Armoth

(OOC: Hey guys I just joined, and I hope I'm welcome to come along for the ride of this pretty cool looking RP)

It was in a dark and gloomy graveyard, when Dougless woke up stiff from his thousand year slumber. "I wonder how much life has changed since I threw massive feast?" he thought while digging his way out to the surface above. "And I wonder how many of the other gods are still kicking? no matter they most likely all forgot about me before i was half way in the coffin those selffis- Wait where is my arm? i swore it was around here somewhere... ah! there it is. Hmm.. you think after all this I would be the god of insanity or something." After a few more hours of him bickering to himself he finally managed to get out and started to march off towards home, Castle Veluca.

"Ok first state of business, got to get a champion, then make them clean the castle of all the bandits or spiders or whatever infested the place while I was gone, then I sit on my throne and announce that I am back from being dead, again. The only problem is I think I left my old champion in a state of decay, but I'm sure he will understand. It feels great to be back" He spoke to the remains of Jakico, the former champion still in a praying position almost seem to nod in agreement, as the god walked past.

As Edna and Valoel walked through the bark hallways of Edna's tree house, Edna decided to strike up a conversation to pass the time. "So Valoel, what did you think of Fenris?" Edna asked. "I'm not sure what to think of him right now, but I could tell that he wasn't that interested in me." Valoel responded. "That is a shame, but I'm sure one day someone will be smitten by your appearance."

Valoel blushed a bit after hearing the Goddesses comment. "Thanks for the complement, but I'm more surprised that you are not together with any of the Gods." Valoel replied. "That could have been possible if it weren't for the gods representing death and other evil in the world. Sure Novakillin and Creep are not evil, but I'm not sure about any of them right now...But enough about me talking about love, let's get ready to water the plants in a serene environment." As Edna spoke, they both entered a garden with plants and flowers as far as the eye could see.

"Mistress Edna...Welcome home..." A low voice called out to the Godess followed by a plant like creature appearing in front of her. "Thank you very much for greeting me my guardian, but would you be so kind as to make two cups of tea." Edna asked the creature and it simply nodded as walked past them. As the creature passed them Edna walked to the side and grabbed two watering pots and handed one over to Valoel, afterwards they both began to water the plants and flowers while listening to the birds chirping and the trees humming.

"Hmm you think that after a thousand years there would be at least someone wanting to be your champion, guess they all heard what happen to the last guy" Dougless thought out loud while walking up to the old crumbling stairs of Castle Veluca. The Castle looked in even worse shape, with vines crawling up the castle walls like a sea of green, pathways overgrown, and a crumbling tower that must of fallen a few century's ago. "Seems like maybe one of those young death brothers took a swing at this place. If they're still kicking maybe i can get their lackeys to rebuild this, or one of those life gods." The old senile god walked through the rusted metal gates, into the the thick brush of what used to be a courtyard, and into his keep. The keep was in wonderful condition compared to the rest of the ruins. The floors were swept, flowers cut, and not a single crack nor vine were to be found "How can this be?" He pondered.

"Why tis was me, master" came a high whining voice from deeper inside the keep. Dougless instantly thought "Oh no, the annoying janitor Balrocke has manged to survive a thousand years!? How can I get rid of him?". Unfortunately for Dougless the horrifying outline of some ghoulish humanoid walked around the corner. Balrocke was a thousand years ago a average human with a shrill and annoying voice, but now he was a gruesome sight to behold with skin only seemingly hanging on in big blotted patches of sickly green. "I have been waiting for you master, my passion for you was the only thing that kept me going all those years, and now with everyone else gone I guess that means i am your new champion!" explained Balrocke with every word getting higher and higher in pitch. "Crap, the little runt must of been planning this for a thousand years. Well i can deal with him for the time being until he finishes the repairs." thought Dougless while slowly inching around Balrocke, trying to get to his throne that stood directly behind him. Even the throne was polished to a golden shine and the cushions were as comfy as ever. He planned this all out very well indeed he thought.

