Braun's Story

There was a power in strength that could not be measured. There was a energy in brotherhood that was palpable to those who experienced it. There was a radiance to conquest that burned brighter than the sun for those worthy enough to feel it's touch. All those things were personified in one deity. The Man of Tomorrow stepped foot for the first time on the ground of the Middle Realm. He breathed deep the crisp cool air as it filled his lungs. A smile etched it's way onto his face as he basked in the warmth of the sun on his Goddly skin. He looked down at his strong hands as they clenched and unclenched, his powers seemed alive within him. He rose his gaze to the mountains before him with a fiery grin.

"I have awoken and my blood burns for action. Perhaps I can make some...."

Braun brought both fists above his head and brought them down hard on the Earth. The massive blow sent cracks streaming towards the mountains. The towering peaks felt the touch of the God and responded. Out of the crevices stepped massive rocky constructs. Golems made of stone and metal from deep within the Earth. Braun stepped forward boldly a proud grin on his face as the first construct loomed over him. Not alive yet merely moblile these beings were but stone and metal given form. They did not think or feel, they had no emotion and were but moving earth. These gigantic puppets were given one task by the God that summoned them. Attack him.

The army of Golems charged with rumbling roars from their throats at the God of Strength who just stood their with his broad chest puffed out unafraid.

"To battle then!"

Braun bellowed before charging in. He rained blows upon his constructs as he exerted his might. Each blow felled a stone golem. A single strike from the god shattered rock and rendered the golem little more than crumbling pebbles. Braun laughed heroically as he waded through the fray. Hurling the massive constructs into each other. Tearing them to bits was childs play for him. All gave way before the might of the God of Conquest. When it was all done Braun had gotten the exercise he had wanted and stood amidst a sprawling field of boulders and crushed rock. He put his fists on his hips proudly as he looked around at the scene.

"I'll have to make them sturdier next time."

He said to himself out loud as he began to feel a powerful thirst take him. He wanted a strong drink after the exertion and thought who better to drink with then his kin. He felt out for them, using the connection to the cosmic forces that all the Gods possessed to find his brethren. He felt many of them in the home of one who even from here felt to be the wisest of them all.

In the nest instant Braun stood before the massive doors to his brothers home where his kin all congregated. The God of Conquest summoned onto his shoulder a barrel of heavenly mead. Officially ready to make his entrance Braun lifted up his right foot and kicked open the door with a tad too much enthusiasm. The doors swung open hard and slammed into the wall with great force yet held firm which was a miracle in and of itself. The God of Strength strode into the hall of his brothers with a joyous smile on his face happy to finally meet his kin.

"My brothers! My sisters! I am Braun! God of Strength, Brotherhood and Conquest! I am most happy to meet all of you this day! Who will raise a cup with me?"

Adarani nodded when Acanthus mentioned that the true Father is the All-Father. "I'll remember."

Moments later, during teh conversation in the hall, a strong man entered with a barrel of mead. His entry startled her a bit. She could not understand all the violence which occurred recently. What she did know, though, was that this God meant no harm. Being the shy Goddess she was, Adarani remained silent, looking sideways as she heard the God's name: Braun. The name itself let her know that this individual who introduced himself was the deity of Strength, Bortherhood and Conquest. When eveyone in the room was asked who would raise a cup with Braun, Adarani hesitantly picked up a cup from the table.

"I-I guess one drink won't hurt. And it's nice to spend time with family."

Braun turned to the sound of a meek female voice. The one who spoke was a slender woman with a purity to her. The radiant woman reminded the hulking God of a tiny dove. Something to be treasured and protected. Still he was surprised to see that she was the first to agree to raise a glass with him in the company of so many more bold looking individuals. He could not help but be pleased at this odd turn of events and let loose a booming laugh as he strode towards her.

"Well met sister!"

He said happily as he placed one massive hand on her lithe shoulder. The warm, friendly show of affection could've sent the poor woman to the ground if Braun had not shown proper restraint. As it was she merely would have felt that the man was still getting used to his titanic strength yet she should have felt no harm.

"A toast then, to family."

The God of Strength said proudly as he too picked up a glass and filled both goblets with the mead he was hefting around on his shoulder. Both goblets filled he clinked his cup with his sisters before downing the drink in a single gulp. The golden mead of the Gods was sweet to the taste, like the purest honey nectar to be imagined yet there was a kick to it that would leave an average mortal far past drunk in a single small cup. His thirst only beginning to becoming sated he looked down at his sister who was quite small in comparison to himself.

"What is your name, little dove? And to what do you lend your patronage?"

"You should be able to breathe with little difficult. You are a goddess and are not bound by mortal limitations. And, as long as you are with me, you may remain as dry as you wish," Ulmo assured her with a smile which broadened as he sensed the cleansing power of Adarini's love combined with Acanthus' wisdom and might. What few creatures had trespassed in his domain had hidden themselves from his sight, either returning to their creator or hiding from even his sight. That was troubling, but the Sea God made a note to appear before the creatures should they create a disturbance.

"It seems that Adarini and Acanthus have taken care of the problem for the most part. I shall keep vigilant nonethless. However, I would still like you to accompany me to my home. I would love to show you around," he told the voluptious goddess honestly. As he said this, he noticed a giant of a man, even for a god, appear with affection and strength that Ulmo could not help but admire.

"I would enjoy a cup to restore my strength," Ulmo announced as he picked up a cup to be filled with the mead, "I am Ulmo, god of the Sea."

He sipped his cup and felt the sweet yet strong drink course through him, driving away his exhaustion and delighting his senses with its contents and at once, the beauty of the voluptious form of Nylia increased.

The God of Conquest turned and filled his brother's cup, beaming with joy. He was so pleased his kin were as welcoming as they were. After pouring his brothers drink Braun poured a second for himself and like the first, downed it in a single big gulp. The warming effects of the heavenly swill coursed through his veins as he savored the honeyed mead.

"God of the Sea you say? It is an honor most high brother! The sea is a dangerous mistress but one that breeds hardy men should they conquer her tempest heart. I would like very much to set sail on the waves of your domain, perchance find myself a sea serpent in need of a thrashing."

Braun said enthusiastically. His mind, as it had a tendency of doing, wandered off to imaginings of glorious battle in which he and his brother Ulmo fought a massive hundred headed sea serpent that spewed acid from it's jaws. The very thought of such a battle brought a wide grin to Braun's face. Back in the present he shook the day dream from his mind and focused on his family as he hoped more would accept his offer to drink and make merry.

Kreios was ignoring big brothers fight with the lady, but now that he stopped felt a little incomplete, but still complete, he reached for that part that felt weird, and closed his eyes and became a pile of mud, and suddenly he knew there was some of him left in the old man’s house. It didn’t have enough energy for much just one transformation after that they were basically mortal, because the mud they were made of could not get any energy from him; he had tried eating flying bugs, he had enough to transform into a swarm of those. So all the mud and dust that was left flew up and started trying to bite any god but the new two, singing friend and strong man, every time they tried to bite the sound they made was “BULLY”. While a that was happening ten escaped down the mountain looking for mortals, and when they did find them they crawled into their brains by going through the ear, a pair of the Senri, three wolfmen, one of the Prachians, and four dragon-kin. The flies could not corrupt the body, but their minds would grow to become as mad as Kreios. The only other fly that did not bite flew to the hallway of door and climbed under one of them, the changing of the room was too much for this mud fly and died but not before the room was changed to Kreios style.
After he was done with the flies he decided to look around the palace, running away from his two sibling taking his four new toys, he found a dying forest and decided to make it his. In his memory he remembered the pulse and beam and the wonders he had seen before he had taken a nap, he did a less powerful form of the pulse, but still the forest started to retake the shape, of its middle land sister, without the beasts. He was tired so he decided to lie on the ground, roll around, and eat some of the dirt. He soon got bored with this but he saw that there were two flying things watching him, they flew in the ground and in the spots they had flew in rose two beast men but as they came up, they bowed to him. One was a white crow, the other a multi-headed snake, “Master we thought we would never see you again, but you’re up to your old tricks.” He realized this was Hydra and crow… no he was The Crow King. They asked him to give them their abilities back, so he reached into them returning the powers of being one of the fastest flyers in creation, and acid breath. He was happy to see them, then he heard a roar and saw the magnificent flying beast, hunting the flying beast now there was a game that big brother might like. So while the others followed him, he flew into the throne room and asked his brother “I saw great flying beasts, and I wanted to know if you wanted to play with them with me?”

Adarani sipped a little as Braun spoke during the toast. When asked her name, she replied with, "My name is Adarani. I'm the Goddess of Love, Healing, and Fertility. You could say I am a caretaker of mortals everywhere." She watched as Braun expressed his enthusiasm. It was unlike what she saw in her other brothers. At least his heart was in the right place. This put her mind at ease. "So, Braun, I take it you take on tough opponents on a daily basis? I mean, I don't like fighting, personally, but what you do does seem... interesting." Adarani showed all signs of respect, not wanting to seem rude.

((Another short post >.<))

The simple question was all that was needed to launch Braun into regaling his sister and any who would listen into tales of his strength and prowess in battle.

"Oh indeed Adarani! By mine own hand rock giants have crumbled, sea serpents yield to my might, there is no man nor beast that can match my strength! Would you have diamonds beloved sister? For I can wring them from coal with naught but my hands! You seek sunlight to bath in? I can move the very mountains themselves!"

He boasted proudly before pouring himself yet another cup of the golden mead. After knocking back the drink with ease he looked down at her with a gleeful chuckle.

"You say you are not a warrior born but if you ever seek the thrill of combat you need only ask and I will show you such battles that mountains will crumble beneath your might."

The God of Strength offered, fully hoping his sister, or any of his kin for that matter, would savor the chance to fight by his side in battle. Turning away from the thoughts of combat, even if just for a moment, Braun turned to his sister curious over her domain of power.

"You are the master of love? Do you have a love here by chance? A husband or lover? Point them out, I will share a drink with them."

Braun said excitedly looking around the room at the many faces gathered within for the husband of his sister.

Adarani listened intently to Braun's boasts. When she heard his offer, she had internal thoughts on what to make of it. Jewelry was pretty, but not nearly as great to her as the satisfaction she would feel just by helping others. "Well, I do know some unarmed martial techniques, but they're mostly for self defense. I will still take part in battle, assuming someone needs a healer, which I assume could happen soon enough." She looked to the side when asked if she was married or had a lover. "I'm afraid I don't have a husband. As far as lovers go, it's the same situation. At least, I think I don't have a lover. I've only awoken today." She looked at her cup and saw that it was empty. Looking back at Braun, Adarani said, "Anyway, if you ever need plants for ingredients for certain things, I can grow them. It is within my domain."

Kylain listened to Acanthus speak and filed the words away in his mind in a simple concept: Tome bad. Don't go near Tome. "My name is Kylian." he answered with a grin to Acanthus' question, happy to be able to answer it.

He was about to go back to the library, when suddenly the door was kicked in by a massive beast of a man. Kylian could feel that he was a god, and judging by the looks of him, a rather forceful one. Sure enough, Braun, proved to be the most boisterous one by far out of all the ones he'd met. Kylian grinned and returned the book to where it was before he came back and walked up to the new god, a wide smile on his face. The books would be there later. He saw that Ulmo and Adarani had taken drinks from Braun and it was a pleasant change from how the hall had been not too long ago.

"I suppose being loud is fun every once in a while, so pour me a glass Braun! My name is Kylian, God of Heroism and Light, so if ever you find yourself in need of help, or a drinking partner, don't hesitate to ask, I'd be happy to show you up anytime!" Kylian wouldn't normally be let himself sound so arrogant, but something about Braun's behavior was infectious, and he couldn't help but let loose and have fun.

Nylia

"Very well then," Nylia said smiling at Ulmo. Suddenly, a man barged in, asking if anyone wanted drinks. Adarani, Ulmo, and Kylian all accepted so she thought that she might as well join. Walking over to the group she smile, "I would love to have some," Nylia said, pouring herself a goblet of mead and sipping it. Now that everything settled, it seemed like everyone was having a good time. Taking the last drink of her mead she turned to Ulmo, "Whenever you want, we can go," Nylia said pouring another drink into her goblet and drinking it. Ulmo had done well in the battle, and he was obviously quite powerful.

She was happy that Kylian was having a good time as well remembering their unfinished conversation, "I wasn't in a time of need. I would've been fine." Was he just proud or modest? Or did she just not understand the situation? It looked as though he was in deep pain though, so she wasn't sure. "But, all I did was tell the truth. Why thank me for that?" "Was it really the truth though" Nylian thought in her head. Whether or not he was saying the truth didn't matter though, what mattered is that what he said...made her feel better about herself. They would have to continue the conversation later though. After her third or so drink she began to feel different, though she didn't understand it she definitely liked it...

Braun filled the room with booming laughter at Kylian's jest. He couldn't help but throw his massive arm around the smaller god and pull him in for a rough, brotherly hug. The vice like hug was full of warmth and over excited brotherly enthusiasm.

"A day I look forward to brother, when you and I stand shoulder to shoulder against the darkest beasts in the land! And on that day, we will drink, fight and win glory for ourselves and our kin!"

The God of Strength said in a deep bellowing tone before letting go of his kin. It was then that he was approached by another of his sisters. This one was beautiful, much like his sister Adarani but it was a different beauty all together. Where Adarani was innocent this new sibling emanated raw sultriness. Seduction poured off her in waves as her golden blonde hair framed her face perfectly. She poured herself a drink, then a second then a third and finished each with practiced ease. Her ability to hold her draught alone was enough to impress the big God. He kept pace with her and each drink she finished he matched her.

The mead was doing it's job well as Braun was finally beginning to feel it's effects. He couldn't help but enjoy the light inebriation as he was surrounded with his brothers and sisters.

"This is most certainly a glorious day of rejoice! Sister, your name, I do not recall hearing it. Tell it to me so I may drink to your health as I have drank to Adarani's."

Braun asked his horned sister as he looked down at his sister as she seemed to be contemplating her current state of inebriation.

"God of the Sea you say? It is an honor most high brother! The sea is a dangerous mistress but one that breeds hardy men should they conquer her tempest heart. I would like very much to set sail on the waves of your domain, perchance find myself a sea serpent in need of a thrashing."

Ulmo smiled slightly at his brother's compliment. He, it seemed, understood the majesty and dangers of the Sea. As he mentioned sailing, an image of a wooden construct roaming the surface of the Sea flashed through his mind. Instantly, he felt a desire to see those vehicles roaming the surface of the Sea, crewed by mortals that, though not being able to traverse the depths of it, loved the Sea and the adventures to be had on the surface where water met air. When he mentioned a Sea Serpent, however, the Sea God frowned. He would have remembered if he created such beasts. Was it simply the god's overactive imagination or a foreknowledge of what was to come? He finished his drink thoughtfully.

"I would welcome you as a traveling companion, Braun. There is much of the Sea I have yet to lay my eyes on, though am aware of most of what happens within it and upon it," he told him, his mind drifting back to the ships and boats and other constructs that mortals could use to travel upon the sea. He glanced at Nylia and, perhaps prompted by the mead, whispered into her ear so that she felt his breath on her.

"I look forward to give you a tour."

The Mad God confirmed what the voices told him constantly, his existence was as meaningless as the other gods gathered there but even so Trelàs considered polite at least look at the others, his many eyes watched everyone he could confirm that none of the newborn looked back at him The God of Music, well with the exception of Foteea, she was a good person, but Trelàs felt offended, he entered the household of the Mage and stood in the center of the room, he played his melodies and showed images of the battle in the Land of the Fog he even returned to his true form, he knew he was very different from the others gathered there, but no one even looked at him.

Did that mean the God of Madness didn't exist?, The question appeared at intervals in his troubled mind and the answer came with the newborn who entered distributing liquor to those who so desired, Trelàs watched the others gathered around him like bees wanting to extract the nectar from a particularly tasty flower, these words came out of nowhere while he ignoraned or wasn't interested in the meaning of these, no, these petty words his voices whispered had no relevance to the truth that he had reached: He didn't exist, or maybe the other gods were just hallucinations of his mind, What he can do in such hopeless situation?, Laugh, laugh as hard as you can.

The laughter of the God of Madness echoed through the corridors and rooms of the palace created by the Wise old man while Trelàs writhing on the floor with his uncontrollable laughter, if he didn't existed then he could do whatever I wanted like attack to those who ignored him but for now he felt a strange mixture of respect and pity for the Wise, he was biting off more than he could, trying to help everyone and that everyone get along, Maybe the gods were creating the Mage out of his loneliness?, although there was always the possibility didn't changed his current situation, the laughter ended as suddenly as it began.

