Ashariel

Sargon watched as Kaira smiled before taking a sip. She turned to Sargon, holding up the flagon, "Wine, Sargon?" Yet before he could respond, his brother Braun interrupted with cheer and excitement.

"While wine is fine, beer brings great cheer!" Braun said happily as he slid the drinks across the table to his kin with a broad smile.

"Braun, my dear dear brother, what trouble you will get me into one day," Kaira drained her goblet, "But I fear this time you may be right. Tonight is a night to be merry, we can return to serious business in the morning"

Sargon was appeased that his kin were enjoying themselves. He had few dealings with his kin since he first met them. Yet they still seemed to act like children, which only made Sargon feel more distant.

Karkorthi, she had helped him to raise Numenor from the sea, and shaped it into his mortal domain. Vast mountain ranges encircled Numenor, opening in two points; the first was the Gap of Numenor which rested between the Highland Mountains and the Crystal Sea giving access to Kairas lands to the south. The second was the Wolves Maw, a narrow valley between the Highland Mountains and the Misty Mountains giving access to the Everlasting Forest, and west into Ashariel. She had helped him to shape the inner mountains and valleys, the river beds and plains. Finally she had gifted his land with infinite and abundance of minerals.

Nieuses, had gifted life into his domain in the form of forests. Lush trees covered the mountains and plains, and made up the bulk of Numenors western front, the Everlasting Forest. Finally she had gifted life in small animals that roamed the forests and plains of Numenor.

Ulmo had helped little, granting fresh waters into Numenor. The massive rivers and falls, lakes and streams. His major gift had been the River Danius which separated Numenor from Ashariel.

His other siblings he had sparse dealings with, nothing more and nothing less

Sargon gently moved the flagon of ale to his side, reaching for his silver goblet of wine "I will have to pass on this merriment" he took a swig from his goblet "I had been pulled away from my work for business, not play" he had become cold in the past years, and solitary from much of his kin.

Only Kaira could truly tell what was on his mind. A war had erupted in Numenor between his creations, the wraiths and Valkyrie. The wraiths were numerous, and commanded the shadows, going as far as to ally themselves with daemons. Yet his Valkyrie, gifted and immortal warrior women had held the tide of evil his wraiths had become. Yet something still needed done to end this war.

"If you need me" Sargon said rising from his seat "I will be in the Hall of Knowledge" he patted his thigh walking out, and his hound Kiara rose to her feet and trotted after her master.

Karkorthi hadn't been idle in the eons that had passed, despite her oft-displayed penchant for simply sitting there like.. well, a stone. She had taken her piece of the realms and buried it. Covered it with a searing desert that gave a forbidding and harsh welcome to any who might think to intrude. But beneath it was a jewel open and inviting to any she might call guest. A vast cavern dripping with the hidden beauty of the earth; great pillars of rock that spiraled and twisted up to an arched ceiling that glistened as if graced by stars. Luminescent ores of her own crafting. More precious veins flowed like rivers across her floors, and jewels peaked from the stone like flowers waiting to bloom.

She had helped Sargon to craft his realm to his liking. Had given Braun stones of harder and harder density against which to test his strength. Had any others asked for her help, she would have given it freely in these early days of the Gods' finding themselves, in exchange only for entertaining tales or promises of future assistance to her own projects. On Ashariel's surface she carved a great mountainous ridge and the dry ravine-gouged desert on its rain shadow. It suited her nicely, tucked away from Ulmo's pounding waves, it was cool and not given to Nuri's firey erruptions or Baraku's unpredictable earthquakes. Quietly, Karkorthi had come to Nieuses as the rest had, and asked only for simple creatures suited to the land. She had no desire to craft a great and intelligent race of her own as some others had done; her ambitions were not so short-lived.

In this great hall of Gods, the Scorpion's throne was hardly recognizable as such until she settled her great inhuman mass upon it. It was a slope of smooth sandstone that rippled with warm colors, rising into gleaming sides that sparkled with natural flashes of mica rock and geode crystal. Add a colossal, jeweled scorpion carved from granite on top of it, and it was certainly a sight to behold.

"Our labors are almost at an end, my bretheren. Let us feast, drink, and be merry,"

Karkorthi coiled her tail slowly in acknowledgement of Ulmo's words, watching her fellows reach out for the bounty of food and drink while she, herself, remain settled just as she was. Despite not openly participating in the wine and meats, she radiated a pleased and pleasant mood.

Sargon rejected the ale Braun had bought to them, reaching for his own goblet, "I will have to pass on this merriment," He took a drink, "I have been pulled away from my work for business, not play. "If you need me" Sargon said rising from his seat "I will be in the Hall of Knowledge."

Kaira sighed sadly, watching Sargon leave. She knew the troubles he faced, the war troubled him as his own creations drew one another's blood. He carried a heavy burden and was determined to see the end to this war by whatever means needed. She had not seen her friend as often as she would have liked over the years, Sargon distancing himself from all of them. Kaira handed her ale to Braun, "Drink up, brother, see if you can best yourself once more," She smiled at her brother, but she could feel that the smile was strained, "If you'll excuse me," She looked to Ai and Braun apologetically before going after Sargon.

She eventually found her way to the Hall of Knowledge. She found Sargon, the shadows swirling around him as they always did. She walked to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Sargon," she said softly, "let me help you, please."

Here he was in the Hall of the Immortals, having asked to partake in food and drink. Form the time he met Caelum and Cynn, he has been rather estranged from the Gods. For the most time Baraku has been testing his power. Ever since he first discovered it, he has been anxious to learn more from it. So far he knows he controls the storms over the Realm of Man. A mighty power indeed. Not only that, he can use aspects of the storm. Such as the blinding light and ferocious energy of the lightning bolt. The large, booming sound of thunder. The falling water from the clouds, known as rain. Yet there was more to it.

