Ye Are Gods (IC)

[LordSunhawk]

@Yukitama

The Hall of the Gods​

The Shadowed Dancer glared as the kobolds started getting incinerated, and those kobolds who were part of her little circle suddenly found that the Dancer was between them and the fire god who was slaughtering the spirits.

"Enough." the form shimmered, becoming that of a flamboyant female duelist, rapier brandished. "Enough I say. En Garde!"

She hated it when her audience was destroyed by negligent gods who cared more for their own arrogance than others. That was one of the reasons she refused to kneel before any of them. Behind her, the instruments shifted as the Dancer glared coldly, becoming a forest of vuvuzalas which immediately started blatting out an enthusiastic song.

"They are representatives of a God. Would you have me inflict the Song that Never Ends upon your worshippers for all time? That is the level of discourtesy you are showing." she continued, keeping between flameboy and the kobolds.

 

[Grav]

The Hall of Gods

Lravitus saw that Koy’s servants had arrived. Raising his brow when they began to be incinerated by Tauphys, and when the Dancer intercepted. He looked at the ashes of those few that were burned alive and twitched his finger.

A mushroom grew out of the char and the ash eventually disappeared as the shroom consumed it. The shroom disappated into nothing and the mess was cleaned. Lravitus was now paying attention to the interaction.

 

[Naga The Serpent]

Hall of the Gods

Ah, it had appeared Tauphys had gone. While she too was aware of the cyclical of nature things, she still believed in greetings and departings. Sill, she used to this behavior, so she thought little of it. She was amused by the little fire show he had created, it was beautiful in a very disgusting way. Fire had always reminded her of Shahrivar, but it wasn't right for her to despise someone's artwork because of something unrelated to them.

Lady Sahira, if you would lend us your counsel, I would appreciate it

Upon hearing her name called, Sahira got out of her seat and headed over towards the Sea God's location. While it was usually a gamble if the Moon goddess would respond to anyone calling her name, she usually made an exception for Earon. He was solidly on her "talk to" list, probably possessing one of the higher ranked positions. They never really spoke to each other in a super friendly manner, but they very much understood the importance of being allies of one another. Whether it was a friendship of consequences or not, Earon was almost certainly not someone to be ignored by Sahira.

On her walk towards the god, she overhead the complaints of The Shadowed Dancer and the actions of Lravitus. Her head turned over to the musically inclined god and she gave them one of her patented dagger glares.

"I personally agree with Tauphys' actions. This is the realm of the Gods. Avatars are enough of an exception. To allow bestial mortal races is an insult to all of us. I can not speak for the rest of you, but I do not take being mocked kindly. They should be grateful Tauphys was the one who interfered. "

Once her two cents were added, she returned her walk towards Earon.

"Oh, and Lravitus, that was disgusting."

She didn't bother glancing at him, she was sure that he was used to her saying things like that. The rest of her walk to Earon went on uninterrupted.

"Ah, Earon, have you called me here to sing my praises? Offer a national festival within the Avuvian Confederation? They really haven't been giving enough tributes recently, and you know how important that is to me! Oh oh oh, maybe you're going to elevate me to the Queen of the Gods? No no no, you're definitely going to offer your assistance in my grand quest against Shahrivar! I'd say I'm not worthy of such a gift, but I know I am!"

Sahira was aware she'd probably receive nothing out of this, but could you blame a girl for trying? It was mostly a joke, but if he was going to give her a gift, who was she to say no?

Near The Grey Hawk, Off the Coast of Wadi al-Qamar

He gave the woman a wave from the distance as the sip docked into port.

The girl returned the wave to the man, her bright smile ever present.

"What about yourself, Zia?"

"Oh, I've been just traveling the other continent! It is still a bit too... wild to really explore properly, but I was at least able to visit Sephirah and Charam! I actually wanted to visit Nekhen and see Qades as well...but I had the feeling that going home first was better! I guess seeing you was what that feeling was telling me!" She laughed a bit at the end.

