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

[Harbertia]

Hsiss watched as the man sprinted away surprised. Then scowling as she made her way back to the Village and Apium with arms crossed. She tilted her head as she looked down at Apium and asked, "Have you seen any children? Preferably in a large gathering and close to your apparent age or have heard word of any mortal who has slain a gardner snake or the like? Preferably such a mortal will have children or some beloved nephew?" She had to explore all her options.

[Whalestron]

Apium tilted her head slightly to the right, "Hmm.. Haven't heard of anyone killing a snake.. Maybe try checking the tavern?" She suggested, giving a light smile. Apium still had plenty to do, including turning the apple tree into a bee haven. She shrugged, "Why? Trying to win over some younger minds with your charm like you did with that," she pretended to swoon, speaking in a dramatic voice, "Brave and handsome man?"

[Harbertia]

Apium tilted her head slightly to the right, "Hmm.. Haven't heard of anyone killing a snake.. Maybe try checking the tavern?" She suggested, giving a light smile. Apium still had plenty to do, including turning the apple tree into a bee haven. She shrugged, "Why? Trying to win over some younger minds with your charm like you did with that," she pretended to swoon, speaking in a dramatic voice, "Brave and handsome man?"

Hsiss grinched at little (like a grinning cringe); "Something isn't right with that man, he was welcoming of attention now avoids it. My charms shouldn't be rejected- your bees sting has thrown him off- reminded him of mortal vulnerability and likely of insecurities that now drive him to better performance." She took a breath, "Which can be useful."

[Paketo]

The tavern was filled with the sounds of various conversations and the pouring of ale. Within that mass of activity, a old man sat at the counter eating a bowl of stew. "Seconds if you would Martha. I will have you tell me the recipe one of these days" spoke the old man to the woman behind the counter. She laughed "Only when I'm dead old man. You can pay for these right?". The old man gave a toothy grin as he a gold coin appeared between his fingers which he gently tossed between his hands.

This old man was none other than Stana, god of the Hearth, Family and Home, but none of the mortals knew that. To them he was the old man that really liked the stew and ale dressed in a raggedy green cloak. "I enjoy this village. I should give them a blessing or something." thought Stana to himself before a familiar presence was felt "Indra? Why is he here? No, please don't tell me he made that trial for the junior gods here. They better not destroy this village and rob me of this great tavern.

Stana would become engrossed in his thoughts before realizing he had stew in front of him still and began eating again. "Truely this stew is one of the greatest in the land" he said to no one in particular. He would remain undisturbed in the tavern until some girl came in and began shouting that all of the next round of drinks were on her. "I can tell she has godly power. Could she be one of the ones on trail?" thought Stana before calling out to the girl "And who is this Inasaria?"

[Cuprum]

"PHDUNK!" A arrow lands into the bark of a tree, as Glaukos vaults over a fallen tree next to it, running from something. He'd hear wind as another arrow flies over his shoulder, and into the tree that he was coming up to. He'd dive to the right, into a bush. As he flips himself over notching a arrow into his Longbow, it becomes quiet... The sound of birds and creatures fill the air... He'd lie their waiting, for what may seem as his prey... He'd hear rustling to his right, and with his might, he'd turn the bow towards it, and nearly lets the arrow goes, as a Wood Deer emerges from the brush. He'd lower it, a sigh of relief.

As he stands up, supecting his target has fled, he'd spot a figure dashing amongst the trees. He'd widen his eyes, and waste no time, he'd pull back onto the bottom of the arrow, and raise his bow. The figure moves fast amongst the trees, a near impossible shot... Yet, he lets the arrow flies... And it finds its mark into the hood of the figure, it goes down, flailing as it falls down... He'd rush over, vaulting over fallen trees and bushes, to come across the hooded figure, lying on the ground, arms extended, a bow at its side. With the tip of his longbow, he's lift the hood up, revealing an Elf, "Tsh... Why are you always here... The tyrant known as my wife will dare to kill you if she see you near me."

''It wasn't my intention my lord but as your priest and servant you known that I have delivered my body to you like all your clergy and we must serve you even when you don't need us...''

''I don't need to know that'' Gets a fried snake from his pocket to satisfy his hunger.

[Harbertia]

Hsiss scowled and looked out towards the woods beyond the field. "If this wasn't a test-" Hsiss tempered herself. "Apium," she said to her small friend, "This form perturbs me. I am going to go away for a bit. I'll be back as I have no desire to upset the elders with disobedience."

Hsiss made her way past the field, over the river, and into the forests where she literally shed her human form and consumed the skin. She was again her true self. She took a breath through her nostrils and let slip her tongue to taste the air- TASTE the AIR!

In the spiritual wilderness she would have slithered through the branches and underbrush content to test her skill against others- rarely did she consume a spirit in that plane. But in this mortal plane, in a physical form, hunting was a necessity. She couldn't imagine feeding with that confined form she had shed.

