Ashariel

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Nigriv & Ai

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Nigriv squealed as her father pulled her into a giant hug suddenly. She smiled happily and it lingered even as he set her down and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"My girl, my brave girl...You did well today. I am so proud of you." He said and she smiled. She really didn't understand what she did.

"You showed us, you showed us all how foolish we were acting, how cruel we were. Baraku...he is our brother and we need to show him that, I need to show him that." He said and Nigriv tilted her head soon as he spoke.

She did that? All she did was ask a question. She was terrified, after that would strike her across the face but he didn't and for that she was grateful but he made her feel foolish.

Her father nodded toward her brother and Nigriv just smiled. "Keep an eye on your brother for me will you? I won't be long." He said and she nodded with a giggled as he kissed her forehead and watched him walk out.

It was her mother's turn. She slipped beside her and Nigriv waited for her to speak about the incident with Baraku but no. Her mother had a mischievous grin. "So, Arthas, yes?" Ai said and Nigriv shook her head, glancing at the automaton. "Mother..."
"Oh it is alright, Nigriv, you are allowed to have feelings for him,"
"No it's just..." She subtly pointed at the automaton and Ai recalled what Arthas had said about the automaton's connection to him. "Ah, I see, we will talk later then, Little Mouse." She said and kissed her forehead. "I am proud of you." She said softly and walked off.

Nigriv sat there with a sigh. What did she do that made them so proud?

Baraku was in intensive thought when the resounding boom polluted his mind. His eyes open and anger filled them. He knew who exactly it was who entered his realm. The Onis were affected by the sound as well. One of them rallied his brethren.



"Monks!" "Gather!" "Braun-sama approaches!" Spoke Old Kafujin. The other Monks of the Monastery dressed in their combat garb. Prepared for the worse. Perhaps another trait the Onis did inherit is audacity. So readily willing to challenge a God for their own patron deitiy. Most other races would tremble and submit immediately, but the Onis had a fighting spirit. Even if the challenge is far beyond any of their capabilities.

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Baraku stood to turn to his hulking brother. He suppressed all emotion except those he chooses to express. So to Braun he would see anger and aggression in his eyes. He made himself to appear invulnerable to emotion. He then spoke his voice raised. "How dare you enter my realm!?" "You are not welcomed here Braun!" "Begone with you!!!" Baraku shouted in anger. It was then the Monks appeared led by Old Kafujin.



"Yes leave trespasser!" Old Kafujin shouted at Braun. "Lest we force your exit." Soon the Monks dressed in combat robes and brandishing weapons appeared from behind him. They stood guard and prepared to attack.



"Leave!" The Monks spoke in unison. It was this impudence that set Baraku off. Electricity sparked off of his body as the clouds grew dark overhead. The wind picked up with fury and thunderclaps could be heard. "HOW DARE YOU SHOW SUCH IMPUDENCE BEFORE A GOD!?!?!?" Baraku shouted anger like that from earlier but more intense. The Onis quickly groveled before them.

"Please mighty Onigami!" "Forgive our dishonor!" Old Kafujin spoke nearly on the verge of tears. "ALL OF YOU RETURN TO YOUR QUARTERS!" "I DON'T WANT TO SEE A SINGLE MONK SO LONG AS BRAUN IS HERE!" Baraku ordered as the Monks quickly stood up and scattered. They did not wish to anger their lord any further. The Clouds then departed, the storm passed, and Baraku's anger subsided. He then looked towards his brother.

"I apologize for my people's reaction." "I haven't the slightest idea what's come over them." "I taught them better respect than that." He spoke almost embarrassed as he hang his head low. He then looked up towards Braun. "Thanks to the most disrespectful treatment you've had the displeasure of experiencing," Baraku then swallowed what must have been a lump in his throat, "I must allow you to stay longer within my realm"," Baraku then paused, "For as long as my patience remains that is." Baraku spoke in a warning. He then gave a thought. "Follow me Braun, I prefer or impending conversation be held in the courtyard." "This Yin Garden is for peace and meditation only." Baraku spoke as he left the Garden. He expected Braun to follow him. As soon as he does he would entered an expansive stone courtyard. An intricate design was etched into the stone. Around them were training dummies, benches, and trees. Trees with Cherry Blossoms to be exact.

Baraku looked over to Braun, "Speak your mind Braun." "While I am still agreeable." Baraku spoke, almost impatient. He awaited for his words.

Braun followed Baraku in silence. Grateful his thunder wielding kin had stopped the Oni from attacking. Braun didn't want his first act in trying to reconnect with his brother be the battle against his own creations. So the two brothers, mightier than all walked through the home of the Storm God. The clouds parted at Baraku's steps and the skies seemed to permit sun to kiss the courtyard. The cherry blossoms seemed to glow as the sun danced around their petals. The entire area was so serene yet so full of the warrior spirit that emanated from within Baraku.

The pine benches and training dummies made from lacquered woods and bamboo stalks were set up around, like sword men always ready to spar. The colored petals from the trees drifted on the wind giving the natural courtyard a truly ethereal aura. Braun breathed deep and could feel the life of his brothers realm fill him. The spirit of the warrior was strong in this place.

"Speak your mind Braun. While I am still agreeable."

His brother said to him as eyes fell upon him, his words seemed almost impatient. Braun turned to Baraku but could not keep his eyes on him long. His realm was so perfect, so magical he could not help but marvel at it's brilliance.

"You have a beautiful home here brother, I can see why you spend so much time here. If this was my home I would defend it with all the strength I possess."

Braun turned back to Baraku and locked eyes with him as he came to a stop beside one of his many training dummies.

"We are warriors, you and I brother. We are the sword and the hammer, the axe and the spear. Yet I am the soldier with nightmares for I am ashamed of what I have done."

Braun turned to look at the dummy beside him and casually put his hands against the dummy's hands as if he was about to spar. He slowly played out a mock exchange of not but a blow or two before turning back to his brother who watched him.

"You spoke the truth in that hall today but because of my anger at your words I refused to admit that, worse still I would have brought harm to you, my brother. Not for the thrill of battle or good nurtured competition, but out of anger. I would have done you harm and for that I am ashamed."

Braun walked toward Baraku, his Storm Kin. The two gods were probably more alike than any other and yet this was the first honest conversation they'd ever had.

"I should never wish you harm for you are my family. If we fight then we fight, we pit might against might and challenge each other as warriors and men and brothers but not in anger, never in anger."

Braun paused as the wind picked up and cherry blossom petals drifted around him. Braun closed his eyes and breathed deep the powerful spirit of his brothers realm.