From the left hand of Trelàs strings emerged that stuck to his shoulder, the God began to play as he walked toward the exit while singing

"Gods ain't gonna help you son
you'll be sorry for what you done
them gods gonna hurt you son
when you play with a loaded gun
when you play with a loaded gun

They ain't gonna catch you when you fall
you'll be pleading while you're bleeding

They ain't gonna hear ya son
don't care about what you done
they ain't gonna help you son
you'll be sorry for what you done
be sorry for what you done"

When he passed by the new gods he gave them a wide grin and walked towards the exit, back in the snow he felt angry, his own hallucinations had ignored him, his left hand turn back to normal and with the blade in his right hand the god wounded himself, Trelàs spread his blood and from the snow formed multiple creatures with six legs that began to attack and eat each other, once one ate another increased its size and ferocity, one attacked the God who dodged it while laughing, and headed toward to his home in the World of the Mist.

Acanthus

Kylian. Acanthus felt the name. It was light. It was bravery. "You are welcome in my hall anytime you wish." He watched Trelas' whimsical nature as the day lulled near its end. Somehow after all of the excitement, this all felt like a dream. Then the door was kicked open with a loud smack and a new god entered and announced himself.

The boisterous one was named Braun. He was strength and brotherhood. From him flowed merriment and jest. Acanthus felt rather at ease with the newcomer, even though he was loud and quite obnoxious. "I will pass on liquor, but thank you for the offer."

Trelas seemed to get mad and then burst into hysterics. Acanthus wanted to say something, but knew not what he could say to the other. Then Trelas left, a sad look in his eyes. Acanthus watched him go, his head cocked as if slightly amused.

"Everyone," Acanthus said as he roused himself a bit. "I have rooms for you all. Please feel free to pick one, I know some of you already have." He bowed at them all and began to leave. "I will be in my library if I am needed. I have some minor matters to attend to."

Sinclaire, Yldrich, and Fen

Sinclaire traveled a long distance. It took the time to reflect upon itself. It was a master of Creation, Healing, Teleportation, Divination, and Influence. It wondered what the Senri would be like. Surely they were something like the mad god. If so, then they would enjoy the many charm spells it began to work on in its mind. It teleported into a large bank of fog. It was close to them. Sinclaire could feel it.

Yldrich, a master of evocation, transmutation, and protection, approached a great cavern. Inside of the cavern it could hear many growls and rumblings. This was a dragon’s lair for sure. Yldrich put up a protective shield and entered the cave.

Fen, summoner extraordinaire, rode a great bald eagle towards the wilds of the forest of Craigin. It wondered about the creatures that were able to change their forms without using magic. It greatly wanted to meet them and revel in their company.

Jute

Jute had regained full composure of herself now. She was inwardly ashamed of her previous lack of self-control but she felt a cool, calculating calm pass over her. Deception was her area of expertise. She did not need to ‘prove’ anything. Everything belonged to her anyways. For this war giant to claim that her throne was his was like a footstool claiming that the floor was its own. Truly she understood now more than she had before. She still wanted to kill him, of course, but that time would come, just like it would come for all of the others. For now she had to gain his trust.

“You’re right of course Genocide. You could easily take anything and everything you want. You can have my throne. I don’t need it. I have something better, a weapon of such great power that it can let even a poor mortal child like me take full control of a city. That’s how I survived here, you know. It’s dangerous for me to be in a place like this.” She began to fully erase signs of her power from the area and instead started to create a weapon in the next room as she spoke. She gave it a power signature that masked her old one.

“Do you want it?” She asked, rather meekly. “I’m sure someone as great as you would put it to better use.”

Nylia

"My name is Nylia," Nylia said smiling, Braun seemed nice so she wasn't threatened by him, but she knew he contained grand power. "I look forward to give you a tour." Nylia heard Ulmo whisper to her. Nylia smiled, maybe it was the intoxication, or the fact that she was a Goddess of Seduction, or even that she felt attracted to Ulmo, but she knew she wanted to go to his kingdom, for many reasons. She pressed herself onto Ulmo's chest and looking up to him whispered, "Then why don't we go now?" She asked. She then interlocked arms with Ulmo. "I believe we must leave now, there are many things we must attend to. Right Ulmo?" She stated, flashing a secretive wink towards him.

((You know, Midnight, you're making it extremely hard for Genocide to meet Adarani without her being hurt. If you don't mind, I'd like to get those plans into effect sometime. I won't have her make the Vitaiim until her meeting with him is over with. *sigh* I guess I better tell you some of what we had in mind via PM, if you want, because I'd like some suspense for others when they read. It's just the writer in me.))

Adarani heard the announcment from Acanthus after she saw Trelas exit in some sort of madness. She felt a little guilty for not paying attention to him. Whenever she saw that God of Music, again, she would have an apology ready, as well as a gift to prove how sorry she was for not speaking to him sooner. For now, she had to pick a room. walking over to one of the doors, there appeared what would be her symbol: the Heart and Tulip.

Opening the door, which now had a lock to make sure only she, acanthus, and any guest she would have would be able to open, what she saw amazed her. Shelves full of items to use in medicine, agriculture, and matters involving love were organized into neat rows. he best part about these shelves was, whenever one item is picked up, another takes its place in the exact spot it was taken from, most of the time, that is. Beyond were shelves on the wall at the end of the room for books on the topics within her domain, some of which she would write. Next to that wall lay a matress for both meditation and sleeping. This room had everything she needed for when she had to tend to the mortal realm, including gateways for portals to make for easy transportation, if urgent.

Once she was finished exploring her room, she told Acanthus, "I'll be outside for a while. I owe Telas an apology for not getting to him sooner, and I should get to work on creating disciples to help me. There is that, and I should plan on what to do with the islands east of here." With that, she walked out the hall doors and flew as a dove back to her birthplace, her Blue Crane, Ahuv, greeting her.

His thirst quenched for now Braun set aside his cup with a satisfied grunt. His mind extended out, past the walls of his brothers lavish hall to the land below. The land of mortality and possibility. The land of the young who had such potential. Yes there would be weakness, their would be frailty and loss but there would be strength also and courage to be found in the world of mortals. A world that needed the strength to endure all that would threaten them. They needed their God of Strength to stand at their side. To take on the load when it threatened to overcome them. To protect them from the evils that would harm them. To grant them the strength to fight that same evil when the time came. And so it should be, that the God of Brotherhood would find his home not in the shining hall of the Gods forged by the magic of his brother but on Earth alongside the mortals who worked to make their land great.

Braun set down the large barrel of mead with a warm smile as he turned to his brothers and sisters that were still nearby.

"I shall take my leave. The drink was grand and there shall be many more to come. For now, take the remainder of the mead, my gift to you. I go to Middle realm where I shall forge my domain with the permission of the one that claims dominion over the land."

With that Braun, the God of Conquest disembarked from the home of Acanthus to create his own home on the world of mortals.

Acanthus

The elder god simply nodded at Adarani and Braun and entered his study. He cast a telekinesis spell and pulled several empty books off of their shelves and up the stairs behind him. He had much to write about. When he sat down at his desk he set the books in front of him. On every cover there was a different title. He pulled the first book from the top. The title read simply, 'Acanthus.' He opened it and began to write.

Jute

She could feel his hand grasping her. It was disgusting, but she allowed it. He would wield her while she also was wielding him, how ironic. This god of war and violence would help her to take over all of the Middle and Upper Realms. Soon she would have all of her brothers and sisters dead or bowing to her. She let her malice flow through the sword and into Genocide. The sword willed its wielder to use it. It longed to be filled with blood. It longed to kill. The sword almost begged to be used against a worthy opponent.

The child walked into the room with Genocide. "Are you not pleased my lord Genocide?" She looked up at the god and her eyes widened. "So, what are you going to do?"

The god had wandered the mortal world for some time now. As his brothers and sisters had found passion, found power and found homes. The God of Strength searched for a place to call his own. A place to mold his people and a place for them to live and grow. He found this place in the form of a mountainous region to the central west of the great continent. It was here Braun had found towering mountains surrounded by expansive great plains. These plains were likes seas of grasslands as far as the eye could see and they made The God of Conquest smile warmly to just merely look upon them. Such open space, such freedom, it was inspiring. So inspiring in fact that the first inclination of what his new home would look like took shape in his mind. He turned to the entrance to mountains and realized the momentousness peaks formed a great crescent shape in the center of the plains. What better place to build his home than within it's protective arms.

Braun began his walk into the center of the crescent of mountains but not on two feet, but four. Braun had shifted his form and no longer was the massive, hulking man he normally was but instead was something quite regal and majestic in appearance. Navigating his now pawed feet through the rocky terrain he made his way to the center and stood upon an outcropping of stones as the sun shone brightly behind him. Braun stood over looking the area in which he would build his new home. His golden, feline eyes looked over his new land proudly. He looked upon the few creatures that already called this land home. Deer, elk, buffalo, wolf, bear and eagle. Each looked upon their new God King respectfully. A Bald Eagle came to perch beside the great lion and bowed. Braun bowed his head slightly in return to the majestic bird.

"Am I known to you?"

Braun asked, his voice gentle yet strong. The eagle responded into Braun's mind as the God formed a mental link with the creature.

"You are the great God of Strength. We creatures of the wild know you to be a being of great honor and power yet this land belongs to another."

Braun tilted his head curiously at the news.

"To whom does it belong?"

"Your brother Cragin, God of the Wilds."

The eagle responded as it rustled it's feathers. Braun lifted his massive head and stared off into the distance.

"Then I shall find him and request this land for my own."

"Or, good master of strength, you could just build your home. Cragin is a good soul and a understanding one. He will not fault you for merely building where no one else has claimed. You show me your intent through our connection, you do not seek domination of the wilds but unity with it. He will not protest."

The eagle said convincingly. Braun turned to look at the beautiful bird with a warm smile.

"Then I defer to your assessment, you would know better than I. I have yet to meet my brother but I hope I soon will."

Though the eagle's actions may have seemed like simple kindness and generous in nature the truth behind them was in protection. The great eagle in his knowledge knew his creator Cragin was locked in a heated encounter with the God Dragon and the knowledge of such an encounter would send Braun charging headlong toward it. The eagle feared for the kind, giant of a God that had decided to make his home in the mountain valley and plains. He would not see harm come to his new friend and king and thought only to protect him.

The lie of omission had done it's job as Braun, completely in the dark about his brothers tense meeting, set his mind to creation.

"What is your name winged friend?"

Braun asked of his eagle companion.

"I have not one."

Braun turned with a kind smile.

"Then we must give you one. What say you to Athos?"

The bald eagle seemed to consider it as it's head cocked in that peculiar way birds heads do. Then it clicked it's beak and nodded.

"I like it very much great lord of these lands."

Braun was pleased his new friend approved and set to the task at hand.

"And now... to build my home and the home for all those who would call themselves my brothers. To my kin above, and those who will make themselves known to me here on the mortal realm I shall create for us a home. One of strength and warmth. Where shield brothers may gather, recant stories of their glories, drink, feast and revel in what they have accomplished."

Braun, in his majestic and mighty lion form took a single step forward before breathing deep. In his lungs he took in the air of this place, his new home. He built it up inside him and fused it with his power. Then he released it in the form of a mighty roar. A roar that could be heard clear across the great plains and beyond. In this roar the magic of the Gods swirled before him causing the wind to spiral and twist. The swirling magical wind gave shape to a structure. Made of wood and steel, fiery braziers formed before the massive wooden doors. A great skyforge appeared in the rear of the building atop some rocks leading up the mountain. Within there was several roaring fireplaces and seating and furnishings for many. Inside there was drink, food and all the comforts a man could ever desire. Here you could find weapons of every variety where Braun and his followers could train and engage in masculine activities of fighting and archery. Targets for that archery and spear work materialized outside along with stables and some live stock pens. A windmill nearby along with a watchtower and a carrier hawks pen and his home was complete.

Braun was pleased with his work and spoke out it's name for the first time.

"So long as there is Braun, there will be Sovngarde. My life force will flow through this land and it through me. It's creatures and inhabitants are under my protection from this point until the end of days. Braun is Sovngarde and Sovngarde is Braun, from now on we... are one in the same."

Braun said stoically, his words were filled with passion and power as he looked upon his new home. The creatures all rejoiced in the news as the wolf packs let loose howls in unison to the proclamation of their new guardian and friend. The bears all rose and roared out in joy. The elk and the deer released their ancestral calls before bowing respectfully. The buffalo stamped their hooves in a thunderous applause of their new God King. The eagles and hawks flew over head, calling out to the world below in tribute.

"The land rejoices in your patronage sire."

Athos said to Braun. Braun turned with a warm, almost serene expression.

"I meant every word my friend... Now to fill it with some life of my own."

Braun stepped forward, hopping off the small expanse of rocks he had been standing on beside Athos. His mane bouncing proudly as he leapt to the soft dirt. He surveyed the ground at his feet and noticed a few stones beside a small patch of grass. It gave unto the god of strength a spark of inspiration. He reached out his massive paw and made two scratches deep into the earth. Braun's claws raked into the soil and they soon began to glow. As they hummed with the power of creation Braun gently pushed one of the stones into one of the glowing scratch marks while he set some grass in the others. He took a step back and watched his Goddly powers do it's work.

The air around both glowing spots of land seemed to radiate power as the light which emanated from within it seemed to sparkle with life. The light grew until it began to shape itself into a solid mass. The light reached it's zenith as one shape was tall, wide and sturdy. The other was long, graceful and elegant. The light subsided and there stood the first of two new breeds of mortals. On the left stood the fiery horsemen, the Centaur. On the right stood the resilient and gentle giants, the Minotaur. Each bowed respectfully to their creator as Braun looked upon with them with pride.

"You are the first of your kind. You will each do yourselves and me honor in your deeds. You will follow the ways I have instilled in you and ever seek to adhere to my tenants. Do this, and your people will know strength and honor and their bond of brotherhood will be unbreakable."

"We shall."

Both men said in unison. Braun nodded to them before turning to the big minotaur.

"You are Cairne, the first chieftain of your people. Your home is in the mountains that surround the hall of Sovngarde. You are it's dutiful protectors as well as it's caretakers. You and your kind are always welcome within its walls."

Cairne nodded in understanding, his massive horned head bowing gratefully.

"The Minotaur will honor your ways oh great one."

He said, his deep raspy voice full of reverence. Braun was pleased and turned to the proud centaur.

"You are Lorio and are the first king of the race of horsemen. Your people will rule over the plains and mold it with the galloping of your hooves. You are the watchful guardians of this land and ensure those who enter it mean it no harm. Those that do you will meet with all the strength at your disposal. Do this and you and your people will be ever welcome in the hall of Sovngarde."

Lorio knelt in honor and respect as he bowed his head, he spoke with a voice that was full of bravery and strength.

"The enemies of Sovngarde are my enemies. Your enemies are my enemies. They will feel the sting of our arrows and the bite of our spears should they seek to challenge us."

Again Braun was pleased with his creations and gave them a nod signaling that they may take their leave.

"Go now, you will find your bretheren waking up in their new homes and will be in need of direction."

Braun said and at that very moment, the first of each race magically formed and found themselves awake in their new lands. Eyes wide with wonder and pride. The leaders of each race bowed to Braun before nodding to each other and heading off to their respective peoples. Braun climbed his massive feline form back up onto the expanse of rocks to curl up and lay down as he enjoyed the wind on his fur and the sun warming him from up above.

The lion that was Braun had since changed back into the massive man that was Braun's true form. He sat now, in the Hall of Sovngarde staring deeply into the roaring fireplace. Alone in the massive mead hall Braun was silent as his Goddly sight looked past the physical walls of his home and was instead carefully observing the progress of his two new creations. Each was making considerable progress since their creation. Yet it was apparent, even now how different each race was.

The Minotaur were slowly crafting their home. Carefully choosing only the strongest and sturdiest of trees to create their massive long houses and tents. Cairne had seen to the construction of their encampments with meticulous care. Each encampment was plotted out and built as to not upset the natural growth of the forests and streams. The mountain was used to it's full advantage and massive stones were hauled by the strong hands of the Minotaur to assist in construction. The young warriors trained on the mountain side, building their strength and resolve, ever preparing for any dangers that may threaten their homes. Cairne also set into motion instructing others of his kind in shamanistic rituals as to swell their connection to the spirits. They appeared to be gaining favor from Braun's brothers in this as they began showing the ability to harness the natural magic of the world. Cairne was by far the greatest of them. His connection to nature was so great he called fourth the earth to move, the wind to blow and even the waters to shift. Subtle displays of magic in comparison to the powers of the gods but still impressive for such a young race. The Minotaur were tender with their young and kind to the elderly. The gentle giants of Sovngarde were a wondrous race indeed.

The Centaur on the other hand seemed to be on a race against time. It was if they couldn't do enough fast enough. In the time it took Cairne and his men to construct a single encampment Lorio and his horsemen had erected several major strongholds. All with thick stone walls, several feet thick. Good defensible locations around all of Sovngarde. The Centaur seemed to only know to prepare for two things. War and the hunt. As their soldiers and warriors fortified their defenses and forged armor and weapons their hunters galloped across the planes. Their hooves thundered out in the distance as they chased down their bulky, yet fleet footed prey. Armed with bows, spears and bolos they hunted down bison yet were careful not to damage the survivalbility of the herd. Females were untouched as were leading males. Only the weak, wounded or excess were taken. This culling of the herd helped the bison to stay strong and the Centaur well fed and supplied with leather, meat, horns, furs and the thick bison bones. Every part of the bison was utilized for something, the Centaurs wasted nothing as they prepped for battle. Lorio saw to it that his men were at their peak at all times, marshaling endless drills and battlefield maneuvers. The Centaur were strong and their armies fierce.

