[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/fTD5yRH.png[/img] & [img]https://i.imgur.com/ZIEBEyW.png[/img] [sub]God of Death, Prince of Astral Fires[/sub] & [color=Plum][h1]Laurien[/h1][/color] [/center] [hr] Night had fallen upon the island, painting the landscape in shades of black, dotted with the faint glows of light here and there. The jungle buzzed with the chorus of the nocturnal, for night was but their domain and they kept an ever vigil watch. In the clearing that stood as a testament to growth, plants were ready for harvest, and flowers like the color of rainbow slept under the Lustrous Garden’s eye. Nothing disturbed that place, not anymore. Across the clearing, over fallen trees, sat the house that Orvus had built. One small light flickered within, before it too, slept. Not long after, Orvus exited the house, Laurien in tow. Their feet never making a sound upon the mahogany steps. The pair wandered off into the jungle, past a newly filled hole, and disappeared into the undergrowth. [hr] [color=plum]”Do you think Silver has good dreams?”[/color] Laurien asked as she followed her father through the undergrowth. She had grown fond of Silver as the days passed, growing closer to the small red-head out of desire and fascination. Silver and her father had taught her a great deal of the world and what to expect, but as she had quickly found out, there was always going to be more to learn. It was never ending. [color=black]”Yes,”[/color] came Orvus’ voice from up ahead, [color=black]”I have no doubt that she has the best of dreams. She deserves nothing less, Laurien.”[/color] [color=plum]”Mhmm,”[/color] she hummed, [color=plum]”That’s good to hear. She sure does sleep a lot doesn’t she? Just wasting away the nights like it’s nothing. That’s no fun.”[/color] Laurien mused aloud. [color=black]”Different mortals require different amounts of sleep. Silver is no exception to this, like you are.”[/color] Orvus stated. Laurien stretched her arms and said, [color=plum]”Yeah. I suppose that’s true. I just wish she’d stay up a bit later. Maybe then we could watch the stars together. That’d be nice.”[/color] [color=black]”Under a night sky, anything is possible.”[/color] Orvus said cryptically. Laurien frowned at his words. She didn’t know what she was expecting from her father, but it wasn’t veiled words. Things went a lot smoother when people were just honest with that they meant, how they acted, and what they felt. And she hardly even knew people. The tall girl bent down to avoid a tree limb and sighed, [color=plum]”So, where are we going exactly? You never did tell me, and don’t just say,”[/color] she imitated Orvus’ voice, [color=plum]”[i]You’ll see.[/i]”[/color] She then grumbled, [color=plum]”You always say that.”[/color] [color=black]”We will get there, when we get there.”[/color] Came her father’s reply, and Laurien, if she could, rolled her eyes. Their trek through the dark jungle seemed to go on for hours before the trees began to thin out, and the vegetation grew sparsely as dirt gave way to rock, then sand. Water lapped in the distance as they broke through the final trees, coming face to face with a large stretch of beach. The sand here was unnaturally dark, streaked with white and in the light of the Lustrous Garden, the beach seemed to absorb the light. Laurien watched as Orvus trekked out onto the sand, before him stood something strange, she couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Orvus then turned back to her and said, [color=black]”Come now child, are you afraid of the sand?”[/color] he said in jest. Laurien scowled at him, and began to walk. The feeling was like any other sandy beach, but strangely cold. [color=plum]”Afraid? Hardly, I’m simply wondering why you’ve brought me here.”[/color] Laurien said proudly. [color=black]”Look and you shall see.”[/color] Orvus said, raising a finger towards the object while still looking at Laurien. Her vision snapped to the objects, and as they became clearer she could begin to make them out. A large garment of some sort was draped over a spire, at the base was a lightsource. [color=black]”Gifts for you, Laurien.”[/color] Orvus said, placing a hand upon upon the garment, where he then pulled to reveal a a sword of orvium. Her eyes went wide as she took in the gift. Orvus then knelt, and picked up the ‘lightsource’ which happened to be a beautiful dagger, whose blade was ethereal stars, but molded to a sharp point. Orvus held it out to her, and she took it gladly, the metal cold in her hand. Orvus then displayed the garment, it to being dark and shining with stars, as Laurien twirled the dagger in her hand. [color=black]”A sword. A dagger. And a cloak.”[/color] Orvus said, [color=black]”The cloak to wear, providing comfort in night’s embrace. A dagger to wield, the soul it shears. A sword’s twin, great and devastating. But this is not all.”