Not only had he power over storms, but something more dangerous as well. He has forced the winds to move so fiercely they've taken away whole trees and structures. Tornadoes. Like his sister, he has been able to part the earth, albeit it was way too destructive. An Earthquake. Apparently he can control some rather disastrous forces. Therefor a God of Disaster. While pleased over his powers, something just felt empty within him. While he has aware of his growing powers, the times have been left to him, rather lonely.

He has hardly spoken with any of the other Gods. Though some seemed upset over his destruction. He never meant to hurt anyone, he didn't even know the extent of what he could do. Some how he felt a bit excluded from the others. Any other times he's spoken with them, it's been short, simple conversations. So far he has given any of the Gods, real reasons to hate or fear him. Though some may be wary. He's just been finding his way into the world. So far he has been coming closer to that goal. So far he has found a beautiful realm to call his home. Reminiscent of his first days, the place was green and filled with waterfalls. It was as close to a paradise as he could surmise. Yet in this peaceful realm he has made grand structures. Places of meditation and training. He so did enjoy training.

Yet the Storm God has yet to create a race. He felt a bit behind his brothers and sisters. Feeling he may have been too idle. Even thinking of the subject, Baraku gains the strange feeling that something more is behind his thoughts. Neither he nor any of the other gods have seen the demon within him. Yet The Storm God feels a gnawing presence in the back of his mind. Something trying desperately to direct him in some way. Baraku has yet to tap into this. So far he sat at the table, minding his own business. There was food, and he ate, though not with the same voraciousness as Braun. Instead he ate more delicately, yet not without vigor of his own. He quickly chewed and softly swallowed. He decided to remain, viewing the other Gods. Seeing more of the kind of people they are. Something Baraku has some interest.

Sargon stood in the Hall of Knowledge, looking out one of the stain glass windows to the world of mortals below. He looked down on Numenor, a battle was raging between the Valkyrie and the Wraiths. He could hear his kin enjoy themselves, forgetting the worries of the world around them.

How can we be so selfish Sargons mind began to wonder, the shadows startin to swirl around him. He thought of his creations, the war they had started, the devastation Ashariel faced.

Kiara let a lowl growl notifying Sargon that one of his kin entered the room, he reached down and rubbed Kiaras head, "You should be enjoying the merriment lass". Something told him she would not leave, and a moment later. She walked to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Sargon," she said softly, "let me help you, please."

Sargon let the shadows fade, he exhaled an closed his eyes. "It has been along time since we worked hand in hand Kaira, or fought shoulder to shoulder" he placed his arm against the window "When I designed the wraiths Kaira, I wanted beings to reflect us yet would fall under my domaine. They had no emotion, and that made them dangerous. The Valkyries were to be my right hand, to keep the wraiths obedient," He held back the rage "Now they war with one another, like children competing for their fathers affection"

He looked back at her "Why are we here? When all we do is cause destruction"

Sargon exhaled, keeping his back to her, "It has been a long time since we worked hand in hand Kaira, or fought shoulder to shoulder," He rested his arm against the window, "When I designed the wraiths Kaira, I wanted being to reflect us yet would fall under my domain. They had no emotion, and that made them dangerous. The Valkyries were to be my right hand, to keep the wraiths obedient. Now they war with one another, like children competing for their father's affection," He finally turned to her, "Why are we here? When all we do is cause destruction?"

Kaira looked into Sargon's eyes, seeing the hurt they reflected. She shook her head, longing to embrace her friend, to comfort him, "That is not all we do," She held her hand to his face, as he had done to her the first time they met,"You couldn't have foreseen this bloodshed Sargon, none of us could, do not blame yourself. This burden you bare is not yours to carry alone, you are not solely responsible here Sargon. Aye, they are your creations, but they act of their own will, not yours. We will find a way to end their feud, even if it takes centuries," Kaira gave in and embraced Sargon tightly, "We will find a way."

The gods were born. They loved and fought, they built and they quarreled. Through it all one thing was made clear. There was need not being met by the current rulers of the realms. A need to maintain order, a need to keep the peace, a need for justice. While Braun punched his way into a blissful stupor and Ai opened her legs for everything with a consciousness the order of all things went untended, unenforced. While Karkorthi buried her head in the dirt and Ragon snarled and barked like a beast justice remained a foreign concept. As the years past Baraku childishly threw his tantrums, Mortum arrogantly collected the unwanted dead souls and Sargon narcissistically lurked in the shadows with his hounds. The gods of Ashariel were self obsessed, ignorant and short sighted. Fortunately for them and all those who would populate the world another god had been born.

Born of a need, a requirement that needed to be filled, he stepped fourth. Born of holy white light and wrathful fire his armored footsteps echoed out in his grand hall for the first time. With the birth of the Justice Bringer his home on Lannis Rock was created. The massive sprawling castle that overlooked the budding port town would serve as his seat of power where he could keep a watchful gaze on his flock. Tywin, master of Law and Order, the Bringer of Justice and wielder of Heavenly Wrath. He made short work of what thought itself above the law in the years after his birth. He brought his brothers and sisters to heel on more than one occasion garnering for him an unfriendly reputation among his kin.

Tywin however couldn't not care less. He had little interest in what people thought of him. He concerned himself maintaining order and the stability of the realm. He had done some works of his own in his time. Marshaling his own forces, putting ink to parchment for the beginnings of his great book of law, as well as devising contingency plans for certain events he felt needed tending to. Tywin was not a man for rest or relaxation, there was always work to do. He felt that if one had time for such trivialities then one was merely being a lazy fool.

It was this ever present work load that put Tywin in a terse mood as he sat in his golden throne of with Ivory inlay, embroidered with his sigil, the scales of Justice. In his hand, a single golden goblet filled with fine red wine. He watched without word at the careless carrying on of his kin. Braun was drunk, no great surprise there, he appeared to arrive inebriated. Ai was busy whoring herself as usual. Sargon wandered off, playing the sullen loner as he tended to do and as always Kaira chased after him just like the good little pup she was. The whole sight in all its ridiculousness would have brought a smirk to Tywin's face if it wasn't such a monumental waste of time he could better put to use productively.



