It is rather comfortable in here, pleasing on the eye. I am quite enjoying it. However, I am hungry and our companions are too. Is it too much to ask to have a little food and music?"
The smirk on her lips turned serious for a moment as she walked back up toe Farshad. "The end is coming boy, it is up to you to choose how you wish to spend your last days. Following orders from a washed up leader or ... helping us. We are among the few that may be able to do something about this sorry state of affairs." She folded her arms.
"Now, we can discuss this with force and anger ... or we can discuss it over food. Your choice. I personally don't mind either way." The smirk returned and she inspected a nail. Eftemie Fashad glared at Hasheem. If the demons had not, she could very well do as she said. His friend may be out of his head right now, but he had never been a liar. Turning to the guard beside him, he said through grit teeth. "Get the kitchen help up now. The musicians also."
"Dancers." Lisana added. Fashad turned a stare on her, clenching his jaw tightly. "We need entertained unless you are prepared to do some slapstick for us." Without waiting for a reply, she turned, winking at Cosine. Sitting back down beside Hasheem and Isra, she leaned back comfortably now watching the guard again.
"Dancers also." he muttered. "Servants to remain to serve them as per usual. Move now." A glare was sent in Hasheem's direction saying they'd have a talk later about this. His attention turned back to Cosine and Lisana. "Will that work, Ladies?"
Amused, Lisana nodded. It would. For the moment. She thought for a moment about the others that they needed to get messages to. There had to be a way to get them inside out of the general crowd. There was Hasheem's family, the woman and child, the two men and whomever they brought, and Mian and her daughter from the dress shop. Dress shop? A seamstress.
She began to giggle as the idea shaped. "Isra, can any of yours sew? I was thinking that if Cosine and I decide we need new dresses, we could send for Mian to do so. That would get some of our people inside here with us if they could help her. It would also give us more leverage, more activity, and others to send messages through the guards with. Afterall, it's US that are supposed to be here in our cage. Just because we are here doesn't mean other birds may not enter or leave." midnight_medea Isra looked up at the smiling goddess and laughed.
"Of course we can sew. We're nomads. Life isn't all markets and boutiques." She glanced to the windows and thought about the plan to get others inside. "All my clothes were made within my caravan, we like our own style. I will note the names of the best ... and maybe one of you could need a physician? My husband, he is a healer. He will be able to aid you in the gardens ... if you manage to get inside. He knows much of plants."She smiled, rather anxious to see her family as she did not know how the Sultan would take all these intrusions on his paradise.
"Good idea Lisana." Cosine agreed. "Get as many in here as possible, that way our capitiy will not be unproductive. I am sure it will not take much to break these guards. The past months have weakened their loyalties I feel." Eftemie
Fashad glanced at the man, staring at him. The guard had not moved yet. "Now, Sayd. Move it." His irritation was plain to see but he had no orders not to let them have their way. He knew the Sultan would be upset if disturbed right now. Glaring at the others, he growled, "Get back to your posts."
Sayd walked at a quick pace to the main cook's room. Pounding on the door, he nearly sighed when he had to beat on the door several times to get the woman to rouse herself. "Get up, Marisel. There are guests wanting food." His voice was loud enough to carry through the wood and the woman blearly opened the door, blinking the sleep from her eyes.
"What is it? I was..." she began but he cut her off. Marisel stared at him in surprise. Sayd never acted like this.
"Two goddesses and their servants are in the west wing. They have ordered a party, so I suggest you get the best things you have moving to please them. Now. The Sultan is speaking to the other two. Get all your help up for this and get some food to them quickly before they do something to annoy the Sultan."
She brushed her dark hair from her topaz eyes in sudden frustration. "Goddesses, hah! Probably two pampered girls who think they are. Do they realize what time it is?"
"They know. They don't care." Sayd replied. "Get moving. I've got to get Feisal and Idera moving. Now. I honestly do not know how long they will wait." And he was off down the long hallway of servants to stop at another room. A few words after pounding on the head musician's door and he was off again towards the woman who sought the best dancers for the sultan from all those in Origin City.
It was barely a half hour when the musicians arrived, looking hasseled and sleepy, but ready to play. One man carried an Oud, strumming it softly to ensure its strings were in tune. A second carried his two Darbouka, the hour-glass-shaped drums moving against his sides. He enjoyed playing and watching the belly dancers that he was sure would be there since he was there. His drums were always needed for such.
One man simply carried a Nay, a simple flute. It was something that even shepherds used to soothe their flocks though the use he put it to was quite different. The sound enhanced the playing of the others with a lilt that few others could reach. He was well paid for his services and had whatever he wished, but the demands of nights like this were taking their toll upon him. Too many sleepless nights and days where he was expected to play. He longed for something better but there was nothing that he could see.
To this mix was added a man carrying a Qanun, a type of harp that the people of the city had used for centuries. It had 81 strings and the man was quite adept at making the instrument truly sing, its voice crying out in rhapsody.
To this were added several Bandirs and Dafs, some of the first painted with a hand placed directly in the center. In the middle of the palm was a seeing eye to give the musician vision whether it came from a godly source or within himself. Only those most skilled and wishing to better their talents were ever allowed to have such painted upon their drums and they had to do it themselves, using their own hand as the image. Others were never allowed to touch or play a drum painted by its owner as such.
They hurriedly set up in the room as Fashad motioned them in after inspection. He didn't care what they played, so long as they did. Hopefully this would keep this grouping satisfied until the Sultan was finished with them.
Lisana glanced over at Hasheem who nodded as she spoke. "In the middle of the party, go talk to your friend about getting the notes out. When we know for certain they are taken care of, then we can continue to work on these as well as get the seamstresses and your family inside, and Isra's husband. It would not hurt to have a healer along." She glanced over at Cosine, watching her a moment. "I'm having fun. Are you?"