She couldn't say things out loud- not in the mortal plane under the restrictions of the examine she'd be unable to reveal her self to mortals which meant that if any saw her she'd have to be a dumb beast- but to be safe- she'd have to kill them.

It was the only way to insure that she didn't break the rules. If the theoretical mortal returned to the village with a story of a giant snake- actually that could work if- no- it's too risky. The last thing Hsiss desired was the wrath of the elder gods.

Never the less- she had something to check out- a disturbance. She had to follow her awareness and physical scents to reach her destination- it was revolting. Even more so in that only one was mortal- the other was not. The god had a strong aura- the mortal was pathetic.

She pressed her head flat against the trunk of a tree and felt dumb for even considering going out of the village- would going to the tavern really have been that difficult for you to stomach? she thought. She was becoming rather agitated by the odds against her success.

-Continues in my next post-

[Galnius]

The tavern was filled with the sounds of various conversations and the pouring of ale. Within that mass of activity, a old man sat at the counter eating a bowl of stew. "Seconds if you would Martha. I will have you tell me the recipe one of these days" spoke the old man to the woman behind the counter. She laughed "Only when I'm dead old man. You can pay for these right?". The old man gave a toothy grin as he a gold coin appeared between his fingers which he gently tossed between his hands.

This old man was none other than Stana, god of the Hearth, Family and Home, but none of the mortals knew that. To them he was the old man that really liked the stew and ale dressed in a raggedy green cloak. "I enjoy this village. I should give them a blessing or something." thought Stana to himself before a familiar presence was felt "Indra? Why is he here? No, please don't tell me he made that trial for the junior gods here. They better not destroy this village and rob me of this great tavern.

Stana would become engrossed in his thoughts before realizing he had stew in front of him still and began eating again. "Truely this stew is one of the greatest in the land" he said to no one in particular. He would remain undisturbed in the tavern until some girl came in and began shouting that all of the next round of drinks were on her. "I can tell she has godly power. Could she be one of the ones on trail?" thought Stana before calling out to the girl "And who is this Inasaria?"

The undercover goddess's lips curled into a fox like grin at the question, nearly unmistakeable in the fire light. "Why, she is my patron goddess", she answered calmly. This God's question couldn't have been any more helpful for her, and it's timing was impeccable. Chance seemed to be with her today.

"She is the Goddess of innovation and invention, creator of many things dear to humans today. In fact, she likes to gift those loyal to her", Inasaria said, patting down her satchel. "In fact, she foretold that I may stumble upon a man such as yourself, and to give you something in return for your kindness."

She went through her mental list of major gods, figuring out whom this one could be (and they certainly were a god, she thought to herself).

Finally, Inasaria discovered the solution to her quandary. She dug through her satchel to the point that her whole arm was nearly surrounded by it (which is quite a feat, seeing as it only appeared to be able to fit up to her wrist) before procuring a small torch. She brought it to the hearth and lit it.

"This, a gift for one blessed from the hearth. The torch itself is made a new material, and can burn for days on end, either in an inferno or a kind flicker. It only needs tending, and very little of that. Enjoy, as a gift from my patron."

[Paketo]

The undercover goddess's lips curled into a fox like grin at the question, nearly unmistakeable in the fire light. "Why, she is my patron goddess", she answered calmly. This God's question couldn't have been any more helpful for her, and it's timing was impeccable. Chance seemed to be with her today.

"She is the Goddess of innovation and invention, creator of many things dear to humans today. In fact, she likes to gift those loyal to her", Inasaria said, patting down her satchel. "In fact, she foretold that I may stumble upon a man such as yourself, and to give you something in return for your kindness."

She went through her mental list of major gods, figuring out whom this one could be (and they certainly were a god, she thought to herself).

Finally, Inasaria discovered the solution to her quandary. She dug through her satchel to the point that her whole arm was nearly surrounded by it (which is quite a feat, seeing as it only appeared to be able to fit up to her wrist) before procuring a small torch. She brought it to the hearth and lit it.

"This, a gift for one blessed from the hearth. The torch itself is made a new material, and can burn for days on end, either in an inferno or a kind flicker. It only needs tending, and very little of that. Enjoy, as a gift from my patron."

Stana took this....strange gift from the goddess in disguise and began studying it, the flames in his eyes beginning to shift around faster. "Hmmm, a interesting tool though I do not believe it can compare to my patron's hearth" spoke Stana using the word patron as to not arise question to his identity. This junior goddess being so kind was well strange. Stana thought as he studied the object about what the trial could be to force this kind of behavior from the junior gods. "Well, looks like she isn't trying to destroy the village at least. Could this be that old trail about gaining followers? It would explain her generous attitude instead of one focused on a task."

