Junior Gods of Anara (IC/Sign Up In OOC)

[Cuprum]

The god flicked his eyes over to Larra for a moment or two, and saw her standing there, concern written on her pained features. Well... not as pained as his. He was exceedingly grateful to her, for he was lucky to have the devotion of the young lady, and he was flattered to receive her love.

Even if she is mad as a goat.

He managed to hiss his thanks, feigning greater pain than he actually felt pound through the very bones of his skull, before turning his gaze to Dunamis.

"The headaches again," the god growled huskily, clenching the sheets in a manner quite unlike the way he made Dunamis grip them. "My throat."

"That's what I thought, and I doubt they go away." Dunamis said, quickly pouring a thimbleful of milk of the poppy for Glaukos to consume. "This is all I can give you. Gods only know what more I'll need when the next fighting comes." He was already low on supplies, and the supply ships brought only what they needed a week ago, not what they needed now. Curse the slowness of things, He thought with irritation, needing more medicines to replenish his stock. Brightening at the sight of the potent concoction, Glaukos sat upright, with difficulty, and swallowed the contents eagerly, in a manner quite unlike the way Dunamis swallowed him.

"Thanks," the god said warmly, even as he felt the first tendrils of relief spread throughout his body. I wonder how much more I can beg? Glaukos thought. Milk of the poppy was marvellous stuff - especially considering that he couldn't exactly drink in his present state. Still, he made do. He always did.

"Good to hear," Dunamis said as she crawled back onto the bed next to her lover. She gave Glaukos a peck on the cheek as she nuzzled her head against his neck, glad that her husband was free from pain for the most part. "I... Glaukos," she muttered with a smile, "it's great to see you in less pain but I want to know... do you love me back?"

"I do," Glaukos said, before kissing her back hungrily. It was a lie that rolled off his lips easily, the way wax rolls down a candle as it grows ever shorter. Glaukos, however, did not grow shorter. With the milk of the poppy liberating his senses, and impairing his judgement more than usual, the god wrapped his arms around the besotted young goddess, and kissed her neck softly, slowly. He lifted her onto his prostrate form with more difficulty than he might otherwise have done, but with lust undiminished.

"I love you," he whispered, even as his partially bandaged hands clawed at her dress longingly. The god pressed himself against her, letting her feel his desire, even as his lips found hers, soft as summer furits.

"Let me show you just how much..."

He loves me. That was all she needed to hear, reassurance that he loved her back. Her hands wandered his body ever so softly as their bodies pressed hard against each other. She was eager to let him take her right then and there but something made her stop. It was that same mocking voice of the innerself who tormented her, telling her that it wasn't good enough.

He just maybe lying, deny him now. See if he really likes you besides that body of yours. She hesitated, unsure on what to say as her lips quivered, trying to ignore her innerself's mocking voice in the depths of her mind. It was enough encouragement for Glaukos, who, in his excitement, pressed her more closely against him, tightly. His fingers wandered in her tangled red hair, and the god broke away, if only for an instant, to whisper "I've missed you" into her ear, his voice low and rich with desire.

She nearly melted when she heard that voice. I've missed you. She heard him whisper sweetly in her ear. It was just enough to make her snap out of her dark trance and to get back to what really mattered to her.

I've missed you too, darling.

She kissed her psychotic lover back with passion and lust as her legs and arms wrapped around him. Nothing will keep her away, not even the threats and torments of her innerself. A tiny smile escaped her lips as the kiss became more heated.

You sly dog, Glaukos, he thought to himself. Of all the ways he could convalesce from his wounds... this was by far the most satisfying.

[Harbertia]

Hsiss would have slithered towards the village but in her current form 'slithering' wasn't an option and would have been a breach of the test's parameters. She knew that all of those in the field entering the village at once would be a spectacle, and thus elected to approach from the road furthest the field.
---
An old man in rags raged nearby, from the expression on others he had been doing so for quite some time. It reminded her of a hurricane, and she grinned if only for a moment before examining her surroundings. She'd have to put her plans into motion quickly before the others got a lead, and she knew where to start.

The young ones.

