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[h1][color=violet][b][u]Cadien[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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[h1][color=8493ca][b][u]Neiya[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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[hr]
Clad in his armour, Cadien paced angrily across his throne room, hands crossed behind his back, as he reflected on Aicheil’s visit. The nerve! The gall! What gave that wretch the right!?

Deep in his woes, his thoughts were only broken when a new sound rippled through the throne-room; the now familiar quiet creak of the wooden door that led straight into Neiya’s realm. It swung open with clear direction, and from beyond came sounds of howling wind and the rustle of trees. And in the archway of that portal stepped an unfamiliar silhouette. Thinner, sleeker, than he remembered, with skin like snow stretched over a more athletic form. Horns replaced by white bone in few places, a chaotic remnant of her past form, and metallic, jagged edges draped around her like a shield in others. Fingers like talons. Even the eyes had lost their ice-blue hue for a red and black whorl. Even so, between the frown, the stance, and the simple signature of her divine essence - it was unmistakably Neiya. She wore clothes, a drape of blue and black silk that hugged her form tightly, offering an almost metallic sheen. As was common with the Goddess of Love, she hovered across the entryway, and the door flew closed behind her.

Cadien regarded her new form with mixed feelings - admiration, but also a touch of confusion, particularly toward the protruding bones. Nevertheless, he was happy to see her, for it was a distraction from his own inner turmoil. [color=violet]“Neiya,”[/color] he greeted her with a signature smile. [color=violet]“I see you have taken on a new form.”[/color]

Neiya in turn watched Cadien with no change to her expression, appearing deeply bothered herself - or simply as distant as ever. Still, she drifted over the room towards the God of Perfection, breathing out a sharp sigh. [color=8493ca]”Cadien,”[/color] she replied briskly, as she closed the distance. [color=8493ca]”Do you like what you see?”[/color]

Cadien gave her form another look-over, and he extended a hand to touch her cheek. [color=violet]“I do,”[/color] he said sincerely. [color=violet]“Can I ask why you made this change?”[/color]

Her white, long claw-like nails raised to offer a gentle caress of Cadien’s cheek in turn, as the Love Goddess continued her drift with a direct intent, pressing herself up against him. [color=8493ca]”I am expanding my horizons, Cadien. I have sat idle for too long. Drowned myself in woe, when I could share myself with the world beyond.”[/color] she responded with some weight behind her words, though her glance fell to the side in thought as she did. The frown deepened briefly. [color=8493ca]”I created an independent servant with my essence.”[/color]

Cadien’s arms wrapped around her, careful to avoid the sharp pieces of metal on her back. [color=violet]“Is that so? It is good to hear that you are being more proactive. May I ask what your intentions are?”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”My intentions?”[/color] Neiya scoffed quietly, managing to look offended despite not really looking directly at him. Her hand gently rested against his cheek, the other running along to grip at his armor. [color=8493ca]”I am a goddess, Cadien. I intend to bring love to Galbar.”[/color]

[color=violet]“A noble goal. Galbar surely needs it,”[/color] Cadien nodded. His hand lowered to her chin, and he attempted to gently maneuver her face though that she was once again looking at him. [color=violet]“But… perhaps we can put this talk of business aside, for now?”[/color] And with those words he leaned in to kiss her. The goddess responded in kind.

[hr]
Some time later, the two stood on Meliorem’s beach. Cadien had an arm wrapped around her, as the two stared out at the water. [color=violet]“I needed this,”[/color] Cadien whispered quietly. [color=violet]“It has been a long day. You were right. Some of our fellow gods really can be obnoxious.”[/color]

Neiya shifted her head gently on his shoulder, eyes tracking the gentle bob of waves. [color=8493ca]”There truly are no two alike,”[/color] she sighed in resigned agreement. [color=8493ca]”You didn’t seem that upset with… what was his name, again? ... [i]Illyd[/i]... last time, though. Anyone particular, in mind?”[/color]

