Author: Naota, Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2018 8:06 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Quite the bastion to hold onto…he hoped so. So far he’d yet to waver, but nothing stayed perfect forever, and he knew one day that moment would come for him. He just hoped that he’d be able to recover from it with grace. For now though, he smiled and nodded gently in agreement as well as thanks to his compliment. He took it as one at least, even if there was a chance it had been unintentional; he was still learning Drae on a personal level instead of through his wife’s stories.

His smile broadened when Drae spoke about taking him up on his offer and visiting, though he wondered with curiosity what Angela had told him about it. With her it was hard to tell, but he hoped all of it had been positive. Their difficult history was decades behind him, but there were times where he felt it tugging at the back of his mind, never completely gone, like a gentle reminder. “Good things I hope.” he said with a soft laugh, relaying some of his thoughts as he stood up with him.

A soft but honest laugh escaped him and he nodded instantly, eyebrows raising slightly, “Yes, my son and I are constantly surrounded by women since we’re the only two men.” Mica, he was still but a babe…a little man, but still a man, and his heart lightened from thinking of his children and wife back at home, “And then whenever Angela comes to visit,” His eyes widened, knowing well that Drae knew better than anyone the feminine presence that followed in Angela’s earth shattering wake, “Yes. Some testosterone will be greatly appreciated.”

He breathed out gently, feeling better after their visit. It really wasn’t often that he spent time with others from the conclave, and despite his years of being a part of it, he still always felt as if there were a barrier there between them. Whether it was subconsciously intentional or not, he knew it was there. Angela had been the only one to keep that wall from building up, and he wondered if she would be as capable if they hadn’t known each other before his ascension. Probably.

Kurayo. His heart skipped a beat, but the trill was so subtle that an untrained ear may have missed it. That city…No, he wouldn’t let his thoughts linger there, on that place. Instead, he dipped his head to him, “Thank you for welcoming me into your home.” When his head lifted back up his eyes were shining brighter than they had that afternoon, the same smile accompanying them, “Until we meet again.” And with that he was gone in a silent flash of light.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:39 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

"But aptly described," Drae replied about the rather cynical comment. "Fortunately for us all, however, it would appear you are quite the bastion to hold on to," he added lightly. He looked over at Naota and took in what could only be described as his essence. He believed him. Not that he couldn't follow through on revenge himself, but that he would more than likely not be able to cease when it was enough. That made him dangerous. Perhaps not to Drae but in general, Naota seemed the type of person who would not stop if angered. He quietly hoped that he would never see that dark side of Light. 

"I'd like to visit you palace. Angela has told me about it, but I should repay the courtesy and visit myself. I understand it is supposed to be a calming peaceful sort of place," Drae replied. "And I get the feeling you could use more testosterone than estrogen visiting," he chuckled. "Angela is very good at ordering people around, this I definitely know."

Drae stood up and looked at Naota. "I know you are a busy man, as am I. I have enjoyed our talk very much. If you ever need anything though, I'm always around to help, especially if you need anything from Koschei and Kurayo," he said. 

Author: Naota, Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:10 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

He nodded slowly, knowingly, to Drae’s observation, “You would be correct. Though I don’t know if I’d personally describe them as ‘sob stories’.” He smiled a bit sheepishly, too polite for his own good to be as comfortably blunt as Drae was able to be. He liked it, it was a refreshing trait where others might otherwise find it off putting, “But, yes…” The light of his eyes faded ever so slightly, but the smile remained, if softer now than before, “When people lack strength, they seek out those that have it. How does the saying go?” He upturned his eyes in thought briefly before looking back at him, “A drowning man will pull anyone with him if it means he could survive?” He shook his head, “Though I guess that’s more cynical than I mean it to sound…”

He listened as he went on to explain his revenge, graciously leaving out too many details. He had a well painted picture in his imagination though. Things like revenge always left him feeling conflicted. Like anyone, he understood easily the hunger for it, and would be a liar if he were to say that he’d never felt the tempting pull to follow through with some of his own. Though, unlike many, he’d always made the decision not to ever pursue it. There were some, like Drae, that were able to follow through with revenge and come out the other side feeling satiated and complete. He wasn’t sure if he himself was one of those individuals.

“I’m not sure if I would be able to do so myself,” he admitted gently, “Or, I’m not sure I’d be able to tell when enough was enough.” Once down a path such as that, it was easy to get lost, and while ascension had purified many things about him, there were still the lingerings of his demonic urges. If he were to get stuck with no way to pull out, he wasn’t even sure what would become of his domain, his temple, the people there. It left many otherwise aggressive things in paralysis, which to many made him appear weak. No, it wasn’t weakness, it was a necessity, protection. He had seen what could happen when those of the conclave were corrupted or at risk of falling, and he wasn’t keen to become one of them.

“To divert from this sad talk though,” he smiled, “Our next conversation and visit should be done at my temple. It isn’t often other deities come to visit. Well,” he paused, laughing gently without being able to help it, “Other than Angela, but she more comes in however she pleases and starts putting people to work.”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Fri Dec 8, 2017 10:59 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

"You must be used to someone just up and dropping their sob stories if you decided to get so comfortable," Drae mused as he had noticed Naota's boots vanishing as he had pulled himself into a comfortable sort of perch on the plush chair during the telling of his tale. "I suppose a lot of people would go to you for comfort and strength in hard times. Perseverance and Strength are your domains after all," he chuckled as he took a drink of his own wine. 

He fell silent, considering the question after a moment. Then with a smile that borderlined on predatory, he turned to look at Naota. 
"Help? I guess that depends. Did it help my soul to torture him in the same manner he did me and her and leave him to burn with in manor house? Probably not. But did it feel good? Yes. I know there are many who seek revenge or vengeance throughout their lives and often never get to see it come to fruition, while others it requires a long fought battle. In my case, I was one of those fortunate few who was able to meet out retribution within a fortnight. It is amazing how lax people become when they think their enemy is vanquished," he replied revealing the dark side of his nature. 