[/color] Orvus said, as he helped Laurien into the cloak. [color=plum]”What more could you possible give me?”[/color] Laurien said flabbergasted. The gifts, a god’s gifts, were wonderful to behold. Their beauty could be appreciated by all, and at the same time, they were powerful relics. [color=black]”A choice. I have one more power to give, but it is up to you to decide.”[/color] Orvus said, moving to stand in front of Laurien as she gripped the sword’s handle within her right hand, finding the fit to be perfect. She then looked at Orvus, their gazes meeting. [color=black]”The power to halt Soul Decay. The type of decay that has been brought into the world unnaturally. The withering that I have brought to Galbar.”[/color] he said sadly, his voice full of remorse. Laurien held his gaze, but furrowed her brow. [color=plum]”Father… What do you mean ‘you brought’?”[/color] she asked. [color=black]”I shall show you.”[/color] he said, outstretching his palm towards her. [color=black]”Place your finger within my hand, if you would.”[/color] he said softly. Laurien almost hesitated, but slowly she outstretched her finger, and at the moment of contact, her vision blurred. Before her came images of a giant monstrosity, a leviathan angler. How did she know that name? Next came a tree in a place of twilight, the Mar tree and its fruit of temptation. Then flashed creatures of dark beauty, the Reaper Mothers, Ansara and Azadine. Then a brief image of herself holding the dagger. Then her vision returned, her breathing heavy and her head pounding. But she knew what all of those images had in common, they decayed souls. With short quick breaths Laurien said, [color=plum]”Why? Did you. Create. All of that?”[/color] Orvus let his hand drop to his side, [color=black]”I created them because I should be hated and despised. Not loved, or thought of as a friend, or even a father. I have done evil, terrible things, Laurien. But there are two beings I managed to do alright with. You and Arya.”[/color] the god said somber tones. [color=black]”I am trying to rectify these mistakes, Laurien, to the best of what I am capable. So I ask, will you take this gift onto yourself and help those that are worthy enough to be saved?”[/color] Laurien blinked, digesting what her father said. It was a lot to take in and even she wasn’t sure of what to do. She pursed her lips, furrowing her brow even more as she contemplated. Her father had done terrible things, yet there he stood, giving her gifts and treating her with respect. Was it a cry for help, in his own way? Or maybe, he was changing for the better. Laurien had never seen what he was like before the moment of her arrival, but if those images were anything to go on, he would have been a challenge. She let out a soft sigh, before saying, [color=plum]”Very well, but only for those I say.”[/color] she said, closing her eyes. She felt a warm feeling rush into her, that quickly silenced to cold, before abating altogether. She opened her eyes, looking at Orvus. [color=black]”It is done, Laurien.”[/color] Orvus said, [color=black]”Now, I have but one more thing to ask.”[/color] he said, [color=black]”Will you go and find your sister?”[/color] Laurien began to smile. She had learned much about Arya, or what little Orvus knew of her. She was small, much smaller then she was, but had a heart bigger and brighter than any Orvus knew. She felt a connection already, it was hard to explain, but she [i]needed[/i] to see her. [color=plum]”That sounds exciting!”[/color] she said enthusiastically, before frowning, [color=plum]”That means I’ll leave you and Silver though.”[/color] [color=black]”There is no easy paths in life, daughter. Finding Arya is no simple task, for I know not where she even is. But for one such as you, I think you able.”[/color] Orvus said. [color=plum]”I’ll do it.”[/color] she said, [color=plum]”But first, I’m going to say goodbye to Silver.”[/color] [color=black]”Of course, you may leave whenever you like, and when you find Arya, tell her I wish to speak with her, tell her, that even if she never wants to see me again, that I am sorry for what I did. Please.”[/color] Orvus said sadly. Taken slightly aback by the outpouring of emotions, Laurien blinked before saying, [color=plum]”I… Of course, Father. I’ll let her know.”[/color] she said stoutly. Orvus nodded, [color=black]”Thank you, Laurien. I know I do not deserve it. Now, shall we retur-”[/color] his voice dropped suddenly as he turned away to look at the horizon. Laurien followed his gaze, and asked, [color=plum]”What is it father?”[/color] Orvus did not speak for several moments, then when there was bit the faintest hint of red in the night sky, he said, [color=black]”We are not alone.”