[color=violet]“I am sorry about Illyd. Truly. Though, if it is any consolation, I did convince him to offer aid to some of our worshipers.”[/color] He brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face. [color=violet]“As for some of the more unpleasant gods… well, Aicheil came to mind. He came here recently. He refused to engage in polite conversation, and demanded that I shared knowledge with him. When I did - more out of pity, than anything else - he became angry, drove a number of mortals insane, and then saw fit to criticize [i]me[/i].”[/color] Cadien shook his head, still bewildered at the Dream God’s rudeness. [color=violet]“Can you believe it?”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”The Dreamer came here?”[/color] asked with some measure of surprise. Her head twisted to glance up at Cadien as he described his encounter, and the goddess followed his expression with a mixture of fascination and displeasure. She waved dismissively with her free hand, the other tucked neatly around Cadien’s arm. [color=8493ca]”Perhaps that is simply how he is. He became angry with me as well, and treated me poorly,”[/color] she sighed quietly. [color=8493ca]”Someone should make sure he stays in line.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Perhaps. He certainly won’t be allowed back in my realm any time soon. Do let me know if he ever gives [i]you[/i] further trouble, my dear. I will not stand for it.”[/color]

Neiya ran her free hand over Cadien’s torso with a simple exhale to follow. [color=8493ca]”What would I do without you, Cadien? I feel like the others out there will tear us apart, either by force or by trickery. There are none like us.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Which others?”[/color] Cadien asked. [color=violet]“Gibbou? I do believe you warned me about her when we reunited. What precisely happened between you two anyway?”[/color]

The idle caress over Cadien’s chest paused, a clear hesitation in the goddess’ motion before she resumed her gentle show of affection with her talons. [color=8493ca]”Before the… change,”[/color] she began with a soft tone, a heavy sigh breaking up her sentence. [color=8493ca]”...When we still walked Galbar. She came to my lake. I-... she showed me her true colours that day. Spoke with such spite and malice that-...”[/color] the grip around Cadien’s arm grew tighter. [color=8493ca]”It stuck with me for millennia. She wished me nothing but harm when we parted. When I heard you speak her name, I… I feared she had taken you from me as well.”[/color]

Cadien was genuinely surprised, and even somewhat saddened by the revelation. [color=violet]“I see…”[/color] he said softly. [color=violet]“I have indeed spoken to her, on multiple occasions. I never would have guessed she was capable of acting like that. This is… troubling. I will keep what you have said in mind.”[/color] He took a deep breath. [color=violet]“Are there any others who have troubled you?”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”Well, no. Although some are… off-putting. The shared realm beyond ours is not for me.”[/color] she mused with some bitterness to her words. [color=8493ca]”And… I worry I may have overstepped with a few. Not all-.. Understand me as you do, Cadien. They think I am a monster. Broken, or crazy.”[/color]

[color=violet]“You carry a difficult burden,”[/color] Cadien said sympathetically, recalling the memories and feelings she had bestowed upon him in their first meeting. [color=violet]“I can attempt to have a word with a few others on your behalf. Perhaps I might convince them to be less judgemental. You’re no monster, and you certainly aren’t broken.”[/color]

The goddess sighed contently, expression mellow as she gazed up at Cadien. She squeezed his arm, and remained quiet for a fairly long time, simply appearing to appreciate their shared proximity. When she spoke, it was of something else. [color=8493ca]”I created a new being on Galbar.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Oh?[/color] Cadien asked, surprised by the sudden turn in conversation. [color=violet]“What would that be?”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”Would you like to see them? They call themselves Neiyari, after their mother.”[/color] she chimed in with a new fancy to her voice, watching Cadien with anticipation.

[color=violet]“I would love to,”[/color] Cadien smiled. [color=violet]“Let’s have a look.”[/color]

