Lorgaine

Darkness had a way of consuming joy, devouring happiness and gorging it's self on pleasure. There were few as saturated by darkness as Revan Thanatos so for him to smile in pure pleasure as he was at this moment was a rarity of the ages. His smile was brought on by the words and accompanying sentiment of Lady Fate. She spoke with a clarity of mind he rarely heard in use by his celestial kin. She was a realist, one who understood how the world worked. She did not try and cram it into her preconceived notions of what she thought the world should be. Revan believed himself to be like this. He reacted to what was placed before him and dealt with it with absolute finality. This is what Corallium was doing now. She was being presented with a problem and crafting a logical solution with the facts presented to her.

"Well now..."

Revan said darkly as he strolled across the room, the faint sound of the chirping of bats could be heard as his cloak rustled behind him.

"Aren't you the surpise Lady Fate. Leave the mortals to their vices and hold those who are responsible to deal with the reprecussions... impressive."

Revan said as he paused at her side and gave her something of a warm nod before turning to stare coldly into Arabella's eyes.

"Tell us then prevair of innocence. Does the knowledge that your refusal to reward the orcs your blessings depress you? Is it difficult to swallow that all these deaths fall at your feet? Your precious followers damned do to their patrons selfishness. The same bloodshed you damn me, or Athena or even the orcs themselves for have now been comitted by your hands. Innocence is short lived it seems if it ever existed at all."

Athena acknowledged the facts that had been stated by her fellow immortals. The Orcs were Orcs. If they put them on the other end of the world they would make an armada and sail over just to set things on fire. Build an indestructible wall too separate them from the world and they'll go over and under it to do what they've always done, bash the skulls of whomever they'd please. She also greatly appreciated the support she was getting from Librus and even Revan fancied the idea. Deep down she also was happy that things were being done orderly and civilly. It was a much needed change from the usual nonsense that would occur in these meetings. Why Corallium was even contributing! Perhaps the (countless and long) lectures she had given the Goddess of Fate had stuck after all.

"It seems that Coral is no longer a pup. Good on you girl.". Athena stated this while lifting her goblet. This then followed by the Goddess taking another small sip of her mead. Lady War enjoyed the drink, it had such a rich taste, but it was all soiled in an instant. The shock Athena got from Revan's flurry of insulting accusations directed towards Arabella caused her to nearly choke on her drink. It may be his job to punish those who committed wrong but there was a process. A clear cut step by step of how this was done and it did not involve humbling the accused before they had been proven guilty.

The whole thing caused Athena's blood to boil. In an instant the Lady of War stood between Arabella and Revan, shield in one arm and her hand gripping the hilt of her now unsheathed sword. There was rage in her eyes and these eyes met the cold stare that he intended for the fair Lady of Love.

"If I were in your shoes, Lord Revan...I would find firmer footing for those accusations or I'll cut out that viper snake you call a tongue.".

Revan stared now at the fully armed warrior goddess standing between him and Arabella. So full of rage and fiery indignation she was, a lesser god would tremble at the sight of her. Revan Thanatos was no such lesser god. Nay if anything he was tired, he felt at times that he was older by generations than his peers. Their youthful passions irritated him to no end. His eyes narrowed on the naked blade before him. It shined brilliantly in the splendid hall of the gods. Her shield in the other hand she looked ready to dive into the fray.

This show of force by Athena coupled with her sharp words served only to illicit a deep, wicked chuckle to roll out of Revan's throat as if he was looking at an overzealous pup growling at a wolf.

"Calm yourself child, this is not the place for combat between immortals. If you want to be embarrassed in front our fellows I shall oblige you elsewhere, not here."

Revan took a bold step toward her as he eyed her with disgust.

"I expect more for you Athena. You are a goddess, act like it."

With that Revan turned away from her and strode back to the table where he lifted a goblet that magically filled itself with blood red wine.

"Let us not forget why we are here. To reinforce unity among our kind, not allow ruffled feathers to draw immortal blood as we squabble like children."

“Indeed, let's play nicely.” Corallium said coltishly.

Then again, maybe it would be more fun to let Revan Thanatos loose on Athena.

One it would be more then a little entertaining. Two, she greatly disliked the brutish woman who thought it was her inherent right to lecture Coral on the rights and wrongs of their creed; she who killed men, women and children alike all in the name of War. Athena was the biggest hypocrite here! And three, Coral did not take kindly to being referred to as a Dog. Yes, she was younger then most here, in fact she was probably the youngest amongst all the Elders. However, it did not make her inferior in anyway, though it seemed Athena's constant quest to humble Corallium so in front of their kin.

She had a feeling it was because of the fact that Coral was half mortal. A fact many of the Gods still thought a rumor; too afraid to ask Corallium to her face the words were whispered and reached Coral's ears nonetheless. She did not feel a need to answer any of their questions unless she saw fit. Their fear and intimidation on the other hand pleased her greatly.

She turned her attention back to Revan who was nursing a grail of that disgusting putrid liquid they had the gall to call wine.

“Your surprise insult me greatly, Lord Justice.”

Corallium replied offhandedly not really caring what he had said to her. She was just glad he had moved away from her. That incessant light squawking of Bats was driving her insane, every time he moved the slightest. A second longer and she would have ripped that damn cloak off his back and thrown it to the floor in a ball of fire that would have turned to ash before it hit the floor.

“Do not judge me by the standards you set for yourself.”

She added smiling sweetly as she did so, before she continuing. It was all well and good and rather enjoyable to watch these two battle with their lips but unless anything physical went down, it was all a waste of time and just dragging this arduous affair out even longer then it was bloody well necessary. Corallium wanted this damn thing over with as soon as possible and she still had to have words with Revan Thanatos before she could even leave.

“Now.” Corallium stated addressing her Court again as she straightened in her seat at the head of the table. “Does anyone have any other pointless suggestions or can we move onto the next matter at hand? Does anyone else have a dire problem that they feel they must share with the rest of us?”

Dear Moderator! Corallium hoped not!