Braun's downed his ale, his brothers, his sisters, and pretty much everything else in sight. He ate, he drank, he sang rather boisterously and made merry with his kin. As he moved from brother to sister, sharing strong drink and good laugh he spotted one rueful member of the family sitting alone silently sipping wine.

"Brother!"

He said, arms wide open! Tywin looked up from his seat with a sigh as he watched Braun approach.

"Lord Strength."

Tywin replied with little excitement. Braun laughed heartily as he came to stand beside his brother, two flagons of ale in his hands, offering one to Tywin.

"Drink with me Tywin and we shall honor our kin!"

Tywin arched an eye brow as he stared at his larger brother.

"I already have something to drink or are you too drunk to see that?"

Braun's mood somewhat deflated at his brother's icy retort.

"In any case, ones kin must have honor if one was to honor them."

Kaira looked into Sargon's eyes, seeing the hurt they reflected. She shook her head, longing to embrace her friend, to comfort him, "That is not all we do," She held her hand to his face, as he had done to her the first time they met,"You couldn't have foreseen this bloodshed Sargon, none of us could, do not blame yourself. This burden you bare is not yours to carry alone, you are not solely responsible here Sargon. Aye, they are your creations, but they act of their own will, not yours. We will find a way to end their feud, even if it takes centuries," Kaira gave in and embraced Sargon tightly, "We will find a way."

Sargon held Kaira tight, placing his hand on the back of her head. She was the only being that could rest his mind, and calm his rage. It was always as of she mirrored his opposites, like the perfect half to his,"I hope so Kaira"

In his mind however, he knew a way. He glanced down at Kiara, she was the inspiration for his newest creations. Ones that would stop the wraiths, send the Valkyrie back to the Nether, and bring order to Numenor.

"We will do it together" Sargon said looking into Kairas' eyes "All of us" He took her hand "I assume you want me to join in the festivities now" he chuckled. Whistling for Kiara to follow, he rested his free hand on the hilt of his blade.

Then something tugged at Sargons mind, and his mood turned cold. The one being in all of Ashariel Sargon thought was at true abomination. His brother Tywin had returned to the Hall of Immortals.





For fifty years the battle of Numenor had raged, neither side giving an inch, and neither side willing to make amends.

The Wraiths, spectral beings born from shadow and stone. They held no emotion, no physical form save their armor, and sought no other task but to wage war. They were the second children of Sargon, loyal and obedient as the first, willing to die simply at their masters call. Something however, was much different than the first, these beings had a flaw....jealousy.

Valkyries, Sargons third creation. Winged guardians of the Twisting Nether, and the hand of justice and punishment on behalf of their lord. Their part was to keep order amongst the wraiths, and help Numenor blossom into a paradise. But the love that Sargon bore for these women, brought the wrath and hatred of the Wraiths.

Now the two sides clash in fire, shadow, sword and arrow. Each fighting to prove the better, and each tirelessly seeking an edge over the other. As the battles rage on, countless Valkyrie return to the Nether and the Wraiths are purged into the abyss of the other world.

"If you'll excuse me."

Tywin said curtly as he rose from his seat, leaving his brute of a brother to pester someone else with his foolishness. Tywin always admired the Hall of Immortals. It served as a physical representation of the order that must be maintained. The importance of unity and the necessity for the gods to work together. It was unfortunate that the other gods vanity was dwarfed only by their recklessness. Tywin walked through the long halls, until he reached the Hall of Knowledge. A useful room for certain, much could be learned from this room. Knowledge to build or destroy could be found in the endless tomes chelved here. The only larger wealth of knowledge in existence would be found in Mortum's realm.

Tywin pushed open the door to find the lovers in a touching embrace. Kaira's hand, gently caressing Sargon's face. The sight would be touching if Tywin cared in even the slightest. Sargon's gaze locked onto Tywin's, dark fury meeting bright wrath. These two were as always opposing forces. Tywin's was the light that chased out the darkness and brought all under the strong grasp of law and order. Sargon was the relentless darkness that offered freedom and liberty. Tywin stepped forward, unphased by his wolfish brothers glare as he strode past the two of them. God of the Shadow and Goddess of Loyalty both watched their brother carefully as if they were eyeing a hungry lion that just walked into the room.

Tywin ignored the two of them completely as if he could not be bothered to greet either of them. Instead his eyes gazed out of the window to the world below. Their a situation he has been monitoring carefully played out in blood and shadow.

"Your pets seem intent on their mutual destruction. One would think the Wise Wolf would exert greater control over his pack."

Tywin said, his scathing words cold as ice. Tywin turned around to lock eyes with his brother once more.

Sargon stopped as Tywin entered the room. The two locked gazes as they always did when encountering one another, each expecting the other to back down but never falling. Sargon admired his younger brothers will and strength, were he not so arrogant and self centered, he would welcome his brother with open arms. After all, law and order were a respected realm indeed. Instead he found himself steel to steel on many occasions, each hoping to put an end to the other once and for all.

Kiara growled and barred her teeth at the god, she knew her masters hatred of him and showed her own distaste as well.

"Your pets seem intent on their mutual destruction. One would think the Wise Wolf would exert greater control over his pack." Tywin said, his scathing words cold as ice. Tywin turned around to lock eyes with his brother once more.

Sargon let his hand fall from Kairas', his other tightening the grip on his sword "They are not animals Tywin, and I will not have you treat them as little more than play toys," he looked at his brother "They are my creations, my children. As the beings of the sea are Nieuses and Ulmos, and those of the earth are Karkorthi and Ragons'," Sargon walked to the window beside his brother "They write their own destinies, we are here to guide them not to manipulate them. If they chose to war with one another, than that is their choice. One side will prove the victor, and the other will fall in line. As the circle commands it." he looked back at Tywin with a scholding gaze "You would know this if you cared for your own creations, instead of indulging your ego"

"Perhaps..."