"I have no regrets. And should I ever fall, I might be damned for the things I have done, but I regret nothing."

Author: Naota, Posted: Fri Dec 8, 2017 9:43 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

He pulled his legs up into the chair, his boots removing themselves as he did so in order to keep them from getting on the seat. He recognized well the look in Drae’s eyes. There had been so many that had come to Naota wanting to talk, or having a story of their own to tell, and that same look was there in the other man’s gaze. So, he wanted to be comfortable. He had become accustomed to this, for one reason or another people were able to tell him things with great ease. And so, he poured himself another steaming cup of tea and leaned back in his seat, drinking it quietly as he listened.

Very rarely was there a story he heard from someone that was a happy one, and his eyes saddened as he listened. This Duke was dead and gone now, but that didn’t always heal all wounds. He knew well how happy Angela and Drae were, how he had pushed on through all of the hardships of his life; the man was sitting right here in front of him obviously safe and sound and yet…And yet, with each harsh pass of his fingers across his cheek, he wanted to touch him. Offer some form of comfort, but knew better than to bring physical attention to someone you had only just started to get to know. There were some that fell into him, to their knees, needing the embrace or gentle touch of someone, anyone, this was not one of those situations.

Cyprus, so many lives, so many futures tainted. He was not the first to mention her by name, and he knew this wouldn’t be the last time it was uttered. She was hardly the villain in this tale, to him at least. She was a symptom of transpired misery, but not the cause of it. There were many years, decades, millennia to get to know Drae, but he knew that personally he would never fully get over the murder of his lover and unborn child. He wondered briefly how much of Drae’s heart was taken by that loss.

His gaze was constant, but so still, to the point one might think he were a tapestry of himself as he allowed the silence to linger for a moment; for his thoughts to mull. Finally, he drank down the last of what was in his cup and had it float back to the table between them to rest there, and asked only one question, “Did his death help?”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 1:56 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

"I wouldn't be surprised if you knew him by name at the very least. He was a powerful Irian man who held most of the black market trade in his grasp up until  put him in his grave about twenty years ago," Drae explained to Naota. He looked ahead and rubbed his chin, debating whether or not he wanted to actually divulge the whole story. 
"After I left Sidhiel, I ended up in Iria running small cons to pay for food. Greer found me and saw that I had a natural talent for talking to people, so he hired me and started teaching me the ways of the Irian black market trade business. I was REALLY good at my job, and after just a couple short years Greer made me his full parnter. Being his partner meant keeping business running while he traveled to Kometeia, Kurayo, Koschei and Abed for various business affairs, and I handled his estate. He left Eva, his wife, behind on these ventures, so we became close," he explained. He scratched the side of his face. "You can probably imagine what transpired after that. Long story short, the one thing Greer could never have was a child, and always blamed Eva for that, so he was always stepping out on her. Turns out… Eva wasn't the problem… and Greer found that the child, well…. wasn't his," he said harshly. The Keeper rubbed his face vigorously. 
"Eva and the baby didn't survive…Cyprus Rose siphoned their life force and put it into me so that she could use it to manipulate me in the future, otherwise I would be with them in the Soul Stream right now," he said, his face showing a touch of sadness and regret but it passed quickly. 
"Greer's manor is currently a charred and overgrown skeleton of what it once was, and his soul burns in one of the levels of Circulorum Inferni for eternity, and I took over the Irian black market," he said concisely. 

Author: Naota, Posted: Sun Oct 8, 2017 3:52 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

All of it moved in silent flashes in his head as he imagined the scene of a younger Drae in such a situation. The more he learned about the other deities, the more he realized all of them had less than pleasant pasts. Though Drae seemingly had found a way to keep his own as bittersweet. Seemingly. Now he tried to picture the man before him as a looming bear and he was very glad that he hadn’t seen him pushed to that side. In truth the only form of lycanthropy he’d seen were the usual lupine variety, so while he was fascinated to know someone afflicted by another form of it…it wasn’t something he’d want to see up close and personal any time soon.

From his not so pleasant past he’d found his own way, and commended him for his choice to not be healed by Angela when it would have been so easy to be rid of that part of his life. Unlike Drae, he preferred to keep his past where it was without too many reminders and seldom few even knew about it save for Angela. Then again, Angela seemed to know each of the conclave intimately as every Mother should. Still, the darkest part of his own past was still living and breathing somewhere, and he was comforted only by the fact that he could pinpoint him at any given moment.

He could take a lesson from Drae in this, but be it stubbornness, fear, weakness, denial, or a combination of all of that, he wasn’t able to. He’d made many strides since his ascension, but in truth he felt as if the weight had been lifted from his shoulders by The Voice and Great World Tree. Maybe it was their way of telling him he wasn’t strong enough to do so on his own…? He didn’t like going down that particular path and freed it from his thoughts with his next exhale. Doubt wasn’t a feeling he encouraged in his pupils, not to a damaging level, and one had to practice what they preached.

“You’ve done something most others can’t, I commend you for it…” His eyes flicked down to his leg, the wound now hidden by his pants leg once more, and then looked back to his face. And even though he didn’t fully agree with it, from this story he could see why he had spoken of chivalry and nobility so bitterly previously. At least he could take his curse and wound in stride, though he hoped it wasn’t a reminder for the wrong reasons.

“I can’t say with certainty if I would have done the same thing. Save the other in place of myself? Most definitely. But keep the disease when I could have been healed?” He shook his head gently, with light uncertainty. Most likely he wouldn’t have. Either way he would have accepted his fate. But he’d lived long enough with a curse, and wouldn’t have wanted to be afflicted by another if he could have been rid of it.