"Your realm speaks to me Thunder Kin. It sings the songs of glory and battle, of strength and a warriors spirit. It tells me of the way of the warrior. To know life in every breath..."

Braun opened his eyes once more and locked his gaze with Baraku.

"You are my brother for now and always, your enemies are mine, your pains I share, your triumphs I celebrate. I have been an sorry excuse till this day but that changes here and now. You and I should have always been as one. For what greater challenge and glory should there be than brothers growing strong side by side? Taking on the greatest challenges of life and defeating them. We can test one another, strengthen the other by our might. It is how it should be. Warrior brothers, stronger than all."

Baraku awaited as Braun entered his courtyard and marveled at the ornamentation and the architecture. Like himself he felt the true power and energy of Heiwatani. For some reason it made Baraku little bit happy to know someone else appreciates the harmonious atmosphere. Must people overlook such simple nuances, but there is power in everything. It would be foolish to overlook everything. At least that's what he can tell from Braun's expressions. He could feel the Chi. He then spoke.

"The feeling your experiencing Braun, is called Feng Shui." Baraku then explained, "Feng Shui is a system of harmonizing one's existence with the surrounding environment." "For you see there is power in all things." "A life energy called Chi." "Everyone possess Chi even the environment." "It makes one stronger, therefor I have arranged the environment you see to influence Feng Shui." "To not only harmonize myself but increase my strength." "That's why it speaks to you." Baraku spoke. He could feel the energy of the environment flowing through him right now. It was always so nice.

Baraku the silenced to listen to Braun's words. He did speak some truth himself, though other things he doesn't much agree. Baraku did speak truths but that wasn't enough. Though he can agree they are warriors. Baraku must respect him in that regard. For it is true they are warriors, and warriors must seek constant challenge. Lest they never better themselves. Therefor never becoming stronger than they already are. Though this accentuation of familial ties is ridiculous. You don't need others to strengthen you. You already posses that ability. That kind of challenge Baraku feels is pointless.

Baraku then looked at Braun still ever distant. He then spoke, "You speak some truth Braun." "You and I are similar." "We are warriors, bound for glory and acolytes of strength!" Baraku spoke some enthusiasm placed in. "Though you shouldn't be ashamed for your anger." "I was angry too." "Though my words were perhaps not in the best presentation, I still stand by my opinions." "I should have handle it better yes, but I still believe Tywin's death shouldn't have been as celebrated as it was." "His death was wrong." "He shouldn't have killed himself because he felt he hadn't the strength to carry on." "He could have become stronger, there is always opportunities to do so." "Which is why I can't understand why he would surrender himself like that."

Baraku spoke as he paced about. "I still stand by my opinion that I am mistreated by, not only you, but by everyone else." "We all bicker, but how I am treated...it's more than that." "You have ostracized me." "Based on the criterion of my natural tendencies." "Just because I cause disaster and prone to conflicts, does not mean I am a bad person." "Though I am judged before I can prove myself otherwise." "Well not anymore!" "Soon I am going to prove myself!" "Soon I will never be ignored and mistreated again!" Baraku began to shout, not a Braun but at the air. Anger was in his voice and determination abound. He then looked at Braun. "So why have you come here? "To vindicate me!?" "Reconciliation?!" Baraku then began to raise his voice.

"Do you think the admission of your fault is going to change anything?!" Baraku spoke his voice stern. "You've already wish to cause me harm, not only you, but your son, Sargon, everyone!" "Well before any of you can strike me, I shall make the first strike!" Baraku spoke. Baraku hastened his pace. "You continuously feel this notion that we are all family." "We are all one!" "Yet, I do not feel as if I am one!" "I feel only me!" "Tell me, how can we be one if we are also different!?" Baraku shouted at Braun. He awaited for an answer.

"Neither in brightest day nor blackest night shall any evil escape my sight, for those that worship evil's might shall beware my power and holy light." Arthas finished

Sargon leaned back in his throne and nodded contently "Then I shall hold you to this oath" He stood and stepped down once again, standing before Arthas. He extended his obsidian clad hand "I bid you welcome brother, may your judgment strike true, and order follow in your wake"

This man would be a suitable replacement for their lost kin Tywin. Now his focus had to be shifted to the actions of his brother Baraku, so much like Tywin, and such anger. The Shadow Lord kept his thoughts on this matter to himself, though he knew that one day he and his Storm brother would come to blows. And with it, so would their mortal nations.

Valiance approached the Goddess and took a knee. "Greetings, Cousin. I don't believe we've had the pleasure." He said and stood up. "I am Valiance." He said but that was all. He didn't want to sound smug by announcing his title. He wanted to just be Valiance...who ever that was.

Sylvanas still stood, she had been watching the argument between her mother, father, and uncle since its start. She had looked for any opening her uncle may have taken to bring harm to her parents, and stood poised with her bow. Now that he had left, her attention was drawn briefly to the younger god before her.

"Valiance the Confident, Valiance the Handsome, Valiance the lover" she cocked an eye at him "We have not had the pleasure, but I have heard of you" she rested her bow against her throne "Was there something you needed cousin?" she said flipping her hair from her face

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Valiance

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"Valiance the Confident," Sylvanas said and Valiance chuckled as he stood up.

"Valiance tne Handsome," Valiance smirked handsomely at that.

"Valiance the Lover."she said and Valiance looked at her with surprise. Lover? He actually hadn't taken a woman to bed yet, however there were women in Jorrvaak that he had charmed, perhaps there were rumors floating about him.

He hoped that wouldn't deter his cousin from joining him.

"We have not had the pleasure, but I have heard of you," She said with an arched eyebrow.

"Was there something you needed cousin?"She said with a flip of her hair. Valiance smirked handsomely, revealing a dimple in cheek. "Well, I figured, all of this bickering and arguing between the elders, we should go someplace, Have some fun." He said with a shrug, his charming smile never leaving his lips. "You look like a skilled fighter, How about a sparring session? " He asked, he would never actually hurt her. He had every intention on letting her best him whether she was better then him or not. Unless of course, she asked him to go all out. Never would he deny the word of a woman.

"We would use wooden weapons of course so what say you, Cousin?" He said with a grin. "Sound like fun?"

Braun stepped forward making teh physical connection with his brother by putting his hand on his shoulder, hoping to empathize with him. His eyes spoke of the yearning in his heart, the desire for his brother to feel that connection to him. Braun's heart pained to know his brother felt this way, like there was no one but he, none he felt a kinship too. Braun would not allow his brother to be alone any longer.

"I'm here because I love you, is that so strange to understand?! I'm your brother, Baraku!"

