[center][h3][color=7bcdc8]Oneiro - Goddess of Dreams[/color]

and 

[color=FFE4E1]Arira - Goddess of Cycles[/color][/h3]

[h2]Of Cycles and Dreams[/h2]

[i]A collab by [@Double Capybara] and [@Crusader Lord][/i]

[/center]

[hr]

A blueish green comet had been circling the skies of Galbar for quite a while. There was much data that needed to be gathered after all, and many things to fix were I’Iro to attain a decent diversity of mortals to interact with in her search of meaning and wisdom. Many locations had got her attention, but none quite as much as what she had just seen. Hidden among gentle valleys was a paradise of both nature and civilization, the perfume of divine presence was easily tracked to this area not only by the unique sensory input innate to the gods but the sheer abundance and planning in the location was simply unnatural, ongoing apocalypse or not.

In form the dream goddess was far more gentle and quiet than the last visitor to the temple-fortress. In actions, however, she had the same divine aloofness and insensibility. Without thinking of what the mortals in the land would think of a green comet going straight for the centre of their capital at ultrasonic speeds, she simply swooped down, landing in the nearest clearing to the temple, dismounting her dragon and observing with curiosity the community around her.

To say the least, a glowing green comet descending directly upon them from the sky was not something the residents were used to. Just as they had become more accustomed to the higher-altitude life and being surrounded by mountains that concealed their home from detection otherwise, and now something was coming from the one direction that anything could hope to notice the great paradise valley from. Still, as I’Iro looked about she’d see in the distance the pregnant women and children were hurried away to safety as the adult men and women who could fight were taking up arms for defense and raising palisades about their humbles homes and entrance to the temple that was visible from the dream deity’s landing spot. 

In terms of armaments, they would in some ways notably differ from what had been seen before by a certain Earth God during his arrival. A tiny amount of matchlocks, as well as: properly metal-tipped spears, very few pikes, and in final a few crossbows or more primitive bows even were among those tools of war being carried and hefted about by would-be defenders. Naturally, it seemed the goddess of this paradise had been teaching the people a bit more, and it wasn’t as if the valley didn’t provide an eternal plenty of all the resources the residents would need to make things as well. Even so…against the smooth, shiny metal carapace of the dragon and I’Iro’s own appearance they were still very much primitive in comparison ‘at best’.

However, even as the defenders worked in a seemingly well-practiced haste, a figure would appear already at the doorway of the temple. Tan hair of a silky and divine softness, pale and smooth skin that saw not a single blemish, elf-like pointed ears, beautiful attire and a woven crown and golden ornaments far beyond mortal comprehension covering her form, and in final soft grey-blue eyes looking outward directly at where the new arrival had landed. Despite her soft and gentle smile, looking at her would give a sense of...exasperation? A brief flicker of familiarity yet tiredness behind those eyes and smile?

The goddess quickly started to pick up hints of what was happening around her as the panic had set into the city, and although it took time she finally realized her “gafe”. [code]My truly sincere apology.[/code] she said to the nearest human to her, not realizing it was just a low ranked town militia [code]I had forgotten that such a sudden arrival would likely spart fears into mortals due to your existential fragility. I am I’Iro goddess of dreams. Greetings. And I do not mean harm up the land.[/code] She gave a little apologetic bow to the confused human and then simply ignored the madness she had caused to focus on the fellow divine who had appeared. The machine goddess moved towards Arira with gentle steps, her synthetic unnatural clothing and cold expression the same as always. [code]Greetings. I am sorry for the sudden arrival. I merely noticed your village while flying and it truly sparked my curiosity. Do you have a moment to engage in communication?[/code]

At first the worried but middle-aged man, holding a spear, paused in initial fear of being suddenly approached and spoken to...but the being before him didn’t seem to care he was just one citizen among those living here. It wasn’t a large city around the temple-fortress, at least as of yet, but the inhabitants had been hard at work all around. But as she spoke to him he seemed to calm down a bit, and after she just simply walked past him he seemed to let out an exasperated sigh as a look of recognition ran over his face. He then ran a hand down his face and began to run over to the others who were still moving people and supplies and so forth about. 

But how-

[b]“Everyone! Hey! It’s just another of those friendly divines, so this one doesn’t want to kill us either! [sub]...I hope.[/sub]”[/b]

-...Oh. [i]Oh[/i]. This wasn’t the first time an ultimately ‘friendly’ deity had roared into the place with all the grace of a frothing berserker in a room full of pottery, was it?. Of course they had kept up caution since last time, all as a ‘just in case’ since there were likely many more deities in the world now, but still...apparently this was ‘round two’ and not the one man’s first time either. So as the man’s message spread, the defenders began to calm down bit by bit once more. The word would spread duly over the course of the hour, but even so Arira helped calm those between herself and the approaching mechanical goddess for the sake of simplicity. 

