Padmapani
All was, at last, in readiness. The hustle and bustle of the past weeks had become a hushed silence that filled the Pantheon - people spoke in whispers, those preparing moved with thoughtful, reverent treads. This space once so defiled was becoming sacred once more.
Gods, mortals, and Aoidei together moved through the lower floor, preparing. Every bit of debris or stain was washed away, the floors scrubbed until they shone, reflecting the lights even now being strung around the Pantheon. They glowed softly on their strings, their reflections making the polished obsidian floor resemble the former glory of the devoured sky. What red lotuses remained were placed around the Chrysalis, both real flowers and those formed from every material left - from simple origami folded by mortal children to exquisite illusion. Candles and incense were lit, precious resources saved for this moment. The priests of Baadris oversaw; the mortals moved in respectful silence.
Prepare. The time is coming.
The halls were filled, and mortals arrayed around the Pantheon; those who could not be there, separated by distance, instead knelt to pray. The Pantheon had become the center of the universe; it was as if everything else in existence grew quiet, focused on that single point. All across the worlds touched by the gods, by the journeys of the divine and by the koratti in dreams, mortals turned their prayers and belief towards the ritual of salvation. We believe - show us the way, shelter us, give us hope. Save us.
One last breath.
The time has come.
Gods, mortals, and Aoidei together moved through the lower floor, preparing. Every bit of debris or stain was washed away, the floors scrubbed until they shone, reflecting the lights even now being strung around the Pantheon. They glowed softly on their strings, their reflections making the polished obsidian floor resemble the former glory of the devoured sky. What red lotuses remained were placed around the Chrysalis, both real flowers and those formed from every material left - from simple origami folded by mortal children to exquisite illusion. Candles and incense were lit, precious resources saved for this moment. The priests of Baadris oversaw; the mortals moved in respectful silence.
Prepare. The time is coming.
The halls were filled, and mortals arrayed around the Pantheon; those who could not be there, separated by distance, instead knelt to pray. The Pantheon had become the center of the universe; it was as if everything else in existence grew quiet, focused on that single point. All across the worlds touched by the gods, by the journeys of the divine and by the koratti in dreams, mortals turned their prayers and belief towards the ritual of salvation. We believe - show us the way, shelter us, give us hope. Save us.
One last breath.
The time has come.
Sosiqui
And now the moment had arrived, the heart and focus of all their hopes. Tian Yue stood outside the door to the Pantheon, watching and greeting those who entered - gods, mortal representatives, and Aoidei alike. Many of them nodded or bowed to him as they entered, their movements slowing and voices dropping to soft whispers as they crossed the threshold. He could feel the tide of faith around him, a warm, stubborn strength that carried so very much. Love, belief, the will to survive.
This is true power.
They were all in, now, all those who had come; there were many, many more not present physically who were still focused in spirit and in prayer. And it was time, now, really and truly time.
Tian Yue took a long breath and put one hand on the hilt of the sword the Twin Crown had given him. He fixed his mind again on the image that had writ itself in glory across the fate-stone in the Ancient Pantheon - the Chrysalis unfolding, not like a foul thing but like a flower, and the chained figure stepping out from within. May it come to pass, even so.
"For the salvation of All - let us begin."
Tian Yue pushed his strength outward, wrapping the Pantheon in every power he possessed - every aura, every shield, every scale. You are all in my coils now, under my protection. You will be safe. You will be shielded.
Let us begin.
This is true power.
They were all in, now, all those who had come; there were many, many more not present physically who were still focused in spirit and in prayer. And it was time, now, really and truly time.
Tian Yue took a long breath and put one hand on the hilt of the sword the Twin Crown had given him. He fixed his mind again on the image that had writ itself in glory across the fate-stone in the Ancient Pantheon - the Chrysalis unfolding, not like a foul thing but like a flower, and the chained figure stepping out from within. May it come to pass, even so.
"For the salvation of All - let us begin."
Tian Yue pushed his strength outward, wrapping the Pantheon in every power he possessed - every aura, every shield, every scale. You are all in my coils now, under my protection. You will be safe. You will be shielded.
Let us begin.
Zero Dream
He had no specific part in this ritual - no powers that could be gathered as part of it. He could be anywhere now, but he was there. It was too important for him to ignore, and just because he was not part of the main event did not mean that he could not be useful.
He stood a bit further away, with his brother, toward the door leading to outside. Just because they had no obivious role did not mean they did not have one. A few silent nods where echanged in between the sibilings, but both where otherwise silent.
Nergal had ghosts patroling the area - ordered to report to him at sight of anything hostile headed for the pantheon. It would obiviously be better if such did not happen, but neither where willing to take chances. There was an unseen army patroling the area... quite literally.
He doubted they would be able to offer enough distraction on his own, but if they came, he would be ready.
It was time.
The small band of mortals she had taken as her own for the ritual seemed to be having a wide spectrum of feelings - some were nervous, some were anxious, some where clearly intimidated by both the numbers of deities gathered around them and the sight of the chained crysalis looming in front of them. A varying spectrum of emotion, just like the one she was experiencing - Worry, excitment, perhaps even a little bit of fear.
But even with such variations, there was two things that bound them all together. Hope, and faith..
Two of the most important things to this world, she had come to know.
Tian Yue's sheilds settled in place. This was her signal. Her left hand rose, a sign to those gathered behind her, and the tune of the conch shells filled the air. It was far from an impressive orchestra, but given that those instruments had been damaged to varying degrees then mended, and that most gathered had not even touched an instrument before she had taken them aside and taught them what she could in the short time period she had been given, it worked out quite nicely.
With that done, she started to sing the song she had prepared, and reached out for Cosine's hand, in a silent request. This was probably the most important thing she had embarqued to in this new life... and she could not help but be a little nervous.
Stay with me.
They could draw strength from each other.
He stood a bit further away, with his brother, toward the door leading to outside. Just because they had no obivious role did not mean they did not have one. A few silent nods where echanged in between the sibilings, but both where otherwise silent.
Nergal had ghosts patroling the area - ordered to report to him at sight of anything hostile headed for the pantheon. It would obiviously be better if such did not happen, but neither where willing to take chances. There was an unseen army patroling the area... quite literally.
He doubted they would be able to offer enough distraction on his own, but if they came, he would be ready.
It was time.
The small band of mortals she had taken as her own for the ritual seemed to be having a wide spectrum of feelings - some were nervous, some were anxious, some where clearly intimidated by both the numbers of deities gathered around them and the sight of the chained crysalis looming in front of them. A varying spectrum of emotion, just like the one she was experiencing - Worry, excitment, perhaps even a little bit of fear.
But even with such variations, there was two things that bound them all together. Hope, and faith..
Two of the most important things to this world, she had come to know.
Tian Yue's sheilds settled in place. This was her signal. Her left hand rose, a sign to those gathered behind her, and the tune of the conch shells filled the air. It was far from an impressive orchestra, but given that those instruments had been damaged to varying degrees then mended, and that most gathered had not even touched an instrument before she had taken them aside and taught them what she could in the short time period she had been given, it worked out quite nicely.
With that done, she started to sing the song she had prepared, and reached out for Cosine's hand, in a silent request. This was probably the most important thing she had embarqued to in this new life... and she could not help but be a little nervous.
Stay with me.
They could draw strength from each other.
Xanil
When the time had come, Eddard finished cleaning the oil from his sword and placed the rag on the table. He noticed himself in the reflection of his freshly polished blade, his image distorted by the nicks and scratches that were still too deep for the sharpening stone to remove. For just a moment he let the gravity of the situation weigh down his heart recognizing his frail mortality in the sword. Before his emotions could escalate, Eddard strengthened his resolve, returning them to check. He sheathed his sword and exited his room, going down stairs into the Pantheon proper.
The atmosphere downstairs was reverent. Eddard found it hard to muster even the words for a simple greeting to those he knew. Instead he nodded and moved along the wall making his way to the exit and outside to the steps of the Pantheon.
There he found another, someone else who’s goal matched his own. He stood quietly behind the fellow protector sensing his divinity, recognizing the power. Eddard was not half the protector as this nor could Eid provide him with the extra strength needed to even hold a candle to such. Still he would give it his all, anything that he could do to help prevent any possible interruptions to the proceedings within.
The atmosphere downstairs was reverent. Eddard found it hard to muster even the words for a simple greeting to those he knew. Instead he nodded and moved along the wall making his way to the exit and outside to the steps of the Pantheon.
There he found another, someone else who’s goal matched his own. He stood quietly behind the fellow protector sensing his divinity, recognizing the power. Eddard was not half the protector as this nor could Eid provide him with the extra strength needed to even hold a candle to such. Still he would give it his all, anything that he could do to help prevent any possible interruptions to the proceedings within.
midnight_medea
Cosine stood near Echo, her hands clasped in front of her as she waited, watching as the dragon king worked his magic. How could she not be nervous, stood before all these people, waiting to perform in a ritual that would decide all their fates.
What if she did something wrong, if it were her who messed it up for them all. She swallowed a little and looked back to the faces she knew. Friends, family. Her eyes met Kou's for a moment and she gave a small smile before turning back to Echo as the ritual began fully. The noise of the shells was sinister, beautiful but it sent a chill down her spine.
Then her friend, no, sister began to sing. Her beautiful song rose up to the eves, to the sky ringing out glorious and clear. Cosine reached for her hand as it was offered and stepped closer.
She fed off the song, closing her eyes and reaching, searching for the joy that she had discovered in her time as a new goddess. In turn she reached to each of her friends, her surrogate family, the children and their smiles. She reached for it all and reached deep within her.
She then sought out 2 from all her numbers present in the room. All the people with their different languages and cultures she reached out to them all.
"two zwei deux ni twee due to dois dos doi duos dhio yerku du divi dva do da rendu." Her lips moved fast as she whispered them softly wrapping them in meaning and significance.
What if she did something wrong, if it were her who messed it up for them all. She swallowed a little and looked back to the faces she knew. Friends, family. Her eyes met Kou's for a moment and she gave a small smile before turning back to Echo as the ritual began fully. The noise of the shells was sinister, beautiful but it sent a chill down her spine.