Raising his head once again to the goddess in disguise. If this truly was a quest to gain followers, then he might have some fun with this Inasaria. "So you say she is the goddess of invention and innovation was it? It seems to me you wish to gain more worshippers to your goddess but this is a simple farming village. What could you patron possibly to for them?"

Stana looked forward to these trials, when not destroying entire villages, as they always proved to keep him entertained in some way.

[Whalestron]

Apium waved to Hsiss as she retreated into the woods, turning over to the blossoming apple tree. She skipped over, deciding to lay down and rest, at least, to look like she was. She didn't have any real need for sleep, but she found that the distant sound of the village's people working, trees rustling, and wind gently blowing on her face calmed her enough that she could go into a trance similar to sleep. Apium sat down against the trunk, closing her eyes and weaving her hands together.


Ingrid hadn't had a day as tranquil as Apium's. She was traveling for a day straight, no company with her. This was for multiple reasons, the first that she needed to do this task alone, another because the rangers needed most of their own to defend a village threatened by some marauders, and the last because she couldn't handle it if something happened to her comrades.

Regardless, she was alone on this mission. But the uniform didn't go unnoticed by the villagers. Heads turned in her direction as she wove around, distinctly interested in the tavern at the end of the road. She wasn't aware of the god's visit, and she probably wouldn't have cared much either.

She turned into the pub, looking around briefly before shouting loudly over the chatter. "I'm looking for a man going by the name Gerald Khagg." Was all she said, waiting for a response. She received it when a sleazy looking man pointed at a particular god of the hearth, to which Ingrid gladly traveled to.

"Hmph.. You don't look a day older.." She hissed at him. In all truthfulness, she didn't exactly remember what he looked like. She was so young and hadn't gotten a decent look at him, but right then and there her mind conjured that up. Her hand reached for the hunting knife at her belt.

[Paketo]

Ayana's eyes shifted as his ears picked up the sound of footsteps towards him. A young woman approached him with murder in her eyes. Her dress and bow gave away her affiliation immediately as one of the western ranger. He quite liked the group, noble in their intentions to protect the cities from monsters keeping both families and homes safe.

"Hmmm....You don't look a day older" hissed the woman moving her hand towards a knife. The tavern being totally focused of the goddesss in disguise failed to notice the woman approaching Stana. In a low voice he spoke to the woman with the flames in his eyes dancing faster "Stay your hand from that blade girl. I may be forgiving but attacking me for no reason will not end well for you. Hmmm, I sense a great loss in you. I am guessing that has something to do with your actions and your affiliation with the Western Rangers, if you are looking for a certain man, it is not me."

Would his words sway the woman, it was unknown. It was not as if that knife could grisly damage him.

[Whalestron]

Ayana's eyes shifted as his ears picked up the sound of footsteps towards him. A young woman approached him with murder in her eyes. Her dress and bow gave away her affiliation immediately as one of the western ranger. He quite liked the group, noble in their intentions to protect the cities from monsters keeping both families and homes safe.

"Hmmm....You don't look a day older" hissed the woman moving her hand towards a knife. The tavern being totally focused of the goddesss in disguise failed to notice the woman approaching Stana. In a low voice he spoke to the woman with the flames in his eyes dancing faster "Stay your hand from that blade girl. I may be forgiving but attacking me for no reason will not end well for you. Hmmm, I sense a great loss in you. I am guessing that has something to do with your actions and your affiliation with the Western Rangers, if you are looking for a certain man, it is not me."

Would his words sway the woman, it was unknown. It was not as if that knife could grisly damage him.

Ingrid hesitated. There was something about the man.. Something almost gentle. It wasn't anything like that cruel and cold voice she'd heard calling for the murder of everyone. Ingrid took a step back, folding her hands over her chest. She figured she'd be quick enough to draw the knife if any real trouble arose.

She shook slightly with anger that years of practice hadn't sated and looked down at the god. "You say you sense a loss in me. How's that possible?" She demanded, perhaps a little too aggressively. There was one thing for sure, and that was the fact that Ingrid wouldn't be treating Ayana the way she was if she knew exactly what he was.

"I've traveled too far and run into too many dead ends, old man. I seek vengeance on someone who has committed a crime that could only be payed for in blood." She said coldly, highly impatient.

[Harbertia]

-the continuation-

Hsiss paused there, in the forest, her head against a tree- "I'll passs the tesst." she said softly in her frustration letting her former conviction about not speaking slide, "I'll passs the tesst if I have to-" she hissed and took her head a way from the tree trunk. A snake had fallen- she looked back towards where she came- the mortal man on the road couldn't have come from far- she grinned. Perfect

She began slithering back, deciding that for the time being she'd watch from the woods. She didn't want to return to the form she had so readily shed. She instantly got a sense, perhaps from proximity to the god himself, that this wouldn't be welcomed. But perhaps he'd find some reason in it.

Never had she before done what she was about to but she new well where her priorities should be. That being her true children.

