[centre][color=f6989d][h1][center]Arae[/center][/h1][/color]
7MP | 17FP

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[img]https://i.imgur.com/FdjUbub.png[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/seSpAz9.png[/img]

[h3][color=f26522]M.P: 8    [b]|[/b]    F.P: 25[/color][/h3]
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[h1][color=darkorange]𝔖   𝔢   𝔦   𝔥   𝔡   𝔥   𝔞   𝔯   𝔞[/color][/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/UBk8Vyn.png[/img]

[hider=Seihdhara of the Red Hair | The Crimson Goddess | The Sanguine Protector]
Goddess of [i]Martial Combat[/i]
0 Might and 23 Freepoints[/hider][img]https://i.imgur.com/o5T6T0Q.png[/img][/centre]
[indent][sub]Time: The Day the Gods Came[/sub][/indent]

The soul of the fighting goddess was swift, but swifter yet was the furious familial cry of the pantheon's guardian goddess, Arae. The Seihdhara's living strand was not far when the goddess' soul stopped and looked behind her for a sign of the one that had called to her. She did not know why, but her sister had sounded somewhat angry. Seihdhara could not remember interacting with the goddess of the goddess of the family or giving her any reason to be angry with her, and so she was understandably confused. And on the horizon there came the fearsome shape of the dragon goddess, flying with speed and fury and causing heaven to shrink back and the seas to bow, fearful and humbled. Seihdhara’s searing soul stared at the goddess as she grew closer and closer, and when the huge dragon was not more than a hundred handspans away Seihdhara rushed towards it.

[colour=darkorange][i]What is it? Is something the matter? I got myself killed? Calm down![/i][/colour] Rayster’s clear panic and sense of urgency seemed to have found its way into Seihdhara also, and the goddess could not speak fast enough.

Arae decelerated in an instant upon reaching Seihdhara, but she did not quite realize what she was looking at, at first. She was sure her familial bond was still active, but Seihdhara herself was nowhere to be seen. There was just a glowing sphere. The familial bond had led her here, but all Arae saw was a glowing ball. Only when Seihdhara spoke did Arae realize what was going on. 

“[color=f6989d]Oh, Seihdhara, you fool! I should’ve realized it sooner. You’re still dead; this is just your soul![/color]” Arae groaned. This just created a new set of concerns for Arae to worry about. Though Arae could not see her facial expression, Seihdhara was somewhat taken aback by the goddess' words. “[color=f6989d]We have to get your body back, and… I-I don’t know, maybe someone can put your soul back in? Ugh, I knew I should’ve dragged your corpse back up from that lake of blood you left behind.[/color]” 

Arae sighed, then steeled herself. This was no time for dwelling on the past, but rather on the current issue at hand. Turning her full attention to Seihdhara, Arae said, “[color=f6989d]Ok, Seihdhara, you need to stay safe. I don’t know how vulnerable you are right now, but I am not about to take any chances here. You are to remain with me until we can get you up and alive again, ok? Don’t put yourself in more danger than you already are![/color]” Seihdhara frowned and scratched her brow in confusion and was about to object, but she quickly stopped herself. She was in no danger that she could fathom, but if Rayster wanted to help her out then that was kind enough. She was not entirely sure she enjoyed how the other goddess spoke to her but considered that it would be something to consider another time. Indeed, the manner in which most gods were treating her, now that she thought on it, was slightly bizarre. Brightening up regardless, she gestured at one of the islands below.

[colour=darkorange][i]Don’t worry yourself Rayster, I can sense the living strand down below. I don’t know what lake of blood you’re talking about, but if I can get to my living strand then it’ll be fine. I just know it! Come, let’s go.[/i][/colour] And with that, Seihdhara turned about and dashed down towards the small island where she knew the living strand was. As they descended, however, it became apparent that the island was burning and a huge fiery monstrosity was tearing everything apart and consuming just about anything. [colour=darkorange][i]That’s a big bird.[/i][/colour] Seihdhara noted, observing how it tore apart anything and everything in its vicinity with abandon. It was quite clearly feeding. Then realisation dawned. [colour=darkorange][i]We can’t let it eat the strand! Rayster! Quickly![/i][/colour] And in a panicked flurry Seihdhara rushed down to save her only remaining link with the physical world and her life beyond the Door. How she would be of any use in her ethereal form she did not know, but she knew she had to be reunited with it regardless.