Somehow she suspected that the goddess needed more fun. It would be fun to have a friend to pull into parties with her or shopping sprees. Friend? Yes. Eftemie would have used that word. Her lips twitched upwards in amusement again. She was very glad she had come along.midnight_medea Whispers of the evenings events traveled fast amongst the inhabitants of the palace. Especially once the party was being organised. The musicians required dancers and goddesses required the best dancers. Some of the best dancers were the concubines of the sultan himself, what was left of them. The plagues had hit the close comunity hard and there had been losses. Even their own guilded cage could not keep evil out.
Sevda, one of the younger girls dressed swiftly. Goddesses, here, in the palace. She was reminded of a lifetime ago when she had served the gods, or the memories of the gods. She had to see them, she had to find out if they were real.
"I will dance." The offer was eager and some of the other women gave her a disaproving look. They danced only for the Sultan, but what was he, a man. Only a man.
A couple of the other, lesser girls voluntered too, pulling on their flowing silk skirts and jewelry. It was not every day they got to meet the infamous.Back in the room Cosine turned to Lisana and smirked a little at her question. Was she?
"You know, I think I am." Her green eyes turned back to the musicians on wonder, she would have to introduce them to Echo, their strange instruments would be sure to catch her attention. "Oh, look!" A slender finger pointed towards the door. The dancing girls filed through in silks of pink, purple, blue and green. Their eyes looked over to the goddesses wary and curious.
"I can't wait to see them dance." Eftemie By the time the musicians had played two songs and the dancers had danced twice, the food was being brought in. Each servant carried a platter they were responsible for and others were specifically sent to serve. One for each person with the goddesses.
The cook herself bowed as she described the meal she had prepared for them. Her first glance at them left her startled. Hasheem was known to her and sitting with the two goddesses. She had heard a rumor saying he had left but had not believed it. After introducing herself, she left them to the food after another glance at Hasheem. There was a change about him that she'd not seen before. Curious. She needed to think on this, but she had more food to cook and disappeared down the hallway.
Hasheem moved away after eating to speak to his friend, Fashad. (Solo Here) It was several moments later when he returned, sitting down beside them. "Isra, write your letters for those you want to. He will take mine and I'll include them. He and my sister will see that everyone is outside waiting shortly."
One of the servers moved closer as she placed a tray on the table before them. Her eyes studied the grouping before her. The bubbles and wings caused her to stare at them a moment. Then she blurted out as she looked to Cosine, "Are you really goddesses? I mean..." Then she turned bright red hitting her knees. "I apologize. It's not my place to... Please forgive me."
Lisana glanced up in surprise, then giggled. "Of course we are. Please ask all the questions you would like." She winked at Cosine quickly. "We will be happy to answer anything you feel a need to ask of us. We did come to help." This was precisely what they wanted to happen. Even just one would start an avalanche. midnight_medea Isra smiled and reached into her bag for a pencil and a notepad. She penned a quick note to her husband and family and tore it from the pad.
"Here." she smiled, handing it to Hasheem. "His name is Akzhar."Cosine looked at all the food that was set before them. It was all so amazing, the colours. It was like nothing she had ever seen before, or nothing that she could remember seeing.
Lisana's confidence and amusement was so infectious it was hard to remember that they were technically prisoners and that they did, after all have a job to do. The girl's question made her smile and she turned her green eyes up to her.
"As my friend says we are indeed goddesses. There are many where we come from." She watched the blush colouring the girl's face and smiled fondly. "You do not need forgiveness for curiosity, child." Eftemie Hasheem took the note from her with a smile. "I'll see that he gets it. He will be getting off duty shortly, so they will still have a few hours to get here. If I know Fashad, he will make sure that when the seamstress is asked for that all come inside then. It will put us all together." He got to his feet, walking over towards his friend. Fashad and Hasheem discussed a few things quietly as the other guards moved away to give them some space. Then the former guard returned, taking his seat once more.
"He said he would make sure that they were delivered to everyone. Mian and my sister will both be ready for when they are asked for. They will understand, to bring all in. And Fashad will make sure that it is known they all belong to the goddesses." He seemed well satisfied at his manipulations of his friend. Hasheem was quite certain that with no other family Fashad would clearly reveal his feelings for Rejali and both would be coming along.
Lisana smiled at the news and then at the grouping of servers who were listening to Cosine. The musicians were taking a break and several of the dancers had joined those now lingering around she and Cosine. It was amusing to use her own domain to give them what they needed. Parties were what she was best at, afterall.
She thought about the dress that Mian had given her. She wanted one in green and violet. Hopefully the woman brought the same beautiful silks with her when she arrived. Cosine needed a dress also. Something that sparkled with glass beads as the one she had been given. The woman's skill would be passed on to the rest of the goddesses in the Pantheon also. It would be a great deal of fun to see. Lisana was truly enjoying herself and by tomorow afternoon, she was sure that the Sultan would see that it was better to agree with them than to go against them.It was nearly an hour later when Fashad left the palace. It would not take more than an hour or so to deliver the messages he had promised to. Then he would see Rejali and talk to her. Was Hasheem correct that they needed to take this chance? Something deep within him said that Hasheem was right. He was almost always right when it mattered. And this mattered. He would do what he had to no matter where it led him.((Fashad is out of the guards there until he returns with Rejali and the others. Sayd is however still there, so he'd be the one knowing what was going on if we need someone. He or another could be the one to get the message that the gardens were open if you move it on, medea.)) midnight_medea Cosine was feeling rather overwhelmed by the groups of people and the ammount of them that wanted to converse with the goddesses. It was reassuring, so many who wanted to believe or were at least curious. She was equaly as interested in them, the beautiful costumes, jewelry. They reminded her of Echo, only on a grander scale.
When some of the dancers made their way over she smiled broadly. They were the most facinating of all.(insert solo with a priestess.)As Cosine listened to the tale of the young woman another guard appeared at the door. He stood to attention and gave a sharp bow to Sayd.