[/color] [hr] Here, a verdant carpet of green that sprawled across the land, over there mountains...a beautiful tapestry of creation was sprawled out across the canvas below him, but the mournful god paid it little heed. It was just a blur as he raced across a night sky, a single nameless and formless companion in tow. He raced, faster and faster, trying in vain to defy the weight of the burdens that plagued him now. Since leaving Kalmar he had intended to bear witness to the beauty of Galbar, but instead he was trapped in his mind as he ruminated over what he had learned. This was the same prison that he found himself locked in when he gazed into the depths of the pyres above and fell into years, nay, aeons of meditative trances. At least this time there was a change in the scenery of the physical world that was just out of reach, inches beyond the bars of this cage he’d wrought around himself. There were many things that plagued his mind. The thoughts circled around him and brayed, like a pack of ravenous wolves, and if he ever tried to counter or push back one, it would merely circle around to the recess at the back of his mind whilst another one rushed to the forefront to continue the unyielding assault. There was some regret at the fate that had befallen Melantha, and doubt over whether he should have taught her what she sought, and further doubt over whether he was right to reveal her motivations and intentions to Kalmar. In the moment he had been dubious about violating the privacy of what had been her innermost thoughts and he knew that he should have remained silent, and yet some foolish part of him had wanted to [i]help[/i] and reveal all. So he’d taken some worthless and futile half-measure, revealing the truth to Kalmar but in such a way as to make it seem as though it were only speculation… ...and Kalmar had warned him of Asceal’s own feelings and words. [i]Mad,[/i] she had called him. It cut at him deeper than any could know. Surely her intentions were not so grim as Kalmar had thought, and her opinions not so extreme, for Kalmar was clearly one with a mind that dwelled in a realm of absolutes… ...yet even Kalmar had winced at the details of the fate of the dead, and pleaded for mercy and for him to do what he could to assuage the suffering of the souls. He was right, of course. That there were now naught but animal souls entering his realm had allowed him to justify leaving, coming down to Galbar now that there were none whose minds were capable of appreciating any kindness or feeling any gratitude that he would be there to escort them to the end. But they could still feel pain, and so by all rights, he should have remained where he was and taken action to resolve that, not ventured down here. [i]Kalmar summoned me to speak in person.[/i] [b]But I could have refused him, for the sake of my duty.[/b] And with that, Katharsos almost made the fateful decision to return to his sphere right then and amend what mistakes he could, but then his mind flickered to the next mistake; this one was more substantial than the others, for he carried it quite literally. The soul that he had created by mistake back there, in Kalgrun--what was he to do with it? To destroy and recycle it before it had even had the chance to experience life seemed profoundly wrong, unjustifiably evil. The thought of forcing it into some ill-fitting corpse or other form was so profane that it didn’t even cross the god’s mind, and the idea of abandoning it to a pointless life of wandering and misery was nearly so horrific. He would have to create some sort of body for it, though he knew not how. It was a large and great soul, one with potential, one that could never be contained in something so small and simple as the likes of the soul oysters. And even those creatures had been created almost entirely by Ashalla, for Katharsos knew that his own touch was fire and death and that it was best that...best that life never spring from it. The living were not his concern, creating life not his task, living not even his-- [color=black]”Katharsos!”[/color] came a layered voice that resonated in the very air, yet Katharsos was so deep into that reverie that for a moment he thought that the all too [i]real[/i] (albeit unfamiliar) voice to be yet another one of his own, nagging at him and braying its way closer to the forefront. It almost blended in perfectly to the point that he didn’t even register its presence, just accepted it as one might accept the soothing hum of insects at dusk. But then came an unmistakable body, matching the speed that Katharsos flew, against the backdrop of night. Two white eyes, glowing eyes, peered at the God of Death, as Orvus flew alongside him. This was enough to elicit some surprise and attention. The god spoke again, his voice softer and more composed, [color=black]”Katharsos. Might you stop for a moment? I don’t believe we’ve met, after all.”