The largest gathering was around a great ox of a man; To make friends show common interest. she thought as she approached the gathering of oogling children, woman, and men who where around this person.

From the word of the town folk he had offered a challenge to match his strength but none of the men folk had answered and Hsiss certainly wasn't going to. For now she made it a point to watch the show of strength by this incredible man.

[Galnius]

Inasaria, never one for an indirect approach to things such as this, decided to get an early start. Of course, Hssis had already left, but the serpent goddess never was one for acting right away. To this, Inasaria would play her hand.

Walking into town, she found the nearest crowd. It seemed, from the looks of things, that Hssis had already blended into it. However, this was not of any particular interest to the goddess of innovation.

Instead, she looked upon whom was the center of all of this commotion. A strongman of sorts... Perhaps a hero. This was perfect. Slipping her way through the crowd, she went up to the front and addressed the strongman.

"I'll take your challenge", she said loudly. "After all, I come to this town for a reason, and there is no way better than to accept a challenge such as this."

She stopped her speech momentarily, allowing the rambunctious crowd to simmer down to a buzz. Then, she continued quietly. "I come here to spread the word of a lesser known goddess. A goddess of my glorious village in the mountainside. She is not in the major Pantheon, but my hope is that she shall be later. Now, for the challenge."

She looked the hero, Rolf, in the eye for the next part. "Since you issued the challenge, I believe it is mine to issue the game. It is simple. Whomever can launch an arrow the farthest into a tree wins. Oh... But since that would be boring, we'll use these arrows."

With a sly grin, Inasaria revealed (from her satchel) a large, heavy, oversized arrow. So large, in fact, that it would hardly fit on any how without breaking it. "Perhaps... We can do this challenge during the setting sun?"

Without waiting for an answer, she waded once more through the crowd, only to stop at Hssis. "Don't fall too far behind", she said in a low voice, avoiding prying ears. "I may just make this whole province build temples by the end of a fort's night."

[Shark isle]

Inasaria, never one for an indirect approach to things such as this, decided to get an early start. Of course, Hssis had already left, but the serpent goddess never was one for acting right away. To this, Inasaria would play her hand.

Walking into town, she found the nearest crowd. It seemed, from the looks of things, that Hssis had already blended into it. However, this was not of any particular interest to the goddess of innovation.

Instead, she looked upon whom was the center of all of this commotion. A strongman of sorts... Perhaps a hero. This was perfect. Slipping her way through the crowd, she went up to the front and addressed the strongman.

"I'll take your challenge", she said loudly. "After all, I come to this town for a reason, and there is no way better than to accept a challenge such as this."

She stopped her speech momentarily, allowing the rambunctious crowd to simmer down to a buzz. Then, she continued quietly. "I come here to spread the word of a lesser known goddess. A goddess of my glorious village in the mountainside. She is not in the major Pantheon, but my hope is that she shall be later. Now, for the challenge."

She looked the hero, Rolf, in the eye for the next part. "Since you issued the challenge, I believe it is mine to issue the game. It is simple. Whomever can launch an arrow the farthest into a tree wins. Oh... But since that would be boring, we'll use these arrows."

With a sly grin, Inasaria revealed (from her satchel) a large, heavy, oversized arrow. So large, in fact, that it would hardly fit on any how without breaking it. "Perhaps... We can do this challenge during the setting sun?"

Without waiting for an answer, she waded once more through the crowd, only to stop at Hssis. "Don't fall too far behind", she said in a low voice, avoiding prying ears. "I may just make this whole province build temples by the end of a fort's night."

When he saw who accepted his challenge, Rolf let out a loud laugh and said," Madame, I accept your challenge. When you lose, I will still give you an autograph." This made the crowd laugh. As the mysterious woman left, Rolf saw a wagon full of hay. As if to taunt her, Rolf walked up to the wagon and lifted it up over his head. He than yelled to the woman," Madame, this is what you are challenging." He then throw the cart over the crowd and it landed with a huge crash in a nearby field. The crowd cheered when they saw this. But, Rolf pushed passed them and went out to the field to practice for the event.