It was very brief, but there was a gentle flicker of envy to learn that he’d been able to keep his previous profession. That bitterness was in no way directed at Drae though, and it was gone as soon as it came. The question of a name broke him from it even more and his eyebrows furrowed gently as he repeated the name, “Duke Greer?” His eyes grew distant for a moment, thinking back, but he couldn’t put a face to the name. He might have heard it in his younger years when he was able to spend more time at home before his ascension, but that was all. “Perhaps in name only, but even then I’d be grasping.” His lips parted as his eyebrows rose, “…should I know who he is? Was he someone important?”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:59 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Drae tucked his pant leg back into his boot and rubbed the scarred limb as he considered how to answer the question posed about it. He sighed heavily. 
"I was in the swamps of Koschei. It was after I met Angela and had become one or her more regular consorts. Mind you, back then she had a harem to fill the needs of a husband so to speak. I wanted to get her a gift that might enhance her powers in Parvpora, so I was searching out the remains of Verya to retrieve one of its petrified twigs for her. I ran into a young woman and her dragon there. She had gotten quite lost, and as we went her dragon was forced to take to the sky because there was not room enough for it to follow through the swamps. While there, we ran afoul of a freshly afflicted lycanthrope of the bear variety," he explained. "Now, normally werebears are much more controlled and very rarely attack as this one did, however, because the curse was so fresh, it had no control, and rushed us. The idea was to get into a higher spot so I could barrage it with spells to drive it off. Unfortunately, my companion was having trouble climbing the trees. So, in a rare moment of chivalry, I put her safety ahead of my own and helped her higher into the tree. I almost made it out myself, but the werebear got a good grip on my leg and tore it up really well before I drove it off with an energy blast," he regaled. 

"We were too far away to get any real help from a healer or cleric, so by the time I was able to get back to the Awakening Gardens, the curse had sunk into my blood," he said. "Angela could have healed me, but I decided to keep the affliction, as a reminder," he said as he brushed dust from his boot. He grinned slyly at Naota as his occupation in Iria was questioned. 

"I was and still am for the most part, a black market fence and merchant. I don't suppose you've heard of one Duke Greer by chance? He would have died a couple decades ago now?"

((OOC Duke Greer is just an npc I made up for Drae's background. There is some info on him in my profile)

Author: Naota, Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 11:06 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

His eyes softened, taking the compliment even if it hadn’t been meant that way: a deity of knowledge calling you wise was always something to have pride in. Though of all the sins, pride certainly wasn’t his own. He nodded slowly, eyes flicking down to Drae’s leg with a silent wince. It was clean and healed, but still he imagined getting such a wound wasn’t fun on the day whatever it was tore through his flesh. Scars intrigued him, reminded him that at one point all of them had been mortal and easily extinguishable. Many of the crescent bites of vampire and their kin had faded from Naota’s skin, especially with the spread of holy markings: that much celestial energy drained away their undead touch. At this point he wondered if simply touching a vampire would be enough to destroy them.

In a sickening way it disappointed him that the challenge was next to nothing in comparison. Not that he enjoyed hurting people, but finding a difficult task was seldom these days. Part of him wondered if that was another factor playing into why he did so much out of his comfort zone and domain to help. Yes, he wanted to aid Revaliir, but aside from it stretching his own horizons, it wasn’t easy for him: that in itself was relieving.

Even so, the light came back to his otherwise dulled eyes; a common occurrence when he was getting lost in thought, “Tell me, how exactly did you get that…?” He nodded towards the scar Drae had shown him on his leg, “Nearly all of my scars have healed now, leaving no story of combat left on my flesh, so forgive me if it comes off as a bold question…” He was hoping it wasn’t since he had been comfortable enough to show him in the first place, coupled with a laugh at that. “I never asked…Before you ascended, what did you do?” His own life had been turned upside down with his ascension, and while he knew that some deities kept large pieces of their past lives, he hadn’t had that pleasantry or sense of stability during his transition.

As long as he had known Angela, practically from his childhood in comparison to his age now, it still shocked him that he knew next to nothing about her husband. How had it taken nearly six decades for the two of them to even sit down in conversation? Then again, while he had known Angela as both mortal and immortal, Angela had always been The Mother in his whole life: there were many things about her even that he didn’t know. Well, all of them had ‘til the end of eternity now.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:47 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Drae leaned back and listened as Naota explained what it was that he had in mind and how he wanted to take upon the undertaking rather than ask it of Angela. Drae watched and listened in interest with raised eyebrows as he gave his reasoning as to why he would not put upon Angela for any of what he wished to accomplish. He made perfect sense, and it almost made him feel bad that he suggested he take the query to Angela to begin with. It was true, if she tried to fix the world in one fell swoop, it would drain her, possibly to the point that she fall from grace. He hadn't considered that. The shiny one also made an excellent point that just because they as gods could theoretically do something, it was more a matter of whether or not they should.

Drae chuckled as Naota posed the hypothetical question of telling paladins and clerics to stop their work just because he held a monopoly on the divine magics. "I can't argue with that. I would rather go bald and blind before I have to step up and do all the research I see the mages and alchemists of Iria doing on a regular basis. You are wiser than I might have given you credit for," the Keeper admitted and raised his glass to Naota. "It was foolish to imply that it was an endeavor that you should not pursue. I meant it more as a caution, but it seems you have already taken my wife's motivations and feelings into account on the subject. I commend you for it."

The nervous smile on Naota's lips as he tried to bring a touch of levity back to the conversation made Drae chuckle. He waved his hand to dismiss the comment about their opposing views of nobility and chivalry. "Meh, Kid, I have nothing against you chivalrous types. If anything I have to give you credit for it, the world would be a lot better if there were more of you about. It just has never done me any good. And I joke not, it has literally come back and bitten me before," Drae chuckled as he revealed a fading silvered scar on his right leg. "I don't think it daunts my opinion of you, just be aware that I might mock you for it later on if it turns back on you."