Cattle, my darlings, will be the first to go. It seemed only reasonable to mark this spot as sacred to her name, This wood shall be yours- let it be known upon whose land the village rests. She looked out on the land before her, the spot she was on would make a generous wayshrine, All who travel this road shall pay homage to my name or leave themselves open to the serpent's kiss.

Energy began to build as her call was answered- soon- the village would know her name.

[The Valyria Empire]

Wyrm's Mouth

The Heart of Terra, Jörð's Temple

---

Jörð, God of Terrestrial Earth, Creatures of the Land, Wyrms, and Magma

---

A wave of magma crashed into the wall of the Temple, bits of magma would fly and land on the great God. Jörð was silent, the sound of magma and the many dwarves working echoed through the volcano. The God watched as a dwarf fell into the magma below. Jörð laid still, as he had not moved in almost a century. However, he awoke. He felt the presence of the Gods, on his land. He sense them, far away.

They are weak...small...children... Jörð's thoughts ran as he located the Gods. Jörð then began to rise, and slowly the gigantic beast would crawl out from the massive volcano. At the edge of the crater, Jörð felt out again. It had been some time since the Gods had awoken him.

"Why must these children face their trials on my land...." Jörð spoke aloud, magma dripping out of his mouth as spoke. Then Jörð began to lift his front left leg up, and then he slammed it into the ground. While nothing had happened in the area near him, he had created an earthquake in the area of the junior Gods. "Perhaps this will silence them, and they will leave my domain."

[Paketo]

Ayana's eyes shifted as his ears picked up the sound of footsteps towards him. A young woman approached him with murder in her eyes. Her dress and bow gave away her affiliation immediately as one of the western ranger. He quite liked the group, noble in their intentions to protect the cities from monsters keeping both families and homes safe.

"Hmmm....You don't look a day older" hissed the woman moving her hand towards a knife. The tavern being totally focused of the goddesss in disguise failed to notice the woman approaching Stana. In a low voice he spoke to the woman with the flames in his eyes dancing faster "Stay your hand from that blade girl. I may be forgiving but attacking me for no reason will not end well for you. Hmmm, I sense a great loss in you. I am guessing that has something to do with your actions and your affiliation with the Western Rangers, if you are looking for a certain man, it is not me."

Would his words sway the woman, it was unknown. It was not as if that knife could grisly damage him.

Ingrid hesitated. There was something about the man.. Something almost gentle. It wasn't anything like that cruel and cold voice she'd heard calling for the murder of everyone. Ingrid took a step back, folding her hands over her chest. She figured she'd be quick enough to draw the knife if any real trouble arose.

She shook slightly with anger that years of practice hadn't sated and looked down at the god. "You say you sense a loss in me. How's that possible?" She demanded, perhaps a little too aggressively. There was one thing for sure, and that was the fact that Ingrid wouldn't be treating Ayana the way she was if she knew exactly what he was.

"I've traveled too far and run into too many dead ends, old man. I seek vengeance on someone who has committed a crime that could only be payed for in blood." She said coldly, highly impatient.

"Hmmm, I see this hatred is deep within your heart. His crimes you speak of, they must have robbed you of someone or several that were close to you. With your drive for revenge, it seems it was a gruesome way too go as well." Replied Stana the flames in his eyes slowing their dance "As for how I could read you....well let's just say my patron can help sense attachments to those here and gone to the next world. He is the Patron of family after all."

After giving the hint to his true identity, Stana gave a wide smile before his mouth became a thin line with years of age seeming to melt off his face. "Now my Patron is the Patron of family and their homes and does not to kindly to those that destroy them. If the one you seek did indeed destroy your family, then he may be willing to help in your quest." Spoke Stana before placing a hand the the woman's shoulder. A warmth would began to course through her body that would all but the most intense rages.

It was then that the Inn felt the earthquake hit toppling over most of the mortals. Stana, as well as Ingirid thanks his hold, stayed upright however. Stana's staff, which sat against the bar, appeared in his hand though most mortals would simply think he had it already. Knocking on the ground a few times. "What is Jord mad about now? That earthquake better not damage this inn."

[Cuprum]

The wind had already began to crisp, sending chilled breezes into Dunamis’s hair, tossing the stray locks not pinned perfectly in place about slightly. Studios eyes gazed at the view from her balcony, the tops of manors and houses in the village that stretched out to touch the blue green of the harbor in one direction and the greens that surrounded the rulers road on the other. She listened to the soft din that reached the temple from the streets beyond the walls. The sounds of life, of people, of the bells ringing. Slowly, she closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath of the crisp morning air.

“How are you settling?” The warm, strong voice of Glauko brought her from her moment of calm, causing her shoulders to tense briefly. The ease soon came to her posture as she turned to face her husband with a gentle look in her eyes.