Their creator watched all this with pride from his home in the Hall of Sovngarde. Despite his pleasure he began to yearn for action himself, too long had he been sitting idle and he craved combat. He yearned for a way to test his strength, a challenge worthy of the God of Strength.

Acanthus

The words of eternity flowed from him and into the Tome of Acanthus. Words of Magic and Power, words of Wisdom and Knowledge they flowed through the quill pen, inking out the very essence of who Acanthus was and all of his deeds to date. This would come to be the first of many religious texts. He continued writing in his book as Mathias walked in. Unable to stop he simply looked up as his hands continued to write. "What is the problem child?" He asked as Mathias shook his head and talked to himself. Acanthus became slightly worried. "Are you alright?"


Sinclaire, Yldrich, Fen, Whisrul, Xin, Laoradah

Sinclaire nodded to the Mad One and watched him leave. It sighed a breath of relief, happy to still be alive and not encaged like the blue bird had been. It turned to the gathered Senri. "I am willing to impart as much knowledge as I have that you require. My Lord Acanthus has given me this task, and I would stay with you and help you to the best of my abilities."

Yldrich entered the cavern striding forward, confident in its abilities and wisdom. It strode through the winding tunnels and came into a large cavern. it it there were several large reptilian beasts. They were much larger than Yldrich had come to believe, but it looked up at them without fear. "Hail dragons. I am Yldrich."

Fen dropped to the ground and watched the great eagle dissipate. It summoned a spiritual wolf. "Sniff out the mortals like you."

Whisrul, Laoradah, and Xin felt the calling and knew that there were more mortals in the world. Wisrul and Xin headed out towards the Crescent mountains. They conversed together, wondering why both of them were going to the same place.

Laoradah went to the southern islands, searching for the red skinned mortals it had heard of. It prepared defensive spells, just in case.

As the God of Strength's mind turned to thoughts of glorious battle with a worthy foe his Centaurs were on patrol around the expansive plains of Sovngarde. A force of eight led by their captain patrolled their borders, keeping a careful eye out for any dager in whatever dark from it might be. The galloping of their hooves echoed out as they galloped across the beautiful grasslands they called home. Some carried bows, with quivers full of deadly arrows. Others were equipped with swords to hack down any who threatened their home land. As the scouting party rode towards the limits of their territory they were riding right towards two servants of the God of Magic yet they had yet to spot the dark skinned servants of The Wise One.

Acanthus

Mathias seemed to go into hysterics and Acanthus got up and walked over to him. “What has come over you child? “ He shook his head in sadness. “These voices may not be natural…”The quill pen continued to write even though he was now far from his desk. Acanthus put his withered hand on Mathias’ head. “I would see this vision for myself, if I may.”

Sinclaire, Yldrich, Fen, Whisrul, Xin, Laoradah

Sinclaire received vacant stares from the Senri. It wondered what its master would do at a time like this. In spoke into their minds softly, “What are your names?” The Senri simply shook their heads. “No names?” Sinclaire asked dumbfounded. “Well that can’t be right…Which is first among you?” The firstborn of Trelas stepped forward. “I will name you Jehtah because it means firstborn in the magic language. “ It bowed before the Senri. “Now, Jehtah, how may I serve you?”

Yldrich walked forward towards the dragons. They seemed to be napping. It raised its mental voice slightly. “Hail, dragons! Well met! I am Yldrich!”

Fen stopped short when a large wolf creature ran into a clearing. It was not sure about having to deal with such a large beast. But then the werewolf shrunk down into a more manageable size and Fen relaxed a bit. “Hi there! I’m Fen.”

Whisrul and Xin continued walking ever forward until they noticed the large group of warriors who seemed to be on horseback. They continued on. They were peaceful in nature and did not think anything of this group. They waved their arms in greeting.

Laoradah walked towards the red Krul. The fly in its head buzzed but could not move towards its brain. There was no blood to take it there. Laoradah, fully prepared, entered the forests of the Krul. It truly did feel mad, entering the home of the god of violence and war. But it had a duty to do and it would not desist in its attempts to meet these mortals.

"Captian! Captain Septimus!"

The Lead Scout and Captain of the horsemen patrol turned at the sound of one of his men. The Centaur was staring out towards in the distance at two figures. Septimus turned his gaze and eyed the two curiously. From this distance all the captain could make out of them was that they were dark and that there was two of them. Then they waived oddly at the group before continuing to walk on. Septimus hooves stopmped at the dirt in front of him in displeasure at the sight of the intruders.

"Centaurs, let's give these outsiders a proper greeting!"

Septimus barked before racing off, his hooves pounding the dirt as he galloped. His men followed suit and in seconds the entire scouting party had altered their course and was galloping straight for the two individuals. As Septimus grew nearer he was able to make out more distinguishing features. Pristine ebony skin darker than the deepest shadow. They had strong defined limbs yet did not have the look of warriors to them. That flawless onyx skin was adorned with glowing runes that emanated magical power. Septimus had never fought a magic user and though today may just turn out to be that day.

The force of eight Centaurs rushed up to and encircled the two servants of the God of Magic. Now trapped within a circle of muscle, hooves and armor the Prachians were unable to proceed in their trek. The Centaurs all leveled their weapons at the two dark men, all glaring down at the intruders into their land. Spears, sword tips and arrows all aimed for the heads of the onyx men. Septimus was the only to speak, the others were much too well trained to speak out of turn.

"You are trespassing. State your business here."

Septimus ordered with a growl. His tone was sharp and had about as much gentleness to it as a punch in the face.

Whisrul and Xin

The two bowed at their new hosts. They spoke together into the minds of those around them. "Hail!" Xin said, wanting to introduce itself.

Whisrul jumped in. "Yeah, Hey. How're y-"

"Fool! That is no way to treat a host! We should be more cour-"

"Lighten up Xin. I just wanted to-"

"No! You are just going to cause tr-"

"Anyways, we just wanna give you g-"

"We are here to instruct you in he ways of-"

"Teach you all about-"

"Wisdom!"

"Magic!"

The two finished and looked at each other, shaking their heads in almost disgust, and then back at the horse-men.

The invasion of the minds of the horsemen had the adverse effect intended by the servants of the Old One. Like spooked horses the Centaurs all sturggled to maintain formation and shifted uncomfortably as their hooved feet clattered on the ground. Many groaned, some cursed, most holding their head as the slew of words and phrases entered their minds. One Centaur screamed out in fear and distrust bringing his spear to bear, ready to skewer the two onyx men.

"Demons! They seek to enter our mind and control our thoughts! Kill them!"

He cocked his spear back but before he could let it loose he knocked to the ground by the charging of his commander. Captain Septimus had reared back and put his unruly man down hard with a smack of his front hooves. The centaur, after gaining his bearings, looked up in shock at his leader.

"Still your ravings you damned mare. Your a stallion, act like it."

He said forcefully as he glared down at his soldier who looked away in shame. Septimus then turned to look at each of his men gathered.

"That goes for all of you. If you cannot hold steady in the company of two mages I have no use for you. You might as well strap a cart to your back because the salt mines would be the only place for you."

None of his men spoke, they knew better than to incur their captains wrath any further. His men, once again under his control, Septimus turned to the two servants of the Magic God.

"Never before have outsiders entered these lands and used magic on the minds of it's people... "

He said darkly, the disapproval at having another force enter his mind evident on the face of the Centaur Captain.

"You are hereby placed under arrest and are to be brought before the state. The king will decide what to do with you."

His decision made Septimus nodded to his men who quickly changed position to form a box shaped column around the two outsiders. The Centaurs, led by Captain Septimus then began to march the two prisoners toward the large stone settlement where their King Lorio resided.

Meanwhile in the lowland forests of the Mountains of Sovngarde a massive form lumbered through the trees. It's raspy, old voice humming a calming melody of glories long past. It's heavy hooved feet stepping over pine needles and stone. Then it was that Cairne, leader and chieftain of the Minotaur Clans exited the tree line and found himself looking upon the home of his creator and god of his people, Braun the Indomitable. A warm smile of joy and reverance dawned on Cairne's face as his trek was over. Now to speak with his patron and request of him what he'd come here to request of him.

Whisrul and Xin

As the Centaurs became more frustrated, Whisrul and Xin slowly backed closer together. The creatures were disturbed by the two Prachians, but they were unable to speak in any other way. "Never before have outsiders entered these lands and used magic on the minds of it's people. You are hereby placed under arrest and are to be brought before the state. The king will decide what to do with you." Said the leader of the group as he quelled the ravings of his soldiers. The two Prachians looked at each other, the symbols on their faces glowing ever so slightly.

Xin smacked Whisrul on the back of its head. "Look what you have done! You have angered our hosts."

Whisrul shook its head vehemently. "It wasn't me! You're the pompous one, 'oh we'll guide you in the correct paths of blah blah blah.'"

Xin began to whip up an electric spell against Whisrul, but stopped when it remembered the large creatures around them. "Forget my assistant. We will gladly go with you to see the king of your people."

It was Whisrul's turn to be indignant. "Assistant! If anything, I'm the leader here. Who was the one who got you out of that problem with the giant-"

"Quiet Xin," Whisrul said, "You are disturbing our hosts. Lead on good fellow."

The captain eyed the two prisoners curiously as they bickered. Never before had he ever met anything or anyone quite so strange. Septimus led his men and the prisoners they were escorting across the open plains as the sun beamed down on them from up above. They marched for nearly three hours before the citadel loomed in the distance. A massive structure of quarried white stone the Centaurs had built themsleves a massive sprawiling city like no other on the plains of Sovngarde. Crimsn banners whipped in the wind from high flag poles around the entrance to the citadel. A massive town gate remained closed but as the scouting party approached horns were sounded and the gate were lowered. Captain Septimus marched ahead of his men, his head held high as he crossed through the high arches of the entrance to the stone city. The gleaming white stone shined in the early day light.

The column marched it's prisoners through the streets as women and children all stared at the odd looking magic users. Some of the fauns pointed in curiosity but their hands were quickly moved by their protective mothers. The servants of Acanthus were no doubt left to marvel at the amazing ingenuity and work ethic on display by the intelligent and ambitous Centaur in the form of the marvelous city they had created. The prisoners were marched through the town square where vendors stood in stalls barking out their wares to passers by. They passed by stables where weary Centaur could buy food and drink before bedding down for the night. More than a few armories and forges were passed showing the dedication to warfare that the Centaur had.

Finally the home of King Lorio appeared at the end of the street. A massive tower of white stone where the king resided. Countless banners dotted the exterior giving the structure a very regal appearance. Heavily armored Centaur knights stood guard in front of the entrance to the tower. Their destination in sight Captain Septimus marched the company toward the tower and the king.

Foteea

The goddess of the forge continued to work on her project as she looked into one of the panels portraying the large, boisterous god from Acanthus' hall. She watched as he took a minotaur in a bear hug and began to discuss matters. Foteea looked away from the panel, added the last of the details and backed away to appreciate her newest work. Before her stood a winged statue of bronze in the shape of warrior woman holding a large kite shield in her right hand and a large, double-edged sword in the other. She was as tall as the god she was made for and just as prepared for battle. Just as she did with her other creations, she breathed into it a spark of life. The Valkyrie opened her now glowing eyes before asking, "My goddess, what would you ask of me?"

Foteea nodded to her creation before declaring, "You are to be a gift to one of my brothers. You are to protect his hall until your last breath and do what he wills. You are not permitted, however, to ever leave his hall. You are not to be a tool for war, only for protection. Make me proud. Now, please, follow me." As she said this, a bed of embers in the corner of the room shifted and a portal of orange could be seen. The goddess floated into this portal, the valkyrie hovering behind.

From the large brazier in the grand Hall of Sovngarde, the goddess of embers emerged and said, "Greetings, brother, I hope that I am not interrupting and I apologize if I am. We did not have the privilege of meeting at the hall of the wise god and I felt the need to do so. I am Foteea, Goddess of the Forge and Lady of Embers, and I come bearing a gift." At the end of her introduction, the great Valkyrie emerged in all of her glory, sword upraised and wings extended. "This is my gift, the great Valkyrie, a great warrior made to be protector of your hall." The valkyrie hovered before the brazier before sticking her sword into the ground, gripping the hilt with both hands, waiting for Braun's reaction.

Braun sat in the the silence of his home, staring into the fire. His mind drifting from thought to thouught. The turth however was that the solitude was wearing on the jovial big man's resolve. He yearned for interaction. He yearned for company. Not since seeing his kin in his brothers hall had any sought him out. None had come to strengthen that bond of brotherhood with their kin, The God of Strength. That was until his sister arrived.

A blaze of fiery light Brauns sister Foteea Goddess of the Forge and Embers appeared in his hall through the flame he had just been staring into. Her body was a mix of fire and dark metal, a truly beautiful goddess indeed. She smiled warmly at him as she spoke in greeting.

"Greetings, brother. We did not have the privilege of meeting at the hall of the wise god. I am Foteea, Goddess of the Forge and Lady of Embers, and I come bearing a gift."

She said before a second figure appeared. Massive in size, equalling Braun's own height it was a magnificent winged metal warrior woman. The massive bronze guardian held a stunning kite shield and masterfully crafted double edged blade.

"This is my gift, the great Valkyrie, a great warrior and protector of your hall."

The goddess said proudly. Braun stared in awe at the gift granted to him as a wide grinned dawned on his face. He turned to his sister whose flame, perhaps unfortunatley for her, could not prtoect her from her brothers enthusiasm. He leapt to his feet to embrace her in a powerful hug . He wrapped his massive arms around her body and lifted her up as her heat would have scorched any mortals flesh. Braun, on the otherhand felt no pain as the heat and flame licked his impenetrable skin harmlessly.

"Such a gift! I am most honored sister!"

Braun said happily as he let loose a roaring laugh. He held her happily for a few moments before letting her down with a chuckle and turning to the Valkyrie with a warm, friendly smile.

"Welcome to your new home friend."

[sorry for any mistakes, doing this on my phone]

Foteea

Foteea felt a smile spreading across her face as her brother grinned at her unexpected visit. That was until her brother lumbered towards her and took her in a bear hug. She grunted as Braun held her in his arms, as she had never been touched by another before that moment, but she didn't protest. It wasn't entirely uncomfortable, and it was apparently the other god's way of expressing joy. As Braun released her and vocalized his appreciation, she brushed herself off, attempting to retain some sense of her dignity. Her voiced showed her surprise as she said, "Y-yes, well, I am happy that you like her. She is under your command now. I just have one stipulation. She is not to be used as a tool for war. She is to be used only as a guardian or for any peaceful act."

The goddess moved backwards from her newly met brother, she faced the Valkyrie and said, "He is your master now. Serve him well."

The Valkyrie bowed her head and responded, "Yes, my goddess. I will assist him to the best of my abilities." The bronze sentinel turned to Braun and said, "Thank you for your kindness, my lord."

Foteea nodded in acknowledgement of her new found allegiance and turned back to her brother. "I am sorry to leave so soon, but I must depart. However, if you ever feel the need to speak to me again, you can contact me in this." She waved her hand in front of a wall, and a silver mirror appeared. "Speak my name into this mirror, and I will appear. Farewell, brother." She bowed in farewell and entered the brazier she first entered from.

Brigit

The grynix looked down upon the entirety of the surface, smiling as she did so. Her brother, however, couldn't seem to remain where he was. He shouted, "Come on, Brigit, lets go this way!" before beginning to fly in a random direction. Brigit watched as a great ball of fire was lowering in the same direction as her brother was flying. She sighed as she began to follow him.

Braun stood in his home, holding the mirror his sister gave him. His energy was a buzz with excitement after the visit from his sister. It was just the thing needed to lift his spirits and now he had a new friend and guardian to watch over his home. The Man of Tomorrow turned to the Valkyrie with a warm, friendly smile.

"Well... you can have a seat if you like."

Braun said offering her a chair.

"Is that your command my lord?"

The beautiful Valkyrie asked as it remained still as stone. Braun was a tad taken back by the odd question as he paused to rub the back of his neck in confusion.

"Command? No I... I was just asking. You don't sit if you don't want to I want you to be comfortable here, this is your home now too."

The Valkyrie's head slowly began to move as it looked around the room, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the Hall of Sovngarde.

"Your home seems very... inviting."

She said finally. Braun chuckled and put his on his belt.

"Well I tried to make it so. I like company, good friends to sit, talk, feast, drink, fight, tell stories of past glories. That is all I would have in a home."

"I can understand the allure."