[i][color=f6989d]Rayster? Is that supposed to be my nickname?[/color][/i] Arae thought to herself as she followed Seihdhara. It was a bit strange, but when Arae thought about it she realized that she actually liked it. She felt a little flutter of happiness inside her. It felt nice, getting a nickname. Seihdhara’s state of alarm, though, brought Arae back out of her thoughts. “[color=f6989d]Hair? Wha- hey, wait up![/color]” Arae said, following Seihdhara down to the flaming beast. Arae could sense it had Sartravius’ divine essence all over it, which was not much of a surprise there. She had hoped Sartravius was not going to cause too much trouble, but evidently that was hoping for too much. Still, if it was causing trouble, then all she needed to do was stop it. “[color=f6989d]Seihdhara, I’ll hold back this flaming creature. You do what you have to do,[/color]” Arae said, landing in front of the Phoenix and blocking its path. Seihdhara looked to her sister and, glancing with a small degree of worry at the firebird, nodded.
[colour=darkorange][i]Be careful though.[/i][/colour]

As the titanic Phoenix continued to devour the lush forest that covered the small island, it was completely unaware of the approaching goddesses heading towards its location. After all, the famished creature needed all the subsistence it could get before continuing on to the mainland. So when it looked up and noted a large serpentine creature blocking its path, it initially regarded at Arae with absolute confusion. In fact, the creature had no idea that this was a goddess at all. However, noting her rather aggressive stance, the Phoenix dropped the massive log in its mouth and issued an ear-piercing screech at the invader. In addition, it raised its massive wings up into the air in order to make itself appear more intimidating to its newly-found opponent. For every flap it initiated, gale-force winds billowed forth in an attempt to blow away this vile adversary, and chunks of rock and magma dripped from its crusted wings. 

As Rayster faced off against the huge firebird, Seihdhara’s soul rushed about searching for her living strand. It was not too difficult given the link she shared with the strand, but the screeching firebird flapping its wings and sending dust and rocks and cinders into the air was certainly not helping. Still, she searched with determination. Meanwhile, Arae dug her claws into the ground as the winds blew into her, enduring the force coming her way. The creature was an annoyance, but Arae was not going to just let it do what it wanted. It needed to be taught a lesson. She roared back at it, trying to intimidate it just as it sought to do to her. 

As soon as the Phoenix recognized that its intimidation tactics failed to disperse the rival monster, it quickly proceeded to change tactics. Already its body was glowing a hot crimson red - most prominently under its neck and belly - and fired a concentrated beam of extremely hot heat towards its opponent. As it continued firing, it slowly walked towards the goddess, where the heat would begin to grow even hotter as the source inched closer and closer to her.

Arae took to the sky, dodging the beams of heat as the Phoenix continued to follow her around. That looked rather painful to get hit by, and Arae decided it best to avoid such a thing. All that just meant, though, was that Arae had to get a bit serious herself. Looking down at the ground, Arae had an idea forming in her mind. She manipulated the ground below to mold itself around the Phoenix’s limbs and body in an attempt to hold it in place.

Once the beast found its right foot stuck in the ground, it ceased firing to assess the sudden turn of events. It attempted to get free, yet the dirt below seemed to mold into its feet, sucking them deeper into the ground like molten tar. The Phoenix began frantically trying to lodge itself free. Yet it did not need to. The intense heat radiated through its body - down towards its clawed talons themselves. Quickly the intense heat began to melt the surrounding ground, causing it to liquify and lose its solidity. And with a single flap of its wings, it rose into the sky with a strange grace. Yet the moment would not last as the beast suddenly unleashed its talons and swooped down to grapple the serpentine in its mighty claws. Once within its grasp, it attempted to peck at the downed serpent and get it within its gnarly beak.