"Did you expect more, Vengeful One? Civil debate rarely happens on these occasions." Librus says, voice ever so lightly lined with venom. He was on the side of Arabella. She didn't outright say she wanted every Orc dead. She simply stated what she thought was best for her people. It may not have been a complete thought, but she cared for those that followed her. Revan and the others were simply fools who disliked the calmer, kinder spheres Arabella governed. To suddenly call Lady Love a cold-hearted killer was like branding a sheep an ox. The two were complete opposites. But, what irritated Librus the most was the fact that Revan thought himself leader of this gathering, acting like he is trying to keep it orderly. Each and every Immortal there knew things couldn't be civil long at these meetings. "Accusations like you make are sure to ruffle feathers. Think about what you say, and such things won't happen." Librus snaps at Revan. The Justice God's dark past and strength did not scare him. Especially not in a place like this.

So early in, and things were already going to turn into rolling argument. Librus' goggles turn and click, signifying his annoyance. "Now, we've discussed one solution to the problem. If that's all we have, then I suggest we move on to a different topic as well. This isn't going anywhere." Librus suggests to his peers, seconding Corallium's suggestion.

Librus' bony joints ached from frustration. Looks like things haven't changed in a thousand years.

Arabella became enraged. She had not wanted to be outright insulted. She iris' turned black again but seemed to glow red. She clenched her hand into a fist as Lady Fate slided her hand next to her own. Arabella slammed her hand on the table and stood over the Goddess, keeping her hand where it was. "I do not want your input Corallium! If you hurt my people I..." She sighed and calmed herself, as she gave the Goddess a smile. "I don't have time for your childs play, young Goddess." She turned her head away from Lady Fate and looked at Revan. "And I did not say I wanted them all killed. In fact, I have not played favorites upon any people. It has come to my attention that you all don't seem to grasp what I do. Without my powers over the people of Lorgaine, there would not be any further reproduction of any species. And as you can tell there is no greater population of any of the main species put on the planet. I could have driven them all into hopeless depressions and they would become hopeless and abysis' of nothingness but I decided to try and give them my blessings." She sighed and held her head quite irritated.

Arabella still standing put her hand up to everyone. "Now, I did not mean to cause any further debate on whether or not I am a pointless Immortal at this gathering, but I was only stating my concerns for ALL the people of Lorgaine. Besides I am a much more...lenient woman. Even after one horde of those Orc's slaughtered my dear Pegasus..." Her eyes flickered from black to yellow as she was quite saddened by the fact she had lost one of her horses, but soon it returned to her serious black. She mentally thanked Librus with a nod at siding with her.

"And Revan...I am not a killer. I hate bloodshed...it makes me weak and exhausted. I have only one purpose and that is to help keep my people, including the Orc's in check and make sure that there actions do not combat with my job. Besides, if you are the Justice God, shouldn't you be seeking justice for the many lives the Orcs have taken away from not only the elves but the humans as well? They need vengence, especially for the many who grieve and mourn for their lost ones. My powers only go so far to help mend a wounded heart." She bowed her head and closed her eyes as they turned into a blue again, back to normal. "So, Revan, God Justice and Vengence...what say you in YOUR defense..." She finally sat down in her seat staring at him seriously.

Revan strode forward and stared deeply into the swirling eyes of the love goddess. So full of passion, full of life and loss it was actually quite beautiful. Revan was impressed with her vigor yet how wrong she was.

"I see no crime committed."

He answered flatly, his gaze unyielding. He had no intention of in getting in a shouting match with his kin, that only succeeded in giving him a head ache. Nay he would not give this pointless debate much more attention yet he had been openly question. He should at least answer the accusations.

"As several of our kin have already stated The Orcs are merely doing what they were created to do. To kill, maim and butcher is their purpose in this world. I can no longer punish them then I can punish a bird for taking flight. As for those mortals who seek vengeance I am not at their beckon call. I do not bend knee to every prayer, I have a responsibility to regulate the importance of the prayers I receive. Further more I do not fight wars, the incessant wailings of those humans and elves afflicted by the orcish horde ask for the obliteration of the horde as a whole. Merciful beings indeed yet they misunderstand my purpose. I am not here to commit genocide for those too weak to shore up their own borders. I fight the corrupt, the unjust, criminality in all it's forms. The horde is not criminal, they're just Orcs. You want to wipe them out? If you do not have the stomach to do it yourself ask Athena, she is your goddess of war is she not?"

Revan let his words sink in before he turned away from the beauty with a sigh.

"For what it's worth... I am sorry your people suffer. The orcs are a plague, if I had my way I would have wiped them out centuries ago. Alas that is not our purpose here. We are not gods to do as we please, we are gods to do our duty. Athena to bring order to war, The Triumvirate to judge the dead, myself to punish the unjust. Anymore would be a selfish abuse of our power."

Revan stepped away and was suddenly aware his own words angered him. Why shouldn't they do as they please? Who would know better than they? The Moderator hasn't been seen or heard of since Lorgaine began, who knew if he even still watched from up above. If the Gods set to a course of action who would stand against them? Who could stand against them? How long would Revan continue to fight this endless battle against injustice on a case by case basis? Something needed to be done. Something needed to change. With another sigh he resigned himself to his lot in life and shelved his minds ranting for the time being.

"In any case, as much as I hate to admit it the scribe has a point. Let us move on so we can get on with our duties. I think this little orc problem has distracted us all long enough. Is there any other issues to be brought before us all or can we part ways for another thousand years?"