[Harbertia]

"heass-" *cough* *cough*

Hsiss's expression was ill of mood. That was until the strongman made his confident jest to which she joined in the laughter of the crowd. As the cart flew into the field Hsiss grinned. New options had presented themselves to her. Her original plan seemed weak to the one she now plotted to implement. Perhaps a merger of both? Excellent.

Hsiss made her way to the edge of the village to watch the strongman work. Her eyes gleaming. She was tempted to speak to him- no- not him- others would be wiser. She looked back. It'd be hard to do what she considered after having just played the role of a dolling admirer.

She leaned in away that she hoped would attract attention to her, while feeling the world around her- searching for a instrument to put her plans in motion.

[Shark isle]

"heass-" *cough* *cough*

Hsiss's expression was ill of mood. That was until the strongman made his confident jest to which she joined in the laughter of the crowd. As the cart flew into the field Hsiss grinned. New options had presented themselves to her. Her original plan seemed weak to the one she now plotted to implement. Perhaps a merger of both? Excellent.

Hsiss made her way to the edge of the village to watch the strongman work. Her eyes gleaming. She was tempted to speak to him- no- not him- others would be wiser. She looked back. It'd be hard to do what she considered after having just played the role of a dolling admirer.

She leaned in away that she hoped would attract attention to her, while feeling the world around her- searching for a instrument to put her plans in motion.

As Rolf practiced he thought to himself," This is gonna be too easy. It seems like a huge waste of time to be practicing. I could beat that woman with one armed tied around my back." As he practice, he saw a woman walk up and stare at him for a bit. Suddenly, she turned back. " Hmm, she appears to be shy," Rolf thought to himself. " I will introduce myself." With that, Rolf walked up to the maiden and said," Hello madame."

[Harbertia]

"heass-" *cough* *cough*

Hsiss's expression was ill of mood. That was until the strongman made his confident jest to which she joined in the laughter of the crowd. As the cart flew into the field Hsiss grinned. New options had presented themselves to her. Her original plan seemed weak to the one she now plotted to implement. Perhaps a merger of both? Excellent.

Hsiss made her way to the edge of the village to watch the strongman work. Her eyes gleaming. She was tempted to speak to him- no- not him- others would be wiser. She looked back. It'd be hard to do what she considered after having just played the role of a dolling admirer.

She leaned in away that she hoped would attract attention to her, while feeling the world around her- searching for a instrument to put her plans in motion.

As Rolf practiced he thought to himself," This is gonna be too easy. It seems like a huge waste of time to be practicing. I could beat that woman with one armed tied around my back." As he practice, he saw a woman walk up and stare at him for a bit. Suddenly, she turned back. " Hmm, she appears to be shy," Rolf thought to himself. " I will introduce myself." With that, Rolf walked up to the maiden and said," Hello madame."

The woman chuckled playfully, "Hello," she said unsure how to blush giving the impression of awkwardness. She looked away and glanced towards him and then turned again with a smile, "One as strong as you is an amazing site. I have met no other man to match your strength. Surely you have no equal." she swayed back and forth a little light on her toes. Her grin grew and her eyes widened with infatuation.

[Whalestron]

After the challenge was issued, Apium took off frolicking down the streets. She paused every now and then to eavesdrop on people's conversations. They were mostly merchants or farmers, but the latter gave her an idea. She would polinate their crops, especially the orchards and other flowering plants.

She approached a group of the farmers who were gathered around a stand, probably to barter. Apium spoke up, addressing all of them. "I come to spread news of a goddess I follow and couldn't help but overhear your troubles." She announced in a chipper voice. "If you will allow me to demonstrate, I may call upon her powers to help with your crops, and I tell you with truth, she listens to every one of her followers."

One of the farmers spoke up, "You speak of a goddess worthy of the Pantheon, girl, why should we believe she even exists?" He asked in a gruff voice.

Apium, undeterred, spoke up in the same chipper voice. "Take me to your crops, friend, and I will show you the true goodness of her powers." She was almost bouncing up and down she was so excited. And, wasting no time, the men led her to one of the farms.