[/color] It took only an instant for the streak of fire lighting the sky to come to a violent stop. Disheveled fire coalesced slowly into the likeness of a bat’s visage, but even as it was only halfway formed the words started to pour forth, [color=goldenrod][i]”Greetings, Orvus. Please take no offense in my nearly passing you by, for I was distracted and meant you no slight.”[/i][/color] There was something else with Katharsos--that strange little soul he’d been dragging about since his encounter with Kalmar days prior--but with no more than a thought, the deathly god drew that entity in close and tucked it away somewhere behind the glare of his own incandescence. Orvus said nothing for a moment as the two ground to a halt. Rather, he inspected what he saw before him with emotionless eyes. Katharsos took an odd appearance, unlike the siblings he had met with so far, but his looks were of little concern. Curiously, Orvus did spot a soul quickly tucked away, but said nothing about it. Instead, Orvus said, [color=black]”There is no need to apologize.”[/color] Before beginning to fly around Katharsos, taking in the full extent of his bending and flickering likeness. [color=black]”In fact, I’m hardly offended. Simply curious. I think it odd, how we Celestials seem to be drawn to Galbar. Like insects attracted to lights.”[/color] Orvus whispered, before coming to a halt before Katharsos’ burning gaze. [color=black]”So, what light attracted you here?”[/color] [color=goldenrod]”I was summoned not by a light, but by a voice,”[/color] he answered. His voice was more powerful now that the bat’s odd visage was complete. [color=goldenrod]”The one called Kalmar requested my presence, so I set aside my sacred charge for a time and came. The curiosity that you spoke of is what has kept me here longer.”[/color] Orvus began to nod, [color=black]”It seems Kalmar did not stop at summoning me, then. But our talk was not like your own, I’m sure.”[/color] the god paused and squinted his eyes at Katharsos, [color=black]”And pray tell, Katharsos. What exactly is your ‘sacred charge’? I know you to be the God of Death, but what does death do when the living die? I have seen the Great Pyres above Veradax and I have witnessed the soul ash in its descent. Is that what became of all those souls who came with us here? Burned to but ash?”[/color] he said emotionlessly. [color=goldenrod]”Naught but ash and memory. Your estimation is true: mine is to preside over the burnings. Just as you must preside over…”[/color] Katharsos squinted for a moment then, searching for words, [color=goldenrod]”another sort of unmaking.”[/color] [color=black]”Unmaking, how kind of you.”[/color] Orvus mused, crossing his arms. [color=black]”You can say it, I do not mind. Long have I struggled and struggle I will continue to do with my choice.”[/color] he said absentmindedly before focusing on the bat head before him. [color=black]”I reside over desolation itself and now, the decaying of the soul. If what you say is true, and I have no doubt that it is, then when the living die they burn to be renewed? Hmm, it seems my promise will have to be broken. Oh well.”[/color] [color=goldenrod]”Is a mountain ‘renewed’ when the wind and waves grind it to dust and scatter the remnants across across the world? There is no renewal for souls, only recycling. There is no choice, either; only an illusion of it. You, like myself and all the rest of us, are a product of circumstance. I would not presume to judge you for anything.”[/color] Orvus bowed his head a little as he thought upon Katharsos’ words. [color=black]”I understand.”[/color] he said looking up at the head, [color=black]”Your task is a grim one, but necessary. I will not judge you for it. But dear Katharsos, I will say this and no more of the subject; I once thought that there was no choice either, perhaps I still do, but even we can learn and grow to make new ones. If the mortals have taught me anything so far, it is that they value choice for themselves and if they have such thoughts, why cannot we? Come, I would like to show you something.”[/color] Orvus said, before flying off in the direction of distant land. A river of orange fire reluctantly followed across the sky in his wake. After but a moment for the two, they arrived upon a blackened beach to a lonely figure wrapped in a flowing cloak. Orvus landed aside the figure and beckoned to Katharsos, [color=black]”Katharsos, I would like you to meet one of my daughters, Laurien. Against my own nature, I gave her life and she is… perfect.”[/color] At the mentioning of her name, the tall woman put her hood down and looked up in wonder at Katharsos. After a moment she gave a small bow and said, [color=plum]”Never did I think I would meet another God, or at least a full god. It is an honor to meet you, Katharsos.”[/color] came her strong voice. [color=goldenrod]”All things have their chance to meet me, eventually.”