She replied stoically. Braun chuckled once again, the oddness of this kind yet enigmatic new protector of his home was a peculiar thing indeed.

"Do you have a name?"

"I am Valkyrie."

The Valkyrie responded matter of factly. Braun shook his head as he began to realize she wasn't understanding his question.

"No you are a Valkyrie but what is your name? What do you call yourself?"

"I call myself Valkyrie."

Valkyrie replied flatly. Braun sighed with a knowing smile as he rubbed his brow.

"Very well then, Valkyrie."

It was then that Valkyrie's head perked up and it's metallic eyes narrowed on the door.

"Someone approaches."

Braaun went to the door and after opening it, found his friend and one of his first creations Cairne, coming out of the tree line towards his home.

"It's alright Valkyrie. It's just an old friend."

As Braun went outside to greet the Chieftan of the Minotaurs and welcome into the Hall of Sovngarde the King of Centaurs stood in his grand hall made of marble and silver. The towering pillars that lined the hall gave the entire room a very open yet powerful feel. Lorio was adorned in his magnificent armor, a crown made of polished steel and adorned with a single ruby sat atop his head. His dark eyes measuring the servants of the magic god carefully as they were brought before him. As the scouts released control of the prisoners to the knights present Lorio spoke. His voice commanded respect as it filled the room.

"So... These are the intruders into my kingdom that seek to fill the minds of my people with their magics?"

As the leader of the minotaur sat within the halls of Sovngarde his creator and patron listened to the troubling news Cairne had to bring him. The elder Minotaur told Braun of tales from afar. Tales of monstrous demons that spewed death and disease from its maw. He told him of the demons sickly tendrils that reach out and ensnare the weak before filling their bodies with plague. On the wings of the crows this news was brought to the great shaman chieftain who then relayed it to his patron. Braun never liked the suffering of mortals. He saw weakness as something that must be overcome. Disease was like a fierce enemy that must be combated and defeated. The source of this plague was once such mountain that needed to be climbed. A challenge worthy of the God of Strength. Braun rose to his feet with renewed vigor as his fists clenched and his eyes burned brightly.

"Then my friend... The God of Strength will see this plague ended."

With purpose and resolve Braun stepped out of his home and dissapeared from sight in the next instant. As if he'd just vanished as the sunlight touched his skin he was no longer in his home in Sovngarde. He now stood upon blighted soil. The earth was blackened not from fire but from death. It was as if the very life from the land had withered and died. In it's place were rotting trees and decaying life. Braun stared out onto the plague ridden land with eyes thirsting for battle. He stepped forward unafraid as he bravely strode into the lands of the God of Disease, all the while a bold smile a fixed on his face .

((0_0 Wow, a battle with two gods already, this is certainly quite the scary outcome. I had hoped to face each separately, but this way will work as well. This way it'll kill two birds with one stone. At first I knew I was going to lose the battle and accepted that, though I'm afraid I'm going to die now. Please don't kill my god. :'0))

Aspestis tossed and turned in It's sleep, it dreamed through the eyes of It's new children, though It did not know. The young god saw two beings appearing in It's land and knew that they didn't mean to admire, they meant to destroy. One being had already destroyed a bit of It's kingdom, though it was only the weakest part, the very edge. Though the god didn't know why, It was afraid of these beings and wanted them to leave. Still being able to control It's children with It's mind, Aspestis gave orders to all of it's beloved nearby the two beings two attack them and not let them destroy the Plagued Kingdom.

Every living being from the bacteria to the trees to the animals that were within two kilometers of the woman and man went after them. The trees and plants uprooting themselves and using heir roots as makeshift feet or dragging them along with their branches attacked the assailants, suffering for the pain of having to leave the ground and despairing that they may never return. The trees with their roots too deep and spread attack where they stood, painfully tearing off their branches or sending their roots up at the assailants, trying to ensnare them with the dull roots and pierce them with their sharp roots.

Large hulking figures, most seeming to be falling apart or incomplete, all of them having a large a grotesque body attacked, in bliss and suffering as they attacked for some of their limbs, horns, and/ or teeth merely grew towards their skin and caused pain. They howled in pain from being pierced and even for just moving, and in bliss from their suffering they welcomed instinctually now, and in anger for the assailants to sadden their new lord and master, to give Aspestis fear.

Everything attacked, even the grass attempted it's attacks and the now hulking fish that used to rest in the low waters of the swamp, now forced on land and to breathe air because of their orders from the god and their size being too big to now fit the ponds they used to call their homes, now their minds were twisted and dominated by the naive god that loved them so. Indeed, all those near the two gods, that Aspestis knew not were gods, attacked and attempted to end their lives, no matter how pitiful or pathetic their efforts were.

Nobody but Apestis could love these vile monsters, but the god did love them, with all It's heart, though tainted and vile it may be. The god did mean well, but knew not what pain was, only that nobody enjoyed it, but the god gave those who felt pain a chance to feel bliss from the pain and even forced unto others, though it knew not what evil was. Still, though it was a fitful, frightening nightmare, the god did not yet awaken. Even in this realm of dreams, the god knew it had to assist the creatures in fighting the attackers of the vile kingdom the god made for Itself. The god would attempt to read the enemies' movements and attempt to strategically assist It's children, though the god was still not entirely sure what it was doing and knew not that this was even a battle. Aspestis just knew It had to do what It must.

[yeah no worries, no God killing ;] ]

The blight itself turned on Braun. Blackened roots shot up from the ground to ensnare the Titan. Hulking beasts, vile and grotesque in nature savagely laid into The Man of Tomorrow. Teeth gnashing, claws racking the denizens of the blight beset upon the massive man until he could no longer be seen beneath the sea of enemies. All that was visible was the shifting mass of sickly, oozing bodies piled around one central point. That was until a bold laugh could be heard from within followed by a growl and a roar of exertion. The creatures of the blight were shot back from the explosion of raw Goddly strength exhibited by the God of Conquest as he stood and threw the beasts off him in a titanic display of power. Fists clenched, chest puffed out Braun was on his feet with a roar tearing from his throat. Those creatures, still conscious stared in disbelief at the pure, unadulterated power of the figure before them. Braun turned his gaze to them and smiled hardily.

"If you creatures seek my death, you will have to do better."

He said before charging at the crowd before him. Braun launched himself into the fray. The first to fall was a massive, tentacled river beast. It appeared as if the corpses of several river dwelling creatures were fused together into one puss filled, oozing, writhing form of slick nightmarish hell beast. Braun layed into it with one massive haymaker that sent the creature sailing through the air, only to skid across the nearby lake as one would skip a rock. It didn't stop until it slammed into an outcropping of rocks with such force the rocks imploded into dust and pebbles. The beast destroyed Braun grinned and turned to the next adversary. A clawed hand gripped his shoulder but was quickly seized in the vice like grip of the God of Strength before the creature was swung like a club and smashed into three of it's sickly brethren.

More ghoulish fiends poured around Braun only to be beaten back almost as quickly as they came. Braun caught the first creature as it's scaled body came barreling for him. Braun caught it's jaws in his hands and held it fast before lifting it over his head and slamming so hard on the ground behind him one would have thought they heard a thunder clap. The God turned around quickly to deliver a titanic kick to the nearest monster. The blow sent the beast flying back to shatter the trunk of a nearby tree into splinters. Two wolf like spider hybrid beast bounded for Braun, Their teeth gnashing for blood Braun caught their throats in either hand and held them out at arms length with a laugh.

"Is that it?!"

He asked aloud before slamming them together and hurling them into the crowd. With that The God of Conquest dove into the swarming crowd of beast. Bodies flew outward from the mind-bendingly powerful blows of the Strength God. Bones shattered under his might. The unnatural, plague filled bodies were crushed beneath his power. He forged his way through the crowd beating to a pulp anything and everything in his path. The grunts, growls, roars and even laughs of Braun the Indomitable could be heard across the blighted land as he waded through the fray. He hurled bodies through the air as the beasts tried with all their might to mar the impenetrable skin of the Strength God but to no avail. His power was like the unstoppable force of an avalanche and all in his wake would soon feel his might.

The Man of Tomorrow let loose a salvo of punches that made short work of the few remaining creatures in his immediate area, sending some flying through the air. The others were put into the dirt hard, with unbelievable force. It was then the ground rumbled with the footsteps of a massive beast. Braun turned to see what appeared to be a massive, sickly insect. Bulbous and repulsive to look upon it had the horns of a ram yet the eyes of a spider. Massive pincers like you would find on a beetle clamped before it's mouth as eight insect like appendages supported it's massive bulk. On it's back were countless tentacles that whipped about wildly with ooze dripping from their coils. Braun looked up at the enormous monster with pure excitement. He leapt at it but one of it's tentacles shot out and swatted the Strength God out of the sky, sending him slamming into a large, dead oak tree. The force of the impact send cracks running up through the wood, threatening to topple the massive tree. Braun fell to the ground, landing on one knee. The God of Conquest chuckled and rose his head as he looked at the hulking beast.

"Now that's more like it."

He said happily still unaware of his sisters presence.

(I was never planning on killing Aspestis, it's way too early to kill any of the Gods I think.)
(EDIT: Just saw Braun posted one second let meh edit :P)
(EDIT: All edited :3)

Nylia

Nylia watched sadly as the lifeforms began attacking her. She felt pity and remorse for their lost souls but it was too late for them now, they would only spread their disease until Adarani came, and she wasn't even sure if Adarani was even going to be able to combat the disease. As the creatures attacked her she swung her mighty club, breaking them in their frailness. Occasionally, one would wrap around her horns and daze her but she was still able to knock them away. She also saw Braun come into the fight, he certainly was a mighty fighter, and thus was a good ally. "Welcome brother, the name of the God who caused this is named Aspestis, I believe I'm going to go find-" Nylia said getting interrupted as she noticed that she felt weary. All the time she spent fighting the enemies she could see, she didn't notice that she was being attacked by bacteria. She snapped out of it though, not that greatly effected, she had assessed the situation and realized the enemy that hurt her was so small that not even her godly eyes could see without focusing hard enough. "Be careful, look really closely in the air, and you shall see microscopic enemies, they may be small, but they're dangerous," Nylia called out. She directed the energy on her club onto the bacteria and kept swinging the club. She knew that Aspestis was in his catle but the question was, when would he come out. She presumed that the bacteria effected you internally as you breathed it in, seeing as it was airborne and everything, so she warned Braun about that as well just in case.

She watched in amazement as Braun fought many of the most ferocious diseased creatures. She knew that he truly was the God of Strength as he defeated all of his enemies. However, he defeated many seemingly menacing creatures and dove into a pile of them. All the while she had to keep reminding herself that these innocent creatures had to be slain in order to keep the Middle Realm safe. Nylia swept away many of the less monstrous seeming creatures, especially focusing on the destruction of the bacteria. Because, though Braun was defeating many of the large, powerful enemies, he was still being quite rash and not defending himself against the dangerous bacteria.

Finally aware that his sister Nylia was battling the blight beside him he called out to her after beginning to wrestle the massive bug beast to the dirt.

"Well met sister! Welcome to glorious battle!"

"Be careful, look really closely in the air, and you shall see microscopic enemies, they may be small, but they're dangerous,"

She warned as Braun punched the beasts several times in quick succession before getting up underneath it and lifting it over his head. With a roar he tossed the massive beast across the battlefield to crashing into a thicket of trees.

"Bah, nothing so small could possibly harm me sister! I'd be damned to the inferno before I allow myself to be felled by creatures too small to see! That would just be embarrassing."

He jested boldly as he launched himself at the giant creature who was starting to rise. He was grabbed by one of the tentacles around the mid section. The beast squeezed in hopes to crush the life from the God but Braun had no intentions of being defeated so easily. He grabbed a firm hold and pulled the beasts tentacles off of him before diving at the creature. He rained heavy handed blows on the beast as it howled in pain before one more massive blow felled it for good. Braun took a few deep breaths and groaned as his vision blurred from the bacteria in his lungs. He grunted and brought his hand to his head as his head swimmed.

"I... I..."

Braun's words were cut off as he let loose a gigantic sneeze, expelling the irritation from his nasal passages. He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck feeling significantly better before leaping to the ground to land beside his sister.

"Right... bacteria... perhaps size is not what marks a dangerous beast after all."

He said with a laugh before turning to look into the distance.

"You say this plague comes from one of our kin?"

Nylia

"Bah, nothing so small could possibly harm me sister! I'd be damned to the inferno before I allow myself to be felled by creatures too small to see! That would just be embarrassing." Nylia wondered if the bacteria truly wouldn't effect him. If not then she would have high respect for the man. However, the bacteria began to penetrate his defenses as he began sneezing. It was nothing too serious but it was only the start, and they didn't have a lot of knowledge on the subject. "Yes, unfortunately this was caused by Aspestis, the God of Illness, Despair, and Suffering, and is one of our siblings," Nylia said grimly pointing to the castle. "He is most likely residing there, but before we can approach him we must finish off these enemies," Nylia stated swinging her club one more time. It seemed that they had almost wiped out the entire spread of disease and only a bit of it remained. After they destroyed the last of it, it was on to Aspestis.

(Short post is short ._.)

Adarani could feel the suffering of many individuals from far away. This alarmed her, so she turned into a dove and traveled to where it was comng from. Sure enough, when she landed and reverted back to her humanoid form, diseased creatures were everywhere. she noticed Nylia and Braun in the distance. She could feel the infections beginning to take effect on her siblings. She ran over to them and shouted, "Hold still! This may tickle a bit!"

When she got within talking dfistance, she lifted her hands and the Paradise energy of Healing within her began to glow all over her body. She connected with the bacteria she sensed and felt it vanishing, unable to take so much energy swelling from her. She also healed some of the creatures around her, as well, granting them healing abilities so to assist her. Surely enough, more and more creatures began to cure and be cured.

(Edit: Added Fen post for CC)

Acanthus

There were white robes among the many clouds of Paradise. Acanthus’ view shifted upward and he could only fall under the glory of the All Father. Such power and glory reigned down from the Higher One. He looked away from the blinding glory and back at the table. It was clear to him that these were not gods, but mortals or something near it.

Then Acanthus’ vision blurred, on the table he saw a Great War. The two sides, one a large army of darkness, the other seemed to be filled with all of the races of the gods. War spread throughout the land as the two forces fought. But none of the soldiers fell. Even as their limbs were ripped from their bodies, they would regrow and the fallen soldiers would fight again. Out of the maelstrom came the sound of newborns crying.

After that vision faded, he saw another god, or what seemed to be one. It named itself Justice and said that it would cause no harm to Mathias. The thing then proceeded to call Acanthus a ‘seedling’ as if it were somehow higher. While Acanthus agreed with the need for law, such rudeness was not appreciated.

Acanthus said nothing to Justice and released his grip on the magic that held him in the mind of his brother when the creature said to be gone. He shook his head slowly as Mathias asked if he had seen the same visions.

“I think not. But I did see much worth sharing. The creatures that sat at your round table? They were indeed created beings. Yours, I assume.” He stood at the sound of someone entering the Library. He continued more quietly. “Justice speaks, and it resides within you.”

As Sanguine approached closer, Acanthus sent off an answer to the Prachian who had sent him the vision. “I see war and pestilence. I see soldiers fall in battle only to rise again. This war will never end and the only winner seemed to be disease and the malice in the heats of the soldiers…” He paused as Sanguine said that it had a question.

“What is it you need child?” He asked politely.


Whisrul and Xin

They both bowed low towards the king. “We apologize for scaring your warriors.” Xin said calmly. “They do not seem to understand. We cannot communicate but in the thoughts of others.”

Whisrul popped in. “Yeah, it’s not like we have mouths or anything you know? Besides, I can’t read your thoughts or anything. This is just how we talk.”

Xin cocked its head at its partner. “Must you be so rash? We are in the presence of royalty.”

Whisrul laughed. “Royalty! Just last week I talked to a god! Why do we need to do anything special for other mortals like us?”

Xin smacked Whisrul on the back of its head again. “Fool! All you are going to do is compromise our mission! Silence yourself.”

Whisrul said no more but conjured a gallon of water above the head of Xin. It released the spell, sending the cascade right onto Xin’s back. Xin looked at Whisrul and conjured a flame, but in a burst of self-control it simply put the flame out and turned towards the king, completely ignoring Whisrul.


Fen

The werewolf seemed a bit surprised but Fen raised its hands in a peaceful gesture. “It’s great to meet you Njin! I’m Fen-oops! Silly me, I already said that. Anyways, I’m here for you! Well, not…just you but all of you. I mean all of you werewolves! And the Ossis of course. The Ossises? The Aussies?"

It looked around, noticing that Njin was, in fact, the only werewolf in the immediate vicinity. “Anyways...I’d like to help you, or teach you, or really just be with you all. I feel like that’s what I’m meant to do…You understand?”



Jute

The Child awoke upon luscious sands. She looked around and stretched, catching her bearings. Her heart told of a problem in her land in the Inferno, but she dismissed it as the ramblings of a corrupted child god. The sword told of new mortals and almost slicing into the flesh of a god. Almost, but not quite because its wielder had sheathed it and caressed the god instead.