[color=FFE4E1]“Greetings fair I’Iro, Goddess of Dreams. I do have time to speak with thee, yes, though perhaps we should proceed to the throne room of my temple-fortress here first as the people calm down.”[/color] 

Arira would then turn to the side, politely motioning for the other goddess to follow. If the other goddess would follow, Arira would begin to lead her through the temple-fortress. Up and up they’d climb, through grand hallways, past smaller branching paths to various types of rooms along the sides of those grand hallways, until they came to a set of grand doors. A pair of armored, poleaxe-toting mortals, their appearances and much else concealed underneath the armor, who with a wave of the goddess’ hand would open the doors for the duo to progress. 

Though if she’d move forward to enter alongside the hosting goddess, Arira would speak once more to her as they walked a little more. 

[color=FFE4E1]“Mine speeth is’t strange compared to some others of our divine kin, but it is simply what I hath chosen to use as part of mine own preferences. The make of your steed is most excellent, and I must say that your choice of chassis in this world is most intricate and well-built to mine eyes as well. I am open to any questions about this place or mine self, but...perhaps let us not cause more panic among the mortals. They have seen much in their years, and only since mine birth at this place hast they seen much of peace thus far…”[/color]

As they walked in down the main walk through the center of the room, the first thing that would be apparent was its size. It was like a grand lecture hall room, or a great classroom, with rows of pews with desk-like writing places before them for those sitting. All were neatly lined about on the left and right sides of the room...all looking up at the only slightly-raised throne at the far back center of the room. 

The wide main walk went right up to the throne itself rather directly, aside from where it branched here and there near the doorway to lead to the pew seating on either side, and Arira would approach and sit upon her throne in turn. The chair in and of itself was a rather ornate golden chair, depicted with fitting designs of world cycles and scenes of learning to hint at this throne room’s purpose. Yet without skipping a beat the goddess would lightly conjure a similar chair right, one just as golden and ornate and facing her own throne whilst being on level with it. 

It bore mechanical designs where Arira’s was more ornate, circuit-like blueprints scattered about with dream-like designs covering it and depicting I’Iro’s own domain. A very fancy thing to do for a guest, especially a divine one, indeed. 

I’Iro could not help but gently giggle at the chair. [code][color=7bcdc8]How nice. This is the first time another entity has made something in dedication to me. It is incredibly fascinating to see how my form is reflected in the mirror of your mind.[/color][/code] she sat by the side of her fellow goddess, although she did not feel the need for it she was able to follow social protocol quite easily. [code]In fact this whole palace and the city around it are very interesting. I do not believe any other god has engaged in such complex social systems or intricate designs yet. Your ability to seek out your objectives and diligent mindset are enviable.[/code] the goddess would lean forward a bit closer to better observe Arira. [code]However. It does make one wonder what drove you to create this location. Was it a sense of magnanimous empathy towards mortals? Or was there something you wished to do or discover here?[/code]

[color=FFE4E1]“In truth, this place is where I was born. My parent, Chakravarti, came upon this place as they sought the mortal kin of a formerly human babe who is now my demigod brother. Here they were assaulted by mortals who thought them to be a demon, and after some argument and realizing the mortals here would avenge each other in a ‘cycle’ until they were all dead if they had to...from this my parent was [i]’aroused’[/i]...and from this gave birth to me.”[/color]

Arira seemed to deliver the last line with no small amount of embarrassment and exasperated resignation, but lightly shook her head before continuing. Even deities could have those embarrassing parent moments...even if those moments were how they were born into the world. 

[color=FFE4E1]“Circumstances as they were, I put the mortals at ease and consecrated this place as the sacred place of my birth, setting rules and coming to begin to teach the mortals here as I have worked upon the world. 

Since then things have also changed. Alrgrim, God of Earth, approached my domain and desired to place a pillar here to help stop the shaking and quaking of the world. As my paradise was in the location he desired, and his intentions were just, I did grant him assistance and helped place this pillar here to help stabilize the world. It lies in a grand chamber dug underneath this temple-fortress...the very temple-fortress we sit within the highest chamber of here and now. 