"I haven't been to Atalantae in quite a while, so I wouldn't mind visiting some time! I wonder how the fashion has changed since I was last there. So many people visit that it seems to change all the time! Erum is too steeped in tradition! Even if its one of the most popular trading cities, things here never really change!"

A small complaint, but a valid one. Wadi al-Qamar was a place where the people never really seemed to change. Whether it be raising their children for war despite knowing peace or their fervent worship of Sahira.

"What brings you here anyway? Did you miss little ol' me? Or did you just want some local cuisine? Even though I really like aspects of other cultures, no place I've been really has food that compares to our own!"

Kebabs were truly the wonder food.

 

[Grav]

The Hall of Gods

Lravitus chuckled at the insult, but they slid off him. He coughed though and some ash came from his throat as a dust cloud.

He flicked a spore at the ground and it grew into a kobold looking myconid. It danced and twirled before dissipating.

He looked at the kobolds and made his crystal eye twinkle. Then grinned at them. He was having so much fun already.

 

[FriedCFour]

Artis
Mara Lagos​

"I simply must disagree, I find an interest rate of 2% to be both fair and a good draw for clients, neither too steep nor too generous, and a good balance within the market. Now, obviously that is subject to change based on the individual client and their situation but as a baseline that is a good place to start from, and statistics simply show as much." Artis said as he lounged in his chair, discussing banking and loans with one of the self-made men of the floor below him in.

​

Artis then realized the time and what the day was. "I apologize Cicero, but I am needed in the Hall of the Gods. Your experiences and ideas have been most insightful. Another time, perhaps?" Artis then stood up from his spot and walked away, disappearing in a flash of light as he disappeared to attend to his families calling.

The Hall of Gods​

Artis sashayed his way into the room, a shimmering glitter of gold, of jewels of the most perfect cut catching the light in a perfect sparkle, the finest silken robes adorning his body. He was fashionably late as ever and as his custom. Artis daintily plucked hors d'oeuvres from the catering of Pestocali, commenting, "Oh, this is simply divine! I must have you again at Mara Lagos, my chefs just need your input on how to prepare such perfect cuisine."

He then went to the Shadowed Dancer and listened until his latest song ended, at which point he showered the musician in a rain of coins that could feed an entire city for a decade. "Brother, you could not miss a single note if you tried. Bravo sir, bravo!" Said Artis while he gave thunderous applause.

From there, Artis noticed the not often seen Vaad, his elder brother and tied to his throne. He made sure to make it known to him his presence was welcome. "Grandfather Vaad, so nice to see you, you seem to be better off than I remembered! Come by and visit sometime, okay?" Artis strode to the mass of flesh sitting on his throne and did his best to give him a hug.

As Artis turned from the elder god to mingle with the rest when he caught sight of her, and the ever-present smile adorning his face faded for the briefest instant. He had hoped their divorce from one another to be amicable, and while he wished her the best he could not help but feel somewhat for the state she was in. She required more than he could give her and he simply could not help his love for mortals, they birthed, inspire, and guide Artis, they are more like his father than the children they are so often treated by his kin.

Artis took a glass of wine, took a second longer draught than is typically socially acceptable, and decided he should say something. He mustered himself, walked towards her, and said plainly, "Aiyami, it is nice to see you. You look quite good, I love the outfit."

 

[Leepysheepy]

The Hall of Gods

It took a few moments for the hooded Kobold spirits to take note of Tauphys's actions- a few moments in which a multitude of them were reduced from otherworldly spirit stuffing to inert piles of ash. Once notice was taken the little beings were quick to raise a sort of alarm, yipping and yawping as they scattered away from his rampage and took shelter- most quickly found it prudent to hide behind the dancer, while others who were too far hid either behind the largest deities in sight (mostly the Lady of Fowls, given her truly astronomical size) or behind Earon (the god of water seemed a fitting shield from an aggressive flame). Many others, meanwhile, were simply cut down.