Braun's words were emphatic and forceful, bordering on yelling but he wanted Baraku to hear him and understand without fail this most simplest of truths.

"We're going to fight, we're not going to agree on everything and yes we're all different but that's how this works. That's what being in a family is. Brothers and sisters argue and bicker, they at times see only the differences in one another but there are similarities there also and love to found among kin. You don't need to only see things as them and you. Their not against you, we're not against you. This strike first nonsense is unnecessary."

Braun removed his hand while he looked into his brother's eye, a half smile etched it's way onto his face.

"You and I are not so different are we? Do you not see the family resemblance there?"



Arthas rose slowly, accepting the hand of his elder kin with gratitude.

"I shall not betray thee brother."

Arthas said with a nod. The God of Justice and newly appointed Servant of the Council was pleased and relived his family had accepted him. He felt compelled to help them but only if they allowed and wanted his help. He would not force himself on anyone. Sargon's wisdom was well documented, if he agreed to Arthas' appointment then the others would follow.

Arthas' eyes followed Sargon's to his daughter where Valiance was busy flirting. The sight made Arthas smile, so like his father. The sight brought Nigriv's words to the forefront of his mind. “He makes my heart race, my pulse quickens, words do not form, thoughts are all jumbled and the world spins in my vision.” A crush was forming in the innocent goddesses heart. Arthas turned to her, allowing his sterling eyes to fall upon her. Standing off to the side beside her automaton so timidly.

He knew not the proper way to handle such a situation. He had taken a vow to commit himself body and soul to the council. He could not take a wife not did he view the charming goddess in such a romantic light as she viewed him. He would need to seek council of his own to deal with this properly. Perhaps one of his kin would be of assistance? A female would have better insight he figured and began deciding who he would turn to for aid.

Baraku looked at Braun, his being ever so distant. He noticed the physical connection he was making. Though he might have appreciated it, he was still so hurt and enraged. He could not understand the love that Braun was implying. To one who has gone on so long without it, it's foreign to him. To him it's just a concept not an actual force. He then removed Braun's hand from his shoulder. Not forcefully but with enough strength to move it aside. Baraku then took a few steps back away from him. He just couldn't see eye to eye with him.

"I'm not so sure about that Braun." Baraku spoke, doubt weighed heavy in his words. "From where I stand it looks pretty cut and dry to me." "If I was to march back into the Halls, after my outburst...I doubt they would welcome me with open arms." "They may act like family to you, but not to me." "I can already foresee myself, being in the same situation as Nex." "One day I am going to push them, and one day you will see how wrong you are." "The lines are being drawn Braun, like a storm, something is on the horizon." "I have no idea what it is, but it will be huge." Baraku spoke his words strangely ominous.

"The way they act, their Council...already they have judged before." "Perhaps Tywin's desires may come to fruition one day." "As I highly doubt Nex will be the only one to upset them." "It will happen again." "They will come for me, because I know I stand against them." "Something is driving me to this paragon." "I don't believe I am meant to love and be loved in the life." "I have something else to offer this world." "Something else it needs despite it's negative connotations." Baraku spoke strangely sanguine.

"I am the God of Discord." "Conflict is in my very name...I am an Adversary...Adversary to all." "My Path is one of solitude." "One that I must follow." "To deny that is to deny my very being." "I believe that is the one thing I am incapable of doing." Baraku spoke his voice hollow, yet a hint of forlorn. The clouds then began to darken over head. The wind began to pick up as the storm brewed once again. Baraku closed his eyes as he gave a frown. He then looked towards him with saddened eyes. "Yes I see the resemblance Braun." "Our resemblance...we are opposites." Baraku spoke as he made a fist. Electricity began to surge through out his body. He lit up and glowed with a light most brilliant. Then suddenly he fired a bolt of lightning at Braun. If it hit, it should not do any significant damage or harm to him. But it should have enough force to knock him back a ways. After words the wind swirled underneath Baraku as he rose of the ground and hovered in mid air. Baraku still kept a forlorn countenance as he looked down at Braun. He awaited his response.

---

Nigriv & Ai.

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Nigriv looked up as Arthas' gaze fell on her. Her face burned red and she looked away, playing with her fingers.

Ai smiled at a distance. She walked up to Arthas. "Brother." She said with a smile "I can see your feelings." She said and her eyes fell on Nigriv. "I understand your vow and I also understand that you're feelings for Nigriv are not what hers are." She said before her eyes fell back on Arthas.

"There is something you should know about my daughter." Ai said walking around him, slowly. "She is a nervous little mouse, I highly doubt she will admit her admiration for you..." She said, her voice as smooth Anansi's silk, she didn't mean to flirt but honestly couldn't help it honestly.

"However she is Innocent, Sheis Innocence. All she would ever need is your friendship." She said, her fingers dragging across Arthas' shoulder and rested on his back. "So go be her friend." She said and playfully shoved Arthas in Nigriv's direction, causing Nigriv let off an small 'Eep.'

Ai smiled and walked off with agiggle.

"Oh, Hello," Nigriv said looking away, holding on to her arm nevrously. "You were very...um...brave. You didn't seem to be afraid at all. I was terrifed." She said, her eyes looking from his to the floor.

The lightning bolt struck the God of Strength squarely in the chest. The force of the lightning sent the titan God off his feet to crash into several of the sparring dummies Baraku had set up about his courtyard. The wooden and bamboo structures were obliterated by the impact with the Gods body. Braun tumbled across to the ground until coming to a stop. He gritted his teeth but rose to a knee looking up at his brother, now hovering off the ground, with a look of frustration and confusion.

"Damn it all, we don't need to do this!"

Braun barked before he leapt off the ground. His powerful legs sent him soaring through the air to tackle his brother out of the sky. The two gods hit the earth hard and Braun using his powerful grip pinned Baraku's shoulders to the dirt as he looked into his face from his mounted position.

"You're not like Nex, and you're not Tywin! If you walk this path it will be a path of your choosing!"

Even as Braun shouted at his brother a part of him knew it was futile. Baraku felt, knew his path and this was it. The solitary warrior, the swordsman without a clan, the way of the Ronin.



Ai's words calmed the concern in the knightly Gods heart. He was fearful not for himself but for the heart of his niece. He wanted not to bring her pain and was uncertain of how to approach the situation but the Love Goddess in all of her wisdom had shed light on the quagmire Arthas had stepped into. Feeling considerably more at ease he listened as Nigriv spoke.

"Oh, Hello, You were very...um...brave. You didn't seem to be afraid at all. I was terrified."

Arthas cocked his head slightly so Nigriv would look up at him. Once their eyes met he gave her a small charming smile.

