[center]
[h1][color=orange][b][u]Kalmar[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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[h1][color=slategray][b][u]Roog[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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[img]https://i.imgur.com/5kR2yJq.png[/img]
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[h1][color=blanchedalmond][b][u]Chopstick Eyes[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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[h1][color=lightblue][b][u]Azura[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
[/center]

[hr]

The North Pole’s coastline came within sight, and Vendral swooped down to the icy shore, landing with such power that he threatened to crack the ice beneath him. The great blue dragon looked around, a surprisingly content expression on his many faces.

Kalmar was the first to step off, leaping from Vendral’s back and onto the ice below. Snow crunched under his feet. [color=orange]”We go on foot from here.”[/color] he decided.

“Why?” came Vendral’s immediate response.

[color=orange]”Azura is the Goddess of Wind. For her to knock a creature that flies out of the sky would be trivial. We can resist it, but you can’t. So we continue on foot,”[/color] he beckoned for Arae and Roog to follow him down.

Arae slid down from Vendral’s back and proceeded to give each of his heads a pat. “[color=6ecff6]Thank you for carrying us all the way here, Vendral,[/color]” Arae said. 

Roog, for his part, less slid down off of Vendral’s back and more leaped; for the first time he had ever left his home, flight seemed an ample way to add stress to the voyage. Despite that he had calmed after the first hour of the journey and instead had agreed with himself that he simply could not abide flying unless he absolutely had to do it. Blessed ground was what rushed up to meet his paws and he offered a silent thanks to his creators and theirs for the foresight in creating such a glorious object of solidity. 

[color=slategray]”The idea of being struck from the sky seems very unappealing.”[/color]

[color=orange]”Being unable to fly doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?”[/color] Kalmar asked with a raised brow.

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Yeah, it’s really not,”[/colour] said Chopstick Eyes, walking past in her bomber jacket without looking their way.

Kalmar hastily stepped in her path, raising his other brow. [color=orange]”Chopstick Eyes,”[/color] he greeted her with an awkward nod. [color=orange]”It’s been a long time. What brings you out here?”[/color]

Chopstick stopped, looked up, and shivered. There were icicles growing from the ends of her sticks. Some of them cracked and fell as the wood shuffled to take a peek at Kalmar’s new acquaintances. [colour=blanchedalmond]“I’m looking for Li’Kalla. Have you seen her?”[/colour]

Kalmar shook his head. [color=orange]”I have not. Arae, do you know where she might be?”[/color]

As all of this went down, Roog looked on with a distinctly visible grimace. His bronze-gold eyes were locked on the visage of the one his creator referred to as Chopstick Eyes, the resemblance to the moniker frankly uncanny. His moonlit teeth glowed as his maw hung slightly open in an uncouth sneer born entirely of a healthy mix of confusion and disgust. It was eminently clear that this was a difficult day for the Great Wolf.

“[color=6ecff6]I have no clue myself,[/color]” Arae answered. “[color=6ecff6]While I could find her myself, that’ll take time that we currently do not have.[/color]” Looking at Chopstick Eyes, Arae snapped her fingers, producing a spark that quickly grew into a small flame. With a flick of her wrist, Arae sent it to Choppy, setting it to slowly rotate around her. “[color=6ecff6]You seem rather cold, sister. This spark of the Hearth should help keep you warm for the time being,[/color]” Arae said.

Chopstick reflexively smacked the flame between her palms like a mosquito, realised what she’d done, then shook it off abruptly, shaking out her scalded hands. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Ow! Ow ow ow. Uh… Sorry, I’m flammable.”[/colour] She scooped up the flame in a small jar and screwed it shut, tapping the glass. [colour=blanchedalmond]“There we go. I’m Butterwort, by the way, the one with the chopstick eyes. I don’t think we’ve spoken!”[/colour] She bowed to Arae and the wolf-god in turn.

Kalmar held up a hand, and at once the burning sensation in her palms seemed to cool.

Arae returned the bow, and began to introduce herself, “[color=6ecff6]I am Arae. A pleasure to meet you.[/color]”

[color=orange]”This is Roog,”[/color] Kalmar said, pointing to the wolf, having decided to introduce his creations on their behalf. He then pointed toward the massive five-headed dragon just behind them, [color=orange]”...and that is Vendral.”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Thicc,”[/colour] murmured Chopstick Eyes, nodding respectfully at the party’s largest specimen.

Roog looked on dumbstruck, barely able to construct a proper response. To the wolf-deity the order of things had been quite clear, most notably how things should look; it had helped he had resided in Kalgrun for decades and enjoyed a relatively simplistic design architecture when it came to the life of Galbar. Even the most fantastical creature he’d ever laid his eyes on, his own creator Katharsos, had been relatively tame in form by comparison. So instead he simply nodded his head in some form of respectful bow when Chopstick Eyes looked to him, further increasing his dread confusion as she introduced herself as “Butterwort”. Roog was not fond of this adventure one bit. 

Kalmar turned back to Chopstick, a reluctant expression on his face. [color=orange]”There is something we might need your help with…”[/color] he confided. [color=orange]”What do you think of Azura and her scheme?”[/color]

Chopstick cocked her head midway towards patting Roog’s, then shrugged. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Dumb. I mean… I dunno. Maybe that’s a little harsh. It’s noble, I guess. I hope it makes her happy.”[/colour] She reached into her pocket and withdrew a winter-spirit, stained all over by food colouring. The resemblance to an Alma was striking. [colour=blanchedalmond]“These are pretty.”[/colour]

[color=orange]”It’s making a lot of people [i]unhappy[/i],”[/color] Kalmar pointed out. [color=orange]”We’re going to go find more information, and maybe get her to stop. Will you join us?”[/color]

Another shrug. [colour=blanchedalmond]“I’m on my way to thank her for an old favour, anyway.”[/colour] She swung her jacket out in front of her and started digging in the pockets, soon producing a thermos and a few containers, some lidded rattan baskets and paper bags full of candy. Fresh arms emerged to carry the goods and balance her as she wobbled distractedly on the polar ice. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Can I feed any of you guys? I’ve got hot chocolate, chai lattes, and some pumpkin spice, plus a bunch of steamed tonnikala. Vegetables are from down south, candy from the Bazaar.”[/colour] She heaved a shoal’s worth of dried herring from an especially capacious paper bag and lobbed it at Vendral, who received it with a snap of his jaws and gulped it down.

[color=slategray]”I do not eat,”[/color] came the murmured voice of Roog, seemingly ever more disgusted by growth of additional limbs that Chopstick Eyes was now sporting.    