Draco Erebus Boreas turned at the sound of laughter that sounded like bells he found that it was Lamentia Tamara his patron skimming the tops of tree's she noticed him and landed gracefully holding her hand out "I bid you a good day mortal I am grateful that not everyone has forgotten me ". She said with a slight shiver from her wings she moved her hair out of her eyes as she eyed the mortal "would you willingly be my servant Draco, I promise protection and a bit of my power if you prove worthy" Draco nodded shivering slightly, he felt Lamentia put her hand on his shoulder searing a mark into his skin. She looked at him and smiled . Please rest we have a long day tomorrow.

"Madam, your drink." The servant said, bringing Pyrexus out of thought.

"Thank you. As for your idea. I think I shall take it. Get the nice parchment paper. Write exactly as I tell you." The servant ran off to get said paper, and came back a few seconds later.

"Okay, Madam, what would you like me to write?" He asked knowing this was serious business.

"Dear Klethi, I am in need of your help. I'm sure you know that Rasoc had killed my mother when I was but a girl. I have a feeling you don't have a soft spot for him either. I will meet with you when the time is ripe. For now, keep this very private. Sincerely, Pyrexus Riey." The message that would start the downfall of Rasoc.

"Shall I have it sent to him, Madam?" The servant asked both terrified and grinning like a madman.

"Yes. I want it there before the next blue moon." Pyrexus replied with an annoyed tone. So forth it was sent, now she would have to wait until he received the letter. As for the sword, it would be time to let it's thirst for blood be quenched.

Hazarmaveth walks over to a dark corner and holds out his hands, weaving the shadows into a tangible form. From it a hazy form takes shape, a birdlike creature with a white mask-like face with a single eyehole emitting an ethereal blue glow much like his own eyes. He holds out a hand and it perches on his finger. It fidgets watching the death god intently like it were performing a silly little dance for its master. He brings it in close and whispers something to it. When he finishes he holds up his hand and it takes off, hovering for a moment before spreading its massive wings and with a sudden gust takes off with great speed leaving only a streak of black misty feathers.

He looks at the grounds somberly as worries pour over him, plaguing every dark corner of his mind. He had never felt so lonesome until now. He felt matters will only get worse in time, and fears the worse for if he were to say or do things to aggravate them further. He grips Quell tightly, trying to gather his courage. He puts a hand over his face and chuckles at his weakness. "How amusing..." he mutters quietly. "A god who feels powerless." He taps the ground softly with his staff and sinks down into the ground as a portal forms.

He emerges outside Pyrexus's castle, not wishing to rudely pop in unannounced. He knocks on the door of her palace with his staff and awaits to greet her. He pulled forth from his shadowy cloak a landscape he intended to gift to his niece to raise her spirits. It depicts what mortal souls had manifested, a new landscape within the dreamlike land, brilliant mountains lightly covered in mist and seemingly impossible yet brilliant structures connected to one another, and a platform atop one peak where many have begun dancing. It was not the image many would believe as a land of the dead, then again these were not souls deserving to be tormented or crimes to pay for, they had suffered enough and had earned their right to live, in a manner of speaking, in a world without strife. This is how Hazarmaveth felt anyways.

Elsewhere in the lush lands of Edna's domain the dark bird of Hazarmaveth arrives at its destination and perches on the branch of a tree. The leaves of the trees rustle from the gust created from its massive wings. It looks towards the other birds which have made some distance from the peculiar thing, leaving it to give a look of dejection. It lasts for but a moment before it begins amusingly hopping up the branch looking for Edna to deliver its master's message.

Lamentia Tamara watched the sky in her dragon form frowning as she felt a great darkness come over, her fellow gods , she slithered to the ground, then she transformed to her human like shape, she eyed Draco and sighed "the stars seem unhappy, I wish I knew why." Draco put his hand on her shoulder, "it would not surprise me, I think a dark shadow is coming" he said Lamentia stroked his shoulder "I do hope some one will listen to me."