"You say you were frightened but I say you were more courageous than any here, My Lady. For it is in the presence of fear that we can show true bravery."

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Nigriv

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"You say you were frightened but I say you were more courageous than any here. My Lady. For it is in the presence of fear that we can show true bravery." Arthas said and Nigriv gave a closed mouth smile. "He all but called me a fool." She said softly, looking down hiding her face behind her short black hair. "I was shaking and crying, sure I spoke but I didn't matter. I didn't want him to be angry anymore." She said, her brow creased sadly. "When I am sad or angry someone always tries to make me feel better. I was hoping I could do the same for him." She said, talking more then she probably ever had. She sighed heavily, looking up at the high ceilings of the Halls. "He practically ignored me, all because I am small..." She said. She understood this was how she'd be treated, she didn't grow the same as her brother, she stopped and he continued to full maturity. She understood that that meant she'd rarely if ever be taken seriously. All she wanted was someone not to look down on her, not to take pity or take special care just because she was small. For all intent and purposes she was in fact older then Arthas. It didn't matter though. All she wanted was a friend. "It seems my words hold little merit, my opinion, no value, I confuse easly...I suppose it is because I am a child." She said, most of what she said she was speaking more to herself then to him and only realized afterwards that she venting to him. She returned her gaze to Artas and looked shocked for a moment. "O-Oh. My deepest apologizes, I don't know what came over me, I sort of drifted off a bit." She said with a sheepish giggle. "Did you want something?" She said hoping he'd have forgotten about what she'd told her brother in front of Arthur. She didn't know if her heart could take mere mention of her confession.

Kaira distanced herself as Sylvanas spoke to Valiance. She suspected that neither Valiance nor Sylvanas would want parents near by. She trusted Sylvanas, she could take care of herself and anyone else who came along. Not for the first time, Kaira's heart surged with pride as she looked upon her daughter.

Kaira went to Nigriv, who was being comforted by Arthas. His oath had struck a chord with her, there was an unbreakable truth to that oath. She placed an arm around her neice's shoulders, "You did very well little one," she kissed Nigriv's forhead, "Do not worry greatly about Baraku, your father will see to him. Hopefully he will come around and see we mean him no ill."

In truth, her heart was troubled by Baraku. She did love her brother dearly, as she loved all her kin but he would not let anyone close to him. She feared that should he continue on his path, Baraku would be lost to them.

Kaira looked at Arthas and smiled warmly, "You spoke well too Arthas, we may well need someone of your temprament when things get a little heated."

Kaira bowed her head, excusing herself from Arthas and Nigriv's company. She came to Sargon. She kissed him warmly. She was certain she had seen him recently, but it felt like years. She took his hand, taking Sargon away fron Sylvanas. The two stood on the edge of the hall, watching Sylvanas and Valiance, "our little girl's growing up." Kaira laughed, teasing Sargon and his over-protectiveness of Sylvanas.

Sargon leaned against the wall with a smirk "She always has" he looked to Sylvanas "It is not her I worry for though, it is him" Valiance was the god of strengths son, but Sylvanas was the god of strategy, and the goddess of loyalties blood. She was the prodigy of the greatest swordsmen in the immortal ranks.

"It has been awhile my dear" Sargon took her hand "I have let my mortals take my time. I worry, with this world becoming as it is. My children's presence is soon to be known as the other mortal seek to expand their holds"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________



"We would use wooden weapons of course so what say you, Cousin?" He said with a grin. "Sound like fun?"

Sylvanas raised her hand "No wood, don't think me such a tender being" she looked at him with defiance"We will spar cousin, and then you can speak to me what is really on your mind"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________



The orcs were an impatient lot, while the lycans marched at a steady pace, the orcs let their bloodlust take them. They surged forward to the lycan lines; screaming and roaring, each attempting to be the first to shed lycan blood.

"Release Ballista!" one of the lieutenants shouted, followed quickly by the twang of the balilistas. The massive bolts flng through the air, shortly finding their marks. Piercing orcs in droves, quickly deadening their will to fight.

"Infantry! Shield Wall!" the commanders yelled from the field of battle. The lines of the lycans stopped, the first line held shoulder to shoulder digging their shields into the earth. The spearmen behind dug their poles into the earth, and rested them upon the intersections. The third braced their shields above the counterparts, and the wall was formed, braced by the strength of the lycans "Brace yourselves!"

The orcs crashed into the shield wall like water upon rock. Their forces simply battered at the shields of the lycans, or pierced themselves upon the spears.

"Archers!" Dragonmiir shouted, spurring his horse. The second column notched arrows, and raised their bows "Loose!" the sound of the arrows cutting through the air, and the thud of their marks, brought a resounding cheer from the lycans behind the shield wall.

Dragonmiir looked to Selena "On the second horn, break the shield wall. Lead the charge!" He turned his horse, his sisters in tow "Calvary to me!" he lead the small force to flank the orcs from the east.

Once again it appeared that the gathering of gods had simply sparked more trouble than would have been had it not occurred; though this time as the lord of Thunder strode past Nuri was tempted to halt him because this discord was beginning to bother her, especially since it usually required her to be pulled from her craft which always agitated the goddess. But in a moment he was gone and the hall seemed brighter for it, with what appeared to be the children of Braun and Sargon making small talk in a corner and other deities milling around.

We really don't work as a family do we? Nuri thought to herself before shaking her head and walking out of the halls. I don't know why I even turn up for these things. They never seek me save when they require a weapon unlike any other or a new device of beauty to woo a mortal or another deity.

She sighed to herself as her melancholy thoughts began to get the better of her once more, before stretching her muscles and returning to the welcoming glow of her forges. She smiled to herself and took it all in, the roaring fires and hunched figures as far as the eye could see and hers were exceptional. Morden had went about his business so her chamber was empty save for her creations and current works. On a rig nearby was a device raised up so it was possible to work under it, so she knelt down and lay on her back, pulling herself beneath the contraption. It was a great beast of metal with hundreds of crystals and focusing points of magical energies which seemed to thrum with power as she worked new runes into them. It was directly on the base of this creation that several pyramid shapes of sharp blue rested, each sparking lightning between them and causing the rest to shake and jerk slightly till Nuri tightened the locks holding it in place with a gesture.

It had been something she'd worked on for some time now and would most likely continue to do so. A marvel some would have called it in the mortal world but she wasn't sure if the world was ready for it. Perhaps her own people would do best to have it as an aid then in time introduce it at their own pace. Nodding to herself she decided that was best and brushing several crystal shavings from her cheeks she continued calibrating the power of the device.