[/color] The meaning of those cryptic words probably evaded her, he realized an instant later, but he made no attempt to explain or bridge the difference. Instead he kept himself at a safe distance, ever mindful of the effect that his proximity caused. But she was not ignored! His fiery eyes searched her up and down, finding the answers to all the hundreds of questions that the god had wondered and yet hadn’t needed to ask. Laurien held her gaze upon Katharsos as the god seemed to bore into her soul. Orvus in the meantime looked back and forth, wondering what the silent exchange held. Then Laurien spoke with a smirk upon her lips, [color=plum]”Shall I take me cloak off so that you might have a better look, Katharsos?”[/color] she said slyly. Orvus then sighed mentally and waited to see how the god might react to such a question. The color of Katharsos’ flames didn’t even blush or pulsate. [color=goldenrod]”It would make no difference. Clothing hides nothing and is intangible before our sight. But I do hope that my gaze was not distressing.”[/color] Now he addressed Orvus, [color=goldenrod]”So you believe that her existence, or her mannerisms, indicate the presence of choice? Of free will?”[/color] Laurien snickered to herself but said nothing else as she watched the two Gods. Orvus stood a little taller as Katharsos asked his question and then said, [color=black]”I do. I did not tell her what to say, or what to ask, she simply did so by reacting to your very own presence. Surely you did not think that we could not create life with higher functioning? I once thought the same way, until Arya came. Now I know better.”[/color] As he was wont to sometimes do, Katharsos fell silent for a long time. Neither Laurien nor Orvus said anything as they waited to hear what he might say. Finally, he spoke again, [color=goldenrod]”I do not think you understood, but don’t allow my musings to trouble you. It is good that you feel something beyond a simple purpose.”[/color] [color=black]”What do I not understand?”[/color] Orvus replied softly, [color=black]”What is it that you allude to?”[/color] he asked. The flames woven into the bat’s face bent and grew just a little bit paler and darker. [color=goldenrod]”In many cases, knowledge does not bring happiness,”[/color] he cautioned. [color=black]”That may be true,”[/color] Orvus said, [color=black]”But I am willing to learn what you think, regardless of the outcome.”[/color] Though his face remained pointed at Orvus, his eyes bent in strange ways to peer sideways through their fiery sockets and give Laurien a lingering glance. [i]’And her?’[/i] they asked. Orvus followed his odd gaze, and found his way to Laurien, who had an inquisitive look upon her face. [color=black]”Laurien? Would you like to stay or leave?”[/color] She shifted her feet and looked at Katharsos and said, [color=plum]”I’ll stay.”[/color] So then Katharsos looked right at her again. [color=goldenrod]”I hope that you find serendipity and that you live a good life, and that regret and misfortune never plague you. But I do not think that you actually have free will or any choice in the matter. You are a product of your circumstances and will forever be so. Events beyond your control will present themselves, and you will react according to your nature and your past experiences. Were there to be a mirror so grand that its reflections were as real as the likenesses that they copied and mocked, and were that mirror to create another world just like this one, you would act in every way the exact same. I think that freedom is only an illusion.”[/color] Then to Orvus, he concluded, [color=goldenrod]”And the same can be said for you and I. For all things. It is why I do not judge.”[/color] It was not Orvus who spoke first, but Laurien- who shook her head, [color=plum]”I thank you for your words, but I also find what you say to be… sad. I am sorry you feel that way, truly, I think my father would say the same. If you truly believe that everything we have done, and will do, is predetermined without any free will or choice, then I pity you. You will never be able to live if you are shackled by such weights, but who am I to say such things? I am merely a mortal, talking to a god.”[/color] she finished softly. She didn’t perturb him. [color=goldenrod]”Live? You know my name, but do you not know [b]who[/b] I am?”[/color] Somehow the bat betrayed the slightest hint of amusement. [color=goldenrod]”I never lived in the sense that you imagine it. Not here, and not before. But I must concern myself with death, not life. I never said that your life was meaningless. Find what joys you can, for there will be no more to have afterward.”[/color] Laurien shook her head again, [color=plum]”Have you even tried to live? Without life there can be no death. You tell me that I should find what joy I can, but what of yourself? If you are so concerned with death then how can you tell me to live? Do you have any idea what life there is in the world? I have been alive for such a short time, and already I am full of wonder and joy at the smallest of lizards, to the largest of trees. You seem so set upon what is, without even knowing what’s out there.”