Neiya raised her hand from his chest, gently cradling his cheek once more. Her eyes shifted and roiled for a moment, before turning milky white. A brief jolt of energy, before she shared her senses with Cadien’s own. He could see through her eyes, and more importantly, through an avatar down on Galbar. The bright and vibrant colours of the Luminant were instantly recognizable. He felt an intent, a veiled thought, cast through the connection, and the avatar moved in response. The view turned, and revealed a group of winged humanoids, tall and youthful. Each was different, with different hues of pale or darker skin - some as white as Neiya’s new form, and with wings that shifted from black to red and brown in different combinations. The avatar spoke a single command, and they bowed deep on the ground, wings cradling in around them. [color=8493ca]”They will spread my love, when I cannot.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Beautiful, diverse, versatile, disciplined… you have designed them well,”[/color] Cadien nodded approvingly, more taken in at the moment by what he was seeing than what he was hearing. [color=violet]“To my knowledge, the only creature that surpasses their beauty are our Merelli.”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”The merellis’ beauty cannot be matched. But what the Neiyari lack in beauty, they make up for with affinities more suited to their purpose.”[/color] Neiya returned with a sigh. Another thought flitted through the connection, and the avatar twisted to leap into the sky, a brief flutter of wings before the vision ended, and Neiya removed her hand from Cadien’s cheek. [color=8493ca]”They cannot be stopped. Will not be. I wasted so much time, Cadien. I don’t know what I was waiting for.”[/color]

[color=violet]“I would ask that you make my name known to them,”[/color] Cadien requested. [color=violet]“Their progress may be interesting to follow.”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”Of course, my sweet. Nothing would please me more.”[/color] she professed with a calm tone, leaning her head back down on Cadien’s shoulder. She waited for a few moments before changing the subject again. [color=8493ca]”Say, you’ve met a lot of our kin, have you not?”[/color]

Cadien nodded. [color=violet]“I have. What of it?”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”Well, we were talking about gods that bothered me, before-... Since you’ve met so many, maybe you know who to stay away from.”[/color] She cleared her throat quietly. [color=8493ca]”I don’t want to find myself in another situation like… like those.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Most of the gods I have met have been civil. Then again, I did misjudge Gibbou. Still, I will offer what advice I can.”[/color] He stroked his chin. [color=violet]“Hm… Tekret and Haerthus were quite angry when I first met them, and it took some effort on my part to calm them down. Sirius was somewhat evasive, but otherwise gave me no issues. Genesis has the mind of a child, which led to a misunderstanding when we first met, but one I was able to correct. Only Aicheil was beyond reason. I find that most gods are quite easy to get along with if I pay them respect and compliments - they tend to respond in kind.”[/color]

Her long nails ran up to caress his chin and cheek, the goddess remaining quiet for a time as she processed all the names that were offered up. Eventually, she nodded, a gentle shift against his shoulder. [color=8493ca]”I think perhaps I should stay away from these angry gods you speak of. When Fìrinn told me about Genesis, they failed to mention it was a child. Oraelia-...”[/color] she responded, a brief hesitation as she caught her own words. [color=8493ca]”Oraelia seemed to be taking good care of her, though.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Well, that is good to hear,”[/color] Cadien said. [color=violet]“Though… the possibility that the others might try to tear us apart still remains a concern. I suppose there is only one thing that can be done about that.”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”Oh?”[/color] the goddess replied softly. [color=8493ca]”What do you have in mind?”[/color]

[color=violet]“We must trust each other,”[/color] he said simply. [color=violet]“Should I ever hear anything that might sour my opinion of you, I will ask you for an explanation before I jump to conclusions. And should you hear anything about me, you shall do the same. Can you promise this to me?”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”Oh, Cadien.”[/color] Neiya uttered with a content mockery of resignation as she sighed. She twisted to face him, leaning in against his arm and shoulder. White talons gently grasped his cheek, guiding him to look her in the eyes. Even now, red and black stirred in a slow vortex in her irises. [color=8493ca]”I promise you. I shall never trust another god as much as I trust you. Not for as long as we live.”[/color]

Cadien was genuinely touched by her words. [color=violet]“And I promise the same to you,”[/color] he vowed, pressing his lips against hers. Neiya responded in kind, closing her eyes as they kissed. Her hand moved to hold the god close, unwilling to break the moment early. 
Eventually, however, her hand eased away, as did the goddess, once more gazing upon the God of Perfection in silence. It was an intense scrutiny, tranquil - though the roil in her eyes did not cease - and held with fascination. In that moment, she seemed ready to watch him for all eternity.