Apium sat down cross-legged and closed her eyes as though she were silently praying. Secretly, though, she was actually summoning a wave of the bees nearest the farm. She had to keep the act playing nicely so it wouldn't draw too much suspicion. Soon enough, a swarm of bees was surrounding various plants, flowering and not. And no sooner had they left than all of them looked much healthier, fruit almost colored more. Apium leapt to her feet, turning to the shocked farmers.

"As I told you before, my goddess answered my prayers!" She announced.

One of the farmers, other than the gruff one, spoke to her. "But what kind of shrine must we build in her favor?" He asked. It was a valid question, of course, and Apium knew the answer. "You shall build a fake beehive, one where you will collect the creature's honey and pray. Should you show kindness to the workers and accept their work, she shall mark your crops to be pollinated."

With that, Apium took from her pocket a small wooden chest, opening it. She gave to each farmer in turn a queen bee, one to start a hive wherever they wanted. They were enchanted, of course, to keep the owner free of harm from the bees, that and their honey was something worthy of the gods. "Perhaps if you and your fellow farmers do choose to take my goddess up as your own, she could leave something for you to remember her by.

Apium's eyes wandered to a large apple tree a little ways away. Yes, that would do.. A could bee hives there, all amiable to anyone choosing to believe in her. It was a small reminder, but could work out for her. It would need to happen overnight, of course. But her eyes flitted to Hsiss and a man seeming to be practicing in a field not too far from that very tree.

Apium left the farmers without a word, skipping towards them. She stopped about five feet from the two, "Hi there! You look like you're working hard, think you'd like to rest?" She asked more to the apparent strongman more than Hsiss.

[Harbertia]

Apium's eyes wandered to a large apple tree a little ways away. Yes, that would do.. A could bee hives there, all amiable to anyone choosing to believe in her. It was a small reminder, but could work out for her. It would need to happen overnight, of course. But her eyes flitted to Hsiss and a man seeming to be practicing in a field not too far from that very tree.

Apium left the farmers without a word, skipping towards them. She stopped about five feet from the two, "Hi there! You look like you're working hard, think you'd like to rest?" She asked more to the apparent strongman more than Hsiss.

Hsiss frowned and her eyes narrowed. She had no intent of sharing with another and could only take this as a direct threat to her plans. But she tempered her anger, being aware that she can work this into her plans and humorously smiled towards the strongman and stepped two feet closer to Apium like some old friend interested in the same question Apium had made. In fact, she seemed more jovel then before.

[Shark isle]

Rolf grinned at the woman's response. " Thank you for noticing," he said with a chuckle. He then saw a little girl skipping towards them. Rolf grinned, he always had children coming toward him asking for an autograph. He pulled out a other slip of paper and his charcoal and started to write his signature. Once the little girl got close she said this, "Hi there! You look like you're working hard, think you'd like to rest?". Rolf thought about it for a minute and said," Yes, i do think a good 5 minute break is in order. Thanks for the suggestion little one." He than handed the little of girl the slip of paper and started to trudge toward the apple tree that was in the distance.

[Harbertia]

As Rolf left for the tree Hsiss knelt down and whispered to Apium, some frustration still in her eyes but a frown on her face, "Why did you interrupt me? What designs can you possibly have on the strongman?" Apium wasn't a goddess Hsiss was familiar with, and thus Hsiss was not aware of Apium's innate curiosity with the mortal plane; and with Apium's tendency to travel had hardly met her save perhaps in a passing glance. As someone who tends to always have a plan Hsiss generally believes that others do to.

[Whalestron]

Apium took the slip of paper and slid it into her pocket, thinking back to a particular narcissistic man from a while back. She dropped her eyes slightly as Hsiss bent down to, well, hiss at her, more or less. "Oh relax, I'm sure he'd absolutely love to have a girl with powers other than.. Venom?" She giggled at her own little jest.

It wasn't exactly an insult but more of a little bit of fun-poking. Not that she expected Hsiss to know the difference. Apium didn't need to know Hsiss to well to know she was a goddess that took things seriously. Basically the exact opposite of Apium's personality, which consisted of wandering aimlessly and enjoying nature.