Then her friend, no, sister began to sing. Her beautiful song rose up to the eves, to the sky ringing out glorious and clear. Cosine reached for her hand as it was offered and stepped closer.
She fed off the song, closing her eyes and reaching, searching for the joy that she had discovered in her time as a new goddess. In turn she reached to each of her friends, her surrogate family, the children and their smiles. She reached for it all and reached deep within her.
She then sought out 2 from all her numbers present in the room. All the people with their different languages and cultures she reached out to them all.
"two zwei deux ni twee due to dois dos doi duos dhio yerku du divi dva do da rendu." Her lips moved fast as she whispered them softly wrapping them in meaning and significance.
Balance, even, good and evil, creation and destruction, yin and yang.
Sampajanna, Ottapa, Soracca, Carana, Vipassana, Vimutti, Katavedita.
twin
Union
Unite
Create
join
fuse
"dauo dio dy deka zah don be shtayim hulat sin labadi lama biyu ori rou ndi fula fila
fele nyaar parang so yiibu ose ue abien we eji mbili kabili ziwiri bili kavto kaksi iki
yeki tul ob ki hai pir baria er lia yihlang nng ni kou hniq chi dua duwa duha loro iskay mokoi tu de ...
"Sampajanna, Ottapa, Soracca, Carana, Vipassana, Vimutti, Katavedita.
twin
Union
Unite
Create
join
fuse
"dauo dio dy deka zah don be shtayim hulat sin labadi lama biyu ori rou ndi fula fila
fele nyaar parang so yiibu ose ue abien we eji mbili kabili ziwiri bili kavto kaksi iki
yeki tul ob ki hai pir baria er lia yihlang nng ni kou hniq chi dua duwa duha loro iskay mokoi tu de ...
Fyre
Their music could be heard seeping distantly through the heavy doors of the hall to those who waited, guarding those within.
A dragon on either side, though the slim figure of a girl holding the weapon of a god didn't cut quite so draconic a figure as Tian Yue, standing on the opposite side.
Li Shing stood, no Li Shing and May Tseng stood, at attention watching and waiting. If Tian Yue was defense, shielding all within from harm, Li Shing was offense wielding a weapon to slay those who would do such harm.
All the dragon's own hopes rested on those within, as did all of May's. Perhaps her's were even the more powerful of the two.
For the salvation of All
A dragon on either side, though the slim figure of a girl holding the weapon of a god didn't cut quite so draconic a figure as Tian Yue, standing on the opposite side.
Li Shing stood, no Li Shing and May Tseng stood, at attention watching and waiting. If Tian Yue was defense, shielding all within from harm, Li Shing was offense wielding a weapon to slay those who would do such harm.
All the dragon's own hopes rested on those within, as did all of May's. Perhaps her's were even the more powerful of the two.
For the salvation of All
Cinderfae
Karaskis moved through the area heading toward the dais, the other elementals would join her there soon. She had seen the notice now she just needed the others so they could do their part. The gathering of mortals varying from those taken from the slave pens on a distant planet, a place now unreachable to an older woman holding the hand of her daughter looking on with slight confusion on a weary sorrow filled face. They were not many but they were mortals that had come to her, the child of Cinder along with the alien and the others from her home planet.
She wore a pale blue dress with darker artistic swirls over it, fashioned in an oriental style. The gold trim of the outfit was offset by a wrap hanging over her arms in the same color. It had been a gift from Jaster to Cinder, and from what she knew she felt the occasion deserved something other then utility slacks and a tank top.
Moving with Karaskis was an elemental, Ashe, his hair licked downward as the tips appeared to be made of flame. A creature with Adrian's face almost forgotten by his mistress except for brief memories. In his arms he carried a tall slender object wrapped in red silk, the silk shimmered slightly pilfered from the remnants of the world outside. Moving closer she could feel the aura of the pod, with a slight frown she looked toward what their Lord had become; if there was any chance in this she knew they would need to be together. Silently she offered thoughts almost prayers to the balance of creation that they were missing.
Running her hand over her arm she winced slightly, it seemed to still be tender where she had taken the vaccine. After all they had been through she hoped that the concoction that science and plague had made didn't kill everyone. Pushing aside random thoughts Karaskis turned looking over those gathered, looking for the others like her - the primals.
She wore a pale blue dress with darker artistic swirls over it, fashioned in an oriental style. The gold trim of the outfit was offset by a wrap hanging over her arms in the same color. It had been a gift from Jaster to Cinder, and from what she knew she felt the occasion deserved something other then utility slacks and a tank top.
Moving with Karaskis was an elemental, Ashe, his hair licked downward as the tips appeared to be made of flame. A creature with Adrian's face almost forgotten by his mistress except for brief memories. In his arms he carried a tall slender object wrapped in red silk, the silk shimmered slightly pilfered from the remnants of the world outside. Moving closer she could feel the aura of the pod, with a slight frown she looked toward what their Lord had become; if there was any chance in this she knew they would need to be together. Silently she offered thoughts almost prayers to the balance of creation that they were missing.
Running her hand over her arm she winced slightly, it seemed to still be tender where she had taken the vaccine. After all they had been through she hoped that the concoction that science and plague had made didn't kill everyone. Pushing aside random thoughts Karaskis turned looking over those gathered, looking for the others like her - the primals.
Zero Dream
This... This was huge. There simply was no word that the young boy knew that could describe the immensity of what he was seeing unfold in front of him right now. That, and he had been right - there HAD been something everyone had been hiding from him.
Psh.
He peered from the top of the stairs, trying to see a bit better all the while without being spotted by either his father or uncle, whispering to his sister what it was that he could see from his perch. The faintest of whispers that was easily drowned out in the rest of the ritual, beside for Lacrymosa's sharp hearing.
What did this ultimately all mean, he did not quite know, and an inquisitive glance went to his right. Maybe big brother knew ?
Psh.
He peered from the top of the stairs, trying to see a bit better all the while without being spotted by either his father or uncle, whispering to his sister what it was that he could see from his perch. The faintest of whispers that was easily drowned out in the rest of the ritual, beside for Lacrymosa's sharp hearing.
What did this ultimately all mean, he did not quite know, and an inquisitive glance went to his right. Maybe big brother knew ?
Reyna Crelos
Sotiris was strangely subdued. He shifted slightly to meet his little brother's gaze before reaching to wrap an arm about his shoulders so he could lean close to whisper. With as many people that had gathered, he doubted that their voices would be discernible among the masses, but they could never be too careful. Dad was becoming especially good at finding him and picking up on his voice.
"Ritu'l. Very impo'tant," was his explanation, "...is to fix things. Dad said."
"Ritu'l. Very impo'tant," was his explanation, "...is to fix things. Dad said."
Sosiqui
It was almost time for him - but not yet, not until after the representatives of the four elements moved, making their offerings. Illumin could see Kishara out of the corner of his eye, and his stomach twisted a bit. She had changed too, come into a bit more of her glory, but her arm was still missing, taken by Samyaza as they had said.
He had not seen her since that night. I am sorry, he thought, silently. Later, when the time was right, he would offer that deepest apology to her. Now was the time for other things, other offerings.
Fire was there - that woman's form, the one who had shown him kindness and aid when he so needed it, now changed into that of the goddess. He nodded to her, just slightly. They would lead, and he would follow.
He had not seen her since that night. I am sorry, he thought, silently. Later, when the time was right, he would offer that deepest apology to her. Now was the time for other things, other offerings.
Fire was there - that woman's form, the one who had shown him kindness and aid when he so needed it, now changed into that of the goddess. He nodded to her, just slightly. They would lead, and he would follow.
Draconayzia
Beryl had hidden away long enough. There was no more time to build power, to gather those who Believed. She was as powerful as she was going to be for this.
She just hoped it was enough.
Terra had been left quietly with the Aoide and Hidalgo. Even her flighty Ehecatl had cooled in light of the event, Ilmarinen sitting with Terra on his lap as the large wolf stood between them and the rest of the room. Near by she could spot the forms of Shade and Ciaran, nearly indistinguishable from the shadows. They were as safe as they could be.
Giving them one last glance she stepped forward towards the Chrysalis. Her wings flickered, Light from her kin making the scales and feathers sparkle. Opening her hand fine red dust began to fall towards the floor. Instead it was caught in a breeze made from the flick of her wings, swirling and shifting until the shapes of lotuses were visible and settled among their kin. Another formed in her hand from the last remnants of the dust.
"Ages upon ages ago, you exhaled and breathed life to the Winds. Those Winds you gave freedom and told to run the length and breadth of the world you had made from the roots of the Life Tree." She raised her wings, allowed their true nature to show as winds whipped through the feathers and bounced off the scales, sending her hair and clothes whipping yet never disturbing anything past her form. "You gave me Life, you gave me Purpose, you gave me Freedom. Dear One, Father, Maker, please come back to us." Her winds flew forward as she touched the Crysalis, wrapping around it. Everything from the tempest gales to soft summer breezes. All that he had given her and made her to be.
Her hair and clothes still whipped in the aftermath as she stepped down, letting the next take her place. Once away with Terra back in her arms she turned to watch the rest. Please, Creation, Father, Friend, come back. We miss you.
She just hoped it was enough.
Terra had been left quietly with the Aoide and Hidalgo. Even her flighty Ehecatl had cooled in light of the event, Ilmarinen sitting with Terra on his lap as the large wolf stood between them and the rest of the room. Near by she could spot the forms of Shade and Ciaran, nearly indistinguishable from the shadows. They were as safe as they could be.
Giving them one last glance she stepped forward towards the Chrysalis. Her wings flickered, Light from her kin making the scales and feathers sparkle. Opening her hand fine red dust began to fall towards the floor. Instead it was caught in a breeze made from the flick of her wings, swirling and shifting until the shapes of lotuses were visible and settled among their kin. Another formed in her hand from the last remnants of the dust.