[color=violet]“Come,”[/color] Cadien said, suddenly taking her hand. [color=violet]“You showed me the Neiyari. There is something I must show you as well.”[/color] Neiya gasped ever so slightly as he took her hand, and gently released his shoulder, but otherwise did not object.

He led her back up to the keep, through the courtyard, through the halls of his fortress, and finally to the throne room. They came to a stop by the great wooden table at the center. “Let me tell of you Acadia,” he said.

[hr]
And so, Cadien spent the next several minutes regaling Neiya with the story of Acadia. He began by telling her of the Iskrill, creating tiny live versions of them which ran across the table, until he snapped them out of existence with disdain. [color=violet]“The Iskrill are abominations,”[/color] he told her. [color=violet]“Ugly, cruel without purpose, and as far as I know incapable of love. If they had been created as their own unique species like the trolls, they might perhaps be more tolerable, but they were not. They were created from humans, warped and twisted against their original purpose. An insult.”[/color] He shook his head with disgust. [color=violet]“And soon, they began to prey on those humans who remained pure. The only ones who weren’t killed were those who fled.”[/color]

[color=violet]“But eventually, I took notice, and I inspired the humans to resist.”[/color] He created a small mound of dirt on his table, upon which a miniature army of tiny humans held off a similarly scaled army of iskrill. A woman stood amongst the humans, wielding fire and flame, driving the beasts back. Then, a second army appeared, taking the iskrill in the flank.

[color=violet]“The iskrill were driven back,”[/color] Cadien continued, wiping the scene anyway. Then he raised another one. That of an iskrill army with their backs to the sea - represented by a small puddle of water. This time, it was the humans who were on the attack. [color=violet]“But it was not just the humans who fought them. I called upon the Merelli for aid too, for it is only natural that they should help their cousins.”[/color] Then, dozens of Merelli warriors emerged from the puddle, driving spears into the iskrill’s backs.

Some of the iskrill were able to break away from the human and merelli pincer attack. They fled across the table, where a tiny pine forest appeared. [color=violet]“The few iskrill who survived fled into a broken, shattered forest.”[/color] He snapped his fingers, and once more the table was cleared. The model of a city appeared on it soon after. [color=violet]“And to celebrate their victory, the humans and merelli built a city, where they dedicated themselves to perfecting the art of war. The city was intended to act as a shield against the iskrill, should they ever return.”[/color]

[color=8493ca]”You said they were created?”[/color] Neiya chimed in with a musing thought. She had paid an inordinate amount of attention to Cadien’s display of war and history, nails gently tapping against the table in idle thought. [color=8493ca]”Perhaps someone is trying to destroy your legacy. Who would twist the creations of another into something so-... animalistic?”[/color]

[color=violet]“I do not know,”[/color] Cadien shrugged. [color=violet]“I can’t help but view it as an insult. Either against me, or Evandra, for she helped create the humans too. Nevertheless, you are right: they are a threat to my legacy, and I cannot tolerate them.”[/color] He waved his hand, and the image of the city shrunk. Its surroundings turned into a map, revealing its precise location in the Highlands.

[color=violet]“The iskrill were driven from the northeast, but there was also a large population across the river to the west. I assumed that Oraelia would be able to deal with them, for her worship was prevalent in the area. For a time, they kept the iskrill at bay. But it seems she fell idle. A few decades before we gods were reunited, a city which dedicated itself to her was destroyed.”[/color] That very same city appeared on the map, smoking and in ruins. [color=violet]“Now these ruins belong to the iskrill. And if they figure out how to cross the river, they can attack Acadia from the west. Meanwhile, the iskrill who fled into the Abberant have replenished their numbers. In the south, a third species has taken up root in the Highlands, waging war with humans and iskrill alike.”[/color]

Cadien shook his head. [color=violet]“As you can see, the situation for Acadia is rather grim. The city dedicates itself foremostly to me, but your name there is still respected and loved - especially among our children. They may require support at some point in the future, and I would ask that you consider providing it.”[/color]

The frown that played on Neiya’s lips was one Cadien had seen many times at this point, even though her form was only wearing it for the first time. Though she made a show of watching the map, and even seeming to consider his words, she seemed distant - caught up on some other thought. Not long after, her question confirmed the suspicion. [color=8493ca]”You’ve mentioned this-... this Evandra a fair few times now. I didn’t know she was so instrumental. Surely she cares about your joint creation as I do ours, hm?”[/color] she lifted her hand from the table, running talons gently along her own chin in sullen thought.

