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[center][h1][color=gainsboro][i]Celestine[/i][/color] bargains with [color=Fuchsia]Death[/color][/h1][/center]
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Following her brief interaction with Boudicca Celestine felt a surge of belonging and assurance within herself. Not only had she been able to bestow her first knighthood unto a mortal of Galbar, but that mortal had impressed her with their desire to improve the lives of her people instead of accepting a personal gift. Thus Celestine had promised her that a reward would be awaiting her in the afterlife. But that promise was at risk of being broken for Celestine did not have dominion over their souls.

Her meeting with Cadien had not broached the topic of which god did hold dominion, but Celestine’s interaction with Boudicca gave her the drive and confidence to seek this knowledge out for herself. Stepping away from the throne that lay within her visitation chamber Celestine walked confidently towards the door that she knew led into Antiquity and pushed it open before stepping through into the common area between the different realms of the gods. Noting that the common area was once again empty, Celestine took a moment to extend her divine senses outward before beginning to walk among the various portals to peer inward at their connected realms in order to try and find the answers that she sought.

It took a few laps around the colosseum but Celestine was able to eventually locate a portal that was linked to a rather misty realm. Out of all the realms that she had seen, Celestine came to the conclusion that this realm was the best candidate for one associated with the souls of mortals. None of the others seemed to fit quite as well as it did. Pulling her celestial senses back into a more passive state, Celestine tugged her red and gold traveling cloak around herself a bit more thoroughly so it could act as a sort of barrier before pulling the hood up over her head.

It was likely not much in the way of protection, but she felt more at ease to have an additional layer around her when confronting a god she had no information about. Cadien had staunchly warned her against Yamat, but Celestine did not know how many other gods such a warning might’ve been applicable to. Thus, she opted for a cautious approach even though she was fully confident in her ability to defend herself.

With little other preparations to make, Celestine stepped over the threshold of the gateless gate and into the unknown beyond, hopeful that she had made the right choice with her selection of portal.

The mists gave only a bit as Celestine entered. Almost all was obscured so thick they were, reeking of death in an almost pure form. A shadow stretching far into the sky, as much as that could be said to be different from the roiling mists surrounding her, stood off to one side, everywhere else seemed to be covered in the same deathly mists.

No sounds came forth, the only thing to be heard was her own feet as they stepped onto the stone floor of the misty realm, all else came deafening silence.

Celestine’s eyes darted about quickly as she entered into the realm of mist and silence. The resounding lack of a greeting of any kind was concerning, but at the very least it was not an outright attack. Observing the surroundings for a few moments Celestine took note of the shadow stretching into the sky and figured that it was the best reference she had for travel. Steeling her nerves and pressing onward Celestine began to move towards the shadow that was off to one side.

As she walked, Celestine contemplated how she might approach such a topic. What if the governing deity of souls was hesitant to give them unto her? What if the governing deity of souls was hostile to the question? Was she ready to fight another god if needed? Celestine took a small amount of comfort from the weight of her sword upon her right hip. It was something, at the very least.

After a few moments of walking, Celestine noted that she really seemed to have made no progress towards anything in particular. As a matter of fact, she didn’t think she’d made any progress at all! Frowning in frustration, Celestine moved onto another strategy. Raising her voice to the levels she would use when giving a speech, Celestine spoke clearly into the surrounding darkness. [color=gainsboro][b]”Greetings, Deity of Souls. I am the goddess Celestine, and I have come to bargain with you over the final destination of a particular subset of mortals. Will you not appear before me so that we may discuss an arrangement?”[/b][/color]

Celestine hoped that this would be enough to garner the attention of the hopefully residing deity, though the questions that she had posed herself earlier still lingered in her mind. Obscuring most of the motion with her cloak Celestine brought her right hand up to the top of her scabbard, preparing her sword to be drawn quickly should an attack come in surprise. Hopefully she did not have to draw it, but she would rather have it ready and not need it than need it and not have it ready.

Her words echoed out into the silence for a few long moments.

Suddenly the shadow fell out of sight, Celestine had not moved and it took only a moment for the goddess to realize what had and was happening. She had not moved, rather the ground beneath her was, her feet were sure-footed to stone, but all around her the stone flowed at a breath-taking speed.

Rapidly she came to a new locale off in the distance similar shadows reaching towards the sky stood, however before her was something quite different. Rather than a shadow only visible in the vaguest detail, before her stood a mountain. On the edge of being swallowed by the mists, she could see in clear enough fashion. It was not one of stone, earth, or any other such occurrence. It was a mountain of corpses reaching deep off into the mists where it became naught but shadow, and reaching towards the sky in its own terrible height.