"I have a message, from the Sultan." He said breathlessly as though he had run all the way. "The gardens are open, you are to tell the ... goddesses?" He peered past him for a curious glimpse and lowered his voice to an off the record tone. "Is that what they are?" Eftemie Sayd watched the guard silently, acknowledging him and his words. It was a moment that had purpose for him in some odd way. These people were intruders but they were far more than had ever been expected. It was in the faces of those around them that they believed so. Did he? He nodded glancing over at Cosine and Lisana, merely watching them. "Yes, I believe they are. At least godly powers bind them in some way that they are able to draw those meant to them. I think our world is about to change immensely. Hasheem believes they are. So do I. I will tell them."
Drawn by the sunrising, Lisana had walked to the balcony after taking the notepaper and pen from Hasheem. For a few moments she penned, scrawling just simple words- phrases- sentences. With an amusing idea gleaned from a tale of a princess trapped within a tower, she wrote notes that one would have thought told of her capture. Instead she had written of their presence and that those who believed in gods should be at the gates in the morning. But now she needed something to wrap it around so she could drop it without hurting someone. Something unbreakable-attention-getting- but she quickly discarded the idea of dropping it with a vase. That would kill someone. Picking up a loaf of bread she laughed to Sinestra, who was standing at her side. "I'm sure this will get someone's attention."
"I would think so, my Lady." The fortuneteller was amused, but there were other things in the back of her thoughts as she watched Lisana. What would it be like to be a goddess? Could she even have a chance? It would take thought.
A moment more and it was broken, stuffed with paper and tossed over the side in various places. Lisana's eyes watched as it dropped from view, then she broke into laughter at the expressions on the guards faces. "Sometimes the simple works so much more easily than the most calculated plan." Winking, she turned back to the grouping, catching Cosine's eye. "Our pleas for help have been tossed over the balcony. Which of us shall let down our long hair?" It was a child's story that she referred to, but it fit, was amusing, and that was all that mattered.
Sayd walked forwards bowing until the goddesses caught his eye. "I have been asked to tell you that the gardens are now open, my Ladies. You may freely meet the other families although I believe several have already managed to join the party." He glanced around the room at some of those lingering to the sides. A faint smile on his face. "Where there is a will, there is a way." Bowing, he walked back over to his post. He was leaving with Hasheem when he left with them. Only a few minor things would he have to get from the barracks. Nothing else was necessary. midnight_medea It seemed their time in the cage was coming to an end. Cosine was both glad and disapointed. She had been enjoying herself, such a strange concept and the oppertunity to talk with mortals and see the look of wonder and belief on their faces was very powerful. It made her more determined to finish this job and hopefully help to restore order.
"Our hair?" She asked in confusion at Lisana's words. The goddess was not familiar with children's stories. Something that might have to be remedied in the future.Though Lisana's smile and laughter were infectious so she returned them.
"The gardens, we should go, investigate the lotuses."Isra, who seemed to be anxious to escape the palace nodded the barest hint of a smile on her lips.
"Yes, though I would be careful. There are bound to be more guards out there, and the powerful families. Some of them can be quite underhand." Eftemie Lisana nodded, smiling. She would have to see if she could find a copy of Rapunzel and send it to Cosine. "Thank you, Sayd."
The guard blinked in surprise bowing and then backing away to inform the rest of the guards. They would maintain their watch over these guests to ensure nothing happened to them. But it had surprised him that she had remembered his name. Then he felt the fool. Of course she had. She was a goddess afterall.
"I would like to see them also. And to find out some of the stories concerning them. Do you know, Isra? Hasheem, do you know anything about them? I'm sure they had some purpose that might help us decide how to take them back with us." She frowned thoughtfully as she glanced from one to the other.
As the goddess had gotten to her feet again, so too had Sinestra. Her thoughts were still on the things she knew of the necklaces and changes. Was there a way? She listened to the others but her thoughts were on her own plottings. Moreso than theirs.
Hasheem nodded. "The only tale I know is that it was once said to be a great honor to have lotus petals tossed at one. It's very vague, but I do not think that has happened in my lifetime though. It is getting light outside quickly. I will check to see if the others are there when we go out. The sooner we get them inside the better for them."
He was not worried that Fashad would do as he needed him to. Hasheem was nervous that something would happen to prevent their plotting to get this done. The sooner everyone was in place, the better. midnight_medea After she had spoked to Cosine Sevda stayed close by watching their exchanges with wonder. Never in her whole life did she think she would be in the same room as true goddesses. As they spoke of lotuses she shifted nervously and played with one of the glass bracelets that she wore around her wrist.
Once the man had spoken she stepped forwards slowly and smiled.
"Excuse me, but ... at our temple we had a large lotus garden." The young woman bowed her head as if to apologise for her interruption and looked up to Lisana. "The grand priestess used to make a kind of perfumed oil from them, we would bathe the statues of the gods every morning. The remains we would use in our baths to scent the water. They're very sacred, a symbol of life and rebirth."Isra listened and nodded with the concubine's words.
"I have heard of this on my travels." She said softly, brushing some of her thick hair from her face. "If you can remember anything more my husband might be able to duplicate such an oil, if it would be of any use to your Lord?" She glanced between the goddesses and raised an eyebrow. "Though, I suppose at this point anything might be worth a shot."Cosine nodded and chewed on her lip a little.
"Exactly, throw them at him, offer them to him on bended knee, pour it over the damned thing. I say we get as many as we can carry, everyone should bring atleast one, we can travel straight through the gate and they should not perish. What do you think liasana?" Eftemie "Bathe the statues? If He were bathed even in that form, He would have to know that we were there in faith and love for Him. Even inside that thing, He has to know that we are there, right? And it might be something that can be used against her as well. Belief in us makes us stronger with each passing thought. If all our thoughts were for Him, it could help, no?" She laughed gently. If he woke to a party that was everyone waiting just on Him, would He be surprised? "We can always yell 'Surprise!' when He wakens."