Those bearing Koy's lens were luckily far from the start of the killing- they held faith in the protection of their Lord, however far he may be, and stood fast so the paranoid maimed god could watch the wanton slaughter of his people. He watched in silence for a few moments, pale eye betraying little as he looked over the Dancer's defense, the mushroom god's opportunism, and Sahira's biting commentary. If this were the behavior of a peace celebration, Koy saw little purpose in participating.

The lens lets out a shimmering of light and a low rumble, apparently conveying some message to Koy's entourage as the lensbearers (as well as any remaining Kobolds who found themselves close to the exit) shuffle over quickly to leave. Those further away seemingly did not wish to risk passing too much open ground, and instead stayed hiding behind the various gods they had used as cover.

 

[S'task]

The Hall of Gods​

"Ah, Earon, have you called me here to sing my praises? Offer a national festival within the Avuvian Confederation? They really haven't been giving enough tributes recently, and you know how important that is to me! Oh oh oh, maybe you're going to elevate me to the Queen of the Gods? No no no, you're definitely going to offer your assistance in my grand quest against Shahrivar! I'd say I'm not worthy of such a gift, but I know I am!"

Intei smiles deep within the concealing shadows of his hood. The fateweavers were always so sure of themselves, always the same yet ever different, much like fate itself. Sahira herself always her own person though, though her objection to mortals being among the gods caused Intei's smile to twist a bit into a wry grin for his own reasons. He calmed his features quickly, though his shadow shook a finger at him for his loss of control. Glacing at it for a moment and speaking a word of power under his breath, his shadow returned to its normal placid self perfectly mirroring Intei's movements as most shadows are supposed to do.

"Sahira," Intei bows lightly, "we were just speaking of the war and conflict that Earon seems to believe is coming, and we wish to inquire most noble lady of the night light, what threads of conflict you see coming."

 

[Shipmaster Sane]

From there, Artis noticed the not often seen Vaad, his elder brother and tied to his throne. He made sure to make it known to him his presence was welcome. "Grandfather Vaad, so nice to see you, you seem better than I remembered! Come by and visit sometime, okay?" Artis walked to the mass of flesh sitting on the throne and did his best to give him a hug.

Vaad's nearly closed eyes remain directed where they've been for some time, as if he is looking right through anything interceding, until he is specifically addressed by the jovial god. In deference to his polite address, the eyes open slightly (to about half closed) and the largest few of them flit up to Artis' face and seem to focus there for a moment. Thinking this rare expression of fellowship would suffice, the eyes drift back to their former position before Artis' warm, friendly embrace shocks them all into wakefulness, a dozen pupils contracting and looking in different directions wildly as if to locate some means of escape.
Eye Want to Die.
The traumatized Elder god keeps the sentiment to his own thoughts only and manages a kind of nodding motion at Artis when released.




@GravitysMomentum
The further the night had progressed, the more bitterly self satisfied Vaad felt in his position, though his discomfort came in waves to overrule any vindication swelling inside him. He was keenly aware that a score more or so of the gods could appear at any moment, and he had not even mounted the halfway point of this celebration. Perhaps seeking some distraction, the larger part of Vaad's eyes rolled their way over in their housings to look at Lravitus' antics, the smaller remainder still fixed towards Earon and Sahira. Few among the gods could claim the favor of the psychic (for whatever worth they marked such a thing, for even among his favorites, Vaad was loath to give any sign), but Lravitus was among them. He would have ordinarily kept his peace, but something in the other god's demeanor beguiled his sad fancy into giving voice to his thoughts.
"Such joy you take, in sports so simple."
Vaad would not deign to speak aloud in such a setting, but rather his low voice came rumbling over to the Fungal god's mind. The tone was not judgmental, if anything, distantly envious.