Kalmar took one of the bags and peered inside. He reached in, and pulled out a round sugar-coated orange gummy which had been turned hard as rock from the cold. The God of the Hunt tossed it into his mouth, and there was a sharp earth-shattering [i]crack![/i] as his divine teeth knifed through it. His eyes widened slightly. [color=orange]”This taste is… interesting…”[/color] he said after a moment, rolling the bag shut. [color=orange]”But we need to get moving. We might still have a long way to go.”[/color] And with that he proceeded northward.

Arae helped herself to some hot chocolate, taking a sip from a thick mug. The taste was remarkably pleasant, especially in the cold weather. She didn’t have to worry about it cooling down over time either, as she could keep it warm with her ability. “[color=6ecff6]This reminds me of…[/color]” Arae began to say before she realized that her mind was leading nowhere on that train of thought. “[color=6ecff6]What was I… never mind. This is a good drink. Thank you, Butterwort,[/color]” Arae recovered. She slowly sipped away at her drink as they continued moving. Chopstick shrugged a ‘no problem’, bagged her remaining goods and started gnawing a sizeable block of dark chocolate.

There was another crack, as another candy entered Kalmar’s mouth. [color=orange]”What happened to the ‘Slippery Soul Serpent?’”[/color] he asked Choppy.

[colour=blanchedalmond]“It started singing,”[/colour] said Chopstick Eyes. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Its voice sounds like its light looks. Fish, squid, whales, you name it, they all started coming to be eaten. My clone told me about it. It’s not a problem, though. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, and my clone sprouted a floating forest above it, so that the sea there would be especially rich. She has chopstick eyes too, by the way.”[/colour] Still used to Ya-Shuur’s herder-wolves, she couldn’t help but wave a bone in Roog’s general direction, dry meat stuck to it like leather.

[color=orange]”...Clone?”[/color] Kalmar questioned with a quirked eyebrow.

Chopstick traced the faint scar running down the center of her body in a perfect vertical line with a fingertip. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Cut myself in half. She’s the other half. We’re twins.”[/colour]

[color=orange]”I see… that explains quite a lot.”[/color] Kalmar commented.

Arae nearly choked on her hot chocolate when she heard Butterwort had cut herself in half, unable to comprehend what would even lead to such a situation. Even if it was a way to exercise godly power, surely there would’ve been a better way to go about it, wouldn’t there? Eventually, she decided to just accept it. What’s done was done, after all, and it seemed like there were no problems with her health, though Arae decided she would need to check up on the Pantheon later.

Roog had at last had enough of the entire situation with Chopstick Eyes’ offer of meat right off the bone particularly galling. This conversation was all well and good, of course, and perhaps if he had been in a more chipper mood he might have not only tolerated but thoroughly enjoyed other intelligent conversation. But, as it were with his first flight and the frankly alien entity fittingly called Chopstick Eyes, this conversation seemed to be going in numerous circles to nowhere that just somehow managed to keep making Chopstick Eyes even more unbearable to his naturalist sensibilities.

[color=slategray]”Perhaps we should hasten our journey? The longer we tary, surely, the sooner we will be noticed.[/color]

[hr]

The party continued through the frozen wastes. Kalmar took the lead, while Arae and Roog were immediately behind him. Vendral brought up the rear on foot, his massive size dwarfing them all by far, while a head faced every direction. Chopstick, whose legs were small, had dozed off on Vendral’s back.

Before them a lofty peak had been steadily rising above the horizon which was now joined by a ring of smaller mountains surrounding it. Even at this distance, a divine's sharp eyes missed no details of their destination that were not physically obstructed. Littered across the ring range where hundreds if not thousands of small statues that bore Azura’s essence, while atop the two highest peaks that they could see two greater examples both watching their approach with cold unblinking eyes.

Around the peak of the central mountain sat an immense structure of stone. It was shaped like two wheels, one inside the other, circling the mountain top. The Alma that Kalmar had seen traveling there seemed to be headed in that direction. After they passed over the ring of mountains, soaring up in the air currents generated by the wheels to join others coming to the north from inside the Sphere, that they could sense beyond the gateway surrounding the stone building. 

As they got closer one of the Alma traveling north above them broke off from its flight path and descended to the frozen floor some way ahead of them. There it patiently awaited their arrival as it projected the image of a whale from its head mounted soul Gem.

[color=royalblue]”Hello there.”[/color] spoke the whale in a slow steady voice. [color=royalblue]”What brings you all to this far north?”[/color]

Kalmar stepped forward. [color=orange]”Where is Azura?”[/color] he demanded calmly.

[color=royalblue]”In the sky bastion.”[/color] the whale responded, equally calm as the Alma waved a wing up towards the mountain’s top structure. [color=royalblue]”I apologise on Azura’s behalf for her not coming to greet you personally, but she’s had two sets of unexpected guests today already. One bad, one strange. I do so hope you’re arrival will be good news to balance it out.”[/color] the whale did not sound confident however.

Kalmar looked at the soul crystal on the Alma’s forehead, which appeared to be powering the image, and he grit his teeth. [color=orange]”That remains to be seen. Take us to her.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”I see. Who exactly am I taking there?”[/color] the whale asked [color=royalblue]”And will you be needing a lift?”[/color] the Alma glanced at the mighty dragon as it asked.

[color=orange]”All of us,”[/color] Kalmar answered, [color=orange]”And we are capable of transporting ourselves.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”I meant names. My apologies for not being clear,”[/color] the whale explained patiently.

“[color=6ecff6]Apologies to you as well,[/color]” Arae said, bowing slightly. Gesturing to each being, she introduced them, “[color=6ecff6]This is Kalmar, Butterwort, Roog, and Vendral. I am Arae.[/color]”

Chopstick snored.

[color=royalblue]”Thank you Arae. To repay your courtesy, my own name is Luis.”[/color]

Roog had remained silent during the entire experience, his eyes darting back and forth from the sights with intense interest. From his Heavenly Father Roog had inherited a vision most attuned to seeing the qualities borne in a soul and this “alma” carried one worthy of pause. The soul LOOKED different by every stretch of the word and the concept of an altered soul being held in such a way both horrified and inflicted intense curiosity in the Wolf of Demise. When it projected a form for itself, that of the vast creatures Roog occasionally found beached back on Kalgrun, Roog was drawn in even further. As the others said there piece and he was at last introduced to the entity by Arae he spoke up.

[color=slategray]”How is it that you have come to be this way, whale-light. I trust your creation is Azura’s doing?”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”I was made by her in ages past, to help capture the storm now held in the maelstrom by blocking out the dark moon’s withering light. I have since grown beyond that singular purpose. If you are wondering how I am speaking with you, this avian, known as an Alma, has the ability to project sound and images seen by its fellows.”[/color] Luis explained.

[color=orange]”Powered by souls,”[/color] Kalmar voiced with disgust. Arae was unsettled by the thought of it as well, shivering slightly.