Jute clenched her fists in disgust. If she wanted something done, she would have to do it herself. She began to walk in a random direction, wondering where she might go and what she might meet when up in the sky she saw flashes of bronze and gold. Metal mortals? She thought to herself. This is interesting.

She waved her arms at the flying creatures. “Hey! Down here!”

While Braun and Nylia battled on through the hordes of the sick and dying the King of the Centaurs stared down at the peculiar servants of the God of Magic still uncertain of their purpose in his kingdom. Lorio put his hand to his brow in irritation to their constant bickering. After their quick exchange he put his hand up silencing them.

"Enough... Cease your endless bickering."

He said with a sigh before continuing.

"To what point and purpose have you entered the boundaries of my kingdom? Who has sent you on this errand?"

King Lorio asked, his intelligent mind already moving a few paces ahead as he began to consider the implications of this meeting. If these two were truly sent by whom he thought they had been sent by then that would mean a whole new avenue of power could be open to his people. He needed only conformation from the two envoys.

Meanwhile back at the blighted land of Aspestis Braun and his sibling laid waste to any forces before them, all the while their dutiful sister ensured their good health. Braun caught a screaming, twisted creature no bigger than the size of a young man. The creature had a wild looked in his eyes as the delirium from whatever disease ailed him wracked his mind and body. It's teeth were sharp like a hundred needles in his mouth and his skin was blackened as if it had rotted through. Braun had one hand wrapped around it's thin neck, keeping him from biting distance as the creature sporadically went into convulsive spasms in his grasp. Braun put him down hard by slamming his frail body into the ground with such force small cracks erupted in the earth from the point of impact. The God of Strength then looked up and drove forward. With a balled up fist he landed a massive uppercut on an advancing monster. The blow was so mighty that the creature was sent sailing through the air and far into the clouds beyond. Braun laughed heroically before combating the next threat. A slithering snake beast, dripping with pussy filled legions wrapped it's self around Braun, hoping to suffocate him but attempting to hold the God of Strength enthralled was more monumental then trying to reach the sun. Braun tore himself from the beasts grasp before he pummeled it into the dirt.

Braun turned to see Naylia doing quite well against the advancing forces. Swinging her club, beating back all who advanced. It was quite impressive for one Braun had not originally seen as a warrior type. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind had a howling wolf beast with a lizards tail and gaseous smoke pouring from it's jaws leapt out of the brush. From behind his sister this creature attacked, looking to wrap it's diseased maw around the back of her neck. The wolf beast, however, never got the chance. Braun and launched himself through the air to tackle the beast right in the middle of it's lunge. The two came crashing down in the dirt where Braun set loose upon it with a flurry of close quarters punches, elbows and knees. The beast relented to the onslaught quickly and lost consciousness from the torrent of forceful blows. Braun got to his feet to see the advancing horde. There were not many left but Braun's mind told him that Aspestis would just keep launching foes at them if they did not make short work of them now and reach their master. Braun smiled boldly as he strode up a step in front of his sister, fists clenched on either side of him.

"We have business with your master, demons. Saddly we cannot afford to play with you any longer."

He said before bringing his fists up above his head. With a roar Braun brought his fists down hard on the ground in front of him. Such force wracked the land that the very ground trembled beneath the might of the god of Strength. The massive blow could be felt all across middle realm as The God of Strength put his namesake on display. The blow caused the earth to split before him creating massive crevices to appear in the ground and shoot forward along the earth at terrifying speeds. The shock wave from the blow alone launched most in front of the two gods well off their feet. The others succumbed to the violent shaking of the earth or fell into the deep cracks that formed from the might of Braun.

The God of Conquest got to his feet, pleased with his work as the earth finally stopped it's shaking. The creature army now defeated he turned to his two sisters with a fiery grin.

"Let us pay a visit to our kin eh?"

Adarani

Adarani nearly fell on her back when she was thrown into mid-air by the impact of Braun's blow to the ground. Thankfully, her dexterity and grace enabled her to land on her feet as she continued her healing powers. The army of disease was defeated by the time Adarani knew it was safe enough to open her eyes, still using a bit of her energy to keep her two siblings healthy.

Her eyes widened as she heard that they were about to visit one of their own family. "O-okay! Right behind you!"

Ahuv and Benjamiir

Ahuv felt the presence of a child on a nearby island. He extended his wings and said to Benjamiir, "I'll be but a moment! There is someone who may be stranded!"

Benjamiir nodded. [/b]"I can handle matters here until you return."[/b]

The Blue Crane flew on over immediately following Benjamiir's assurance. His eyes spotted the little girl, seemingly much younger than his mistress, on the beach. Once his eyes focused hard enough, Ahuv made ready to land, swooping down in a circle. He landed next to the fragile-looking child, and picked up an aura of a mortal, yet he could not figure out who created her, or even her parents, if she had any. Perhaps Adarani did not meet the diety, yet.

Ahuv released his calming aura to sooth the little girl while saying, "Greetings, child! What are you doing here in the Sacriran Islands, all alone? isn't any of your family around? Brothers? Sisters? Parents?"

Braun marched off at a quick jog like pace. His sisters close behind him The God of Strength pushed further into the domain of the one who was the source of disease in the world. The one whose essence brought upon plague and illness. It was the one who fed upon the suffering of the weak and dying that Braun marched off towards now. The God of Strength, Goddess of Vengeance and Goddess of Healing were here to bring a stop to this plague, to halt the efforts of a sibling they had yet to meet. Adarani came to heal this land as well as the afflicted. Nylia came to avenge those who had fallen to this sickness and punish the one responsible. Braun came for the glory of defeating this threat of darkness and to protect the helpless.

The three sibling Gods were forced now to look upon the nightmarish sight of their siblings hideous home. A tower like castle, grotesque in nature loomed before them. I was pale in color like the skin of the dead. The walls were comprised of a mix match of rotted woods, decaying plant life and horrid animal remains. Most terrifying of all was that many of the inhabitants of the walls yet still lived. Their moans of agony granted unto the castle a ghastly chorus, the musical of the damned. The very air surrounding the tower was rank with disease and sickness. The air was stagnant with the scent of decay and disease causing all in the party to begin feeling overwhelmed by the stench and the thick fumes. Braun grunted in distaste as he brought the back of his hand to wipe his nose as if to brush away the scent but to no avail. If it wasn't for healing aura of Adarani the trio would have been overtaken by the pure sickly air surrounding the castle. The idea of falling not to some great enemy but to a disease that cannot even be fought was a horrendous fate to consider for the mighty God of Conquest.

Braun stepped forward, protectively taking his place in front of his sisters as he stared up at the tower where his kin resided. His eyes stared deeply into the home of his mysterious family member. He could feel their power within as they could no doubt feel his. He came here to fight and fight he shall.

"ASPESTIS! YOUR KIN HAVE COME!"

Braun roared out to his sibling within the walls of their home. His voice took on a hint of the great roar of his lion form, filling the halls of the castle with ferocious, strength. His challenge had been made, now for the response from the Lord of Despair.

(EDIT: Nothing to see here...<.<...>.>...)

Aspestis saw through the eyes of the diseased that they were no match for the attackers at all, and another had come, but her attacks were much more worse than the attacks of the others, for she tore away Aspestis's connection towards It's children. Aspestis was saddened and angered for this having had happened. Aspestis sent the most powerful and beautiful children in the god's arsenal, but they would either be pummeled to death, vaporized, or the most horrendous thing Aspestis could think of, remove the gift of disease from one of It's children. Aspestis tossed and turned in It's at this horrendous nightmare, for the young god could no longer feel those that had been killed, not even in the Inferno and for the ones cured, It only wished It could give them the disease once again at a later time.

The battle between powerful beings and plagued creatures seemed to go on forever, but then Aspestis saw one of them say something, It couldn't hear for It could only sense the creatures themselves and what they saw, but none of the other senses like hearing. Once the hulkish man had stopped talking, it pounded upon the ground, sending a large quake around the world. The tremor was close enough and strong enough for Aspestis to have felt it while sleeping. The god woke up, but only managed to get half awake, for It was still tired from creating It's kingdom and was also bad in mornings. The god sat up in bed, glad to be rid of that terrible nightmare. It sat there contemplating the nightmare for a bit and tried to reach out for It's children and saw that a great deal of them were gone! The nightmare had followed Aspestis into reality and the god wanted to cry in anguish at losing it's children. The god was also incredibly angry, to have It's beautiful and wondrous creations to be killed for no apparent reason at all. Then the god remembered the attackers and knew that it must do something about them.

But what would I do?! The large, brutish man could most certainly beat me into the ground until I was merely bits and pieces unable to function and then some. The beautiful woman with the dangerous looking weapon with an even more dangerous usage could possibly turn me into nothing but ash and memories like it did to my poor children. And that innocent looking child, she might do something absolutely more horrendous than that. She could possibly deny me of disease and possibly take away suffering! Oh, woe is me for having powerful attackers, but this is not right! Why would the come, destroy my kingdom and kill my blessed, lovely children?! I must confront them and demand to know why they've done what they've done. Perhaps they had a good reason, perhaps they're destructive beings meant for- And that's when the god heard the roar, it was a roar that would have brought Aspestis to It's knees were It standing. This was a great, mighty, animalistic yet some how royal, roar that said, "ASPESTIS! YOUR KIN HAVE COME!" This is what finally pulled Aspestis from It's half sleeping state to fully awakedness and then some. After a moment, Aspestis finally realized they were indeed It's kin by finally managing to sense their power.

My kin?... My kin! The ones I was trying to impress are angered by me in some way! Oh what have I done?! I attacked them and didn't even stop to consider why they were so powerful. I was just so angry that they invaded my lands and killed my- no. There is no excuse! I should have wondered why they were so powerful. I should have attempted to sense them and not be so proud that I would ignore all else and pay attention to only my creations. This is my fault, so I must take responsibility. But why would they destroy my children? Bah, no foolish thoughts! They are my kin and they would most certainly have good reason to. Maybe I've angered them in some way, or perhaps they didn't believe my creations were worthy to walk this realm. And even if they did indeed do this for nothing, I will forgive them, for they are my family. Anyways, I must go greet them and try to make them feel welcome while I ask them why they've done this.

Having thought it over, Aspestis's thoughts taking only a second, It quickly got up and went towards It's kin. The castle contorted itself to the god's whim as it had before and let It stand as the castle moved Aspestis to It's kin. The beautiful music of suffering filling It's ears while It rode. After a few moments the young god finally reached It's kin. The man, tall and muscular stood proudly glaring at the god, the Woman had murderous intent in her eyes and It was sure she was going to thrash the god if It got too close, then there was the child, which sent a shiver up Aspestis's spine. How could one looking so pure be so malevolent? The young god shook it off and tried to look as humble as possible.

As soon as the young god reached them, It spoke, It's voice seeming to be made of the screams of the suffering, the wails of the despairing and the moans of the diseased all put together into some pattern that could be recognized as speech, and said in a surprisingly gentle, humble, and loving tone, "Brother! Sisters! Welcome to my humble home. I am so terribly sorry for attacking you. I thought you were merely intruders, but my pride and ignorance made me blind to sensing you as family. I'm sure you had perfectly good reason to destroy some of my kingdom and half of my lovely, beautiful children. Did you like them? Probably not since you destroyed them, don't worry I'll try harder to impress you next time, beloved family. Did no one else come? That's a shame, I suppose I will meet them another time. So, how am I doing so far? do you like my castle? I tried to make it as lovely as possible filled with the most joyous sound of suffering and despair. But enough about me, how are you? Brother, you're quite strong, you killed my children as if they were nothing but mere nuisances. Sister, you're looking quite lovely and that is some terrifying weapon you have there, how is it made? And you, sister, you look so innocent and adorable, but I must admit you terrify me. How did you remove the gift I had given my children? It saddens me that you would do so. It seems my family is quite powerful indeed, I hope to one day impress you with the loveliest creation I can make." After that, Aspestis stopped speaking and allowed them to answer, since It realized it was rambling a bit.

Nylia

Nylia was astounded at the sheer power and ferocity that Braun possessed but was more surprised about how he didn't use it for evil, similarly to some of her siblings. He used it to fight for others and to protect those around him, as he demonstrated when he saved her. Finally, Braun finished off the last of Aspestis' creatures and Braun, Adarani, and herself made their way into the castle. It was obvious that their youngest brother was not a force to be underestimated, so they had to keep their guards up. "ASPESTIS! YOUR KIN HAVE COME!" With that, Aspestis suddenly appeared.

He reminded her of Kreios in that he didn't understand that what he was doing was wrong and harmful, but he seemed intelligent enough to learn. "No Aspestis, what you did was wrong. Though some may accept your gift, some do not and it just gets spread to them. Some don't even know that the gift you give them would be disease and because of that they suffer. Just heed this warning, if your diseases touch any of my people, any of my followers, any God close to me, or any mortal that requests me to reap vengeance for them, I shall, so tread cautiously." Her voice booming with stern anger. Hopefully the message went across, and he would stop his ways.

Braun stood there in utter confusion as his sibling stepped out of their home to greet him and his sisters. There standing before them was a figure with a deathly white mask and a long black coat. Crimson gloves adorned their hands and the aura of suffering radiated from them. The God of Suffering and Disease in all their ghastly splendor stood before their grotesque castle asking questions that to Braun sounded quite mad indeed. They asked if Brauna and the others were pleased with their creations. They asked if any had found their home beautiful. Braun wondered what beauty could be found in such a horrible place. What joy could one find in a place filled with so much death. Then there was those horrific beasts they battled through. Aspestis called them children... What horrible abominations they were yet Aspestis loved them just the same. Either mad or devoted Aspestis was one Braun struggled to wrap his head around.

His confusion cooled the fire in his heart from the battle. It waxed away the lust for combat. The concept of punishing this wayward sibling seemed an ill thought out plan now as Braun looked upon his welcoming family member. The God of Strength rubbed the back of his neck, uncertain of what his next action should be as he cast a quick glance at his sister Nylia for direction. Nylia, however, was at no loss for words. She strode forward with purpose and determination as stern anger filled her voice with strength.

"No Aspestis, what you did was wrong. Though some may accept your gift, some do not and it just gets spread to them. Some don't even know that the gift you give them would be disease and because of that they suffer. Just heed this warning, if your diseases touch any of my people, any of my followers, any God close to me, or any mortal that requests me to reap vengeance for them, I shall, so tread cautiously."

Braun cast a wary look from Nylia, to Apsestis then back to Nylia. He half expected her to strike her but no action was taken. Braun may not have been able to see Apsestis' facial features be he guessed they were still trying to understand their wrong doings. As he struggled to understand their motives, Aspestis was no doubt doing the same with the actions taken this day by Braun and his sisters.

"Aspestis..."

Braun began taking a step forward, his voice considerably less cold than his sisters yet still held a regal authority native to his animal form.

"... We only thought to protect those not yet afflicted from your touch. Your reasons are your own yet you must understand. Those who feel your embrace, whose bodies are wracked by the plague you spread. They suffer and do not wish to be afflicted so. Many wish for life, wish for strength to carry on. Do you not think I hear them? Their cries and pleas for aid? God of Strength does not mean only physical strength, but also the strength to carry on when the task seems insurmountable. It is I who hear the pleas of the weak when those you afflict fall to their knees and call out for the strength to fight on in order to find health once more. To beat back this disease so they may one day see their families again, march into battle alongside their brethren, feel a lovers embrace. These things are robbed of them if they are forced to accept your... gifts... You are kin, regardless of your actions that fact remains and as blood to me I ask only for your understanding. In return I promise the same."

He had a time doing nothing when he realized that Amentia wasn't there, Trelàs stood to go look for him since was a little interested in what could be doing the stone monster that the God had given life, the earth shook and there was a big fuss once Trelàs reached the northernmost place in the land of the fog, the God began to clap and laugh when his multiple eyes witnessed the spectacle in front of a building area that for now wasn't in the interest list of Trelàs.

One of the servants of the Mage, the black things, one very different from the others was fighting against Amentia, fragments of the Monster flying all over the place while the black thing attacked with powerful spells that didn't have much accuracy because of the fog, to Amentia the Fog was no problem but the bulky Prachian defended himself with magical barriers from the monster physical attacks, one of the spell reached one arm that fell to the ground broken, Amentia was furious and from his eye came out yellow rays that were useless to the magical defense of the guardian, The fog around Amentia began to turn purple.

Trelàs swept the place with his left hand which grew enough to beat both beings, the purple mist was dangerous to living things especially for their minds so Trelàs interrupted the fight thinking on Senri safety, he didn't wanted for them to die before doing something interesting, he also was interested in what was doing the black thing in that place, it meant that the Old Wise had something against Trelàs?, that was interesting in one way or another, the mouth on his hand absorbed the purple mist while Amentia rebuilt his arm.