“I am adjusting well. It reminds me a lot of home so it hasn’t been too much of an adjustment for me.” The lines of her lips curved briefly as her gaze moved from Glaukos to her large wardrobe that sat in the corner where her many dresses were kept. “Though now that summer has ended I shall have to see about having some warmer dresses made for me.” Her eyes flitted back to him before she moved across the room as she walked to a little table that had a carafe of wine and goblets placed upon the surface.

“Then you shall have new dresses.” His eyes watched as she poured two goblets of wine, lifting both up before striding over to him smoothly. She lifted one for him, which he took and nodded his thanks before bringing the brew to his lips. The tangy bitter drink was ignored briefly as he looked down to her “I will do my utmost to provide to you, Dunamis.”

She brought her own goblet to her lips after taking a half step back from him when he took his drink, not so much a retreat but a hesitation from her. She was married to a man that qas considered one of the most beautiful creation of chaos, and his reputation surely preceded him in her eyes. “Then I will ask a seamstress to come with some fabrics so I can decide on a few new dresses to wear.” She briefly glanced to him before she cast them down into the red wine in her hand. “I would need to look my best of course. As your wife it would behoove me to present myself in a proper manner at all times.” She flicked her eyes to him for a moment before she hid her gaze behind the tilting of her cup to bring more of the wine into her lips.

Truly she was as fine a wife as any man could wish for, beauty and strength. Glaukos didn’t understand how fate could have blessed him so, but perhaps his wife’s beauty was to make up for this shitty arrangement. After a brief silence, he broke it by speaking, reaching a weathered hand out to touch her elbow softly. “I have no doubt that you will always do the utmost in presenting yourself in a way that bring honor to your station Dunamis.” He moved to finish his drink, setting the empty goblet down on the round table in the sitting area. “I will be working late today. But I should be back in time to have supper with you.” He spoke over his shoulder to her, catching the glimpse she gave him as he spoke.

“I shall make sure it is ready for when you return. I have no plans for today other than relaxing a little. Travel seems to always wear me down a bit, and I am enjoying this view I have.” She strode over to the balcony once more to look out at the scenery. He moved to her side, glancing down to her as he nodded.

“It is beautiful.” Though he was more so speaking of her than the view from their home. He took her hand in his, bringing her knuckles to his lips as he placed a chaste kiss upon her skin. “I shall see you this evening.” He gently dropped her hand once more before turning to head out the door, leaving her alone to her thoughts.

The warmth of his lips upon her hand lingered for a moment more, fingers gently clutching her goblet as it rested up by her chin. She tried to make the best of things now. He is much complex of mmind, but he was kind to her, gentle with her. Even their first night together he took his time with making sure she wasn’t in too much pain and the experience was somewhat enjoyable. Not since that night had they laid as man and wife. They shared the same bed, but he never pressured her, never forced himself upon her, which she greatly appreciated though she never made mention of it in all honesty. The time would come she knew, that she would need to bear him an heir.

She brought the goblet up to her lips once more, taking a deeper drink before setting the empty vessel on the balcony railing. Perhaps she would need to take the initiative on that front, to secure her place. Dunamis picked up the goblet and brought it back inside before setting it down on a table. The woman’s gaze went to the door as she called out for one of the servants whom entered into the room swiftly. “Make sure to have my husband’s favorites prepared for dinner tonight. If you do not know what they are, find out for me.” The servant nodded to her before departing the room, leaving Dunamis alone again as she went to the wardrobe and opened the doors of the cabinet.

[Shark isle]

As Rolf continued his jog he suddenly saw a snake pass by the road. He though nothing of it until he saw more of them pass the road. He then turned and saw they were heading for the village. Rolf then ran towards one of the snakes and stamped on it's head, killing it instantly. He then continued to do this until he made it to the village where he got a sword from a local blacksmith.

[Galnius]

Inasaria watched the display between the god and the young woman patiently, wondering about the circumstances here. For instance, if the woman was on a mission to kill, why did she bring a hunter's knife? It hardly seemed fitting.

She questioned, for a moment, whether or not the woman would have the resolve to kill when it became necessary. However, that train of thought was altered in a hurried rush, leaving her mind in a way like the patrons send to rush out of the inn. She was quickly informed as to why when, breaking her day dream, she felt yet another earthquake shake the building. Curious instead of frantic, she followed the other patrons.

What she saw, of course, almost made her laugh. It appeared Hssis was making her okay, for one, as the string man from earlier ran about stomping on snakes. Furthermore, it seemed Jord was angry as well. She couldn't quite remember the last time being with humans was this fun.

However, an idea struck her instantly as she noted th snakes, the debris, and remembered her gift to the old God. Taking charge, she shouted orders. The Hearth wished to know what she could do for man, eh? Well... Saving the village from venomous snakes seemed the best way.