Prior to this time I have taken up the task of understanding space-time better, and continue to come from time to time to teach and educate the mortals living here as my subjects.”[/color]

I’Iro was deeply fascinated by all she had heard. [code]So. You are a god born from another god. One that was born from human interaction no less. I guess this could explain many things. Although most gods are days old there is much to be understood on why the inexplicable laws of the universe saw fit to bring you to this world as a second generation. Through mortal-like birth no less.[/code] The goddess was so deep in thought that she even stopped looking straight towards Arira. [code]On the topic that there is a god slowly stabilizing this world. I did have such suspicions. In this area there is a clear difference in the geo-magnetic stability. This is good because it brings me straight to my topic. Which is the health of this planet. As while a stable lithosphere is created the situation of the atmosphere remains stagnant. Quite literally.[/code]

The dream goddess adjusted her eye contact and then guided the other goddess to look at the nearest window. [code]As it stands today the Shard of Galbar is unchanging. In the south the land is always cold. In the north it is always warm. And the center as you must have seen is always in the comfortable barrier between both. Flowers mix up their time to flower and their time to fruit. However. As the goddess of cycles. Do you think this is the normal and most healthy state of the land?[/code]

After a moment, the cyclical goddess let out a long and drawn-out sigh. 

[color=FFE4E1]“It is not, dear I’Iro. The land cries to me, the skies, the atmosphere, the plants, the animals, all of it that remains out of balance cries to me. I sought to seed the land some at first with the makings of balance and stability, but in the end could only lay preparations for and ‘seed’ the land in ways that will help more rapidly restore things once proper cycles begin to take root round-about the region of land this paradise exists in. But before a great storm in the north and other instabilities blocked my efforts from going farther...and it made me wonder. 

Thusly pondering, I came back here to study and see if I can derive any useful information from these studies of space-time to apply in reinvigorating this Fragment of Creation. Some ways and some data that can be extrapolated and built-upon soundly to create a most fitting solution. 

But what has become more and more clear, in truth, is that it cannot be done alone. I cannot silence all those cries from creation alone, even though my heart yearns to do fix things as rapidly as I can,” she said, using two of her fingers on her left hand to rub her temple, though trailing off a little at the end before looking back up, her true feelings of tiredness and stress about the matter on-display for a brief moment before I’Iro’s eyes in all their relevance, though soon after the goddess sought to put back on her usual airs and self, [color=FFE4E1]“It is most vexing, sorely so as a problem, yet I still believe hope remains. My conclusion thus far in my studies and work has pointed to needing more of us to unite to get this to work.”[/color]

I’Iro nodded. Arira truly was a sister to mortalkind. [code]I too thought I should do more than I was able. It was a mistake that almost put my life at peril over reckless behaviour. It seems the lesson that cooperation is necessary is one taught to gods through pain and exhaustion.[/code] the goddess mood was initially low to accompany Arira’s struggles but it suddenly became more positive. [code]The solution to this problem. However. Seems to be deep in your heart. In the walls of your palace there are many cycles. One such is a cycle of nature. A balance between blooming and ripening. Of times of warm rains and cold winds. I already had a great expectation that you could help me from the fact weather is intimately related to the water cycle. However. That you already had the solution printed out before I even presented the problem… It is astounding.[[/code]

I’Iro extended her hand and showed a map of the Shard. [code]As such. I have decided that the least I can do is work towards the more physical actual solution to the issue. There is a location southward that seems to be the origin of cold winds in this continent. If my suspicions are right… It could be the first step towards a proper seasonal cycle. You are to be the ultimate master of it. Of course. But you already have much to care about. So leave the hard. World traveling part to me. I will report back to you from time to time and I am sure you will be able to craft a proper healthy climate for the Shard out of whatever I find. Along the way I will try to contact other gods with domains or interests towards the climate to further alleviate the burden of the task.[/code]

Arira seemed to perk up as I’Iro spoke, a light behind her eyes more so as she leaned forward to speak again. 

[color=FFE4E1]“That might work, but...if I may?”[/color]

The goddess reached over to the map I’Iro displayed, only taking a moment to look before projecting a larger map between the two of them. On the 3D magic-formed display, various dots and designs appeared to mark locations and issues and so forth. One bigger dot appeared at the top of the Mons Divinus (name pending*). 

[color=FFE4E1]“Among others, you perhaps might understand what I am now going to propose best and most quickly.”[/color]

She drew lines between various points of issues, meeting at the big dot on top of the Mons Divinus.

[color=FFE4E1]“I propose we, even if temporarily, use the central place of this world as the ‘axle’ of a great wheel, a central hub from which I could perhaps guide efforts and coordinate yourself and any others along the way who are willing to help out in the field. From there I could process and connect to what yourself and any others alert me of out there, and assist your efforts out there remotely using either a limited mental connection to yourself and the others...or perhaps something else like beacons that can be carried about. 