[/color] she said, a hint of anger in her voice. By that point, Orvus had set his hand upon her shoulder, and gave her a concerned look before turning back to Katharsos, but he said nothing. The bat visage warped into that of a smiling dog. [color=goldenrod]”You have passion and heart, a vibrancy that reminds me of...another. Do not waste it on concern for me. I have my duties to give me purpose, and that is enough. But I too have been looking at the lizards and trees, little one, and I too feel some joy from their existence.”[/color] Laurien smiled at the dog and said, [color=plum]”I am glad that you have, uncle. I will respect your wishes, but know I will think of you from time to time. Maybe I’ll even pray.”[/color] she giggled, before falling silent. The dog’s smile drooped, almost imperceptibly so, at the mention of prayer, but he too remained silent. He was content with only the quiet sounds of the land around them. It was Orvus who finally broke the silence. [color=black]”Well, that was very enlightening Katharsos. Thank you for that.”[/color] he mused before continuing with, [color=black]”I have been meaning to ask you, when we first met, you had a soul with you. Why?”[/color] Whatever remained of the dog’s ephemeral smile vanished at that question. The god of death was quiet while his flames displayed a range of muddied colors. Somewhere amidst the long silence, Katharsos procured the soul in question and looked at it again. [color=goldenrod]”It is a mistake, the product of an accident on my part,”[/color] he finally confessed. [color=goldenrod]”Behold a soul formed without a body. It will not be able to find one, it...will not be able to live. And yet to burn it back into ash so soon seems a horrific waste and far too cruel. I do not yet know what to do; I was contemplating that when you first called out to me.”[/color] Orvus squinted at Katharsos in confusion. After a moment of this, Orvus said, [color=black]”Nothing is ever an accident, Katharsos. Why do you not simply give it a body? That seems the only logical thing to do, if you wish it not to burn.”[/color] Orvus then unfolded his arms, and let them fall to his side as he shifted his feet. [color=goldenrod]”When new life arises, a soul forms within its body. The reverse is most unnatural.”[/color] Orvus nodded, [color=black]”That is correct, but the opposite, no matter how unnatural, can still be done. It is within our power, after all.”[/color] he said flatly. And it had been a long time since Katharsos had been at such a loss, and the chromatic display of fire illustrated his racing thoughts quite readily. He fell quiet for several minutes, but to their disappointment, he shattered the silence by declaring, [color=goldenrod]”I do not feel it to be my place to commit such an act. I think...I think that perhaps this one should exist outside of life and death, just like myself.”[/color] A soft look crossed Orvus’ face as he spoke, [color=black]”Katharsos, it matters not what it becomes. If it breathes, eats, and sleeps or if it does none of those things. All you need to do is give it a purpose. It’s that easy.”[/color] he finished softly. [color=goldenrod]”Is it?”[/color] Ultimately the question seemed an uncharacteristically facetious one. Katharsos didn’t wait long enough to receive an answer, he simply opened the mouth of his fiery head and [i]blew.[/i] A wave of heat and ash blasted outward, but this was no mere bellow’s breath. The ash was soul ash, awakened and stirred from its sleep as it drifted dormant. The raw soul ash and the heat struck the soul, wreathed it, became one with it. And soon there was a smaller fiery being not so different from its maker. Laurien was unmoving upon where she stood, but the woman did grip her sword tighter as she saw the creature come forth. As Orvus watched, he cocked his head but nevertheless, his expression became blank. Soon enough he said, [color=black]”Well done.”[/color] [color=goldenrod]”It shares in my dissatisfaction. It has intelligence, but lacks in a name and a purpose.”[/color] [color=black]”You must be the one to give it such things, Katharsos. Else others do for you. Unless, that is what you wish?”[/color] Orvus inquired. [color=goldenrod]”This task is mine, but to bestow a calling upon it, I must first find a worthy purpose.”[/color] [color=black]”And what purpose might that be? You have many options, depending upon your view of the creature.”[/color] Orvus stated. [color=goldenrod]”Many options? And what are these charges that you might entrust unto it, were you in my position?”