---

---

The world seemed peaceful from up here as she stared at the rolling hills, patchwork of farmland and winding rivers which seemed to go on forever across the world. Though it had been an age since she'd last been able to bask in the wonder of the world, her distant view of events around her shifted as she caught sight of the Hall of the Gods. The place where she had fallen so long ago and met the only one of her kin to have enjoyed her company. The memory of Tywin caused her to smile and note that it had been too long since she'd seen him.

In fact after their first meeting he seemed to have all but vanished... though she did remember times when he had came to see her since she had withdrawn back to the heavens. She had never visited him however and seeing the halls made her sad at that and so she flew towards them.

Landing lightly at the doors she caught sight of what appeared to be a statue of Tywin, certainly odd given that it was the only statue out here and no more existed for any other of the pantheon. A little perplexed she wondered if it were simply a deterent for others like Nex, the memory of him gave her cause to shiver and she decided it would have no other purpose but to ward against such as he.

Pushing open the doors slowly she entered the halls and smiled to herself as she saw an armoured figure in regal gold. Tywin looked just as she remembered him. He was kind and just. The protector of the gods that they needed, but perhaps not the one they deserved. Her smile broadening yet at the same time the corners of her mouth twitched as uncertainty sparked in her mind, urging her to turn back; yet instead she simply ran, half flying towards Tywin. Her arms wrapping around his broad shoulders and clinging tightly.


”Tywin, I've missed you. Why has it been so long sin-” Her voice faltered as his head turned, her eyes locking with his and wandering his features. She suddenly looked lost and confused, her grip tightening somewhat as she felt herself pulling within moment by moment.

The forest was brought alive with the sound of music and the warmth of a large blazing bonfire. Spirits swayed and twirled around in the flickering light, laughing and cheering with glee. Many of the dancing beings held instruments and played them beautifully as they leapt about. Among them was their king, the Lord of Espiritus. Espiri grinned a childish grin at his creations as he joined them, playing his pan pipe and skipping around with joy. The sound of his pipe was seductive, drawing in all those who heard it's call.

His heart raced with the pace of pounding drums and singing flutes. This was the way to live. Not in some huge palace in a separate world from his creations, but side by side with them, sharing drinks and indulging in the pleasures of the worlds. Of course, he mainly resided in his realm of Espiritus with the majority of his followers, but he carved out this piece of fantastic land in Ashariel for those who wanted to see what the mortal world had to offer.

Now, they were now breaking in their new home with dance and song. They had currently been going at it for three days. . .Or perhaps it had been three weeks. Regardless, he had been having a good time. Now, he saw more of his creations enter the fire's light and join the dance. They were different from the spirits, however, in both body and soul. They appeared as gorgeous mortal women, but as they came closer and allowed themselves to be overcome by the music of their brothers, their true selves were reveal. Many of them resembled animals of different kinds, some with cat-like eyes and other with serpentine tongues and razor teeth. They were hags and he was very happy with how they turned out.

Espiri smiled again as two of the newly arrived beings caught his eye. A young boy and girl, both with hair like strands of gold. They were children of Puck, who would lead the spirits in Ashariel and Margret Witchmother, strongest of her kind and the closest thing they had to a leader. The god laughed as the boy flew into the air, floating around like a falling leaf. He was so like his father and like Espiri himself. His sister, however, was so like her mother it was painful and stood on the edge of the party with her arms cross and an awkward half smile on her face. They would both be very important to the Spirit King's people one day. The boy would make a fine avatar, as he embodied everything that Espiri stood for. Fun, desire, mischief, and youth. The girl was wise and patient, quite a meticulous little witch. She'd become more powerful than any other hag in the world.

The god twirled around the fire, playing his pipes louder, it's sweet song ringing through all parts of the land and all corners of all the worlds. It served as an invitation to anyone willing to join the King in his dance. It called to the soul, the unresolved passions and the unindulged pleasures that plagued it. 'Come one. Come all. Join my dance and be merry with me.'





Persephone fell to her knees, covered in blood and sweat. Her hands trembled and she could no longer grip her blade. Tears stung her eyes and rolled down her cheeks, the salty taste finding it's way to her lips. Carnage surrounded her. Death's touch had rotted the earth with blood and corpses. She was taught that war was a man's game, but a woman must learn to play if she wanted to survive. Her clan had been among the most skilled players in Ashariel.

Her mother Genesis, the first woman to be created by the Trinity, had been the fiercest warrior and the most nurturing woman that she had ever met. But now, she was gone. They all were. They had lived as a part of a clan of women, peaceful except when threatened. An army of men had come to conquer them, to slaughter the warrior woman and make the ones who survived their submissive trophies and pets. That hadn't exactly gone the way they planned.

They had been caught off guard by the females' ferocity in battle, but the war was not one sided. Both sides suffered extreme casualties and now Persephone was the only one left alive. Her sisters were gone. Her enemies were gone. There was no longer light or darkness. No black or white. She was alone with only shades of grey and stains of red. She continued to tremble, like a leaf about to fall from it's branch. "Mother Amara!" She cried to the goddess. "Please take my life! I no longer have anything to live for! My home is drowned in blood! My mother and sisters have left me to join the dead! Allow me to join them!"

"My daughter, I have heard your plea. But I will not grant your wish." A woman with white hair and beautiful green dress appeared before the young girl. Tears flowed freely from Persephone's eyes at the sight of her mother goddess. "Oh please Amara! Great mother! I cannot go on, my sisters are gone." Amara smiled sadly as two women appeared at her side. One with golden hair wore gleaming armor and carried a mighty axe. The other's face was covered with a black veil and she wore the garb of a widow. "Your sisters are not gone." said Hellia. "We have not forsaken you." Her voice rang like a golden bell.

Persephone looked up, confused by the goddess' statement. "What do you mean?" She asked. Hellia stepped towards her, caressing the girl's cheek. "Your sisters will live on in our realm, as our loyal warriors, as they did in life." She smiled sweetly, like a ray of sun. "Your sisters that fought honorably in the light of day will serve as my White Maids. They will be my companions in battle.

Noctre, the dark one, stepped forward. "And your sisters who preferred to kill silently in the night will become my Black Widows, agents of the dark." Amara smiled pleasantly. "And your sisters whose heart's claimed both light and dark" she spoke. "They will become my Grey Ladies, protectors of the Sacred Order of Balance." Persephone's deceased sisters appeared behind the goddesses. Her mother was among them, wearing a dress of grey and silver.