Finally she nodded. "I think that is a very good idea. If your husband can make the oil, Isra, then we need him here as soon as possible." She glanced at the priestess smiling. "Sevda, if you know the way it is done, then you need to help him. And if we cannot make enough oil, then we should perhaps add a few petals into the water. It could not hurt to have them there. But we need to grow some also to keep after this in our own gardens and in the Pantheon. If they once were with us, then we should have them in our gardens again. For Him. So we need the caretaker of this beautiful place also for directions on that? Does anyone know who he or she is? Forest could help with the gift his host seems to have."
Turning to Hasheem, she nodded as they walked forwards into the gardens. The flowers were blossoming everywhere. Even with the state of things they had suffered minorly. Such took an immense amount of tending and love lavished upon them.
The former guard slipped away to the front gates after ordering more food to be brought into their quarters and the gardens. People here were pampered and bringing in so many would pull that need also.
It took Hasheem but a second to find Fashad and those with him after speaking to the guards at the gates. At first they looked as if they would refuse, but then Sayd appeared, giving them orders that some were requested by the Goddesses.
His sister Rejali was nearby talking to various people. One was the old seamstress and her daughter. The two men and those with them were standing nearby, waiting as was the woman Lisana had saved that day, Mirabel, and her child. The rest he was uncertain of.
"Fashad." he greeted, a faint smile on his face. It was obvious that the man had finally revealed his feelings to his sister. They stood close together. He kissed his mother on the cheek, then moved towards his sibling and friend. "I approve."
A smirk appeared, but then his expression got more serious. "We need to get all inside, Fashad. Mian, the goddesses have asked for your skills and silks. The Lady Lisana was speaking of a dress you presented to her and I believe the Lady Cosine would like one. I need all of you to follow me. The gardens have been opened up and the families will be there, but all of you will be going to the rooms of the Goddesses."
He glanced over at the ones he did not know, but was certain were connected to Isra. Their clothing spoke of such and she had said they preferred their own style. "Akzhar? We have need of you regarding plants and oils that you may be able to make for the Goddesses. So any you need will have to go along 'now' as well." Hasheem stressed the word so that all knew they must get everyone inside with the Goddesses for their protection and journey to the world they did not know. The apartments were large and lavish, entirely able to house everyone easily.
The old seamstress nodded, giving orders for the bundles of fabrics they carried. She had packed everything that she thought would be needed to start fresh. It had taken more than one trip to do so. Several of the others picked up bundles also at the gestures of the two men. That would allow her to get everything in and them also. If Hasheem was right, it would be questioned less this way.
"Thank you." she said softly, understanding that they must all help one another in this.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:19 pm
:: Melody of Nightingales Continued ::Joint with midnight_medea10.22.08midnight_medea Akzhar nodded at the man's words. He looked to his people and turned to tell them what they were to do. Go inside, make themselves comfortable and wait. Each of them carried their belongings in bundles. Only the essentials, so much was left behind in the hope that they may be able to travel back one day and return to their nomadic lives.
Together they were among the first to be brave enough to make their way into the apartments.
Isra smiled as she saw her family and walked over to greet them. Carefully she took her daughter from her husband's arms and smiled as her son latched onto her leg.
"They need your help. Do you know how to make Lotus oil?" She asked, glancing back to the goddesses.Cosine watched everyone walk in with a smile and looked to Lisana. She was glad they had gotten stranded, look at all the people that they would be able to reach and eventually help. At leased she hoped they would be able to help anyway. Eftemie Some of those that were considered royalty as well as the elite of the society watched as many people were ushered into the rooms the goddesses were rumored to be in. Both had been seen in the gardens looking around and gossip flew through the place. Those that visited only on rare occasions now sent messages saying that they would be calling upon their friends. It was all to see the activity out of curiosity as much as plotting. All vied for more and this was perhaps the first true chance they had such. Many moved closer to see what was known and how the sultan was dealing with the intrusion.Few of those waiting at the gates outside had ever been inside the palace before and this was not just a rare treat to be surrounded by such, it was a wonder filled with excitement and even some trepidation at the thought of leaving their world behind for another. All were quite certain that all places were as bad now. The gods would not be gathering what was theirs if not. Somehow the universe was getting reshaped and they wished to be a part of it.
Mian and those with her followed quietly and quickly into the rooms where the goddesses were staying. Placing the bundles of silks, beads, and supplementary items necessary for dressmaking in one of the side rooms, the grouping glanced around the place they were in. Those that had helped her carry the supplies remained nearby.
It was but a moment before Mian stood before Lisana and Cosine. "My Ladies, you have need of us?" the old seamstress asked, bowing deeply, her daughter at her side.
Gazing over at the sudden influx, Lisana glanced to Cosine nodding with a wide smile. More than she had expected, but that was the wonderful part. People were listening and they would have all carry lotus back.
"Mian, yes. I was describing the dress you gave me and we would like to have a few more. Some of those with Isra have good sewing skills and with you directing them, we thought it would be wonderful to have a few ready for our return." Lisana said, hopefully.
"It would be an honor, Goddess. This is my daughter Treshali, she can help with this. And the more nimble fingers the better." she replied, smiling faintly as her daughter bowed, though she was staring in fascination at the bubbles rising from Lisana and that Cosine had wings. The rumors were true afterall. "If you and the Lady Cosine would like to look at the color of silks we brought, then we can get started on them now and use one of the bedrooms to measure you both for fitting."
She quickly bowed, moving back to the stacks, indicating which ones to pull forwards. Only the finest would do for the goddesses. The colors shimmered and glittered like rainbows. Some had glass beads already attached and others were plain, but the fabrics were in every color imaginable and set out for display. There was enough cloth that several dresses of each color could be made. The old seamstress already had in mind the style dresses that would look wonderful. Flowy and feminine.
Hasheem smiled as he watched the goddess. Rejali, his parents, and Fashad all stood nearby silently watching Lisana laugh. It made her eyes sparkle and twinkle merrily. Even in the state the universe was apparently in, Laughter still found reasons to laugh. No wonder the guard and so many others had been drawn to her.
"I understand now, Hasheem." Rejali whispered softly to her brother. "I think you are right about them. We should do whatever they need us to." She took her brother's hand squeezing it gently.