Tywin nodded slowly, his eyes returned to the mortals battling down below. Sargon's creations, his children as he so aptly put it, fought for their own reasons and their own causes with little care for their creators wishes. They should know to heel to their masters command yet instead their master would see fit to remove the collar from the hounds.

"Or perhaps the love of your children clouds your better judgment."

Tywin turned to face Sargon once more, his back to the window and the mortals below. Casually he rested his hand on his belt, the other held the glass of wine he carried from the drinking hall.

"Their place is as they are Sargon, beneath us, in all things. As such they should know to bend the knee when their betters command it. You batter yourself, looking down on your bickering children as if you are helpless to stop them from slaughtering each other in droves yet you have all the power necessary to end their ridiculous conflict once and for all."

Tywin shook his head as he sipped his wine and soon found his taste for it gone. His family could be so taxing at times. He set the goblet aside and walked away from the window.

"My people act on their own yet know their place. They are mine, by right. Their advancement in this world is only possible through me. Should they betray my trust and generosity they will find their... father's wrath swift and crushing."

His kin had a habit of looking at their creations as children or family. The only family they had was other gods, to see any other than was as ridiculous as a man to see a goat as family. Tywin sighed and turned back to both his brother and sister.

"You may find me cruel at times and I'll admit my hand is not as tender as it could be but I assure you, my sole purpose is to maintain the peace and prosperity our realm, to ensure Law and Order is upheld. If I have to butcher billions I will do so without a second thought for my family consists not of the crawling, barking, howling, mud crawlers below but of you, Kaira, and Braun and all the others. Our immortal bloodline, our family is all that matters. Not your personal honor not your conscious and not those beasts below but family."

Tywin's words were fierce and his tone was strong. He stared at his brother for a long moment, holding his gaze before his jaw tensed. Tywin took a few steps toward Sargon, his stare inescapable as the two god brothers locked eyes.

"How many times have you tried to kill me? How many times have you sought my death? For what? For doing what you refused to do? For what they all refuse to do? You spurn me but welcome them as blood."

Tywin said viscouly as he pointed out the window. He stopped not but a pace away from Sargon, the two gods almost looked as if they would come to blows if the two individuals were not so composed.

"We are brothers you and I, Sargon.... As such perhaps you will accept this brotherly advice. Your kindness is a gift you give too freely. Get their fear, command their respect and only then to those that deserve it gift unto them your kindness."

Tywin turned, giving his brother his back as he walked out of the library. He knew Sargon would not listen to him. He never listened to him. They all thought of him as only the cruel Tywin, the cold Tywin, The Tyrant Tywin. They knew nothing.

Kaira kept her eyes fixed on Tywin, the God not exactly one of her favourite beings. She bit her tongue as he goaded and mocked Sargon for his lack of 'control' over the wraiths and Valkyries. He spoke of Justice, and Kaira could respect that, but it was a cold hand that upheld the law. The relationship between Sargon and Tywin was tense at best and while Kaira knew the need to law and order, she knew she would stand by Sargon regardless of whatever judgement Tywin saw fit to pass.

"We are brothers you and I, Sargon... As such perhaps you will accept this brotherly advice. Your kindness if a gift you give too freely. Get their fear, command their respect and only then to those that deserve it gift unto them your kindness."

Kaira glared at Tywin, "Respect cannot be won of fear, brother. Fear is forced, it is toxic and destructive. Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear, Tywin. The respect of your people is something you should earn, not force from them."

She watched him leave, taking Sargon's hand back, "Of us all, I pity Tywin the most," She said quietly, to herself more than anyone else, but she was sure the Sargon at least had heard her.

"Tywin, there you are! I was looking for you. I'd hoped that we could... Tywin?"

Braun stood in the hall, his hulking frame completely sidestepped and ignored as his brother walked right past him without a word. Braun turned and watched his brother, clad in white, dissapear down the hall. Braun ran his hand through his chestnut hair, unsure as to what could have sparked his brothers ire. The God of Strength turned back to where his brother had just exited from, the door to the library was still swinging from his brothers hasty exit. Braun walked towards the library, not a place he was accustomed to visiting but his curiosity spurred him onward.

Braun stepped into the library, being forced to step in sideways, his massive broad shoulders were too bulky to step in forward. His eyes instantly fell on his brother and sister and his mood softened.

"Sargon? Kaira?"

Braun asked as he walked in with a gentle smile.

"What are you two doing in here? There is little merriment to be found in here."

As the God of Strength approached his kin he noticed the saddened expression his sisters face and the cold, savage one on his brothers.

"Is everything alright?"

Bruan was not certain what had soured the mood of this happy gathering but first Tywin and now Sagron and Karia something was surely amiss.

---

Anansi

---

Anansi had spent majortiy of her time spinning thread. She could honestly careless about what her siblings did. Her main focus was on her thread and her progeny. She sat in her Cave, The walls lined with silk thread like Ereph's snow.

Her progeny, Spiders, she called them, crawling on the walls, the floors and the ceilings, some even hid underground. Anansi felt as if she were missing something. She was to do something and yet she couldn't place what exactly it was.

Feeling slightly defeated she decided to answer Ulmo's call. She didn't really want to go but she needed a small recess from her work. She made her way to the Hall, taking her two-legged form, she could hear the merriment as she approached and sighed. It was this or go back to her Cave...However tempting, she needed a break.