A voice came resounding in millions of voices, of chirps of birds, of growls of prairie cats, to the baying of celestial sheep, they came together in one voice, one coherent sound. [color=Fuchsia]"I bid you welcome to my realm of Aquibeophates Celestine."[/color]

From above the mountain curled downward towards her, coming to a point wide and tall as the Goddess herself, a massive eye emplaced in a spiked disk. The downward forming spire brought the eye above her and half the distance away from the base of the mountainous mound.

[color=Fuchsia]"I am Thaa, Lord of Death, Guardian of the Afterlife, Protector of Souls, and Creator of the Undead. What arrangement would you seek?"[/color] The voice came again, but it did not stop with one question, [color=Fuchsia]"I have not seen or felt your presence before, here or on Galbar, have you simply held quiet observation or are you another of our deific kind to be brought forth from Lifeblood?"[/color]

Celestine’s first reaction to the motion around her was to enter a state of high alert for a few moments while she assessed what was happening. Upon realizing that she was not being threatened, Celestine relaxed once more. Lowering her hand from its place upon her scabbard, Celestine came to lower her hood as she began to notice a shape coalescing as the environment shifted around her. When the sense of motion stopped, Celestine simply stared in awe at the mountain of corpses for a moment. It was grotesquely impressive, and Celestine personally viewed it as all the more reason to arrange her bargain sooner rather than later, lest the great feast laid out within her hall went unused.

As Thaa made his introduction, Celestine gave a curtsy as she lifted her cloak as one would lift a skirt. Once she was standing normally again Celestine began to answer the questions that Thaa had posed to her. [color=gainsboro]”Greetings Thaa. I am the Goddess of Soldiers. Your second observation of my upbringing is correct, I emerged from the lifeblood only recently. The arrangement I would like to make would be for the souls of the honorable mortal warriors who perish upon Galbar. Within my realm lies a great hall that has been set for a grand feast, and I would like to reward those who dedicate themselves to the higher calls of chivalry and honor with the chance to enjoy a reward in the afterlife. I am also planning to add in a dedicated area for tournaments to be held so that those who wish to compete against those who came before their time or those who came after their time may find their desire to test themselves satisfied. But I have no control over the souls of the mortals upon Galbar, which is why I came to ask you for your assistance.”[/color]

Celestine hoped that her explanation would prove enough that Thaa would agree to such a proposition, though she was worried that there was perhaps something she did not know. Hammering the concern away, Celestine focused herself upon the conversation at hand and waited for Thaa’s reply to her request before pondering further.

[color=Fuchsia]"I see."[/color] The great eye had remained focused on her during the entirety of her speech, now continuing to reply. [color=Fuchsia]"I would be willing to make such a deal, in exchange for appropriate recompense. Another had come wishing for the same souls you had, I made a deal with them that would allow the soul to choose either my realm or the other's, I see no reason that you could not also be included as an option of their choice. Should you be willing to provide assistance at some future point to myself for such a service."[/color]

Celestine raised a finger to her chin for a moment. Another god made a similar deal? Interesting, and concerning. The deal was relatively fair, though Celestine did wish to modify a small aspect of it in light of the news that another god had a similar bargain. Lowering her hand, Celestine spoke again. [color=gainsboro]”The terms you have laid out are fair, though I would like to modify the arrangement slightly. There are some mortals that earn my recognition and blessing through valorous acts upon the battlefield. Of those I dub with the title of Ser, I would like their souls to be guided exclusively to my realm upon their death. Though I would impose no restrictions upon them leaving once they arrive, save for perhaps some highly distinguished few that I would request to stay as advisors for affairs happening within the mortal world. A corridor shrouded in mist already exists within the great hall and I would not be hesitant to make that corridor a connection to your own realm in addition to the favor that you request, in exchange for the assurance that those I bless would be directed to my realm without fail and permission to keep a small amount of notable souls as advisors. Is this acceptable?”[/color]

[color=Fuchsia]"I agree, on the condition that should any other deity interfere with said souls reaching me that I will not be at fault and you will aid in rectifying such an error?"[/color] The mountain roiled in the mists, shifting slightly before calming back down.

Celestine gave a nod to Thaa’s proposal before replying. [color=gainsboro]”Yes. I will agree to those terms. I desire overall neutrality, but I am not opposed to personally addressing the theft of souls that have been promised to me.”[/color]

At this point Celestine would’ve held up a hand in order to finish the negotiations, but it was plain to see that Thaa’s form granted no hand to shake. Thus she had to commence the finalization verbally rather than her preferred method. [color=gainsboro]”Do you have any other terms you would wish to initiate? I am satisfied with the bargain as it stands and would see such a pact finalized.”[/color]

[color=Fuchsia]"The Pact is Made then. I do wish to ask on a different matter, if you wish to be overall Neutral why do you do this? What is so important as to override Neutrality?"[/color] Thaa did not change as he spoke, his eye kept itself upon Celestine, although one change was notable, it wasn't silent anymore. The Dull thuds of something could be heard in the distance now, rhythmic to an extent but with a small degree of progression.