"Ages upon ages ago, you exhaled and breathed life to the Winds. Those Winds you gave freedom and told to run the length and breadth of the world you had made from the roots of the Life Tree." She raised her wings, allowed their true nature to show as winds whipped through the feathers and bounced off the scales, sending her hair and clothes whipping yet never disturbing anything past her form. "You gave me Life, you gave me Purpose, you gave me Freedom. Dear One, Father, Maker, please come back to us." Her winds flew forward as she touched the Crysalis, wrapping around it. Everything from the tempest gales to soft summer breezes. All that he had given her and made her to be.
Her hair and clothes still whipped in the aftermath as she stepped down, letting the next take her place. Once away with Terra back in her arms she turned to watch the rest. Please, Creation, Father, Friend, come back. We miss you.
Tsunake
So it was, and so it would be. The siren's song of gathered gods and mortals alike had drawn him forward, stumbling, clumsy, but rejuvenated. He had been reluctant to accept the vaccination, the strange, diseased one's face dancing through his shattered memory without any solid substance, but it had done wonders to strength his tired body. As he quietly followed behind the masses into the throne room, Arden could only watch the precession with a sense of detachment He was a stranger here, alone, and friendless. He knew not the details, nor would he be spared any; the voice in his mind was preoccupied from tormenting him with heavy thoughts of its own.
Stand here. Stay silent.
The battered marine did as he was instructed, awkwardly sidling himself somewhere where he could watch, yet remain out of the way. Look at them all. Alien, powerful--some even with children. Arden bowed his head silently, his body unconsciously stiff with the respect he would pay to a superior. Was this going to stop whatever the hell had been going on? The smell of smoke made his nostrils flare, and the voice inside his mind felt... amused. More recognition? Yes, the charred woman. And there was another--one who spoke of winds. Another not-god? His spirits were low, he realized with a vague sense of unease. Lower than they'd been in a long time. Humans, by nature, were social creatures. To be thrust so suddenly into the presence of these not-gods had him on edge. But here they were, gathered before that diseased pod he'd faintly remembered seeing before all had gone black. So, was that the key to everything...?
You are not here to think. Close your eyes and pray.
The voice chided him softly, and an inaudible sigh had his armored chest rattling. It had been an order. He was good with orders, even if they came from damn, plaguing parasites. Letting his eyes shut, Arden reluctantly cast his thoughts heavenwards, tilting his chin up as well. Let this work. Whatever the hell they're doing... let it work.
Stand here. Stay silent.
The battered marine did as he was instructed, awkwardly sidling himself somewhere where he could watch, yet remain out of the way. Look at them all. Alien, powerful--some even with children. Arden bowed his head silently, his body unconsciously stiff with the respect he would pay to a superior. Was this going to stop whatever the hell had been going on? The smell of smoke made his nostrils flare, and the voice inside his mind felt... amused. More recognition? Yes, the charred woman. And there was another--one who spoke of winds. Another not-god? His spirits were low, he realized with a vague sense of unease. Lower than they'd been in a long time. Humans, by nature, were social creatures. To be thrust so suddenly into the presence of these not-gods had him on edge. But here they were, gathered before that diseased pod he'd faintly remembered seeing before all had gone black. So, was that the key to everything...?
You are not here to think. Close your eyes and pray.
The voice chided him softly, and an inaudible sigh had his armored chest rattling. It had been an order. He was good with orders, even if they came from damn, plaguing parasites. Letting his eyes shut, Arden reluctantly cast his thoughts heavenwards, tilting his chin up as well. Let this work. Whatever the hell they're doing... let it work.
Cinderfae
Once Beryl stepped down Karaskis inclined her head to her, glancing to the others around her she paused taking Tajnevaki's hand and with a small smile squeezes it. The goddess then turns and heads to the dais gladdened for the support of the Mystery god and the mortals and servants that had gathered. She knew well enough her powers were slight in comparison to the one that had gone before her; but if she could give her all and have it work she would. Ashe stepped up behind her, clad in the reds he was accustomed to; the golden metal that he wore for battle glinted in the light he was perhaps more impressive to look upon - though his part was small.
With a bow to his mistress he unfurled the silk from around his burden unveiling a white candle upon a golden holder. Those that look closely would notice that the piece had taken wear from the time but was functional enough. Upon the broad base of the candle the wax had been carved in, the stylistic image of a flame adorned it.
She was not known for great speeches and she could not remember much of the one that had become their doom but she had her feelings. "For we were loved and brought into existence we return our love." Her fiery eyes shifted toward the shackled dark form it's closeness breathing the uneasiness of it's destruction over her. Stopping herself from shivering over the feel of the thing she continued taking a lead from the Goddess before her as she did, "Father we offer you strength," silently she added to herself I just hope it is enough. "Return to us, creation find your way to us." At the last there was a slight bleeding over as Cinder's voice and mind joined with her own.
Looking out to those gathered a moment she stood, before extending her hand and willing what little power she had to her to manifest, to create. A small flicker and then one more sure danced over her fingertips before she lightly 'touched' the candle and lit it. She felt a drain at the act and with a look toward the pod again, bowing her head made her way down the steps. Making her way to the side to allow the next to go up, she took Mystery's hand lacing her fingers with his for comfort and support as she waited for the next to go.
With a bow to his mistress he unfurled the silk from around his burden unveiling a white candle upon a golden holder. Those that look closely would notice that the piece had taken wear from the time but was functional enough. Upon the broad base of the candle the wax had been carved in, the stylistic image of a flame adorned it.
She was not known for great speeches and she could not remember much of the one that had become their doom but she had her feelings. "For we were loved and brought into existence we return our love." Her fiery eyes shifted toward the shackled dark form it's closeness breathing the uneasiness of it's destruction over her. Stopping herself from shivering over the feel of the thing she continued taking a lead from the Goddess before her as she did, "Father we offer you strength," silently she added to herself I just hope it is enough. "Return to us, creation find your way to us." At the last there was a slight bleeding over as Cinder's voice and mind joined with her own.
Looking out to those gathered a moment she stood, before extending her hand and willing what little power she had to her to manifest, to create. A small flicker and then one more sure danced over her fingertips before she lightly 'touched' the candle and lit it. She felt a drain at the act and with a look toward the pod again, bowing her head made her way down the steps. Making her way to the side to allow the next to go up, she took Mystery's hand lacing her fingers with his for comfort and support as she waited for the next to go.
Meepfur
The Fangbridle had no real role to play, now that it had come to this - all that he had done had come before, to help to lead to where they were now. More recently, he had accepted Plague's vaccine, assembled what pards he could with Ashoka's help, and of course the errais. All that was left to him was to stand, and to believe. He stood quietly, as a dragon, armored and watching. Waiting.
Finn-att stood silent also, rubbing his arm. Thanks to Itztlac, he'd had his first encounter with something called a 'vaccine,' and was far from happy about it. Not only that, but there were far too many people in here for his tastes. Necessary, he knew, but he was somewhat claustrophobic to begin with, and the crowding wasn't helping. Still, as irritable as he was, he was here, and he believed.
Rio had come, of course - who hadn't? - as yet another relatively passive participant, compared to the others. Adrienne stood beside him with her two remaining flooxes, holding onto them carefully so that they wouldn't end up stepped on or getting into some other kind of trouble.
Finn-att stood silent also, rubbing his arm. Thanks to Itztlac, he'd had his first encounter with something called a 'vaccine,' and was far from happy about it. Not only that, but there were far too many people in here for his tastes. Necessary, he knew, but he was somewhat claustrophobic to begin with, and the crowding wasn't helping. Still, as irritable as he was, he was here, and he believed.
Rio had come, of course - who hadn't? - as yet another relatively passive participant, compared to the others. Adrienne stood beside him with her two remaining flooxes, holding onto them carefully so that they wouldn't end up stepped on or getting into some other kind of trouble.
Syrie
So many people, mortals and god and Aoidei alike, gathered in this place, to be near the Pod. Xia Lu Ling bowed his head - his host's head - in sorrow. He had failed to return to his once-glory several times...and now he had failed to help his Lord and Master. The end was coming - if this ritual did not work, it was over.
Still, he could take some comfort in being there, his Brothers were there - Worldshield's coils lowered around them and he felt the longing inside to have his own coils wound about his Lord; to support. He had no power to do so, but the i]wont was there. Yu and host rose to full height, tail lashing behind him - he must see, and he would not be Beast when doing so.
His own followers were there, a rag-tag group of mortals; but there was a child who's face shone brightly in her belief - in the Dragon King and in his Master. She out of all the followers Yu had recruited burned most brightly in her faith. The girl named Blessed had her delicate fingers buried in his fur; twined solidly in the thick ruff of his tail...and she would not let go.
Briefly the monster's mind flickered to a distant time - another ceremony from the past, though not the same - no...but a flash of white and feathers. A sentencing. It was gone quickly as he refocused upon the Pod and what it contained.
Return to us, oh Lord and Master. Tai-pan. Supreme Light of all...if it is Your will, please return to us.' Nothing spoken aloud, but quietly and reverently to himself. Host and Dragon King. Together.
Still, he could take some comfort in being there, his Brothers were there - Worldshield's coils lowered around them and he felt the longing inside to have his own coils wound about his Lord; to support. He had no power to do so, but the i]wont was there. Yu and host rose to full height, tail lashing behind him - he must see, and he would not be Beast when doing so.
His own followers were there, a rag-tag group of mortals; but there was a child who's face shone brightly in her belief - in the Dragon King and in his Master. She out of all the followers Yu had recruited burned most brightly in her faith. The girl named Blessed had her delicate fingers buried in his fur; twined solidly in the thick ruff of his tail...and she would not let go.
Briefly the monster's mind flickered to a distant time - another ceremony from the past, though not the same - no...but a flash of white and feathers. A sentencing. It was gone quickly as he refocused upon the Pod and what it contained.
Return to us, oh Lord and Master. Tai-pan. Supreme Light of all...if it is Your will, please return to us.' Nothing spoken aloud, but quietly and reverently to himself. Host and Dragon King. Together.