 

[Grav]

Vaad's nearly closed eyes remain directed where they've been for some time, as if he is looking right through anything interceding, until he is specifically addressed by the jovial god. In deference to his polite address, the eyes open slightly (to about half closed) and the largest few of them flit up to Artis' face and seem to focus there for a moment. Thinking this rare expression of fellowship would suffice, the eyes drift back to their former position before Artis' warm, friendly embrace shocks them all into wakefulness, a dozen pupils contracting and looking in different directions wildly as if to locate some means of escape.
Eye Want to Die.
The traumatized Elder god keeps the sentiment to his own thoughts only and manages a kind of nodding motion at Artis when released.




@GravitysMomentum
The further the night had progressed, the more bitterly self satisfied Vaad felt in his position, though his discomfort came in waves to overrule any vindication swelling inside him. He was keenly aware that a score more or so of the gods could appear at any moment, and he had not even mounted the halfway point of this celebration. Perhaps seeking some distraction, the larger part of Vaad's eyes rolled their way over in their housings to look at Lravitus' antics, the smaller remainder still fixed towards Earon and Sahira. Few among the gods could claim the favor of the psychic (for whatever worth they marked such a thing, for even among his favorites, Vaad was loath to give any sign), but Lravitus was among them. He would have ordinarily kept his peace, but something in the other god's demeanor beguiled his sad fancy into giving voice to his thoughts.
"Such joy you take, in sports so simple."
Vaad would not deign to speak aloud in such a setting, but rather his low voice came rumbling over to the Fungal god's mind. The tone was not judgmental, if anything, distantly envious.

“My life is simple, to stew diseases so that man may never overpopulate and to make sure the cycle is kept. But these simple organisms can grow into something far beyond their own. And that is the joy I have.” Thoughts that were sent back to Vaad. “Fungi are such simple organisms but yet I made them grow into something greater. To find joy in life that is what I found.”
@Shipmaster Sane

 

[Shipmaster Sane]

“My life is simple, to stew diseases so that man may never overpopulate and to make sure the cycle is kept. But these simple organisms can grow into something far beyond their own. And that is the joy I have.” Thoughts that were sent back to Vaad. “Fungi are such simple organisms but yet I made them grow into something greater. To find joy in life that is what I found.”
@Shipmaster Sane

"And supposing if you should wink your eye at those that distain you, all the better?"
The echo of a chuckle escapes Vaad's mental voice
"Your boldness heartens me some, your boldness and your surety of purpose both."

Vaad's eyes move to their previous position, but he is still listening, in case the Fungal deity speaks further to him,

 

[Draco]

The Hall of Gods

It took a few moments for the hooded Kobold spirits to take note of Tauphys's actions- a few moments in which a multitude of them were reduced from otherworldly spirit stuffing to inert piles of ash. Once notice was taken the little beings were quick to raise a sort of alarm, yipping and yawping as they scattered away from his rampage and took shelter- most quickly found it prudent to hide behind the dancer, while others who were too far hid either behind the largest deities in sight (mostly the Lady of Fowls, given her truly astronomical size) or behind Earon (the god of water seemed a fitting shield from an aggressive flame). Many others, meanwhile, were simply cut down.

Those bearing Koy's lens were luckily far from the start of the killing- they held faith in the protection of their Lord, however far he may be, and stood fast so the paranoid maimed god could watch the wanton slaughter of his people. He watched in silence for a few moments, pale eye betraying little as he looked over the Dancer's defense, the mushroom god's opportunism, and Sahira's biting commentary. If this were the behavior of a peace celebration, Koy saw little purpose in participating.

The lens lets out a shimmering of light and a low rumble, apparently conveying some message to Koy's entourage as the lensbearers (as well as any remaining Kobolds who found themselves close to the exit) shuffle over quickly to leave. Those further away seemingly did not wish to risk passing too much open ground, and instead stayed hiding behind the various gods they had used as cover.