The crowd seethed and fumed, from afar it looked akin to a single entity a great mass of humanity which chanted and cried in anger at the steadfast line of figures that dared stand before it. But Tché knew better, each individual in the crowd was a man, a woman or a child who had their own hopes, dreams and desires along with their own personal reasons for their discontent. Each figure that found themselves united under a banner of dissatisfaction had their own story to tell, but such things did not matter at times like these. True, the soldiers who stood defiantly in accordance with their orders were worthy of mention too, their hearts burning bright in the belief of the system which they defended before the mob that so terribly dwarfed there number; and yet some were undoubtedly questioning if they would pull the trigger when the time came. All through this, the God of Rebellion watched and waited as his work came to fruition, he had stoked the flames and nudged the ringleaders in the general direction, but he had to pass the credit on for such a mass demonstration to the mortals. He found himself grinning beneath his hood, the mortals were idealistic he’d give them that, the cause that these one’s were fighting for had already slipped his mind, inconsequential as it was; he sincerely doubted many of the mortals that rallied behind it fully understood it either, but they were all coaxed along by the promises of change regardless. Tché had little to do by this point and honestly his presence was not required here, but as he had watched the generously donated arms passed amongst the mob or the anger grows as the citizens’ own protectors sought to obstruct them, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He was in the midst of the mortals taking their future into their own hands, of an example of the sheer will and power that they collectively possessed, his own actions were merely guiding in comparison. The God could feel the tension building in the air, the tangible electricity of order about to break and crumble before the masses; the first shot rang out. A protestor fell, a splash of red flowing from their chest. A soldier went next, not dead, not yet, but crying out in agony as the shot scraped his side. The result was instant. Soldiers, with brotherhood drilled into their psyche, would not stand to see one of their own soaked in his own blood, and the massacre had begun. Tché walked calmly away from the scene as mortals screamed and broke around him, with the vast majority finding themselves caught in the crossfire. He had expected the end result, the protestors could not stand against such superior force, but it might not be so for those who would come after them; as was the way of the world, some must be the stepping stone of those that follow. Turning down a side street, Tché left the sounds of Rebellion behind him, finding himself amongst shadows and the unheard denizens of the town. He walked without pause, he was already late and knew there’d be hell to pay for it but they’d get over it. Finding what he was looking for, the God of Rebellion stopped and rotated the handle of an inconspicuous door, before striding through it only to appear half the world away and before the Hall of Immortals.

Tché had never seen the grand temple with his own eyes before, he had had little reason to visit and he was generally kept quite occupied, now that he saw the meeting place of his king he allowed an admiring whistle to escape from his lips. The structure seemed to emanate power and control, appearing both ancient and filled with its singular purpose; the Moderator sure knew how to impress. The mammoth doorway opened before the God as he made his way inside, the interior of the building no less impressive than outside, with tapestries showcasing the triumphs of the Gods lining the walls. Some of the tales were familiar to the God, heck he could remember some of them, but others were from far before his time. The sound of raised voices brought Tché out of his reverie and reminded him he was at the Temple for a specific purpose, he had to admit he was somewhat curious of finally being able to meet the rest of his kin. Stepping through a final set of doors, Tché found himself in a grandly lit hall, the centrepiece of which was a circular table where the supposedly equal would sit. However, what gripped his attention were the men and women who occupied it, “Sorry for the late arrival. I am Tché, God of Rebellion.”

The conflict between Revan and Athena had caused Kelmor a moment of unease, for the balance within the immortals was beginning to shift into chaos as it always did. He had lightly gripped the hilt of his bastard sword when it had seemed the two would come to blows, if it was needed then he would have stepped in but as usual Revan withdrew his interest from the conflict in an attempt to diffuse it.

"At least its slightly more interesting here than I hoped, but still almost unbearably dull." His voice quiet enough for only the other two to hear.

"I'd say 'interesting' is perhaps a tactless way of describing it." Indris replied, her voice portraying her concern.

"It can only cause more trouble if this continues." Kelmor said solemnly before releasing his grasp on his swords hilt as he stood to address them all, looking into the face of each immortal gathered as he did so. "We came here because it is expected of us to answer the summons, as it is of all of you as well. We did not come here to watch each of you posture and argue over who is the more important or the more powerful or who is the more suited to the issues brought to this table. " He sighed and rested his pale knuckles on the wooden table "We will watch from the sidelines as this course of action threatens to cause strife for this council no longer. As far as we are concerned all mortals are as guilty of upsetting the balance as any other, being born an elf or human affords them no special merit in our eyes. They die all the same, and they are judged all the same." He lowered his head for a moment, his shoulders sagging slightly as Indris places her hand firmly on his right.
"If you all condone the slaughter of an entire race then the balance that the Moderator tasked us with maintaining will crack and shatter. All three races have risked that balance by seeking to reverse the Wheel. But I fear your cry of bloodshed will force them to even greater acts in such an aim, after all when left with no family, no friends and no kin; they have a choice, to seek rest and join those they have lost or something far darker."

To their left Menoth has been sat drumming his fingers on the table, with several discarded books of the lives of those he's tormented after their judgement but as not found them entertaining for long. His brothers speech makes sense but he is bored with it for it is simply stating things he already knows. He slowly raises his fingers up, letting faint tendrils of pale smoke fall from them and form a pair of marionettes. A human and an Elf slowly tap-dance on the table in front of him before he merges their tendrils onto his left hand and summons a third with his right. He begins to have the new arrival, an Orc, battle with the Elf and the Human for a moment before having them sit around a table, mirroring current events.

"If Humanity and the Elven nations think that going to war with the Orcs is the way forward then that is their choice, not ours. And either way, as my Brother has already said, they will be judged all the same. And waging a unjust purge of another species, however noble such an act must be when their god tells them to do it, will still see those responsible suffer till they have earned their place back in the turning of the wheel."

As he finished and turned back to his marionettes, making them socialise and enjoy a civil meal with eachother the doors to the hall burst open to admit another Immortal.

“Sorry for the late arrival. I am Tché, God of Rebellion.”

Eris


ultimately she hated going to the meetings of unity amoung the gods so she decided to take her time on getting there by rallying up her beloved orcs as they rampaged across her dear little sisters love temples. Eris laughed with giddy as chaos broke out as the temples men and women devoted too Lady Loves cause perished under the orcs great battle cry while others were simply to cowardly to fight and ran from the main point of battle. A cruel smile displayed on her face, Eris cocked her head at a diffrent noise a kind of tension in the air and suddenly dissapeared only to appear within a large mob set against soldiers 'a rebellion mmm' she walked amoung the group invisible to the mortals, she reached the front of the line, then dissapeared and reappeared above the crowd in a smaller size of her chaotic form, shadowy feathered wings sprouted from her back, her black hair tied up with a golden band. in her right hand was a silver trident, though it wasnt her favorite weapon it would have to do for now, in her left was the one item that she favour above all else, her golden apple of discord. "how boring when are they going to fight"she waited for a moment before shaking her head in annoyance a delighted smile on her lips "time for some screaming" Eris drew back her left hand and threw the golden apple in the crowd of mortals, immedietly one mortal saw it and made a grab for it but a soldier did too, a shot rang out as the soldier fell back dead, which riled up the others and so the rebellion started.