She made her way inside just as another brother....Tywin, if memory served, walking away. "Is it every bit as useless and time wasting as I thought it would be, is it, Brother?" She asked, somewhat apathetically. She could figure out what was going on in there before she entered. Ai was bouncing around the room shamelessly flirting with whatever would give her attention, Braun was probably drunkenly showing off, probably lifting Ai one handed or whatever nonsense her brother could come up with. She cared for her siblings but she didn't necessarily want to be in there with them. She felt her time could be better spent elsewhere, she felt she could be making herself useful rather then making merriment.

Braun entered the library, a rarity for him as the room held little opportunity for him to test his strength. "Sargon? Kaira? What are you two doing in here? There is little merriment to be found in here." He took a moment to look between the two of him. What a picture they must have made to the God of Strength, hands interlinked, Sargon's face one of pure rage, her own face somewhat softer but still furious. "Is everything alright?" Kaira smiled at her brother. He might not have been the brightest spark, but he was kind.

"Tywin," She started simply, "He is the problem here. I know his realm is more than respectable, that justice and order are needed, but that does not give him a valid reason to treat us as he does. He demands our respect but does nothing to be worthy of it," Kaira scowled as if the thought of her brother left a bitter taste in her mouth, "He is my brother and I love him dearly for that, but he makes it so difficult. He behaves little better than a petty tyrant. He believes that respect can be garnered from fear and will not hear that he just might be wrong," Kaira sighed, calming herself, giving Sargon's hand an involuntary squeeze, "He is so blinded and so convinced of his own truth, I fear it could be dangerous."

Ulmo frowned slightly, noticing Tywin slip away into a room after Sargon and Kaira. He felt for Saragon. To have your creations attempt to wipe out one another was a feeling he could not even begin to comprehend. The Merpeople which he and Niueis created lived in harmony with the Sea. True, they were small in number, but they were long-lived and their cities were something to behold. However, now he decided to check on a creation that each and every god had a hand in.

He left the feasting hall and entered the Throne Room. There, he found a pool of water that allowed the gods to view the Mortal Realm. On land, the gods had created the apex of their creations: Mortal Men. They had each put a part of themselves in these creatures, crafting them in the image of most of the gods save Karkothi and Strach. What Ulmo saw, however, did not please him. The world was in turmoil and there were new gods among them!



"Good, Cain. Very good. You have wrested control of your tribe from your brother. You have proven your strength and power," Nex announced, dressed in black, red, and golden armor. Before him, the human inhabitants of the desert bowed to him with his chosen the only one standing. Cain glared at him from behind his hood.

"I had to kill half my tribe on my own, including my own brother. You forbade my supporters from helping me. You refused to help me yourself! Why?!" he hissed. Nex glared at his chosen and had half a mind to smack him before chuckling. He allowed himself to laugh for a full minute until his chosen interrupted him.

"Answer me!"

"You would do well to remember that a god does not take orders from his follower," Nex told him coldly, causing a little fear to run down Cain's spine. He continued, "I gave you a portion of my own power. I wanted to see if it was a good investment. You did not disappoint. Not at all. I will be the God of Men and you will be their King."

Ulmo

Ulmo reached out with his mind, to every deity, known or unknown. He was furious.

"What is the meaning of this! We agreed to leave mortal men alone!"

She floated through the infinite reaches that stretched between each of the tiny pin-pricks of endless light that dotted her domain. She smiled softly to herself as she caresses each one, enjoying the feeling of their lives trickling through her fingers. It was somewhat lonely out here in the void, but the dreams had kept her company; dreams of a world filled with all manner of creatures and beings. A world she vaguely remembered, but could not place.

A tang of loss echoed in her heart as she remembered a falling star in times long past, one of her perfect children crying out as she went silent. Anwen drifted for a while, lost in the reverie of the pain. She never found out what became of the star, though many of the dreams had filtered in with a sky lit up with a fireball of otherworldly beauty. Others had been lost but none had she felt as keenly nor did she miss them nearly as much.

Suddenly her eyes snapped open as she turned towards the world which spin endlessly in the garden of her glittering stars. Another celestial body this one, but different. This was where the dreams had been coming from, always had they been coming from. How could she have not noticed this before?

It does not matter.

She frowned as she looked at the world, it seemed strange yet not without a beauty that almost rivalled those of the heavens. A faint echo of a voice was coming from this world; calling her, almost summoning her. That had been what had finally allowed her to see that which she always knew existed… Ashariel. Their world… But who were they?

They are not important.

Her frown deepened as she gazed down through the clouds, her slender fingers reaching out to touch this blue and while globe. Her wings spread out behind her, exemplifying her intense intreset as her face slowly became lit up. It took her a few moments to realise that she was no longer suspended within the void of space but descending. Not drifting as she had been before but now dropping, faster and faster. Her face contorted into pure panic as she scrabbled through the burning, tearing fire and air. Her wings curled around her body as she cried out. All around her was the rushing and howling wind of the world that now dragged her down into its embrace. Her only thought as she fell was of the summons that she now heard again, clear and bright.

"Our labours are almost at an end, my brethren. Let us feast, drink, and be merry,"

As she fell she wondered what could be so merry about falling to her death, out of control and lost in an unknown place which had haunted her for time untold. A world she was blind to was now to be her grave. Opening her eyes she noticed the pain and the howling winds had grown softer but she was still falling. Crashing down towards what appeared to be a magnificent hall of glittering spires and perfect design and purpose. She smiled slightly at the irony as she veered towards it, seeing something so wondrous and being smashed across it.

What use are wings if you can’t fly?

She turned her body, shaking out her wings slightly which jolted her sharply backwards. The drag lifted her for a moment thus giving her a flicker of hope that she would survive which soured slightly as she noticed that while flying somewhat she was still hurtling downwards at an incredible pace. Much too quickly to stop herself entirely but not enough to end her travels prematurely; or at least she hoped not. Raising her hands to cover her face and bringing her wings in tight around her she crashed through one of the stained glass windows, bursting into a hallway and slamming hard into a walking wall of gold and white metal.