"Besides, he's already favoring me a bit more than you anyway." She folded her arms, turning her head to Rolf's direction. "Care to make a wager he falls for either one of us?" She suggested, clearly not serious at all.

[Harbertia]

Apium took the slip of paper and slid it into her pocket, thinking back to a particular narcissistic man from a while back. She dropped her eyes slightly as Hsiss bent down to, well, hiss at her, more or less. "Oh relax, I'm sure he'd absolutely love to have a girl with powers other than.. Venom?" She giggled at her own little jest.

It wasn't exactly an insult but more of a little bit of fun-poking. Not that she expected Hsiss to know the difference. Apium didn't need to know Hsiss to well to know she was a goddess that took things seriously. Basically the exact opposite of Apium's personality, which consisted of wandering aimlessly and enjoying nature.

"Besides, he's already favoring me a bit more than you anyway." She folded her arms, turning her head to Rolf's direction. "Care to make a wager he falls for either one of us?" She suggested, clearly not serious at all.

Hsiss paused with a frowned bewildered stare that ended when she blinked- something serpents don't do and thus something to snap her back into clear thought. She continued to ponder Apium's words. In all honesty the little goddess had confused her. Apium was right, Hsiss really didn't get it.

Hsiss exhaled through her nostrils, where she a snake she'd be sighing right now. "I, have no intention of a serious relationship with the mortal." She said in response to Apium's wager. "I, have plans and I'd like you to not interfere- though if you would like to help I will assist you turn. Otherwise I simply wont you to avoid him as he will not be long for this world." She was by this point frowning.

[Whalestron]

Apium snickered, clearly finding the supposed threat amusing. "Not long for this world? From what I hear he's extremely arrogant, but in case you weren't paying attention.." Apium paused, frowning slightly. She herself hadn't listened to the challenge completely, and seemed to forget about it entirely. "Well, let's see.. Yes!" She snapped a finger, smile returning.

"I'll hold a silent judgement for him," she then nodded at the apple tree he was sitting under, a god would easily be able to spot the small creature emerging from one of the blossoms. It flew down until it landed on Rolf's arm.

"I'd love to see his patience with humble creatures," she said benignly, "but should he strike the poor thing.. Well, let's just say your task will be made easier by tenfold." And with that, she turned back to Rolf, waiting patiently.

[Shark isle]

Apium snickered, clearly finding the supposed threat amusing. "Not long for this world? From what I hear he's extremely arrogant, but in case you weren't paying attention.." Apium paused, frowning slightly. She herself hadn't listened to the challenge completely, and seemed to forget about it entirely. "Well, let's see.. Yes!" She snapped a finger, smile returning.

"I'll hold a silent judgement for him," she then nodded at the apple tree he was sitting under, a god would easily be able to spot the small creature emerging from one of the blossoms. It flew down until it landed on Rolf's arm.

"I'd love to see his patience with humble creatures," she said benignly, "but should he strike the poor thing.. Well, let's just say your task will be made easier by tenfold." And with that, she turned back to Rolf, waiting patiently.

Rolf was relaxing by the tree enjoying the shade. He was holding an apple which was already half-eaten. He though to himself," After this break, I will go for a jog until sundown." Suddenly, he heard a bee buzzing and felt it land on his arm. He looked down and saw the bee crawling on his arm. " Great,'' He though to himself. " If i swat at it i will get stung. Maybe if i stay still it will go away. I need all the strength for tonight anyway." Rolf than sat as still as a statue. Afew minutes later, the bee flew away and Rolf let out a sigh of relief.

[Harbertia]

Apium snickered, clearly finding the supposed threat amusing. "Not long for this world? From what I hear he's extremely arrogant, but in case you weren't paying attention.." Apium paused, frowning slightly. She herself hadn't listened to the challenge completely, and seemed to forget about it entirely. "Well, let's see.. Yes!" She snapped a finger, smile returning.

"I'll hold a silent judgement for him," she then nodded at the apple tree he was sitting under, a god would easily be able to spot the small creature emerging from one of the blossoms. It flew down until it landed on Rolf's arm.