@Leepysheepy @Yukitama
Perzawlkhan's gaze flitted to the tiny things that crawled over Her, the Wyrm's blood finding refuge in Her alabaster plumage. There was no harm they could bring to Her: greater things than they had tried and failed, the presence of these frighted creatures causing little more than a slight ruffling at the tips of Her feathers. So She let them scurry, trifling words over the Hall's sanctity urging no concern from Her over lowly Kobolds.

Kobolds. They were as furtive and paranoid as their Lord, though on this day it seemed not without cause. A wise choice it had been on Her part not to have sent envoys in Her stead these many anniversaries past, such treatment would have been awaiting them. A dearth of restraint typical for the other immortals.

@S'task @Have You Seen My Son @FriedCFour
The Shadow's errant gaze in pompous judgment; the Star's unseemly fraternization with her Avatar; and the Dealer's fumbling attempts to appease deities with sloth immovable and ire unquenchable. She questioned further still his abilities as a god of negotiations.

With phony pleasantries poorly cloaking unsettled conflicts and unchecked discord, The Eagle resigned to observe longer still. Little more than half of the pantheon was in attendance, with tensions already nearing a fever pitch. Whatever occurred from here on, She wished to see with Her own eyes, not to hear it poorly recounted.

 

[Grav]

"And supposing if you should wink your eye at those that distain you, all the better?"
The echo of a chuckle escapes Vaad's mental voice
"Your boldness heartens me some, your boldness and your surety of purpose both."

Vaad's eyes move to their previous position, but he is still listening, in case the Fungal deity speaks further to him,

“Of course, a purpose is different for everybody but once you find it. One you find it. It is beautiful, I was lucky finding it early. Many others still haven’t found it after these millennia, and that is the only pity I hold in my body.” More thoughts sent to Vaad.

Lravitus stands up as the vines from his body snap in half. Dangling from his body and dangling from the throne. He goes to the food table and picks up some mush-dishes. Walking back with another meal, he plopped himself on his throne.

Bramble slowly grew on Lravitus’ head forming a crown. Lravitus took it off and played with it.

“Azahiel thought his purpose was to rule for being firstborn. I did not see that as his purpose. His purpose was to be the catalyst for the others to grow. Negative or positive I saw the others grow into who they are today. Some think they know their purpose but if never turns out to be what it is.” These were sent to Vaad as well.

The crown was thrown onto the ground and it dissipated away.

 

[LordSunhawk]

@Naga The Serpent @FriedCFour @Yukitama @Leepysheepy

Hall of the Gods​

The Shadowed Dancer spared a moment to glance over at Sahira and rolled their eyes, as the band of instruments behind her shifted into an appropriate anthem for what she thought of that statement. "Vanity, it appears that not even gods are immune to it." the Dancer sneered, the bulk of their attention on Tauphys.

Even the appearance of the gold and jewels from the Artis drew little more than an appreciative trill of notes, although down on the mortal plane the wealth given them shimmered into existence in a number of locations within the various caravans loyal to the Dancer. As Artis began discussing things with other deities the Dancer caused light background music to sound near him, providing gentle entertainment and accompaniment to a far more polite god.

Lravitus only drew a slight bit of amusement from the Dancer, they little cared for what happened to the ashes and dust, after all. And it wasn't like the Mushroom King was doing this to individuals actually listening to and enjoying the Dancer's music after all, only to the victims of a more arrogant deities actions. A tiny tendril of power and some appropriate music started to play for him.

As the Lens started to depart, the Dancer spared another glance towards it, then keeping between those Kobolds sheltering behind them and Tauphys, they ensured that they would have a clear path of retreat. Before the Lens had departed, however, the Dancer sent forth another little musical gem for the paranoid god to enjoy, after all the Kobolds had been a wonderful audience, and he was their god, it wouldn't do for the Dancer to not be grateful for that!