[/color] At this Orvus thought for a moment before saying, [color=black]”If I were the God of Death, and had a sphere so vital, I could entrust it with protecting the Pyres. Or I could give it the task of seeing that life, upon death, completes its journey to the Pyres. I could have it safeguard an area of my choosing, or have it wander the world making sure the cycle is undisturbed. These are but a few options I can think of, Katharsos.”[/color] he finished. Laurien by this point, had loosened her grip upon the sword entrusted to her, and now instead spun the soul knife in her hand as she watched the two gods debate. [color=goldenrod]”All far too great a burden to lay upon one soul. But this one needn’t be alone.”[/color] A clump of soul ash manifested nearby, and once again Katharsos subjected a mote to his crushing grip and forged it into a great soul. Once more he used his breath to give a soul form, and now there were [i]two[/i] fiery spirits beside their maker. [color=goldenrod]”The last one of those suggestions appealed to me, Orvus--I cannot, and will not, wander across Galbar often or for long. But others can, and they can ensure that all continues as it should.”[/color] He looked at the elder one. [color=goldenrod][b]”Balam,”[/b][/color] he named it, and the likeness of a snarling jaguar took shape somewhere within the soul’s fiery shape. Then he looked to its brother to declare a second name, [color=goldenrod][b]”...and Zotz.”[/b][/color] That one manifested with the familiar face of a bat. Laurien turned to Orvus and gave him a funny look, and Orvus seemed to smirk for an instant, before returning to his blank expression. He then looked to Katharsos and said, [color=black]”I am glad to be of some assistance then. They seem to be… fine creatures.”[/color] and then an idea came to mind, [color=black]”Perhaps I can be of more assistance and help you create more?”[/color] [color=goldenrod]”Yes,”[/color] he breathed. [color=goldenrod]”My gratitude would be immense. It occurs to me that I should have an intermediary, and I think that Balam would be well suited for this. Zotz and...another partner could roam Galbar and ensure that all is well.”[/color] [color=black]”Then pick which you would rather have. Desolation, or Soul Decay and I shall lend my hand.”[/color] Orvus said. [color=goldenrod]”I would have one that understands souls and is attuned to their decay, better than Zotz or perhaps even myself. Such an affinity would prove very useful.”[/color] [color=black]”Very well. Let us begin.”[/color] Orvus said as he outstretched his hand. Katharsos had neither hands nor limbs nor even flesh with which to match the gesture, so instead he concentrated and conjured another soul just above Orvus’ expectant palm. When he saw the soul, he began to pour into it the intricate process of how the soul decays and from this, it grew. Katharsos’ long breath fell upon the nascent soul, and then there remained only one thing to do. [color=goldenrod]”Ku,”[/color] he named it, and its face was one of jest and mockery. He was a laughing, happy monkey. But his eyes were black voids that hid the true extent of what the spirit knew. [color=black]”It is done then.”[/color] Orvus said, [color=black]”Ku shall serve his purpose well, with all the knowledge I have gathered and more, now at his disposal. Laurien has a similar gift. Now, if at all you ever need more, simply ask and I shall help.”[/color] he finished with a nod. Laurien then said, [color=plum]”To do what you both just did, and to make it look so easy… I am amazed. To create just like that… it’s a miracle if I’ve ever seen one.”[/color] she said dumbfounded. [color=goldenrod]”You indeed witness a rare thing,”[/color] Katharsos told her. [color=goldenrod]”Slow but sure moves the might of the gods. It is rare, and taxing, to be suddenly stricken by such inspiration.”[/color] The soul ash all around slowly came to life, forming a far larger (yet spraser) cloud than those that had become Zotz and Ku. Grey flecks of ash manifested like snow, but these strange snowflakes didn’t fall. Instead they bled, tiny tiny black motes breaking free from the grey before those flakes of ash vanished and became ethereal once more. All of those wretched [i]impurities[/i] drifted to converge at one point, and there Katharsos finally forced them together. They was a flash of white light, and then where the impurities had been floated only an ebony pearl so beautiful and lustrous that its unmarred surface scintillated with the light of the stars as brilliantly as any diamond ever could. A pendant readily formed about the stone, as did a tiny cord of black thread. His words might have struggled to convey to Laurien the meaning of what she’d seen, but perhaps she would one day know. And he felt tired now, so tired. So he offered it to her plainly and whispered, [color=goldenrod][i]”A gift. Look to it when all seems lost, and know that beauty and perfection hide within the muck.”