Una Daughter of Water
Tugging slightly on Yaxha's skirt Una stood on her toes attempting to see past the people, the pretty lady with wings had talked some and created wind. And then the lady with funny colored skin had gone and created some fire; she knew they were creating because she had made Yaxha read about it on that board she had found in the main hall. Frowning faintly the little girl looked around, she couldn't see her Daddy anywhere yet. Frowning faintly she glanced over toward her guardian; the gypsy seemed to be concentrating on what was going on around. Others from her clan stood nearby as well but she didn't see her father. She knew wherever he was he was doing something important but if he couldn't be here who would make the water.
Leaning slightly toward her sister Una whispered to Nixie some, the white haired little girl sighed slightly. Nixie seemed too shy to want to go up to the dais, but she knew what needed to be done - that was if that board with the note from the man with the funny name was correct. Squaring her shoulders Una made her way through the crowd, Yaxha had set them further back so others could make way. Her small size allowed Una to wiggle away before her guardian unnoticed.
Crawling up to the dais the little purple girl turned to look at everyone, a muffled cry from where she had been standing with the gypsies and her sister made it clear that her guardian had realized where she had gotten off to. Realizing that now everyone was watching her Una squirmed slightly, she wasn't sure she liked this feeling it gave her; it made her feel like she had to do something. Frowning and squaring her shoulders she spoke up her tiny voice carrying as she did.
"Um, hullo!" Smiling slightly she gave everyone her best smile and waved to those present. "I don't think my Daddy is here right now, and uhm, the board thing says you need some water." There was an awkward pause as she considered what to say next, the two others had said things that sounded grown up she wasn't sure she could do that but she could. "I'm going to help, I never knew the God that turned into the pod. But he helped restore my Daddy, and without my Daddy there wouldn't be any me." She nodded in a somewhat sagely if childish manner at the last part.
Glancing up Una realized that Yaxha was making her way toward the front of the people gathered, she wasn't sure if she would try to pull her down or not. Biting her lip a moment she glanced down at the floor; focusing to the best of her ability she started at a particular crack in the flooring her aquamarine eyes set stubbornly. After several long moments her touch of creation reached down and a small spring of water spilled over the flooring. It wasn't much water, but it was still there blinking slightly in surprise that she had actually done it Una looked up with a small smile and then made her way toward Yaxha feeling somewhat light headed. It was lucky that her guardian had come forward because as the little Goddess moved down the steps she dizzily fell into her guardian's arms. With a worried sigh Yaxha started carrying her back toward where they had been standing before; peeking over the gypsy's shoulder she waved to those she recognized, spotting Adi and her father, and then Froggy.
Leaning slightly toward her sister Una whispered to Nixie some, the white haired little girl sighed slightly. Nixie seemed too shy to want to go up to the dais, but she knew what needed to be done - that was if that board with the note from the man with the funny name was correct. Squaring her shoulders Una made her way through the crowd, Yaxha had set them further back so others could make way. Her small size allowed Una to wiggle away before her guardian unnoticed.
Crawling up to the dais the little purple girl turned to look at everyone, a muffled cry from where she had been standing with the gypsies and her sister made it clear that her guardian had realized where she had gotten off to. Realizing that now everyone was watching her Una squirmed slightly, she wasn't sure she liked this feeling it gave her; it made her feel like she had to do something. Frowning and squaring her shoulders she spoke up her tiny voice carrying as she did.
"Um, hullo!" Smiling slightly she gave everyone her best smile and waved to those present. "I don't think my Daddy is here right now, and uhm, the board thing says you need some water." There was an awkward pause as she considered what to say next, the two others had said things that sounded grown up she wasn't sure she could do that but she could. "I'm going to help, I never knew the God that turned into the pod. But he helped restore my Daddy, and without my Daddy there wouldn't be any me." She nodded in a somewhat sagely if childish manner at the last part.
Glancing up Una realized that Yaxha was making her way toward the front of the people gathered, she wasn't sure if she would try to pull her down or not. Biting her lip a moment she glanced down at the floor; focusing to the best of her ability she started at a particular crack in the flooring her aquamarine eyes set stubbornly. After several long moments her touch of creation reached down and a small spring of water spilled over the flooring. It wasn't much water, but it was still there blinking slightly in surprise that she had actually done it Una looked up with a small smile and then made her way toward Yaxha feeling somewhat light headed. It was lucky that her guardian had come forward because as the little Goddess moved down the steps she dizzily fell into her guardian's arms. With a worried sigh Yaxha started carrying her back toward where they had been standing before; peeking over the gypsy's shoulder she waved to those she recognized, spotting Adi and her father, and then Froggy.
Eftemie
Taj squeezed Karaskis' hand tightly as those of his own crowded around behind them. He could hear the prayers whispered by his own aoidei and followers. Even the aiko were standing nearby as were the small fairies clinging to the fur of the felines. All wanted this to work and had understood the import of what was being done in reverence and faith that he would awaken as they needed and wanted him. But for now all they could do was wait anxiously for the end result.
Rasmus held a red cloth wrapped shape for Taj. It was his Lord's gift for the God within in the pod. Not the first, but equally made with love and attention. For now all held their breath watching, silently praying or whispering the words of faith they had.
Lisana's grouping was to the other side of Taj's. She and her aoidei were standing silently watching. Their eyes took it all in as each god of elements walked forwards. The guards and people of Baadris as well as those few she already had, watched from beside and behind her. There were so many crowded around, each praying for Him to return.
Rasmus held a red cloth wrapped shape for Taj. It was his Lord's gift for the God within in the pod. Not the first, but equally made with love and attention. For now all held their breath watching, silently praying or whispering the words of faith they had.
Lisana's grouping was to the other side of Taj's. She and her aoidei were standing silently watching. Their eyes took it all in as each god of elements walked forwards. The guards and people of Baadris as well as those few she already had, watched from beside and behind her. There were so many crowded around, each praying for Him to return.
Sosiqui
Illumin waited, his heart in his throat, as the other gods moved in their patterns - an ancient dance, echoes of Creation. There was a deep beauty in it that he had not expected, a resonance with that ancient time.
He watched as Kishara moved, taking up her part in the ritual, her movements and words exquisite even in her grief; he could see it in her face, the crushing sorrow she felt at Universe's ending. I am so sorry, he whispered internally as she moved, red lotuses springing at her feet, delicate traceries of vines reaching up to curl gently around the Chrysalis. Do you hear the echoes of that first Song, Gaia, the one that only you and the Crown heard? Do we sing anything like that, do we move well?
And then she stepped back, her part completed; Illumin had not seen all of it, but those around him were murmuring, whispering her name in appreciation of her actions and her courage.
And then it was his turn.
Illumin took a deep breath and stepped forward, light gathering around him, streaming through his wings as if they were stained glass. "Father," he breathed, "you pulled Light from your Form long ago, under the bright leaves of Yggdrasil - here I am again, returning to you." Light curled from him, and he sent it downward; it formed into the shapes of lotuses, just barely tinted red, shining and intangible. He cupped one in his hands. "I am Creation's child," he whispered, coming up to the Chrysalis; light flared forth and wrapped around it like an embrace. "You birthed me, kissed me - please, dear one, be reborn now again, come again to see my Light." He reached out one hand and touched it, felt it cool and leathery against his skin.
"Please..."
And then his part was over, and he was stepping back, his light sinking to pool warmly around the Chrysalis with the offerings of the others in Creation's dance. Please, Father. I love you. I need you. I miss you, he prayed, in his heart. Return to us.
He watched as Kishara moved, taking up her part in the ritual, her movements and words exquisite even in her grief; he could see it in her face, the crushing sorrow she felt at Universe's ending. I am so sorry, he whispered internally as she moved, red lotuses springing at her feet, delicate traceries of vines reaching up to curl gently around the Chrysalis. Do you hear the echoes of that first Song, Gaia, the one that only you and the Crown heard? Do we sing anything like that, do we move well?
And then she stepped back, her part completed; Illumin had not seen all of it, but those around him were murmuring, whispering her name in appreciation of her actions and her courage.
And then it was his turn.
Illumin took a deep breath and stepped forward, light gathering around him, streaming through his wings as if they were stained glass. "Father," he breathed, "you pulled Light from your Form long ago, under the bright leaves of Yggdrasil - here I am again, returning to you." Light curled from him, and he sent it downward; it formed into the shapes of lotuses, just barely tinted red, shining and intangible. He cupped one in his hands. "I am Creation's child," he whispered, coming up to the Chrysalis; light flared forth and wrapped around it like an embrace. "You birthed me, kissed me - please, dear one, be reborn now again, come again to see my Light." He reached out one hand and touched it, felt it cool and leathery against his skin.
"Please..."
And then his part was over, and he was stepping back, his light sinking to pool warmly around the Chrysalis with the offerings of the others in Creation's dance. Please, Father. I love you. I need you. I miss you, he prayed, in his heart. Return to us.
chaeval
Byrne had watched the various displays with something akin to bemusement. He had woken from his nap in his nest to find that it was quite crowded in here now. He thought with some dismay that his nest was far too small to house them ALL there. And he wasn't sure he could find enough materials to make it larger since the company was already here.
But noone had complained yet, but seemed to be having a party. Byrne approved heartily of parties, especially now. The dancing and the music was pretty to hum to and he tapped his toes against the sticks and leaves. There seemed to be quite alot of things going on, but confusion did not bother him, he liked that too. He just had to keep turning his head to try to catch all that was happening.
There seemed to be a lull in things, some expectant eyes turning his way. He smiled brightly at them and even waved a little bit, his jesses chiming as they touched.
But noone had complained yet, but seemed to be having a party. Byrne approved heartily of parties, especially now. The dancing and the music was pretty to hum to and he tapped his toes against the sticks and leaves. There seemed to be quite alot of things going on, but confusion did not bother him, he liked that too. He just had to keep turning his head to try to catch all that was happening.
There seemed to be a lull in things, some expectant eyes turning his way. He smiled brightly at them and even waved a little bit, his jesses chiming as they touched.