"Why am I left alive, my Goddesses?" Amara looked at her with comforting silver eyes. "Because you are meant for great things." She reached down to her daughter, gently pulling her to her feet. She lightly placed her index finger on her forehead, a rush of energy flooding into Persephone's body. "We give you the gift of sight, my daughter. For every woman, like every man, has the right to see things clearly. You will travel the land and bring together peoples of all kind. You will build a nation devoted to the balance between good and evil, dark and light."

Persephone could see images of this nation in her mind's eye. Flashes of large buildings, happy people, and many wonders. Now she understood why they saved her. "I'll do it. Lead me and I will follow."

The goddesses smiled at her and Amara nodded slowly. "You will bring about harmony, my daughter." And then they vanished.

The sudden embrace had caught Arthas off guard. Around his shoulders someone had lovingly tossed their arms around him and squeezed tightly as if finally finding a long lost loved one. Arthas stiffened for a moment as he turned his head to the melodious voice speaking to him from behind.

”Tywin, I've missed you. Why has it been so long sin-”

The eyes of the God of Justice, blue and shinning like the finest crystal or the wealth of the sea fell upon the winged beauty for the first time. Her hair was golden like the rays of the sun and her skin was soft as silk. Drifting down her back was the most magnificent set of feathered wings of the purest white. Arthas was captivated by her and found him wishing for the briefest of moments that he was the one she sought so he may remain in her embrace.

Alas as her words trailed off and her eyes fixed on his the truth was revealed. He was not the man she thought him to be and the loving warmth she had first exhibited slowly transformed into confusion. Worst still to not be holding he whom she sought in her arms saddened the beautiful winged Goddess and that brought pain to the kindly heart of the noble Knight God. Looking in her eyes and observing her demeanor something struck Arthas as strange. She called him Tywin, not that odd considering their similarities in attire yet Tywin was dead and has been for some time. If by chance this Goddess was not aware of his death the news of his loss and Arthas' very existence as his heir may be difficult for her to handle.

"I'm sorry My Lady but I am not Twyin. Perhaps if you would do me the honor of taking air with me we may speak on him."

Arthas said respectively and with more than a little charm. He offered her his arm before turning to Nigriv and excusing himself.

"If you would excuse me."

He said with a short bow before he led Anwen outside. Tywin's memories began flooding into him, memories of his first meeting with the goddess. Memories from just before the end. One of the few moments of light in his dark world. She crashed into him, flying through one of the windows in the Hall of the Gods. He had been kind to her, and helped her up. As Tywin Arthas could remember him being impressed by her wisdom as well as grateful for her kind nature for unlike the rest of his kin she did not view him negatively but instead with good favor. She judged him not for his past but what he did in the present and for that she was special to him.

Now Tywin was gone, perhaps the only one Anwen truly knew and Arthas took it upon his shoulders the burden of breaking such difficult news. It was his responsibility as Tywin's heir yet he did not lament the thought of bringing her pain. Such a beautiful being, one so kind and gentle should not have to bear such pain but life and death was not gentle to the kind or the righteous. It's pains came to all in time yet if it was at all possible Arthas would soften the blow as much as he could. As they walked, her arm linked with his the cool breeze began to kick about, causing Arthas' cloak to whip around behind him. In the distance he could see the statue of Tywin, it would be there he would give her the news and allow her to mourn.

---

Nigriv and Valiance.

Nigriv watched as one of her aunts wrapped her arms around Arthas. Something flared in Nigriv's heart. A pain and a frustration that she was not familiar with. The embrace continued much too long for Nigriv's liking and before long, Arthas excused himself and she was alone again. Nigriv watched the exit, tears welling her eyes and dripping down her cheek.

She got up and sprinted first but then broke into a full run until she came to the edge of cliff.


The wind tussled her hair. She watched the ground below

She felt suddenly, she didn't belong. She had no power, nothing of any used to anyone of her kin. Valiance was well valiant. Her Father Strong, Her Mother Beautiful, Her Aunts, Loyal, A Life Giver, a Controller of Fate. a Mistress of Metal. Her Uncles, Masters of The Sea, The Air, and Justice. All the world around them the elders could control and what was she? A timid little...mouse. Small and Insignificant.

[i]"You are naive but because you are a child."[i] Baraku's words stormed in her mind as she envisioned casting herself off of the mountain. She didn't belong here.

She was not worthy.

"Goddess,"

Nigriv didn't budge as Arthur approaches.

"Go away, Arthur."

"I am to protect you. It is my purpose."

"No! You were giving to me because I am a child. A Toy for the little girl!" Nigriv cried, tears streaming down her face.

The automaton didn't budge.

"I am of no used to anyone. So I heal. I am surrounded by Gods, to whom does not need healing. I am useless as a Goddess." She said sadly.

"All I wish is for a friend. Someone who will not regard or ignore because I am small." She said and turned to the cliff, a few pebbles falling down and down, showing her what her fate would be.

"Your family, My Goddess."

"My Family would be better off, I am always afraid, I am nothing but a nuscence. Something they must go out of their way to protect..." Her eyes closing.

"I understand why he did it. My uncle. I am not worth the trouble."
She said and with that she flung herself off the cliff.

Suddenly, her body was snatched out of the sky by the automaton. She looked up as it flew her a safe distance away from the cliff and landed softly. Nigriv, still in it's arms, just wept.

****
Valiance smiled at his cousin. "What's really on my mind? Ha, Well, Should you best me, dear cousin, I shall willfully tell you what is on my mind." He said with a handsome grin as he extended his arm out to her. "May I?" He asked with a gentlemanly bow.
Suddenly, he got a chill up his spine, he didn't want to look foolish in front of Slyvana so he ignored it.

"I'm sorry My Lady but I am not Twyin. Perhaps if you would do me the honor of taking air with me we may speak on him."
His deep blue eyes stared at her with some confusion at her words which served to make her pull back a little as her mind tried to process events. His words simply made her detach from events around her. She could feel a tug against her arm, dragging her with the armoured warrior out of the halls and through the gardened area that surrounded it. Her head turned as they approached the statue of Twyin that she’d noted upon her arrival, her eyes flitting between it and this figure and carefully noting the subtle differences that she’d glossed over at first. She collapsed onto the grass nearby, her wings curling around her body as her eyes welled with tears.

”You're... It's... He’s gone...”

She turned to look up at Arthas for a moment with her hands twitching as they clenched and unclenched in her lap. Her mouth struggled to form more words as her stare became almost pleading.

Arthas nodded slowly, allowing her a moment to grieve before he spoke. There were no words, no amount of eloquence that could alleviate the sting of loss, the pain of death. Tears trickled down her soft cheeks and Arthas lowered his head in respect and sorrow for her loss. It was difficult for him to be there with her in that moment. If it was anybody else who had lost their life Arthas would not feel so strange but this, Tywin's death was different. It was different because Arthas' very existence was a direct result of Tywin taking his own life. he would never be here if Tywin still lived.