[/i][/color] Laurien’s eyes went wide with awe as she took the pendant within her hand. It was a beautiful gift and one she would treasure always. As she placed it around her neck, feeling the coolness of the pearl upon her skin, her lips formed into a smile. Next she looked up at Katharsos and said, [color=plum]”Thank you Katharsos, it’s so beautiful. You flatter a girl with such a fine gift, but I will treasure it always.”[/color] she said happily. Orvus gave a nod of approval at Katharsos than said, [color=black]”This was enlightening Katharsos, and I think we both got something out of this exchange. Not to be rude, but we should be going now. We have… Someone to check up on, and I do not wish to keep you any longer from your travels. Until next time, Katharsos.”[/color] Orvus said before turning to Laurien. The girl then said, [color=plum]”It was nice meeting you, God of Death. Also not to be rude, but I hope I don’t see you for a long time… If you know what I mean.”[/color] she said with a giggle. [color=plum]”I’d hate to die so soon. But for now, I bid you a very fond farewell.”[/color] she said giving a little bow. [color=goldenrod]”Farewell,”[/color] was his simple goodbye. AS they began to take their leave, his eyes wandered to the patient (at least, thus far) forms of the first of what might one day be his many eyes and hands. [hider=Summarino] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/gr1iK13.png[/img][/center] It’s time for Laurien to leave the nest. She’s given the power to reverse or accelerate soul decay, to a limited extent. She’s also given several gifts, and the purpose of finding her sister Arya. Orvus then notices Katharsos, who is flying very fast and trapped inside his head worrying about things as usual. Eventually Orvus gets his attention and they finally meet. It turns out that Katharsos is something of a determinist and to a lesser extent a nihilist (who would have guessed?) but at least he’s nice to Laurien even after she weirdly tries to flirt with him. Somewhere along the lines, Orvus inspires Katharsos to realize a purpose for that strange soul he’d accidentally created back when he was with Kalmar. The soul is given the name Balam, the form of a fiery jaguar, and it’s a spirit of extraordinary power that Katharsos intends to leave on Galbar as a guardian of sorts. Two more like Balam are created: a bat-like spirit named Zotz, and the monkey-like Ku. Notably Ku is made with Orvus’ help and shares Laurien’s affinity for sensing and/or manipulating a soul’s state of decay. Then it’s time for Orvus and Laurien to go. Katharsos leaves Laurien with a black pearl necklace as a parting gift. The trinket carries some sentimental value, but it doesn’t seem to have any magical properties or powers beyond its exceptional beauty. [/hider] [hider=Might Expenditure] Orvus; Started With: 5MP & 4FP -5MP to Claim the Soul Decay Portfolio -2FP for the Soul Decay ability. (Enhanced with the soul decay port) Laurien can both reverse the process of supernatural affliction upon souls(EX. Reaper induced decay. A being affected by a Mar Mote. etc), or inflict Stellar Decay if she so desires. She cannot halt the natural process of soul decay, it is beyond her ability. -1MP(Discounted to Zero through Soul Decay Port) For a Soul Dagger. Its handle is of black orvium, while the blade is comprised of ethereal star light, like an enormous, swirling galaxy. The dagger passes through organic material as if it doesn’t exist, targeting the soul. Such damage causes Stellar(soul) decay on varying levels, usually minor unless repeatedly cut. This dagger can be blocked by anything inorganic, such as metal. It has no effect on soulless creatures. (The dagger blade is around 16in/40cm in length, while the handle is 8in/20cm in length. At no point does the blade exceed 3in/8cm in width.) -1MP (Discounted to Zero through the Desolation Port) For another Desolate Sword. -1MP (Discounted to Zero through Soul Decay Port) For a star light cloak. Naturally enhances soul decay abilities. This cloak seems to me made out of a shadowy material, riddled with numerous small pin pricks of light, turning the wearer into a living galaxy. It is practically invisible on a clear, night sky. -1MP (Discounted to Zero through the Soul Decay Port) to help Katharsos create ‘Ku’ Ended With: 0MP & 0FP Portfolios: 10/10FP Towards Asteroids Unlock > Not Purchased [u]Katharsos;[/u] Started With: 14MP & 16FP -2FP to create Balam, a single entity of extraordinary power -2FP to create Zotz, a single entity of extraordinary power -1FP to help Orvus create Ku, a single entity of extraordinary power -1MP to create a nameless black pearl pendant (This is another use of the black pearls made from impurties in the soul ash, so this also counts toward the purity port. Progress is 2.5/5) Ended With: 13MP & 11FP [/hider]