He smiled. "I know so, Rejali. This is a turning point in the lives of all I think. And I want the chance it presents. More than I've wanted anything before."
midnight_medea Cosine had been listening to the more scientific conversation that revolved around the oils when the dressmaker arrived. Her eyes were instantly drawn by the beautiful colours and the bustling chatter of the women. Lisana had spoken of dresses but the number goddess had thought nothing more of it. There were more important things to do here. Though ... now the woman was here Lisana's plan was becoming clearer. A chance to talk with all these women, to convince them of their cause. That was something that could not be missed.
Besides, it would be nice to have some dresses of her own. She thought as she looked down at the second hand one Echo had given her. Beautiful of course but not really her.
Slowly she walked over to the fabrics. She was sure she had neverseen anything so beautiful. Some were bright brocade shot with golds and silvers. Others had glass beads and painted designs. Her fingers reached out and touched one of the bolts of silk. It was so rich and thick. So soft. she smiled and looked up at the seamstress.
"I would love one of your dresses." She said warmly. "In turquoise perhaps."Across the room Isra shifted her daughter on her chest and walked over to the goddesses.
"I have spoken with the women of my caravan." She smiled, looking back to a group of women who ranged vastly in age. "They wish to offer some of our own material. Mostly hand woven. Ornaments too. We work with metal and glass." The dark haired woman gave a small bow and ushered the women forwards. Many were nervous, some skeptical but Isra was sure if they had time to interact with the goddesses and a chance to ask questions then they would be won over completely. Eftemie It was not that Lisana was smart about what she was trying to do. She simply had the idea stuck in her head that if followers meant more power for her, then the stronger she was, and the stronger He became. It was a simple concept at best but one she was sure would help. Parties and people were what she could do. Laughter drew people together in fun and friendship amusing as they began to understand each other. Even Eftemie had known that if one can laugh, then one can survive anything.
Mian nodded, bowing to Cosine and Isra. "It would be my honor, Goddess. With so many nimble fingers it will not take long to do them, Isra. We will be remaining with the Goddess Lisana and not returning here, so even later if there are things you wish, we will be able to make them for you."
Ushering the goddesses to the side, she quickly took their measurements. When she had marked them all, she began selecting fabrics for each. The choices were not simply based on what looked best on them, but also the silks and fabrics she had seen them admiring. A mix of those that Isra had were included in her choices. It would be a blend of both styles when finished.
"These are the selections for you, Lady Lisana. And these are for you, Lady Cosine. If you do not like my choices, then we can change them." The seamstress stood to the side waiting.
Lisana touched the violets, blues, and whites that had been selected for her. They were the very ones she had been looking at. One fabric was an embroidered piece with small glass beads sparkling amidst the simple stitches.
"I like them, Mian." she smiled as she watched the women set about making the dresses. "We shall have to find a reason for a party when we return home, Cosine. And wear our new dresses." Lisana laughed, the bubbles cascading around her. Parties were what she was good at.
midnight_medea Cosine smiled warmly as she watched the seamstress go about her work. She would have to introduce her to Echo. The elegant goddess would love all these fabrics and the woman's keen eye for detail.
"Well, if this quest is successful then I think there will be reason for the biggest party the worlds have ever seen." A smirk flitted across her lips and she stepped forwards to inspect the fabrics that had been chosen for her.
"They are beautiful Mian, thank you." She nodded her head in thanks and turned to look back to Lisana.
"And if that party should happen I think it would last long enough for you to have many costume changes." Eftemie
"You are most welcome, Lady." Mian replied, as she began to check on the women beginning to stitch. The women that Isra had pushed forwards to help were good seamstresses. She might have to discuss hiring a few once they were able to establish something on the other world. "I might even have to pull out a jester hat." Lisana giggled as a faint memory slipped down over her. "I remember.... having a jester hat made of violet and white silks with bells. I wore a short dress... almost toga-like I think, but with a pointed collar. It's hard to remember for certain, but I had boots of violet with bells and striped stockings. Cuffs that had bells too and a feathered mask. I used to sneak into the parties of mortals to dance and have fun."
"Strange. I think I had more fun with the mortals and odd creatures I met than I ever had with the gods. Until now." She glanced over at Cosine warmly. "I think we shall be great friends, Cos, and have lots of fun." Glancing out towards the people she did not remember seeing, she motioned towards them. "I suppose we should go talk to them and see what we can find out."
All the while she listened to Lisana's voice, Mian began thinking about what the goddess had described. She was one who loved mortals and that was easily seen in what she remembered. If gods had faded and returned, what mattered most to them was what would return first. Perhaps she should figure out a costume such as described. Those that worked with metal should be able to make the bells. She needed to think on it.((I'm leaving the families up to you, medea. I figure that Isra would know what/how/who and everything about them.)) midnight_medea Cosine nodded and turned to Isra. She said that she was a fairly important person. She must know something of the women and men who stood, eyeing them with such suspicion and curiosity.
"Isra, could you introduce us to these people. They look important."Isra turned to glance at the noble families of Baadris and nodded. They had been important, she thought. Their wealth was visible in their clothing. Rich, vibrant silks, glass and gold jewelry and, like the three concubines, they wore false wings of beautiful dyed feathers and glasswork. They noticed that the attention of the goddesses had shifted to them and a older woman stepped forwards. "Isra, daughter of Ahmad. What is the meaning of all this disruption. There is talk of gods though I find that hard to be true." She raised a heavily plucked eyebrow and folded her arms with a clink of glass jewelry.Isra bowed her head, rubbing her baby daughter's back as she started to fuss.
"Fatin. This is Lisana, goddess of laughter and Cosine, goddess of numbers. It is the truth, they have proved their divinity to us. They will help us leave, get to a safe place. You know me Fatin, you know I do not act on whims. I have thought carefully. It may not be any better than here but I feel we have to know, we have to see. We have nothing to lose."Fatin listened to the younger woman and breathed through her nose. It was true, she was scared about their situation. The Sultan had gone to great lengths to hide the fact that the world was falling apart but they could see it. Her daughter had died of the sickness, as had all but one of the Sultan's wives. Close friends of hers. There were cracks appearing in paradise and maybe they did need to take risks. Her smoky eyes turned to Lisana and Cosine.