Taking a breath Arthas extended his hand to her, putting it warmly and reassuringly on her shoulder as sorrow gripped her heart.

"Yes... He's gone. He took his own life in the hopes to save of us all. Tywin is a hero Anwen, despite how others may remember him all of his memories live within me. I know his pain and I know how much he wanted to save everyone. He struggled and suffered his entire life but you..."

Arthas stepped out from behind Anwen to stand beside her and offer her his hand so she may rise.

"You were kind to him when kindness was a but a dream. You showed him compassion when he forget the sensation and you judged him not when he felt he lived before a tribunal."

Arthas paused to give her a moment, as he looked upon her whats his eyes paid witness to mingled with Tywin's latent memories and he could not help but marvel at the Goddess before him.

"I know to look upon me must pain thee and for that I cannot begin to apologize yet if it brings even the smallest glimmer of solace know that my very existence is a direct result of the universe trying to correct the loss of him. I was born to do what Tywin always wanted. The pursuit of justice and the defense of the innocent is my purpose in this life. I will honor his memory in the pursuit of my duties Anwen, I swear it."

Hellia heard the call of innocence and purity from across the realms. She found the goddess Nigriv in the arms of a large metal thing that cradled her like a baby. Poor thing. She was crying, much like her mother had been several hundred years ago. "Hello little woman." Hellia greeted cheerfully, slinging her axe over her shoulder and pulling her hood down, gold strands spilling over her shoulders. She beamed at the girl, the world seeming to brighten the longer she stood there. "This is no way for a woman like you to spend her day. You should be out on some adventure!"

Much like her fellow goddess, Hellia radiated innocence and pure intent. Waves of light washed off of her and onto everyone in her presence. "You know," she began "I know you struggle, Pure One. Sometimes I feel useless, usually because Noctre says something nasty to me, but that's beside the point." She floated into the air and sat down next to Nigriv in the arms of the machine beast. "Mortals and gods are alike in many ways. One thing they do is underestimate a child's mind and a pure soul. Children are written off as naïve and vulnerable, but I think," She scooted closer to the small goddess, as if telling her a secret. "Children are smarter than every adult in the world." She grinned a grin like a ray of sunlight.

"Who else could make swords from sticks or castles from planks of wood and a handful of nails? Who could turn a doll into a queen and have tea with her every day? Or have invisible friends whom they share all their secrets?" Hellia smiled, wrapping an arm around Nigriv. "Do you see it, Little Woman? The innocent can transform the world into whatever they want! They save the world everyday! It's why I love- I mean I respect your father so much." The War Maiden played with her axe. "He is much like a child, much like us." The goddess wiped a tear from Nigriv's face. She grinned at the sound of pipes playing in the distance, the call of another child-god.

"What do you say we have some fun and dry those tears on your cheeks?" Hellia whistled loudly and the clomping of hooves soon followed. A unicorn appeared in the clearing, braying and awaiting Hellia and the young goddess. "A kindred spirit calls to us? Do you desire to join his dance?"

Baraku wasn't entirely surprised Braun would be more forceful. As the two hit the ground, some ways away from the courtyard. He felt little ruffled from the sudden impact, not enough for Baraku to pay much heed to it. His face was dull as he looked at Braun. His commitment to helping him, is inspiring. In fact enlightening. This has all been helping him see something more. Though not in the way Braun would wish. He then spoke to his brother.

"Braun." "This is the way it must be." Baraku spoke. "Don't you see?" "You've enlightened me." "Your commitment to yourself and your nature is what I must aspire to be." "You are the God of Brotherhood, you are meant to create and empower bonds." "I am the God of Discord, I am meant to break those bonds." Baraku spoke. "That is why we resemble each other, we embrace our very nature." Baraku spoke. His face went from calm to stern. "We cannot deny who we really are Braun." "I must do this." Then electricity then began to surge about his body. He began to glow.

"Though you are right again Braun." "I am not like Nex." Then his body disappeared in a flash of light. Then boom, came another flash and Baraku was across from the mounted Braun. "I'm not as easy to catch." Baraku then paused, "I am not like Tywin, I won't allow the weakness of my heart to end me." "I can guarantee you that much." Baraku spoke, his voice still stern. He then narrowed his eyes at Braun. "Perhaps it is my choosing." "But I have seen outside forces choose the destiny of plenty others." "I won't allow that." "Instead of being chained, I choose to follow my nature!" "I embrace it!" "Like you embrace yours!" "Which is why you still attempt to connect to me...you can see a family Braun...all I see are obstacles." Baraku spoke his voice stunned, perhaps surprised.

He then began move farther away from Braun. "To show my appreciation, I will allow you to warn your family." "Know that this is my Declaration of War." "Just like our very nature coming into question this day, I shall question the nature of others." "I will challenge them." "They will not know where or when I will come." "Just know that I am coming." "I will defeat the Council and I will do this by defeating the Gods one by one." "If you wish to stop me Braun, then by all means try." "But know your not exempt from my challenges." He spoke warning Braun as well. "I think it's about time for you to leave Braun." Baraku spoke. He then awaited to hear Braun's last words before he departed.

The God of Strength was on his knees, fist in the dirt listening to his brothers words. He spoke of war and of destroying the council, he heralded a doom to come and strife to follow. Braun should have felt anger, fury even but instead Braun was excited. He slowly rose to his feet as Baraku finished and offered him the opportunity to return to his kin and warn them of the storm that was coming for them. While Braun feared for them he also could not help yearn for the challenge his brother would bring. Braun was pleased at least the hatred and ire of Baraku was gone yet what replaced it may be all the more dangerous, self aware belief. Braun stepped toward Baraku, his face showed a mixture of emotions not the least of which was pride in his kin.

"I should be upset, nay, I should be furious with you for forcing this war but.... you're right. As much as I hate to admit it you are right Baraku. It's your nature to bring challenge."

Braun paused and a fiery smirk dawned on his face as his eyes locked onto his brothers.

"As it is mine to accept them."

Braun breathed deep the winds of war on the horizon. Glorious battle shall be his, he and his brother shall find combat and conquest so epic the world shall shake beneath their bout. Baraku will give everything he has to obliterating the council and every other God and Braun would be there to stop him. Braun would use all the strength he had at his disposal to fight Baraku and defeat him in order to protect his family. A family that, at the moment, knew not of the storm in the distance.