Most were fighting for their original cause but her apple of discord was still there drinking in the chaos it created, so Eris reached down with her trident, the forked end latched on to the apples delicate skin and she brought it back to eye level. "hmm oh dear it looks like you got a little dirty didnt you" she pouted a little, taking the apple off one of the prongs she held it in her hand its delicate skin now flawless and seeminly untouched by the mortal hands that tried to take it. It began to glow after a while, Eris smiled when she noticed this and took a bite out of the apple. The sweet taste of chaos burst in her mouth as the sweet juice of screams dribbled down her chin then it was all gone "ah thank you little mortals for that wonderful meal" she said her voice laced in sarcasm.


Looking around she spotted a young man in rather strange clthing walk away from the crowed, catching her intrest Eris followed him. Of course he couldnt see her no one can if she didnt want you too even if you were a god but this only worked in the mortal world of Largaine in the gods realm she would always be seen. Eris after he opened a door and step through it, she followed him only to find that he wasnt in the room behind the door but was gone and she easily made the connection "ah a new god I see I wonder of what though" she was indeed curious, looking over her shoulder at the rebellion she clapped her hands as if applauding her work and possibly the young gods work as well.

"oh well only the damned meeting will tell guess i should go, ugh what a terrible waste of time" she then took a step forwards and appeared within the halls of the grand temple. Eris was now in her god form her phantom hair moved with every movement, her body made up of mist, it was constantly shifting with every movement no matter how small, Eris being the way she was dragged her nails across the walls as she walked leaving deep gouges in its surface. As she neared the doors she could feel again that chaotic power of immortals bickering "oh how rude they get into chaos without me the Goddess OF Chaos" irritation obviously displayed on her beautiful features. And because of this her size expanded from irritation but also from the chaos she was drawing upon both from the mortal world and of the immortals, the doors didnt even open for her as she was no longer there but simply mistified on the otherside, the lights dimmed considerably as she laid out in the hall her body nearly filled the whole space.

Resting her head on her hand she began to trace random lines on the floor before looking at everyone "hello my dear little siblings" Eris was mainly referring to the fact that she was indeed larger than they were but also because she was probably the oldest god there. She smirked a little when she noticed the same man from before "oh so you are a god welcome to the family dear boy" her body changed again as she appeared next to the young god even if she shrunk down to their size she was still considerably taller than all of them to a certain extent though. Eris circled the god her back pressed against his shoulder while her left arm traced his jawline. She then grabbed his chin, looking at him the way a grandmother would look at her grandchild before saying "my how adorable you are" and she did say just that, then she dissapeared again and was now sitting on the armrest of her chair.

"I hope you dont mind me messing with your little work, dear I just couldnt resist myself to causing some mischeif, no?" looking at her nails, her misty body swirled and she was now sitting in her chair making sure to make eye contact with each and every god or goddess there. Her eyes glowed red as they lingered on Lady Fate one of the goddess she didnt care much for as she could never really benefiet from the younger goddess but Eris was well aware that Lady Fate probably didnt like her either considering the fact that the girl couldnt even see Eris's fate, if she could it would drive her insane as Eris was also the goddess of Insanity her fate was always changing even if your the goddess of Fate you would never be able to see her fate unless Eris wanted you to see it.


Eris then sat up realizing she hadnt apologized for her late arrival her mouth formed in a 'o' which then turned to a delighted smile. "oh I do apologize for my late arrival my dearest siblings but I was rather busy leaving sweet chaos in my wake" as soon as those words left her mouth she burst out laughing mainly becaise none of what she said she meant, wiping away a tear, Eris's laughter subside as she leaned back in her chair again watching the others. Eris smiled with pride knowing that with her presence, anything could happen, the chances of them breaking out into a fight rose considerably and also because of the fact that she fed off of each and everyone of then; well exept Librus and maybe Alahya but there was always a way to bring chaos into the mix of things. "so tell me what has gotten you up in such a twist or rather what is our topic of the day" she purred, her hair moved about ad expanded, twisting in the air and around her before falling back down and resumed its original movements. even her long strapless dress moved or rather its end did, mist drifting to and from her, around her as she was fed the chaos in the air, her eys full of amusement.

Athena sheathed her sword and returned to her chair but not before stopping next to Revan. Her sword hand gripped his shoulder and she leaned in to whisper into his ear. " Challenge accepted. I will be expecting you outside of my Sanctum after this is all over.".

The Goddess then continued on her way. Once seated she let herself sink low into her chair, her legs crossed and her eyes wondering the room to behold each of her siblings. Whenever they returned to Revan she grinned ever so faintly. Her sword and shield had morphed together and stretched out into a Javelin. Athena's free hand rested on it and no doubt should Revan over step his boundaries again, she would see this Javelin through his chest. Unfortunately, for those who would like this meeting to turn into a brawl, Athena would never defile this sacred place by spilling the blood of any immortal. The javelin was there was a simple threat and reminder to Lord Vengeance. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The two new arrivals did not receive a warm welcome from Athena. The young Lord of Anarchy and her older sister, Lady Eris, seemed to make it their mission to challenge and undo the Order Athena had placed in the mortal realm. They were the cause of Athena's headaches and why Lady Order stayed up late into the night doing damage control in the Mortal Realm. The only comfort she found was in Tche, who had occasionally done Good and placed a few benevolent leaders at the head of their nations. This was a miniscule feat when Athena compared it to the times things went south in the uprisings he stirred.

Athena cleared her throat to grab everyone's attention away from the two she deemed undesirables and spoke. "There is the matter of the Sword of Strength I created some thousand years ago. My Valkyries have lost it's exact where abouts. If the weapon falls into the wrong hands, I fear there would be a great change of balance and power in the Mortal Realm.".

Athena looked at Eris and Tche then added. "On second thought I think It's best if I handle that matter alone. It is my Sword after all.".

