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[color=C71585][h1]Alzria[/h1][/color][/center]
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Traveling along the eastern peeks of the mountains was far more peaceable than her journey south or even the meeting on the highest peak. The Su’une was shining, they had started curving northward again a while back, she had some interest to see how they went as the lands up here were really quite a bit more interesting than your usual affair. Fungal lands, shining Su’une, terror moon in the sky, all a bit more than the usual thi-

That last one was definitely new, its light was all wrong and definitely not a reflection of the Su’une. The contemplation of this led to an almost collision with one of those eastern peaks which prompted the probably wise decision to set down and do a bit more exploring of interest on foot, or at least closer and less mid-mountain flying.

The lands were certainly strange, fungi dominated, even upon the trees they lived. Yet, the strange sights would not stop there, within one of the valleys sat a strange group of creatures. They seemed to be made of bones formed into strange skeletons, upon their head were animal-like skulls, from big cats to deer to boars to even bulls. The group was currently sat around a small campfire, a few sacks surrounding them. 

Down Ze’kelia swooped, the strange and lively lands were interesting, but people living within it would no doubt be more so. Bones and campfires, sacks and animal like skulls. There was much to talk and to know it seemed. 

She landed a fair distance away, she made herself shine noticeably and called out to the group, spreading her arms to show her openness, [color=Gold]”Hello there! May I approach and take part of your good fire, warmth and light?”[/color]

She briefly paused raising her hand not carrying the light spear, now a basket held there, [color=Gold]”I come bearing gifts!”[/color] Down Ze’kelia swooped, the strange and lively lands were interesting, but people living within it would no doubt be more so. Bones and campfires, sacks and animal like skulls. There was much to talk and to know it seemed. 

The beings looked quite shocked at her sudden appearance, gazing up and down upon her and the basket in her hand. A being, their head akin to that of a Jaguars, finally spoke. “And who might you be?” Their voice near monotone and equally as grating. 

She smiled warmly within closed lips as she replied, [color=Gold]”Ze’kelia, Goddess of Light and maker of the Su’une,”[/color] she lifted her spear to point it out in the sky, [color=Gold]“And who are you? Such an interesting group in such an interesting place!”[/color]

Still she kept apart, not having been invited to approach, but lazily walking at a distance as she spoke to them.

The group looked up to where her spear pointed, before turning their attention back to her. “Ah so you’re the one who made it? Well many thanks to ya”. The Jaguar headed one spoke, “As for us, we’re Azrath, I personally am Xeth, leader of this band.” They gestured to the others, who kept seated upon the grassy floor of the valley. 

[color=Gold]”Well met Xeth the Azrath, may I approach? I admit handing off a gift is difficult at a distance.”[/color]

She stood facing them once again, her wings twitched briefly before folding once more behind her. [color=Gold]”I assure you I only wish to know more about you, the Azrath and how you came to be, such a fascinating people, and so clever and good of you to keep a fire going for sure!”[/color]

Xeth nodded “Aye, you can join us,” they gestured to a spot empty in the circle the group had. “Wouldn’t mind the company”

Smiling again she stepped forward joining the circle in the empty spot. She reached out holding the basket off to one of the Azrath as she spoke,[color=Gold]”What’s all your story then? What is your side to the tale that ends in us meeting here at your fire?”[/color]

The Azrath took it, setting it gently next to the sacks by them. Xeth thought for a moment, before speaking. “Well, to keep it short: we are not from here, we come from another land, one we had to flee in order to survive, less we die. Our leader, Valix, led us to this new land” They gestured once more, this time to the trees around them. “There, we met this other being, Alzria is her name, another goddess i believe, she took us in, gave us a home, and so, here we are, foraging for supplies for our new home.” The others nodded solemnly along. 

Ze’kelia nodded to his words before replying, [color=Gold]”A valiant people so ready to seek out a better life in such dangerous times. I must admit I would love to meet this Alzria, but first I would ask you, what do you lack?”[/color]

[color=Gold]”I mean it simply, what would you search for that you wish to have?”[/color]

Xeth thought for a good moment, looking at the other Azrath and speaking in hushed tones to get their opinion, finally, they spoke. “In truth, it’d be great to have some, more game around, the local fauna is fine, but nothing that really, pops out you know?” 

Ze’kelia thought for a moment finally replying, [color=Gold]”I think that’s quite manageable, I’ll avoid something too fancy I think and go for something suitable and simple enough that suits your needs. What should you want from a kind or kinds of creatures? Need you furs? Meats? Fats? All and more?”[/color]


“Meat and Fats would be preferable, the furs we have down.” Xeth replied, the others nodding in agreement, they continued “Though I do not know how we’ll repay you for doing us such a favor.” 

Ze’kelia nodded at his words before turning her head in askance at his last ones, replying she spoke, [color=Gold]”Do not worry so much about repaying this to me, focus on eachother and doing good there.”[/color]

She pointed her spear towards the fire speaking again, [color=Gold]”Bring forward light with you and keep it dearly. Keep others warm and yourselves, be good. Try to do that in full earnestness and you will have repaid me.”[/color]

She then turned without waiting for a reply, from her spear shot light forth out over the grass and a distance aways shapes too form and fled. Small ones that scales reflected the light, larger ones that walked with many long legs before tendrils grabbed and lifted themselves up into the fungal forest, and large slow beasts, armored and greedily sucking up the grasses.

