Lorgaine

Corallium peered down at all the books, scrolls, tomes and pieces of parchment spread out haphazardly across the table in Revan's wake.

“Sloppy.”

She said out loud to herself as one of her fingers nudged the edge of the tome he had incanted from. It was all in ancient tongue. The writing distinct yet nonsensical to those who were not competent in the dead language. Even Corallium had to admit that she could not call herself knowledgeable in the old dialect of the Gods.

It wasn't that she couldn't read it. No she knew the language but not well. To read just a single line would take her complete focus and a long time to translate it in her head. She would not have been able to regurgitate it like Revan just had in a matter of moments. But then again he was much older then her and the ancient tongue had been the only language at the beginning of time and many millennia's to follow.

However, Lorgaine had developed and changed much since those days. For good and for bad. But all was at it should be for now. Yet, the change was significantly markable. She felt the others of their ilk realizing the alteration in the fabric of their kinship as Revan finished his Spell. The feeling grew strong by the second as Fate's changed, emotions ran high . . . and soon they would be upon her.

She knew they would come. All of them. Come to her. Searching for answers. And when they came she wanted to be on her grounds. They could not harm her, if that was their intention if they were on her lands . . .

But there was time still . . . Now that Revan was reoccupied with his business, that he hadn't, Coral realized with a hint of fury, bothered to discuss with her. She would not be left on a need to know basis. The next time she saw Revan this was definitely going to be remedied whether he liked it or not! However, now that he was occupied with his business. Coral smirked, she could take a few things into her own hands. The things that Revan was able to make her forget all too quickly with those damnable breath ceasing kisses.

And if he was angered by her actions? Well, then so be it! Her Providence would not be torn to pieces by his Wolves! Nor would they be undermining her authority any longer!

Sighing, Coral waved her hand over the writing desk scattered with Revan's research. The table cleared. He obviously hadn't thought or simply cared whether someone else would stumble upon what he had been up to. She figure it was the latter but she cared. The Moderator only knew why . . .

Sometimes, the Goddess of Fate felt as if she ran the whole of Lorgaine by herself. It may sound impossible but there were times . . . most definitely . . . when Fate seemed to be the only one weaving it's web the way it was suppose to be.

One second Corallium stood in Librus' archives Great Hall and the next, the Fateful beauty was staring down the waterfall clouds that ran down the edge of Nemesis like a gushing flow the ends of which could never been seen.

“M-mistress Fate?”

Quivered the slave girls voice from behind as Corallium had called to the girl through her mind.

“Come here child.”

Coral said peacefully to the young maid, the sole survivor of Revan's fury, not turning from where she stood at the edge. She felt the girl's hesitation even if she did not see it with her own eyes, yet she obeyed and soon stood at Corallium's side.

“Speak your heart child.” Corallium said with a neutral smile as she turned partially to look at the ragged maid. “Tell me what it is you desire most in the world.”

The poor girl looked on Coral's beauty with fear and mistrust yet a hope lit her features. A hope Corallium knew well that the girl did not dare hope upon.

Sympathy was one of the many traits Corallium thought herself free of but it was also one of the more prominent ones that also reminded her that she was half Mortal. And she was grateful for that.

The girl opened her mouth to dare speak. However it took her a fare few moments before she stammered out a coherent sentence.

“I-I wish t-to be ba-back with my family.” The last few words a mere few whispers on her lips.

“Is that all?” Corallium questioned evenly with a motherly smile as she ran her hands down the girls long dark hair, who nodded furiously in response with tear stained eyes and cheeks.

Coral ran the same hand down the girls too skinny arm until she grasped her little wrist. The next moment a terrified shriek rent the cold night air. Alas, nobody would hear it. The girl flailed wildly as the only thing keeping her from tumbling down the edge of Nemesis was Corallium's hold on her wrist.

“Please! Please!” She whimpered and cried furiously. “Don't let me die!”

“Why? Whatever gave you the notion I would do such a thing?” Corallium teased with a false disbelief in the girls plea's. “Silly child . . . Alas, you must leave this dreadful place.”

“No-”

But before the maid could finish her final plea Corallium let go of her tiny wrist. A grin spread across the Goddess's lips as she crossed her hands behind her back and watched over the edge as the girl fell through clouds and stars and the night sky. Her screams no longer even an echo.

Her eyes watched gleefully what only an Immortal could see from way up here. The ragged girl landed on her bed. The sound rent through the small cottage causing the entire family to rush in to investigate. Coral watched on as brothers, sisters, mother and the father hugged the child they thought long lost to them and tried to convince the girl that she was not dead or dreaming. And on the prompts of her family's questioning explained to them what had just happened.

“Praise be to the Goddess of Fate. We shall forever from this point forward be her faithful servants.” The father declared as he hugged the girl and wept unabashedly.

Lady Fate's heart soared at the reunion . . . Revan maybe mad, the thought crossed her mind causing her to frown a moment . . . But . . . Corallium didn't care as she watched the family huddle together and weep happily . . . There were some things, she realized she just could not give up . . .

Arabella had left the meeting rather hastily after finding out that there was to be a duel between the Goddess of War and the God Revan. She disliked only a little but it was purely because of the reason that she was the "Lady of Love" and supposedly only loves everyone. 'That's only the job I was given...I can still feel other things.' She thought to herself feeling very bold and proud.

Arabella wanted to do something. She had grown bored with her duties and decided that wouldn't it be fun to create a creature that was incredibly dangerous, unpredictable, yet beautiful and cunning. She thought for a long time about such a creature lurking the lands of Lorgaine. She decided that it was time to give herself a real title. The creator of a gorgeous but deadly creature.

The sky was dark like a storm was coming as she got onto her pegasus and rode to one of Lorgaines volcanoes. It was hot but she couldn't get hurt, however feeling the need to protect her horse she sent it away and stood at the edge of the volcanoe. She started to sweat and feel weak as the radiation from the firey pit was emiment. The air smelled foul and she knew that she'd have a most grostique odor stuck to her if she did not bath. She took a deep breath and as her eyes started to glow and turn into an opague white, she lifted her hands into the air with force. Once Arabella heard thunder hit, she summoned the lava straight out of the volcanoe and formed it into a massive firey ball. She kept it there using a great amount of her strength and waited for a bolt of lightning. She only waited about two minutes before a tremdeous bolt struck a few miles away. Keeping one hand in the air to keep the lava ball in place she broke her right hand away and brought the lightning into her hand. She held a blot of ightning for only a few moments before throwing it into the lava and making it harden magically into a molten lava rock. She keep the rock in the air for a mere second before sending it plumeting into the volcanoe. Arabella smiled and dropped her hands panting. She twinkled a ray of light into the magma, sending some of her magic into it. As the magic was absorbed into the magma, suddenly a shriek that sounded like thunder rang out only it was not thunder at all. A gigantic fire bird flew up out of the magma and circled the mountain crying out and spreading fire around the base of the mountain setting some trees on fire. Soon it made its way back up and hovering over the mouth of the volcanoe in front of arabella, bowing its head. She commanded it to obey her and she climbed onto its back and fly to the mountains in the South Western part of the land. The Phoenix settled on top of the mountain in the rocks near the cliff. Arabella got off of it and stroked its beak lovingly. She whispered, "Aturdokht." And disappeared.