Celestine blinked in response to the question. It was simple, yet something worth contemplating for a moment. However, Celestine only needed a moment before she gave her answer. [color=gainsboro]”I remain neutral because a soldier can come from anywhere, if I were to begin picking sides I would be abandoning at least some section of soldiers. Thus I opt to not pick sides as much as I can, because I hope to abandon no-one. That is also why I offer my blessings based upon provable merit, and why I would also see this deal made: Should two soldiers faithful to me meet upon opposing sides of a battlefield, it is my hope that them knowing a reward awaits them in the afterlife will encourage them to not shy away from facing others who are faithful to me in battle. They put their faith in me, earned my recognition for courage and honor and with it the promise of a reward in the afterlife. I would not want to be made a liar by promising them something I cannot directly give.”[/color]

The sound of something approaching caught Celestine’s attention by now, and she once again brought her right hand up to the top of her sword’s scabbard. Straining her eyes against the mist-covered surroundings, Celestine tried her best to trace the approaching sound with her ears, but could find little visual indication of what might’ve been approaching. This concerned her, and the most natural reaction was to be ready for assault. Presumably, Thaa wouldn’t let something of his own creation begin causing harm to a visitor, but something else could’ve slipped in that was outside of Thaa’s control. There were many unknowns when it came to things like that, and Celestine would rather be overly cautious for no reason instead of totally relaxed when danger was present.

The thuds grew louder, closer, the scratching of something along the stone floor of Aquibeophates soon joined the thuds, growing from quiet echoes, to louder ones with each thud, entwined with them. Thaa spoke, seemingly not noticing or caring about the source of the sound, [color=Fuchsia]“As fair assessment of such things as most go it would seem. You are aligned much better than most I feel in some order there, have you met many of our kind so far?”[/color]

The mists gave little to no clue to the source even as Thaa awaited answer in his questions.

Celestine gave a nod to Thaa’s mention of meeting other gods. [color=gainsboro]”I have met Cadien thus far, and he told me many things about many different gods. Though he did not speak about you in particular, if you’re wondering.”[/color]

The increasing amount of thuds that were still approaching were rapidly becoming more concerning for Celestine. Especially given that Thaa was making no comments about it. Taking a moment to draw her sword, Celestine posed a question about the oncoming noise. “Thaa, if I may inquire, what is making that thudding sound? It is causing me to be concerned for my own safety.”

After speaking, Celestine took up a ready stance, holding her sword forward in a traditional longpoint guard as she prepared to defend herself from whatever was oncoming.

At her question was the first time Thaa broke his gaze from her, turning to his right facing the mists, then the left. His great eye did not blink for it could not, it stared out into the great obscurity that were the mists with no reply.

He fixed his gaze upon Celestine once more, not replying still. The thudding and scraping noises continued, tunnels through the mist took shape, barely opening pathways of sight. Surrounding the goddess in every direction these tunnels formed. From above, to the right and left, behind, at the same time a sense of curvature and yet one could see as clearly through as though they were straight.

Forms were moving in these unobscured pathways of sight, some gigantic dwarfing even the mountain form of Thaa and his main corpses, others small, the size of Celestine herself or smaller. Their shapes were just as varied, from things that bespoke of the same idea of form that brought bipedalism to so many mortal sophonts, to others that seemed a mix of many beasts, to others still that defied clear classification, a number even seemed to not quite be set solid in form as looking upon their form twice came away with the same or more impressions of what was seen.

All of these were at work, moving stone, construction as it did seem to be. Some worked on the ground, some in the sky. Others still seemed to watch further in the mists, endless giants watching obscured still, the tunnels not reaching out far enough to bring them into easy sight. The thuds and scrapes corresponding to the works set out in construction by the many formed beings.

The tunnels closed and Thaa spoke, [color=Fuchsia]“Tower Construction.”

“Not much of your concern but I understand the worry. I will say one thing of Cadien and what he, or any other god, goddess or other deific being may tell you. Don’t trust it. Make your own decisions, your own judgments. Too many are caught up in their own concerns and agendas, their minds are not your own. Do not even trust what I tell you now, keep in mind at all times there is always an angle. All will tell you as they wish and think from that angle of theirs, know what they say, and know what you can see and find from your own sense.”[/color]

He paused briefly, breaking away eye contact from Celestine once more, traveling around to look at something behind him he spoke once more.