[color=royalblue]”Artificial souls.”[/color] Luis clarified. [color=royalblue]”Nothing was slain to make the constructs, if that is what you are worrying about.”[/color]

[color=slategray]”Explain; artificial how?”[/color] 

[color=royalblue]”The souls you see on this Alma are known as soul gems. These are similar, structurally, to soul crystals that are made from the souls of dead life, but unlike them, they were never alive to begin with. Azura crafts the soul gems directly from soul ash, while composing rigid instructions into them to create artificial life, which, while lacking anything resembling traditional intelligence, can still perform a limited set of highly complex tasks.”[/color] 

Roog watched with eyes closed to bronze slits as the Alma explained itself. It was obvious that gears turned in the mind of the Great Wolf as he continued to listen silently to the explanation. At last his maw opened ever so slightly, the pale moonlight of his fangs glowing from behind black fur. From his posture and the rising flames of his jet black fur it was clear something had caught in the depths of Roog’s psyche.

[color=slategray]”I see.”[/color]

Arae relaxed a little upon hearing that the soul gems were not exactly alive, but was still apprehensive about them. They were still created with soul ash, the very foundation for all life on Galbar. At what point is the line drawn between life? Was it only intelligence, or was it something even more primal? At any rate, she would have to agree to disagree. This was a complicated argument, and would take too much time to unravel at the moment.

[color=orange]”We’ve spent enough time down here. Let’s go see Azura,”[/color] Kalmar stated, not appearing satisfied with Luis’s explanation. before leaping backwards onto Vendral’s back. Arae followed suit, hopping up onto Vendral and sat down with both legs dangling down one side.

[color=royalblue]”Very well then.”[/color] Luis said as the Alma took flight. [color=royalblue]”If you’d please follow me, I can take you to the Sky Bastion.”[/color]

Roog, following the lead of Kalmar and Arae as they ascended the great, five-headed dragon’s hide to find a proper perch on his back. Roog lowered himself close to the ground before leaping up, landing on the beast’s back only to lay down as close to the hide as possible, maw closing on one of the spikes protruding from Vendral’s back.

The small bird led them up and over the mountain range circling the north pole. In between the range and central peak, any indication as to the vault’s true location had been masked by Ashalla’s ice sheet and a cessation of Alma to and from the vault. That flow now instead headed for the double ringed fortress that was their destination.

As they ascended, the darkness that had accompanied them on their trek gradually washed away until they reached the summit, where both Heliopolis and the Luminous Garden could be seen forever dancing away from one another. Visible too, was the Blue, stretching out endlessly around Azura’s home and filled with all manner of Tonnikala, some strange and some familiar, particularly to Kalmar. First among these creatures whas a whale of truly titanic proportions who drifted right next to the sky bastion who matched the image they had been shown below. Near them floated another whale shaped structure, out of the top of which a massive horn of smooth soul crystal grew.

[color=royalblue]”Welcome to the Sky Bastion.”[/color] Luis said without use of his Alma proxy. [color=royalblue]”Please make your way inside.”[/color]

The lone Alma led them to a large gateway that had been thrown open to grant them entrance. Inside was a massive room that was empty save for four individuals and a large round table with seats set around it for six humanoids and two quadrupeds. A large gap was left facing the exit for Luis, and another inside for the dragon. Three out of the four people waiting for them were made of stone and had a strange red energy. One was a stone cat, another a blank faced man and the final one radiated Azura’s power along with the non Armonia welcomer. This [url=https://i.imgur.com/mZHfaoy.jpg]Azura[/url] was a humanoid with turquoise scaly flesh and red fins that emerged from her hips, elbows and where her hair should be. She wore a plain blue tunic and a pair of navy pantaloons with gaps cut in the sides to allow her fins to emerge from them.

The four of them had been in conversation with someone via another Alma, but the sounds of that talk along with muffled sounds of battle where cutoff as the Divine visitors approached. The Alma left past them as the four hosts formed a welcoming party and awaited Vendral’s landing.

The floor shook as Vendral swooped down, and Kalmar wasted no time in leaping off. He looked to the metallic creature with Azura’s aura and began walking forward. [color=orange]”We came here for answers.”[/color] he stated firmly.

One of the figures, a tall being that resembled a man in size but held no visible face turned to Azura and asked, “Are all of these gods so ill mannered like this one?”

Arae slid off Vendral and stepped forward, bowing apologetically. “[color=6ecff6]Apologies. We do not mean to be rude, but we do have important matters to talk to with our sister Azura. Azura, please listen to what we have to say.[/color]”

[color=007fff]”Ah Kalmar, your reputation precedes you.”[/color] the metallic Azura said merrily before the other addressed the matter at hand.

[color=lightblue]”Your questions will be answered. But first let me introduce you to Ringol.”[/color] the fish woman indicated to the male Armonai who had spoken. [color=lightblue]”Watcher.”[/color] the stony cat nodded its head in response. [color=silver]”I shall be impartaily observing this meeting in the name of Ludicium, guardian of the Void.”[/color]
[color=lightblue]”And Cerule.”[/color] The avatar bowed theatrically at the mention of her freshly minted name.

[color=lightblue]”You’ve met Luis all ready, of course. He’s let me know who you all are in advance.”[/color] the whale in question had drifted closer to the entrance now that they had entered, though left plenty of the Blue visible rather than boxing the guests in. 

[color=lightblue]”Finally I am, of course, Azura. Please do take a seat and then we can get started.”[/color] she finished before inviting them to do just that. 

Roog had remained on Vendral’s back for the time being, watching with distrusting eyes; this place emanated an unearthly glow to his soul-sight and everything about it seemed off. It wasn’t natural, at least the natural he had been born into, and much of that played off the voice of that beast chained deep in the back of his mind. As Azura finished her own introduction and bade them sit Roog finally hopped from Vendral’s back without a single sound announcing his descent. It was something, at least, that Azura offered answers to the questions they’d come to ask; perhaps they could even convince her to see the error of her ways and recant.

Kalmar glared at the tall, faceless man - a glare that sent a clear warning. He stepped forward, pulled out a chair, and sat down. [color=orange]”You’ve been taking souls and putting all of Galbar at risk,”[/color] he stated bluntly. [color=orange]”How do you justify it?”[/color]

If at all his stare phased the faceless man, it was impossible to tell. Rignol said nothing further, but did not take a seat.

Arae mentally sighed, then began to clarify, “[color=6ecff6]What Kalmar is trying to say is that we are currently facing… well, a bit of a crisis. Because of all the souls you’ve been collecting and placing in ‘soul crystals’, there will soon be a shortage of soul ash to create new life. I’m sure you’re aware that the only way to obtain soul ash is to, well, recycle souls of the departed through Katharsos’ cycle of rebirth, and you are impeding that cycle. Fortunately, we’re still in the early stages, so there’s no immediate problem. However, if this keeps up, new souls cannot inhabit new bodies, and all life on Galbar and in every one of our siblings’ spheres will eventually end. We would like to ask you, Azura and company, if you have any solutions to our predicament.[/color]”

There was a brief moment of silence as the words settled in. Chopstick snored a little too loudly, and tumbled off the dragon’s back.

