[center][h2]The Weight of Water[/h2][/center]
[center][i]This Post Takes Place in the Previous Cycle [/i][/center]

The Galbar trembled as Voligan forced the power he held into the world, and at its very nexus the group of three Divines bore witness to the creation of land.  It would be the first great separation of the world.  Where the enigmatic God of Water had made all as one their opposite, the vast and amiable Voligan, had created symmetry.  For while the ocean remained wide and unconquered, already eating away at the upstart rocks which broke through the waves, Voligan’s act had forged its equal.  

Continents now sat unearthed, claimed and unclaimed, vibrant and not.  From the moment Voligan’s act was done the pantheon, once idle, jumped to their purpose.  Life rose from the dirt and infected the seas.  The skies came alive with fire, burning towards a single point.  Seemingly inspired, others forged yet more land by forcing it from the clutches of the ocean.  Through it all the unseen creator of water seemed content to let such things be.

And why not?  Sala, the Goddess of Salt and one of the three Divines that had brought about this division of the world, had seen the resilience of water.  The inaugural work of the Water God was truly inspiring in its tenacity.  It had weathered destruction itself, and now water found itself not displaced by the land, but integral to it.  Great rivers, small streams, wide lakes, and more ran across the newly born landmasses and served to nourish the fresh life upon them.  

To Sala’s irritation she hadn’t been able to grace all of them with her aspect, though she [i]had[/i] tried.  The forces Voligan had wielded may have bowed to her own influence at times, but only at times and only for a tantalizingly short period.  So, pure water dominated the land. Storms had choked the nascent world of Galbar since the very first act of divinity, and though their rains quickly became one with her aspect Sala had been dismayed to see how fast the water she’d touched upon land returned to the ocean.

Even now she could see that her influence over the land would be all but washed away in time. As much as the Water God was bound to her, the one who could never leave her and who she most yearned to meet in this world, she briefly bridled with resentment that their aspect endured where hers had not.  She would always have her strongholds: the wondrous glimmering land she’d built would devour any water that sought to displace it and the lakes she’d managed to flood with salt would only see her influence tighten.

It was just...  Less than what the God of Water held onto.  She hadn’t expected to undermine [i]herself[/i], and briefly Sala felt the already burning cloud of salt around her growing incandescent.  It was something she brought under control, but knew hadn’t gone unnoticed.  Deflecting, Sala addressed her two peers with cloying warmth, [color=f5f4d7]
"By our Lord's will a new world is born. Our work is beyond beautiful.  My compliments, Lord of Earth and Lady of Heat, friends.”[/color]
 
“It could not have been done without your aid, sister.” Voligan said, pleased with the flurry of work that their creations had started, as he saw the land that was spreading across the planet. “Your salts have given us a variety of unique features, and your desert is a wonder in and of itself. Without your influence, many of the lands would simply be rock or grass. Necessary, perhaps, but boring nonetheless. You bring variety and with that variety any life on the planet will be strengthened. I thank you for your assistance in the creation of Termina and Orsus.”

[color=f5f4d7]“And I you for your kind words.”[/color] Sala practically cooed in response to the praise, and for a moment the haze of exotic burning salts around her cooled and began to fall like lurid snow.  For the first time a face grew on the blankness that had been the Goddess’s crystal head, and she smiled.  Her features were sharp enough so that she appeared alien when compared to the likenesses of others who’d assumed a similar form and inspired her, but her delight was as genuine as any they could conjure.  She gave Voligan a nod, neck crumbling and forming anew, while she spoke [color=f5f4d7]”It was a true pleasure to work at your side, my Lord.  May we do so again.”[/color]

The Goddess of Heat had remained silent even as her movements grew increasingly erratic, her smooth orbits became hurried and rushed dashes taking stock this way and that. It seemed she finally broke out of her silence as Sala replied to the great earthen lord.

[color=Red]“The work is good, but the peace is gone. Do you not know this? The oncoming rush thrums anew.”[/color]

She seemed to study the two hurriedly, before stopping speaking with far less than perfect clarity as to her meaning. She started adding variance on heights to her orbit partaking elsewise in some preoccupation beyond the conversation.

“The peace is gone, but creation is in its place. The silence is gone, but the oncoming noise is not something to be afraid of, or dislike. We will meet again to create, I'm sure of it sisters.” Voligan rumbled, looking around as their siblings finally started taking actions.