”ugh… I’m sorry…”

She mumbled to the figure before sinking to the floor in tears, her long fingers scrabbling slightly against his armour as she glimpsed him through blurry eyes.

Tywin grit his teeth in frustration as he passed through the hall. The ridiculousness of his kin, the short sightedness of them, the hypocrisy of them all. It was enough to drive him mad. Fortunately Tywin had learned long ago to suppress his urges, to exert an unimaginable level of self control. Despite whatever was plaguing him be that pain, or anger or doubt he could set it aside, internalize it and soldier on. It was his duty to set his own personal desires and passions aside for his duty to Order, his responsibility to The Law.

Tywin passed by the singing and drinking, the laughing and cheering out the door and right into Anansai. The spider goddess in her bipedal form, a much more appealing form in Tywin's opinion, but one she rarely took.

"Is it every bit as useless and time wasting as I thought it would be, is it, Brother?"

Her tone put her distaste for this so called gathering on full display. Tywin couldn't help but let loss a subtle and rueful chuckle.

"Does the spider spin a web?"

Tywin replied with a euphemism perfectly chosen for his sister. He stopped beside her and cast a baleful glance bat at the hall before turning back to Anansai.

Before his sister could respond the stained glass window erupted as a something winged, and beautiful crashed into him. The Lord of Justice managed to hold his ground but just barely. Sliding back his armored boots scraping across the floor as the winged woman fell to her knees in tears. Tywin's had was on his blade and was prepared to rip his sword from it's sheathe and strike this invader down yet something stayed his blade from leaving its scabbard. Beyond the wings, which alone was a massive clue, the woman had an aura to her that only a God would recognize. Her essence was that of the minds fantasies as one slept, the stars in the night sky and to power to wander the world and experience it's bounty.

"A new Goddess..."

Tywin uttered almost in shock. He stared now at his new sibling, and oddly enough he stepped forward and offered her his hand.

"Rise, a Goddess should not weep."

Tywin was almost surprised at how soft his voice was, how tender it seemed and warm.




"Tywin, he is the problem here. I know his realm is more than respectable, that justice and order are needed, but that does not give him a valid reason to treat us as he does. He demands our respect but does nothing to be worthy of it,"

Braun set his jaw in mild frustration, this was something he'd heard before from many of his kin. His brother Tywin marched about as if he was king at times, lording over the others. Braun felt that he meant well but his means and methods left a chill in Braun's heart. He watched as Kaira scowled merely speaking of him.

"He is my brother and I love him dearly for that, but he makes it so difficult. He behaves little better than a petty tyrant. He believes that respect can be garnered from fear and will not hear that he just might be wrong."

Kaira pause to breathe out a calming sigh as Braun stepped forward and put an understanding hand on her shoulder.

"He is so blinded and so convinced of his own truth, I fear it could be dangerous."

"Peace sister, be at peace. There now."

Braun said trying to comfort her. He knew his words were not something he was particularly skilled with but knew at times they could do more than tearing mountains from the earth.

"To ponder why our brother does the things he does are questions for wise men with skinny arms. We can but only hope our fears are for naught. He is our brother, I cannot think of him as anything less than that. I have reached out a hand to him in the past and each time he has cast my hand aside. I know he..."

Braun paused for a moment and for the briefest moment sorrow flashed on his face and embarrassment.

"I know he thinks me weak of mind but I am wise enough to know that family cannot turn their back on one another."

It was then obvious that He who was Indomitable, He whose skin could resit molten lava or the strike of lightning was indeed vulnerable. His heart bore no shield and his kin could cut him deeper than any foe. His loved, when scorned, pained Braun greatly. The idea that his kin thought poorly of him wounded the large God.

"Perhaps if we were to reach out to our brother together, show him his family bears love for him? That his family stands beside him in and that we need not be at odds. Maybe we will learn more of our Lawful kin and in so doing he will learn more of us."

It was then the voice of Ulmo erupted of the minds of all the gods summoning them to him in the throne room.

---

Anansi

---

[font=serif]Anansi's eyes fell on her brother as he spoke. Does a Spider spin a web?” He asked and Anansi gave a small scoff like laugh. “Indeed it does.” She said. She understood his frustrations with his siblings. They were a rowdy bunch. Braun and Ai specifically, Sargon and Kaira not so much his quarrels with them she didn't quite understand yet but she'd figure it out soon enough.
Tywain was Order and there was nothing but lawlessness in that room.

She felt for him, despite the impassiveness her expression gave. “They are our Kin, Tywain, and as much as we do not wish to admit it, it is true. Be Patient, and I'm sure they will show their worth.”
She said and with that she heard Ulmo's voice boom. What is the meaning of this! We agreed to leave mortal men alone!"
She frowned and looked at her brother with a confused frown. “ What is he going on about?”

"We are brothers you and I, Sargon.... As such perhaps you will accept this brotherly advice. Your kindness is a gift you give too freely. Get their fear, command their respect and only then to those that deserve it gift unto them your kindness." Tywin turned, giving his brother his back as he walked out of the library.

"Tywin!" Sargon said calling after his kin "I will take your words to council, brother," Sargon nodded to Tywin, a small show of respect. For all of his arrogance, there were times where his words rang true to Sargon.

Shortly after leaving the room, Braun entered with a look of puzzlement. "Sargon? Kaira? What are you two doing in here? There is little merriment to be found in here. Is everything alright?"

Kaira sighed "Tywin. He is the problem here. I know his realm is more than respectable, that justice and order are needed, but that does not give him a valid reason to treat us as he does. He demands our respect but does nothing to be worthy of it He is my brother and I love him dearly for that, but he makes it so difficult. He behaves little better than a petty tyrant. He believes that respect can be garnered from fear and will not hear that he just might be wrong," Kaira sighed, calming herself, giving Sargon's hand an involuntary squeeze, "He is so blinded and so convinced of his own truth, I fear it could be dangerous."

