|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 12:59 pm
Too late it dawned on Nergal that, considering what had come to pass, the elder deity had more than enough reason to deny this request, and immediately he became visibly more tense, holding his breath as he watched. Even if he had wanted to, he could not have drawn his gaze away from what happened next.
He wasn't sure what he had Lucius' token expected to be, stardust perhaps, a meteorite, but.. not this. Definitely not this. A part of him wanted to interfere, to stop him, because it was-- too much, too much, how am I going to repay for this? But had there been another way, he would certainly have made use of it, wouldn't he? Nergal had not been aware to what extent the other's powers had been bound before, but he had a good idea of it now.
He finally released his breath when the staff was offered back to him, not aware that he had been holding it. "Thank you," he said solemnly, his gratitude heart-felt, "I will not forget about this." He owed the Universe now, a debt he did not know yet what it would take to repay. It made him feel rather uneasy, but on the other hand it meant they would meet again? Oddly enough he found himself looking forward to it.
Gently his fingers closed around the carved bone shaft, and he gazed at the soft glow of the orb with marvel. In a way, the tokens had been strangely fitting, a detached part of him mused. A finger bone to point the way, an eye to recover what was lost, and a ring to.. What? Unite?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 1:34 pm
 His skull stabbed with the pain of the deed, a razor winged moth caught in the socket, fluttering to escape. "You may thank me better to help me staunch this....there is some bare store of bandage there in that basket." He motioned with one fist in the direction nearer the pools. The other fist's knuckles pressed against the well of starlight and plasma. "I cannot bandage this myself, as you see, my fingers do not open enough, bare enough to have managed the carving." Even if Underworld was not experienced with first aid, any small purpose would help to heal the wound. By look of his face, the youngling's mind had grown to some understanding of the situation. He did not seem put off, however, and Lucius' unease lessened.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 2:49 pm
"Of course." Nergal tore his gaze away from the scepter's renewed splendor and carefully laid it down on the fabrics it had been wrapped in. The color of his ears had darkened significantly, burning with embarassment that he had not thought of offering his help right away. But then again, that was a task usually given to servants, or followers. Had He none?
None of his damn business, Nergal decided abruptly and sped towards the pools, into the direction Lucius had pointed. He found the basket, and after having quickly rummaged through its content he returned with the bandages, settling down with them next to the other deity. He sucked in his lower lip thoughtfully as he examined the wound, wondering how to best go about it. If mere pieces of cloth could actually do something about an injury which bled starlight. Well, he would have no choice but to find out. Bandaging however, he thought sourly, he had more than enough practice with by now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 3:14 pm
None had touched his skin, are any part of his actual self, in kindness since Kaelin, and that had been a long time since. Even Gaia had but fingered the wires that sewn his arms. Lucius stilled, becoming as a throned figure of flourite and peacock ore. He moved the guarding hand from the socket, and the spring undammed began to flow freely again. Lucius skin was cool, not a true soft to the touch but strangely insubstantial. It was like touching mist, refreshing and mysterious. His hair was the truer trouble, ever unruly and catching as thick feathers against the wet on his cheek and throat. Something younger and deeper, the older him from years before, urged some mischief with Nergal so close. Underworld was not guarding his own body. Lucius' lips only smirked, and he gave a short outbreath of amuse. "Thank you, Underworld. I appreciate your kindness."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 4:29 pm
Nergal worked quietly, concentrated, so focused on the task before him that he barely noticed anything else going on around him. His own stiff left caused him a good deal of trouble with this, but nothing he could not deal with though it required patience. He kept his silence until he was done, only pressing his lips together every now and then when he had to hold back a curse about the hair which seemed to be intent on resisting him in every possible way.
Finally he was done, had tied a last knot and carefully tugged the ends of the fabric under - as always quite meticulous with what he did. He registered the other's amusement with an irritated frown as he settled into a more comfortable position, not sure what to make of it.
"No," he replied quietly, shaking his head. "It is I who has to thank you. This injury would be there had it not been for my request."
For a little while he remained silent, biting his lower lip and apparently mulling something over. When he spoke again, the look in his eyes somber and distant. "There is one thing I remember quite clearly about my realm, back then," he started, seeming almost shy about it. "The sky.. There were no stars. I used to miss them." His lips twitched in the half-hearted attempt to form a smile, but it failed, and he looked aside - not sure what else there was to say.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 4:55 pm
He looked up at the other, listening for what was said and what wasn't. "Should I come to my strength again, Lord Underworld, perhaps I can send some of my lights to your skies. It would be a fair token of friendship, and like jewels set in an already fair crown." You have treated with me kindly, knowing all that I am. I will not forget it, and will not scorn it. And for asking that I aid Aristogeiton, the matter was grave and serious....and business. I needed that. Something more like a cold compress on that wound. Most of all, there was no searching of me, motives or loves. No accusations, just acceptance. "If you need to, Underworld, you may seek me out. You company is fair, without pretention especially. I don't think we knew much of each other, as your memory of your realm attests...but I would like to know you better now. " Lucius stood, somewhat unsteadily from the newness of the sundering of his sight, and bowed to the younger. "I look forward to seeing you again, perhaps in simple comradery in the stead of favors."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 11:13 am
"Perhaps..?" This time the smile was there, shy, but true. "However, there is much work to be done before." The sheer size of the tasks lying before him was overwhelming - so much to do, to restore, so many souls to take care of.. But it only caused him to set his jaw stubbornly. He would get it done. Somehow. "But I sure would love to see the sight of it one day."
He nodded in response to the kind words spoken, the invitation made. Who would have thought of this? Just a little while ago, he had half been expecting to have stirred the wrath of yet another of his kin, to be forced to make another of these hasty retreats, and now..
"Yes," he said, as he gathered up scepter and fabrics with care, wrapping the artifact only loosely and cradling it against his shoulder once more. It seemed heavier now, somehow. Perhaps because he knew more now of the burden and responsibility that went along with the thing. "I would very much like to take you up on that offer." Another of these hesitant smiles, and then he respectfully returned the bow to the elder. "I shall look forward to meeting you again as well.."
"Farewell."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