 

[Shipmaster Sane]

“Of course, a purpose is different for everybody but once you find it. One you find it. It is beautiful, I was lucky finding it early. Many others still haven’t found it after these millennia, and that is the only pity I hold in my body.” More thoughts sent to Vaad.

Lravitus stands up as the vines from his body snap in half. Dangling from his body and dangling from the throne. He goes to the food table and picks up some mush-dishes. Walking back with another meal, he plopped himself on his throne.

Bramble slowly grew on Lravitus’ head forming a crown. Lravitus took it off and played with it.

“Azahiel thought his purpose was to rule for being firstborn. I did not see that as his purpose. His purpose was to be the catalyst for the others to grow. Negative or positive I saw the others grow into who they are today. Some think they know their purpose but if never turns out to be what it is.” These were sent to Vaad as well.

The crown was thrown onto the ground and it dissipated away.

"Earon fancies himself king"
Vaad responds somewhat flatly, gaze still leveled across the room. He has always had a way of speaking around what he means.
"Under that band of nettles you are more king, be it a hateful word to you, than the sum of pretenders."

 

[Grav]

"Earon fancies himself king"
Vaad responds somewhat flatly, gaze still leveled across the room. He has always had a way of speaking around what he means.
"Under that band of nettles you are more king, be it a hateful word to you, than the sum of pretenders."

“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A fitting quote from a poet long gone of this era. True leadership should be shared with its people. It was the reason I rebelled.”

Lravitus looked down at his feet, remembering the horrors of the war as millions of his children died. He shook himself out of it. Lravitus thoughts took a solemn tone.

“Thank you for the compliment of but my purpose is not to rule.” Lravitus lifted his hand and an orb of spores formed, pulsating and shifting. “Finding joy in growth.”

“If there ever must be a king, there must be balances. What use is proclaiming yourself to be king for being firstborn? None. When a true leader rises they shall have my fealty. But I see none today in this hall.”

 

[RandomNormie]

Hall of the Gods​

The entrance was, as expected by anyone with more than a passing familiarity with him, heralded by a cascade of golden light, almost blinding in its brightness, and a wave of sudden heat that passed over the entire hall, but then vanished as quickly as it appeared.

However, it was rather apparent that the temperature had risen, if only slightly.

Well, in the end, it was to be expected — more careful than he had once been or not, it was still his domain, and such was his prerogative and nature. For him not to bring either of those things would be the same as refusing his own existence.

So it was, then, that the hall became filled with the sound of his footsteps, strong and confident, and the rattling of plates. The light dimmed down, and the newest arrival stood among peers.

There seemed to be a halo around his silhouette, giving off just enough radiance to set him apart. His form was encased in armor, bronze with golden accents, and the sword at his hip gave a dangerous feeling even when its owner let it slumber peacefully.

Well, at any rate, everyone should be used to such being his ensemble for “formal events”. A time of peace it might have been, but he was still a warrior god through and through.

His eyes that would have laid any secret bare before him, stripping away all falsehoods to see through the world itself, scanned the room and his peers, expression solemn. This much was also expected, for the Empyrean’s gaze was always intense no matter the situation.

He did not speak or profess any greetings. He merely scanned the room, as though looking for something, passing over various gods and even the foodstuffs at the table.

And then they finally came to rest upon a certain Lady of Fate, and the world seemed to stop for just a moment.

. . .Before he approached with confident strides, a hand raised in greeting and an insufferably bright smile (quite literally, mind you) on his face.

“Sahira, I was wondering if I’d find you here!” His booming voice was as delighted as a child in a candy store. “How’s my best friend doing?”

Ah, of course, the one rule that one must never forget.

No matter how dignified one’s appearance, an idiot will remain an idiot to the very end.