"I'd love to see his patience with humble creatures," she said benignly, "but should he strike the poor thing.. Well, let's just say your task will be made easier by tenfold." And with that, she turned back to Rolf, waiting patiently.

"Deal," Hsiss said with a grin suddenly finding a reason to like Apium. There really wasn't anything else to say about the assistance. Hsiss would still be known if Apium was proposing what Hsiss perceives her to be proposing. Hsiss didn't even have to elaborate on her plans. The arrangement wasn't ideal as Hsiss would be playing a supporting role- Apium decreeing judgement- Hsiss a fellow goddess of nature executing judgement. If it worked out she'd have to tell Apium what she originally intended for Rolf's demise. She waited with Apium.

Rolf was relaxing by the tree enjoying the shade. He was holding an apple which was already half-eaten. He though to himself," After this break, I will go for a jog until sundown." Suddenly, he heard a bee buzzing and felt it land on his arm. He looked down and saw the bee crawling on his arm. " Great,'' He though to himself. " If i swat at it i will get stung. Maybe if i stay still it will go away. I need all the strength for tonight anyway." Rolf than sat as still as a statue. A few minutes later, the bee flew away and Rolf let out a sigh of relief.

"He wasn't even phased." Hsiss sighed disappointed in this turn of events. But taking solace in how she still has her own plans and may yet have an ally.

[Whalestron]

Apium continued smiling warmly, holding up a finger for Hsiss to wait. The real test was yet to come. Her smile faltered, her voice becoming somber as she spoke. "I've yet to deam him worthy.." She said barely above a whisper. "Should he curse one of my subjects or my own name, I will lose favor of him."

At this, another bee slowly buzzed down. It wasn't apparent why, as Rolf wasn't anywhere near the hive, but the insect stung him. Apium winced, "Let us see his reaction to my subject's laying down its life."

[Shark isle]

Apium continued smiling warmly, holding up a finger for Hsiss to wait. The real test was yet to come. Her smile faltered, her voice becoming somber as she spoke. "I've yet to deam him worthy.." She said barely above a whisper. "Should he curse one of my subjects or my own name, I will lose favor of him."

At this, another bee slowly buzzed down. It wasn't apparent why, as Rolf wasn't anywhere near the hive, but the insect stung him. Apium winced, "Let us see his reaction to my subject's laying down its life."

Rolf winced in pain as he felt a stinging pain in his arm. He looked down and saw a dead bee near him. He then looked at his arm and saw a bee stinger on him. He was about to go into a huge rage when he realized that there was no reason to be angry over a single bee sting. Besides, there was no hive around here anyways. Rolf then picked up a sharp rock and scraped the stinger off. Rolf then walked over to a nearby stream and started to fill his canteen.

[Harbertia]

Apium continued smiling warmly, holding up a finger for Hsiss to wait. The real test was yet to come. Her smile faltered, her voice becoming somber as she spoke. "I've yet to deam him worthy.." She said barely above a whisper. "Should he curse one of my subjects or my own name, I will lose favor of him."

At this, another bee slowly buzzed down. It wasn't apparent why, as Rolf wasn't anywhere near the hive, but the insect stung him. Apium winced, "Let us see his reaction to my subject's laying down its life."

"Even to me your action seems a waste of life, what ever your subjects believe must be strong indeed." Said Hsiss coldly distant giving no pause to Apium's winching, "I understand that individuals mean nothing to you save as part of a collective whole and in that regard I find the current sacrifice unwarranted. Did you tell her some falsehood about the strongman?"

Rolf winced in pain as he felt a stinging pain in his arm. He looked down and saw a dead bee near him. He then looked at his arm and saw a bee stinger on him. He was about to go into a huge rage when he realized that there was no reason to be angry over a single bee sting. Besides, there was no hive around here anyways. Rolf then picked up a sharp rock and scraped the stinger off. Rolf then walked over to a nearby stream and started to fill his canteen.

Hsiss continued to watch coldly.