The MacSweet's issues, while grave, were not difficult to resolve. Nothing much really was difficult for Klethi, least of all when it concerned her home territory; as much as little threatened her, she was invulnerable at the seat of her power.

"Thank you, Klethi." They were halfway back down the twisted hill-road. Fenris was cold, and a touch peckish. Klethi was smiles and radiance. "It's what I agreed to," she replied. "Don't think I'd be remiss to see the MacSweets ruined, Fenris. That's life for you mortals. Especially in Aerth. This city-my city-is not a land of safety. It is a perpetual reminder of the unpredictability of existence, the rewards of harnessing that fact, and-most importantly-the consequences of trying to cheat fate."
"Well, I'm glad they're better now."
"I am as well, as a friend; as the goddess of misfortunes, it's my solemn duty to maintain an Armoth that always fears my hand, whether I've sworn myself from the direct intervention of innocent mortals or otherwise."
"I've known you to be a kind goddess."
"But you've known me for but the years you've breathed, elf. While those are more in number than that of most humans, it's few in my own eyes. Fate can be a cruel mistress, Fenris. Be always mindful of that."
"Things have always worked themselves out, in the end."
"For you, maybe, Fenris. But what of those that have waylaid you, and suffered dearly for it? In your many travels, with the many adversaries you've faced, haven't you considered what cost they paid?"
"They were evil, terrible, cruel people, Klethi. That's the order of the universe."
Klethi snorted, then laughed. "You honestly believe that Armoth has some divine rule that dictates good shall always conquer evil, Fenris? It has been my influence, elf. I happen to like you more than most mortals. That's the only reason so many outcomes are found in your favor."

Coming from the bottom of the road, a man with a letter struggled to jog the steep path towards them. "Run along, Fenris. Clean, bathe, feed, and rest yourself; I have goddessly matters to attend to."
Fenris nodded sagically, leaving when she stopped to receive the messenger. With a huff, the man told her the origin of the letter; he was thanked, and left to return to his post. Klethi, who no longer had need to entertain the need of a bipedal mortal, floated her way down.
"And so the tragic daughter calls on the maniac to slay death... damn, I had something more clever than that prepared."

Klethi was torn. She sat on her little wood throne-chair with her cheek on his fist and the letter in her hand. She weighed her options carefully. She could go to Rasoc, warn him of the plot, and watch Pyrexus be destroyed, or join forces with the daughter. She considered what she'd gain from either plot. Rasoc, she suspected, would be lethargic, but would ultimately succeed in a fair fight. Pyrexus's death would be quick, and Klethi's reward would be-at best-empty praise.
But Pyrexus? She was young, rash, volatile, angry-exactly the kinds of emotions Klethi had seen undo generations of mortals' hard work. Like a fire, it could wither and die before anything came of it, or she could be burning her own house down. The kindle had been laid, but Klethi didn't think it was resting in a safe fire pit. Tiptoeing and planning would be necessary to see the defeat of Rasoc to the hilt, and guarantee Klethi benefited from the expedition.
"I could have a portion of Rasoc's lands," Klethi mumbled to herself. "A share of his wealth, a division of his power. The other gods would be upset, certainly, but what would be the consequence in that?" But it was too soon. If Klethi engaged Pyrexus, it would be, no doubt, to the immediate pursuit of Rasoc's death, or entrapment, or whatever Pyrexus saw suitable. Klethi thought Rasoc's power measurable, and his nature amiable, enough that he could have been a valuable asset in the the overthrow of the Primordials, an conquest of far more importance than that of a single god!
No doubt some scenario could be envisioned that would have Rasoc remain potent to assist, but betrayed and defeated before he could benefit from the death of the Primordials. With the right timing, Klethi thought, I could seize both his, and Pyrexus's, powers. I would make myself queen of Armoth, and there would be nothing to prevent it. Thank you, Pyrexus: This letter may be the beginning of the defeat of everyone.