"Know this brother. That when it is over. When you've had your bouts with our kin. When you've challenged the wolf and the sea lord, when you're ready for a real fight I will be there. It's destined to be us, you and me pitting might against might, power against power. That which dominates all against that which cannot be dominated."

Braun paused as he let loose a daring chuckle and shook his head. He looked back up at his brother and gave him a firm nod knowing the match was set.

"I look forward to our next meeting brother."

With that Braun crouched and rocketed off into the sky in a single mighty leap. His limitless strength propelling him through the sky and back towards the Hall to warn the others.

---

Nigriv

---

Nigriv sat up slowly as Helila approached her and Arthur. Tears seemingly endless, as she spoke.

All Nigriv wanted was a true friend, someone who treated her as a person, not a child.

Her mind wandered back to Arthas, causing her heart to break a little as she recalled his walking off with Aewen. She was a woman, while Nigriv was just a girl...a child.

Then something Helia said struck Nigriv as odd. She studdered when she spoke of her father, the same way, Nigriv had when she spoke to Valiance about Arthas.

Helia was in love with her father.

Nigriv wasn't sure how to respond to that but she understood the feeling now. She was in love with Arthas, and much like Helia, she felt she stood no chance. After all, Her father was not known for commitment, otherwise he and her Mother would be together, she wondered why Helia stammered though, She stood a better chance then Nigriv would with Arthas, not that Nigriv wanted more then a friendship.

It was all too confused.

What do you say we go have some fun and dry those tears on your cheeks." Helia said and Nigriv watched as a beautiful white unicorn brayed from the distance. Nigriv's eyes were wide with wonder as Arthur set her down and she slowly stood. "A kinderd spirit calls to us? Would you like to join him in his dance?" Helia asked and Nigriv smiled and nodded. "Yes," She breathed to her aunt with a sniff. "I would like that very much."

"I will honour his memory in the pursuit of my duties Anwen, I swear it."

His words just washed over her as she stared back at him, her eyes unfocused and still filled with tears. She sat in silence for a long while, her mouth parting slightly as if words are trying to come out yet instead only silence before they slowly close again. Eventually she whispers something barely auidable as her body begins to shake a little violently, her tears flowing more so than earlier.

”It’s more than that...”

She looks at him properly now, hugging herself tightly in an attempt to stop her shivering and trembling as she rethinks the time spent since she was last in the mortal world. Shaking her head she blinks away several tears and speaks a little stronger than before.

”I… We, well… It’s hard to explain.”

Her posture straightened slightly as a strange calm seemed to descend on her; lending her words strength as she stopped shaking and smiled weakly.

”In dreams our power and prestige matters little. Creatures of our own thoughts made manifest are our equal and if we allow it also our betters. But our nightmares gain a hold at times that is hard to break.”

She paused for a moment as she tried to stand, though as she did so it appeared as if her body had a double mimicking her actions but occupying almost the exact space she was. When she looked at Arthas again her eyes were now black voids filled with stars and the ethereal shape grew behind her and took on the form of what appeared to be a man howling and screaming at the god of justice.

You had no right to tell her the truth.

As the voice echoed around the garden it appeared to darken for a moment before Anwen shut her eyes tightly, breathing slowly as it all receded as if it had never happened.

”Tell me, how bad do you think my nightmares are? Nightmares that can taste so sweet yet all they are in the end are fake memories of something that never was nor never would be. I’ve seen the horrors inside our heads. Truth and lies intermingle and mean nothing when you dream. I’m left alone because few like to hear their inner thoughts exposed without their own understanding nevermind their permission.”

She tilted her head sideways and smiled softly, her hand reaching up to caress his face.

”I spent the time since Tywin gave his life in his company. A dreaming echo of him twisted and warped by the fears and loathing of the gods yet tempered by my hope for more than their was. It never happened and that is the true pain of my domain. To have experienced something to the point of nothing being more real and wake to find it was little more than a wisp of smoke in the morning air.”

Lividum was... well, Livid. What right had Mother to bind him here, to IMPRISON him?! He'd done nothing wrong! He just wanted to play, and explore. The child-god sat upon a boulder in the deepest recesses of Anansai, where Mother's prying, judgmental eyes couldn't seek him out to scold him further. Admittedly, he did frighten the grown-ups that Mother and his relatives, most of whom he'd barely ever visited or talked to, referred to as "Mortals". Evidently, children aren't supposed to be smooth and featureless as polished marble, OR glowing bright cerulean. Not that he could help it, of course. But the problem would've just solved itself if she'd given him time to practice his glamours! He could've made himself look like all the other kids! Oh, right. The other kids... It began to dawn on Lividum that he'd likely never see his friends from that small village again. When Mother pulled him back to Anansai, he'd been playing in the forest with some other children from the small village. They were nice. They were FUN. His cousins were... okay, but they were too RIGID, too CONTROLLED, too COMPLACENT. It's like they'd never even learned how to have FUN. That Valiance was a total goody-two-shoes, all he ever wanted to do was fight "Bad Guys", and he never let anyone stick up for themselves. Nigriv wasn't as obnoxious and strict as Valiance, but she was just too SHY. She hadn't a sense of ADVENTURE. Aunt Ai was... nice enough, but there must've been something odd about her conversation topics if Mother always felt the need to cover Lividum's ears when he was in the room with her. Uncle Braun, though, was plenty fun. Nigriv and Valiance were lucky to have him as a father. He was cheerful, loud, and he always had the best food, and whenever Lividum had visited, his Uncle was more than willing to play along with Lividum's stories, of sailing on the high seas fighting Krakens and beasts from the briny deep, or delving into a cave to slay the Dragon that was harassing the countryside.

Stories.

Hmm...

Maybe THOSE were why Lividum got in trouble so often, trying to play stories in the Mortal's world. That's what he'd been doing with the children in the forest. They'd happened upon a creek that Lividum had glamoured to make an ocean to sail on and do the thing with the Krakens... Well, if that's the case, Mother had nobody to blame but herself! It was SHE that made him love Stories! When he was still wrapped in silk, Mother would read him all sorts of stories. They were usually very different from the ones that he liked to write and act out, but they were comforting. His only real complaint was that a few of them were a little bit dry, not FUN enough... But, that's why he'd taken to writing his own.

Fun...

This train of thought gave him an idea. He remembered her saying that he could leave for no more than a day. Well, he was very fast. And he'd spent his time down in the dark practicing his glamours, among other things. "So," he thought "Why shouldn't I just bring my friends here?" Those glamours could do more than just hide HIS appearance. He'd used them on the creek to make the place from the story. Well, he could probably do the same here in Anansai...

And, he was so far down, she'd probably never even notice...