Cinderfae
Smiling faintly Karaskis watched the others and then her eyes also fell upon Bryne, tilting her head slightly she had a feeling the bird god was most likely lost as to what he should be doing. She idly wondered if anyone had spoken to him of it.
I'm not sure he would have remembered...or understood. Cinder's voice was thoughtful and somewhat worried. She knew of course what the note had said but she also remembered the scatter brained deity from when she had met him before Karaskis' awakening. Glancing over toward the others near her and giving Mystery a small smile she let go of his hand and headed toward the dais again, the note said she should aid Bryne with her fire; she was not sure how she would do that but she would attempt it if nothing else.
Moving back toward Bryne's nest she held a hand out to him, "Bryne we have need of your own particular gift next. Of your fire of rebirth," she gestured toward the pod with the hand that wasn't offered to Bryne as she spoke. "I will aid you with my fire if you will have it."
I'm not sure he would have remembered...or understood. Cinder's voice was thoughtful and somewhat worried. She knew of course what the note had said but she also remembered the scatter brained deity from when she had met him before Karaskis' awakening. Glancing over toward the others near her and giving Mystery a small smile she let go of his hand and headed toward the dais again, the note said she should aid Bryne with her fire; she was not sure how she would do that but she would attempt it if nothing else.
Moving back toward Bryne's nest she held a hand out to him, "Bryne we have need of your own particular gift next. Of your fire of rebirth," she gestured toward the pod with the hand that wasn't offered to Bryne as she spoke. "I will aid you with my fire if you will have it."
Mouse Pachinkorelli
A group of nobles from Baadris watched the proceedings with a mixture of reverence and awe. The outsiders who had come to their city had been truthful after all... these were True Gods, trying to call back their Emperor with words and actions of blessing - unbridled forces of Nature dancing with their gifts before the Chrysalis, as they must have before a whole and joyous Twin Crown long before anything such as mortals had even begun to exist. They continued with their prayers in earnest, their hope and faith growing as the gods approached the dais and breathed their power into it.
David stood among them, knuckles white with anticipation over his cane, resisting the urge to grind his teeth as he watched the ritual progress. He could hardly believe that they had come this far. Just a few months ago he would have laughed if someone had told him he would be witnessing something like this today, let alone play a part in the sequence of events that would lead up to it.
He and the god marked by the jewel of his forehead might have well have been of the same mind of that moment. They were both thinking the same thoughts, and sharing the same prayer; both had the same clear and hopeful vision of the Chrysalis blooming like the flowers that had been strewn across the Pantheon.
David stood among them, knuckles white with anticipation over his cane, resisting the urge to grind his teeth as he watched the ritual progress. He could hardly believe that they had come this far. Just a few months ago he would have laughed if someone had told him he would be witnessing something like this today, let alone play a part in the sequence of events that would lead up to it.
He and the god marked by the jewel of his forehead might have well have been of the same mind of that moment. They were both thinking the same thoughts, and sharing the same prayer; both had the same clear and hopeful vision of the Chrysalis blooming like the flowers that had been strewn across the Pantheon.
SkieBorne
Malh’reth and Glyph stood off to the side, watching as the primal forces of the universe presented themselves and made their offerings. The energy in the room was palpable and for the Aurion, the very air seemed to shimmer with the auras of beings both great and small. Curled in his hands was a scroll, an offering not yet called into being. It was his and Glyph’s contribution to this grand ceremony.
Once there was a small lag, he moved forward, hesitantly at first but more confident with gentle encouragement from Glyph. On either side of him, Natasha and Aisling stood with lotuses in hand, their own offerings in this bid for survival. Once he’d gained some space, the mage smiled and dipped into a bow as he flicked the scroll open. He spoke in reverent tones as he closed his eyes and drew and hand over what could now be seen as a drawing – hundreds of tiny little flowers danced in some unknown wind. It was lush and lively, a memory of more prosperous times.
The ink shimmered and glowed for a moment before it seemed to lift from the page, a cloud of opalescent magic that hung in the air briefly. Lifting hands, Malh’reth spun the image out like a ribbon, the flowers swirling into being as they settled in, around, and above the Chrysalis. Hundreds of lotuses now joined the thousands already gathered, hanging in the air like yet more witnesses to the occasion.
Dropping his hands, Malh’reth gave way to Glyph and they stepped forward to take a lotus from the air before them and set it amongst the other offerings. “I have not met you in person, my lord, but I would like to. Come back to us, remember yourself and reform so that you might guide your children. Please, Creation, we cannot survive without you.”
Smiling softly as he stepped back and then returned to his place to watch the remaining offerings.
Once there was a small lag, he moved forward, hesitantly at first but more confident with gentle encouragement from Glyph. On either side of him, Natasha and Aisling stood with lotuses in hand, their own offerings in this bid for survival. Once he’d gained some space, the mage smiled and dipped into a bow as he flicked the scroll open. He spoke in reverent tones as he closed his eyes and drew and hand over what could now be seen as a drawing – hundreds of tiny little flowers danced in some unknown wind. It was lush and lively, a memory of more prosperous times.
The ink shimmered and glowed for a moment before it seemed to lift from the page, a cloud of opalescent magic that hung in the air briefly. Lifting hands, Malh’reth spun the image out like a ribbon, the flowers swirling into being as they settled in, around, and above the Chrysalis. Hundreds of lotuses now joined the thousands already gathered, hanging in the air like yet more witnesses to the occasion.
Dropping his hands, Malh’reth gave way to Glyph and they stepped forward to take a lotus from the air before them and set it amongst the other offerings. “I have not met you in person, my lord, but I would like to. Come back to us, remember yourself and reform so that you might guide your children. Please, Creation, we cannot survive without you.”
Smiling softly as he stepped back and then returned to his place to watch the remaining offerings.
chaeval
Blinking, Byrne considered the hand offered to him with a rather odd look on his face.
So THAT was what this was all about? They were going to try to rebirth Harmodious? He felt a little put upon. Did they think that these things just happened on a whim? Without incense or decorum or a bonfire that burned for 1000 days? Without spices and sweet offerings not to the one rebirthing but the one doing the rebirthing?
Sighing, he did have enough lucidity to realize that now was hardly the time to discuss decorum. He did wish he had been consulted though. Did they not think he could have helped?
"It's not right." he told Karaskis "there are things missing. But I can try."
So THAT was what this was all about? They were going to try to rebirth Harmodious? He felt a little put upon. Did they think that these things just happened on a whim? Without incense or decorum or a bonfire that burned for 1000 days? Without spices and sweet offerings not to the one rebirthing but the one doing the rebirthing?
Sighing, he did have enough lucidity to realize that now was hardly the time to discuss decorum. He did wish he had been consulted though. Did they not think he could have helped?
"It's not right." he told Karaskis "there are things missing. But I can try."
Cinderfae
Karaskis sighed and nodded, she knew it wasn't right either she didn't know what would make it right but she was hoping what they had for this ceremony would be close. Part of her feared what would come out of the pod, what if they had done something wrong and it was something they would not be able to handle; the Grigori had been planning for a long time afterall.
"Well I will help you if I am able, I'll take my cues from you." Karaskis smiled faintly though glancing toward the pod and then Bryne she was somewhat worried.
"Well I will help you if I am able, I'll take my cues from you." Karaskis smiled faintly though glancing toward the pod and then Bryne she was somewhat worried.
chaeval
"Not even a paulownia tree." he muttered, clearly unhappy. Nevertheless he gestured to the nest. "Fire, there. But first lots of flowers and sweet-smelling stuff. Branches, incense, it should be Myrrh and hyssop and cloves... but whatever you find."
He sat down, expression pensive as he considered this. He had never tried this outside of his specific locations and his followers had always made sure that everything was just as he wanted.What a bother this was!
He sat down, expression pensive as he considered this. He had never tried this outside of his specific locations and his followers had always made sure that everything was just as he wanted.What a bother this was!
Sosiqui
"I will gather the materials," Illumin said, quietly, stepping forward and nodding at Karaskis. Her job was the fire; she should not have to do everything, nor should Byrne. He gave Byrne a smile and a respectful bow before turning to move into the mortal throng. "Quickly - bring the incense and as many plant offerings as you have. Now!"
Fortunately, many of the mortals had come with offerings of a more traditional nature, and there were plenty of extras for the incense that was already burning. Soon Illumin and his Aoidei returned with all that had been gathered from the crowd (not to mention the cloves from the spice rack in the kitchen). "I hope this will be of service to you, Byrne - we will all work together," he added, quietly, as he bent to arrange the gifts, gently moving some of the lotuses aside but leaving a few where the fire would catch them, as they too were symbolic and would burn sweetly. "You will not do this alone."
Fortunately, many of the mortals had come with offerings of a more traditional nature, and there were plenty of extras for the incense that was already burning. Soon Illumin and his Aoidei returned with all that had been gathered from the crowd (not to mention the cloves from the spice rack in the kitchen). "I hope this will be of service to you, Byrne - we will all work together," he added, quietly, as he bent to arrange the gifts, gently moving some of the lotuses aside but leaving a few where the fire would catch them, as they too were symbolic and would burn sweetly. "You will not do this alone."
chaeval
Mollified somewhat from his peevishness, he looked at the pile. At least it looked better now. He would miss his nest, though. He thought of rescuing his mop and bucket, but reconsidered. Let them burn and be added to the offering.
"Fire." he said. "Bright and hot as if it were burning for 1000 days."
"Fire." he said. "Bright and hot as if it were burning for 1000 days."
Cinderfae
Karaskis paused a moment thoughtfully, she didn't have the strength to create a bonfire by herself her eyes flickered over toward a bottle on the end of the stage. Stepping quickly and thoughtfully she picked the bottle up, sniffing it carefully she smiled faintly someone had brought scented oils meant to be burned.
The oil usually would have been placed in a basin so the sweet scents could fill a temple or some other place of offering but now she'd use them as an accelerate. Dashing the oil over the various flowers and incense laid upon the nest she stopped once the container was empty hoping she had thoroughly drenched what would be needed. Resting the bottle to the side she then watched the pile and willed her fire to lit it.