As the firebird moved off to strike out at Rayster, Seihdhara suddenly spotted the living strand in the great fiery mess the firebird left in its immediate wake. Beside it was a small fire, but the strand seemed otherwise unharmed. Rushing towards the area, Seihdhara looked down at the strand which in turn was attempting to put out the small fire. On further inspection, Seihdhara realised that the fire was being fuel by- her face twisted in shock. It was the remains of her physical body! [colour=darkorange][i]Bloody hell, that’s not good,[/i][/colour] she muttered as she attempted to find a way to put the fire out. There did not seem to be any water in the vicinity - or at least not close enough to get it and be back swiftly enough. The sea was some distance away. She turned to the strand and issued a quick command. 

[colour=darkorange][i]Roll the body in the earth, quickly. Put it out.[/i][/colour] The great strand, swollen and glowing from exposure to the firebird’s heat, wrapped itself about the body and rolled it over from side to side in swift motions until the flames were out. Inspecting the body expecting ugly burns, Seihdhara was surprised to find that the remains of the body had merely taken on a deeper bronze hue. The cheeks of the corpse radiated heat and - Seihdhara rubbed her eyes - why, it looked almost alive! Her curiosity piqued, fighter goddess bent closer to examine the corpse, the godly battle happening mere handspans from here suddenly forgotten. But the shaking of the earth almost immediately pulled her back to reality and she realised, with urgency, that she needed to get her body and strand out of there. [colour=darkorange][i]Quickly! Let’s go![/i][/colour] She spoke to the strand again. Tightening itself about the glowing corpse, the living strand followed swiftly after Seihdhara’s soul and, safe in the air, watched as Rayster did battle with the firebird. Seihdhara’s eyes registered the combat and she frowned. It did not seem to be going in Rayster's favour at all. Then she spoke into her sister’s mind, offering what assistance she could in the moment.

[colour=darkorange][i]Rayster, use your body. Immobilise it using your longer form and constrict about it, then apply pressure. Its heat is great, but you are a goddess and will withstand. Once it is immobile, we may demand its submission and ask it why it is bringing about this destruction. Surely it can be reasoned with if it is an aspect of a god, as it seems to be.[/i][/colour]

Arae managed to grab one set of the firebird's claws with her own clawed hand, but the other managed to get a hold of her body. Its beak was rather painful as well, drops of godly ichor coming out of every hole being put into her. She was about to break free from its grasp when Seihdhara’s voice sounded in her mind. [i][color=f6989d]Constrict about it?[/color][/i] Arae thought to herself through the pain. She realized that her longer form could give her an advantage like this, and with few other options to try, she settled for this one. Grabbing hold of the Phoenix’s body with her other hand, Arae flexed her body around the Phoenix, attempting to wrap herself around it. The heat of its skin was burning, but as Seihdhara had said, Arae could withstand it. All she needed to do was force the creature back down to the ground.

Once it recognized its quarry attempting to wrap around its body, the Phoenix recognized that it was in trouble. While it did some considerable damage to Arae, it still seemed as though this creature yet had some fight left in her. And the fact that her constrictive capabilities were succeeding even as its skin continued to burn her moist scaly skin was deeply concerning. The pressure that she was applying began to tighten every second. Its breathing began to hasten, attempting to pump more molten ichor and adrenaline into its immense body. But the more it struggled - the more it continued fighting her - the more strength it began to lose. 

And soon enough, the Phoenix was forced to descend back onto the ground. Still it did not give up as it attempted to wiggle its way out and forced itself to raise its temperature even more. It also still attempted to peck at it to as far down as its available flexibility could take it. It would do anything just to get itself free from this tight situation. But as Seihdhara watched she knew that it was now merely a matter of time. Rayster had the bird in her grip and it may take an hour or it may take days, but the firebird would soon know sleep. Still, it was worrying how much it had managed to hurt Rayster before she constricted about him. The serpentine goddess would need a quick session in the basics of combat once Seihdhara had managed to get herself out of this situation - indeed, Rayster’s body gave her a number of extremely interesting advantages. She could become a truly lethal combatant if given the correct direction.