She reappeared atop the coldest mountain in all of Lorgaine, in the southest part of the land. She used her magic once more to command the blizzard around her into a twister formation and sent her ray pf light into the tornadoe of snow and ice. She formed it onto a sphere of ice, massive in size. Just like before a deafening scream of thunder shattered the mountain. In an instant a pure white glowing phoenix bursted through the ice barrier from inside the sphere. It flew and circled Arabella but breathed icicles around her acting most proud. Arabella shot it with a spark of lightning and it landed on the snowy mountain in front of her, lifted its head and cried out, shaking Arabella to the core. Arabella struck the bird again with a small zap of lightning and finally the bird obeyed and let Arabella climb onto her back. They flew to the Southern West Mountains back to where the male phoenix was left.

When the female phoenix landed she immediately took off to the male fully intrigued by his presence. She laughed and smied whistling to the female and watched as the bird turned its head and called out flying sadly back to Arabella and away from the male. Arabella whistled for the fire phoenix and it immediately flew to her person. The two birds nuzzled each other affectionately and Arabella put her left hand on the white phoenix and her right on the fire phoenix's beaks. She looked at the fire male phoenix and murmered again, "aturdokht." Then she looked into the blue eyes of the female and whispered, "Eldrinakhta." She stroked their feathers for a moment then let them play on the mountain together. Arabella sighed and made her way to a small clump of trees where she found an exceptable oak tree to lay under and she sat there looking up into the sky watching her new creatures fly around together in the sky above her on the Sephorian Mountains, oblivious to the events occurring in her world around her in the land of Lorgaine.

_____________
Athena
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After everything that had happened, Athena needed to hack away at something and so she went back to the Arena. Revan's blood and her own was still on the white floors. The Valkyries moved several training dumbies and other items into the Arena. Athena was punching away at two blocks of "God's Steel" (the steel she used to make her sword) while her servants set everything up, her blows denting the blocks and numbing her knuckles. The War Maiddn kept this up while she re evaluated everyrhing that had happened as of late.

Revan was a threat, a damned monster. No one was safe from him, not even she and now they couldn't keep track of him. Thank the Moderator no one had made an invisiblity cloak for if he got his hands on it, there would be no stopping him! The War Maiden had broken the skin on her knuckles, blood poured down from them and it got on the ground as well as the steel but she did not stop. Thinking about her Kin being in danger stressed her out and the fact that it was her fault made it only worse. Punching away at the metal blocks relieved her of this stress.

Scenes of the duel flashes through her head. "Imagine that raged...unleashed on your kin.", she told herself as she finally took a breather. "It'll be on your hands Athena... It'll be your fault.". Athena buried her face in her bloody hands. "I have to stop him or die trying...but how?". She recalled how Corallium had cheered him on throughout the fight, how he saved him from becoming a decoration on Athena's Sanctum, and how she kissed him after the duel. Yes, Revan had gained Lady Fate's favor. Athena would be visiting Corallium rather soon but soon was not now.

There was something about the dream she had that perplexed her. Athena could not put her finger on it but for some reason the dream seemed very important as if it had some secret meaning behind it all. And if it did have a secret meaning, some hidden message, there was no way that Athena would ever discover it. Not without help...and she knew someone who might be able to help her.

The War Maiden snapped her fingers and a Valkyrie flew to her immediately.

"Send a message to Lady Love. Tell her that I request her presence in my Sanctum...but first fetch me some bandages, Im bleeding everywhere.".

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Exiled Prince
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"Then tonight we drink in honor of Sargon.". All eyes turned to where Kahn sat but these words did not come from the old man. They came from the Prince, Gunter had returned. "Sir Isaac and Wilheim have found a suitable clearing for our camp.". The Prince, who was the smallest of those present eyed the group of strangers and removed his wing adorned helmet so he could properly address them.

The Prince had silver hair, an odd hair color for humans, and red eyes. The red eyes would have been normal if the boy were an albino but he was not. His skin was not pale but was very faintly tanned. These traits, however, were very common for members of the Royal Family of Novgord. Why even Lord Kahn, the over weight magician, had red eyes but his hair had turned grey with age.


"You are more then welcome to stay the night with us. We may have little, but what little we have we will gladly share with you.".

Arabella lay under a tree and had apparently dozed off a bit for she awoke to a cool breeze in the air. She looked around and saw that the Phoenix's were sleeping net to each other in a clearing of trees. They were cuddled up together and seemed to enjoy each others company. Arabella couldn't help but smile as she thought of the wonderful creatures she had created. She walked over to them and lightly placed her hand on their tucked in wings. She ran her fingers through their firey and icey feathers feeling how soft they were. Arabella Eldrinahkta (the female) on the head first then went over to Aturdokht (the male) and kissed his head as well. Arabella felt conflicted on leaving them here but she knew they had to be let alone and have their own free will sometimes.

Arabella shifted in a pure white hawk and fly off the mountain the base of it and across the land around it trying to find one of her temples. She spotted a tiny town in the distance and then spotted the unmistakeably high steeple above all the other buildings roofs. A painless window was her entrance into the temple and she flew through it then landed on the bell. She jumped off it then changed back into her normal state of being. She walked down into the large room that made up more of the sanctum and sat in the throne behind the altar. She reviewed all the gatherings and gifts that were laid out for her around the stone table. Arabella smiled seeing many roses and different kinds of flowers and foods, she laughed quietly to herself seeing that someone had left her a dove. She walked over to it and smiled opening its cage and taking it out in her hands. She lightly stroked its soft feathery head with her index finger, then lifted the dove up and set it free. She watched it fly away then returned into her throne and played with a white rose in her hands, fingering the petals softly.

The wish maiden sat on the window sill watching with a puzzled expression on its golden face and did not know if it had been seen or not. It was too preoccupied pondering on something. This something was an anomaly that the valkyries detected several centuries ago but had yet to solve... And it invovled Lady Arabella. Athena's servant sat there thinking for a few moments longer before it shrugged and let its wings carry it to the embodiment of beauty and innocence that was Lady Love.

It landed on the rose that the Goddess toyed with in hopes that this was close enough for her to see her and more importantly still, hear her (fearing that if she was not seen the goddess would crush her with one of her massive fingers). The Valkyries had voices so small even the Gods had difficulty hearing them! Now looking up at the giant that was Arabella, a sudden shyness fell on the Valkyrie and with this shyness came embarassment made obivious by its bright golden glow changing to a faint bright red. And of course frustration marked by the purple and grey that came before it finally returned to gold. The little lady cleared her throat and did not look Arabella in the eyes out of fear of becoming shy again and passed the message on the Goddess of Love.

"Athena wishes to speak with you!", she shouted and ignored the sudden light headedness that came to her, hoping she did not need to repeat herself.

As Arabella fingered the white petals of her rose, she noticed a Valkyrie fly onto it. Arabella smiled and tilted her head slightly as a sign of respect towards the creature. "Hello. What brings you to be in my presence, little one." She smiled caringly at the tiny being and thought of what a special creation it was. They were so tiny most people could barely hear them, including Immortals. They also were able to fly and their sheer size made them entirely unique.

Arabella tilted her head down close to the Valkyrie to hear what it had to say. She listened closely and heard that Athena wanted to speak. Arabella let out a small chuckle and leaned up. "Well thank you Miss. I appreciate you bringing me that message from my dear friend Athena." She smiled and then noticed the natural glow of the Valkyrie turn red thean purple then grey. 'Poor little Valkyrie is a bit shy.' Arabella thought feeling sympathetic to the creature. "My little Valkyrie there is nothing to be ashamed of. I won't hurt you or anything. You can trust the Lady of Love." She giggled softly to herself as she slowly and softly stroked the Valkyries head, so that it did not hurt her or push her down. She smiled and lifted the rose and Valkyrie above her. "Please return to Athena and rest a bit after your trip. Tell her that I'll be arriving shortly." Arabella instructed the little one.