The Prachian don't attacked anymore and stood still while Trelàs toss Amentia a few feet away, "What are you doing here?" Trelàs asked, depending on the reply the God could destroy it, he hadn't destroyed anything alive before so he was a little interested in the process, "My Lord, I was created by Acanthus to protect this place of mortals, that is-" Trelàs concentrated on the built, it showed majestic, worthy of the Wizard "I will change it", put his left hand on the stone wall and started to grow covering the whole structure that began to change in bizarre ways both inside and outside, once he removed his hand, the strange structure was revealed, the entrance was a distorted pentagon and symmetry was a term foreign to the building, the interior had corridors that led nowhere and in some places the ceiling and the floor changed place, "I'm not quite sure how is inside, but there is something that had the aura of Acanthus if you wish to protect it the go ahead" the Prachian entered the structure not knowing whether would go out or not that place, Trelàs decided that will be his house but he would explore it later, for now he didn't feel like doing it.

The God was bored, but didn't last long bored, wanted the gifts offered by the blue bird, to the east also seemed something interesting happen, he didn't chose a room in the home of Acanthus, Trelàs thought for a moment, " Interesting!" His voice echoed through the place as he closed all his eyes, it was the first time since he began to exist that he did something like that and when he opened them again, his vision had changed.

Now he had six pairs of eyes fixed on the front head and now had six heads and six different bodies all of the size of a ten year old boy:
The First had brown skin and two scars on his face, his long black hair was neatly combed and his eyes were green, he was covered with a white mantle.
The Second had short blond hair and golden eyes, wearing clothes that do not cover all the legs and his chest and arms were naked, he had several metal ornaments.
The Third had short black hair like his eyes, he wore a pleated pants and carrying a sharp object made of metal with a sheat.
The Fourth was pale and white hair, silver eyes and markings under them.
The Fifth possessed wings and horns, his skin was gray and his eyes glowed yellow.
The Sixth had silver hair, blue eyes and tiny feathered wings.

"Indeed interesting" spoke The First
"It seems that I can speak independently" said Fifth
"Although I was used to seeing several things at the same time listening to myself is something new," said Fourth
"Heard my thoughts?" asked Sixth
"I-It seems that t-thoughts aren't t-transmitted between f-fragments" Spoken Third
"Let me see... what could I do now?" the Second wondered aloud, the Fragments of Trelàs said unison "I know!" and all dispersed.

First Fragment

First walked quietly, his white robe fluttering in the wind revealing his face at times, wasn't something Trelàs wanted to hide but things turned out that way and the fragment had no urge to change it, he went into the woods where he felt that was the God of the wilderness, the intention of Trelàs was to reclaim the Land the Fog to prevent other discomforts appear and disturb Amentia or the Senri before they develop.

3
5
1 "I have to be more careful, the pain is transferred" realizing something important.
4
2
6
3
2
1 "Is that how others see me?", once again he realized that was somewhat annoying.
5
4
6
12345 "No!", the last thing he wanted now was to sing.

First hasn't reached his destination when looked something interesting, some ruins and destruction reigned in that place so he stopped to look more closely, Trelàs saw another God there so he approched,

1 "Why did I eat that shit?" said spitting
4
3
2
5
6

"Who are you?" Trelàs asked to the stranger.


Second Fragment

Second ran in search of the blue bird, its master promised gifts and the fragment was very fond of these things, unable to contain his joy the blond was jumping and tumbling occasionally, he enjoyed the wind in his face so his speed grew more and more while his metal ornaments made some noises, he soon reached the sea and not far from there was an island, his instinct told him that the blue bird was there so he crossed the sea and reached the beach wet with salt water.

3
5
1
4
2 "In a way it's fun", feeling things that aren't directly related with his surroundings was interesting
6
3
2 "Haha! Apologizing himself", he mocked of himself
1
5
4
6
12345 "No!" there was no time for songs,

His eyes tracked the bird next to a rather small female "Blue Bird! I came for my presents!" the shouted to the bird while running, he stopped right in front of the girl and in the process threw her sand "I'm a sixth of Trelàs" introduced himself, in this state the bird would be unable to recognize him.

1
4
3
2 "I'm exaggerating" he wasn't feeling nothing.
5
6

"Who are you?" asked the girl, with his full body and the other eyes he probably could see the nature of the girl but now he was divided so was unable to perform that feat.


Third Fragment

Third advanced uncertain of his direction, his hands firmly fastened the sheath of a sword too big for his size, Trelàs walked carefully until he tripped over a root sticking out of the ground in that swampy place,

3 "Ouch", whined
5
1
4
2
6
3 "S-Sorry" he tried to apologize
2
1
5
4
6
12345 "No!",

The fragment stood up, wiped the dust and continued toward an uncertain destiny, the place was a swamp that was surprisingly not unpleasant, Trelàs was somewhat intimidated and interested in where and who should be it's master he walked until a voice echoed place

"ASPESTIS! YOUR KIN HAVE COME!"

The scream scared him greatly to drop his weapon and an insect entered his mouth, spitting the bug picked up the sword and approached to the group, had been in the room but only knew the name of Braun, the two females that didn't introduced themselved in his presence so he started to follow them quietly, an unknown fourth appeared and began to talk about something relevant with the group but Trelàs couldn't hear very well,

1
4
3 "I-I don't feel v-very w-well" he wasn't sure if it had to do with the bug or what he eat in another place
2
5
6

Slipped between the group and performed trying to attract attention by holding his sword sheath "I-I'm a s-sixth of T-Trelàs" swallow some saliva and said "What do y-you d-do h-here?, W-Who are y-you?" he asked

Fourth Fragment

Fourth went to the fortress of the Mage, he moved jumping instead of walking, when he was halfway he felt slightly pain that didn't correspond with his current state but didn't care because he could see the cause as if would happened to him.

3
5
1
4 "No big deal" dismissed the matter
2
6
3
2
1
5
4 "In some ways this is worse than the voices" said puffing
6
12345 "No!"

He hadn't arrived when he saw a strange being that was falling apart, it was interesting so on a whim decided to eat it, his mouth grew and devoured the creature without looking lot and discovered that the taste was disgusting the worst was that he did feel a bit sick but it was still an interesting situation,

1
4 "It looked interesting" speak honestly
3
2
5
6

Trelàs reached the tower of Acanthus and entered dodging snow beast that roamed there, he walked through the Great Hall jumped to where he supposed was the Mage, Trelàs was surprised when he saw Foteea alongside the Wise God "Hello Acanthus" he laughed "I'm a sixth of Trelàs, Foteea, Do you remember me?" he made a handstand forgetting the purpose for which he came.

Fifth Fragment

Fifth flew through the skies, Trelàs considered quite interesting that now he could fly so enjoy it to the fullest at least until something made him but didn't delay to recover,

3
5 "Idiot" he said angrily, he had begun to fall when the pain made him lose concentration.
4
2
6
3
2
1
5 "I'm quite noisy", he complained
4
6
12345 "No", the last thing he wanted was to start singing now

He swooped when saw something interesting, a lot of rough and muscular beings, they had a reddish skin tone and black hair, Trelàs started laughing while landing on the head of one of them and then jumped over another just for the sake of make a fuss, Trelàs didn't know their God so rose once more and headed toward him, he was big and muscular "I'm a sixth of Trelàs, who the hell are you?", the connection with the rest of his body irritated him at that time:

1
4
3
2
5 "I will not do that again!" said annoyed and then began to whistle
6

Sixth Fragment

Sixth remained in the land of the fog, he had no desire to travel or anything so sat on the head of Amentia who walked in circles aimlessly

3
5
1
4
2
6 "It doesn't matter" intervened in his own discucion
3
2
1
5
4
6 "I want to sing" doing nothing made him bored so he wanted to sing.
12345

Apparently he didn't feel like singing, leaned on stone monster and began to focus on what his other eyes saw,

1
4
3
2
5
6 "In fact it was interesting," the decadent creature had it's charm so it was no wonder that he would devour it.

Senri

The First Male felt surprised to receive a name that differed from his brothers, surprised and grateful. Jehtah observed the servant of another god who called himself Sinclaire, his deep voice answered the question of Sinclaire "Our God gave us knowledge and power, yet it hasn't been long since our birth and we almost know extinction" he pointed to to the bodies of the dragons, the fog hid them but didn't matter to the Senri "We still are ignorant and unable to use the gifts that were given to us, can you help us with that?"

((It's not just one island Adarani has, Fencer. It's hundreds of them. The fragment would have to jump from island to island many times. Did you even read what I said in my very first post in this roleplay, or even what I said in the land claims?))

Adarani

Adarani was startled when Braun called for Aspestis, and even more fightened when that deity appeared. Nylia seemed intent on answering death with death, an abomination in Adarani's eyes. Braun was much more reasonable, though. Aspestis, however, gave her the chills.

When asked how Adarani got rid of the disease, she timidly answered with, "I... I heal others. My energy comes directly from Paradise. All the agony and pain... i-it's just too much... too cruel!"

She was about to say more when she noticed a fragment of Trelas behind her. She began to use her healing aura to keep that healthy, as well. "A fragment of Trelas?" Her head tilted as she wa confused as to how that was possible. "I'm Adarani. Why are you here?"

Ahuv

Ahuv saw two metallic birds land. The male, Kass, licked the child he was tending to. The Blue Crane laughed internally when Kass rubbed his tounge on his talons, considering it was not proper for a bird to lick a person. The female, Brigit, was much more proper, something that made Ahuv wish he behaved the same way. He bowed his head in response to her. "Hello, Brigit, Kass. I am Ahuv, Blue Crane of Adarani. I came here because I figured this girl may need help finding her family, if she is lost."

Just then, another child-like figure came that arrived, his sliding stop throwing sand on the girl. When that figure mentioned wanting the gift as well as being a fragment of Trelas, Ahuv nodded. "Fragment of Trelas, I am Ahuv, the Blue Crane. The gift Adarani has for you is prepared for retrieval. Follow me." He turned to the two fellow birds. "I trust you two can tend to matters here." Turning back to the fragment, he said, "If you can fly, follow me."

He flew to the island where the Central Vitaiim Monastery was and waited for the fragment. Once that fragment was in the monastery, too, Ahuv nodded and walked over to a tree that was grown. "The fruit on this tree is for you and your people, fragment of Trelas. Its juice can cure your throat of soarness or any other ailment. It also heals anything else in the body which has vocal chords. This way, whenever you or anyone else hurts their vocal chords or throats while peforming music or singing, you can cure that." The Blue Crane made the fruit fall gently into a single basket, which he picked up and gave to the fragment. "Plant the seeds inside in the spring so you can grow trees of this fruit, called Vocabiln. Should you need help tending to anything you grow, including Vocabiln trees, let Adarani and I know, and a Vitaiim will fly to the Mist to assist with that matter."

The Vitaiim

Saulkovte and Hagarguum soon enough married, Hagarguum pregnant with child. Saulkovte figured it was best if his wife rest while he tended to their monastery himself, since there was nobody else in it, the others over at the Central Vitaiim Monastery on the island to the south. The life of an Abbot was a great honor, yet it had its burdens.

Meanwhile, two more pairs of Vitaiim began courting, one of them setting up a monastery on an island southeast of the Central Vitaiim Monastery. With three monasteries now, the Vitaiim knew Adarani would have to create more of their race. They were patient, however. They realized she was busy.

Abnuutkakt, one of ten Vitaiim currently travelling the mainland, came across a place full of ruins. Perhaps a group of individuals survived the destruction set forth by Malus and were strugling to rebuild their civilization. This meant Abnuutkakt could help someone. Landing, he scanned the area for any inhabitants.

Aspestis was very confused at It had been told. They don't like my disease? They don't enjoy suffering and despair?... How are my kin so vastly different from me? I don't understand, why do they want me to stop? My dear sister wants none of my disease to touch any one of her people, but who are her people? Were they the two lovers who wished for my gift? I suppose I don't have to spread my gift to the ungrateful, but that only happens on accident... My marvelous, kingly brother believes that I attempt to stomp on my children and take away their hope and strength. I don't do that, I try to give them strength and even purpose through my disease. And my precious, smaller sister seems disturbed by me, but I'm the one disturbed by her. And she says that what I do is wrong, but what is wrong with giving the suffering escape from the negative feelings of it by letting them feel bliss from it? My siblings don't make a lot of sense, but I must at least try to be understanding of them. I must explain myself.

And that's when one of Trelas's fragment appeared. Now this confused Aspestis greatly as well, for the child like being seemed like one of the young god's kin, but he seemed considerably weaker than the other gods, even Aspestis. But then It heard that the child-looking god was a fragment of one of It's siblings. We can do that? Aspestis wondered. It decide to speak to It's new kin that had visited It, the god's voice, still the sound of suffering and despair, but also holding the tone of love, patience, and kindness, "Brother, I am one of your kin, Aspestis. It's a pleasure to meet you... er... Trelas, was it? I am honored that you would come to my home and I wish to speak to you some more, but if you'll excuse me for a few moments, I must explain something to my other kin.

"Mighty brother, I believe you have me confused, for I do not attempt to end the lives of my beautiful children, I try to do almost what you do. I give my disease to those who suffer or those who want it so that I can improve their lives. I try to show them the bliss in suffering and despair, instead of simply the negatives of those emotions. All those who embrace these emotions and also embrace my disease will be strengthened by it ten fold. Why, you yourself witnessed the might of my darling children, even though they were no match for you, you must have at least seen how they were much stronger than they once were. And not all of them despised my gift, in fact a lot welcomed it.

"Beautiful sister, I'm so sorry for affecting your people, but I didn't know who they were. And I indeed asked their permission before giving my gift. I also informed them that they must embrace their suffering for them to feel bliss afterwards. But, if you wish for me to no longer affect your people, I will try my best, but I will not deprive those of your people that wish for disease. Unfortunately, I can make no promises that disease will not spread unto those that don't want them as my disease spreads to whatever it wishes, and I apologize, but I will not cage up my disease and deprive it of freedom. But I must also let you know, I had never given my gift to the unwilling on purpose, for those that disliked it, it was an accident and I apologize. But I didn't know how to remove their disease, so I had to leave them as they were.

"Precious, youthful sister, please explain to me how it's wrong. I've only just gained life and I'm still ignorant of some things. How is it wrong to give a purpose to those with none? How is it wrong to give those suffering, the chance to feel bliss from it, rather than despise it? How is it wrong to give hope to the despairing with my disease? I have given some of those in the Inferno a purpose, hope, and bliss, because they embraced my disease. For they had nothing and were abandoned, but I pitied them and let them see light in the darkness.

"I see that you all want me to stop, but I can only promise to limit myself. I just wish you don't try to stop me. I wouldn't ask any of you to destroy your children, just because they're bothering mine. But I understand that mine may be a bit troublesome, so I will try to come up with a solution for that, but in the meantime, please forgive me of my wrongdoings and those of my children."

((The solution he speaks of is gonna be his new race that he's going to make after this whole meeting is over. Just to let you know.))

Adarani listened as Aspestis spoke. Her eyes widened as she answered him with, "What do you mean? Everyone has a purpose, big and small. It could be something as simple as companionship, or even something as complex as a duty given." She paused for a moment, thinking on what Aspestis said of the Inferno and a possible solution. She nodded at his apology, smiling a little. "I already have, Aspestis. I am not one to hate."

Just as she was about to look back at the fragment when a sea hawk arrived, ill and hurting. "You are are Adarani, aren't you? I... well first, I don't feel so well..." Adarani healed the bird before he continued. "I bear a message from Ulmo. He requests that you send a few of your people to teach healing and agriculture, plus to bless the women so they can be fruitful."

The Goddess of Love nodded. "I'll go back to the Sacriran Islands as soon as I can and do that. Before you leave..." She placed her hand on the sea hawk's head and light glowed which went inside him. "That should be enough so that you make it back home safely."

"Thank you, Adarani!"

Braun was satisfied with the outcome of this meeting with this new God. While eerie and ghastly in appearance with a methodology that was truly chilling they were reasonable and well meaning. Braun gave paused to take note of the small boy standing between them claiming to be the God of Madness. Braun smiled warmly at the seemingly young lad before patting his head. Braun's massive hand tousling the small god fragments hair with ease.

"Well met little Trelàs."

Braun said in his trademark friendly demeanor before turning back to Aspestis. He took a few steps forward, closing the distance between the God of Suffering and teh God of Strength. Now Braun the Indomitable stood before his kin, his massive hulking frame eclipsing the frame of his slender relative. Braun looked down at Aspestis, his eyes searching for the truth in the Gods words, he searched for conviction. Suddenly the hand of the God of Brotherhood reached out and clasped the shoulder of the God of Suffering in friendship.

"I may not agree with your methods but I can understand your motives. You seek in your own way to alleviate the pain of mortals. That I can accept, nay I can respect. The strength of your brood is formidable indeed, perhaps those who do pray for your touch deserve what they get, to whatever end that may be. As long as your creations are not a harm to the innocent I will not slay another of your children. Of that you have my word. In turn perhaps the Centaur and the Minotaur will not know the ravages of disease unnecessarily."