Author: Naota, Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2017 12:38 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

His lips parted when a chair was summoned for him, and he politely dipped his head and sat down. The cushions hugged around him, but not so much that he didn’t feel supported. It was very comfortable and welcomed against his muscles. When the decanter was offered to him, he took it gently and nodded another thanks to him before pouring some for himself. From its mouth flowed a dark and rich tea, one he often had in his childhood. The leaves were kept at his temple, usually for newcomers that needed an extra shot of warmth against the blistering cold that surrounded his home. He smiled, wondering what enchantment he had used to have such a thing, but he’d politely ask later. For now, he drank from his cup, enjoying the warmth between his palms as he listened.

A soft laugh escaped him, “Yes, in some ways I can agree…” That was to his question of immortality. He and the other deities had been blessed with this lifespan, but he’d decided to try and learn as much as he could with his newfound and infinite life. Revaliir was like them: constant, unending, what better way for him to spend his time than by learning it and trying to help it? Though he reminded himself not to talk at too much length with that for fear of sounding like an overenthusiastic environmentalist. There was something in the other man’s gaze when he had spoken of his efforts, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it and decided against analyzing it too far.

His lips parted with his next words though, and he couldn’t help but think he had said something he shouldn’t have. What could it be though? Despite himself he grinned with a brief and short laugh, slowly nodding as he mulled over his next words, “Leave such things to Angela? Of course not. She has the power to heal and give life as is her domain, but there are multiple reasons I would not just cast aside such efforts.” Oh no, here it came, he hoped he wouldn’t sound like a wide eyed and hopeful youth. His mouth took the more logical route rather than emotional and his eyes softened as he thought of The Mother,

“She has not put all of her energy and time into healing the world and restoring it which tells me it's one or more of several possibilities.” he held up a finger each as he listed, “ One: it's not as simple as her snapping her fingers. Two: if it were then she would have done so by now and for a particular reason she has not. Three: her efforts are needed in other places and she has not the time or desire at this moment to pour her energy into mending the world and its woes.” The fourth he kept to himself, and it had more to do with worry than anything. Healing an entire world by yourself…? It had to be unfathomably draining, and he’d never wish such a task solely on anyone, not even someone as strong as Angela who already did so much for everyone.

His eyes moved down to his mug, watching the grains swirl in the hot liquid before softly continuing, “All of those reasons aside though,” he paused for only a moment, “Just because someone has the ability to do something doesn't mean they should be the world's crutch. There are many mortals that are working to help the environment and keep it clean and safe. Many that are trying to figure out how to help.” His eyes lifted back up to the other’s, searching them briefly, “Should we tell these people to halt their efforts and no longer care about helping the world's ecosystems just because a deity holds life and could solve it herself? Of course not…” It wasn’t fair to anyone if you did that, especially Angela.

His lips upturned in a gentle smile, and so too did his eyes brighten in their emerald glow with pride, “Just as I'd no sooner tell a cleric or paladin to stop their pursuits simply because I am the end all to holy magick.” Quite the contrary, he heavily encouraged any and all that were curious in the ways of his domain to learn and train. Teaching was one of his favorite things to do, and he was so lucky to be able to do it every day that he was at his temple.

“For me, the question isn't if a deity can solve all of the world's problems alone, it's if they should. Because then what are we but slaves to Revaliir and its citizens…?” His eyes saddened ever so briefly and his voice quieted again, “It's a damaging road to walk down for both sides. Would you tell a scholar to pack up his books merely because you hold domain over knowledge? I'd like to think not and that you would encourage people to quench that thirst, just as I would always encourage someone's holy pursuits so long as they hurt none…just as I'm sure Angela would never try to stop someone from trying to better the health of the world if they held the ability.” He could imagine Angela standing with them, her eyes bright with pride and amusement and he felt his own softening again.

It was then that he realized he’d hunched against his knees; elbows propping him up as he held the mug between his hands. He sat up straighter, his voice returning to its usual volume though soft as always, “And either way, I would never task another individual with my own pursuits, and I've already thought many times of going to Angela for aid,” Which was of course true, “But I will only do so when I have findings to present to her so that any help she may give will be much easier and less time consuming for her.” Her hands were already so full as is, it was one of the main reasons he had hesitated in going to her for help as of yet.

“Being the deity of knowledge you are familiar with the scientific method…so surely you can understand this process.” Aside from that, he knew that his love for his wife was great, even if he had never met the man before today. Ah…it had happened, too much talking. He wasn’t used to talking at such length and instantly felt warmth rise into his cheeks. He cleared his throat and turned his eyes away before drinking down more of his tea: giving his mouth something to do other than talking.

A nervous smile edged at his lips as he tried to bring the mood back to the lightness it had held before such a heavy discussion, “If someone being noble and chivalrous bothers you then I'm afraid you and I are in for a very awkward reign because those are two words I hear others use to describe me on nearly a daily basis.” He laughed a little and returned his gaze to Drae before setting the now empty cup onto the table.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2017 7:28 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Drae chuckled as he flopped down into his armchair throne and summoned an equally plush chair for Naota to sit in, while a crystal decanter appeared on a small table between the two chairs, complete with glasses for the pair of gods. The decanter would pour a beverage specific to each deity, and in Drae's case from the crystal tumbled some of the finest wine from the Awakening Gardens before he offered it to Naota. 

"Please, help yourself," he said. "But what point to immortality is there if not for the pursuit of things that mortals might otherwise not be able to obtain?" he asked throwing his hands to the sides in a questioning gesture. He listened to Naota as he sipped his wine and almost scoffed at the shiny one's current goal. It was lofty, but noble. Drae had little tolerance for nobility, but he wasn't about to disrespect another God. 

"I do hope you've consulted Angela on such study. In the ways of healing and prolonging life, would not the MOTHER OF LIFE be the one to speak to of that, or better yet, leave that to her?" he asked Naota, his brow quirked while giving the God of Light a skeptic glare. "Not that I want to put upon my beautiful wife, but…. that is her thing, after all."