Once the Valkyrie got off the rose, Arabella placed the flower on her thorn and transformed into her white hawk form. She flapped her wings a few times before taking flight and heading for the sanctum of the Goddess of War.

Once she had arrived she was greeted by the guards out front, who had straightened their posture when she past them as to show a sign of respect and to make sure that she would not mention to Athena that they seemed to be slacking. However Arabella just smiled and nodded a silent thank you to them and entered the home of Athena. She came into the great hall and was greeted by a follower of Athena's. "I am here to see Lady War... Please, tell her I have arrived, please." She said kindly with a smile and slight bow of her head.

“Elves!” Jregh was fuming as he turned on the God within his command tent, entering as soon as he managed to pry Tché away from his men. “You promised me weapons and soldiers, instead you tell me I am to make nice with those creatures!” Taken aback by the Ork’s sudden outburst, Tché obviously had not expected such a negative response, “Hold on! I promised you help, nothing more nothing less; and I bring you allies which is bloody well more than what you’ve got now.” Jregh leaned over the table in the centre of the tent, his eyes narrowing menacingly towards the God of Rebellion, “The Orks out there are willing to die for our cause, to put their lives on the line in the name of freedom and justice. Each and every one is an army in themselves, fuelled by the fires of spending a lifetime beneath someone else’s boot.” Tché was caught by the Ork’s eyes, the passion and commitment that burned had rapt his attention, “They will be martyrs before bowing to another simply because of their race ever again, and they shall bring a dozen of those who try to oppress our people with them in their journey to Athena’s Halls.” The God almost laughed at the reference to his sister, although thought better of mentioning it that Greenskins would be the last thing welcomed in the realm of Warmaiden. Moving to within inches of the Ork’s features, he met his glare with one of his own, “What about a hundred?” Sulgha’s eyes looked away, knowing what would follow, “two hundred? Five hundred?” The Ork’s vigour was dashed on the rocks of the God’s cold calculations of war, “By the Moderator, a thousand?! All of them follow you because they think you have a chance of winning - feth knows why - but they know what they signed up for.” Tché was gesturing now at the tent flaps, Jregh backing away under the onslaught. “Do you? You are taking on the entirety of the Orc race at the moment Jregh, with a few thousand poorly equipped and fed soldiers to do it with. The only reason your escapade hasn’t yet failed is because of the Elves and their little war.” Suddenley, Jregh pounded his fist on the table, causing cracks to appear down the grain, “They are the enemy!” The exclamation left only silence in the room. “As our people suffered we were shunned by the Elves and their ilk, treated as little more than beasts for slaughter and revile.” As the Ork spoke, Tché found himself for the first time wondering about Jregh’s history, before their first encounter on that fateful day; where had he come from? Who were his family? Did the charismatic leader of Orks even have one? “You ask not only myself, but all of those here to fight alongside beings that have scorned us for as long as we have existed. They are the enemy.” “And yet, you share a common foe and face it Sulgha: you need all the help you can get. The Elves are fine warriors, and if I might say, desperate.” The Ork stood there for what seemed to be an eternity, pondering the decision ahead of him, trying to find some kind of an alternative to what he knew must be done. To fight with Elves disgusted him, that he had no shame in admitting, as would any Greenskin, but only a fool would deny what the God was saying; truth be told what Tché offered was quite literally a godsend and Jregh could not pass it up. Sighing deeply in resignation, he nodded in agreement, “Very well. I shall meet with the Elves. But I want your word that your next visit will bring us swords and shields.” Jregh looked at his ally, he knew from past experience that the God of Rebellion was changeable and all too often lost sight of the cause which he claimed to support, blinded by the conflict and blood that stained the ground where he walked. All too often this meant that the ideas were corrupted, disfigured and mutilated before victory was even claimed, but Jregh would not allow the immortal to deviate from the course, of that he could be certain. Tché grinned as he made his way out of the tent, “You insult me Jregh! Think a bit bigger. You’ll get your arms and the ammunition with which to use them.”

Tché had much to do, but the wheels of change were already in motion and building up speed; his first priority was to secure the Orks their weapons. He was somewhat irritated that Librus had refused to aid him in the matter, although truthfully he had expected as much. All the same, the God of Rebellion had his sources from which to procure the material – this wasn’t the first armed uprising he’d supported after all. Stepping into a non-existent doorway, Tché’s mind was racing through the possibilities and challenges as they presented themselves, relishing the challenge; however, a frown etched its way onto the God’s face. He felt a sudden absence in his mind, he couldn’t pin down the feeling; if was akin to a constant white noise which you had never noticed suddenly being switched off. The silence irked Tché more than he cared for, and although he knew little as to what it meant, there was no doubt in his mind that it could only mean trouble; one name stood out in the unknown: Revan Thanatos.

Sulgha did not even wait for the God to depart before he called Yukrogh over, “Yukrogh! We need to make ready to move immediately, we go on the warpath my friend.” The Ork grinned with excitement as he relished the coming battles, “For where do we march my Lord?”
“The Elven lines, it’s time we go and pull the high-breeds from the flames.” Yukrogh saluted and bowed to Sulgha, hesitating momentarily before seeing to his task, “It shall be done. And Naryna has returned from the Northern Peaks, she says they encountered a band from Clan Thamak.” Sulgha’s eyes widened in surprise, “An entire band? They could be on top of us at any moment! How did they find our location so easily?” Yukrogh simply shook his head in reply, “Naryna claims that they found them dead. Slain right where they stood.” Now Jregh’s attention was devoted to the matter, “Dead? But front is far from the Northern borders, are the Clan’s beginning to fracture?” Reaching into his pocket, the Ork produced the split ends of a number of bloodied arrows to the Warlord, who took them up, their make instantly recognisable – lacking both the harsh edges of Orcish weapons and the elegant lines of those of the Elves. After a moment Jregh looked up at his second-in-command, confusion clear on his face, “What are humans doing in the North?”

"Hello, dear sister. I'm sure you've noticed Revan's disappearance. Before you say anything, let me make it known that it was indeed my fault. In my blind hope, I thought Revan could change. It seems I was wrong..."

As Librus stepped into the grey halls of the dammed his voice was beaten as he spoke to his sister, causing her frown to deepen slightly as she shook her head.

"Brother, I do not blame you for hoping that Revan could be redeemed and in all honestly I do as well but I fear that he must be dealt with in favour of salvation." She sighed softly before continuing "I wish to see him brought to justice for his crimes, as I dread to think what severing his connection to us signifies and do not wish to see more added to his already long list of wrong-doings. Will you help me to rally our brethern to bind Revan in chains so that he may be brought face to face with his actions? Others would rather see him dead first, and I will admit for a moment I was among them but Kelmor has stayed my hand and I wish to do the same for all of us."

She gestures towards the table before pouring a cup of tea for the wizened god, a pot of Kelmor's design which is kept in the Librus' alcove.

"What say you?"

---

"Well. Well. Well. How sweet of you dear Corallium" The dull, dry voice echoes out from the shadowed hallway as Menoth slowly enters the circle of candlelight. "Rather interesting that Revan vanishes from existence and in his home we find you, giving his sole remaining 'slave' a new lease on life." He clicks his tongue and raises his right hand, palm first towards her in order to stay her retort for a moment "And don't sully this meeting with false words and pretty lies. You'd be surprised what dead eyes see when two gods make passionate love upon their corpses." He gestures towards the grinning remains of the household, many of which are moving gently in time with his words.