[Whalestron]

Apium shook her head softly, "I need not tell them anything, only give a suggestion. Bees are a species which work together despite personal gain." At Hsiss's remark about ordering it to die, she actually smiled. "She is a he, a drone that would have been forced out of the hive come winter." She said before continuing.

"The particular one felt something about him.. I do, however, believe that it was right." The bee's body appeared to disappear, vaporizing to who-knows-where, the stinger remaining on the ground, a sign of the sacrifice, albeit small. "You'll find the venom inside their stingers to be weak, although it will cause pain in his arm throughout the next few days, never receding until the fourth." Apium said.

"I'd be angry at him had man not been given the ignorance he has." Apium smiled, "I am willing to forgive his mistake, even that tinkerer makes them.." She shuddered briefly, probably thinking about hornets or something of the like.

[Harbertia]

Apium shook her head softly, "I need not tell them anything, only give a suggestion. Bees are a species which work together despite personal gain." At Hsiss's remark about ordering it to die, she actually smiled. "She is a he, a drone that would have been forced out of the hive come winter." She said before continuing.

"The particular one felt something about him.. I do, however, believe that it was right." The bee's body appeared to disappear, vaporizing to who-knows-where, the stinger remaining on the ground, a sign of the sacrifice, albeit small. "You'll find the venom inside their stingers to be weak, although it will cause pain in his arm throughout the next few days, never receding until the fourth." Apium said.

"I'd be angry at him had man not been given the ignorance he has." Apium smiled, "I am willing to forgive his mistake, even that tinkerer makes them.." She shuddered briefly, probably thinking about hornets or something of the like.

"I have very little experience with bees." She said with a softer expression not wanting to apologize for her own ignorance, "A young serpent may at one time try to make a meal of one but quickly learns that such isn't wise. I've spend more time on the ground and in the trees of the spiritual wilderness and am more familiar with ants then bees as I have rarely traveled to their lands." She paused a short while before smiling, "You mean Inasaria?" energy returned to her expression, "I suppose you too have reasons to be frustrated at her. Bees, I suspect, like ants- survive on consistency."

[Galnius]

With her plan to garner interest in this quaint village in motion, the goddess of invention and innovation observed the arena chosen by the senior gods for this test of wit and appeal. It was tiny, yes, but it bustled with good nature and laughter, with an underbelly of poverty and deciet. She listened for the gossiping of townsfolk, of which her challenge seemed to be the primary focus.

Ignoring the glances, the oddly dressed girl entered a petite cavern. The hearth burned warmly whilst the patrons laughed and ate and made merry. She observed the timid play of courtship and the hesitant pressuring of the gambler.

However, her eyes, like many a traveler, were brought to the drinks being served. Ale, beer, alcoholic drinks of any kind. For some, this drink was that of a good time, a good laugh, and Abad headache the next morning. Others saw it as a curse. Drunkenness plagued them with no remorse. Anger boiled inside of those poor souls who clung to life on the tip of the tap.

So many blamed it upon the diety of alcohol, but for Inasaria, she felt both rage and guilt at the idea. Yes, it was the god of the drink whose dark side plagued them, but it would never have come to be if not for her. Fury built up within. Again, she had been ignored. Again, she was swept into oblivion as a new god reaped her genius.

Alas, but that was mellenia ago. Now, she was working on surpassing those young gods, and gaining the recognition she deserved. However, at this point the recognition wasn't even the main part of her motive. She was running out of room, it was as simple as that. However, with temples erected in her glory, and willing priests and priestesses viewing themselves to her work, who knew what could be achieved, for both herself, the gods, and mankind.

Along this period, she had kept a blank smirk, hiding her thoughts behind her eyes. She made her way to a table and ordered a simple ale from the wench. Perhaps a simple drink could give her good fortune, if the god in charge of it remembered what he owed. In fact, she thought of one way to celebrate his very essence. "Let everyone know that their next round of drinks, be it strong or fruity, is on me!" she shouted, revealing some currency she had accumulated over the many years. "To the challenge I shall partake in, the man who obliged me, the god of this drink, and Inasaria, the goddess whom I represent!"