Then a thought occurred to him. "Unless you are specifically referring to the citizens of OUR beautiful continent. If that's the case, I wish you luck. The fact that WE are tolerated here in this land at all is a Celestial sent miracle, regardless of any… noble intentions," he said, his face suggesting he took a bit of dislike to the word. "Forgive me… nobility and chivalry are traits that I was never endowed with, nor have they served me anything but a sucker punch," he said, grinning enough so that it was clear his teeth were no longer all that humanoid. 

Author: Naota, Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:06 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

His eyes glinted as they walked and so too did his smile, with some hidden meaning he wouldn’t utter any time soon. As he listened to the other speak, he looked forward; eyes landing over the intriguing collection held here. Some things he recognized, others were like items from another world and his heart lightened to know how much Revaliir still held to offer. The face of immortality was sometimes more terrifying than that of death, and knowing that the world was finite while he was not, could leave a heavy feeling. Boredom was the most dangerous sickness one could fall ill too, and he’d make sure he wouldn’t be one of those. The closer he got to his first century, the more his anticipation towards that built. His children would appear older than him when that time came, and the realization horrified him.

None of which could be seen in his eyes as he comfortably answered him, “My time spent there is unfortunately not only from my recent years. I don’t speak much about what my life and profession was before my ascension. Though,” His eyes shifted, keeping them forward as he tried to find the right words to describe it, “I kept my reasons for being there as a means to a happier end.” Even now he knew he wouldn’t cower or hesitate to use his past connections should the need arise, “We’re stupid when we’re young.” The comment was abrupt, but honest. As they were taken back to The Occulus he looked over at him again, his eyes soft but face serious,

“The difference between light and darkness is a finger snap. Sometimes you have to spend time in the dark to truly understand the ground you normally tread.” His eyes lifted back up to the spheres, watching the lights as they lazily spun, “At this point in my life I just need to have the confidence in myself that my intention will overtake any power I might borrow.” Magick came from many places, and he knew Drae understand that better than most being what he was. And he’d have been lying if he were to tell him that he, the God of Light, had never once thought about how easy it would be to give in to less savory practices to meet a goal. For every holy weapon, instrument, power, he had, he had just as many unholy in his repertoire. Both needed to be understood, if nothing else so that he would know how to combat his opposite.

“If I were to tell you the very long list of things I’ve searched for, already found, and am still seeking…Well we’d both have plenty of time to fill the rest of our endless lives, wouldn’t we?” He smiled over at him, his voice shifting back to a lighter tone. It wasn’t often that he was so serious, “On the more gentle side though, currently I’ve been studying and looking for anything to prolong life and restore health. To citizens, the world as a whole: I find myself flickering all over these days. There are times that I feel as though it’s a second job to my godly duties.” Not that he was sorry about it. He never would have pictured himself as an environmentalist. Humanitarian yes, but in search of ways to help the planetary ecosystem as a whole? His twenty-year-old self would have laughed.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 11:09 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Drae took note of Naota's interest in the silver and gold tree, and almost took a wary step closer as the God of Light stepped closer to the gold and silver tree, ready to intervene if it was necessary. He had seen the effects and temptations of the Tree of Knowledge in the past, and it was interesting that the former God of Knowledge still held such sway. Naota however proved to have a stronger will than some others had and Drae was relieved when he stepped back. 

His question as they turned away from the tree made Drae smile. "No, not yet. But I expect that will change before too long," the Keeper chuckled as they continued to step through his ever growing collection, walking past the various items. He paused and raised an eyebrow at the shiny man walking with him as he was questioned about his findings and dealings in the Iria black market. 
"That's an interesting line of inquiry, Naota, and certainly not something I would have expected you to have any sort of interest. Might I ask why you ask? I have no shame about my business dealings, but I have a feeling that you are asking with something specific in mind. I've dealt in everything from spices and silks to contraband weapons, alchemical ingredients, and ancient relics. And I still do business in Iria on a regular basis while my Head Librarian Magnus keeps things running here," he explained. He snapped his fingers and immediately they were transported back into the Occulus. "Are you looking for something specifically?"

Author: Naota, Posted: Thu Jun 8, 2017 2:26 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

He stepped closer to the apple tree and tilted his head to the side. While he had never actually met Judge in person, there was something familiar about it; a smudged thumbprint against his otherwise neat and tidy memories. What was it? Suddenly he had the urge to reach out to his sister for…well he wasn’t sure what. The answer to some question he didn’t even know, and right now could not even think of why he was pulled to her of all people when the deity of knowledge was before him.

Something about looking at this tree, knowing that merely one bite would tell him any and all he could ever hope to know, was such a temptation that it set him on edge. He looked away from it, instead returning his attention to Drae’s face as he spoke to him. His eyebrows rose as he listened and slowly moved his eyes to Angela’s Hobby Horse, nearly identical to the one he’d forged from the materials of the soul stream. It was back at home, safe and sound with anything else he obtained from the other deities during their high times.

Now he couldn’t help but wonder, “Does that mean you have something of mine here…?” He looked back at him, the edge of his lips quirking up in a playful smirk. “If you don’t mind me asking, I’d like to know about your findings in the black market. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t spent my fair share of time behind closed doors pending…certain situations.” And since his forced resignation from his family’s legacy of vampire hunting upon ascension, he’d always been on the hunt for something or other to fill that void. Luckily, he’d kept it all as the means to a positive end.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Tue May 9, 2017 12:06 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

He wasn't wrong, Naota was entranced by his collection. His question was a good one, and one Drae felt like the answer might be a bit disappointing. "It is haunting, being so near to things that belonged to powerful beings such as ourselves at one point. I am afraid to disappoint you though. Until I met Angela most of my exploits were limited to Iria. But you would be surprised what you can find while working in black market trade," he replied. "Except that one," he said, pointing to yet another apple tree, though this one was smaller, and visibly different to the Tree of Clarity in the center of the Temple Library. 