"What has he done? I ask only because it intrigues me, and if it aversely effects me then I may have issue with it."

---

Deep within the bowls of the earth, Kelmor made his way through long winding pathways that were forgotten by even the gods of Lorgraine. He made his way slowly as the way was littered with dangers to even he, and rushing such a task could be ill-advised. It had been a long time since he had visited this place and it felt to him as if his overdue visit was fated. Especially given recent events.

"Not even Revan would be that desperate... surely..." he mutters to himself as he continues down the hidden passageway.

The Great Hall (referred by some mortals as Athena's Hall of Mead) , and some rooms adjacent to it, was the only portion of the Sanctum that was open to mortals. Because the Sanctum was not in Lograine but in its own celestial plane, only the most faithful could visit it at will and as Lady Love could see warriors of every race were present but not every faction. Not many took note of Lady Arabella, they were too distracted with their worship, but those that did took the time to greet her. They never noticed one another. Athena had made it this way so there would not be any acts of violence in the great hall.

The prayers were silenced by the sudden entrance of the War Goddess who walked by each of the mortals present and sent them on their way. She seemed well, her wounds had completely healed it seemed but this was an illusion that would be broken when one saw the slight limp in her steps. Soon the hall was empty and as soon as it was, Athena cut the act. She sat down in a chair that materialized before her and gave a long sigh. Suddenly Athena did not seem so youthful and hearty as she did just a minute ago. She seemed stressed and there were notiable strands of grey hair on her head. This all went away when she lifted her head and greeted her sister.

" My apologies Arabella. It has been a very eventful as of late...even for me. "

It was a rare thing for Athena to let any of her siblings see her as anything other then the strong, confident, Goddess of War. Anything she thought she could deal with herself or she interpretted as weakness, she kept to herself. Yet for some reason it was Arabella who got a small peek over Athena's walls. This was the anomaly the valkyries had noted.

"I have something Id like to discuss, a dream I had after I defeated Revan, but first I must ask you, how are your temples fairing?"

In the dark he moved, like a shadow in the night. Formless, shapeless but with absolute purposed he drifted through the black. Revan Thatos stepped now along a path lost to time ages ago. In the heart of the earth a tunnel had been scored into the rock in order to create a single chamber and within it would be held the greatest horrors this world had ever experienced. It was at the entrance to this chamber that Revan found himself before a massive gate forged by magic and designed to be impenetrable as was the whole of the prison. As Revan stood outside the door looking in at the demons within they howled, cursed and roared for blood for it was Revan who helped put most of them in there, some single handedly. The beasts within were all massive, each one so big it was almost unfathomable. They were from an older time, an ancient time when Lorgaine was still in it's formative stage. It was the forces of their existence that shaped the world. Mountains were crafted when they tore into the earth, oceans were created when they ripped holes into the stone, nearly all natural landmasses were of direct result of their savage nature.

Yet it was these beasts, these Leviathan who refused to relinquish their seat at the top of the world when the Moderator created the gods and so the first war had begun. The battle was bloody on both sides but when the gods overcame their hulking rivals these few remaining survivors were imprisoned for all time in the earths core. These prisoners of war looked out of the bars now at their jailer with contempt and seething hatred. One imparticular made his presence felt by the god looking in, Ragnarok, the Hellfire Dragon. He was the first of the race of dragons, it was his apocalyptic fire that birthed the first dragons eggs into existence. The race of dragons has changed much since their savage beginnings. Some have become forces for good, and learned exploits. Others merely horde gold atop misty mountains yet all remember their beginnings, all remember their creator.

"Pain.... anguish...my hatred burns hotter than the cores of a thousand worlds."

One massive eye looked through the cell door to glare at Revan Thanatos who merely stared back defiantly.

"Calm yourself Ragnarok... I come with glad tidings."

"The only thing that could grant me joy Thanatos would be the taste of God flesh."

Revan took a casual step closer to the bars as a wicked grin etched it's way onto his face.

"Then this is a day to rejoice indeed first of the dragon kind."

A growl rolled out of the gigantic maw of the beast as his hellish gaze as he considered Revan's words. A tense moment passed as God and Leviathan eyed one another, neither seeming willing to avert their gaze and relent. Finally it was Ragnarok who nodded slowly.

"Speak then schemer, and give voice to promising tongue."

Revan chuckled and reached a hand into the folds of his cloak to withdraw a single, solitary key. One of only two in existence, one held by himself and the other by the one of The Triumvirate for it was they who forged this prison.

"Then speak I shall... of freedom."

Librus nodded and sat down, thanking Indris for the tea. He glared at the cup for a moment, willing it to show him the answer he so desired. Of course, nothing happened, and Librus sighed. He placed his staff next to him, it's magic causing it to sit upright. This was so unnerving, not knowing where Revan was. Librus took a sip of the tea, savoring it's bold flavor. Many restless nights were ahead of the Immortals...

Librus looked up at Indris. "Yes. It is imperative that Revan be brought to justice. His being invisible to us is dangerous as it is, but he must be planning something very radical. Why else would he permanently mask his presence from us?" Librus waved a hand over the table, causing a glowing circle of symbols and lines to appear on the stone. "I can't even make the spell budge. If we are to find him, we need eyes in every corner of Lorgaine. My owls are more than capable, and I'm sure the others have agents of their own at their disposal. Rushing into something like this could end up very bad." Librus explained, dismissing the circle. It was a communication circle, used to issue commands to all twenty of his owls back in The Archives. The owls did their job well, which was gather documents and record battles through their enchanted eyes.

Librus had ordered the owls to gather in the main plaza and await his further instruction. He wanted to wait for Indris to speak before he did anything. After all, he'd be a hypocrite if he did something rash. Librus took another sip of tea. "So, Indris, what do we do after everyone bands together?" Librus asked.

Katergaris opened his eyes and found himself with a rope around his neck and a large man shouting at a gathering crowd. The man turned to the God and said. "You! Katergaris! Trickster! You have caused everyone in Lorgaine great pain and annoyance! Your 'jokes' have gone too far too many times! You will be hung from the neck until dead! That is all!" The crowd of Mortals screamed out for blood and the executioner pulled a cord and set it off, the bottom dropped and a force pulled Katergaris down.

He hung on the rope, swinging slowly without any movement for a while. The crowd stood in stunned silence. It was possible to kill a God? They were trying but no-one really believed it was possible and that's when they found out. "Um...Excuse me? Is this rope supposed to kill me?" The Trickster God spoke out as he looked at the crowd with confusion covering his face. The crowd let out a sigh in unison."Hey guys! Why are peas small and green? Because if they were big and brown they'd be a Horse..."

Katergaris looked to the crowd, a roaring applause played in his head however in reality no-one moved a muscle. Only a lonely cricket could be heard in the distance. "Tough crowd.." The Trickster God took this as his cue to leave and in a moments notice his stood in entrance to his realm. The box laid on the floor with the handle sticking out to the side. Katergaris turned the handle and a large clown like figure burst out. The Clown had a painfully stretched smile, his lower half was missing replaced with a kind of spring-type substance and he wore way too much make-up. Katergaris nodded at the Clown and spoke. "Hey Jack, how's the wife and kids?" Jack merely shrugged and bent down to look at the God, opening his mouth Jack ate the God.