Braun locked eyes with his sibling and gave them a warm nod of brotherhood, signifying the allegiance that had just been formed between them, the bond of family. Braun pulled his hand away from his siblings shoulder and turned to walk off.

"I take my leave then, may you and your ilk find glory and honor. Go where the challenge is greatest Aspestis for it is there you will find the most reward."

With that Braun strode past his sisters and brother Trelàs. As he past Nylia he gave her a firm nod as one warrior to another. Nylia had fought beside her when no one else had. Not his brothers nor any mortal warrior had taken up the cause to combat the plague yet she had done so. She had won the respect of the God of Strength this day and his respect was a prize not easily earned.

As the God of Strength disembarked from the home of Aspesits the chieftain of the Minotaur clans knelt at a shrine. Within the darkness provided by the totem lodge Cairne moved to kneel at the shrine he had erected. The lodge was small, a tepee like structure only larger and with two massive tusks pulled from the carcass of a mammoth jutting out of the roof. Within the air was still and calm, almost tranquil in its serenity. A small fire crackled in the center of the lodge filling the interior with soft light and warmth. Cairne was before a depiction of the forest god Cragin. The old minotaur set a hand full of mountain flowers, a silver dagger and snapfrost berries before the shrine as tribute to the God of the Wilds.

"Oh great Hooded One, one who protects the wilds. I am a servant of nature and pray for your blessing. My people pray for your blessing. We seek communion with the natural spirits of this world and seek to protect it from the ravages of those who would do it harm. Grant unto us your favor and we will ever more serve the trees and the mountains. May the rivers never run dry. May the snow never ensnare our calves. May the creatures of the forest continue to grant us their treasures. In your name, Echo I honor you."

Cragin would stand among the crowd, his arms crossed in silent anticipation of what was to be said, he sensed an air about Mathias he hadn't before, a presence and purpose. And he had long since lost faith in his brother, but shared a joy for his ventures even now. His mind would stir suddenly with the sound of someone calling to him, different than that of his werewolves. His heart stirred as well, as he listened to the prayer.

"Oh great Hooded One, one who protects the wilds. I am a servant of nature and pray for your blessing. My people pray for your blessing. We seek communion with the natural spirits of this world and seek to protect it from the ravages of those who would do it harm. Grant unto us your favor and we will ever more serve the trees and the mountains. May the rivers never run dry. May the snow never ensnare our calves. May the creatures of the forest continue to grant us their treasures. In your name, Echo I honor you."

And the Minotaur held a special place in his heart beside the Ossis now, and the wolves and the forests, for they had acknowledged his goals and efforts. He would nod to himself a few of his chosen race stealing glances at him, the strange hooded man that appeared as them, but nameless to the village. He would give them a bright smile, envisioning the Minotaur Shaman, 'My blessing shall be given, the forests, rivers, mountains, yielding to the Minotaur, supporting them in what they do.' he would speak the words under his breath, the hood casting a shade hiding the slight movement of his lips.

And with that the shrine would cast a green glow for several moments, an aimless wind tousling the fur of Cairne softly.

He eagerly awaited Mathias' knowledge.

Nylia

Nylia saw that Aspestis loved the mortals and truly did wish to end their suffering, but the way that he was doing it wasn't right at all and simply didn't make a lot of logical sense. "Aspestis, my apologies but I still stand by what I said, if your diseases touches any of those people, you have been warned that I shall fight," Nylia said crossly. "Though you may ask if they want to accept your gift, most aren't educated on what it is and don't understand it, so you should not use that as good reasoning. Secondly, the freedom of your disease should be taken away if it is used to harm others, and if you don't believe that to be true then so be it, but let it be known that that is what I believe," Nylia stated staring at Aspestis' concealed face. "Your solution better be good Aspestis, because though you may be getting off with a warning now, I won't be so kind the next time," Nylia concluded beginning to walk away from Aspestis' domain. Nylia nodded back at Braun, he was a powerful God indeed and she wished to meet with him again one day.

When she was out of Aspestis' domain an eagle approached her, delivering a message, Greetings Nylia, Ulmo requests that you enter his domain and teach his people the art of making love, the eagle said. Nylia decided she could leave making a kingdom for the Amares later so that she could teach Ulmo's people and meet with Ulmo again. "Very well, I'll teach them now," Nylia said flying with the eagle to Ulmo's people. Once she was there she educated his people on how to make love, and though her teachings did help, she knew that they would have to be in tune with their primal side as well.

After educating Ulmo's people she looked around for the God himself, but unluckily she couldn't find him on land and decided not to go into the sea looking for him as she didn't remember exactly where his palace was. With that she flew off back to the caves and was extremely happy to see that there had already been quite an abundant amount of Amares. "I promised you a kingdom my people, so I shall give you one," Nylia said with that she took to the sky and looked at her terrain, she observed that her domain was quite mountainous with many caves, so she decided to utilize that in her idea for their civilization. On one mountain there was seven caves, each one higher than the other, the highest being near the very peak of the mountain. In the sixth cave she created a temple for her priest and oracle Pupo. In the fifth cave, she created a castle, for the royalty of the Amarean nation. In the fourth cave, she created a mansion, for her peoples diplomats. In the third cave, she created a market, for her people to shop and for Amarean merchants and traders to reside in. In the second cave, she created a large village, for many Amares to reside and make love in, there was also a temple, with statues of all the Gods for the Amares to worship in. Lastly, in first cave, she left empty, for any Amare to make art, literature, philosophy, or do whatever they wished in, as long as it was good in heart. In the seventh cave however, she made a large beautiful castle, unlike Acanthus' or Ulmo's. It had a more Gothic-Victorian style and was beautiful, yet frightening at the same time and she loved it. However, even though the Amares had a grand and ordered community, though others would know of them, they would never know their location for they were hidden in the shadows of the caves. The only person that Nylia would suspect that knew their location was Aspestis, but he might have forgotten it by now as he seemed to have difficulties remembering who he even diseased.

After all of that creating Nylia was exhausted and had to rest. She entered her palace, too tired to even come up with a name for it and started to fall asleep. Soon she would have her children, and she awaited that day happily.

(Double post. Oops)

Acanthus

The first book was finished being by the pen and another was set in its place. This book was titled “Lyandra.”

Acanthus looked up from his conversation with Sanguine to see the ember god enter the library. Acanthus worried about his books but for a moment when Foteea entered and came up the stairs. She came bearing a gift and Acanthus looked deep into her warm eyes. “Thank you so much darling sister.” He said softly. “Never thought that I might receive a gift, especially not one of this magnitude. I will fit it upon my staff immediately!” And so he put Foteea’s gift upon his staff and it glowed with much brilliance. “This is truly wonderful.”

Then a child-being entered his library and did a headstand. Acanthus was a bit confused until he felt the aura of Trelas about the boy. “You seem to be trying something interesting Trelas.”

Nebious

A bird whistled outside the Hall, too fearful to enter lest it be wounded by the great magic surrounding it. It waited faithfully outside wanting to fulfill it’s duty, but it was in vain. In the end it was found, frozen to death, by a passing pious Prachian.

Nebious wondered at the creature that had come so far from the ocean, and set out immediately to see what was there that drove this creature all the way to the peak of an inland mountain.


Xin and Whisrul

"Enough... Cease your endless bickering." The king said with a sigh. "To what point and purpose have you entered the boundaries of my kingdom? Who has sent you on this errand?"

“The Lord Acanthus,” They both said in unison. “has sent us to your people so that we might teach wisdom and magic.”

“Though,” Xin said roughly, “Usually we come and go by ourselves.”

Whisrul nodded, but said nothing more.

Fen

"Well while I'm sure we aren't in need of it, as of yet. It would be greatly appreciated. Follow me, if you would Fen."

Fen bowed low to its guest. “It would be my pleasure of course.” And followed Njin into the wilds.

Sinclaire

"Our God gave us knowledge and power, yet it hasn't been long since our birth and we almost know extinction. We still are ignorant and unable to use the gifts that were given to us, can you help us with that?"
Sinclaire nodded, and if it had a mouth, it would have smiled. “I would be glad to teach you all that I know. I can teach magic and I can give much wisdom about life and what to do to survive in this world. Where shall we start?”

Laoradah

The Prachian had left a prolonged image of itself in the woods for a long time. As it waited in the tree it prepared itself for battle. It knew that it would have to prove itself before the Krul would accept it. Peace would not be much of an option.

When the Krul finally took the bait it dropped the illusion of its own form and surrounded them with another illusion. This one of large metal bars surrounding them. It dropped to the ground outside of the fake bars. “Greetings Krul. I am a Prachian, and I wish to teach you wisdom and magic. Show me the power you wield. Defeat me, and I will grant you a power even greater. But, I can only bestow that power if I remain alive. Remember that fact.”

Yldrich

Yldrich exited the dragon cave, burnt but but not charred. It shook its head a bit mournfully. The dragons would not accept its teachings. In truth they were more like wild animals than mortals.

Instead of searching for new mortals, Yldrich went away in search of a warm, not dragon filled, place to rest and nurture its wounds in these mountains.

Jute

A bird flew in close to Jute and seemed to release an aura at her. She didn’t feel changed but cocked her head at the bird. She acted startled when it spoke. "Greetings, child! What are you doing here in the Sacriran Islands, all alone? Isn't any of your family around? Brothers? Sisters? Parents?"
Jute spoke, her voice was small and cute, her words dripped like honey from her lips as she smiled at the bird. “Hello little bluebird! My, aren’t you something? How can you talk? What did you do that made everything feel all weird?” She stayed as polite as she could, avoiding the questions of the bird. All the while she felt the stirrings inside of her. She wanted to rip the curious little thing to shreds. She wanted to eat its heart and see if it could watch while she did it.

Then the creatures she had been waving to flew down to her. So mighty they seemed and nearly invulnerable. She wondered what their hearts would look like. One of them came right up to her face and badgered her with questions.
It decided then to do something that it might later regret. It licked her face. She had never felt such disgust or disrespect in her life. It seemed to speak more but Jute had lost herself in her inner thoughts. Her face remained ever peaceful but her mind imagined the many ways in which she would love to torture the beast before her.
Another beast landed and snapped Jute out of her reverie. She apologized and called the other one her brother. Jute began calming her inner turmoil and began to connive and scheme. “Yes, nice to meet you too Brigit. What is it like having to be dragged around by him everywhere?” She said the words light-heartedly, but a special barb had been placed in them. They laid out an even more disturbing question that was left unspoken and yet still rang out ever so loudly. What is it like to lose all of your freedom to that idiot brother of yours?

Another child came and talked to the bird, saying something about being a six. Jute wasn’t interested; instead she kept her cute little eyes focused on the Grinixia. While on the outside she seemed to just be a little sweet girl, on the inside she was intently focusing on what the power of her words would do to the two new mortals before her. She was oblivious to the fact that the child and the bird had left.

Aspestis thought of what It's sister said for a moment. It completely comprehended what the goddess said, but was a little confused as well. If everyone has a purpose, couldn't the purpose also be to have and spread disease? And if those are not meant to be purposes, then what is my purpose? Am I meant only to steal the fates of mortals? No, no, that can't possibly be it. I'm sure my purpose is as I've said it to be, for me to help the suffering find bliss in their pain and to spread my gift to those that want it. Yes, I'm sure that's my purpose. But still, I must make smaller sister understand what I'm trying to do.

Just as Aspestis was about to make It's comment, Braun started walking towards It in an almost threatening manner. The young god simply stood there, half frozen in fear and half bracing Itself for what could only be a beating to come. As Braun raised his mighty hand, looking down on the God of Suffering, Aspestis nearly flinched when the hand came down to clasp It's shoulder. "I may not agree with your methods but I can understand your motives. You seek in your own way to alleviate the pain of mortals. That I can accept, nay I can respect. The strength of your brood is formidable indeed, perhaps those who do pray for your touch deserve what they get, to whatever end that may be. As long as your creations are not a harm to the innocent I will not slay another of your children. Of that you have my word. In turn perhaps the Centaur and the Minotaur will not know the ravages of disease unnecessarily." That was the first time someone had reached out to Aspestis, instead of the young god reaching towards somebody else. It felt nice, this warmth that the god's older brother seemed to project. "I take my leave then, may you and your ilk find glory and honor. Go where the challenge is greatest Aspestis for it is there you will find the most reward." Then the mighty God of Strength departed, leaving his ignorant younger brother to wonder about this piece of wisdom. Go where the challenge is greatest? If mighty brother says to do it, I shall. Although, I wonder what facing a challenge would do, maybe it can make me better? I don't know, but I will try.

Almost immediately after Braun left, Aspestis's beautiful sister began speaking. "Aspestis, my apologies but I still stand by what I said, if your diseases touches any of those people, you have been warned that I shall fight. Though you may ask if they want to accept your gift, most aren't educated on what it is and don't understand it, so you should not use that as good reasoning. Secondly, the freedom of your disease should be taken away if it is used to harm others, and if you don't believe that to be true then so be it, but let it be known that that is what I believe.Your solution better be good Aspestis, because though you may be getting off with a warning now, I won't be so kind the next time. And with that, the Goddess of revenge left. Oh dear me, she's right! I've given my gift to those who didn't even know what disease is! She's may be half correct about confining my creation, should it harm too many. I believe it should be punished and if the same keeps happening, then I'll confine my child, however much it pains me to do it.

After two of the four gods visiting their younger sibling left, Aspestis realized something. Nobody had told It their name. The young god looked upon It's sister and said, "precious sister, before we begin our discussion from where we left off, please tell me your name. It has just occurred to me that, although you all seem to know my name, I know none of yours. I've only learned Trelas's name, because you all happened to mention it." Once Adarani answered Aspestis's question. he continued. "Thank you very much, dearest sister Adarani. Now, let me ask you a question, couldn't it be possible that the purpose of some, could indeed be to spread disease and gain it? And if not, then what would be my purpose of existing? I was born from the suffering and despair of mortals and I gave them disease to make them stronger. I do not know how, but I was born with the knowledge of disease and if my purpose isn't to spread disease, then what is? I try to allow mortals to see the bliss in pain as I do and for those that do, my disease will give them strength. But, I have indeed at least seen the error of my ways and do as beautiful sister Nylia suggested, I will try to inform them as best I can and I will only give it to those that request it. I hope to have made my intentions clear, precious Adarani." And with that, Aspestis waited for a response, knowing that after this discussion, It will have a chat with Trelas.

King Lorio leaned forward as his fingertips touched each other, all the while a cruel smile etching it's way on his face.

"Oh... do you know? How fortunate for you then that your god ensures your safety while you trespass on the property of others. As you have trespassed on mine this day. The Centaur do not know such piety from their lord. The Mighty God of Strength allows us to forge our own path and in so doing build a strength of our own so we need not run to the protection of our creator for every little thing as a child runs to the skirt of it's mother."

The insult hung heavy in the air as the King of the Centaurs stared daggers at the servants of Acanthus. The tension in the air was palpable as the Centaur knights all stood ready to hack down any who challenged their king. At that very moment the lives of the Prachians were in the hands of the first of the Centaurs but fortunately for them he was not such a fool to cross the God of Magic. Lorio leaned back to a more relaxed position before he spoke again.

"As it so happens, I have no intentions of angering the God of Magic. You and your... people... are free to make your way through my kingdom. If you wish to spread the word of your god here that is your prerogative. Though I doubt many Centaur will lend an ear to your ravings. We do not value the skill of a mage very highly here. If you were servants of the War God Genocide then... well we could have more to discuss. You are not so we are done. You may leave my hall now. Perhaps seek out the Minotaur in the mountains of Sovngarde. I'd wager they may be more receptive to your teachings."

With that King Lorio, first of the Centaur dismissed the Prachians from his hall. The two servants of the God of Wisdom were escorted out of his tower to be left on the street of the massive Centaur city alone to choose their own heading.

As The Prachians were left to decide their destination the one who created the Centaurs walked the middle realm on his own. Curious of the world of mortals he strolled the forests and streams, the meadows and rivers. He wandered and enjoyed the splendor of the world he and his kin had created.

Acanthus

Acanthus smiled at the burning god before him. She had seemed strange at first and almost alien but this gift had shown him a different side of her.

"You are very welcome, Acanthus. I am glad that you like it. I have a second gift for you, actually." She said and she conjured up a mirror "If you ever wish to contact me, all you have to do is look into this and speak my name, and I will appear." Acanthus cocked his head, recalling the rings of communication he had made for Mathias and Lyandra. He conjured one into his hand.

“Let us make this a trade. Take this ring and use it in the same way you asked me to use the mirror. I will come to your aid whenever you need it dear one.”

As the pen continued to write Acanthus grinned and bowed to Foteea. “Let this signify a long friendship between mine and yours.”