Cadien nodded. [color=violet]“She was the first deity I encountered,”[/color] he told her. [color=violet]“And yes, I have considered bringing this matter to her as well. But she spent the entire separation sleeping, and seemed quite shaken upon waking up, so I decided to allow her time to adjust.”[/color]

The goddess touched her own arm, pressing out a calm [color=8493ca]”How thoughtful of you.”[/color] before she gave Cadien a smoldering glower from the side. Lifting her chin, she seemed to battle her own thoughts for a moment before continuing. [color=8493ca]”Well. It seems to me if she spent all this time sleeping, she should be eager to catch up with those of us who actually care. I suppose I will provide support for your city. [i]I[/i] will not abandon my children.”[/color]

Cadien shrugged. [color=violet]“I have not spoken to her since she awoke, so I cannot say what she has been up to. If you wish, the two of us can go speak to her right now. Perhaps the three of us might come up with something together.”[/color]

Neiya’s reaction was somewhere between a gasp and a scoff. The pale goddess lifted her last hand from the table, raising it in a mock gesture to place over her heart. She kept a sullen stare on Cadien for a time, before giving a regal lift of her chin once more. [color=8493ca]”I think not. I wouldn’t want to stir anyone out of their beauty sleep. I’m certain she needs it to do-.. Whatever it is she rules over.”[/color]

Cadien looked at her in confusion, and then understanding seemed to dawn. He stepped closer and gently embraced her. [color=violet]“Neiya,”[/color] he said softly. [color=violet]“We agreed to trust each other, did we not? Evandra is my friend, but you are the one I love.”[/color]

The love goddess stood stiffly at first, agonizingly quiet. She frowned still, but eventually relented as she gazed away from Cadien. [color=8493ca]”Yes. Fine,”[/color] she conceded with a sullen tone. [color=8493ca]”I’ll not sit idle while your creation is ravaged by these creatures. I do trust you, and I want to help.”[/color] Finally, she looked back at Cadien, her displeasure warped to an indignant demand for attention.

[color=violet]“Do you love me?”[/color] Cadien suddenly found himself asking.

Neiya stared at him quietly, features softening slowly. Shifting in his embrace, she laid her arms around his shoulders, gaze meeting his. She took her sweet time to reply, but when she finally did, it was with a calmer voice. [color=8493ca]”I do. I love you, Cadien. Always, and forever.”[/color]

The God leaned forward once more, and the kiss they shared was far longer and tender than any that came before.

[hider=Summary]
Cadien is angrily pacing in his realm after meeting Aicheil, when suddenly Neiya appears looking all new and cool with her new domain form. Cadien asks what brought on the change, and Neiya gives a cagey speech about being proactive in bringing love to Galbar.

Later on, the pair find themselves on the beach in Cadien’s realm, where they share a plethora of details with each other. Cadien asks about Gibbou, and Neiya implies that the moon goddess is more sinister than she seems. They talk about other gods as well, and Cadien pledges to protect Neiya from Aicheil if it comes to that. Neiya shows Cadien the Neiyari through the eyes of her avatar, and neglects to mention Oraelia’s involvement. Finally, the pair promise to trust each other first and foremost, to guard from others trying to split them apart.

Finally, Cadien leads Neiya back to the throne room to regale her with stories about the Iskrill and the city of Acadia, in hopes that she will lend her support to their survival and continued perseverance. Due to a casual mention of Evandra, Neiya turns bitter and jealous, though still pledges to assist humanity while shittalking a goddess she’s never met. Cadien feels like his emotions are being bypassed, and prompts Neiya whether she feels as he does. She says she does, and they embrace in a kiss.

[/hider]

[hider=MP/DP]
Ain’t no MP spent here foo’.
[/hider]