"That's the true Tree of Knowledge, grown from the last apple of the former God of Knowledge and Wisdom, Judge. There must have been a single apple left because it was the first relic that came to me once Tar Eisalae was fully formed. I have to keep it heavily warded to protect against the extreme temptation to eat of it," he explained. He looked at Naota. "It isn't just the old ones I collect from," he said, pointing to Angela's Hobby Horse. "Part of my calling here is to keep us all from being forgotten. Finding these relics didn't happen on accident I have come to realize," he said. "You look as though you are looking for something specific?"

Author: Naota, Posted: Mon May 8, 2017 10:26 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

His eyes softened, reveling in the obvious comradery between him and that ever-expansive family. On the whole, he still wasn’t sure what to make of the Rosenites, even if he was now married to an extension of the family with little ones at that. At the end of the day he would trust The Mother’s judgment at the very least. As much as he wanted to extend that to the rest of them, there was still that pit in his stomach, no bigger metaphorically than a grain of sand: doubt. Either way it was nothing to dwell on and it was good to see that they’d trusted someone so deserving with gifts such as these.

Fascinating didn’t even begin to describe how everything in The Oculus worked, all of it interconnected, and he felt the itch of wanderlust once more. It was difficult to keep down that burn at the soles of his feet, he was still unused to being so stationary even this many years after his ascension. It didn’t help that he and Echo had travelled together for so long, but she and their children made up the whole of one very strong peg that helped keep him in one place. He didn’t regret it.

His hand rose gently, instinctively, catching the silver fruit tossed to him, and he looked down to inspect it. Apple of Clarity… Already his mind was buzzing with the possibilities this held. For a moment his eyes were distant, shining over once before returning to normal as he flicked his wrist and sent the apple back to Suisho no Kyuden. Clarity… He’d put his experiment to work later once he returned home. Those thoughts were dashed upon entering the Relic Room however. An immediate pulse ran through him as his eyes landed on each item; his lips parting with a feeling he couldn’t quite put to words.

Something about it chilled him, to be so close to things that had come from those fallen. He swallowed down and breathed out slowly through his nose, trying very hard not to seek out a relic from one very particular person: the one person he would have wanted to find something of in this room more than anyone else. Though he knew deep down there’d be nothing here and that was what stung the most. She hadn’t fallen, she’d left, and taken every trace of her with her along with even the knowledge of her name. For so long he’d wondered if he’d gone mad and imagined her. He pushed away those thoughts and a soft smile returned to his lips, the light returning to his eyes even if it was edged,

“If I may be so bold as to ask, how did you come across such items from the Old Ones…?” He stepped over to a pedestal, his head tilting curiously as he inspected it. I like to think you would have enjoyed it here… She who always seemed to know so much. Then again, knowing her, it would unintentionally turn into a competition. “It’s haunting.” A word which hardly seemed to do this room justice, though it wasn’t meant negatively in the least. “You must have been all over the world for some of this,” he chuckled, “putting my traverses to shame.”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 7:12 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Drae actually looked at Naota in surprise, but he grinned. "You take my views then. I can always use a good logical mind to bounce my research ideas off of," he said with a smile, Naota's great interest in all he saw making him excited that he had invited the shiny deity to visit. It was clear that the man was one of understanding and great intellect. Frankly, Drae hadn't been able to put up with a lot of intellectuals because even though they were great researchers (in the fields of magic at least) they seemed rather backwards about simple things like whether or not the world was flat like a plate or round like his spheres suggested. To his credit, Naota's questions were fantastic and Drae was only too happy to answer him. 

"Queen Willow of Sularia and the Rosenites gave me a very potent gift," he pointed to the massive floating, rune carved pieces of stone that rotated around the outside of the Occulus. "These are sections of the Himiria Star, which greatly augment magical fields. It allows me and Tar Eisalae to sense changes in the world through the magical fields that sweep across the oceans and lands according to what is already known," he explained. "Tar Eisalae has a direct connection to all recorded discoveries. So if anything knew ever is found and recorded on paper, Tar Eisalae and I will sense it, and we update the map together," he explained. "At least that is how it is supposed to work. I mean, the newest thing to be 'rediscovered' technically is Sidhiel. Since that was technically already on the map, the only thing that changed was the name and the placement of cities," he said. "We'll be ready if anything truly new is ever revealed in the world." 

Drae chuckled. "You are more than welcome. Your mountain top might be technically closer, but the Occulus will get you the closest you can get without having to actually go there yourself," he said as the levitation plate carried them to the main floor. Drae stepped off and walked up to the crystal tree with the sparkling silver apples. He carefully plucked an apple and tossed it over his shoulder to Naota. "An Apple of Clarity. I don't give out knowledge, but I will facilitate the acquisition by offering a clear mind and focus," he said. "I had to work for the knowledge and magic I have now," he explained.  He had noticed Naota's perking at the mention of his Relic Room. He wondered briefly if the shiny god was always this easy to read. He couldn't complain though, he rather enjoyed the fact that he was so interested in all that he had put together. He lead Naota to the Western Archway in the great circular Library. Upon crossing the arch's threshold, the room became almost museum-like, with items kept on pedestals, and protected by visible, but translucent magical wards. 

"This is my Relic Room. Everything I have collected here has come from the events that the Gods have put on, or belong to the old gods themselves," he said as he showed Naota the collection. 