She landed in a floppy heap and cracked awake in time to catch her hat as it fell. Looking around, her sticks splayed in wonder for a moment as she took in first the architecture, then the strangers, then the smells. Sniff, sniff. Sniff…

[colour=blanchedalmond][i]“Azura!”[/i][/colour] Chopstick leapt in locust fashion directly onto the fish-woman who smelled of bird, fell short of her neck and grabbed her waist in a hug instead, legs trailing on the ground. [colour=blanchedalmond]“I’m so happy to see you and I just wanted to say I’m really glad you saved me that one time! It meant so much to me! Mwah. Hmm, you’re less feathery than before.”[/colour] She retracted her eyes enough to kiss fishzura on the chest and turned to the rest of her crew. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Sorry for sleeping through that big negotiation thing you guys were all so excited for. How’d it go?”[/colour]

[color=slategray]”Incomplete,”[/color] growled Roog in response, his predatory gaze fixed on Chopstick as the odd-god proved once more the disconnect she felt towards the happenings of reality.

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Dang,”[/colour] said Choppy.

Azura meanwhile, after a brief moment of surprise, had found a genuine smile upon her lips. One arm wrapped around Choppy while she used her other one to ruffle the little Goddess’s rubbery hair.  [color=lightblue]”Barely started in fact. Nonetheless, it is good to see you are doing well since we last met. A lifetime ago now, though I still remember it clearly.”[/color] 

[color=007fff]”You might say it was a character forming event.”[/color] Cerule said [color=007fff]”So in a way we should be thanking you too, as probably wouldn’t be here without your bout of misfortune.”[/color] the second divine of the wind was leaning back in her chair in a relaxed manner even as she kept a careful eye on the guests.

[color=lightblue]”Which brings us back to the matter at hand.”[/color] Azura’s smile left her lips, replaced with a patient line. [color=lightblue]”Which is the consequences of soul ash being a finite resource. I should begin with by being upfront about what will likely be the main point of contention of this discussion. I don't currently have a working solution. My power and intellect have been put to task of building a stable, and well protected, foundation for the work that is yet to come.”[/color]

Kalmar leaned forward. [color=orange]”And what if you can’t find a solution? What then?”[/color]

[color=lightblue]”There are many solutions. The problem is picking one and making sure it is seen through.”[/color] Azura said carefully [color=lightblue]”Worst case scenario, we put the creation of new mortal life on hold for a time. A curse of infertility perhaps, or placing them into stasis till a solution is found.”[/color]

Kalmar’s expression darkened, but it was someone else who spoke first. “[color=6ecff6]Should the worst case scenario occur, I cannot abide by this course of action,[/color]” Arae said with stern disapproval. “[color=6ecff6]We are managing a world teeming with life. We are [i]not[/i] playing with [i]toys[/i], judging the world through the view of statistics. I cannot allow the entire world to be punished when we gods and goddesses are the ones at fault.[/color]” 

Chopstick unhugged herself from fishzura and gave a baffled shrug, sitting crosslegged.

Azura’s brow furrowed [color=lightblue]”Is not being consigned to annihilation upon death also the world being punished when the gods are at fault for not making a better system than the one we have? Souls are not lifeless flesh to be returned to the soil, they are still people like you and I. And they deserve better than Katharsos’s pyres.”[/color]

[color=007fff]”The system of death here is, frankly, cruel and unusual even compared to the pretty crap one that we had back where we came from. You can do better.”[/color] Cerule chided the goddess who had spoken down to them.

[color=orange]”It is not a punishment,”[/color] Kalmar growled. [color=orange]”Creatures live and they die. When they die, their time is over, and new creatures take their place. The souls continue on, but those souls will continue to decay until nothing of value remains. None of us created soul decay, so don’t you dare hold us at fault for it. And if you put all life into stasis, or make everyone infertile, then [i]all[/i] life on Galbar will end. Now, you claim you have solutions: what are they?”[/color] he demanded.

[color=007fff]”Ok. Three things. One no. It doesn’t end all life on Galbar. Mortals sit atop ecosystems. Temporarily removing them and only them won’t cause an ecological collapse. Two. Soul decay is no longer a natural problem, as Orvus has created creatures that cause it. Three. Soul decay might not be created, but the existing system simply takes it as given, when it can be avoided.”[/color]

Kalmar looked at Azura as if she had just declared the sky to be purple. [color=orange]”To your first point… mortals, animals, plants… [i]all[/i] use souls. If you make them infertile and fail to find your solution before their lifespans run out, then yes, [i]all[/i] life will end. To your second point: Soul Decay is still a natural problem regardless of what Orvus creates; he just made it worse. And to your last point: I ask again, [i]how[/i] can it be avoided? What are these solutions you keep claiming to possess?”[/color]

Roog had watched and waited patiently as the greater gods expressed their qualms and snapped back and forth with their clearly well seated beliefs. This Azura had immediately proven herself to be in opposition to Roog’s initial expectations, but despite her collected demeanor he continued to find her positions at odds with his own. Nevertheless he was determined to hear out her position as best he could while his creator and Arae expressed their own. Unsurprisingly, however, a head was rapidly reached as the debate began to become more poignant.

[color=slategray]”Goddess-Azura,”[/color] rumbled Roog, his maw dropped open as his eyes locked on her, [color=slategray]”Before you answer my creator, I have a query to pose; my life was born of nature, coalesced from Soul Ash naturally. What you propose would doom myself and creatures like me to nonexistence, regardless of your well intentioned aims. Consider then your solutions; by all rights, your actions will end one or more kinds of life, including my own. What solutions, then, do you have for such a doom? How will you determine which living creatures belong in your new world?”[/color]

[color=007fff]”See, Roog gets it. Just the mortals would be prevented from multiplying for a time. Void damn it, it was just an example too.”[/color] 

[color=orange]”You don’t understand,”[/color] Kalmar cut in. [color=orange]”Mortals have lifespans. If you can’t come up with a solution before those lifespans run out, and they can’t make more of themselves, they will go extinct. And if you think that the other gods will stand by and allow you to do that to their creations, think again.”[/color]

[color=007fff]”Ah! And there is the first threat. I was wondering how long it would take.”[/color]

[color=orange]”It’s not a threat,”[/color] Kalmar glowered. [color=orange]”It’s a fact. If you threaten the existence of other gods’ creations, or try to forcibly render them infertile, the other gods will try to stop you. Why wouldn’t they? And if you can’t take this conversation seriously, you have no right to decide the fate of mortal souls.”[/color]