Klethi needed an expert's opinion. She knew her own mercurial nature was ill-suited to such activities, and the fervor and anger Pyrexus offered would only exacerbate the problem. "I will see Zeralt," she decided.

After the rush of being alive again wears off, Dougless starts thinking more serious about why he was awoken at this time. The Old god was to slumber until he was needed, or wanted by whomever was to find him, yet there is no indication as of who and why. He thought this over for what felt like hours (Time is irrelevant in the castle after a long-forgotten spell was cast, making time speed up, slow down, and stop all at random.). To clear his head, Dougless opted to take a walk around the keep and inspect his treasures of old.

The hallways of his collections was like a museum with each having a story behind it, and while looking through all of the swords ,amour, banners, and standards collected from friend and foe alike, one piece stood apart from the rest. To a normal human this would look like a simple solid oak door that was put onto display, but Dougless remembered that this door could open up to any doorway he could think of, so smiling as the God of smiles does he thought of his destination and walked through the door, revealing a nexus of other doors each with a symbol that designated each god of the realm, and strolled up to the one in the middle with a icon of a large table resting on the front. "Time to see if I am late to the tea party" he spoke absentmindedly.

Vescteseg nodded at Rasoc's words. Speaking clearly, his voice seemed to echo oddly around the hall, as if the very walls amplified his voice and carried it. "Indeed it is odd. The only reason why she would suggest such a foolish course of action must be of self interest. Perhaps hoping the primordials destroy one or more of us? So that she could fill a void. But it matters not. There are more important problems. Or perhaps opportunities. For even as we speak my Alfar are preparing for war. I have spoken to their King Verlanthos about crushing the Disputed Lands to my east. However... This would displease some of our peers for it being too aggressive or something of that sort. Which is why I have invited you here. I am willing to offer a deal.." His eyes gleamed with purpose as he spoke, and he stared expectantly at Rasoc.

As Edna and Valoel peacefully watered the garden, Valoel was busy watering a giant flower with bright yellow petals when it suddenly leaned forward and began to wrap it's petals around her. Her first thought was that she was in danger and was moving her hand to retrieve her sword. "Valoel, if you are planning to draw your blade against that flower then please stop. It is merely giving you a hug as thanks for watering it." Enda suddenly spoke up knowing that Valoel was reaching for her sword.

After hearing the Goddesses words, Valoel stopped reaching for her sword and simply let the flower hug her. Eventually the flower leaned back and went back to its motionless state. "Lady Edna, are all the plants and flowers here as freindly as that one?" Valoel asked as she returned to watering the garden. "Why yes they all are. Every single plant and flower here is capable of moving by itself so don't be alarmed in the future." Edna replied as she kept watering her side of the garden.

As the two continued to water the plants, a mysterious black bird caught their attention. Edna knew that that bird was not part of her domain and turned to face it. "What brings you to my domain?" She asked the bird knowing that someone had sent it.

Zeralt strolled through the castle town outside of his most recent place of work. It hadn't taken long to convince the courtier to go through the plan. That poison would have the king raving before midnight and dead not long after. His jesters costume no longer suiting his purpose he took his usual dapper form that was his most preferred. Since no mortal knew that this was his form he was safe to use it in public without recognition. The night was cheery, a nearby busker was drawing quiet a crowed with his fiddling. He stopped momentarily to enjoy the soft tune when he noticed a figure stalking through the assembly. A pickpocket, well that won't do. Zeralt worked one of the wires from his sleeve and imperceptibly guided it, then cut through the small pouch the man had been hiding his loot in. Coins spilled over the street and he froze with his hand still in the pocket of his next would-be victim. The crowd turned towards him, then subsequently on him as they realized that their own pockets were lighter than they remembered.

Harrumphing to himself as he walked away he thought to himself. "Pick pocketing? What kind of ambition is that? Oh well I suppose that was my good deed for today." And while no one was watching he left, more blur than corporeal being, back to his own home. He had much to consider regarding the earlier meeting with the other gods...