Author: Naota, Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 1:50 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

His eyes widened and his lips parted as he watched and listened to him speak. The frozen youthfulness of his face was even more outlined from the near childlike wonder in his eyes as he slowly stepped up the curling stairs with Drae. The light of his crystalline eyes glowed brighter with curiosity as he kept them transfixed. Slowly he nodded, taking in all that he said and recalling many nights on his balcony looking out into the great expanse of mountains around his home. There was the slightest breaking point at the horizon that even his great eyes could not see passed. A curve in the world would make sense, and he’d never truly thought about it that way. It was like the remains of a fingerprint in the back of his thoughts: how many times had he travelled the world in one direction only to end up back where he started? Nowadays he flickered anywhere he needed to get, travelling by way of light in many cases, but he easily drank in this idea.

“Radical isn’t the word I’d use. Logical seems much more fitting.” His lips quirked up in a small smile, still keeping his gaze on the moons and great map. He watched after him as he quickly moved down the stairs, but what he’d just said caught his attention. Quickly, he looked back at the great sphere, imagining the diamonds of stars that would alight it for study of the night sky. Yes. That was definitely something he’d come back to see should Drae honor his request. Those most unreachable of lights, they’d always called to him, but his thoughts turned to Nemu…his friend who had fallen from the heavens. This could prove to help him return should he want to. There was still so much to know, so many new questions forming, but it only made sense when in a domain of knowledge.

To catch up to him, he flickered through a soft flash of light and stepped on the platform in time for it to bring them down. As they descended he looked over at him, finally verbalizing some of his curiosity, “How does the sphere keep up with the many changes of the world? That’s quite a bit of powerful magick there.” His eyes kept that youthful wideness as he continued, “One day, or night, I’d like to come back to take a look at it to study the stars. Even from a mountain’s top you can only get so close, and I think this could unveil a few mysteries I’ve been trying to solve over the decades.”

He visually perked at mention of this ‘Relic Room’. Was that where he was taking them? His fingers moved to Torinasu’s hilt, trying his best to steady his spiked energy. Despite how calm he was in movement, he was boosted to a level of excitement he hadn’t felt since his firstborn’s introductory outcry into the world.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 12:25 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

"Well, I won't disappoint you then," Drae said and spread his arms out again to indicate to the Occulus. "This is the Occulus, which functions as my throne room and as an observatory for the rotation of the heavens," he explained. He motioned for Naota to follow him up and around the observatory stairs. 
"Now, these orbs you see here are my own creation. I know most people believe the world is flat, but just based on what I have observed with with the movements of the night sky, and the the moons, I have come to believe that Revaliir is actually round," he said. "Radical idea, I know, but you know what, it kind of makes sense, at least to me," he said. "Now, you can see the map of the world reflected in the orb as we know it now. We might discover more land masses and when it happens, Tar Eisalae will change the map to accomodate anything new," he said. "The smaller orbs represent the moons Parvpora and Canelux," he said, "I have a vested interest in the change of the moons, being a lycan myself," he said. "And then the Occulus itself can amplify the view of the night sky to better stufy the stars," he said before he quickly moved back down the stairs. "I noticed that you were impressed with them. If you ever feel the need to come study, by all means," he added before he stepped down onto the the blue levitation plate and motioned for Naota to follow him onto the plate before they began going to the lower levels. 

"Tar Eisalae is a lot bigger than it looks initially. Spatial magic allows it to expand to the need of the visitors depending on what part of the collection they need to access," he said. "I have practice rooms for those wanting to hone their magic skills, an alchemy workroom, and then there is the Creature Reservation and the pride and joy of my collection, the Relic Room," he said as they descended to the main Library. 

Author: Naota, Posted: Sun Apr 2, 2017 2:35 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

He chuckled as he watched him, able to see easily how this was the man that Angela held so dear. His eyes softened and he followed his gestures to the sphere he had been formerly admiring. He still wanted to get closer, inspect them with finer detail, but made sure to keep his feet on the ground as he walked closer. All the while he kept his gaze on them, feeling lulled from the almost lazy way it turned, “It’s no imposition at all. To be perfectly honest I could spend hours in this place.” Which was quite the understatement if he was true to himself and his usual almost unquenchable curiosity,

“Knowledge is a very vast playground and your realm seems to embody that quite well.” His eyes fell to his, a slowly spreading smile forming on his own lips, “This place would be quite the trap to a thirsty mind. And you know,” His eyes glowed brighter in excitement as he looked back up to the sphere, “I enjoyed the puzzle at the entrance. Having them littered about is interesting: a lot of substance and not just show. I admire that.” Which was true.

“You and I are similar in the fact that I also haven’t been to that many of the other’s domains. Maybe it’s the Parvporian blood.” His smile shifted, still there but dimmer in many ways. He’d done well to keep his domain away from any major cities of his home continent. The pain brought on to the twin tree had not been forgotten and he wasn’t keen on seeing a reenactment. Honestly he was a bit worried for this new deity, not that he couldn’t handle himself, but he would hate to see any harassment. His own seemingly unending kindness could only be stretched so thin when threat hung in the air…

Again he smiled, pulling all of that negativity back: it helped that Torinasu fed off of it and helped drain it away from him, “In any case, I’m glad to have an ally. Most that come to my own domain forget we’re even on this continent…I’ve tried my best to make a point of that and only feel a little bit of shame for it.”

Even his own family had mixed feelings when he’d first ascended. That hurdle had been jumped by this point, but even that knowledge of knowing that families could be torn strengthened his decision in being so far away and secluded. Sometimes he wondered if leaving the portals to his temple around Revaliir was more of a risk than an actual aid to others. Ah well, no attacks had happened in his years as a deity and he’d be ready if they ever did.

“Enough serious talk though,”he laughed softly, “Show me more of this place before I lose my mind in curiosity.”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 12:30 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Drae couldn't be sure if the buzzing inside him was coming from the anticipation of meeting Naota, or from the magic that crackled through his bones as it did through the Occulus. Angela liked the young man, and it had been her idea that the pair of them actually meet and talk. Drae was more fond of forming an alliance with the only other deity in Parvpora. If things went bad and the people of Parvpora again rebelled at the idea of having gods in their midst, then the pair of them would be in big trouble. 