The light dimmed and she turned back saying briefly, “Three to keep it interesting, lizards are good for a short meal and some of the larger ones once they grow a bit might have some pretty scales. The fungal crawlers have a good amount of meat on them, but be careful hunting them alone, a good partner at least if it tries to wrap you up. And the beasties eating up the grass over there,” she pointed back with a thumb as she settled down by the fire, “Stick them good after boxing them in and pushing some fire in their face, they have a good sense of smell and are almost blind. They’ll rear up and that’ll expose enough of their underbelly to get them swiftly. Should have good meat and the plates they have might be useful for a little while after harvesting.”

She sighed, and looked up to the sky, evidently satisfied.

Xeth nodded, gazing at the new forms that now lived within the forest. “Aye, that’ll do just fine,” they gestured for one of the other Azrath to keep the things they were told in their mind, so they could tell the others. “You said you wished to meet Alzria right? We should probably be heading back soon, we can lead ya to where she lives, well, at least to the base of it.”

Immediately as if barely containing energy she bolted back to her feet saying somewhat calmer than her motion would suggest, [color=Gold]”Oh that would be just wonderful of you. I should be able to handle myself from the base of wherever just fine.”[/color]

They chuckled at the goddess’ response, slowly bringing themselves upward and motioning for the others to do the same. “Very well, it shouldn’t be too far, and it's not hard to miss.” 

It was not a lie. The Azrath led Ze’kelia up the valley, retracing the steps they had done earlier in the morning through the strange fungal forest. They came towards a large peak in the distance, easily the largest peak in the range, its cap thrusted towards the sky. Soon enough they came onto a valley just at the base of the mountain, throughout it she could see other Azraths moving about, some constructing houses of stone and wood, others gathering up the foraged supplies, and even some tending to furry beasts with long tusks and horns. Some looked up as the group came close, waving towards the foragers, and giving a strange look to the goddess. 

Xeth gestured upwards, high up towards the mountain, at roughly the middle point one could see a mist covered ledge, whatever was hidden behind it kept away from prying eyes. “Fly up there and give a knock, she’s sure to answer, don’t tell her I sent ya there though, just in case.”

Ze’kelia nodded and said, [color=Gold]”Thank you, I’ll remember you, privately, Xeth the Azrath.”[/color]

With that she did take flight with a great stretch of her black wings. Soaring up and around the mountain till coming up near the ledge spotted below.

The mist obscured most of her vision as it began to settle around her. Soon, she could see before her a massive metal door, easily able to fit large creatures with ease, upon it was inscribed a beautiful set of images, depicting a vast array of creatures and monsters, all seemingly connected and together, alongside this there were two set of large iron knockers, each one designed to look like that of a monster’s head, with a wicked snake in their mouths. 

Muttering briefly, [color=Gold]”Quite fancy...”[/color]

Soon however she was using one of the knockers, announcing her presence to a hopefully receptive goddess.

For a few moments, nothing happened, just silence and the sound of mountain winds whipping through the area. But through the door, muffled noises began to come through, noises of animals and creatures, and other things. Finally, a loud creak and shuddering of metal sounded, and within the great door, a smaller door at the bottom opened up, and out stepped a strange looking figure. 

She was adorned in a tattered black and purple robe, legs and eyes covered in bloody robes, chitin and fungi covered arms, tattered black wings and a swishing blade tipped tail, and finally countless scars covering her purple skin. The most notable oddity being a small gelatinous figure sitting upon her shoulder, jiggling seemingly happily. 

She smiled a smile full of wicked sharp teeth. [color=C71585]”Oh hello there! And who might you be?”[/color] She asked in a strangely cheerful voice. 

With a deep bow she replied, [color=Gold]”Ze’kelia, Goddess of Light. Pleased to meet you to be sure.”[/color]

She was smiling as she came up from her bow, cheerfully continuing, [color=Gold]”I hope I’m not interrupting anything important charming Lady...?”[/color] She trailed off fishing for a name spoken in reply.

[color=C71585]”Alzria,”[/color] the figure replied, giving her own bow in response [color=C71585]”And you’re not interrupting much, I was just attending to my children”[/color] she gave a pet to the slimy creature on her shoulder, it jiggling in response. 

[color=Gold]”Lady Alzria, perfect. Just the Goddess I have wanted to meet,”[/color] Ze’kelia’s smile grew even wider. [color=Gold]”I’d like to give a gift and take some of your time to talk.”[/color]

She held out a basket that formed in her free hand, stones of a brilliant patterns and colors, all gently radiating warmth. She spoke, continuing, [color=Gold]”Some pretty stones, although they serve a dual purpose, I’d hope your children enjoy warm things? These stones will stay ever gently warm.”[/color]

Alzria took the basket, inspecting the rocks within, handing one to her slime, which quickly shot out a tendril and took the rock inside it, jiggling once more in joy. [color=C71585]”I'm sure they absolutely will”[/color] she spoke with a chuckle, [color=C71585]”You said you wished to talk yes? I believe I can afford some free time to talk, so, what brought you all the way to this land?”[/color] 

Ze’kelia stood and played with her hair some, standing her spear on its end and speaking in reply, [color=Gold]”In truth I was just flying above in my explorations after creating the Su’une the lights the world form above. I came across the Azrath and well, in short order I heard about you and wished to talk, to know you.”[/color]

[color=C71585]”I see, well, what exactly do you want to know?”[/color] she smiled once more, setting down the basket of rocks by the door. 