Karergaris hung upside down from his chair. He didn't hear anything anyone was saying. Blah blah blah Orcs blah blah blah Genocide blah blah blah Katergaris lifted himself up and looked at all of his kin. They were arguing too much, why couldn't they just have fun? That's what The Jester did and he was pretty happy over-all. They were talking about Orcs, Orcs were horrible beasts, not for what they did but for the mere fact that they didn't have any funny jokes. Katergaris has almost blanked out again when he heard Revan say "Is there any other issues to be brought before us all" Katergaris stumbled in his seat, attempting to slip around to be the right way up with a slip he hit the ground with a thump.

Katergaris was about to speak when he was interrupted by two late arrivals, Tche God of Rebellion and Eris Goddess of Chaos and Insanity. Tche was new, you could see it when you looked at him. Katergaris raised his hand is a large wave. "Hello Tche and Eris!" Katergaris basically screamed it as he looked at them. It was then The Jester turned to the rest of the table.

Katergaris jumped up and looked at everyone a jingling coming from his hat. He raised his hand high in the air. "I actually have an important issue, much more important than Orcs or whatever.." The Jester stood and paced running his hand along the table, looking at each god in turn. His smile was still present but his tone was slightly more serious. "I created an artifact long ago...That gives people super-speed. The Boots of Naz'asboul and someone has taken them and they're running around somewhere causing trouble BUT more importantly still, I'm thinking of throwing a party where everyone is invited, now to get in you have to wind the box and when Jack pops up just say that you're there for the party..."

Revan rolled his eyes as he listened to Athena's words as she made mention of her fabled Sword of Strength and how in her holier than thou idiocy misplaced the mighty weapon. Revan folded his arms over his chest and leaned against one of the many pillars in the room. The distrust she displayed to Tche and Eris amused Revan somewhat, enough to draw the shadow of a msile to etch it's way onto the creases of his mouth as he watched the events unfold around him. He had a mind to voice Athena's folley in loosing such a powerful blade knowing the fool would puff up her chest, demand battle be done and succed only in receiving a blade in her spine. Revan meant what he said earlier, he wouldn't spill immortal blood, not here yet even that custom was beginning to wear on his mind. What a stupid sentiment, what should it matter when and where he punish the foolish or corrupt? He was the god of vengeance and punishment! Who was going to punish him? No one, none would dare and think to live to see another sunrise.

Revan growled in his throat but relented to stay his blade for now, Athena wanted a fight. She'd get one soon enough. On the steps to her Sanctum he'd leave her a sobbing heap. He'd turn her from the mighty, noble Goddess to a beaten, bloodied woman playing at war.

As he mused in his dark mind about all the ways he'd humiliate Athena Katergaris began ranting in that mad way he tended to do about some magical boots he misplaced. The loss of magical artifacts appeared to be a family trait.

Librus shook his head. If Athena and Revan wanted to maul each other, they could and most likely would on their own time. Librus was getting awfully sick of just about everyone, and things would only get worse if Eris was around. That cloud of chaos that floats around her always messed up the meetings some how. "Everyone, get a hold of yourselves!" Librus stamps his staff on the floor, causing the flame of the candle on top to waver a tad bit. "This isn't a fighter's arena. This isn't a lost and found. If you've lost track of one of your artifacts, that's your problem. Not ours. So, unless someone has a pressing matter to bring to our attention, let's wrap up. My joints ache and I want to go home and rest." Librus realized how old he sounded in that last sentence. It was true, though. In exchange for the knowledge he presided over, Librus took on the form of a wise man, weathered and aged by the tides of time. He also took on all the negative aspects of the form, as a personal choice. They reminded him that he was a living being as much as the mortals, and reminded him to not use the mortals as tools, like others of his kin did.

And all this arguing was making his arthritis act up.

While Librus had artifacts, many of which he entrusted to his Catalogers' care, he was a bit more careful. He didn't give them to the first mortal to ask, and he certainly didn't hide them to make the mortals search for them. If they were worthy of the responsibilities that came with Librus' often enchanted artifacts, they got them. The only exception to this was his Cartographer's Pen, a fountain pen that could map out regions in a matter of seconds. That one had accidentally ended up in a war general's hands, but Librus didn't pay too much attention to that one. It ran out of ink long ago, so no problems have arisen from it.

Was Revan Thanatos trying to annoy her on purpose or was he just naturally gifted at it? It seemed every time Corallium took control of the meeting, he stepped in and took over from her. Declaring his dominance over the group . . . over her!

Coral was just about to give Revan a good tongue lashing for his ascendancy when her attention was caught by the late comers introducing themselves.

“Wonderful!” Smiled Corallium, sarcasm thickly lacing her voice “The new Lord of Tardiness and Lady Useless have finally decided to show up.”

The two additional arrivals did little to improve Coral's mood. She had no interest in the newbie, Tché, God of Rebellion. Nor did she care much for Eris, the most useless of all Gods. Yes, in the begin it had annoyed her that she could not read the woman's thoughts but it did not take Coral long to figure out there wasn't much there to read anyway. Chaos. That's all it was no more, no less and of no interest to Corallium.

She listened to Eris, blabber on about herself as always, her form expanding and her hair snaking in every which direction, coming towards Coral. Glamouring a glove onto her hand Coral slapped the live slithering strands away from her face.

“Do control yourself Eris.” Corallium said to the Goddess of Chaos unimpressed by her usual self important display. “Nobody here wants to be felt up by you.”

It was then that Athena and Karergaris decided to bring up their so called problems regarding lost and misplaced items.

Seriously?! Thought Corallium in utter irritation, was this what these stupid meeting were about?! Is this what the Gods thought to be dire problems they could not see to their selves?! This was the reason she had to endure these life sucking affairs.

“If you were careless enough to lose it to begin with, then it cannot be of that much import.” Corallium stated to both the Jester and the Goddess of War. “Who would be idiotic enough to simply 'misplace' or 'lose' something so significant or deadly?”

That was the logic of it anyway. Corallium did not mince words, she said what everybody else was thinking or too afraid to say themselves. At least anybody in the room who had at least half a brain.

“What do you expect us to do?” She questioned with a scoff. “Get down on our hands and knees and start looking for both items?”