Azura ignored what she had decided was a developing feud between Cerule and Kalmar and focused instead on Roog’s question [color=lightblue]”To address that distinction first, the line does not purely include mortals, but some creatures of intelligence a touch below them. The line itself is a concession that prevents the entire system from grinding to a halt immediately. Best case scenario, that line does not need to exist.”[/color]

[color=slategray]”In truth, Lady of Gales, my question probes at the reasoning behind your actions,”[/color] Roog had stepped forward as he spoke, moving to the edge of the table where he stood with his head held up and out of a defensive posture, [color=slategray]”I fundamentally disagree with your conclusion. You view the disintegration of souls as a destruction when it is creation. The path we are on is as intended and oblivion for all things, ourselves included, is to be welcomed; oblivion is a beginning, not an end.”[/color]

Azura cocked her head to one side [color=lightblue]”A beginning to what?”[/color] she asked

[color=slategray]”Everything.”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“...What the fuck?”[/colour] Chopstick threw some hands up around her head, unable to sit quietly and watch the conversation flick back and forth over it much longer.  [colour=blanchedalmond]“Hello? Hello? Are we still talking money here? If you run a book through a paper shredder, it’s gone. Recycling the paper doesn’t bring back the book. You’d have to write it, again, and… And that’s not likely to happen. With souls. I’m talking about souls.”[/colour] She took a breath. [colour=blanchedalmond]“I get that you’re all trying to make the soul ash last as long as possible. I get that! But… Like, are we really running that low? Honestly? How long do we have before all the little people stop being able to make more little guys?”[/colour] She huffed. [colour=blanchedalmond]“How long do we need to keep making new little guys anyway? We’re not gonna be here forever.”[/colour]

Roog looked over his shoulder at Chopstick, throwing her an unsurprised yet disappointed glance. This creature revealed much of its ideology and the very core of what Chopstick expressed as fact actively flew in the face of the wolf’s own deeply held beliefs.

[color=slategray]”I do not understand your analogy; you deny the potential for new life. Life blossoms even after death; the world takes back what it has lost. Souls are as flames; even when extinguished their embers spark new blazes, all born of that first fire. Soul Ash is the same; though the original soul is caught in deflagration, many new souls will be born from the ashes. You see the cycle too narrowly.”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Cycle schmycle. I’ve used soul ash, I know what it does,”[/colour] said the one with the chopstick eyes. [colour=blanchedalmond]“The fact that new shit gets made doesn’t mean we’re not torching old shit that could still be good.”[/colour]

[color=slategray]”By the very nature of this act will the current path be destroyed; such a decision should not be made by one person alone.”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Lock up your souls, then. Just spray your dudes with Alma repellent, or whatever,”[/colour] Chopsticks waved. [colour=blanchedalmond]“Just… Geez, figure something out.”[/colour]

[color=orange]”We are [i]here[/i] to figure something out,”[/color] Kalmar interjected, voice filled with impatience. He shifted his gaze to Azura. [color=orange]”You continue to evade my question. For the third time: what are your solutions?”[/color]

Azura waved off attempts by Cerule to continue bickering with the god of the hunt and actually got down to the business of laying out her current theoretical solutions. [color=lightblue]”There are a number of avenues of research when seeking solutions. The most obvious is creating more soul ash. Initial experiments have led me to find that it is entirely possible to produce it like we would any other material, though my current method is woefully inefficient. We could brute force this solution of course, but it would be a massive power draw, one that would only increase as mortal populations do so. In my opinion this path is a last resort or a long term project.”[/color]

[color=lightblue]”The second avenue is to replace the need for souls entirely to produce a replacement metaphysical receptacle for the mind that is based on something easier to produce than soul ash. This could either reliance souls entirely or be a receptacle to place the minds of the dead within while their souls are returned to the cycle as their bodies are.”[/color]

[color=lightblue]”The third is to remove death entirely, at least for mortals. The Ihokhetlani are proof that this is entirely within our means to achieve. In ending death we stave off the soul crisis almost indefinitely and improve the lives of mortal charges greatly in the process.[/color]  

[color=lightblue]”Finally we have reincarnation were the souls of the dead are reborn into new bodies wholly intact instead of as ash, creating an actual cycle of rebirth. I’ve managed to do this in a controlled environment with krill, so I know it is possible. Rather simple in fact. It would be quite the infrastructure project to spread and automate this system across all of Galbar however.”[/color]

[color=lightblue]”So. Your thoughts?”[/color] she asked finally. 

Kalmar considered her words for a moment. [color=orange]”Your first and fourth ideas have the most promise, I think.”[/color] he said at last. [color=orange]”The problem with the first way is, as you said, the power. The problem with the fourth way would be that we would need to find a way to reverse or halt soul decay on a massive scale.”[/color]

“[color=6ecff6]Perhaps Orvus may have a solution for this particular problem,[/color]” Arae remarked. “[color=6ecff6]If he truly has claimed Soul Decay as part of his abilities, then perhaps it is not too much of a stretch for him to create a system that can deal with soul decay. Of course, that would depend on his cooperation as well.[/color]” 

“[color=6ecff6]Before we move on with that, though, I would also like to point out the issue with memories,[/color]” Arae added. “[color=6ecff6]Every soul is going to retain their memories after their bodies have perished, and simply placing them into new bodies will create new problems we’d have to fix.[/color]” 

[color=orange]”We make them forget, then.”[/color] Kalmar suggested. [color=orange]”When they are reincarnated they start out fresh. A young mind is a fragile thing anyway, unable to retain much knowledge. Katharsos has experience with removing memories, and Abanoc is the God of Recording. Maybe we could ask Abanoc to find a way to store these memories, and restore them to their owners after death, which they can reflect on as they await their rebirth?”[/color] he wondered.

[color=slategray]”I do not agree with these conclusions.”[/color]

Roog had listened once more, simply sitting back and allowing the gods to speak their mind on the subject. Azura’s proposals, of course, had proven interesting but reeked of a perspective antithetical to Roog’s own. As the Great Wolf listened he became considerably more aware of his separation from the gods by their own expressions with one after the other making it all the more evident. A displeased sigh escaped as a hiss between his teeth as Kalmar responded with his own take, proving once and for all what Roog had feared.

[color=slategray]”The solutions you propose are flawed. They require artificial action and change to a system that is not the danger. You view the destruction and recreation of a soul as opposed to reincarnation when it is one in the same. Your perspective endangers those creatures under your care. Mortality is natural and an end to one life and the beginning of a new one is intended in the system from which all creatures are born; all but you First-Born, at least.”[/color]

Kalmar rose to his feet. [color=orange]”Roog, come. I need to speak to you alone.”[/color] And with those words he began walking to the exit. [color=orange]”Vendral, you will come as well.”[/color]

Roog watched for a moment before rising onto all fours and following behind his creator.