Once again the creation of fire was small, but with the oil to help it quickly spread over the gathered offerings in a more impressive display; she hoped there would be enough oil to actually catch the incense and flowers on fire. Already she could smell the sweet smoke rising from the nest, yes it seemed it would burn.
The oil usually would have been placed in a basin so the sweet scents could fill a temple or some other place of offering but now she'd use them as an accelerate. Dashing the oil over the various flowers and incense laid upon the nest she stopped once the container was empty hoping she had thoroughly drenched what would be needed. Resting the bottle to the side she then watched the pile and willed her fire to lit it.
Once again the creation of fire was small, but with the oil to help it quickly spread over the gathered offerings in a more impressive display; she hoped there would be enough oil to actually catch the incense and flowers on fire. Already she could smell the sweet smoke rising from the nest, yes it seemed it would burn.
Sosiqui
Hot was not Illumin's purview, but bright he could do. Gathering his light, he sent strength into the flames, increasing their glow and glimmer a hundred times, making them rich and strong in glory even if he could do nothing about the heat. That would be up to Karaskis.
Cinderfae
Smiling faintly at the brightness Karaskis took what strength she had, and made sure that the flames would flitter down through the various offerings extending little bits of power to create small sparks and bits of fire if she caught the bonfire cooling anyplace. Her eyes then went to Bryne waiting to see if the Rebirth god would approve of their last minute preparation.
chaeval
Smiling slightly, he clapped his hands and got to his feet. That was more like it! Both shiny and warm. It had been significantly less than 500 years this go around, but regardless it had been a good time.
Flipping his wings in contentment, he stepped into the flames. They licked happily at him as eager puppy-kisses. A welcoming embrace of Light and Fire. Laughing happily, he danced in the swirling flames as they slowly consumed him.
But his dance was not for him. It was for Harmodious. And his laughter also. And his love.
This was what he was. Unleashed.
Flipping his wings in contentment, he stepped into the flames. They licked happily at him as eager puppy-kisses. A welcoming embrace of Light and Fire. Laughing happily, he danced in the swirling flames as they slowly consumed him.
But his dance was not for him. It was for Harmodious. And his laughter also. And his love.
This was what he was. Unleashed.
Cinderfae
Karaskis watched Bryne with some amazement as he danced through the flames. The part of her that was Cinder remembered uneasily the image and sacrifices of Fire's worshippers.
His sacrifice is for life, the goddess spoke to the remnants of her host. It's part of what he is. Giving some form of reassurance she hoped that she was correct.
Cinder was still uneasy but she stayed silent, leaving her host's mind to itself Karaskis wondered idly what would come from the ashes of the fire before backing up to give space for whomever would come next.
His sacrifice is for life, the goddess spoke to the remnants of her host. It's part of what he is. Giving some form of reassurance she hoped that she was correct.
Cinder was still uneasy but she stayed silent, leaving her host's mind to itself Karaskis wondered idly what would come from the ashes of the fire before backing up to give space for whomever would come next.
Sosiqui
Illumin's eyes widened as he realized what Byrne was about to do, what he was doing - for a moment he reached a hand out as if to call him back. Byrne, no, we didn't ask for that-
But he did not let the words escape his mind, and his hand closed on empty air as he stepped back, head bowed. The firebird was dancing, laughing his joy at the task he had been given, waltzing with the flames. He is Rebirth... it is what he does, who he is... it is the sacrifice he has chosen...
Illumin smiled, even as he felt tears damp on his cheeks. When all is over, we will collect the ashes and we will have you back, little phoenix... And if not, then it was right that Byrne dance and laugh his way into oblivion, surrounded by joy and music, rather than be snuffed out by the End. For a moment, he envied the burning god.
And thanks to Plague, we all - or most of us - have a bit of his warmth, his laughter and dancing, in us.
Plague, that was right. According to the prophecy, now was the time for that deity to step in and play his own role with the thing he and Science had made. Illumin did not wipe away his tears, but he did look up, looking for the green, stained god to continue the ceremony.
But he did not let the words escape his mind, and his hand closed on empty air as he stepped back, head bowed. The firebird was dancing, laughing his joy at the task he had been given, waltzing with the flames. He is Rebirth... it is what he does, who he is... it is the sacrifice he has chosen...
Illumin smiled, even as he felt tears damp on his cheeks. When all is over, we will collect the ashes and we will have you back, little phoenix... And if not, then it was right that Byrne dance and laugh his way into oblivion, surrounded by joy and music, rather than be snuffed out by the End. For a moment, he envied the burning god.
And thanks to Plague, we all - or most of us - have a bit of his warmth, his laughter and dancing, in us.
Plague, that was right. According to the prophecy, now was the time for that deity to step in and play his own role with the thing he and Science had made. Illumin did not wipe away his tears, but he did look up, looking for the green, stained god to continue the ceremony.
Sizzla
Sh'khin descended the stairs from the hallway of the god's quarters at the beginning of the ritual, his few followers and aoide trailing behind in silence. Surprisingly, even the child was not causing a ruckus, obediently following her father down into the throne room. The room was packed, filled with gods, mortals and aoide. It was an impressive showing, the likes of which Plague had never seen in the Pantheon. Rituals like this were uncommon, a relic of days long gone. But now, they were coming together again to prevent the End.
Though his entourage was small, Sh'khin thought that he made up for it with his offering to Him. He mentally patted the pocket that held the large syringe, imagining himself injecting the Chrysalis. The thought weighed on his mind. Would the slumbering cocoon lash out at him? It was a fear that he could not shake. Even with the inclusion of the rest of the elements of the ritual, Sh'khin knew that what he was going to do would be dangerous. His stomach clenched over and over as the ritual proceeded, furthering his nervousness.
He listened intently as Echo sang her siren song to calm and appease the onlookers and the Chrysalis, and watched as Cosine added her power to the mix. The elementals were next -- he knew few of the gods who participated in this portion of the ritual -- well, besides their quick visits to him to receive the vaccine. He had at least met them all. And now, they were adding their powers to the ritual.
The first was Gaia, and Sh'khin felt somewhat guilty for not seeing her again before this day. He had left her behind, not wanting her to hold them up in the labs. They had had a deadline to meet, and it wouldn't have been easy with more taggers-on. The goddess looked utterly sad, but beautiful, as she was wont to do, and Sh'khin expected that the death of Universe rested heavy on her heart. Her vines wrapped around the Chrysalis in a hopefully soothing embrace.
Next came Illumin, bathing the Chrysalis in bright, pure light as lotuses sprung up from his feet. He said a few words, giving what he could to Him before Byrne, the child-like firebird, stepped forward, instructing those around him to bring him what he would need for his part of the ritual.
Sh'khin watched intently now, wondering what Byrne had planned. The Firebird had warmed Sh'khin's heart in the one meeting he had with him. Though their conversation had been a bit scatterbrained, Plague appreciated the god's positive attitude and whimsical nature. He was like a child, warm and loving. And his gift to Harmodius would be one that few others would, or could, give. As he gathered what he needed around the Chrysalis, Sh'khin saw that he had created a nest -- a perfect addition to the Chrysalis' resting place. Karaskis joined in at this point, pouring oil around the nest and lighting it on fire with her newly found power.
It was then that the unexpected would happen. Well, once he thought about it, it was not entirely unexpected... Byrne stepped into the pyrotechnic display, dancing and laughing as the flames licked around him, consuming him. It was the process that was important here, he knew -- the process of death and then, Rebirth. It was the way of things, and Sh'khin knew it was likely that Byrne would return when he was ready, completing the cycle that he knew so well. Plague stifled back tears, a feeling that was unusual to him in this new life. But as he watched Byrne, he was overwhelmed with the god's sacrifice for Him. Sh'khin was glad that the god had agreed to help with the vaccine -- now, many of the gods now had some of Byrne surging within them, strengthening them and allowing them to remember what he had sacrificed.
If Byrne could give so much, he could take some risk himself, he decided, the tumbling feeling in his stomach subsiding somewhat when he realized that it was his turn. Turning to Dagny, he handed her a spray can of vaccine, arming himself with a second can. "We'll spray it down first," he said to her, grabbing her free hand and giving it a squeeze. "Then I'll give it the vaccine." He smiled at her, hoping to be encouraging.
The pair stepped forward, taking their turn in the ritual. Sh'khin decided that he had no appropriate speech to give, and so, he mentally projected his thoughts at the Chrysalis as he and Dagny began spraying the aerosol vaccine onto its tough skin. Fire still licked at the base of the breathing cocoon, but the flames had died down enough to allow them to get close enough to coat the Chrysalis thoroughly.
My Lord, I have come to you with a Creation of my own to bolster you. It is meant to strengthen and heal you. Please accept it and the intentions behind it. He bowed reverently in front of the Chrysalis as he and Dagny completed the spraying of the Chrysalis. Setting the aerosol can on the ground by his feet, he reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out the large syringe with the corer needle attached. He removed the protective plastic sheath and tapped the side of the syringe to move the air bubbles to the top. Though it was probably an unnecessary step, the process was calming -- it was a ritual in and of itself. Once he had squirted some of the vaccine into the air, he approached the Chrysalis again. This time, the butterflies rose in his stomach and his hand shook slightly as he examined the tough, leathery exterior of the sleeping Creator, looking for a spot that was thinner and perhaps more easy to penetrate.
"While I may be one of Destruction's children, there is a creator side in all of us. Without this balance, Chaos ensues ... as we have learned," he said, his voice carrying out over the crowd. "Today I -- we," he corrected, looking over to Dagny, "have brought our Creation to Our Lord and our brothers and sisters. Including the influences of Gaia and Rebirth, this Creation is meant to strengthen Him and remind Him of his children and his influence as the Maker of All." Return to us My Lord, he whispered to himself. You are needed in this world! Look at all of those who believe!