Eris

At first she was going to ignore Athena's dirty looks her way but when the girl looked her way, mentioning her great sword being hers and that she would handle it on her own. "touché, no? why even mention your little sword little sister when you don't even intend for us to help you mmm?" her voice dripped fake concern and interest.

Then turning to Katergaris, she disappeared and reappeared besides him her hand on his shoulder "oh dear little brother what a wonderful idea, I would be delighted to attend you little party but there is no real concern on the matter of lost artifacts" her hand motioned towards Librus in agreement to what he said.

"But I have to ask why do you all keep misplacing you things, it would be a shame if chaos was to ensue after they are found in the wrong hands but I'm sure all you would just hate that, well except me" she mirthed, unable to keep back her giggle. She then appeared besides Librus her hands on his shoulders, her fingers pressed into them giving his shoulders a gentle squeeze "now, now Librus no need to act like that, I'm sure our kin can handle their problems by themselves, yes?" looking at Revan and Athena.

Arabella sat in her seat quietly. Se reached over and took a piece of bread and ate it gracefully as she listened to many ongoing conversations around her about pressing issues of the land of  Lorgaine. She turned her attention to the place in which she came into the great gathering hall of the gods as she saw the Chaotic Goddess and Rebel God enter. Late as expected of such Gods with powers such as theirs. She huffed in annoyance and turned back to her food. Arabella sat most disinterested in the conversations although she did enjoy these meetings as it was a good way for all the Gods to disscuss things. But strangely Arabella felt something was going to happen at this gathering, something had or just plain unpleasant is what she felt. 

Arabella pushed her thoughts aside as they were in fact getting in the way of her clarity in trying to listen to the Immortals boast and complain. Although she did not have a problem with Librus and Athena they were two of a select group of the immortals in which she felt that she had a good understanding with and a somewhat healthy relationship. She thought that trying to find their lost artifacts was important in finding besides as she overheard Eris jest to Librus about 'what if they indeed fell into the wrong hands?' Arabella thought about it more and more and she finally said to the Chaotic Goddess, "Leave poor Librus alone. We all know that you have a certain...nack for causing trouble. Don't you Eris." she waved her away gesturing the Goddess to run along. "And if you don't mind we'd like to get back to business and we should all stop bickering with each other and help to try and find ways of helping our allies in their times of need. If not then what is the point in having a gathering of such?" she stated quite clearly. "Besides the food and mead we all love." she laughed softly to herself at making a small jest. "then there is no further point to be here if none of us have made any purposals to help our dear friends' issues, unless someone would like to speak up and ask for assistence at this time. " she finished and nested out her nearly see through white silk dress on her lap. She looked up at her fellow Immortals and waited for a response.

"now please let us all quit our squabbling with each other and act our ages! Please!" Her eyes turned slightly black but not at the intensity as they were before with her fight with Revan. Although she didn't want to, well at least at Athena, she eyed her and Revan down slightly annoyed at their childish ways.

Librus tensed when the Chaos Goddess came close to him and placed her devilish hands on his shoulders. What was with everyone touching him today? "Please, Eris. I'd prefer it if you didn't come so close." Librus said, somewhat dismissively. Librus was old, but she was older, and that made him laugh. But not before the chill from her misty form got to him. She might as well be dust, with that body of hers.


Librus heaved a sigh, and finally offered a solution. "If the need is so dire, I shall cross-reference each of the artifacts and try to discern their location. My records should contain who was the last owner, last appearance, and so on. I'll then send the information to each of you, and you can go on your merry way." Librus offered, knowing it's well within his powers. It wouldn't be too hard. "I do believe that we've covered what needs to be covered. Nothing urgent other than what we've discussed, correct?" Librus said in a solid tone. He wanted to get those items found, so his kin could rest easy. Well, that, and he still had to organize the opening ceremony for a Cataloger library in a large city. Publicity and all, makes for good donations.

After some thought, Librus decided he wouldn't go to a party, if Katergaris threw one. That'd be like asking someone to stab you. Going to party held by the Jester was an invitation for humiliation and fun at your expense. Although it was decent fun, even for a crone like Librus.

Athena was the Goddess of War and Order. She had wrestled with flying dragon and brought the overgrown reptile to it's knees, dragged the mammoth by its own tusks as it begged her to stop, and she wrote the codes and rules that any warrior worth his sword followed to this day. Yet when her eyes met Arabella's eyes so full of disapproval, she felt the bitter sting of shame and turned away.

"Its a matter of honor.", Athena whispered as she looked down at her own reflection in her empty goblet. "She wouldn't understand.".

With her head lowered, she permitted her eyes wonder in Revan's direction. She couldn't call off the duel. That would be cowardice! Shame would forever stain her and she could never show her face around Revan ever again. But... Was there a way she could continue with the duel and perhaps have Arabella's approval. Yes there was! Revan and Athena used to have duels all the time when they were 'young'. If she could have it be not only for her honor but to allow them talk things over then there would be no reason for the Lady of Beauty to disapprove.

It seemed like a win win situation and this only made Athena want to have the duel more. And so the War Maiden raised her head and spoke saying. "If theres nothing else to discuss I think me and Revan will go back to my place and have ourselves a good private sparring match. Then, if its not too late, I'll come stop by your place for the party. Librus any help you can provide with finding my sword and once that Knight Order is all good and set will be greatly appreciated. Lastly, Arabella.". Athena turned now to face the Goddess of Love and Innocence.

"burning your temples will be much harder real soon. I promise."

Argh! What was with the dramatics in this room?! Corallium swore these lot were worse then the mortals. At least you excepted it from them, these Deities on the other hand with easily a few million years between them if added together still acted like one millennium year old's with their bickering and show of pride and their need to protect their 'honor' and blah blah blah.

It was all beginning to get on Corallium's last nerve. Yet, if this thing was nearing closing up then she could probably just about make it through the last ten minutes or so. And peril to anyone that thought of bring up another issue now.

Athena's final few comments caught Coral's attention. Obviously, no one was going to address the issue of the why. Athena as always was going to do as she pleased. Corallium sighed. Why did she even bother when it was obvious these lot were hell bent on being idiots. Oh well, it was no mind to her. She had no such worries. She dealt with her problems herself, when and if they ever happened. She did not wait for some stupid meeting to share her issues with a group of useless Gods.