Rignol, having stood silently for the entirety of the meeting so far, spoke at last as he watched the three leave. “Perhaps it best for a recession?”

[hr]

Vendral flew them onto the peak of one of the smaller, adjacent mountains. Kalmar climbed down and waited for Roog to do the same. 

Roog had been silent on the short ride, lost in thoughts borne on the web of words spun in the room amongst the First-Born gods. As Vendral landed and Kalmar climbed free of the beast’s back, Roog leapt down to join him. There was a look clearly marring Roog’s visage, showing displeasure for any who had the vaguest hint of how a wolf emotes. Despite the clear need to voice his concerns Roog remained quiet, waiting for his creator to initiate.

[color=orange][i]Let me make this clear,[/i][/color] Kalmar’s voice spoke inside Roog’s head. To any observer, the only sound would be the wind. [color=orange][i]I do not see any flaws in Katharsos’s system, and any alternative that Azura offers will be unnecessary, and perhaps even inefficient. However, it is clear that she will not listen to reason, which means the only other way to make her stop will be to use force, and do you know what happens when gods clash?[/i][/color]

[color=slategray][i]Inefficient, alternatives, avenues of research,[/i][/color] the thoughts boomed from Roog’s mind with thunder like efficacy. There was clear power and emotion behind those thoughts, proof that Roog had been shaken to the core. His life, though short and more similar to that of a mortal beast, had been spent under the assumption that the Gods were as Katharsos and Kalmar. They had been sensible when he first was born into the world and had seemed to fit their monikers as the young wolf had expected. Each new God he met had changed this fundamental view of the world like nails in a coffin and the argument unfolding before him only exacerbated that realization.

[color=slategray][i]These words sicken me, to hear them spoken of so callously in regards to life. It pains me to hear them. The Chopstick Eyed One, she speaks of wealth, while Azura speaks of Research and alternatives. Even you, creator, use their words; inefficient. A poisonous term. My interest is not in these things, creator, but in life and nature and the creatures that crawl and walk and fly.[/i][/color]

Roog groaned with displeasure, his head held low and the fires of his tail flecking and spitting black sparks and embers towards the ground. He looked back up towards his creator with indignation burning in his bronze gaze.

[color=slategray][i]I do not know what happens when the First-Born clash, Creator, but I will not slink quietly into the night so that they might find success without resistance.[/i][/color]

Surprisingly, Kalmar nodded. [color=orange][i]Azura and Chopstick speak far too lightly on this matter, I agree. I count Chopstick Eyes as a friend, but I know she is strange and unreasonable. As for Azura… I fear Arae was right - she speaks of mortals almost as if they are toys, and does not truly value them; not as much as she thinks she does. As for me, despite the words I use I share your concern; the priority should be the preservation of nature.[/i][/color]

[color=orange][i]And yet…[/i] the God of the Hunt was not finished. [color=orange][i]...I have seen what happens when gods clash. Orvus, God of Desolation, once tried to kill Phystene, the Goddess of Nature; their battle scarred a continent, and created abominations which roam the sea to this day. Vakk, God of Speech, once tried to attack K’nell, and was nearly killed for it. Sartravius, God of Heat, and Ekon, God of Fear, both raised armies to attack Shengshi, the God of Rivers. While neither Sartravius nor Ekon were on the field personally, their armies still caused and suffered great destruction; thousands were needlessly killed, and entire forests were reduced to ash.[/i][/color]

Kalmar allowed only a moment for that news to sink in. [color=orange][i]This is why we must work with her. The only alternative is to stop her with force, which could destroy the things we all seek to protect. But if we compromise, perhaps we can find a solution that appeases all while still maintaining a working natural order. There are already gods who seek to undo existence in its entirety; we cannot divide ourselves further.[/i][/color]

Of his thoughts Roog suddenly became well guarded, his face becoming a mask of low emotions that appeared no different from a wolf in the wild. His maw opened gently and his voice echoed forth, sounding tinny and controlled.

[color=slategray]”I understand. I will not forget this lesson, creator.”[/color]

[hr]

The two returned to the meeting, expressions guarded, with Vendral following closely behind.

Kalmar approached the table, but he did not sit.

[color=orange]”Here are my conditions,”[/color] he said, speaking directly to Azura. [color=orange]”So long as the creation and progress of life is not halted, we will help you find an alternate solution to Katharsos’s pyres. We will require full access to this location as well as the Soul Crystal storage. At some point we will need to reach out to Katharsos himself. He has more experience with souls than anyone, and he is not unreasonable; perhaps we can convince him to compromise and prevent open conflict. Additionally: I repeat that the progress and creation of new life cannot be halted; if a new solution is not devised before we run out of soul ash, then that may mean returning some of the crystals to the pyres so that the cycle may continue.”[/color]

[color=orange]”If you accept these terms, I offer you my aid in defending this place and looking into a solution. Do you agree?”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Ooooh, contract law!”[/colour] said Chopstick, clapping eagerly over the wok in which she was currently flash-frying some bright yellow noodles.

"You should not so quickly agree to this proposal, Azura." Rignol spoke at last. He then pointed at Kalmar and said, "This one speaks of his own conditions, and assumes the others will follow. A pretentious display." He said letting his hand drop."I also find this meeting lacking key viewpoints from Katharsos, God of Death and your Architect. Deciding on the future of this universe without key players would be unwise and arrogant. You can debate back and forth until the end of time about which is right and what is wrong but without those two agreeing to anything, then it is pointless. Unless you plan on overthrowing the both of them less they disagree?"

Kalmar met Ringol’s words with a glare. [color=orange]”I speak only for myself, and I am [i]suggesting[/i] that we contact Katharsos to see if he will agree. If he doesn’t then things will change. The deal I offered was for things as they currently stand. Nobody needs to be overthrown. Next time, consider your own words before you accuse others of pretentiousness.”[/color]

"Who is 'we' then? Do you speak for the others? It would make sense for a being such as yourself to assume that others would follow you. Oh what was the saying where I come from… The Alpha of a pack? Mhmm, it matters not I believe. The others will surely follow you regardless of [i]your[/i] conditions. Forgive me if I sound pretentious, God of Hunting. I speak only so that Azura may listen. I would hate for her to be taken advantage of, given the current circumstances." Rignol said, his voice like a golden serpent. Or, as the case may be, a sizzling golden noodle.

Finally Azura addressed her guests once more [color=lightblue]”You have, when it comes down to it, given me little reason to trust you. We are strangers to one another. To give you access to the soul crystals at such an early stage would be baring my throat and gambling with countless souls that have entrusted us with their protection in the process. If we want this to work, we will need to start with terms smaller in scope than your initial offer.”[/color]

[i]Contract law, contract law,[/i] mouthed the one with chopstick eyes, dishing up the noodles.