[colour=darkorange][i]Bird![/i][/colour] Seihdhara suddenly announced, [colour=darkorange][i]you have been trounced, so give it up before Rayster here gives you a pounding you’ll not soon forget! And while you’re at it, you have lot of explaining to do. Why have you been destroying things willy-nilly hmm? Who set you up to this?[/i][/colour] The flame-red soul appeared above the firebird’s head, along with the living strand and glowing corpse.

The Phoenix perked its head to notice a fiery round sphere announce herself to the struggling creature. Its movement ceased momentarily as it angrily listened to what the two beings wanted. They apparently wanted it to explain why it was here and what it was doing destroying stuff. And in fact they wanted to know who was actually responsible. The creature realized that it was a creation rather than a creator. It was silent for a moment, glaring at Seihdhara with its blazing yellow eyes. Then, the two goddesses would receive its voice within their heads.

[color=f26522][b][i]”I should ask you the same thing,”[/i][/b][/color] the Phoenix hissed in a deep raspy voice, [color=f26522][b][i]”Why have you both dared to disrupt my feast upon this insignificant patch of green?”[/i][/b][/color] Seihdhara glanced at Rayster. She was present here because Seihdhara had attracted her then enlisted her help. Seihdhara had come because she was searching for her living strand. This whole thing had come about because Seihdhara needed to get her living strand and this creature was in the way. But when Seihdhara thought on it, that was not the true reason they had interrupted the firebird, not really. Though circmstances had aligned to make it appear thus (even to herself had she not considered it), it was simply not the case.

[colour=darkorange][i]We stopped you because no one else did,[/i][/colour] the goddess said simply. [colour=darkorange][i]Your feasting has brought about chaos and destruction to a land that was sown and made virile by gods. Maybe in time your wanton destruction would not be a great thing and the land will recover, but in doing what you have done you have destroyed a fragile ecosystem that was not yet robust enough to recover. Or at least you would have had we not stopped you.[/i][/colour] She looked around, [colour=darkorange][i]As of now, there is yet hope for recovery. But if you keep going, then divine intervention will be required for life and virility to return. That is why, firebird. Now tell me who sent you, for my senses are dulled and I cannot know.[/i][/colour]

The fire beast audibly hissed back in response, rattling its body as it tried to get free in that moment before subsiding yet again. [color=f26522][b][i]”And why would it matter?”[/i][/b][/color] the Phoenix bluntly retorted, [color=f26522][b][i]”The way I see it, you two miserable creatures assaulted a being minding its own business! What have I done to you? In fact, I don’t even know who you two are! Let me go and I shall be on my way out of here.”[/i][/b][/color] Seihdhara smirked mischievously at the firebird’s words.

[colour=darkorange][i]Oh birdy birdy. Frustrated that we attacked you for no reason are you? And, in your words, what would it matter if we did? Had you been strong enough it wouldn’t. But you have proven weak and unable to protect yourself, and that’s why it matters. If it is your plan to attack creatures minding their own business as you have done, then prepare to be attacked also. The fox that feasts on the rabbit should not cry for justice when in time the eagle feeds on it. Now I asked you a question and you will answer me. We will release you as soon as we know who your master is and where we can find him.[/i][/colour] Seihdhara was already pretty certain that none other than Danglydong would create something like this. Her soul form was not able to sense anything much at all down here on Galbar, and Rayster seemed too preoccupied with keeping the firebird down to say much, but she could guess that much at least. What interested her truly was that this firebird’s heat had a strange strengthening effect on her corpse and on her living strand. If that was so, who knew what the heat of Danglydong himself could do - maybe it would even be enough to meld her soul back into her body! [colour=darkorange][i]Here let me see - you’re a big angry fiery creature out to destroy stuff. Your master’s Donglydong or I’m a three-headed harpie clucking in the rain. Am I right or am I right?[/i][/colour] She looked down at the firebird, smiling as it she watched it struggle uselessly and waiting on its response.