He stood with his back to the stairs, waiting while gazing out through the Occulus at distant Jasumin lake, trying not to tap his fingers or tap his foot in impatience. Naota was good enough to walk up loudly enough for him to hear, though it wasn't necessary, since Tar Eisalae was buzzing in his ear, telling him exactly where the visiting deity was located. Drae turned and opened his arms to Naota, motioning to everything around them. 

"Welcome, Naota, to Tar Eisalae," he said grandly. His first thought when his silvered gaze found Naota was this: holy SHINY Naota was literally brilliant, with glowing markings that patterned his skin and glowing eyes. Drae suddenly felt very drab in comparison, but there was nothing to be done. "Believe me, you are not the only one who has been left wondering why. I know you've visited the Gardens to see Angela plenty. How we kept missing each other is a mystery to me," he chuckled. "And thank you for accepting my invitation, I'm grateful it wasn't too much of an imposition." 

Drae motioned to the giant floating sphere that represented the moons and the world of Revaliir. "Tell me what you think. I'm feeling a little self-conscious. I've seen the Sundering Gardens, and visited Moliira's realm, and visited the Temple of Love and Strength before she fell. My interaction with other Gods has been limited, and so I've only seen a fraction of what the others have created," he said. 

Author: Naota, Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2017 2:31 AM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

(( OOC: Apologies if I did anything for the temple description wrong, just act as if he didn't do it @_@ Also, if the coding is messed up I apologize, still figuring out the new text editor aargh ))

He had stared at the invitation to the new god’s temple for quite some time now, for some reason uncertain as to what to do. For as long as he had known Angela, as many things as the two had done together, or a length of her family, he’d never met her husband. It was strange to realize that now, but for some reason the man wasn’t ever there. Stranger still, he knew he wasn’t absent, it was almost as if fate kept them dancing around one another.

When he learned that he was a new deity to Parvpora he couldn’t deny that he’d perked. Literally. For a while it had only been him, and even so he kept himself so secluded with his temple that most days it was more like he was on another world. After all, most people made it to his temple through the portals of light and black tourmaline dotting Revaliir: it was easy to get lost in escapism. That was the point usually: to have people feel separated from their troubles and fears of the outside world.

But now, now, he was going to another god’s temple. Come to think of it, other than Angela the only other domain he had visited was Dalanesca’s…and it had not been a pleasant departure when their ‘conversation’ ended. She had unintentionally threatened his pregnant wife, and in true evil’s fashion showed no remorse. Yes, it would be some time before he would bring himself to be around her again. Then again, with the two new deities it was only a matter of time before conclave would be called…On that day he would be more prepared.

However! That day was not today. Today he was pacing his own throne room. Should he tell Echo where he was going…? No, no it was best for her to not have to worry about his deity affairs, he liked to keep that as far from her as possible to save her stress. With their triplets they had their hands full enough as it was. Tucking the invitation into his belt, he teleported from his throne room to the nursery. The nurse had grown more than accustomed to his coming and going and nodded to him with a smile before returning to her duties.

The room smelled of youth and he gently kissed their sleeping brows before flickering away in a silent flash of light. When he came back together it was at the edge of Drae’s temple. His lips parted, eyes widening as he took in the great structure. Power radiated from it and he was urged to touch this foreign material. Quite an addition to the conclave this was, and soon worry was eclipsed by curiosity. Still, his fingers brushed along Torinasu’s hilt as he walked towards the entrance. He smiled, it was a puzzle: he loved puzzles. Lifting his hand, he brushed his fingertips along the words and felt the raised letter, “Ah…” With a light push he pressed it in and moved into the temple.

It was always interesting to see how a deity’s home was put together. Though it was strange to see the history of a man that he felt he should have met long before his ascension. In truth, he could have spent hours here, especially after getting to the library. His own library was one of his favorite areas back at home, and he was always intrigued and excited by any new information he had yet to come across. But he had an invitation to answer and kept himself focused as he made his way to The Occulus. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but his eyes blinked a bit and widened from what he saw upon entering. It should have come as no surprise that the deity of knowledge would have so much of the world in his throne room. He was drawn immediately to the globes, but again, did his best to keep his focus.

And then he heard the presence of another and his attention quickly shifted: the white markings that lined his skin glowed brighter as did the natural emerald hue of his eyes. His lips parted as he saw Drae for the first time in person. So as not to stare he instead smiled and made his footsteps heavier so as not to surprise him in any way, “Thank you for your invitation…I’m embarrassed to realize only now that the two of us have never officially met.” His voice was its usual softness, yet kept itself from being smothered by the hum of magick constantly stirring in the room.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2017 10:35 PM, Post Subject: From one God to the Other [GO]

Everything was in order, so what was he worrying about? At least that was what Tar Eisalae was asking him as he was swooping around the main floor of the library like an overgrown bat. The alchemy room was tidy, the Reserve was carefully warded so that nothing would start a rampage in the library, the practice rooms were ready and waiting, and the Relic room was waiting for those who would come to marvel at the relics of the past. 

"I'm expecting another God, what do you expect? I do want to make a good impression after all," Drae said looking up the central shaft to where the Occulus was crackling with energy, mostly likely from his anticipation of the visitor. Tar Eisalae was not empty of people, but it could have been more busy. 

The Temple Library hummed again, and Drae again looked up at the Occulus. "I do make an effort when Angela visits. Just a different kind of effort," he muttered. There was another crackle and Drae rolled his eyes. 
"I know I have never cared, but I didn't expect to become a God after all," he pointed out. There was a hum of concession, and Drae turned and almost began pacing the floor. Why was this so different than when he had first met Angela in Wyllmochvar, or when he had invited Dalanesca out for a drink after the whole debacle between her and Angela? That was simple, he had never out to impress anyone.