"Laughter and Numbers?" She asked in a rather rude tone, as though she still did not believe, and why should she. She had seen no proof. "Would goddesses not be more ... wonderful in appearence? Where are the gods we need? ones who can truely help us."(( Hope that works ^^)) Eftemie Lisana's lips twitched upwards into a faint smile. Hasheem bristled angrily at the audacity of the woman, but Lisana merely shook her head at him, patting his arm and looking extremely amused by the woman. For a moment, he could do nothing but simply watch her. Fashad blinked. The woman's words were meant to be rude and it was obvious that Lisana knew such. Instead her eyes sparkled even more vibrantly.
"Who would you rather had come to greet you, Lady?" She broke into an amused giggle. "Gently comes Laughter and Numbers who greet you easily, asking little. Perhaps Judgement, War, Plague, Famine, Tribulation, and Underworld are what you want and all will demand your tribute? Glaucon, Judgement, speaks to the Sultan as does Forest. They are both young in comparison to Cosine and I, but Plague and Underworld are at the Pantheon and both are even more than we, but we could call one. Though I expect either will be rather perturbed by the demands put upon them unnecessarily."
She eyed the woman, her gaze touching upon the clothing and jewels, dazzling, but overdone. "Do you not know that appearances are deceptive? Often gods walk amongst you while you are unaware that we do such. A gentle face may hold a cold heart while a scarred visage may hold the gentlest and most godly heart ever. Faith needs no image to contain it and I seem prone to break such expectations. Deliberately." A smirk settled upon Lisana's face. "Laughter does not have to be kind. Pleasant. Laughter does not have to make one feel good and uplifted even in the worst of times. More there is that is unseen." She laughed musically despite the warning in her words. Perhaps some did need to be tested rather than accepted at face value. And it was ironic that Lisana was testing the woman where the woman had thought to test them.
"Is this party not more pleasing than perhaps Laughter that sits a throne, ridicules coldly, ignoring all pleas, and thinking only of herself? Laughter in the worst of times will carry you through until the best of times appear again. Think carefully on your replies, Lady." midnight_medea The woman listened, though like many of her class and status she was unmoved. Magicians with tricks, nothing more.
"If you may stop this end then I might be able to believe you. You expect us to go with blind faith?" She was a stubborn one, unable to just give up and believe. She did not wish to leave her home, her money and power, she wanted even less than to follow these, alien women who could have come from anywhere.From behind her a young man stepped forwards. He resembled the older woman though his eyes were kind, unjaded by the years as his mother's were.
"If ... if we come with you. If we believe. Will you be able to help us? I lost my wife in the plagues and now, my son is sick. Weak from lack of food and medical help. I have been out into the city and I have seen them all. Those ravaged by this evil. Can you help them? Can you help us all?"Cosine watched and listened to the young man. With the title of god came mortals expectations. They thought divinity was a cure all, that they could click their fingers and it would all go away. It would be hard to convert those they could not please.
"I am sorry for your loss, the world is ravaged by the unhappiness of our Lord. He told me himself, people, you. All of you. You had turned your back on him, on all of us. Temples have gone unworshipped, offerings run dry. Even he could not go on without people behind him. We need you all, the world needs you all to believe. Come with us, we have many gods. I am sure there must be one who can help your son. But think of this, if you return with us, if you lay your offerings at the feet of Harmodius and help Origin return. You would not just save your son you would save all. Peace would be restored and you could return to this, your city." Eftemie "It would be so easy to see and then believe. But those who rise above it and serve the gods by believing and then seeing are those the gods love most because they give before it is asked." She sighed slightly. "Perhaps Plague can remove as well as give. It is within his domain and he walks the Pantheon as we do. All have lost. Even we have, but if we do not all give our Lord what he needs, then All will end. Who does that benefit?"
Lisana glanced at those around them. "I could force you to laugh, but it is empty and provides little for you or I. And certainly not pleasant as Laughter should be. But food we can be of help with for the moment. The kitchen of the sultan has provided all this." She indicated the table piled high and the servants carrying trays of delicacies. I would have you bring the boy here so that we can meet him. Hasheem, you and Fashad help him please. I want to meet the child."
"As you say, my Lady. Take us to him, sir." The former guard turned to the man indicating that he lead them to the child. If the child is ill, then closer to the goddesses could only help. Both he and Fashad moved to follow the man. They would bring him back. midnight_medea As the men left to get the child Cosine turned to Lisana and smiled a little.
"Do you really think you can help him?" She asked, her voice soft. She was not entirely convince that she posessed any power to help people in that way, but laughter ... there was a saying. She tried carefully to remember it.
"Though, Laughter is the best medicine?" She suggested, finally discovering the turn of phrase in the recesses of her mind.Several minutes passed before the man and Fashad returned. In his arms the man carried a small boy, no older than two or three, though small for his age, pale. He looked at the people with fear and shifted to bury his face against his father's chest. Crowds of people scared him so much. Eftemie Lisana thought for a moment. "I don't know for certain, Cosine. But we affect those immediately around us sometimes even unaware. I vaguely remember something about our being able to influence the immediate area. But a smile brightens the spirits of people. Sometimes illness is simply a state of mind with no physical reasoning behind it. If his mother died recently, then it could simply be her absence. Eftemie, my host, believed that if one could smile, they could weather anything. She lost her mother at her birth. Her father when she was ten and yet I remember mostly smiles from her. It is why I chose her. She sparkled as no other did for me. A laugh a day keeps the doctor away?" She giggled at the change of the phrase. "She was smarter than most thought though she had notes tacked up to even remember the most basic things."