Sargon was prepared to speak his mind, when a voice rang in his mind, *My Lord* It was his lead Valkyrie, Commander Lisa Ataku *I have found them*

A grin touched Sargons' lips, the chance to turn the tides of the Numenor War had come.

"Perhapse we simply need time to enjoy the festivities. To get back into the rhythm of one anothers company" Sargon looked to Kaira "Go with our brother" he gestured to Braun "I have some work to attend quickly,"

Sargon pulled away from Kaira, "I will return shortly"

Only seconds later had Ulmos voice echoed in his mind, but by then Sargon had already entered the mortal realm, his soft padded feet touching the earth.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________



A small village of hunters had arisen in Numenor, a tribe of humans who had crossed the Danius River in hopes of avoiding annihilation by warring tribes. They had made a nice little village between the Everlasting Forest, and the base of the Misty Mountains. They had lived in relative peace, hunting and gathering to survive.

One women walked amongst her kin, caring for the children and the elders. She had an inspiring presence about her, one that stirred a loyalty from others. She was the daughter of the village chief, her name was Katharine Dragonstone.

"Kat! Kat!" the village children said chasing after her.

She turned around to greet them, so young and so eager to experience what life had to offer "Look at all of you, so grown" she tussled their hair. Of her two siblings, she was the only one to care about the comings and goings of the village. Her brother and sister were out on hunt, and would not be back she expected for awhile. Walking about with the children, she smiled at the quiet and slow pace of her society. She had hoped that today would be like any other day, peaceful and calm.

Until the sentry horn blew, signaling danger to the village. Immediately people began running about, men grabbed spears an bows, women gathered children. Katharine grabbed a spear and headed over to one of the make shift barricades. The hunting party had barely returned when the horn blew, they themselves were bloodied and scarred. Something had attacked them, and it was headed their way.

"Katharine what are you doing here?"" her brother Dragonmiir asked "You should be in the longhouse with the women and children"

"This village is as much hers as it is ours Dragonmiir" Khalis aid notching her bow

Dragonmiir set his jaw "Stay close to me"

The village warriors looked out over the horizon, watching the tree line, they could see the yellow eyes of the enemy. Watched as they paced back and forth, gauging their prey. A forceful how shook the air, that's when they came. Like ghosts the wolves moved, like water flowing around the earth they weaved out of the arrows and spears. They jumped over the barricades, tackling the villagers as they landed.

The villagers fought back, spears were hurled or thruster into the bodies of the predators. Arrows were let loose to find their mark. Before the villagers had realized it, most had fallen to the wolves, it was unnatural.

Katharine watched with amazement at the agility of Khali, her ability with a bow was remarkable. How quickly she moved from target to target, letting arrows loose. She watched as Dragonmiir, unparalleled skill with a blade, cut down one after another. She watched as her brothers and sisters fell, they fought as best they could. In the haze of battle she watched as the wolves took down her kin, but they did not kill them. Instead they would bite them and move on, the villagers bodies lay there unconscious. Suddenly Katharine herself was knocked to the ground, this time by a massive black alpha. The only thing she could remember was its silver eyes, before darkness consumed her.

He continued to sit to himself, observing his kin. Braun's boisterous attitude is, expected. From the first moment he met him, something twinged inside. At first he knew not himself what to think of the God of Strength. Much could be said of the other Gods. He hasn't much opinion of his kin. Perhaps because of his inactivity, but one thing was for certain. Despite the supposed connectedness they shared, Baraku slowly was developing dislike of them.

Sure, perhaps he hadn't much to judge upon, but the rest believe they can give judgement because they simply are. Something about that disturbed the Storm God. While not fully formed his thoughts, the parts were slowly coming aligned. He has yet to truly assert himself in his position of power. Simply because he has not found the outlet needed for such. He will not assert himself as dominant on the basis of Godhood alone. Something more is required. When not training his body, he finds himself deep in thought such as this. He does enjoy the Hall of Immortals for one thing. The Mirror to Ashraiel. He could see everything from there. One thing he has observed is Ragon's creations.

Even so simple of creatures, have more of a qualifications for assertion of power. While savage and unrefined, the animals don't recognize power just because one simply states so. No, one must prove themselves first. One must have power, but how does one obtain power? Baraku tries to see who here deserves power to begin with? There are some that can obtain power, but so far have yet to prove anything to him. Some he doesn't have much faith in, and there are some that could take power so easily. Among them is his brother Braun. Something about being the God of Strength....there was power. While looking towards Braun, Tywin came in and the Bulky God greeted him.

With nearly poetic arrogance, Tywin turns him down. He's perhaps one of the worst offenders of believing he has power, just because he's the God of Justice. Does Justice really give him power? Doesn't one need power to uphold Justice? Just how powerful is he really? He words are more sharper than his sword. As they left his eyes fell to Ulmo. Another who could have power, though how he went about it was different. The others seem to raise him above their shoulders. Interesting indeed. Then he would leave, only to shout within his mind later on. Something troubled the God of the Seas. How interesting. Baraku stood up and entered the Throne Room.

He noticed Ulmo looking down into the world. From what he could surmise someone was challenging the law. How audacious...Baraku liked it. It was edgy, yet felt powerful in it's own right. To fear not the lines others have set, but rather obey his own. Still, he'd rather not bring up his approval while in Ulmo's presence. Not until he has the full story. He was curious to how far his rage will go.

"Perhaps we simply need time to enjoy the festivities. To get back into the rhythm of one another's company" Sargon looked to Kaira "Go with our brother" he gestured to Braun "I have some work to attend quickly,"

Sargon pulled away from Kaira, "I will return shortly." Kaira felt an emptiness of sorts when Sargon pulled away from her, but she had seen the hint of a smile on his face before he had. There was good work to be done for Sargon. Perhaps, Kaira hoped, he had found a way to end the war between his creations.