 

[S'task]

Hall of Gods​

As Shahrivar approached many mortals would have assumed the Shadowmaster would have shied away, perhaps even be weakened by the presence of the Lord of the Sun; however, the clinging darkness that made up Intei's clothes did not fade or weaken, but rather grew darker and less ephemeral than usual in the god's presence. Most of the other gods had long ago realized the difference between Darkness and Shadow, though many mortals still saw them as one and the same. Darkness was the weaker of the two, it depended on the absence to dominate, it was nothing more than nothingness, and nothing was usually quite weak. Shadows, however, only grow stronger and darker the brighter the light, for they are defined in the contrast, and all things cast shadows when exposed to light, and no amount of light can truly destroy something's shadow.

So the Sage of all Knowledge did not particularly care that the sun god had approached, and instead Intei sighed softly in annoyance at the Lady of Fate's answer being cut off before it could even begin.

"Welcome to our small conference, Shahrivar," Intei spoke, "it is a pleasure to see you again, I hope you are not also bringing tidings of coming war and chaos as your brother Earon seems believe is coming?"

 

[almostinsane]

"Ah, Earon, have you called me here to sing my praises? Offer a national festival within the Avuvian Confederation? They really haven't been giving enough tributes recently, and you know how important that is to me! Oh oh oh, maybe you're going to elevate me to the Queen of the Gods? No no no, you're definitely going to offer your assistance in my grand quest against Shahrivar! I'd say I'm not worthy of such a gift, but I know I am!"

"Sahira," Intei bows lightly, "we were just speaking of the war and conflict that Earon seems to believe is coming, and we wish to inquire most noble lady of the night light, what threads of conflict you see coming."

"Intei, as always, speaks to the truth, Sahira. I would seek your counsel on a possible conflict... I doubt I'd be able to make you Queen of the Gods. I get my way more than some, but no one could ever agree on who to vote for that position. Personally, I've only ever voted for myself as I don't bow so easily," he noted, taking Sahira's response in stride. He had known the Moon Goddess for millennia and he had developed a certain amount of tolerance for her vanity.

He paused for a moment, about to offer a new festival in her honor in the Confederation when he appeared. Primordial light and heat, barely restrained from its all-consuming nature, bearing a friendly smile as he approached Sahira.

Earon suppressed a smirk. Ordinarily, he wouldn't bother to hide his amusement when Shahrivar drove her up the wall, but he did need her cooperation.

"She was just about to peer into the cycles of fate at my request, Shahrivar. Have you seen anything during your travails over Ashariel?"

Near The Grey Hawk, Off the Coast of Wadi al-Qamar

"Your company is pleasant to tell the truth. Of all the Avatars, you are perhaps the fairest and gentlest," Caspian told her lightly, enjoying the innocent excitement in his friend. She seemed much younger than her years, full of life and simple joy. Nonetheless, he forced himself to wear a more serious expression.

"I would love to sample the local cuisine with you, but I am here on business. At the moment, the Avuvian Navy and Legions have become too accustomed to pirate hunting. A new war is inevitable. I feel it in my bones. Our cavalry is unacceptable. We need more horses and experts to train us in their use. We need allies who will supplement our strength with theirs. As the people of the Sea and the Moon, we hold a special relationship and your people's horsemanship is second to none. I need you," he told her simply.

He pinched his nose, "I apologize. It seems that I do not leave Atalantae unless it's on business. The last journey I was on, it was to slay that beast of Tauphys'. The one who tried to end civilization not all to long ago. I still have the scars to remember it by."

(⚕⚕⚕)
At A Pub
"So, what do we have on the agenda today, Timaeus?" Aristo asked his first made, a balding, older Avuvian with skin turned the color and consistency of leather by Shahrivar's gaze.

"Well, we have yet to receive a response from Sahira's high priestess about your promise of a private meeting with our Avatar. It would seem that you committed borderline treason with nothing to show for it," he snarked. Ariso shrugged, taking a swig from his flagon of ale.

"Hey, if she didn't take me up on it, it's not "borderline treason" at all."