Moving over she smiled warmly at the child. "What's his name?" The bubbles cascaded around them, rising upwards to gently pop. "Do you think he would let me hold him?" Reaching out she smoothed the hair from the side of his face. "It's alright little one. I won't hurt you. Are you hungry?" Touching the man's shoulder, she said, "Come sit with me and we will see if he will eat. You said he lost his mother recently." Moving over to one of the large couches, Lisana Indicated several plates of food, picking up a warm sweetroll and holding it out to the child. midnight_medea "My host too." Cosine replied softly thinking of all the terrible things she had seen in Lien's troubled mind. She had always been ready to smile and laugh. So, maybe it was true, and as with everything else, anything was worth a try.The Nobleman peered at his son and ran his hand over his hair.
"Will you say hello to the lady?" He asked in their language, watching as slowly the little boy peered out and gave a surprised stare at the bubbles that surrounded her.
"His name is Hakim, and ... he might let you hold him." They made their way to the couch and he sank down slowly. "Yes, to plague. They were very close of course. he is the only child we have been blessed with."
Once more he peered at the dark haired boy and gave him an encouraging smile.
"Look Kim, they have chicken. Would you like some?"
The boy shook his head and stuck his thumb into his mouth. Eftemie Lisana sat down beside them, a smile on her face as she watched the child. "No. Not chicken. Something sweet I think." Glancing over the platters, she smiled, scooping out a helping of a lavish dessert onto a plate. Colorful fruits and berries topped with a thick sweet fluffy cream filled the smaller plate. "This looks better." One hand slipped to the side and fingers directly into the cream as she handed the plate over to the father..
A clown was what she was best at. Her hands moved across her face as she turned to the side so the child could not see her face. Then she turned around once more. "So what do you think, Hakim? Do I look like Hasheem now?" Her eyes sparkled in amusement as she watched, a whipped cream mustache across her lip and a point beard on her chin. Bubbles floated forwards and she laughed, reaching up to pop one between her and them.
Hasheem coughed quickly to hide his amusement, so as not to distract the child from Lisana. He could see why she was who she was. Merry bubbles and all.
Sinestra sighed. She could dress a goddess, but Lisana was still a clown. Laughter suited her well, but perhaps that would change later. A goddess needed to be godly afterall. As the older woman had stated. midnight_medea The little boy watched her with facination as she reached for the huge dessert. It certainly looked yummy. He thought to himself, chewing on his lip a little and still clinging tightly to his dad.
As the goddess acted like a clown a little smile quivered on his lips. He looked to Hasheem and then back to the bubbles. She popped one and he blinked, surprised by the action but not frightened. There was something about her that made him not scared.
Slowly he held out a little hand, his index finger extended and poked one of her bubbles. It popped and he started to laugh. That was fun. He thought, reaching out to pop another and giggling once more. Eftemie Lisana giggled with him, taking some cream off the plate his father held on a finger. She reached out gently tracing a mustache on him and put a small dot on his chin. "There. Now you look like Hasheem, too."
Picking up the spoon, she scooped up some of the dessert onto it and aimed it towards his mouth. "Do you want a taste of this? I bet it is good. Mmmm... " She wiggled the spoon in front of him, teasing him a bit. Now that she had his attention, she merrily tried to get him to eat. Whether her influence was helping or not, she could easily see the child missed his mother.
Without a care for the ones watching her, Lisana continued smiling and laughing with the child. He mattered that moment and that was all she had eyes for. midnight_medea Hakim's father watched his son, his smile growing as he responded to the goddess. They had all tried, to make him smile, to make him laugh but no one had come close.
Hakim grinned at the pretty lady and laughed harder as she covered his own face with cream. When she offered him some to eat he nodded enthusiastically.
"yes please." He grinned, opening his mouth like he used to when his mother would feed him.There were whispers all around among the families. They knew how the boy had been pining and how his father had been at his witts end with what to do ... now, this goddess sat before them and she had cured him, or so it seemed. They looked to the old woman who had spoken against Lisana before. Even she could not deny the change in the child. "Thank you." she said softly, her hard eyes softening. "Thank you so much. Our hope is in our children." Eftemie Lisana wiped her face off as the boy began to eat more. Teasing him, she got more than half the plate of fruit inside him. Then she suggested some of the other foods-the chicken the father had originally tried with.
She smiled at the woman, nodding. "Do you not understand that they are our hope also? Gods do not survive long without those who believe in them. Without faith, we ceased to exist once. Faded. HE remained, and brought us back, merging us into something new. Giving us what we lacked. Yes, a stone holds our essences, but we are so much more than that given time. This time we understand more. My power returns as does Cosine's and many others." She raised her shirt faintly to reveal the blue and violet sparkle in her navel. "But my host was a mortal human girl who loved to laugh. She gave herself entirely to me when I needed her most. Without Him, we would not have a second chance to right things. Without you, we would not be more than before and this time we are. And all of us owe Him for creating us all. You honor the statue but you do not understand what it is. Seeing is not what Faith is based upon."
She laughed, her eyes lighting up. "Forgive me the speech, but it is that simple. A circle of life that we need to make thrive. We all need one another. Especially in this time. There is no time to fight amongst ourselves." midnight_medea The old woman nodded and looked down at the table for a few moments. After a long silence it was a old man who spoke up. A man who had been silent. He was an elder, a man who advised the Sultan often.
"We have been foolish." He said softly, his wise eyes turning to look at the goddess. "We will follow you, all of us." He gestured to the other families. There were mutterings and nods of agreement.
"Show us the way and what to do and we will follow you. I will not have us continue to live in ignorance in this glass coffin." Eftemie Lisana nodded, smiling gently at them all. She reached out to take the old woman's hand, squeezing softly. "It is not easy for us either. You know within you what is true if you seek it- whether it is our words or those of another. He needs us all. You are all welcome and may come with us when we go. We cannot promise it will be better immediately, but you will not be alone. You will be with us."