Whisrul and Xin

"Oh... do you now? How fortunate for you then that your god ensures your safety while you trespass on the property of others, as you have trespassed on mine this day. The Centaur do not know such piety from their lord. The Mighty God of Strength allows us to forge our own path and in so doing build a strength of our own so we need not run to the protection of our creator for every little thing as a child runs to the skirt of its mother."

Whisrul nearly shook with anger at the Centaur king. Xin raised its hand to stay its kin. “We simply meant that only one of us visits each race. That is why we bicker before you. Only one of us is meant to be here before you, yet here we both are.”

"As it so happens, I have no intentions of angering the God of Magic. You and your... people... are free to make your way through my kingdom. If you wish to spread the word of your god here that is your prerogative. Though I doubt many Centaur will lend an ear to your ravings. We do not value the skill of a mage very highly here. If you were servants of the War God Genocide then... well we could have more to discuss. You are not so we are done. You may leave my hall now. Perhaps seek out the Minotaur in the mountains of Sovngarde. I'd wager they may be more receptive to your teachings."

“Ravings!” Whisrul said with disgust as he sat outside the court of the king with Xin. “Why, I’ve more power in my pinky finger than he has in his whole arm!”

“Fool!” said Xin, “Are you more powerful than an army? Stay yourself or your anger will be the death of us both.”

“Forget it, if these morons don’t want my help I’ll find the Minotaur!” With that Whisrul left the city of the Centaurs and headed for the mountains.

Xin just sighed. It decided to stay in the home of the Centaurs. “Maybe there is at least one of these folk that will accept the wisdom of others. I may be able to teach magic as well, if they’ll accept what little I can teach.”

Fen

"Welcome then, Fen. You are free to make yourself a home here, to commit to your teachings. Buildings are open; all that you must do is simply pick one.”
Fen nodded at its host. “Thank you ever so much Njin! You were so helpful!” It then looked around the village for a good place to start. It found a small hut on the outskirts of town. It summoned some help, making a few large apes appear. “Would you be dears and help me fix up this place?”

They got to work, mending the building and making it into a respectable house. They set up an outdoor auditorium and made the inside fit for Fen to sleep in. Fen made a sign for its hut. Fen’s Pavillion. It began making potions and released the apes with a “Thank you.”

Fen waited for people to visit it while at the same time preparing for visitors.

Jute

"Well, he isn't that bad. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be out here." The female said.

Jute cocked her head. “Out here?” Where was the place they had come from, she wondered. She wondered if there were more of them. What an interesting idea, to destroy the gods with hordes of their own followers.

"Besides, he is my family." Bridgit said, still talking, thinking that Jute was actually paying attention. Well, maybe she was. She wondered how this family idea actually allowed this creature to resist her lies and temptations. She imagined that if she was a god then Genocide might be her family. What a sad fate indeed for Genocide to be in.

"Sorry, I’m not sure, but I don't believe that you told us your name. What would you like us to call you?" Brigit continued. This question brought Jute to a halt. Her name? She had felt the power of that word in the Inferno. She knew better than to ever say it again. She thought hard, her immortal mind racing at high speeds. Then she looked at the two.

“You can call me Embelsi!” She said cheerfully. She put much of her power of deceit into the word. Anyone who heard that name would feel nothing but pure sweetness, gentleness, and truth. She grinned, her black heart enjoying every lie that spewed from her lips.

The Citadel, home of the Centaurs

In the shining city of the centaurs a beautiful mare walked the streets. Her hooves clicking as she strolled the streets lost in the amazing fantasies brought to her by the simplest of things, a book. From within the pages of a book the radiant centaur was able to see far off places and engage in grand adventures all with the turn of a page. As she strolled the towns people all gossiped about the odd girl, so different from the others of her kind. Some called her strange her head in the clouds. Others saying she was much too childish for a girl her age, peculiar was a common term to describe Aribella [except with clothes lol] daughter of the town pariah.

As she strolled, along on her way one of the town bakers nearly ran into her causing her for the first time to look up with a warm smile.

"Oh excuse me, I'm sorry Mister Haythorn. Those smell wonderful this morning."

She said cheerfully. The baker just smiled as he lifted his load of fresh rolls onto his stall counter top.

"Glad you think so Belle, I just finished baking these. We're you off to?"

"The book shop, I just finished the most wonderful story about a beanstalk and an ogre and-"

"That's nice, Marie! The sweetcakes!"

The baker shouted, cutting Belle off and ignoring the rest of what she was saying. Belle left the baker be, seeing he was quite busy and headed off on her way towards the book store to return her book. She past the town square where many Centaur could be found at the altars in the center of the square. It was here the pantheon that Centaur prayed to was on display in the form of three granite statues. Two of equal size yet one in the center was the largest. The two on either side who matched each other in size were depictions of Genocide, God of War and Foteea Goddess of the Forge. These Gods personified the Centaur's passion for battle and their dedication to steel work. The final and largest monument was of the Centaur's patron and creator. Braun God of Strength and Conquest. It was at these massive stone representations of their gods that centaur could kneel and pray for the blessings of their chosen gods. Belle paused and gave a quick, graceful curtsey in respect to the depictions of the gods before continuing on her way. It was on when the beautiful mare passed the kings tower that she looked up just long enough to spot a odd looking person she'd never seen before. Living in the Citadel since birth she knew almost everyone who lived here and this stranger was certainly no centaur. Her curiosity perked she approached with a sweet smile and a voice as melodious as a song bird.

"Good morning sir, I'm sorry but are you... are you from outside of the plains? You are aren't you? I've never met someone from outside of the plains before."

Aribella's eyes were full of wonder and curiosity. Her mind thirsting for knowledge and excitement.


Braun, unknown location within the middle realm

While the young centaur maiden met for the first time, the one who would guide her along her destined path the one who had created her kind got into his head a wonderful idea. As Braun had wandered the realm of mortals his mind was lost in ways to gift unto his sisters some form of thank you for standing beside him in the battle with Apsestis' forces. He remembered Nylia's ferocity in combat and Adarani's steadfast defense of her kin and those wounded in the fray. It was in the consideration of their styles of combat that Braun had decided upon what gifts he would bestow upon them. A broad smile on his face he transported himself to his home where he gathered the two things he would need before seeing the craftsman he had in mind. He grabbed one of his own raiments, the clothing he wore radiated godly power as within it's heavenly woven threads was the residual aura of it's owner. Then he pulled out a chest from atop his cupboard. In the chest was a hunk of an odd metallic alloy. Pulled from the center of the earth by the God of Strength himself this super dense alloy was indestructible and fused with magical properties. With these two crafting materials he had everything he needed to enter the forge. Now to see his sister Foteea and request of her a favor.

Alone in his home Braun walked over to the massive hearthfire where he first met his sister Foteea. She had come to him in his loneliness and shed the light and warmth of her presence into his crushing solitude. He took a seat before the flickering flame and sighed aloud as he contemplated how to find his sister. Unaware of her current whereabouts there were literally countless places where the goddess of embers could be at this very moment. Braun ran his hand through his chestnut hair in uncertainty as his mind grappled with the task of finding Foteea. It was then that a massive bronze figured landed at his side, it's beautiful wings folded neatly at it's back as it's ageless face looked upon it's master dutifully.

"What ails you my lord, I sense your mind is troubled."

The Valkyrie stated curiously. Braun's mood lightened considerably at the sudden appearance of the guardian of his home.

"Ah Valkyrie, I'm sorry I'd forgotten you were even here. You are a stealthy one you know that?"

The bronze figure made no facial signal of it's mood before replying.

"It is in my nature. To become a part of the hall in order to protect it as it becomes a part of me."

Braun scratched his head as the intricacies of the explanation were lost on him.

"Right well....you're quite good at it. Don't suppose you'd know of any way to locate my sister? Your creator?"

Valkyire's head cocked slightly in curiosity as Braun's mood turned back to one of concern as his mind went back to the task of locating his sister.

"Goddess Foteea gifted to you a seeing mirror to commune with her at any time. Have your forgotten my lord?"

The words struck Braun like a bolt of lightning and he leapt to his feet overjoyed.

"AHA! You beautiful metal bird woman!"

He said as he wrapped his bulky arms around Valkyrie and gave her a massive hug of joy. Valkyire squirmed in his vice like grip, unsure of what to do.

"An odd gesture."

Valkyrie said while in Braun's arms. Braun let her down with a laugh and looked at the protector of his home in pride.

"You are a blessing to me, more than you know."

Valkyrie, for the first time, showed the slightest hint of emotion as she bowed her head ever so slightly and her mechanic eyes fluttered in gratitude.

"My thanks, I am happy to serve."

With that Braun rifled through his belongings until he located his sisters mirror and held it out before the fire place.

"Sister, your brother calls to you. Can you hear my words?..."

Foteea

"I've been meaning to talk to you, I would beg a favour of my sister of the forge, in teaching my creations the art of metal crafting." Cragin began to inquire, "I would be in your debt."

Foteea smiled as she replied, "Well, of course I will help, I would be more than happy to do so. As for any debts-" The goddess straightened as another voice interrupted her thoughts. As she was speaking in the hall, she began to hear the voice of another brother some distance away.

"Sister, your brother calls to you. Can you hear my words?..." she heard Braun's voice echoing in her head. The goddess shook her head slightly as her attention divided itself evenly between her body and her newly formed face within the gifted mirror in the god of strength's hands.

"Yes, anyway, as for debts, I don't want you owing me a thing. Now, where would these creatures of yours be?" As the goddess spoke to the god of the wilds, her face reflecting in the mirror located in Sovngarde replied, "Hello there, brother. Yes, I am hearing you loud and clear. What is it that you need?"

Vincent

The masculine grynix followed both the god and his sister as she lead the divine being down towards their cavern. As they were about to round the corner, he stopped and looked out of the cave, seeing the green "fertile-ness" of the land outside. He began to wonder where out there his siblings had run off to. His thoughts were cut short as the metal wall closed in a similar fashion to how it opened. He then quickened his pace to keep up with the others, where his sister was replying to the compliment of the architecture, "Well, the goddess made that door, everything else, we have made. I don't think we can quite compare, but I will let you be the judge."

At the comment of spreading knowledge, Vincent couldn't help but pay a little more attention. The grynix walked closer to the god and looked at the three books that hung at his belt. "Well, I should hope we could hear it. Not sure why we wouldn't." It was then that they arrived at the tunnel that ran down into their cavern. "As for where we live, it is right down here." Vincent charged past the others and at the end, allowed himself to fall before extending his wings just before plunging into the lake of fire. The air caught at his wings as he flew towards the highest tower and landed on a platform made for the purpose about 3/4ths of the way up. He stood proudly before exclaiming, "Welcome to Cinderis, the City of Embers!"

"Hello there, brother. Yes, I am hearing you loud and clear. What is it that you need?"

Foteea asked through the magic of her looking glass. Braun beamed happily at the sight of his sister.

"Foteea, how goes it? This magic mirror of yours is quite the wonder sister."

Braun said proudly before regressing to what he originally called the Goddess for.

"The reason in which I called out to you, I'd ask a boon of you. You see I'd make a gift for our sisters Adarani and Nylia for their bravery standing beside me against the forces of Aspestis. I have two unique gifts in mind to aid them both in battles to come. However I have not the skill to craft such gifts and I thought, who better than the Goddess of the Forge to turn to."

Whisrul

The hot-headed Prachian left the great city of the centaurs in a huff. It was angered by the reception that it had received. As it walked towards the mountains of the Minotaur it flexed its hand and a fireball appeared in it. The fireball grew slightly as it focused more on its anger. Electricity began to spark through the fireball and began to sling sparks onto the ground. Whisrul released his hold upon the new spell he had created in anger and it dissipated into the air.

It began its ascent up the side of the mountain. Eager to teach people who might listen.

Xin

The haughty but wise Xin leaned against a wall wondering what to do with itself. It had free reign but no one to teach or even converse with. It felt itself beginning to miss Whisrul’s company.

"Good morning sir, I'm sorry but are you... are you from outside of the plains? You are aren't you? I've never met someone from outside of the plains before."

Xin looked up to see a young female centaur before it. It spoke telepathically to the centaur. “Hello, yes. Actually, we Prachians have no homeland. We prefer to travel to where we are needed most. I felt called to this place, though I know not why. It seems as if we are very little welcome here.”

Jute

Jute watched as the elder of the two Grinixia looked down at the younger. Already it seemed that she was falling prey to the child’s hidden agendas. She continued to grin happily as if she hadn’t noticed anything. As Embelsi, she could be as cute and innocent as she wanted and she was sure no one would ever see through her ruse.

"So, where were you headed?" Bridget asked.

“Um, well, I’m not really sure…” Jute responded in the most humble way she could. “I don’t really have a home. My parents left me a long time ago.” She wondered at her own truthfulness. She was quite proud of herself, actually. She’d just invented the half-truth. Some truth could be pretty misleading, she decided. “Where were you going to go?”

The Portal Worms

The worm didn’t like this place the creature in the chair had destroyed most of his body’s, the only one that would protect him would be the father. They opened a portal to where the father had been, when they got there they transported till they found the father and their sister. The father changed them gave them more of his power then they had before and the gifts of new body’s.

It was night, in the home of the Minotaur family the parents and their child were sleeping, when three holes appeared in the floor, a pair of arms and a head came out of each one. Two of them had knifes, the parents didn’t even realize anything happened they woke in Paradise, the child wasn’t so lucky the third pair dragged him into the hole and it closed before he could scream. The figures with knifes dragged themselves out of the holes and wrote a message in blood on the wall. It said “innocence was stolen from me now five innocents will be stolen from you”. The creatures started to eat everything in the house they had an endless hunger but when they heard someone approach they jumped back into the portals leaving only the message and what was left of the family’s belongings. The portals opened at four other places besides the Minotaur, a Centaur, an Amares, a Krul, and an Ossis child were taken to play with Kreios. No messages were left at the the other four houses except a horn from a full grown Minotaur.

Kreios

He had stolen the children of the gods favorite creations, most might try to come but few were as powerful as him down here, he would guess Genocide would ignore the kidnapping of the child but it would be interesting to fight him. The children were being kept in his forest he had created a clone to play with the children, and had put any dead that knew magic to teach them, and beasts to teach them to fight. He had grown smarter in the time here most of the reaches had been abandoned by him. three had given him a magic object, the freezing hell had not so his clone was still there, the magic object was a ring that had equal magic storing power as him, a mirror that made a corrupted copy of any mortal that looked at it, and a pair of boxes that pulled creatures in and its twin spat the creatures out on the other side. The portal worms returning was a happy surprise and changing them so that they dug into his creatures brains and took control of the carcass. This would just be annoying to the gods, but if they thought they could defeat him now, in the inferno they were mistaken. He gave the ring and mirror to a clone and sent the worms to the middle realm with one of the boxes. His main body would stay but a clone would look for the creature called Asepsis he sounded like he could be an actual friend. The clone landed in the swamp, and started to walk towards where his dead had said he was.

Foteea

The goddess of embers tilted her head in curiosity as the god of the wilds seemed to reach into his chest before he pulled out a leafless branch of an oak tree. She smiled greatly as Cragin presented the branch to her, and from his hands she gently lifted the branch, which blackened slightly at her touch. "Yes, thank you for this. I will come to your people very soon." At the mention of his debt to her, Foteea gave a reluctant smile before responding, "Yes, well, I suppose so." As the god's bright, glowing eyes peeked out from underneath his hood, her eyes would respond in kind, two dark orange orbs that seemed to shift colors just like her armor. "Until we meet next, brother."

As she spoke to Cragin, Foteea's image in Braun's mirror replied to the god of strength, "It goes well as always, brother, and thank you for the compliment. Now, what was it that you needed?" The goddess listened intently as the god vocalized his request. The sound of her chuckling seemed to resonate through the hall before she replied, "My services seem to be in high demand. Well, what sort of gifts did you have in mind?"

Brigit

With her brother securely tucked under her wing, Brigit looked down at the lonely and oddly cheerful child. "Little one... Not knowing where you are going and nowhere to return. Well, you can come with us. I will admit that we don't really know where we are going, either. Unless Kass here knows and hasn't told me." Brigit nudged her brother with her hip in a playful way.

Kass looked away bashfully and mumbled, "Not really..."

Brigit grinned at her brother before letting her brother go. He remained sitting where he was, having learned his lesson of restraint. The grynix's gaze returned to the girl, "So, did you want to come with us?"

Vincent

The masculine grynix watched as the god descended to a ledge overlooking the lake, which Kass loved to use to dive off of, and proceeded to announce his presence and intentions to the entire cavern. Vincent couldn't help but laugh from his perch and took wing, landing just as his sister was explaining. "I apologize, but our siblings left some time ago to explore the surface. We remained and we have been rather busy in their absence."

Vincent furled his wings and bowed his head and rubbed the back of his neck in an embarrassed fashion, before apologizing, "Sorry if I made it seem like there were more of our kind here. I was a little proud of our work. I would be more than happy in listening to what you have to say.

"As would I," Kayle added, her voice like one of an encouraging mother, "Please, begin."