[color=f26522][b][i]”I don’t even know who you’re talking about!”[/i][/b][/color] the Phoenix replied in a more confused and frustrated tone, [color=f26522][b][i]”You will not get a single word from the mighty Phoenix! Not as long as Master Sartr allows~!”[/i][/b][/color]

He suddenly stopped his beak as he recognized his utter blunder. Seihdhara smiled down at the firebird knowingly.
[colour=darkorange][i]Whoopsies,[/i][/colour] she laughed, [colour=darkorange][i]plenty of heat from you, [b]Mighty Phoenix[/b], but you're not quite the brightest flame about. So I was right. Ol’ Danglydong it is! Now you should be a good bird and tell your auntie Seihdhara where your papa is hiding. I’m sure Danglydong will be very pleased with you when he finds out that you helped me find him - Danglydong and me go back you see. Good friends him and me.[/i][/colour]

The winged beast did not know the magnitude of whether or not it had to keep its master’s identity secret, but from the debriefing and what he wanted it to do, it sounded as though the less people knew about him the better. At this point, the creature’s divine ichor was beginning to boil and its skin began to grow even hotter than before. And with a newfound strength of adrenaline boiling through its crusty exterior, it used all of its kept up strength to suddenly break free of its entrapment and once again take to the skies with a mighty screech of pure rage.

[color=f26522][b][i]”You will not hear anything more from me!”[/i][/b][/color] it bellowed furiously, [color=f26522][b][i]”When Master Sartr finds out about you both interfering with my gracefulness, you will feel his mighty wrath grind your souls to ash! Now get away from me you miserable lot!”[/i][/b][/color]

With a powerful flap of its wings, the Phoenix made a full 180 turn before flying over the two figures with hurricane force winds as it continued on its way to the main continent. And hopefully it would not have to see these two troublemakers again… or at least for a while. For it would complete its master’s orders no matter the circumstances. Seihdhara stared after the firebird with pursed lips and a none-too-impressed expression. The bird seemed genuinely convinced that it could take on just about anything which was both funny and worrying. So long as it did not bump into Narzhak or some other particularly angry god it would be fine, Seihdhara thought. But then again, it was not too bright either so a particularly cunning god might be able to manipulate it somehow, which would not be great. Seihdhara did not know whether to sigh or laugh. In any case, it did not matter. A creature like that would not be able to get too far on a destruction spree before one god or another checked it.

[colour=darkorange][i]Alright Rayster, you heard that firebird. Danglydong is his master as I thought, and I reckon that big-sworded fellow might be able to help me with a thing or two. Where d'you think he’s hiding? I can’t sense him, or much else really.[/i][/colour]

Arae lay on her side, letting her belly cool down after all the heat it had endured. She never wanted to do that again. It made her remember how much she disliked combat, at least when it involved her. She may be an immortal goddess, but she still hated feeling pain. “[color=f6989d]You know, I could have told you myself that Dangly- I mean, [i]Sartravius[/i] was his master. Even if we didn’t sense his essence off his creation, it was fairly obvious given the various themes of fire and heat,[/color]” Arae said. “[color=f6989d]And if he’s not on Galbar, then he’s probably in his Sphere like most of us had been before moving to Galbar ourselves.[/color]”

“[color=f6989d]Speaking of Sartravius, we should probably send him a divine message about this,[/color]” Arae added. “[color=f6989d]He may not exactly take kindly to our fight with that fire bird of his.[/color]”

[colour=darkorange][i]Yeah, I know you coulda just told me, but it was funny watching him struggling in the belief that he was keeping some great secret,[/i][/colour] Seihdhara chuckled. [colour=darkorange][i]In truth I can’t sense much at all right now. I’ve no idea where Danglydong is or how to contact him - so it’s over to you if you want to help me out. Otherwise I reckon I could find him. Eventually. Probably.[/i][/colour]

“[color=f6989d]Hmm. In that case, I’ll message him,[/color]” Arae said. “[color=f6989d]And, uh, I’ve been meaning to say this, but… please, stop saying… ugh, [i]Danglydong[/i].[/color]” Seihdhara perked up at this, considered it, then giggled slightly.