As the questions began, the goddesses began to speak to the people. They took time to laugh and smile. To hug and tease. Faith does not come easy and these people had gained a new perspective from the simple actions of making a child laugh or a goddess speaking to them truthfully. They were willing to take the next step and they would be fulfilled by the two goddesses in their midst. And with other gods at the Pantheon. Perhaps even He would find a new song of life for them all now that the cage doors were opened and the nightingales let loose.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:19 pm
:: Portends ::Eftemie Solo09.28.08When she got the note, Mian frowned thoughtfully, rereading it several times as if that would help her make her decision. Thinking back to the day she had met Lisana, the elderly seamstress wondered what she should do. This was an opportunity for something more for herself and her family. But should she? Was it better to remain safe or to take a chance at this point? That was the crux of the hesitation within her. To serve a goddess was so much more and most unexpected. But the Lady called to her the way no other ever had. Her last days would be better in her presence then here where so much was wrong. But this was her birthplace. Her decision was suddenly made as she turned for the doorway.
"Treshali, start packing our finest silks. Get the men moving. Pack only what we can all carry and need. The gems, money, and fabrics. Especially the fabrics. We are leaving." the old woman stated, moving towards her personal things and pulling down a few bags.
"Leaving? Mother, what are you talking about?" the younger woman asked, questioning the others in the family listening closely. Their shop had been established here since she was just a child.
"We are going with the goddess. I'm certain that she is. She has called to us. We go. Now hurry. We need to be at the gates at breakfast. We also must meet others who will be there as well. Hurry! All of you! Pack what we shall need. Food, money, gems, and the silks." She began packing the few small trinkets-mementos that meant something to her still. They were small and easily placed inside a bag she herself could carry.
"What about the things we will be unable to carry, Mother?" She had always trusted her mother's choices. But they were leaving their home behind and she was slightly shocked at such a decision. And so quickly made.
"Leave all but the silks. If we come back, we will get them. If not, then they are lost to us and not necessary. We will do without." The old woman shoved away the memories of her life here. A goddess called and one did not keep such waiting. "We look for Hasheem's sister when we get there. She will guide us to what we need to do." A sense of excitement began to slip over them all as they did what they needed to. Rejali stared at the note given to her by Fashad. She had been expecting one from her brother. "Mother, Father, start packing. Hasheem wants us as the gates waiting. Fashad, here's a note for you." She handed it over to him as she moved to begin packing. The guard growled faintly, something unintelligible as he took the note from her fingertips. She and her family were truly leaving. For a long time they had been all the family he had. His own died years before and they had accepted him based on his friendship with Hasheem. Opening the note, he frowned upon reading it. Hasheem was still looking after him. Just like always. Rejali quickly packed while she explained to her parents that there were others that would be waiting for them. She smiled as she glanced at each one excitedly. Fashad watched her silently for a long indecisive moment. Then gritting his teeth, the man moved towards her, taking her arm. He said, "Rejali, I need to talk to you now."
"Fashad, I need to..." she began but he stopped her.
"No. Now." he growled, pulling her to the side. She blinked in surprise as her parents began to laugh but continued packing. It was time for the man to make his intentions plain.
"Fashad..." she muttered as he suddenly kissed her, pulling her against him tightly. When he let go of her, she gasped slightly, staring at him.
"I love you, Rejali. I have for a long time. Will you marry me?" He managed to get the words out, though he had a hard time gazing into her eyes. Brushing the hair from the side of her face, he just watched her.
"I... my parents... Hasheem... We need to..." Then she blinked, staring at him. "Marry..?" A sudden smile broke across her face and she leaped into his arms, hugging him tightly. "It's about time, but we have lots to do." Kissing him quickly, she dragged him back to the next room. "Fashad is coming with us. You are?" she stopped, asking suddenly. It had just occurred to her that he might not, but want her to remain.
"Yes, fool that I am." he grinned. "I can't let Hasheem have all the fun. I'll grab my things and meet you here, then we can go to the palace together. And to your very frustrating brother." His voice was a growl but with a fondness he'd not deny. Everything was changing and he was a part of it now. As the sky turned to the early pink of dawn, they carried their belongings to the gates. Fashad placed them where they needed to be-in the front so they'd be first inside. They had waited no more than ten minutes before Mian and others came towards them. Even the men that had helped with the demons that day were waiting and helping the woman and child with their things and some friends of their own. Now all waited for what would come. Excited and fearful, but all meant to go where the gods lived. They had all been called. Fashad hurried off, the other notes still in his hand. There were three more to deliver and then he would get his own things. At that point, all they could do was wait on the Goddesses to call for them. And he was quite certain that they would. He smiled faintly. Many were being drawn to them. It would be a last stand together if the End was coming. They would be in good company.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:20 pm
:: Black Lily ::Eftemie Solo10.01.08Silently she watched Lisana pull people to her. For a brief moment, she smiled as she watched the goddess. But then something changed as her eyes gazed at the people paying homage. She wondered what it would be like to be in Lisana's place. Sinestra herself lived longer than most did. Stealing lives of others. No less than a god stole the life of the mortal they had chosen. It occurred to her that she and Lisana were alot alike though their methods were different. Hers was based upon a cursed pair of necklaces and the goddess's method was based in a stone that another had created to contain her essence. But as the thought appeared, the fortune-teller saw other options. What would it be like to be a goddess? Were the stones easily accessible? Somehow she did not think that mattered. The stones chose their hosts and the one suited to them. She watched some of the people around her looking for someone suited to her, but though some were quite pretty, none pulled at her as much as the thought of being a god did. To become such would allow her to never have to use the necklaces again, and she would have power to do as she liked. With others bowing to her the way they did to Lisana and Cosine. But would the pendant work on a goddess? She was unsure, but there was a chance that it could. Lisana had said that she was not fully restored to her power yet. Her ability was limited but what would it be when she was what she once had been? To Sinestra these thoughts were perfectly natural as the predator she had become. Worming her way into the good graces of the person and then to toy with them just before pouncing. By the time they realized what she had done, it was too late and they were trapped. Like a spider who builds a web amongst beautiful lilies, so too did Sinestra. Only this time she had her sights set on a very specific prey.
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