The creature stops and lowers its head so its eye looks straight towards Edna. It's eye light pulses as it speaks, as opposed to a moving mouth, its voice at first somewhat shrill, humorous more than frightening. "I bear you greetings! I have a message from Hazarmaveth to both Lady Edna and Lady Valeol." It pauses then turns its head sideways. It's voice changes to that of its master.

"Greetings, Lady Edna, and I trust Lady Valeol too is nearby. If not, then then would you be so kind to tell her the part of the message addressed to her?" It pauses for a moment, turning its head to the other side. "First and foremost, I... do not normally do this so excuse me if I am a bit... awkward. This is not a message about pleasantries, but... of worry... the meeting today has left me with many thoughts."

It straightens its head and opens it's wings wide, showing its immense wingspan casting a vast shadow around them both, setting a somber mood. "The truth is, if a conflict were started with the primordials, we would not be the only ones to suffer, it would ripple outwards to the mortal realm as well... and mortals would suffer greatly. Despite what you think of me, how much you may despise me and what I represent... I... desire no harm to befall mortals, nor to my brother, nor to my niece, nor... nor..." Another pause in speech, his tone, despite its deepness, sounds sincerely troubled. "Lady Edna, I know that if she wants this conflict to occur, she will do whatever is in her power to make it so... she's like a child, she must have whatever it is she wants... with little regard of the means, just as long as it is... entertaining... I don't want to start a war with her... I just... I want to know that if something like this came to pass, I could count you as an ally. Thank you for your time..."

The bird retracts its wings and flaps them a few times, the shadows it cast dissipate. "As for Lady Valeol, I thank you for your answer, it has left me with many thoughts. I am always interested in the thoughts of mortals, perhaps some time they will have a voice in the council." Hazarmaveth's voice peaks with intrigue. "I would welcome it. But I worry the sentiment is not one so popular at the moment... regardless, I find myself in agreement with your sentiment."

"And perhaps you should make a visit with Rasoc?" The Servant advised.

"Perhaps I should, but not yet. Let me gather my thoughts first." Pyrexus answered. She sat there, on her throne, thinking. Things like 'This could spell certain doom,' or, 'I could see why she was killed,' and maybe even, 'I could warm up to my father, and we could rule with an iron fist.' It would take a great deal of persuasion, but it could happen.

"How do you say I should go about this then?" Pryexus asked the servant.

"Well you could send him a message, as we did with Klethi, or go directly to him." The servant answered.

"I'll think about this some more, and then we'll talk.

(I'm just trying to keep Pyrexus relevant.)

Lamentia Tamara opened her wings and wrapped them around Draco in starlight she changed into dragon form and after placing her hero on her back took off to talk to Edna she wanted to know if she felt the growing discord among the other gods like she had. Landing in Edna's domain she kept her wings out, as she woke Draco to meet the lady Valeol. She smiled then seeing Edna she coughed, then spoke" Edna you look lovely as ever, I find your realm soothing, I believe some one is using us." She told Edna shaking her head.

Edna and Valoel listen to the bird as it delivered its message. They both listened to the worried God as he explained how Klethi would still try to go against the primordials and he wanted to see if she would be an ally if the time came. "I see...Excuse me messenger of Hazarmaveth, if you can please send this message to your master.

"Greetings Hazarmaveth, I have received your message and I too grow worried about Klethi and her plan to go against the primordials. I want you to know that I will back you up if her plans do come into frutation, however I am not a fighter and I may not be of much assistance power wise, but I can help heal and do other such things.

I do hope that Klethi does not go through with this and we can continue with our peaceful existence without worry. I also would like to tell you that I do not despise you or any of the gods that resemble death. I merely dislike being around you all since I feel...great sadness...when I am around you. Maybe it's because I may never know what it's like to watch over the dead once they die, but rest assured I find you as a kind freind."