[Whalestron]

"I have very little experience with bees." She said with a softer expression not wanting to apologize for her own ignorance, "A young serpent may at one time try to make a meal of one but quickly learns that such isn't wise. I've spend more time on the ground and in the trees of the spiritual wilderness and am more familiar with ants then bees as I have rarely traveled to their lands." She paused a short while before smiling, "You mean Inasaria?" energy returned to her expression, "I suppose you too have reasons to be frustrated at her. Bees, I suspect, like ants- survive on consistency."

Apium nodded slowly, "Indeed.. Not sure if it was her or not, but somebody crossbred bees with what I could only assume was fire ants.." She murmured. "And thus, hornets were born.. Vile creatures, they sting more than once and the pain is twice as bad. Bees, however, aren't so aggressive. They are farmers, drifting around and minding their own business. I feel no pity for the person who tries to throw rocks at the hives and gets stung."

She hesitated a moment, looking off to the village. "Like I said, the man shan't be harmed by myself. I won't try to stop you, but if the rumors of the challenge are correct.." She paused, smiling at Hsiss. "I believe it couldn't hurt to allow it to proceed, if he shows arrogance in a victory or loss, I should like to help you. If not, I still turn a blind eye."

[Harbertia]

"I have very little experience with bees." She said with a softer expression not wanting to apologize for her own ignorance, "A young serpent may at one time try to make a meal of one but quickly learns that such isn't wise. I've spend more time on the ground and in the trees of the spiritual wilderness and am more familiar with ants then bees as I have rarely traveled to their lands." She paused a short while before smiling, "You mean Inasaria?" energy returned to her expression, "I suppose you too have reasons to be frustrated at her. Bees, I suspect, like ants- survive on consistency."

Apium nodded slowly, "Indeed.. Not sure if it was her or not, but somebody crossbred bees with what I could only assume was fire ants.." She murmured. "And thus, hornets were born.. Vile creatures, they sting more than once and the pain is twice as bad. Bees, however, aren't so aggressive. They are farmers, drifting around and minding their own business. I feel no pity for the person who tries to throw rocks at the hives and gets stung."

She hesitated a moment, looking off to the village. "Like I said, the man shan't be harmed by myself. I won't try to stop you, but if the rumors of the challenge are correct.." She paused, smiling at Hsiss. "I believe it couldn't hurt to allow it to proceed, if he shows arrogance in a victory or loss, I should like to help you. If not, I still turn a blind eye."

"That's the plan." Hsiss said taking a breath as she moved towards Rolf. It took her a while to reach him. By then his canteen was filled. "Mind if I wash your feet?" the woman's expression became one of deep embarrassment, "I mean fleece- no um-" her expression became one of concern, "What happened to your arm?" She said reaching a hand out to touch his strong muscular shoulder.

[Shark isle]

Apium nodded slowly, "Indeed.. Not sure if it was her or not, but somebody crossbred bees with what I could only assume was fire ants.." She murmured. "And thus, hornets were born.. Vile creatures, they sting more than once and the pain is twice as bad. Bees, however, aren't so aggressive. They are farmers, drifting around and minding their own business. I feel no pity for the person who tries to throw rocks at the hives and gets stung."

She hesitated a moment, looking off to the village. "Like I said, the man shan't be harmed by myself. I won't try to stop you, but if the rumors of the challenge are correct.." She paused, smiling at Hsiss. "I believe it couldn't hurt to allow it to proceed, if he shows arrogance in a victory or loss, I should like to help you. If not, I still turn a blind eye."

"That's the plan." Hsiss said taking a breath as she moved towards Rolf. It took her a while to reach him. By then his canteen was filled. "Mind if I wash your feet?" the woman's expression became one of deep embarrassment, "I mean fleece- no um-" her expression became one of concern, "What happened to your arm?" She said reaching a hand out to touch his strong muscular shoulder.

Rolf let out another chuckle and said," It's just a little beesting, nothing to serious. Now, if you excuse me, I am going for a jog to help prepare for the contest. I must be in tip-top shape when i claim my victory." He then sprinted away from the girl and thought to himself," Tonight, this victory will prove i am the strongest man in the world."