Alas...it isn’t a perfect plan per-say, a thing I have just thought of off-the-cuff as it were. It could work with simply the two of us, but if others were willing then efforts could be expanded more rapidly and multi-tasked using this design. I could simply leave a part of myself here, a projection controlled by my mind as I focus the rest of myself to this work…

...your thoughts?”[/color] 

[code]This map… this is extremely valuable data. Wait…[/code] As she finished hearing Arira, I’Iro looked puzzled. [code]It seems our minds think alike. Perhaps as a trait of us both being logical thinkers? Nevertheless. What if I told you that there is already a facility at the center.of Mons Divinus meant to be a place of connection and dialogue between the gods? Me and the illusion goddess Astella started this exact project when we met at the central summit.[/code]

Arira blinked in surprise, before her gentle smile returned just as quickly (if not a bit happier than before).  

[color=FFE4E1]“That would be brilliant! A good central location, and as the world’s center it is a literal and symbolic center akin to the axle of a wheel! It would make setting up easier, as well as give a greater ease to projecting my power into the field from such long distances!  Even the map could be most properly filled in as more information from other deities is gathered-!”[/color]

She paused for a moment, before letting out a small cough.

[color=FFE4E1]“Mmm...I beg thine pardon. I have become most excited by this most welcome news. Pray tell, how soon could we begin to arrange things that I might set myself upon there to begin work? 

Mayhaps mine eagerness is far too great, but...the sooner this world hast been brought into stable peace the better it would bode for any future efforts to shape things perchance?”[/color]

[code]In my conclusions I cannot say anything but as soon as possible. I know that for sure as soon as I leave this palace I will set straight to the south to explore the cold lands and discover their secrets. If I do manage to set up something in the south then the immediate worry will be the North: The contrasting warm winds to the southern cold winds. Meanwhile. It would be beneficial for you to travel to Mons Divinus and set up your embassy there. Every god is allowed a… sector to build in it a facility in whatever shape or purpose of their liking. Within reason.[/code] I’Iro explained in a very even toned voice.

However, a pang of disappointment became clear soon enough. [code]It is a shame I came here in such a hurry. You seem to be a very knowledgeable goddess and this city is fascinating with its high mortal population. As a goddess seeking to understand the mind and teach mortals how to best use theirs… It really felt like I could make good progress here if given the chance.[/code]

Arira’s smile stayed in place, even as she put a reassuring and kind hand on I’Iro’s shoulder. Her touch was not harsh, nor stiff, nor stubborn, nor hostile or having any ill-intent. 

[color=FFE4E1]“I shall go set forth mine embassy upon Mons Divinus in its proper place, and straightaway begin mine work from there. First in this work I shall seek to forge a connection with thine mind, that we might communicate from afar with greater ease as thou goest to investigate in the south. From mine embassy I shalt assist thine work thusly in the south.

Any thou findest to join in this plan, invitest them to this plan that we may forge a connection with them and further ease the work.”[/color]

She then stood up from her seat gently, standing before I’Iro and putting both hands on the other goddess’ shoulders as well. Her visage was now beaming with joy, and gently she took her hands off to but put a single gentle hand under to caress the other deity’s chin. In this she would softly lift her head up to look into her eyes as she moved her face closer to the dream deity’s.  

[color=FFE4E1]“And dear I’Iro, I shalt make this next part clear. Thou art welcome in this mine Paradise always, to help teach and guide the people as I do. It shall be further instruction for those who seek it here. 

From this room thou shalt have space to teach as much as I hath, and thine guidance shalt be further refinement for those living here. Mind that this is mine paradise, mine sacred place of birth, but I shall not chase thee away from this dream of thine heart and mind.”[/color]

I’Iro nodded at Arira even though she really didn’t understand these sudden movements the other gods made. It was understandable that she had adjusted I’Iro’s face to an socially acceptable angle but why was the hand still there, she wondered. [code][color=7bcdc8]I am happy to hear that. I do not have a clear mind like you. There is doubt on how I should pursue my own core directives. It is incredibly generous of you to allow me to interact with your followers and even open up your very home to me. Know that I cherish this and I promise I will make this partnership of yours worthwhile.[/color] the goddess of dreams ended her sentence with a gentle and sincere smile. 

[hider=Summary]
I’Iro is journeying the world when she notices Paradise and accidentally becomes the second deity to cause them all to become very stressed once she decides to explore the place.

She meets Arira and soon the two start talking about recent events and the health of Galbar.
I’Iro brings up how the climate in what is left of Galbar is stagnant and unhealthy.

Arira agrees but she is also very tired with her hands full over so many broken cycles.

So I’Iro proposes she will do some of the hard work of bringing back seasons herself while Arira can handle things remotely as ultimately her domain is the master of the seasonal cycle.

Arira also says I’Iro is free to come join her intellectual company for activities such as mortal lectures or study [s]dates[/s]. 

Arira also agreed to go to Mount Divinus after this to set up her embassy/allotted spot there. Then after that she'll try to make a mental link with I’Iro to get started with the work at hand.
[/hider]