[color=Gold]”Oh you know, just what you’ve been up to, your accomplishments that sort of thing. Sharing some stories and about our deific power and all.”[/color] 

She waved her hand vaguely as she spoke, mimicking the openness of her suggestion of conversation topic. Her focus changed briefly to the slime, she made a small light show to try to entertain before continuing, [color=Gold]”The Azrath spoke highly of you so I of course wouldn’t mind hearing the story there. As well I’d love to hear more about your children, do you take care of them just yourself?”[/color]

Alzria chuckled, shaking her head slightly [color=C71585]”No not alone, when I found the Azrath coming here from their homeland, I figured I could lend them a hand, help them set up shop, in exchange,”[/color] she gestured towards the large gate, and the sounds within [color=C71585]”They would become caretakers of my sanctuary and my children, they have been a great deal of help as well, they’re very eager to create their new home it seems, from what their leader has told me, their old home was quite the dreadful place.”[/color] She seemed to trail off, looking around the area, before finally pointing up towards the sky, especially the bright disk [color=C71585]”So that is your creation huh? I’ve always been curious how it flies across the sky like that.”[/color] 

Ze'kelia looked up and replied with a smile as she turned back, [color=Gold]"Yes that is the Su'une, it is thrown by my two Guardians between each other and well, enchanted to find the target of each throw. I can show you what they're like, quite big each Guardian is, One is called Ur-Alz(f)elia, shes the closest to here. The Other is called Ur-Nikatel, he's further away."[/color]

[color=Gold]"I'm very glad you have some help, raising children and caring for them can't be very easy."[/color] She paused to waggle a finger near the slime, [color=Gold]"Even ones as cute as you!"[/color]

The slime wiggled around in response, the rock inside barely moving around. [color=C71585]”Yes my children can be quite the handful, and Guardians huh? I suppose something as important as the Su’une should be protected,”[/color] She stared back up towards the sky, her gaze seemingly locked on something up there, before her head snapped back to Ze’Kelia [color=C71585]”While I would love to see what they’re like, I dare not leave my Children for too long at the current moment, the Azrath have been much help, but alas they’re still inexperienced, I’ve had to stop some of my children from gnawing on them here and there.”[/color]

She giggled at the little slime before speaking to the Goddess once more, [color=Gold]"Understandable fully I know. I should expect they'll grow out of that in time. I should let you know at the highest peak there seems to be some accumulation of Deities doing things there, setting up little places and such. I hope to see you sometime, although I have not so much interesting in hunkering down somewhere. Perhaps we can meet up and relax sometime when your children are in a good place?"[/color]

Alzria nodded in response [color=C71585]”That sounds wonderful, once things settle down I’ll be sure to stop by the place, I’m sure at the very least they’d appreciate having our representation there if they’re trying to get all the deities together.”[/color] She looked back towards the great metal door next to them, as more sounds emitted from within. [color=C71585]”Anything else you wished to ask about? I should be heading back inside soon, I'm sure Valix is already reaching his limit in dealing with my children.”[/color] 

[color=Gold]"One last thing, what exactly are you the Goddess of? So that I can at least tell others if there's ever any relevance in conversation dearest Alzria."[/color] She smiled warmly as those last words left her lips.

Alzria smiled a big smile, the scars near her lips seemingly creaking under the pressure. [color=C71585]”Nightmares!”[/color] she replied in a jovial tone. 

Ze’kelia smiled back, [color=Gold]“Thank you! I hope you do well with that!”[/color] 

The light Goddess leapt off the ledge and flew south west. Alzria smiled once more, picking up the basket, and heading back inside to the noise of her sanctuary. 

[hider=Summary]Ze’kelia is heading east along the mountain range and runs into some Azrath, she gives some gifts and talks to them including a local group leader called Xeth. She gets their story and is interested in meeting Alzria. She bribes them with some animals in the local environment to hunt and they both with show where to find Alzria and tru to keep in mind being good people and light stuff perhaps.

Ze’kelia comes up to a ledge with a big door and knocks on it upon being directed by the Azrath as per Alzria’s location. The Goddess of Nightmares comes out with a slime and the two goddesses talk for a bit. Ze gives some heating stones for Monster Momma’s kids and Alzria answers some questions and talks to to Ze a bit. They part amicably with Ze heading south west likely to the other side of the continent.[/hider]
[hider=MA]Nothing truly great or major. Some fairly mundane but odd species (might be a bit tastier than usual), some heating stones and various gifts. And some light shows.[/hider]