He turned back to the Chrysalis and took a deep breath, putting the needle up to the leathery skin and pressing down, hoping that the exterior would give. Again, his stomach fluttered as he pressed on. There was a few seconds of pressure, but shortly, the skin gave way against the sharp edge of the needle. Sh'khin carefully pushed the plunger down, injecting the cocoon with the vaccine and then removing the needle swiftly. He recapped the syringe with steady hands, his nervousness fading away as he pulled a large bandage from his pocket and covered the relatively small hole that had been made. "Be well, my Lord," he said, bowing again.
With that, he backed slowly away from the Chrysalis, turning and following Dagny back to his small band of followers. They would have to see what would happen next, but for now, Sh'khin felt more alive than he had since his ascension. The vaccine seemed to have warmed and strengthened him, and he hoped that it would do the same for the sleeping Creator.
Though his entourage was small, Sh'khin thought that he made up for it with his offering to Him. He mentally patted the pocket that held the large syringe, imagining himself injecting the Chrysalis. The thought weighed on his mind. Would the slumbering cocoon lash out at him? It was a fear that he could not shake. Even with the inclusion of the rest of the elements of the ritual, Sh'khin knew that what he was going to do would be dangerous. His stomach clenched over and over as the ritual proceeded, furthering his nervousness.
He listened intently as Echo sang her siren song to calm and appease the onlookers and the Chrysalis, and watched as Cosine added her power to the mix. The elementals were next -- he knew few of the gods who participated in this portion of the ritual -- well, besides their quick visits to him to receive the vaccine. He had at least met them all. And now, they were adding their powers to the ritual.
The first was Gaia, and Sh'khin felt somewhat guilty for not seeing her again before this day. He had left her behind, not wanting her to hold them up in the labs. They had had a deadline to meet, and it wouldn't have been easy with more taggers-on. The goddess looked utterly sad, but beautiful, as she was wont to do, and Sh'khin expected that the death of Universe rested heavy on her heart. Her vines wrapped around the Chrysalis in a hopefully soothing embrace.
Next came Illumin, bathing the Chrysalis in bright, pure light as lotuses sprung up from his feet. He said a few words, giving what he could to Him before Byrne, the child-like firebird, stepped forward, instructing those around him to bring him what he would need for his part of the ritual.
Sh'khin watched intently now, wondering what Byrne had planned. The Firebird had warmed Sh'khin's heart in the one meeting he had with him. Though their conversation had been a bit scatterbrained, Plague appreciated the god's positive attitude and whimsical nature. He was like a child, warm and loving. And his gift to Harmodius would be one that few others would, or could, give. As he gathered what he needed around the Chrysalis, Sh'khin saw that he had created a nest -- a perfect addition to the Chrysalis' resting place. Karaskis joined in at this point, pouring oil around the nest and lighting it on fire with her newly found power.
It was then that the unexpected would happen. Well, once he thought about it, it was not entirely unexpected... Byrne stepped into the pyrotechnic display, dancing and laughing as the flames licked around him, consuming him. It was the process that was important here, he knew -- the process of death and then, Rebirth. It was the way of things, and Sh'khin knew it was likely that Byrne would return when he was ready, completing the cycle that he knew so well. Plague stifled back tears, a feeling that was unusual to him in this new life. But as he watched Byrne, he was overwhelmed with the god's sacrifice for Him. Sh'khin was glad that the god had agreed to help with the vaccine -- now, many of the gods now had some of Byrne surging within them, strengthening them and allowing them to remember what he had sacrificed.
If Byrne could give so much, he could take some risk himself, he decided, the tumbling feeling in his stomach subsiding somewhat when he realized that it was his turn. Turning to Dagny, he handed her a spray can of vaccine, arming himself with a second can. "We'll spray it down first," he said to her, grabbing her free hand and giving it a squeeze. "Then I'll give it the vaccine." He smiled at her, hoping to be encouraging.
The pair stepped forward, taking their turn in the ritual. Sh'khin decided that he had no appropriate speech to give, and so, he mentally projected his thoughts at the Chrysalis as he and Dagny began spraying the aerosol vaccine onto its tough skin. Fire still licked at the base of the breathing cocoon, but the flames had died down enough to allow them to get close enough to coat the Chrysalis thoroughly.
My Lord, I have come to you with a Creation of my own to bolster you. It is meant to strengthen and heal you. Please accept it and the intentions behind it. He bowed reverently in front of the Chrysalis as he and Dagny completed the spraying of the Chrysalis. Setting the aerosol can on the ground by his feet, he reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out the large syringe with the corer needle attached. He removed the protective plastic sheath and tapped the side of the syringe to move the air bubbles to the top. Though it was probably an unnecessary step, the process was calming -- it was a ritual in and of itself. Once he had squirted some of the vaccine into the air, he approached the Chrysalis again. This time, the butterflies rose in his stomach and his hand shook slightly as he examined the tough, leathery exterior of the sleeping Creator, looking for a spot that was thinner and perhaps more easy to penetrate.
"While I may be one of Destruction's children, there is a creator side in all of us. Without this balance, Chaos ensues ... as we have learned," he said, his voice carrying out over the crowd. "Today I -- we," he corrected, looking over to Dagny, "have brought our Creation to Our Lord and our brothers and sisters. Including the influences of Gaia and Rebirth, this Creation is meant to strengthen Him and remind Him of his children and his influence as the Maker of All." Return to us My Lord, he whispered to himself. You are needed in this world! Look at all of those who believe!
He turned back to the Chrysalis and took a deep breath, putting the needle up to the leathery skin and pressing down, hoping that the exterior would give. Again, his stomach fluttered as he pressed on. There was a few seconds of pressure, but shortly, the skin gave way against the sharp edge of the needle. Sh'khin carefully pushed the plunger down, injecting the cocoon with the vaccine and then removing the needle swiftly. He recapped the syringe with steady hands, his nervousness fading away as he pulled a large bandage from his pocket and covered the relatively small hole that had been made. "Be well, my Lord," he said, bowing again.
With that, he backed slowly away from the Chrysalis, turning and following Dagny back to his small band of followers. They would have to see what would happen next, but for now, Sh'khin felt more alive than he had since his ascension. The vaccine seemed to have warmed and strengthened him, and he hoped that it would do the same for the sleeping Creator.
Mouse Pachinkorelli
In any other situation, the people present would have been a sea of confusion and murmured questions about the strange offering - but the only emotions present in the room were reverence and hope, and many faces brightened all the more with them as they watched the successful administration of the vaccine. If such godless-seeming forces as Science and Plague were here to grant strength to the Emperor... He was the center of everyone's collective universe at this moment. The object of every last drop of admiration that could be squeezed out of the world.
A voice, powerful and wavering with emotion, boomed across the masses of mortals and collection of gods, seeming to ripple far past the Pantheon walls as it addressed the Chrysalis.
Hear, now, the names of the Twin Crown - resonated throughout history, repeated and venerated by all mortals. No single name expresses the Whole of the Twin Crown, yet among them all, in gathering the entirety of mortal knowledge and perception, we pray to catch a glimpse, a precious reminder of You.
These names we know: the Twin Crown, Creation, Destruction, Origin; Gehenna we know, but bind until the appointed time - sleep again, ancient Ending, slumber deep and be awakened not by any desire or hand, but by that distant time alone. That time is not now; we reject the selfish hunger of the one who sought to bring You forth before Your time. Sleep again, teeth of Void, until the Cycle of All reaches natural end and we may greet you with true welcome.
We hail now Origin, the One who Awakens, Pearl who Fashioned All, He who Sang Sorrow and Alone and in so doing Formed All that Is. We sing now our own Song, our Sorrow and Alone; flower forth once more in answer, even as Your Song called us to You from Void. Your glory is not ended; we hunger for its return. The Cycle of All is imbalanced by treachery but not Ended; hear now your Names, spoken by the tongues of all mortals, by the tongues of your Pantheon and servants. Remember your Self, and heal the rift in the turning of the world!
A voice, powerful and wavering with emotion, boomed across the masses of mortals and collection of gods, seeming to ripple far past the Pantheon walls as it addressed the Chrysalis.
Hear, now, the names of the Twin Crown - resonated throughout history, repeated and venerated by all mortals. No single name expresses the Whole of the Twin Crown, yet among them all, in gathering the entirety of mortal knowledge and perception, we pray to catch a glimpse, a precious reminder of You.
These names we know: the Twin Crown, Creation, Destruction, Origin; Gehenna we know, but bind until the appointed time - sleep again, ancient Ending, slumber deep and be awakened not by any desire or hand, but by that distant time alone. That time is not now; we reject the selfish hunger of the one who sought to bring You forth before Your time. Sleep again, teeth of Void, until the Cycle of All reaches natural end and we may greet you with true welcome.
We hail now Origin, the One who Awakens, Pearl who Fashioned All, He who Sang Sorrow and Alone and in so doing Formed All that Is. We sing now our own Song, our Sorrow and Alone; flower forth once more in answer, even as Your Song called us to You from Void. Your glory is not ended; we hunger for its return. The Cycle of All is imbalanced by treachery but not Ended; hear now your Names, spoken by the tongues of all mortals, by the tongues of your Pantheon and servants. Remember your Self, and heal the rift in the turning of the world!
Sosiqui
The time had come. Tian Yue had felt the movements of the others as he protected and guarded them, and now it was his turn. Time for naming and for Names.
He nodded at Li Shing and at Eddard, then turned to enter the hall, walking through the mortals to take his place. Time. He took a deep breath, then, and opened his mind to listen, to gather in the enormity of what was to be said. Fill me with your definitions for the Crown, that I might bind them into One and Name. He waited for the little names to dance around him, for the faith and belief to sharpen to a point, for the framework to be made.
He carried the enormity of the Word in his mind.
He nodded at Li Shing and at Eddard, then turned to enter the hall, walking through the mortals to take his place. Time. He took a deep breath, then, and opened his mind to listen, to gather in the enormity of what was to be said. Fill me with your definitions for the Crown, that I might bind them into One and Name. He waited for the little names to dance around him, for the faith and belief to sharpen to a point, for the framework to be made.