Valoel then spoke up to add to the message.

"You are most welcome Sir Hazarmaveth, and I do hope one day that your council will also listen to the voices of the other mortals. Thank you for your kind words and I wish you a great day."

"That is it for our message, if you can send it to him we would be most appreciated." Edna smiled at the bird when she heard a cough, followed by a voice. "Edna you look lovely as ever, I find your realm soothing, I belive some one is using us." Edna turned around to greet the voice. "Thank you for the complement Lementia. You are also looking very lovely as well, so please make yourself at home and let me get us some tea so we can speak about this subject." Edna smiled as she motioned for one of her plant like creatures to go and make some tea for her new guest.

Lamentia nodded to Draco Erebus "Many thanks Edna, I forgot to introduce you this is my hero Draco , he has been a good man honorable, " She let Draco go and sat down relaxing "Sorry if I was intruding on something I hope you and the lady Valeol remain in kindred spirits , " she paused as she nodded in Lady Valeol's direction with a smile "You see I was with Draco and we felt a darkness, almost like a sadness slowly spreading across the sky. " Draco who had been admiring the gardens nodded and looked at Lady Valeol "Have you felt any changes at all ?" he asked, Lamentia looked at Edna and sighed "I fear for the other gods I think that one of us is danger I just haven't figured out who."

The strange one-eyed messenger bird spreads its wings and does an amusing little bow then takes off into the sky creating a light breeze. It takes off into the distance back to where its master resides. Who is still waiting outside the castle doors of Pyrexus who has still not taken notice of him knocking. How strange to be so uncourteous. Perhaps she was in fact, not home? Perhaps sleeping? He was sure she was home.

As he pondered the absence of an answer, his messenger bird returns, landing on his right shoulder. It quietly whispers back what it had been told. "That is... at the least, some relief." He says in a somewhat alleviated tone. He looks back to the door and knocks once more, beginning to mutter to himself. "I wonder how Creep is doing. Creep... sounds somewhat like an insult to use that name... perhaps I will refer to him by a more... elegant title. Bugkeeper... Bugtender? Either way, he should know of this. Mm... who else..."

As he plots his next move at befriending the other gods into his little alliance he is soon interrupted by another messenger bird landing on his shoulder. This one has a face decorated with ornate ribbons of one of his few worshipers. It whispers something to him as well. "My champion you say? Is that what she is calling herself now?" He says, somewhat amused and perplexed. "Well, tell her I shall speak with her in time, I have important family matters to attend to." As he finishes the second bird takes off in a rush of wind.

"My greetings you you, hero Draco. I am pleased to meet you." Edna Greeted Draco as two plant like creatures came into the room carrying two cups of tea. Soon the ground started to shift and a wooden table began to form between the two deities and the plant like servants placed the tea on top of the table before leaving the room. Edna and Valoel both took a seat at the wooden table and motioned for the two guests to take a seat. "I have not been feeling such a darkness, but I do have a bad feeling that something will happen in the future. But for now we should just relax, lest the stress make us all paranoid of one another." Edna spoke before taking a small sip of her tea.

Valoel Heard Draco's question and spoke up after Edna had finished talking. "I have not noticed any changes happening, at least as far as I can tell so far." She responded before taking a sip from her cup of tea. "If you are worried for the other Gods, I am certain most of them will be fine for the time being. Rasoc has been here since the beginning so I'm certain he will be taking certain precautions, there is also Hazarmaveth and Pyrexus who are family so they will be safe together. I am also sure that Montayzuomah will be safe since is a God of war and will most certainly be able to defend himself, I also believe Vescteseg and Zeraly will have some sort of plan when they get in trouble. I also believe Novakillin is safe since he can just invent something to protect himself, also Creep will be certain to stay out of trouble. As for you Lamentia, since you can feel a growing darkness, I am sure you can sense danger before it happens. As for me however, I consider myself to be the most unprepared God since I never get ready for any sort of fight." Enda spoke about her thoughts about how safe the other Gods would be.