Kalmar crossed his arms. [color=orange]”I could say the same to you. I have an obligation toward my creations and to my worshipers. There is a chance that some of them might end up in this vault. Why should I not have access to them? Why should I trust you and you alone to safeguard them?”[/color] He leaned forward. [color=orange]”Nobody in existence can truthfully claim I do not keep my word. I watch over an entire continent that I will continue to fill with life. And I have many friends and allies among the rest of the gods.”[/color] His gaze swept across the table, settling on one individual. [color=orange]”Chopstick Eyes. We made a deal in the past, yes?”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“That’s certainly true!”[/colour] said Chopstick Eyes, offering a bowl of curry.

Kalmar accepted the bowl with a nod. [color=orange]”And I held true to my end of the deal, yes?”[/color]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“You did! He beat up an overfed fish for me, by the way,”[/colour] she nodded to the rest of the assembled divinities. [colour=blanchedalmond]“I know what that sounds like, but it was really important.”[/colour]

Kalmar nodded reluctantly, but that reluctance lasted only a moment, and then resolve returned to his voice. [color=orange]”It was. And that was not the only deal I have ever made, or the only assistance I have offered,”[/color] he declared, in his usual blunt and serious tone.

[color=orange]”When Orvus attacked Phystene, I was the first to come to her aid. It was my idea to form a pact against those who would senselessly destroy Galbar. I stood against Orvus alone, to make sense of his motives and convince him to change course. I aided Asceal in the creation of one of her children, without needing to be asked or offered anything. I met another god when they were at their most vulnerable and I helped them recover at no benefit to myself. When Shengshi was attacked, even though we had our disagreements, I did not hesitate to come to his aid.”[/color] The Hunter paused briefly, slurping up a noodle, before continuing on. [color=orange]“If you think I’ll put a knife in your back, you are mistaken.”[/color]

Azura leaned back in her chair, chin leaning on the base of her hand and fingers curled up before her mouth as she considered this response before glancing at her past self. Despite Azura having been the one to raise the objection, out of the two it was Cerule who remained the most sceptical.

[color=007fff]”We’re not going to believe that self professed series of accolades are we? A third of it was threats veiled as boasting about his power and influence.”[/color]

[color=lightblue]”Asceal called him a friend, and we met this child of theirs however briefly.”[/color] Azura responded

[color=007fff]”She also called him too unreliable to be brought into this. Case and point: Orvus. All he seems to have done is made him more subtle about being a destructive prick.”[/color] the other replied, referencing the battle currently ongoing against the soul decaying infestation.

[i]Unreliable?[/i] Kalmar’s eyebrows arched in frustration. It seemed as though Asceal had taken to slandering other gods as a hobby.

[color=lightblue]”At least unlike him these people came to talk to us.”[/color] Azura responded.

[color=007fff]”Talk to us about destroying those we have saved. By the way, the last minute ‘I have a responsibility to my people’ kinda jars with that whole position, mate. We are not agreeing to that no matter what. ”[/color] Cerule’s fist pounded the table to punctuate the declaration of the uncrossable line.

Chopstick shuffled in her seat.

[color=lightblue]”No. We aren't. However I believe we can accept some of the rest of the parts of the offer which we can actually agree on and are immediately relevant.”[/color] 

She turned back to Kalmar [color=lightblue]”I can agree to you having supervised access to this location and the vault of souls for the purpose of reaching an alternative. I also agree with the proposed future meeting with Katharsos. When it comes to reactions to the soul crisis I believe there is a fundamental disconnect between what we find valuable about life, the system itself versus the individuals it produces, that we could argue about till the end of time. Instead of doing so, I suggest we table the matter entirely and focus on ensuring that the discussion never needs to occur. Is that acceptable?[/color] 

Azura glanced over at Cerule who sighed and nodded. 

[color=orange]”I’ll add another condition to that deal,”[/color] Kalmar said. [color=orange]”The Alma who pass through my lands are not allowed to be armed, or possess any offensive abilities. My avatar watched one of them shoot a fleeing mortal in the back, right in front of that mortal’s family, so I’ll not trust them to roam unchecked among my own creations. And if we ever reach a point where our deal needs to be broken, I will expect complete and total honesty because I am prepared to offer the same; I will not tolerate betrayal or deception.”[/color]

A brief look of surprise and dismay crossed Azura’s features before she frowned. [color=lightblue]”They aren't supposed to do that.”[/color] she said, as an alma fluttered over to her and landed on her arm. She began humming as verse spilled from the bird’s soul gems and line dup for inspection before her.

[color=007fff]”I can guarantee”[/color] Cerule said as her younger self inspected the Alma’s instructions [color=007fff]”That if this pact becomes untenable we won’t be quiet about the fact.”[/color] Outside there were a few flashes of light and accompanying ‘pew pew’ sounds as Azura remotely test fired an Alma’s light breams.

[color=007fff]”As for disarming them, that is not easy. It’d be like trying to disarm a dragon. We’d have to rip out the bundles of power in them without killing them and then try and instruct them in how to comprehend something as abstract as borders. Could do it, but it’d be expensive.”[/color] Cerule explained.

The verse retracted back into the Alma as Azura completed her adjustment. [color=lightblue]”A tragic result of Asceal’s blessing that I severely underestimated the power of. I’ve adjusted their behavior so that they are much, much more careful and added some settings for lower intensity fire as well. The incident you described should not happen again.”[/color] she said as the bird flew away.

[color=lightblue]”As for disarmament, it might be easier to create an unarmed crystalizer from scratch if you are willing to aid in its creation?”[/color] she added. 

[color=orange]”That would be easier,”[/color] Kalmar agreed. [color=orange]”But I would expect it to prioritize my commands above all else.”[/color]

[color=007fff]”Just you? Not you and your friends here?”[/color] Cerule asked as Azura was busy making blueprints in her mind. [color=007fff]”Also are any of you in on this? The more the merrier.”[/color] 

“[color=6ecff6]I do not desire any responsibility over them, and I would not know what to do with them if I did,[/color]” Arae said, shaking her head as she held a palm up in refusal.

[colour=blanchedalmond]“I could do it,”[/colour] said Chopstick Eyes, pulling a business card from her pocket and pushing it to the middle of the table. [colour=blanchedalmond]“We only provide the highest-quality diplomatically neutral mortal soul vessels here at Stickchop Industries™. I can even think of a price that wouldn’t inconvenience any of you one bit.”[/colour]

Roog watched with steely gaze at the precession of diplomacy that unfolded before his eyes, his emotions now guarded beneath that most feral of visages. Bronze eyes regarded those about them as they spoke but it seemed he was loathe to respond, quiet as he was despite plans and deals being bandied and bartered about. The very edges of his midnight hide flickered and bit at the air around him, crackling noiselessly. As he was addressed alongside Kalmar towards his intentions he at last spoke, his voice coming out sounding of a whisper but at the volume of a normal speaking tone.