[color=Fuchsia]“I look forward to working with you in the future Celestine, Goddess of Soldiers. Did you have anything else?”[/color]

As Thaa left, Celestine grew increasingly worried. Now she was beset by a strange and unanswered noise and was left without the council of the master of the realm. Such a situation naturally caused her to tighten her grip upon her sword. When Thaa returned Celestine did relax from her stance even slightly, and even then the relaxation was subtle. It wasn’t until the true source of the sound came into view and proved itself to not be hostile did Celestine change her stance to be neutral once again. Taking a few moments to return her sword to its scabbard, Celestine gave a nod to Thaa’s long awaited answer. Celestine then listened intently as Thaa explained his opinion on the machinations of the various other gods that had awakened before she nodded once more before speaking. [color=gainsboro]”I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Thaa. As for our bargain, I have nothing more that I wish to add to it. We can consider such a deal made should you have no qualms over it. If all else is finished, I will take my leave and see to connecting the corridor within the great hall of my realm to your realm.”[/color]

As she finished speaking, Celestine would place her left arm across her chest and bow respectfully to the floating eye of Thaa. When she was finished, she waited for a few moments to listen if Thaa had anything more to say. If he didn’t, Celestine would seek the exit back to antiquity so that she could return to her realm and begin what she agreed to do.

[color=Fuchsia]"The Pact is made, I will speak to you about the favors when the time is right."[/color] With that said, Thaa withdrew himself into the mists, the mountain form collapsing back into obscurity.  Everything remained still for a moment with only the repeating sounds of construction coming from the mists. However those too faded as the ground began to shift beneath Celestine once more, bringing her to the portal. The mists seemed to be less obscuring, several distant towers could be barely made out, the earlier one seen before was apparently gone.

Celestine gave a nod as Thaa departed and would then turn to begin the journey back towards where the portal had been previously. She had barely made it a few steps before the ground began to shift again. Standing still as before, she waited to arrive at the destination she was being sent to, and was relieved when the portal came into view. Taking one last look at the confusing realm that Thaa maintained, Celestine stepped back through the portal and into Antiquity.

Her time there was short, and soon thereafter Celestine was within her own realm once more. Moving quickly to The Longhall, Celestine stood before the fog shrouded corridor that lay within it, and raised a hand. Extending her divine senses forward Celestine began to alter the realm in this particular corridor. Pushing at the boundaries of her realm, Celestine connected this particular portal to the realm of Thaa, a connection he would likely be extremely aware of as Celestine made no attempt to be subtle. However, she did make this connection distinctly one-way.

While she was modifying the realm, she chose to add a message upon the floor of the corridor, easily visible and readable by all due to being written in shifting, self-translating runes: “Those claimed by the mist cannot return. Be sure of this.”

With all said and done, Celestine pulled her divine senses back into their passive state and nodded to herself. All things yet required on her end of the bargain were finished. Hopefully Thaa would keep his end, and all would be well. Celestine turned back to her realm at large now, and began to make plans to modify it further. Since there would now be the souls of warriors present within her realm, Celestine needed something more than food to keep them entertained. Moving about her realm, Celestine placed down wood and stone structures to support jousting, dueling, boxing, wrestling, and a large arena for large scale battles to be held. She then took the time to pave her realm's hardened dirt roads with cobblestone like she had seen within Cadien’s realm.

With her work finished, Celestine nodded to herself. These changes would make her realm much more enjoyable for those who carried the flame of conflict with them into the afterlife. Now it was time to wait and see what would happen now that her realm would receive a flow of souls for her to harbor. Taking a seat upon the throne overlooking The Longhall, Celestine waited to see how events would unfold.

[hider=Summary]Celestine, having made a promise to Boudicca that there would be a reward for her in the afterlife, sought to take steps to ensure that she would be able to fulfill the promise that she made. Her searching brought her to the realm of Thaa, and after a brief conversation a deal was struck in that the souls would be offered the choice to go to her realm, and the people that Celestine specifically blessed with the title of Ser would be brought to her realm in the afterlife.

During her time in Thaa’s realm, Celestine was moderately spooked by unexplained thudding and scraping sounds, and even drew her sword to defend herself. This turned out to be a little overzealous, as the sounds were merely minions of Thaa doing some construction work.

After the deal was struck, Celestine returned to her realm and upheld her end of the bargain and changed the foggy corridor of her realm to be a one-way passage to Thaa’s realm. She then set about modifying her realm to better suit having visitors present and added various combat areas in and around the castle.[/hider]

[hider=MP/DP]None was spent.[/hider]