"In that case lady Edna, I will defend you from anyone who seeks to harm you! You have my word that when I'm around, I will protect you to the best of my abilities!" Valoel spoke confidently which earned a chuckle from Edna. "I feel safer already Valoel, now as for you lady Lamentia, is there anything else on your mind?"

Zeralt returned to his castle, it had been an amusing outing, and a productive one. These walks often helped him clear his head, something in the air of Castle Nagroth lead to brooding and stagnation of thought. No sooner had he sat on his throne (a simple stone affair set in a dark room) then a messenger arrived bearing a message. The messenger bore a simple black cloak and was nameless, as all of the disciples of Zeralt were. Wordlessly he gave a written report to his lord and disappeared from the room.

After reading over the report Zeralt pondered aloud, his voice echoing deeply in the small stone room. "Hmmm... so Klethi has some need of me does she? I wonder if this has something to do with the meeting?" He sighed as he stood up. "Well I suppose the best way to find answers is to go to them. Hmph, and I just got back. Oh well."

Once again Zeralt departed his domain, heading for Aerth and it's ruler. He felt he could wear his usual form in the den of sin that was the domain of Klethi, the occupants were probably to drunk to notice the presence of a divine. He found Klethi easily enough and approached her. "Why hullo Klethi". He said with all the guile of a serpent. "I've heard a rumor that you were looking for me." His grin was shallow, like that of a wolf that has found prey.

"It's kind of a shitty rumor when it's not only obvious, but not even the slightest attempt has been made to hide it, Zeralt. But welcome."

Klethi was glad she did not have to wait long. Unlike many of the others, who could slumber for an aeon or wait an eternity, she liked to move quickly. She appreciated that Zeralt, despite being the mastermind of a million schemes that took a million years, had the common courtesy to address her with all due haste. She smiled and pushed herself out of her seat. "Welcome back to Aerth, Zeralt."

Klethi crossed the stage to her book of infinity volume. She selected a page at seeming random and made a note; someone somewhere in Aerth had guessed, to the minute, when Zeralt would arrive. He won someone's kidney. Of course no one would be killed to surrender the organ, but for all intents and purposes, there was a kidney somewhere in her city owned by a Mr. Pemar. "Normally I'd make some coy comment, asking for the reason of your presence, and we'd both pretend that I somehow didn't know you were here because I just received a letter asking for my assistance in the ruination of another god." She closed the book again and turned, then crossed her arms and leaned against the pedestal on which it rested. "To save both of us the hassle, you may read it for yourself." She produced the letter and offered it to him. "No tricks, no alterations; that's it in its entirety."

Klethi gave him time, should he chose to take and read Pyrexus's letter rather than accept Klethi's summary. "While I do not know exactly what Pyrexus desires, I have confidence that it is subversive and exciting, and I'd like your... expertise in such matters, to ensure that what I do is the most... efficient course of action. For satisfying Pyrexus, and securing for ourselves our own due rewards."

Zeralt accepted Klethi's welcome with a small bow and flourish. "Thank you for having me, it really has been too long since I last visited."

He took the letter and read it thoroughly. It was a short read but he spent some extra time double checking for any glamours Klethi might have cast. This wasn't done out of any mistrust for the luck goddess, but rather out of the general mistrust that comes from working cloak and dagger for several lifetimes. Once he was satisfied he handed back the note. "Well, I had heard about that whole affair with Pyrexus's mother but I never thought it was so important to her. You were certainly right to contact me but I'm not sure how she'll take it, after all she did specify not to tell anyone, unless of course you have decided to betray her perhaps?" He let the question hang for a moment.
"Still, this could prove to have a lot of gain for a lot of people, ourselves included. Easily we could go to Rasoc and tell him, probably get something out of that, and be on our way. Or we could get rid of him, create a power vacuum that sucks Pyrexus in, and then we have a new death god who owes us a favor." With this he steepled his hands.