[color=slategray]”I will not assist; you have not compromised on your ends, only the means by which you achieve them. I will not see such creatures fly over Kalgrun by my own actions.”[/color]

[color=orange][i]Roog,[/i][/color] Kalmar’s voice could be heard within Roog’s thoughts. [color=orange][i]Think about it. The creatures will answer to me, which means that whether or not souls can leave Kalgrun will also be decided by me. We do not need to compromise with Azura; if her solution is one that ultimately displeases us then we create our own, or put a stop to crystallization in Kalgrun altogether.[/i][/color]

[color=slategray]”I will not resort to tricks or betrayals,”[/color] Roog said as he stared defiantly at Azura, showing no sign that Kalmar had shared thoughts with him, [color=slategray]”So I will not enter into a pact that I cannot know I will always support. Unless you offer a compromise that addresses my own position, I will not assist.”[/color]

[color=lightblue]”It is somewhat difficult to compromise on a matter that has yet to be decided upon.”[/color] Azura said while spinning plans for the unarmed Alma out of verse [color=lightblue]”Is it not better to be part of the discussion, or at least stay informed as to how it is going, than reject the topic entirely?”[/color] 

As she was talking Cerule leaned over and poked a finger into the half formed blueprint. Azura responded with a flat look before shooing her off and continuing her craft.

[color=slategray]”This is not a discussion,”[/color] Roog pointed out, his bronze eyes leaping over to match Azura’s gaze, [color=slategray]”The compromise is producing another form of life that maintains and propagates your goals. If you would provide some sort of compromise towards our own goals, that being the continuation of the cycle, I would be far more amenable to assist.[/color]

[color=007fff]”Okay but this one is worse because it can't shoot lasers. And have meddling from the huntsman over here. If that’s not up to snuff then what is?”[/color] Cerule asked. 

[color=slategray]”Restrict all soul crystallization to sapient organisms while leaving all other organisms within the cycle for the time being. This is what I would need to be assured that both sides of the compromise are being forwarded. Then I would assist.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]We won’t be doing that.[/color] spoke the great whale in response. Luis been primarily orchestrating the reconquest of the vault as the meeting took place but on this topic he could not remain silent.  

Azura nodded [color=lightblue]”That line has already been drawn in a place I’ve made peace with. To deny salvation after it has been offered would be to breach promises already made. Being made a liar seems like a poor way to start this collaboration.”[/color] 

[color=007fff]”Nothing personal Roogi boy, Luis’s friendship is just worth more to her than your divine power.”[/color] Cerule added bluntly.

[color=slategray]”Disappointing,”[/color] Rppg replied, giving particular attention to Luis, [color=slategray]”One day I hope you see the folly of your terror; you would have lived happier for it. If you will not provide me compromise, I shall take it into my own hands. I shall assist and the creatures over Kalgrun will be [b]EQUALLY[/b] mine as they are my creator’s.”[/color]

[color=orange]”Do you agree to this, Azura?”[/color] Kalmar asked.

[color=lightblue]”Can you agree to not to instantly enforce your tightened limits upon gaining that power? Let the ‘beasts’ of the continent decide for themselves.”[/color]  she asked Roog

[color=lightblue]”Let them all decide for themselves.”[/color] she said more generally to the assembled guests.

[color=orange]”I have no intention of violating any creature’s free will,”[/color] Kalmar told her. He turned to Arae. [color=orange]”What do you think of this?”[/color] he asked her. 

“[color=6ecff6]If the cycle of life and death is maintained, and mortals are not in danger of extinction, then it will have to do,[/color]” Arae said after a moment of thinking. “[color=6ecff6]Finer details may have to be worked out as time passes, especially when Katharsos is added to this discussion, but for now I approve.[/color]”

Kalmar nodded. [color=orange]”Then let’s get to work.”[/color]

Chopstick finished her curry.

[color=lightblue]”Agreed.”[/color] Azura said, pushing the glowing blueprint to the center of the table, where it formed the rough outline of an avian woven with Verse and suspended in a translucent sphere of power. A mold into which power could be poured. The goddesses of wind both stretched out a hand to touch the orb which thrummed with energy at the contact. 

Kalmar reached out to press his palm against the orb as well, with Arae following suit.

Roog watched as the pair performed their portions of the ritual, eyes flashing with considerable interest. Unable to stretch out a hand as they had Roog closed the distance with the orb and pressed his nose to the silvery sphere instead.

[color=lightblue]”Let this work mark the beginning of our pact, wrote in contract, sealed with divine power.”[/color] Azura said symbolically as the creation formed at their touch.

[color=lightblue]”And witnessed by the void. May it bless this peace and curse those who break it.”[/color] spoke the stone cat, forgotten by all, with words that had a weight all their own.

[hider=SUMMARY]
Kalmar and the gang arrive at the Northpole, where they meet Butterwort(chopstick eyes) and they talk and shit. Next they are greeted by Luis via Alma and talk again. Luis leads them to the Sky Bastion and inside they find Azura’s crew, watching the madness unfold in the vault. They quickly shut that off and a long meeting takes place. Everyone and everything pitches in and it’s just a fucking clusterfuck, jesus christ. A compromise is met, I guess, but no one is really happy because they didn’t invite Katharsos to the damn meeting so solutions are going to be looked at and alternatives explored so yay. A ‘notalma’ is agreed upon to be made by Roog, Kalmar, and Azura to preside over Kalgrun. 
[/hider]

[hider=MP SPENT]
Unarmed and un-telepathic Alma known as (name) which obey Kalmar and Roog equally, followed by Azura.

Kalmar
-1MP (discounted to 0 via Hunting portfolio.)
Roog;
-1MP (discounted to 0 via Demise portfolio.)
Azura;
-1MP (discounted to 0 via Soul Crystal portfolio.)

Justification for the discounts: Alma are supposed to seek out intelligent living mortals, which is where the Hunting portfolio comes in. They also seek out the recently deceased, which is where the Demise portfolio comes in. And of course, they create Soul Crystals - hence the discount for that.
[/hider]

[hider=PRESTIGE]
The Windweavers, The Spellsingers.

Starting prestige: 6
+1 prestige for being in the post
+1 prestige for a collab
Final prestige: 8
[/hider]

[hider=Deleted scenes:]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Look at lil Billy here,”[/colour] she said, pulling a tiny camel out of her pocket, [colour=blanchedalmond]“If I cut Billy’s throat, but then made another little animal, a toad or something, would that be cool of me?”[/colour] The camel, whose real name was Marwood, grunted a concerned little grunt. 

[hr]

[colour=blanchedalmond]“Does anyone want some fucking curry?”[/colour] said Chopstick Eyes. 

[/hider]