With an internal sigh, Corallium plastered her usual sultry smile to her pink lips and turned to face the single Triumvirate that stood behind her.

“Menoth, darling. Voyeurism? Really? I didn't know you had lowered yourself to such depravities. Tut, tut, tut.” She teased with a playful shake of her head and an index finger as she walked further towards the shadow that was the Black Judge. “Or . . . Do I detect a hint of jealousy? Hmm? Do you wish it was you whom I would bestow my favors upon?”

Chuckling satirically, Coral moved around the black shadows that curled and smoked at the edges. Piercing eyes following her every mood. Yet, Corallium had no care to answer any of his question, albeit, not truthfully. As was her way with words, it came quite naturally to her. And either way many did not know when to believe her anyway, whether she spoke the truth or falsehoods . . . Just how the Goddess of Fate liked it.

He did not want false words and pretty lies? Then why did he come to her? She would give him nothing more. She would do her utmost best to protect Reven. For some unknown reason even the thought of something happening to him made her feel physically sick . . . Like when he'd almost died today at the fascist Athena's hands!

The memory made her red with fury . . . Yet, the truth of the fact that she felt so protective . . . felt something so strongly towards another she had barely known until recent bewildered her at the same time . . . in a good way. It wasn't about what Revan could offer her. She cared little for thrones and luxuries. Perishable things, here today gone tomorrow. No. Corallium knew she had found something rare, something true . . . and she would do anything in her power to keep it safe and protect it . . .

Stopping in front of Menoth, she tilted her head to the side, pouting as if in thought for a moment before straightening and grinning once more.

“The eyes of the dead lie. I don't remember making passionate love to anyone.”

That at least was the truth. But if the flame engulfing embraces Revan and she had shared were anything to go by she could more then believe that if they ever were to go that far it would be utterly earth shattering! Leastwise, she guessed so, having no experience in the field of bodily pleasure ever before in her entire life.

Corallium tried to fight the desire filled shiver that ran the length of the being as her eyes flashed back to the atomic gaze of Menoth.

“Nor what I do with my personal life is any concern of yours. I'll thank you to keep that in mind the next time you decide to pervertedly spy on me. For it might very well be the last time you see anything, brother, dear.”

She threatened in a low steely voice, that quickly turned to it's usual sweet tedium filled lilt as she continued innocently.

“And whatever do you mean, 'what had he done?' How the devil should I know? I'm not his Keeper. In fact I barely know the man.” Corallium stated openly.

A silence fell between the two Immortals. Corallium studied the beastly Triumvirate before her. A slow grin curled up one side of her lips as she took slow purposeful steps towards the Demon God.

“Why Menoth?” She questioned in a low seductive whisper. “You're not scared . . . are you?”

Den of Wolves, Twisting Nether

Sargon paced around the map that lay before him, around it gathered the souls of long dead leaders who had pledged their lives to the immortal. They argued and bickered amongst one another as old generals would over a battle. Sargon raised his hand to his chin and rubbed it as he overlooked the movements on the map. As he slowed his pace, the bickering began to die down.

"My liege" one of the fallen druids spoke. Sargon raised a brow towards the spirit, giving him the freedom to speak "If what you are saying is true, then Revan will be planning something against the mortal races, even the gods themselves if he seeks to bring forth total justice"

"I would not doubt that evil will fall upon the world of mortals. Revan sees them as nothing more than mud children, instruments of his own 'Justice and Law. He envies the love the Moderator shows for the mortals.'" Sargon looked over the world as the orcs, elves, and man fought themselves and each other "Revan has lost his way, and it is sending this world into chaos. He must be stopped at all costs if my siblings cannot bring him back to the light"

"What would you have us do my liege?" a shaman asked leaning forward

Sargon gazed across the world "Our followers must prepare for war. Revans actions will not be a simple dagger in our backs, it will be a cataclysm of fate itself. Our warriors must be ready to heed the call of war. Each has taken the same oath as the spirits that walk my realm, each willing to make the sacrifice to preserve this earth"

"And the Dragonborn? Dragonmiir and Elyssia?" another asked with caution. Not as wise as he believed as it soon brought rage to the immortal.

"They will not be touched!" Sargon slammed his hands upon the map "They have remained hidden from my siblings for this long, and they shall continue to do so"

"My Lord I was simply stating, their aid could change the tide of any war that..."

"I said NO!" Sargon said with earth shaking command

"Yes my lord" the spirits bowed "We shall send word to your followers"

Across the map dots of silver, blue, and gold had appeared....the silver remained in the north, the blue was scattered across Lorgaine, and the gold moved in three small parties, all towards a single destination....the city of Tharlamorn.

Arabella looked around at everything around her. She saw the marble pillars, floors and walls, oh the walls, they were filled up with fine masterpieces, sculptures, and curtains of silk and linens. She walked down and saw a throne of gold and looked around thinking it was athenas. Then she suddenly noticed she was in a mass of commoners, all kinds of races of the land of lorgaine and other places. No doubt undevoted followers of the war maiden, arabella thought. Arabella felt a bit envious of her. Arabella made pilgrimages to all her temples, although they were not horrible or totally inconvenient but she wanted to meet her followers in a place they felt comfortable.

Arabella shook her head out of her fantasies. Soon Athena appeared to meet her followers and Arabella made her way to the side of the room waiting for Athena to finish her business with her people. Arabella watched the Goddess carefully and knew she was putting up an act, an act of which athena was trying to appear at ease and worry free. But that was not the case. Arabella felt something was troubling her peer, and gazed curisously at her from a far wondering what it was. Arabella knew that athena summoned her about something that she needed her help with.

Soon Athena's dear worshippers, were all sent back to their homes and realms to carry out her deeds and with whatever gifts she'd bestow upon them. Arabella walked to the throne in which Athena sat. She noticed that her friend looked dreadfully tired and worn out from her work. Arabella knew the feeling and it was precisely why she created the Phoenix's to show that Lady Love meant business.

Arabella knelt on one knee in front of Athena, but suddenly when Athena started apologizing she held her hand up slowly and nonthreateningly. "There is no need for apologies my dear friend. We all have our rough times." She gave her a smile and spoke again softly, "What seems to be troubling you? I knew something was amiss with you when I recieved your Valkyrie in my temple. Besides, there is no denying that there is a deep, inner thought troubling you, my friend." She smiled softly and stood back up straight. She took a few steps closer and noticed her friend had wounds. No doubt from Revan, Arabella thought to herself. She scowled at herself for not helping.

Arabella nodded and thought as moment. "So tell me about your dream, War Maiden." She asked seriously yet with her soft caring voice still audible.

Exiled Prince

The four guardians tensed up suddenly, their ears twitched an began to take in larger breaths of air.....

A set if padded footfalls could gently be heared

Their eyes darted back and forth, their bows had arrows notched in seconds.

a wolfs howl could be heared in the distance

Suddenly a large from leaped from the brush splitting the group of humans in half as they moved to clear its path. As it landed the humans saw it was an enormous wolf, easily larger than a human. Yet then again it only resembled a wolf. This beasts arms and legs were longer that a wolfs, and bent in unnatural ways. It stood upon its hind legs and roared. It was a creature of myth and legend, a lycan....

The sound of blades drawing set the guardians into action.