"We also got a message from a group of youngsters who saw your ad in the Foundation's newsletters. They are looking for a guide to the Huntlands."

"Aw... The Huntlands. I sold quite a bit of rare flora from there at Nova Yoro... Or was it rare fauna? Hmm... I was never clear on what meant beasties and what meant flowers that tried to eat me. Nonetheless, send a reply to them. Say the Great Captain Aristo Grey of the Sea Hawk will be happy to be their guide in the dangerous world outside of academia for an exhorbitant fee except, you know... Say it less mockingly... and say our fee is reasonable... And don't let them convince me to commute half the fee into rum like the last time."

"And if there is a female among them, will you refrain from attempting to seduce her?" Timaeus snarked. Aristo hummed.

"I make no promises in that regard, but I do promise an easy job, a hefty payout, and amusement for us all."

 

[Draco]

Hall of the Gods​

The entrance was, as expected by anyone with more than a passing familiarity with him, heralded by a cascade of golden light, almost blinding in its brightness, and a wave of sudden heat that passed over the entire hall, but then vanished as quickly as it appeared.

However, it was rather apparent that the temperature had risen, if only slightly.

Well, in the end, it was to be expected — more careful than he had once been or not, it was still his domain, and such was his prerogative and nature. For him not to bring either of those things would be the same as refusing his own existence.

So it was, then, that the hall became filled with the sound of his footsteps, strong and confident, and the rattling of plates. The light dimmed down, and the newest arrival stood among peers.

There seemed to be a halo around his silhouette, giving off just enough radiance to set him apart. His form was encased in armor, bronze with golden accents, and the sword at his hip gave a dangerous feeling even when its owner let it slumber peacefully.

Well, at any rate, everyone should be used to such being his ensemble for “formal events”. A time of peace it might have been, but he was still a warrior god through and through.

His eyes that would have laid any secret bare before him, stripping away all falsehoods to see through the world itself, scanned the room and his peers, expression solemn. This much was also expected, for the Empyrean’s gaze was always intense no matter the situation.

He did not speak or profess any greetings. He merely scanned the room, as though looking for something, passing over various gods and even the foodstuffs at the table.

And then they finally came to rest upon a certain Lady of Fate, and the world seemed to stop for just a moment.

. . .Before he approached with confident strides, a hand raised in greeting and an insufferably bright smile (quite literally, mind you) on his face.

“Sahira, I was wondering if I’d find you here!” His booming voice was as delighted as a child in a candy store. “How’s my best friend doing?”

Ah, of course, the one rule that one must never forget.

No matter how dignified one’s appearance, an idiot will remain an idiot to the very end.

The Flames of Iris burned brighter in retort of the all too familiar rays, many colors clashing against the white, wisps of fire voraciously licking the ceiling. If any observer was not robbed of sight by the brilliance, it might have seemed to their eyes that the opposing flashes had formed barriers that clashed against one another, each vying for dominance. Even as the lights faded, the prismatic blaze rose higher than it had before his arrival.

(The Kobolds had not been consumed in the wildfire, such was their good fortune to have hidden in Her unlit underbelly, though they now found themselves much warmer than they had been previously.)

Perzawlkhan's head followed the path of his footsteps, ears grated by the shrill cry of his voice that drowned out all other noise. As he passed Her feathers ruffled in a display that Her children could never hope to match, let alone resist cowering before it, as it heralded the most severe punishment being laid down in Her judgment.

The Enemy had arrived.

 

[Grav]

Lravitus began to squint and shrivel up a little as the bright rays of light from Perzawlkhan and Shahrivar filled up the Hall. Some of his pine cones on his head began releasing their seeds from the heat. Lravitus was just here to eat, make conversation, and have fun. Annoyed from the lights he banged his staff on the ground.

"Dear me, can you two tone down the lightshow! I can't deal with both of you shining at the same time."