[center][h1][color=violet][b][u]Cadien[/u][/b][/color][/h1][/center]

[hr]
More than two decades had passed since Cadien had brought the Sirens to live within his realm. Since then they had spent many hours filling Meliorem’s halls with music, raising Cadien’s spirits when they were at their lowest. Neiya had disapproved at first, when she first stumbled across them so long ago, but since then seemed to have come to a grudging tolerance. 

The God of Perfection had ensured they kept their distance from his palace when Neiya was visiting, and those who chose to defy that rule quickly learned the error of their ways. When Neiya was not visiting, however, Cadien ensured that he did not neglect his realm’s inhabitants; spending days at a time touring their village, and making modifications to increase the comfort of its inhabitants.

It was not all songs, dance, and cheer, however. Cadien’s continued faithfulness to Neiya had led many female Sirens to envy or even despise the Horned Goddess. Although they had plenty of male companionship, for some that was not enough, and they still yearned for the God of Perfection whose castle was just a short walk from their home. From where they stood, it seemed as if Neiya was the only thing keeping them from that. 

The male sirens were not oblivious to this, which in turn led them to resent Cadien himself. It was a hard thing, to know one’s lover would rather be with someone else, and being powerless to do anything about it.

Meanwhile, the Lady-in-Waiting was gone. She had departed to search for her ‘Lady’ who had vanished within the God of Ink’s realm. Cadien had been deeply saddened by her departure, and afterward had forbidden any more Sirens from leaving Meliorem. Many had been unhappy with this decision as well, for they had been hoping to meet some of the other deities Cadien spoke of, but most had not been particularly bothered. After all, the only gods they had met were Cadien and Neiya. They knew they had a god of their own, of course, but he or she had abandoned them. With these experiences in mind, Cadien stood alone as a positive example.

And so for now the dissenters remained a minority, keeping their thoughts to themselves. Cadien was still a god, and this was still his realm. He had saved them and given them a home. And the men had been created directly by his own hand, so they owed him additional gratitude for that. Besides, Cadien had done his best to ensure their happiness despite their misgivings. It was for these reasons that the dissenters had not acted.

Not yet, anyway.

[hr]
There were six of them, all seated at a table, with cards in their hand. At the head was Cadien himself. The rest were Sirens; two men, and three women. Three more stood in a corner, playing a song with vocals, a flute, and a lute.

One of the Sirens, a man with a greenish tint to his skin, smiled confidently and placed a card upon the table.

“You have to draw four more cards.”

Cadien’s expression darkened. But the rules were rules. He reached for the pile and pulled out four more cards, which he added to his hand. The game was not looking good. He took some solace in the fact that this was mostly a game of chance, and thus there was less shame in suffering a defeat at the hands of a mortal. Besides, the game was not over yet, and perhaps it could still be salvaged.

And so they continued to play. Cadien found that his luck was beginning to turn around. Unfortunately, it was not enough. However, it was not the smug-looking man who won, but a female Siren instead, whose skin had a rather bluish looking hue. She smirked confidently as she announced her victory. “Well, this has been a pleasure,” she declared, as her gaze settled on Cadien. “What do I win?”

Cadien raised an eyebrow. [color=violet]“I don’t recall announcing any sort of prize.”[/color]

She pouted. “Oh but it’s not every day that one bests a god. Or knocks down the ego of Cleon here.” She inclined her head toward the rather sullen looking male song, who forced a smile and waved it off. “Surely I deserve some sort of prize for these achievements?”

[color=violet]“Tell me, then,”[/color] Cadien said. [color=violet]“What is it you desire most?”[/color]

“Perhaps a leading role in the next performance?”

“Julara won’t be happy about that,” another Song - this one red - interjected.

“Julara has played a leading part in over a thousand plays,” the blue Song countered, before looking back to Cadien. “Surely you would appreciate something different?”

Cadien considered that for a few moments. [color=violet]“Hm… why not? A bit of healthy competition won’t hurt anyone.”[/color] The Song smiled brightly at his words. [color=violet]“Now then, onto other matters.”[/color]

“Can you tell us what’s happening on Galbar, my lord?” a yellow Song requested. “More tales of the Acadians? Or of Carnelian’s adventures?”

[color=violet]“You’re very interested in Galbar, aren’t you?”[/color] Cadien queried. [color=violet]“Are my presence and Meliorem’s comforts not enough for you?”[/color]

“Oh no, they’re alright. I-I mean great! No, perfect,” the Song stammered nervously. “I just… I’m curious about what’s outside. Your stories are our only source of information for new songs.”

Cadien stroked his chin. [color=violet]“Hm. That’s true, isn’t it.”[/color]

“You know, I don’t see why we can’t just visit Galbar ourselves,” Cleon interjected.

“You know why,” the red Song said. “The other gods are too dangerous.”

“But there are no gods on Galbar, are there?” the blue Song intervened.

“There aren’t?” the yellow song’s eyes widened, before her gaze swivelled back to Cadien. “Is this true?”

[color=violet]“It is true, yes,”[/color] Cadien nodded grudgingly. [color=violet]“But just because there aren’t any gods doesn’t mean it’s safe. The gods still hold influence over the land, and they have created many dangers. Some by design, and others… by mistake. Even if you avoid those dangers it will still be a hard life. You’ll need to eat, sleep, and drink. In my realm you can do these things whenever you want, in infinite supply. On Galbar you’ll need to seek them out, or work for them. You will come to know age, fatigue, and hunger; three things you never have to worry about here.”[/color] He leaned forward, reaching across the table to place a hand on hers. [color=violet]“It’s safer for you to stay.”[/color]

Seeming dejected, the yellow song cast her gaze down at the table. But the blue song took up the next sally. “Is there nothing you can do to keep us safe while we’re down there, then? Or bring us back when we are in danger?”

Cadien leaned back. [color=violet]“I could, but it’s no simple task, and may require quite a lot of strain and effort on my part.”[/color]

“But think of the benefits, my lord. We’ll be down on Galbar, singing your praises and spreading your name to all mortals! You once said you had trouble getting them to listen to you, didn’t you? Why not let us help? It’s the least you can do, after all you have done for us.”

That gave Cadien pause. Images passed through his mind. Of Sirens marching with armies, playing music to inspire the troops, or impressing nobles in aristocratic gatherings. He imagined his Songs travelling the realm, passing his name on to those who had forgotten him, or had never been aware of his existence in the first place. [color=violet]“When you phrase it that way, the idea does have some merit,”[/color] he conceded. [color=violet]“But, I will need to think on this. As I said, it is no simple task.”[/color]

Both the yellow and blue songs smiled gratefully, with excitement behind their eyes.

[hr]
[hider=Post Summary]
So we get a recap of how the Songs have been doing ever since Cadien invited them in. Neiya doesn’t like them, and they don’t like her. Anyway Cadien has somehow managed to get Neiya to tolerate them (at least at a distance), and has done his best to keep all parties happy (though some of the girls want Neiya dead, and a few of the guys want [i]Cadien[/i] gone, if you can believe that.)

We then cut to Cadien playing a card game with some Songs who have his favour on that particular day. Cadien loses and is somewhat salty, but quickly gets over it. Then the conversation turns toward Galbar, with two of the Songs attempting to convince Cadien to let them head down there. Cadien is unconvinced, but eventually comes around when they appeal to his ego.

Also I’m claiming the Morale portfolio.
[/hider]

[hider=MP Summary]
[b]Beginning MP:[/b] 5
[b]Beginning DP:[/b] 5
-3MP to claim the Morale portfolio.
[b]Ending MP:[/b] 2
[b]Ending DP:[/b] 5
[/hider]