"Stay your blades" Travus said "She means you know harm"

This drew a confused look from the humans. But no sooner had the words left his mouth than the beast began to change shape. After a few seconds, a beautiful woman with dark brown hair stood before them. Her hair hung down covering we bare chest, as she was naked after the transportstion. She walked over to the guardians, shooting a side look at the humans. Travus pulled a blanket from his pack and tossed it to the woman "Make yourself decent Alana" the woman wrapped it around he waist and smiled "What news do you bring"

"The spirits are showing themselves Travus" she said with a gentle voice "They speak our Lords words, and he has brought ill news"

"Alana why were you sent" Travus hated when the Druids spoke in riddles

"War Travus. Our orders are all being consolidated to the temples. To prepare for... The coming Dark" Alana sai

All of Sargons followers knew what this ment....a war of the gods.

"So, Indris, what do we do after everyone bands together?"

She paced back and forth slightly, her anxiety clearly showing.

"In all honestly? I do not know. Hopefully show him his wrongs and bring back our brother. But if needs be we will remove his evil from Lorgraine. It is a prospect that does not sit well with me and I hope we do not have to deal with. But it is a likelihood if events continue to progress as they have been."

She walks over to the alcove dedicated to the lady of war, carefully caressing the sword and shield that signify her in this place.

"I miss the days before the mortals, pity we never made use of that time. Each of us locked away within our little worlds, ignorant of what we could have learned of each other."

---

“Why Menoth?” She questioned in a low seductive whisper. “You're not scared . . . are you?”

"Pretty words as was to be expected, but I see no reason for such falsehoods as we speak of acts hidden in darkness."

He shook his head slowly and cracked his neck gently, the dull sound echoing around the room as his armoured form changed and smoothed to resemble a black polished mirror rather than a spiked barricade. The sound was repeated by each of the dead within the chamber. His helmet faded in a wisp of black smoke to leave his pale patrician, if slightly gaunt features bare to her for the first time.

"Now you and I both know that you and he shared a moment here, perhaps not lovemaking but a moment none the less. Clearly time hindered it developing more. I honestly don't care about what ever label it is you wish to apply to it. And I really couldn't care less if what he's planning results in all life in Lorgraine being snuffed out over night, simply makes my day easier. But my main concern is myself, dear sister; Just between you and me, does his plan intend to harm the pantheon?"

One of his undead minions handed him a pair of glassed filled with fine wine, he offered one to the Goddess.

---

The passage was coming to an end and not that far in the distance; the roar of ratting chains was audible. That and a simple sentance which chilled Kelmor's heart and hardened his features.

"Then speak I shall... of freedom."

He stepped out onto the winding stair that lead upto the plateau upon which ancient gates that barred the way down into the dark prison of the old ones stood. His temperament was unsettled as he listened to the conversation between Revan and those who he offered release from the torment he had consigned them too long ago.

As he stepped out into the open he saw that he made ready to unlock their cage and unleash untold horrors upon the world he had spent aeons guarding from such.

"I had hoped my journey here would prove fruitless, but alas it appears not brother." He calls out, his voice filled with sorrow as his eyes gaze mournfully towards his traitorous kinsman.

Revan paused as the voice broke the air. The feeling behind the prison door was palpable with pure emotion and excitement yet the new presence threatened their release so fear moved in and gripped the hearts of the old ones. Thanatos slowly turned his head to put his glowing green eyes on the source of the voice. It's master was one he knew well, nay one he loved.

"Kelmor..."

Revan muttered allowed, almost in confusion and regret.

"You said you would free us! Do it!"

The desperate plea from Ragnarok caused Revan to turn back to the great eye of the first dragon with an amused smirk.

"Calm yourself, you will have your freedom as promised. I need but a moment to confer with my kin."

It was obvious Ragnarok didn't like this but he literally had no other choice but do do as Revan said and wait. He was at his mercy and no amount of threats or refusal could change that. With a sullen growl Ragnarok nodded slowly and took a slow step away from the door to the ancient cell.

Revan Thanatos turned and found himself in a strange place. Kelmor was not like the other gods, he was the only one Revan actually saw as a brother. The only other immortal he looked upon with favor and thought of him as family. Revan had sent Corallium in to investigate his kin and to see which among them would have a place in his new world but he never imagined Kelmor would need appraisal. He was his brother, he would of course stand beside him in what was to come. Yet this arrival in the ancient chamber worried Revan greatly. If his judgment of Kelmor had been incorrect then he may have to go to lengths he did not want to in order to achieve his goal, damn him if he forced his hand, damn them all.

"Brother..."

Revan began as he took a step toward the judge of the dead, his head cocking slightly to show his confusion at his brother's presence.

"I must say I am surprised to see you here. I had thought possibly Athena or maybe that sprat Sargon I've been hearing so much about but not you. My dear brother Kelmor has hunted me down and tracked me here. I'm not going to lie to you brother, I respect you too much for that. You know doubt have surmised why I'm here. I will release the Leviathan onto Lorgaine. It is... a necessary evil but one that must be done."

Revan made his way to stand just a few feet away from his brother Kelmor as he spoke. Revan's demeanor was always kept casual yet the tension in the air between the two immortals was so prominent it could be cut with a dull knife. Revan's eyes watched Kelmor carefully as he spoke to him. The slightest move, the slightest twitch and Revan would be forced into quick decisive action. May the Moderator help Athena and the others should Revan be forced to strike down Kelmor.

"You know but half of the tale brother. You know what I'm doing but not the why and is that not what is truly important after all? Is the cause of any action not paramount to the action itself? Grant me a moment brother, let me tell you of the future I offer. Please..."

Revan asked, pleaded hoping in the depths of his heart that his brother would see reason and join with him once he'd heard his vision for the future.

________
Athena
________

As the Lady of Love spoke and then raised herself up, Athena was reminded of her sister's ever present beauty. One did not simply say that Arabella was not beautiful, because she just was. And it was this same beauty that never ceased to catch Athena's eye for while the War Goddess saw in herself strength, courage, determination and all those other noble characteristics, she did not see Beauty. Mortal philosophers had stated time and time again the very thing you want most is usually always the thing you can never achieve and this was true in this case. Deep down Athena wished to be acknowledged as being at least pretty, if not beautiful, but it was never so. Another thing she kept from her siblings because she saw it as weakness and the War Maiden could not ever be weak. She had to be the pillar of strength at all times because if some tragedy fell on them she must be strong enough to pull them all out of it. Thus arose another attribute that Arabella had. Her compassion for others.

Her she was, ready to lend an ear to Athena's plights and frustrations, when she had her own. It was tempting. Athena had never let anyone see what was really going on in her head. Athena had projected herself as this proud, fearless warrior Goddess and she was curious as to how someone would react if they knew the truth. But not curious enough to make it so. Lady Arabella would not hear of Athena's faults and weaknesses, only of the dream.

And with that Athena told Arabella of the dream. She told her of the two human mortals, the brother and his sister who were on their way home. She tols her of the bridge and how they were forbidden from crossing it, how the brother disobeyed, and how the sister tried to drag him back over and how the bridge gave and the girl fell into the river of tar that the stone bridge was built over. Athena told Arabella everything she remembered of the dream and when her story was over she asked her sister.

"So what do you think? Could this be tied to what is occuring now or is it just a dream?".

____________________
The Exiled Prince
____________________

It was a fortunate thing that the servants of Sargon had told them to stay their blades, had they not every one of them that could wield his weapon would have attempted to slay the creature they knew not as a lycan but as a werewolf. It's transformation to human form caught the eyes of the Novgordian men but when they realized it was a woman, a nude woman, they hastily averted their eyes. The lady the four called Alana spoke of rising spirits and a coming war but as much as they knew the only war was between the Orcs and the Elves. It seemed unbelievable but then again a God, Sargon, had said a war was coming and there were none amongst them that would doubt the words of a God.