What Zeralt had left out would be all of the other side effects that could possibly come from destroying Rasoc. The possibility that Pyrexus wouldn't be powerful enough to handle all of the new responsibility and someone would try to take it. Or what Rasoc's brother might think. The gears were turning now as Zeralt envisioned a massive domino effect of possibilities.

"The real question here, dear Klethi, is what would I get out of all of this? Certainly favors are valuable, but this is a sizable undertaking."

"I've always wondered what it'd be like to officially be in charge of death, rather than just be responsible for letting it happen." Klethi, whether justified or not, always saw herself as the bulwark between death and life. It was, after all, she who organized the variables and possibilities and improbabilities and bad luck that killed mortals. "And if in a fell swoop we eliminated Pyrexus and the rest of her family, you wouldn't have a death god that owed you a favor; you would have me, and I if anything have earned a reputation on making good returns on investments." She waved a hand. "But that's plotting for another millennium, Zeralt. I'm not interested in seizing some great power for myself. Just allies or distractions for my coming war with the primordials. What you have to gain from this is that, no matter how this incident plays out, the rewards of seizing ultimate power will be great and shared."

Klethi crossed the stage to the wooden steps that led to the floor. "Come. I would like to see my city, and I would like it to see us. Let us walk and talk." She waited for Zeralt to join her. "I see no reason to be any less than forthright with Pyrexus at this juncture. I will make your presence in our cabal known, and let her do what with that information she will. As she has contacted me for my help or council, clearly she has great need for help; I see no reason, angry as she might be, that she would refuse my audience with you in company. I think your influence being disclosed, at the least, will let her know that I am at the very least totally honest with her, whether I follow her instructions to the letter or not. Honestly she's smart enough to know that this would not be kept between her and myself. No one's so foolish as to think their plots all secret in a world of gods[i]."

Klethi led them down a twisted street that seemed to double back on itself and loop in an impossible manner, somehow taking them a great distance and nowhere at once. "So, I cannot promise that you will be rewarded [i]well for participating in this endeavor, Zeralt, but you will be remembered as having done so, whether the help you offer be cursory or crucial."

Zeralt was intrigued by his new ally as he followed Klethi through her city. The streets were laid out in such a way that bent the mind as well as, Zeralt suspected, basic laws of space. He made a mental note to ask about the architects of Aerth at a later point in time. "Well I suppose that Pyrexus will not mind my participation. If memory serves I haven't done anything to particularly incur her wrath." Zeralt took a moment to be genuinely impressed by Klethi's choice of action over courtesy when deciding to tell him about Pyrexus's plans. It was an amiable trait and one that he felt he also possessed, sometimes it was necessary to get what you needed.

Zeralt listened to Klethi intently as she spoke. When she finished he begun to speak. "Remembered" he sighed the word, as though held a lot of power. "Do you know why I do what I do Klethi? Recently I've been asking myself, over and over again but, the answer never seems to be forthcoming. That is until the meeting, when you spoke about slaying the Primordials. Then I remembered why all those lifetimes ago I overthrew my predecessor. Power. Power is all I've ever wanted, the ability to control. But does that lust come from fear of being controlled?" Zeralt stared forward for a few moments before continuing. "But I digress, I hope I can be of help to your cause, so far as it furthers my own desires. How fortunate for you that they currently do."

"Temperamental spirits like hers don't use memory to justify wrath. If Pyrexus does take objection to your participation, she'd be wise to do so; to bar your participation is the one stipulation for my work. If she does not trust that you will operate in full, I have no reason to trust that she will, either."

They continued to walk the mobius-strip klein-bottle of Aerth infrastructure. Somehow they'd walked a great distance, but hadn't left the square with her stage and adoring, gambling, sinning, drinking, raunchy fans. "Do you know why I do what I do, Zeralt? I don't. Or, if I do, I haven't the faintest recollection. My memory is as awful as it is infinite. Funny thing, that."