“I think we all know what going back to your place and having a 'good sparing match' means Athena.” Corallium teased darkly with a wicked smile, knowing it would irritate the Goddess of War as the sound of muffled laughter filled the silent room.

She couldn't deny she enjoyed seeing the woman with all her hackles up, it was much too entertaining and she wasn't below a little tit for tat. Turn about was a bitch and so was Corallium.

“But before you two love birds head off and get busy, that's what the kids are calling it these days isn't it?” She asked with fictitious interest before waving her own question away with a playful smile “No mind, I should like a word with you Lord Justice . . . In private."

The last three syllable deadly serious on her still upturned, delectably smiling lips as Corallium's gaze held the God of Punishment, Vengeance, Justice & Fear in an icy disregard.

An annoyance she had little choice but to deal with . . .

If there was one thing Revan could say about Athena it was that then as now she was not one for idle games or to waste her time, a trait the two shared. Revan had mentally checked himself out of this tedium a while ago. Listening to Arabella moan, Katergaris rant and Librus scold was enough to make him want to stab his own eyes out with a red hot skewer. Athena pressed the others to wrap up whatever issues they may have so they could all get on with their duties. Revan and Athena had a fight scheduled and Revan was looking forward to it. The two had sparred countless times in the past. As the centuries went by however Revan had stopped dropping by for the matches. He had gotten too busy with the endless battle against injustice to spend time with his kin, playing at war. A part of him lamented the freedom he had when Lorgaine was still young. He lamented the time he'd spent with Athena. The two were closer then, as brother and sister or fellow soldiers enjoying a good scrap. They talked of war, combat, fencing, archery, shield work, unarmed brawling all their interested were fair topics. Most usually these conversations happened between blades during their match or over drinks after it. Revan's ghostly green eyes rose and locked onto Athena for the briefest of moments as his mind questioned Revan's choices in life. Revan's own voice began to echo within his mind, calm and soft a tone rarely spoken by the Justice God. "Why have you secluded yourself Revan? Why have you denied yourself her company?"

In the next instant anger swelled in his heart and mind as revulsion surged through him in response to the question he had asked himself. "It's her own damned fault! If she wasn't so concerned with glory and honor, and gaining the love of our kin that should equally be mine she would have seen how busy I am! I have not the time nor patience for such frivolities! Least of all with her! That bitch! She never trusted me, never was my ally! False friend! Betrayer! She doesn't understand the wickedness of corruption, the evil of injustice! She is but a tool of war, no more intelligent than the blade hanging from my hip!" With a growl Revan turned away and was ready to leave immediately. He'd had enough of his kin, enough of the endless cycle of Lorgain, all of it. He needed to clear his head.

“No mind, I should like a word with you Lord Justice . . . In private."

The words broke him from his minds reflection as he heard Corallium requesting a private audience with him. He turned to her, his gaze could break bone. He was so angry, why was he so angry? He sighed slowly, a show that would have been conceived as mere annoyance but he nodded all the same.

"Very well, Lady Fate."

He said, relenting to have this private meeting. He turned his gaze to Athena for a moment to inform her he wouldn't be long.

"I shall see you at your Sanctum. Prepare yourself."

With that he gave her his back and stalked off with The Goddess of Fate close behind. He said not a word to the goddess following him. His aura swelled with anger, hatred and irritation. Some of it was directed at his kin, most at himself and he wasn't certain why. He'd need to go to his domain after the duel and figure out his next move. Something needed to change, he couldn't keep this up much longer. He was tired of killing thieves only for others to take their place. He was tired of punishing murderers only for others to kill in their stead. He was tired of all of it, it was time to change things. He would need a way to do that, he needed time to think.

Time not afforded him now as he led Corallium into a dark room just big enough for the two to speak comfortably in. It, like the rest of the hall, was richly decorated with tapestries and depictions of the immortals exploits throughout the ages. Exploits that now seemed to be in motion as the single candle in the room danced with it's flickering flame. Revan motioned to the ornate chair and sat in the identical one beside it.

Revan had never spent much time with Corallium. He had little cause to, Fate was hardly something that needed the supervision of a justice bringer. Fate was invisible force that binded all, ones destiny could be played out in countless different ways. The roads one may take were numerous but depending on that which you chose gave you a destination that could bring you riches or ruin, the choice was yours. Sitting before Corallium now Revan could not help but remark on her beauty. One not celebrated as was Arabella. The goddess of Beauty exhumed loveliness, she flaunted it and in that way she was hideous to Revan. No he much preferred Corallium's allure, like a black rose with poisonous thorns. A beauty that if attempted to be plucked and done so with fumbling hands would surely spell your doom.

Revan's mouth slowly curled into a devious smile as he eyed the Fate Goddess. Temptation exhumed off of her, promises of such pleasures one could not fathom the ecstasy one could experience in her seductive company. Yet it was more than her body that pleased Revan, it was her mind. She had a way about her he respected. She did not fall prey to the foolish pursuits of their kin. Honor, loyalty, honesty and virtue were all a deceivers set of tools. The truly honest were those who admitted their deviousness. In that way Revan felt he could trust Corallium for he knew she was not in fact trustworthy. Much like Revan she was often seen as a serpent among the gods, one whose silver tongue dripped venom. A kindred spirit and one who, at the moment, Revan was wondering why he'd never pursued in the past.

"Not many are brave enough to be alone with me these days Corallium. The beauty's boldness is admirable."

The compliment dripped with suaveness and confidence as Revan leaned back in his chair, his bright green eyes seeming to pierce through the darkness like a fine knife through a rib cage.

"So tell me herald of fate, what would you whisper to me in this dark and lonely room?"

Eris

She smirked at Librus's obvious discomfort with her touch and let go of him appearing in her chair. Out of all her kin she liked Librus the most for some odd reason, something about him intriged her which was why she was relativley nicer to him than to the others. "Indeed I do dear child" she replied back at Arabella, one could never tell if she ever really meant what she said to her kin as most of the time it was just lies. Trying to help her kin was veiwed as disgusting to her as it promoted harmony which was the opposite of what she embodied.