Naturally Knights like those present would like to partake in this war and fight to ensure that good triumphed over whatever darkness came but Gunter quickly intervened before any could offer their sword to the cause. "Then I must apologize and remove my offer from the table. If this is true we must find a way to warn my father and if my men are to make the journey back to Novgord soon, we'll need all of our supplies.". Gunter then turned and begun to walk, motioning for his men to do so as well.

"M'Lord if such a war is coming to Lograine should we not_".

"The Servants of Sargon can handle themselves, our duty as Knights and citizens of Novgord is to protect our home and if such a war is coming then we must make sure our home is safe.", the Prince replied not even looking over his shoulder to the man who spoke to him.

"But you are exiled! If they see you in Novgord they might hang you or worse!", another added.

"Surely my father would understand given the circumstances and if not, then I shall consider my death within Novgord as my redemption.".

Bardin Road

Elyssia and her companions crested the hill upon the road they had been following for three days. Over the hills and dales, forests and streams, they could see a great city resting upon a raging river in the distance.

"The city of Tharlamor my lady" Richard said "Full of wonders and technology of our wildest dreams many say. Dedicated to the gods Librus and Arabella. It is a city of knowledge and beauty"

Ambers eyes glittered with awh "It looks peaceful, even from this distance"

"Don't look to eager lady Amber" Eva said "It is a city full of its own issues. Scholars and scientists seeking to overthrow one another. Royals biding for more influence through lies and deceit. Eris would have more influence here"

Elyssia laughed to herself and smiled. Amber always was to eager to adventure and her curiosity often got the better of her "What do you think Gaius" she said turning to their silent protector. He was staring off into the distant tree line "Gaius?" she asked again, he simply held up his hand signaling them to be silent. Eva trotted toward him "What is it brother?" Gaius pointed to the tree line...

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bandit Camp, Bardin Road

The bandit leader walked over to his two captives, a man and a women, he placed the stool before them and sat down. He pulled a knife from his belt and began to cut the apple in his hand "So, I am going to ask you again. What were you doing sneaking through my camp?"

"We told you, we were not sneaking. We were following a dirt path to Bardin Road when your "friends" ambushed us" Khalan said

The chief laughed "You expect me to believe that?" he placed the blade against the girls cheek "Maybe you need some motivation, huh sweetie?"

"Touch her and I will kill you" Erik said struggling against the ropes

"Little boy, I do not think you have any room for idle threats" the chief said standing up. He laughed and turned to his second who was looking over a map "Arus, when is the next caravan?" No response "Arus?" he walked over and grabbed the mans shoulder. As he pulled him around, the body fell to the ground, an arrow piercing his heart "Ambush!" the leader yelled

No sooner had the words left his lips then three arrows leapt from the tree line to strike at his men. As they fell and two more move to take their place, a shadow leapt from the trees, the sound of steel upon steel echoed through the woods. The bandits so accustomed to fight those ill prepared were caught off guard by their assailants. Soon the two bandits fell to their knees, their hands reaching for their bleeding throats. Another figure emerged, this one clad in shining gray armor, he looked over the field of dead, then down at the two tied prisoners.

"Are you alright?" the armored man said "Can you fight?"

"Aye we can" Erik said "Can you cut our binds?"

"Aye" the armored man knelt down and cut their minds. As Khalan rubbed her wrist she saw a bandit move behind the man "Look out!"

The armored man spun faster than they would have expected, his sword clashing with the bandits. No sooner had he parried the strike than his sword bit deep into the mans chest. Another bandit approached from behind, only to meet a dagger to the throat, the armored man looked behind to see the bandit fall dead, then back to the assassin who nodded an approval.

"Arm yourselves" a female voice said

Erik and Khalan looked to see two magi standing before them, each with magic swirling amongst their finger tips. Soon the bandit camp had been emptied, and the horde stood before the companions. Two magi, a paladin, an assassin, a ranger, and two travelers. Against the might of a bandit horde....

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Exiled Prince

Travus bowed his head "I apologize for such an urgency. We do not get many interactions with your kind so far from human lands. Perhaps one day, I may take you up on your offer" the guardians slung their weapons and turned to leave "May the light of the evening star guide you humans" Travus and his men turned and took off into the woods, disappearing in the shadows of the trees.

Alana still stood around the humans "If it is not a burden, I would seek company of you are headed north. If not then I will be on my way" she smiled an innocent gesture....in truth she had orders second to informing the guardians in this territory.....

If any race seeks to push into Denathor, the North, then she was to follow them and stop them at all costs

Listening with shrewd interest, Corallium paid attention to Menoth's words. Accepting the glass of Wine he offered her but not taking a single sip after having a look and a sniff of the desiccate liquid.

There was no Wine that could compete with the one produced in abundance in her Providence of Lorgaine. Anything else in comparison looked dull and insipid.

“ . . . But my main concern is myself, dear sister; just between you and me, does his plan intend to harm the pantheon?”

Indeed, concern solely for himself . . .

Corallium could believe it, in fact she could in all probability rely on Menoth as an ally . . . If only were it not his loyalty to his true siblings that did not raise a flag. Yes, Menoth in all honesty could see Revan's vision but at the cost of going against Kelmor and Indris? She doubted it sorely and nor was she willing to take sure a risk . . .

“True words can easily change to falsehoods brother dear.” Corallium said to him flatly. “You say your concern is solely for yourself . . . Let's say the choice was between greatness beyond all reckoning and imagination and thus standing on the opposing end of the battle field to that of Indris and Kelmor . . . Would your main concern then be solely for yourself then, where do your true loyalties lie Menoth . . .” Corallium inquired with curiosity. “Speaking hypothetically, of course.”

She smiled wickedly as she tapped a red polished nail against the full glass.

“As for the pantheon and Revan,” Coral added offhandedly “I already told you I know nothing of this. Yes, Revan and I shared a 'moment' but like I said I barely know the man and as you probably know better then I Lord Justice is not a man to openly share confidences, do you truly believe he would share such things with me?”

She laughed coldly at the ridiculousness of the mere thought; hoping he would believe her bluff, yet not that concerned if he did not . . .

She had others to visit . . .

“Speaking hypothetically, of course.” She ended her thinly veiled taunt, her voice tinted by curiosity of her questions answer. His pale features stretched into a soft smile as he chuckled before listening to the rest of her convoluted speech.

"Perhaps our dear 'Lord Justice' may not openly share items of import, but to you I think he might make the exception when you are both hidden in the dark of his den. But no matter, whatever he has planned will most likely result in more souls to be dealt with. The outcome remains the same, at least for me, though maybe not for him."

He slowly takes a sip of the dark red liquid, and lets it linger on his tongue before swallowing slowly as he thinks over her words previously. After staring at the remaining contents of his glass for a few moments he stares at the goddess and locks his eyes on hers as he speaks.

"We of the Trimvirate have no cause to speak falsehoods, really what would be the point? You live, you die, and we collect what comes after. Then the cycle begins anew. What do I have to gain by spinning a web of lies? Spinning a web of unnatural life to set the balance is more within my ken dear sister, and the other is yours. But, 'speaking hypothetically, of course' you ask if it were to come to a battle with me on one side and the other two on the other where would my loyalties lie? Clearly by asking such a question you honestly know very little of me. Regardless of whether such an event would be possible, and I were to be pitched against my siblings, I wouldn't be on the battlefield. My role is to take care of what comes after, nothing more and nothing less."