"YOU!" She called out to a man, grabbing a stick to best the serpent's off. "Gather some for from the hearths within and light long sticks. Snakes tend to avoid them.! We'll lead them to...You people!" She called to another group, sitting near a fallen home. "I'll help, but that house of yours is about to become a giant trap! Finally, the rest of you get the women, children, and elderly into the inn and close the damn door! It's the least damaged of the buildings! Just close up any holes, and not with dirt!" She felt some hands upon her, trying to lead her into the inn. "Not me you imbeciles!"she shouted, shrugging of the palm and giving the man a firm, deadly stare. "You don't have me out here helping, you fail!"

Her head swiveled to Rolf as she rushed to the collapsed house, and she gave it one last call. "Put the sword down you fool! Join the men gathering torches if you want to brave!"

[Harbertia]

Hsiss raised her head and pulled it back with her snout lowered, "Asss If I didn't have enough reasssons to dislike her." She let her tongue out into the breeze looking out over the village towards Jord on his mountain high. She had expected loses- just not this rapidly. A new thought emerged, that the people might associate the snakes and quake with Jord alone. "I'm always honest, yet my word is tested." She thought aloud as she saw likely defeat on the horizon.

[Cuprum]

In the middle of the day Glaukos started a ritual of purification and some hynms to himself as way to satisfy his nature. With dedication he started the dance while singing the hynms dedicated to him:

Thee I invoke, the Bornless one. Thee, that didst create the Earth and the Heavens: Thee, that didst create the Night and the day. Thee, that didst create the darkness and the Light. Thou art Osorronophris: Whom no man hath seen at any time.

Thou art Iabos: Thou art Iapos: Thou hast distinguished between the just and the Unjust. Thou didst make the female and the Male. Thou didst produce the Seed and the Fruit. Thou didst form Men to love one another, and to hate one another. I am Glaukos Thy Prophet, unto Whom Thou didst commit Thy Mysteries, the Ceremonies of the Dead ones: Thou didst produce the moist and the dry, and that which nourisheth all created Life. Hear Thou Me, for I am the Angel of the future: this is Thy True Name, handed down to the Prophets of Underworld. Hear Me, Hear Me, and make all Spirits subject unto Me so that every Spirit of the Firmament and of the Ether upon the Earth and under the Earth: on dry Land and in the Water of Whirling Air, and of rushing Fire: and every Spell and Scourge of God may be obedient unto Me. I invoke Thee, the Terrible and Invisible God: Who dwellest in the Void Place of the Spirit, The Bornless One: Hear Me! Mighty and Bornless One! Hear Me! I invoke Thee, Hear Me!

Hear me! This is the Lord of Justice, this is the Lord of Love, this is He Whom the Winds fear. This is He, Who having made Voice by His Commandment, is Lord of All Things; King, Ruler, and Helper. Hear Me! Hear Me! I am He! the Souless Spirit! having sight in the Strong, and the Immortal Fire! I am He! the Truth! I am He! Who hate that evil should be wrought in the World! I am He, that lightningeth and thundereth. I am He, from whom is the Shower of the Life of Earth: I am He, whose mouth flameth, I am He, the Begetter and Manifester unto the Light, I am He, the Grace of the World, "The Heart Girt with a Serpent" is The Name!

Come Thou forth, and follow Me: and make all Spirits subject unto Me so that every Spirit of the Firmament, and of the Ether: upon the Earth and under the Earth: on dry land, or in the Water: of whirling Air or of rushing Fire: and every Spell and Scourge of God, may be obedient unto me! Such are the Words!"

In truth, this world is not eternally inhabited, It is more transient than dewdrops on the leave of grass, or the moon reflected in the water. After reciting the poetry of flower at the gardens of the gods, all glory is now left with the wind of impermanence. Those who leisurely play with the moon of southern tower, now hide in the cloud of Saṅkhāra. Human life lasts only 50 years, Contrast human life with life of a god, It is but a very dream and illusion. Once they are given life from god, there is no such thing don't perish. Unless we consider this a very seed of awakening, it is a grievous truth indeed. The sound of the bells echoes the impermanence of all things; the color of the sāla flowers reveals the truth that the prosperous must decline. The proud do not endure, they are like a dream on a spring night; the mighty fall at last, they are as dust before the wind.

[Shark isle]

Inasaria watched the display between the god and the young woman patiently, wondering about the circumstances here. For instance, if the woman was on a mission to kill, why did she bring a hunter's knife? It hardly seemed fitting.

She questioned, for a moment, whether or not the woman would have the resolve to kill when it became necessary. However, that train of thought was altered in a hurried rush, leaving her mind in a way like the patrons send to rush out of the inn. She was quickly informed as to why when, breaking her day dream, she felt yet another earthquake shake the building. Curious instead of frantic, she followed the other patrons.