Eris was bored with all this nonesense, if chaos wasnt going to break loose then there was no reason for her to be there at all. Eris sighed and it seemed her whole being deflated before resuming its original misty form. Her finger began to tap on her armrest a crack began to form slowly becoming larger and larger until it was quite noticable. Realizing this Eris stopped knowing that by continueing would cause a catastrophe inside the hall, as much as she wanted that to happen now wasnt the time to fill her appeteite.

With a simply wave of her hand a goblet of chaos mistified in her hand and she drank from it a small sip at a time her form rejuvinated with every sip. Eris let out a contented sigh the goblet dissapeared at the snap of her fingers.Watching as her younger siblings qurreled with one another especially between Athena and Revan, she had mixed feelings for Revan mainly because of the way he did his job and his eyes, oh how she loved his eyes. Then there was Athena she loved messing with her order destroying it whenever she could. Hell, Eris was probably why every bad thing happened in the mortal realm she infulences potential chaos, lives off of it almost like a drug but without a catch.

She began to sit up straighter and leaned in towards the table, her fingers resting against her chin as she watched the sparks of potential chaos come from Athena Revan and Corallium. 'oh this is going to be fun, i just need to pluck one single string and one of them will break, but not now, they are not ripe just yet' she thought to herself leaning back in her chair with a disinterested look on her face. Any one of them could tell she was up to something as she always was but no one would ever know what it is.

"so shall we leave this meeting as it yes, I see no one else standing up to bring up a pointless matter that no one wants to hear if so then dont stand up so we may all go home" boredom clearly displayed in everything she was.

Alahya said nothing, only observing as they fought.
She would never join in these arguments, not because she thought herself above them but because she really did loath fighting.
It was only when Lord Justice and Lady Fate left the she found herself saying something as now, was the best time to speak - Who needed their cutting remarks?

"Athena," She whispers to the Goddess, "Nobody would think any less of you for drawing out of this silly duel. Please, it shall only unhinge the rusty cogs that keep us working even more and we do not want that, now do we?"
She was trying to dispel this horrid business of fighting, not only because it was, quite frankly, un-needed but also because it would, as she mentioned, almost definitely worsen their meek understanding they all had.

Of course many thought of Alahya as an un-needed Goddess, so she was never truly appreciated for what she did.
But the truth was, they all needed her more than they thought; If it was not for music, how would Lady War have her battle calls that signaled what her soldiers were to do?
How could Librus have his maps and graphs without art?
Even the slightly pretentious Lady Love needed her.
And so, really they should listen to her yet her instincts told her deeply that they would not.

It was when Katergaris mentioned a party that she snapped out of her thoughts.
"How wonderful!" She smiled, "I shall definitely be attending."
Looking from The God of Trickery to the Goddess Eris it was simple to see the connections that linked them together and furthermore everyone in this room.
They well all, of course, Gods and Goddess' but there was something more that defined this group. They were, in a way, like a family - no matter how much Revan would detest that thought.

Looking next to her, she sees that Lady Insanity had decided to come and tease Librus.
Unlike a fair few of the others Alahya didn't just tolerate Eris, she actually enjoyed her act and dry humor.

Librus shakes his head. After an eternity of studying, you begin to study people and how they work. Their emotions, their purpose, what makes them tick. And what is driving Revan right now is anger, or some emotion relatively close. Librus gives a thought about why The Moderator allows gods that just slap each other's hands when they got fed up. They are a divided people, forming cliques among themselves. Which wasn't exactly great for "unity" or keeping Lorgaine running smoothly.

Librus deserts this train of thought, as he knows that it will lead him nowhere. It looks like others are preparing to leave. In joy, Librus stamps his staff on the ground, making a door to The Archives appear behind him. "I'm guessing no one else has anything to add. You all know how to reach me, if needed. I have to get started on this nonsense." Librus fumbles with the ring of the door, and pushes the doors open. revealing the floating island and bridge of light that led to the main one. "It was fun, dear family." Librus waves behind him in a lackluster manner, before stepping through the door, and making it disappear in a cloud of mist. As Librus walks along the bridge, he wonders what is going to happen between Lady war and that flying rat Revan. They would really tear each other apart until one couldn't move anymore. Librus sighs, knowing this is a useless thought, and enters his glorious home. "Ah, hello my dears." Librus says in a light tone to his books. He flicks his wrist, and a green tome flutters down from the higher shelves. It reads "Weapons Manifest" on the front, and was owned at one time by the Lorgaine military.

Librus flips through the pages until he finds what he's looking for:A crude drawing of a regal looking sword, and next to it "Unknown Sword x 1". This book was dated about 12 years ago. After grabbing some more records about the sword, Librus summoned one of his owls. "Give this note to one of the libraries, would you?" He asks the bird, holding out a scrap of paper containing information about the sword. The owl takes the scrap and flies out the window. Librus sits down, and reasons that a sword of immense power is more important at the moment than speed boots. He figures that the Catalogers would contact him if they found anything.

A cold chill slowly began to seep into the Hall of Immortals. Not quick and fleeting like an acrtic wind, no this cold lingered and stung, it seeped the very life from a mortals bones. Yet just as quickly as it had came, as quickly as the first immortals breath was seen in the ice air....it had vanished....

Down the long corridor to the Hall of Immortals, a lone wolf walked. It was a fierce and intimidating being, nearly twice the size of any mortal on Lorgaine. Its eyes were a mix of gray and deep blue, and it fur an awestruck inspiring silver. Its teeth and claws were a pure ivory hue, and sharpened without flaw. As it reached the end of the corridor, it began to slow its pace entering the Hall of Immortals. Standing at the entrance it shifted its great head to gaze across the room gauging and evaluating each of the immortals present. Seeming satisfied it shook its great coat.....and began to change.....

In place of where the great wolf had been, a man now stood. Tho his face held the look of some age, his body was tall and well built showing youth and vigor. From shoulders to toe, he was covered in a fitting plate armor of dark gray. Its shoulders were molded into that of wolf heads, and on many of the other pieces were etched depictions of wolves. A thick silver fur cloak hung behind him. As he scanned the room again for a particular individual, his hand rested upon the hilt of pure silver longsword strapped to his side..

"Goddess of Fate" he whispered to himself