He pauses for a moment and clicks his fingers, causing all the undead within the room crumble to dust around them. All save one, to whom he hands his now empty glass.

"I punish the souls of the dead, the living matter little to me sister. Oh. And one last thing, I judge every soul for its wrongs when it passes into my court. I trawl their lives, their very existence to find everything for them to be weighed up and found wanting. And while lying usually varies between noble and horrific, but it always errs on the side of darkness. So when my own sister tries lying to my face, she may want to remember that committing an act that I spend most of my time searching for it is rather easy to spot. May you have better luck with the others."

He slowly encases himself in shadows once more as his armour twists and becomes covered in spikes. Till at last only his smiling face remains, and he parts with one last sentence before vanishing from the chambers of Nemesis.

I bid you farewell Corallium, I'm sure you have much to do before this day is done."

---

You know but half of the tale brother. You know what I'm doing but not the why and is that not what is truly important after all? Is the cause of any action not paramount to the action itself? Grant me a moment brother, let me tell you of the future I offer. Please..."

He looked at the somewhat degenerate thing that Revan was becoming, and the sorrow in his heart grew moment by moment. Yet for all his sadness at these events, they were tempered by a slowly burning rage that his sibling would dare to unleash these primordial creatures upon Lorgraine.

"You know I cannot condone their release... We chained them here for all time and that is how we agreed they would stay. We swore they would never see the light of day." He moves carefully towards Revan, his face twisted in a dark frown. His eyes flicker with a dull glimmer of emotion. "I will grant you your moment but I ask you to be brief."

Revan nodded slowly as a serene smile dawned on his face, his brother was not lost to him... not yet. He could not allow that pious bitch Athena to swoon Kelmor with her misbegotten ideas of what right and wrong truly was. Revan would do all in his power to save his brother, to show him the truth of the world. His rightful place was by his side and he would seek to ensure that was where Kelmor stood in the final hours.

"You are stronger than the others... You show your strength by your willingness to first here me out."

Revan shook his head with a knowing smile as he turned away from Kelmor while he continued to speak.

"Not like the rest. They all see only a monster, only a beast off his chain that needs to be reigned in or put down."

Revan paused to lock eyes with Kelmor for a brief tense moment.

"You think I don't know what's going on up there? What they are all talking about in the darkness of your meeting hall Kelmor? They are deciding whether or not to kill me... Whether or not their purpose is great enough to shed the blood of a brother. Yet I see no purpose of theirs, no cause, no goal... I see only fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of losing their comfort in their stagnation, fear of change."

Revan took several impassioned steps toward Kelmor hoping to emphasize his point.

"I am that change Kelmor, I am the great flood come to wash away all injustice and what a task I have ahead of me. This world has become a breeding ground for criminality and corruption. The weak get weaker and the cruel get down right savage. Crime, despair? This is not how Mortality was supposed to live. For centuries I have been the only check against the wickedness of the mortals yet I can no longer sit by and call myself the lord of justice when I'm not willing to do all that is neccessary to achieve true justice. Our brothers and sisters would see my work as too extreme, too violent but violence is in this moment our only recourse."

Revan stood now just before Kelmor, his resolve unrelenting and resolute. This was his true form, impassioned and ready to change the world. This was who he was and in this moment Kelmor had just one chance to join him or be cast aside like all the rest.

"The Leviathan are but a tool that I will exploit to further my ends. They will use their power to busy this worlds defenders from my true work. Athena, Tché, Sargon... They will all fall in the final battle fighting in vain to save a world so decadent they cannot even see that the battlefield had long since been soaked through with the blood of the innocent. No one can save Lorgaine, not from me. The movement to salvation will be unstoppable. The Leviathan will be released, my revolution will sweep across the world, billions of people will die and it is all a necessary sacrifice to achieve true justice. And you... dearest Kelmor... My brother... This is your moment of growth and change. Why you have come here is unimportant, what you do now is. This where your take your rightful place for it is you who should be standing by my side as we save the world."

"I too miss the days before mortals, sister. It was precious time we could have used to do spectacular things. But, we were all too busy with ourselves. A sad thing, really." Librus says in response. Maybe, if they had talked more before the mortals came to be, they could have formed a solid understanding of each other and this rift between them wouldn't exist. However, those times were in the past.

"We must organize, even if we do not have any further plans as of yet. I will not allow this wound to fester. If needed, I hope no one will hesitate to amputate the limb." Librus says, knowing he wouldn't be the one to bring Revan down, which saddened him a little. His magic was strong, yes, but he was not a master swordsman or warrior, and Revan could quickly best him. It was time to drop his neutrality, and side with his brothers and sisters in this coming storm. Afterwards, maybe, he could resume his old ways.

"Well, no sense in sitting around without the others. Shall we send for them?" Librus asks the Pale Queen. Librus had a meeting to get to in Tharlamor, where the headquarters for the Catalogers was located. He had o organize his forces and set them to work. Hopefully, the Catalogers obliged. They'd be Librus' strongest asset, but he was sure that whatever Revan planned, he could have stronger. Librus stands, grabbing his staff, and prepares to head off. He waits for Indris' response.

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Thoughts of Home
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Once at the clearing, any man who could move without too much hindrance from his wounds were busy at work. Lord Kahn, Gunter's Uncle, and two others were treating those who had suffered the worst blows from the orcs. Meanwhile in the center of the clearing, a few Knights worked hard at gathering firewood so they could begin cooking tonight's meal. All others were out in search of more water or wood or setting up the tents but not Gunter. The Exiled Prince was in the center near those attempting to bring a cooking fire to life with his eyes glued to several maps. Within arms reach of him were several other maps and in his sat three books. They were his journals, one for each year he had been away from his home (this was his third).

On the map his hands passed over the land that was Novgord and he sighed. He missed his home. He missed the never ending cold that lasted well into the summer only to disperse for but a few months and then return. He missed the mischievous spawn of Katergaris that was his younger brother and the wisdom of his older brother. He missed his father's lectures and stories of their grandfather ,King Arnold the Dauntless, and his many conquests. He missed the palace that was so large one could get lost for days and he missed walking amongst the people to hear their troubles and their joys. Gunter missed his home and wanted so much to return but at the same time he feared returning.

He feared going back because he had no news of Novgord for the last two years. None of them had heard a thing from their friends or family in Novgord. The only news were the things that they heard from the people of the foreign lands and they were not too reliable a source of information. Gunter could only continue his search for the Sword of Strength and pray to the Gods that all was well in his home...

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Discord and War
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The brooding forests of baltic, one home to the 'dead' Gods, now home to war. The ruthless Akkadian Knights of the Righteous Cause, sent to deal with the Lithian rebels at Livia's request, were now craving a bloody path across all the land. The Lithian rebels fight with grim determination but the Righteous Cause may be too powerful to overcome. Surrounding this bloody conflict are sleeping giants. Novgord, a mighty kingdom jealously guarding their freedom and trade, views the fighting around it's borders as a threat and now mobilizes their armies to silence those who disturb their peace. The Dales, renowned as seafarers and warriors, see the chaos as a chance to expand their borders and are willing to back their ambition with brute force. And of course Livia. A proud kingdom once allied to the Akkadian Knight Order, now battered and regretful, must face the very demons they have unleashed.

Ambition...Greed...Faith... Total War!