What she saw, of course, almost made her laugh. It appeared Hssis was making her okay, for one, as the string man from earlier ran about stomping on snakes. Furthermore, it seemed Jord was angry as well. She couldn't quite remember the last time being with humans was this fun.

However, an idea struck her instantly as she noted th snakes, the debris, and remembered her gift to the old God. Taking charge, she shouted orders. The Hearth wished to know what she could do for man, eh? Well... Saving the village from venomous snakes seemed the best way.

"YOU!" She called out to a man, grabbing a stick to best the serpent's off. "Gather some for from the hearths within and light long sticks. Snakes tend to avoid them.! We'll lead them to...You people!" She called to another group, sitting near a fallen home. "I'll help, but that house of yours is about to become a giant trap! Finally, the rest of you get the women, children, and elderly into the inn and close the damn door! It's the least damaged of the buildings! Just close up any holes, and not with dirt!" She felt some hands upon her, trying to lead her into the inn. "Not me you imbeciles!"she shouted, shrugging of the palm and giving the man a firm, deadly stare. "You don't have me out here helping, you fail!"

Her head swiveled to Rolf as she rushed to the collapsed house, and she gave it one last call. "Put the sword down you fool! Join the men gathering torches if you want to brave!"

Rolf let out a sigh of annoyance. How dare the woman who challenged his strength start giving him orders like a grunt in a military unit. But, Rolf complied and threw down his sword. He than started to help the men of the village gather torches while stomping on as many snakes as possible.

[Cuprum]

Dunamis still hadn't even begun to feel like herself after arriving her temple. After four days of travel, she started to feel ill. After arriving, she felt worse; her stomach was constantly nauseated and she felt sensitive to the touch. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and waited patiently for the priest to answer the door. It took a few moments, but eventually an elderly man with white hair and hunched shoulders wearing a gray habit, opened the door to his Solar and bid good morning to the goddess.

"Your Grace! What a present surprise... Please... Come in." The old man stepped out of the way and Dunamis made her way through the doorway. she sat in one of the chairs before his very large desk, which was strewn with parchments, scrolls, inkwells and quills. A cage containing a rather large raven was near the open window where a gentle, cold breeze flowed through the opening. The walls were decorated with large elaborate shelves containing old dusty books and tomes.

"Maester, I need your medical expertise, if I may. I haven't been feeling well lately."

The maester made his way back after shutting the door and coming around to other side of the desk slowly before sitting before her.

"What seems to be the problem, Your Grace?"

"As Lord Glaukos and I traveled from our lands to the countryside I began to feel ill. I haven't felt any better, and I am constantly nauseated and very sensitive in... certain places."

The old man was quiet for a time before he spoke again, as if he were weighing options and thoughts.

"When was your last cycle?" The old man questioned curiously. His eyebrows furled as he looked at the goddesssteadily, sitting back in the chair.

She thought about the answer for a few minutes before shaking her head gently. "Not since... Not since after I married."

A smile crept onto the old man's face as he looked at her. His toothless grin over took his face as a playful and happy glint tinkled in his eyes.

"My Lady, I believe there may very well be an Heir on the way. I believe, Your Grace, within the next year, we will be having a new God or Goddess coming into the world."

The Goddess stared blankly at the Maester for a minute, floored by his answer. Pregnant...? A child...? she blinked a few times still speechless. "Surely... it can't be... I don't think its been long enough... We've only been married a thousand of years! Its only been a short time"

The old man put his hand up to halt her words, and shook his head.

"My Lady, its been my understanding to know these sorts of things and I have been a Maester for more than 60 years. I have seen more women bearing children than you ever will. I know the signs of a woman with child more than any other person in this temple at present, and you have indications of pregnancy. If you would like I could list of the rest of those signs, to be sure, if it will ease your mind...?"

She looked at him for a moment and then shook her head before standing. "No... Thank you, old man. That will be all." Without another word, the Queen hastily exited the solar, to find her husband or her maidens... Whom ever she found first.

After the goddess was gone the creature known as the old man removed his skin mask and showed his true nature.

''So that foolish woman is pregnant... Mmm... It seems my seed did its work properly. An heir to my greatness, a future god that will change the order of things... Interesting. Tsh... I hope I can bear her cheerfulness until she gaves birth.''

[Whalestron]

When the earthquake hit Ingrid staggered heavily, only being held by the old god's hand on her shoulder. It didn't feel normal at all-- at least, not normal in the sense of it being a natural occurrence in the area. Ingrid slipped away from the god, speaking to him as she reached the edge of the door. "I'll try to help anyone who needs it, can't be too difficult.." She proceeded to exit.

Immediately she noticed the collapsed buildings, the worst of them being some horse stables. Several people seemed to be injured, most of which were being directed to the inn, which received the least of the damage. Then she spotted the snakes.