He carried the enormity of the Word in his mind.
Fyre
Li Shing followed his brother into the hall to join in the naming - trusting Tian Yue's shield to warn them of danger.
What names are you....we...offering? May asked, silently, doing her best to allow Li Shing the control he needed.
Old names. My favorite names, names dragons remember in appreciation for our own part in them.
They followed the procession forward, and when they stood before the chrysalis Li Shing knelt, and pronounced each name with what he considered its due ceremony "Quetzalcoatl the feathered serpent, Marduk who slew the dragon Tiamat to make the world, Nana-Buluku who rode the dragon Aido Hwedo."
Return to us. Please.
He added silently, as he stepped back, to allow the procession to continue. His eyes swept the assembled gods and mortals, until they found Tian Yue and he moved towards his brother, thoughts returning to his duty and protecting the proceedings.
What names are you....we...offering? May asked, silently, doing her best to allow Li Shing the control he needed.
Old names. My favorite names, names dragons remember in appreciation for our own part in them.
They followed the procession forward, and when they stood before the chrysalis Li Shing knelt, and pronounced each name with what he considered its due ceremony "Quetzalcoatl the feathered serpent, Marduk who slew the dragon Tiamat to make the world, Nana-Buluku who rode the dragon Aido Hwedo."
Return to us. Please.
He added silently, as he stepped back, to allow the procession to continue. His eyes swept the assembled gods and mortals, until they found Tian Yue and he moved towards his brother, thoughts returning to his duty and protecting the proceedings.
Sosiqui
Phaedra stepped forward in her turn, snatching the bag from Avita - her things, her most precious possessions. Her tail lashed behind her, fur standing on end. She did not, did not want to give these up...
... and that was precisely why she had to.
She practically tore the bag open as she knelt before the Chrysalis, baring her teeth at it. "Lord," she hissed, "I give these to you. Take them, and draw strength from them. I am Greed, and I give - this is my sacrifice. TAKE THEM!" Treasures slid out to join the other offerings already there - an exquisite scepter, the best of her Achai bounty; several delicate and ancient crowns from the deep vault of the museum where both she and Jahara had found new life. Phaedra shook with rage as she tore the bracelet from her wrist, the one she'd taken from the hoard in Yggdrasil, and she snapped the ruby Jin Huang had offered her out of her hair and practically threw it on top of the others. "Take them, damn you - you, my Father, my Other, Mirror, Reflection."
The names tumbled from her mouth, almost like curses, but there was a strange purity and power in her anger. "He who Hungers, desire now life, desire the bounty of the world's fruit offered before you. This foul morass is not worthy of you; we must forge it together, grow it into something worth plundering." Her eyes were lit with a feral light. "Reflect me again, reflect us all; take these Names and see yourself in them. Take my desire, climb forth, and return."
She whirled, her claws scraping against the floor, and stepped away, whispering the names under her breath, a harsh yet heartfelt mantra.
Grand Duke Berith stepped forward with his demon cohorts, four lords among the hells, their raiment swirling like the edge of darkness. "Greetings, Chained One," he said, his smile so wide it seemed it would split his face in half. "Greetings, and defiance. We hail you, and acknowledge you; we repudiate the Ending, and instead name you the Being, the one who slumbers within, the one who brought all into existence through the truth of his own Becoming. The Being, we see you. We call you forth."
It might have been a simple, arrogant prayer, but even in that fierce pride there was a burning defiance - defiance of the darkness, of Gehenna, of the End. The Being, the Foundation of All. That, at least, we can say, and gladly. Come forth, that we might not die; that we might be entertained.
Selfish, perhaps, but filled with truth.
The woman's name was Estar, and she was afraid. Her life had changed that day when the dark-furred goddess had spoken to them all, and she had been the one to speak up in response. Since then, she had somehow become a leader...
I am not suited for this. She trembled at the gods around her, and was terrified of the Chrysalis - but she was even more afraid of dying. Of seeing her few remaining family and friends die before her, as so many others had already done.
The dark goddess, Phaedra, had inspired the desire to live in them; she had not offered much else, but they had no other hopes. Even their dreams whispered of the need for Estar's actions today.
The woman shook as she stumbled towards the Chrysalis, then knelt; her faith was new, but it blazed with desperation. "L-lord... I..." A deep calming breath, that was the ticket. Her friends and family were praying too; she was just their mouthpiece. She wasn't alone. "My mother, when I was a child, told me about God... the Sustainer, the Builder. I give you those names now. The Origin, Painter, Artist, Author. All these things are yours. Come now, and sing. Come now, and paint. Come now, and write - write the salvation of the world. Please," she added, her voice breaking into tears as she prayed.
Then she got to her feet again, still trembling as she bowed to the Chrysalis and moved back to let the next penitent approach.
... and that was precisely why she had to.
She practically tore the bag open as she knelt before the Chrysalis, baring her teeth at it. "Lord," she hissed, "I give these to you. Take them, and draw strength from them. I am Greed, and I give - this is my sacrifice. TAKE THEM!" Treasures slid out to join the other offerings already there - an exquisite scepter, the best of her Achai bounty; several delicate and ancient crowns from the deep vault of the museum where both she and Jahara had found new life. Phaedra shook with rage as she tore the bracelet from her wrist, the one she'd taken from the hoard in Yggdrasil, and she snapped the ruby Jin Huang had offered her out of her hair and practically threw it on top of the others. "Take them, damn you - you, my Father, my Other, Mirror, Reflection."
The names tumbled from her mouth, almost like curses, but there was a strange purity and power in her anger. "He who Hungers, desire now life, desire the bounty of the world's fruit offered before you. This foul morass is not worthy of you; we must forge it together, grow it into something worth plundering." Her eyes were lit with a feral light. "Reflect me again, reflect us all; take these Names and see yourself in them. Take my desire, climb forth, and return."
She whirled, her claws scraping against the floor, and stepped away, whispering the names under her breath, a harsh yet heartfelt mantra.
Grand Duke Berith stepped forward with his demon cohorts, four lords among the hells, their raiment swirling like the edge of darkness. "Greetings, Chained One," he said, his smile so wide it seemed it would split his face in half. "Greetings, and defiance. We hail you, and acknowledge you; we repudiate the Ending, and instead name you the Being, the one who slumbers within, the one who brought all into existence through the truth of his own Becoming. The Being, we see you. We call you forth."
It might have been a simple, arrogant prayer, but even in that fierce pride there was a burning defiance - defiance of the darkness, of Gehenna, of the End. The Being, the Foundation of All. That, at least, we can say, and gladly. Come forth, that we might not die; that we might be entertained.
Selfish, perhaps, but filled with truth.
The woman's name was Estar, and she was afraid. Her life had changed that day when the dark-furred goddess had spoken to them all, and she had been the one to speak up in response. Since then, she had somehow become a leader...
I am not suited for this. She trembled at the gods around her, and was terrified of the Chrysalis - but she was even more afraid of dying. Of seeing her few remaining family and friends die before her, as so many others had already done.
The dark goddess, Phaedra, had inspired the desire to live in them; she had not offered much else, but they had no other hopes. Even their dreams whispered of the need for Estar's actions today.
The woman shook as she stumbled towards the Chrysalis, then knelt; her faith was new, but it blazed with desperation. "L-lord... I..." A deep calming breath, that was the ticket. Her friends and family were praying too; she was just their mouthpiece. She wasn't alone. "My mother, when I was a child, told me about God... the Sustainer, the Builder. I give you those names now. The Origin, Painter, Artist, Author. All these things are yours. Come now, and sing. Come now, and paint. Come now, and write - write the salvation of the world. Please," she added, her voice breaking into tears as she prayed.
Then she got to her feet again, still trembling as she bowed to the Chrysalis and moved back to let the next penitent approach.
Prolixity
At the side of the room, eyes closed, supported and guided by Opal, Revei stood. The crowding of gods and mortals made him flinch, but this, this was more important than his petty discomforts. "Dream of All, the True Mirage, the Flame at the Center," he said softly, face turned to the Chrysalis. "Father, Alpha and Omega."
"God of Gods," Opal added beside him. Topaz, crouched against Revei's leg, spoke up. "Biggest."
Softly, around the room, the koratti began to take up the chorus, echoing their master, echoing the names spoken by gods and mortals alike as the ritual continued.
"God of Gods," Opal added beside him. Topaz, crouched against Revei's leg, spoke up. "Biggest."
Softly, around the room, the koratti began to take up the chorus, echoing their master, echoing the names spoken by gods and mortals alike as the ritual continued.
Mouse Pachinkorelli
David's nerves were rattling in his arms and legs as he began to approach the dias - a nearby woman of Baadris gently took his arm and helped him up, and a small entourage of noblewomen with crystal wings accompanied him up there, already beginning to sing praises in harmony with Echo's siren song before they had gotten as close as the other worshippers have. They kneeled before the Chrysalis, some reverently stroking its manacled and vine-wound skin, their emotions causing them to tremble in a way that almost rivalled Judgment's host.
"Praise be to thee, Al-Elzhar!" a man in priestly garb warbled from nearby. "Praise be to he who stirred the Void into Oasis, and stirred the sand at His feet that became All!"
The cripple bowed his head, feeling his soul echo the sentiments all around him - and Glaucon as well, who stepped forth to speak, "The First Mind, Wise Lord of Harmony and Discord, First and Final Verdict... Form of Forms, Demiurge of All."
David returned, and hesitated a moment, before he managed but a single name from his lips...
"...Optimus Prime."
"Praise be to thee, Al-Elzhar!" a man in priestly garb warbled from nearby. "Praise be to he who stirred the Void into Oasis, and stirred the sand at His feet that became All!"
The cripple bowed his head, feeling his soul echo the sentiments all around him - and Glaucon as well, who stepped forth to speak, "The First Mind, Wise Lord of Harmony and Discord, First and Final Verdict... Form of Forms, Demiurge of All."
David returned, and hesitated a moment, before he managed but a single name from his lips...
"...Optimus Prime."