On that note, Arae began her message, “[color=f6989d]Sartravius, if you have any spare time, please come over to Galbar. Seihdhara and I found your Phoenix creature, and it burned through quite a bit of land before we stopped it. Also, Seihdhara needs your help. She’s a little… [i]dead[/i], right now. If you could come, that’d be greatly appreciated. Thank you.[/color]” Turning her attention back to Seihdhara, Arae said, “[color=f6989d]Alright, I’ve sent him a message. Now it’s up to him whether he’ll show up.[/color]” Seihdhara nodded at this and looked about her at the destruction. Now they waited.

Within the depths of Muspellheim, the great fire god felt a great ripple of disturbance cross through his mind. Once again sitting within his boiling magma pool, Sartr found his peaceful thoughts about fire and destruction to be disturbed by a goddess’ message. They ran into his Phoenix creation? And he told them what master he served? At this point the fire god did not care for this - so long as Ashalla did not come knocking on his volcanic doorstep. He paused for a minute, thinking on the best plan of action, before responding to Arae.

[color=f26522][b][i]”HAH!"[/i][/b][/color] the fire god scoffed as he rubbed his arms with magma, [color=f26522][b][i]”YOU THINK YOU CAN COAX SARTR OUT THAT EASILY? DON’T HUMOR ME WITH SUCH FINATICS! IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO ME, THEN YOU WILL COME TO ME! MEET ME AT MUSPELLHEIM AND WE CAN DISCUSS MATTERS THERE."[/i][/b][/color]

Arae sighed, expecting as much from Sartr. It was quite unlikely it was going to be that easy, from what little she knew of Sartravius’s temperament. “[color=f6989d]Well, Seihdhara, he’s not coming out,[/color]” Arae said. “[color=f6989d]If we want to meet him, we’ll have to go to him. I’ll help you find the entrance to his Sphere.[/color]” Seihdhara nodded and the soul, along with the living strand dragging the corpse, leapt onto Rayster’s considerable back.

[colour=darkorange][i]I’m sure it’ll be simple enough. Just find some place frothing with all kinds of angry fiery stuff. If you fly high and fast it won’t be too long before we spot it. This is Danglydo- uh, Dong that we’re talking about.[/i][/colour] And so saying, the two goddesses set off. While Seihdhara was reliant solely on her soul's eyes, Arae had the advantage of being able to easily trace her brother’s divine trace and so flew swiftly in a generally north-westerly direction. And so it was not long at all before Seihdhara spotted a great pillar of thick smoke on the horizon. As they grew closer to the pillar, there emerged out of the sea an enormous mountain from whose pinnacle the dark plumes billowed. It was difficult to see from here, but it was immediately obvious to Seihdhara that the gateway to Sartravius’ domain was through this mountain. Seihdhara looked to her living strand as Rayster circled near the top of the mountain (but not quite close enough to be caught in the suffocating smoke) and, with a shout of thanks to the dragon goddess, leapt off her back and made for the mountain at speed. The living strand swiftly did the same, Seihdhara’s corpse in its grip.

As the living strand followed Seihdhara’s soul closer and closer to the mouth of the volcano it only grew in strength and speed, glowing all the brighter. Seihdhara paused at the mouth of the volcano, looking uncertainly behind her at the strand. But the living strand surprised her by leaping right on by her into the volcanic crater. Staring down after it and the corpse for a few moments, Seihdhara braced herself and leapt after them. 

[colour=darkorange][i]Here goes nothing.[/i][/colour]

[indent][hider=Summary]Seihdhara hears Arae and waits for her. The two speak briefly and Seihdhara manages to enlist the other goddess' help in finding her living strand. They descend to an island in the Eye of Desolation and find it being ravaged by the Phoenix. Seihdhara is worried the Phoenix might eat her living strand, and so Arae distracts the creature while Seihdhara searches. Eventually the strand is found and Arae manages to briefly immobilise the Phoenix. The Phoenix reveals that Sartr is its master, though such was obvious. The Phoenix escapes and Arae contacts Sartr on Seihdhara's behalf. He invites Seihdhara to his Sphere if she wishes to speak. They head to Mt Muspell and Seihdhara, along with her living strand and upper corpse, jump right in. Arae flies off, her job complete.[/hider][/indent]