There were dozens of them, at random intervals but abnormally frequent. Ingrid stomped on one immediately, recognizing it as poisonous almost immediately. It didn't take a genius if you lived in the woods long enough. She grabbed her bow and began jogging to the woods, these citizens seemed to be able to handle themselves, after all.

Once she was on the brink Ingrid had killed at least ten snakes, all of which weren't attacking her. And there was no doubt in her mind that they'd become instantly more difficult when the droves of them were bent on killing her. She stepped in, the normal forest sounds being drowned by hissing. Her best bet was to get higher ground, she'd be easy prey if she stayed on the ground. Slinging her bow, Ingrid climbed a tree to better avoid a bite.

She drew her weapon once she knew it was clear, leaping to another tree. Ingrid took an arrow at random and aimed it at one of the creatures below, this one slow and steady. After carefully lining up the shot, she let the arrow fly. This one must have been a bit focused as her arrow landed into its center mass rather than its head. The poor thing would suffer in agony until it bled out, pinned to the ground. But Ingrid paid no mind at all, after all, it couldn't feel. Snakes were just emotionless killers.

[Harbertia]

Rolf let out a sigh of annoyance. How dare the woman who challenged his strength start giving him orders like a grunt in a military unit. But, Rolf complied and threw down his sword. He than started to help the men of the village gather torches while stomping on as many snakes as possible.

Three snakes reared their heads and pulled them back before lunging with a great hiss toward the now disarmed Rolf.

---

When the earthquake hit Ingrid staggered heavily, only being held by the old god's hand on her shoulder. It didn't feel normal at all-- at least, not normal in the sense of it being a natural occurrence in the area. Ingrid slipped away from the god, speaking to him as she reached the edge of the door. "I'll try to help anyone who needs it, can't be too difficult.." She proceeded to exit.

Immediately she noticed the collapsed buildings, the worst of them being some horse stables. Several people seemed to be injured, most of which were being directed to the inn, which received the least of the damage. Then she spotted the snakes.

There were dozens of them, at random intervals but abnormally frequent. Ingrid stomped on one immediately, recognizing it as poisonous almost immediately. It didn't take a genius if you lived in the woods long enough. She grabbed her bow and began jogging to the woods, these citizens seemed to be able to handle themselves, after all.

Once she was on the brink Ingrid had killed at least ten snakes, all of which weren't attacking her. And there was no doubt in her mind that they'd become instantly more difficult when the droves of them were bent on killing her. She stepped in, the normal forest sounds being drowned by hissing. Her best bet was to get higher ground, she'd be easy prey if she stayed on the ground. Slinging her bow, Ingrid climbed a tree to better avoid a bite.

She drew her weapon once she knew it was clear, leaping to another tree. Ingrid took an arrow at random and aimed it at one of the creatures below, this one slow and steady. After carefully lining up the shot, she let the arrow fly. This one must have been a bit focused as her arrow landed into its center mass rather than its head. The poor thing would suffer in agony until it bled out, pinned to the ground. But Ingrid paid no mind at all, after all, it couldn't feel. Snakes were just emotionless killers.

"Tthssss!" The serpent goddess twisted her attention behind her and hurriedly slithered towards the attack from the rear. "Eahhsss!" She darted into the trees looking around for the assailant expecting to find the senior god from earlier and give him a piece of her mind yet no aura could be seen. Her tongue kissed in the air as she took in the taste and scents. From partially in one of the trees she could gaze down upon a writhing form. A frown formed but lacking eyelids little else. "Eahhs."

[Whalestron]

Ingrid didn't notice Hsiss, at least not yet. She began climbing down from the tree, yanking her arrow out of the now dead snake. It wouldn't do to waste too many, especially if she'd need to escape later on. Ingrid began walking some more, careful to stay on the visible trail so she didn't take any bites to the ankles.

[Harbertia]

Ingrid didn't notice Hsiss, at least not yet. She began climbing down from the tree, yanking her arrow out of the now dead snake. It wouldn't do to waste too many, especially if she'd need to escape later on. Ingrid began walking some more, careful to stay on the visible trail so she didn't take any bites to the ankles.

Descending onto the great trail and into view was a simple matter. The serpent's eyes told nothing but a stare as looked the smaller being in the eyes, and flicked it's tongue. It's body trapped from the canopy to obstruct the path as the sound of nearby hissing escalated. Where she permitted Hsiss would have addressed the mortal before her, but such wasn't the senior gods will- she wasn't to reveal herself.

She wasn't- this mortal knew not what it was up against, and would tell no one of what it has seen- otherwise Hsiss would fail. A great serpent would be just the thing to tip belief in her favor. But it wasn't the will of the senior gods, and would not come to pass.

Such was the conviction of Hsiss. Who does she follow? Where is she from?

So many questions, so many conversation that could have been nagged at Hsiss who raised her head and extended great fangs the like of which where uncommon in the species she resembled. Her divine venom dripped and vaporized as it hit the ground with an acidic hisss.