"I'll look forward to it Sargon," She smiled, linking her arm around Braun's, "Shall we brother?" They began walking back to the Hall when Ulmo's voice boomed in her mind.

"What is the meaning of this! We agreed to leave mortal men alone!"

Kaira's shoulders sagged. Just for once, she wished a night with her siblings would pass without an event. Ulmo sounded furious though, so Kaira doubted this was the usual petty scrap. Someone had interfered in mortal affairs. They had agreed that they would leave the mortals to their own affairs. Their's was a role of guidance, not one of direct interference.

"Idiots." Noctre grumbled slightly, leaning back in her throne of cold gold and black stone. Her dark eyes observed the other gods in the hall and a small scowl rested on her lips. To her left, Amara chuckled softly as she leaned against her sister's throne, slightly shaking her head. "You should learn to be more tolerant of our siblings, Dark One." Noctre scoffed, rolling her eyes. "No one calls me that anymore."

The dark goddess rose from her seat and turned to look at Amara. "I believe I'll take my leave. Hellia hasn't arrived and there's no doubt she's off fighting on behalf of some defenseless orphan or whatever she does when she's alone for too long." A beautiful cape of black fur materialized over the gown of raven feathers that was snuggly clinging to her torso.

Amara sighed slightly and smirked, bringing her sister closer to her and brushing a black strand of hair behind her ear. "Stay for a little longer. It wouldn't hurt to be at least a little joyous every now and then." She turned and took several steps toward the entrance to the hall, her pleasant smile growing as a butterfly fluttered through the doors. "Besides, she's arrived."

A horde of colorful butterflies and small birds flew into the Hall of the Gods, swarming together and creating the tall and powerful figure of Hellia. A large grin lit up her face as she pulled the pink fabric of her hood off of her head and swung her large battle axe over her shoulder. "Apologies for my tardiness! My daughters were-" "What is the meaning of this! We agreed to leave mortal men alone!" The War Maiden was cut off by Ulmo's sudden angry outburst.

Amara's eyes snapped towards the sea god and a feeling of wrongness gripped her stomach. Something was threatening the balance of their almost finished world. She rushed towards Ulmo, placing her hand on his shoulder. "What is it, Brother? Who is threatening the balance?" Her voice was calm, yet stern and with undertone of anger. Whatever this threat was certainly didn't want to meet the Goddess of Balance.

Noctre snuck over to Baraku, sitting next to the storm god. She watched him with cat-like interest, curiously and predatorily. "Hello Brother. You seem to be enjoying yourself." Her voice was sweet and sticky, like slow dripping honey.

The first thing to return to Dragonmiir was his sense of being, for hours it seemed as though he was doing little more than drifting within a dream world, and suddenly he realized he was alive. Yet his body did not feel as it always had, it felt large and cumbersome, yet agile. He slowly opened his eyes, blurred still from being closed to the sun light, as they adjusted he soon realized that they were not what they once were. Everything he saw was crisper, sharper, and far brighter than he had seen before. Yet the sight he beheld was far worse than he could imagine.

Around him he expected to find his fallen kin, the other villagers that had died in defense of their home. In their place, beasts never before seen lay scattered in their place. They looked like wolves, a mass of alphas by their size. Yet they were different, they had an almost humanistic nature to their forms.


Dragonmiir slowly began to rise, his hearing returning to him first with a ring, then the sound of heavy breathing. He reached out for his blade, but instead of the hand of a man, it was the hand of a beast. Immediately he recoiled from the sight, with a roar unheard of before.

Slowly the others began to rise, startled by the roar from one of their own. They all were startled just the same by the sights the saw, and their reactions to their own forms. As they all rose, they became aware that not a single human body, each find awareness that the wolves that had attacked were not their to kill them. They looked around attempting to gain a sense of what they had become.

Suddenly a light burst forth from the sky, and a winged figure lowered itself to the village. The instinct of the lycans was to crouch low and prepare for whatever was to come. Yet as the being lowered itself, a sense of calm and comfort came over the lycans. As the shadow dissipated, the Valkyrie Lisa appeared before them.


"Calm yourselves children of Sargon" Lisa held out her hand as a silver glow fell from her upon the lycans, and slowly their bodies began to change "Be at peace, and know that your future is guided by he who rules the shadows. Devote yourselves to his embrace and forge an empire worthy of your gifts." With those few words the Valkyrie left, and the lycans returned to their human forms.

Across the Everlasting Forest, more villages that had received the same fate were awakening, and each was gifted the same as the last. The Rise of the Lycans, had come.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________




Within the throne room, Sargons seat erupted in a pillar of shadow fire, the call of wolves erupted from the void. From it the lord of the nether stepped forward. Concern and worry gripped his face as he stepped down to the central level, "My brother" he said approaching Ulmo "What ails you?"

The Storm God stood as he noticed more divines entering the room. Apparently his mind was not the only one touched. He saw the Three Sisters, and Sargon enter. More will come obviously. He watched as Amara and Sargon went to tend to their brother. Most surely the other gods will react the same way, it's how it always is. When Ulmo or Sargon or whoever else the others favor, they tend to their anger with care. But if say he were to lash out in anger, it's met with defensiveness and aggression. Baraku would act no different in a fit of anger. Yet when he does it, it's an act of war. When Ulmo does it, it's a cause for concern. What favoritism. Sickening.

Now the being directed at Ulmo's anger will most surely be scrutinized. There is no aid for those unaligned with Ulmo. It was then Noctre came skulking by him. She was unalike her sisters in some ways. Cast off as a more darker, sinister god then the other two. Though she should be happy, her sisters care for her at least. She spoke to him, seductively similar to Ai. Still Baraku has little time for such games. He decided to speak, "Well it's always exciting to see what the mighty Ulmo is up to." He spoke sarcastically in a hushed tone to Noctre. "Besides whoever is causing this commotion...has my attention..." Baraku then trailed off. He was silent again.