Then, a sudden appearance of a bone white figure came behind Sala casting a shadow over the gathered gods, yet singularly looking upon the goddess of salt. It was He, the Monarch of All, that cast His white glare upon the goddess, His regal presence overwhelming their conversation. There was a tense moment as He merely looked upon Sala, a clear unease growing as the Supreme Being looked to Voligan, then to Yoliyachicoztl, and back to Sala. A commanding voice spoke, His voice casting out even the subtle brushing of winds, the weight of His news silenced anything that Galbar could have produced, [b][i]’Goddess Sala, Lady of the Salt, with Voligan and Yoliyachicoztl as my witness to this accusation, you have unknowingly committed a great sin. You have poisoned Ao-Yurin, and now the Master of the Seas lay dying in my palace.’[/i][/b]

Voligan looked between the Monarch and Sala before moving forward, his head down deferentially, and putting himself between their father and her. “ Ao-Yurin is a god. They are of your creation, as are all of us. To be dying so easily, it seems to me that they would be destined to perish regardless of Sala’s actions. Could it be that Ao-Yurin was already dying, and the actions of Sala unknowingly and unintentionally hastened what was inevitable, Lord? Then it would not be a sin, but a tragic accident, surely.” Voligan bowed his head lower, and more submissively, trying to make his massive form as unchallenging as possible. 

For all Voligan blocked her view of the Monarch, he did nothing to shield Sala from the Lord of Reality’s pronouncement.  In the interminable moment between Voligan’s words and the creator of them all’s reaction the Goddess of Salt felt as if something had taken a hold of her and left her sick and suffocating.  All she had done was what she had seen the Water God-  Ao-Yurin, do.  That hers and their aspects had blended when they met?  She’d thought they’d be her partner and she theirs.

And of them Sala hadn't for a second thought herself the danger.  How could she?  Water had conquered every obstacle and found its place in every creation their peers concocted.  She couldn't even hold onto the land she helped raise.  It wasn’t possible.  The Monarch, their Lord, had to have made a mistake.  Had someone lied to him?  

The thought swept her up and balmed the incoherent terror rising in her being.  Before she could think twice or even risk doubting her newfound conviction Sala moved just out of Voligan’s wake and quavered, [color=f5f4d7]“T- This must be a mistake my Lord.  I would not- I could not hurt Ao-Yurin.  Someone has deceived you!  I’ve poisoned no one!  I swear it!”[/color]   

[b][i]’No, I cannot be deceived, Sala. I see all that goes on in my realm and while you have not deliberately poisoned Ao-Yurin, it was still wrought by your will.’[/i][/b]

The Supreme Being folded His hands together, slipping them into unseen sleeves as He moved forwards towards Sala without moving another muscle. His form cast a long shadow over the three gods, the light from that great wound upon His chest even seemed to dim as the presence of such magnificence demanded it. The Monarch of All’s head slowly turned towards Voligan, a gaze casting itself down upon the massive god as a few more stern utterances manifested into the air with a light rumbling.

[i][b]’And know that while I have not designed you all with death in mind, it is a reality all the same. Know that I would not make any god to merely wither and die at a moment's notice. While this was an accident, it is a sin all the same, Land-Maker.’[/b][/i]

Yoliyachicoztl had remained mostly silent throughout the news, and some of the resultant conversations. She had kept to her erratic patterns and orbit, she had kept alone. 

Now however she interrupted after a sudden turn towards the Monarch, [color=Red]“You are certain it is salt in water that has done this grave ill O’ Lord-Of-All? There are holes blasted by divine might and a new material, an energy of some kind with that stormy tree to the far south. You have said none escape your left view and so we must believe, however we must be much more fallible, as one of our number falling already has proved our inferiority to your might. Please show us what you have seen that proves it is poison, salt’s power and will into the oceans. The all of our kith and kin will no doubt wish to know with certainty what has caused such calamity. We are named as your witnesses to accusation, and although shocked and appalled, we cannot help but but prepare to accept your knowledge and so share your convictions to our peers.”[/color]

She curved back into an orbit around Voligan once more. Evidently finished with her presentation and request.

“A sin implies intention, Lord. I argue not that Sala didn’t poison Ao-Yurin, merely that your judgement of her be from the position of a tragedy that both parties are victims of, rather than of a sinner’s crimes.” Voligan spoke again, eyeing Yoliyachicoztl as she orbited around him. She was much more bold than he was, making demands of the Monarch. Though perhaps it was because she hadn’t seen how he handled the near destruction of the universe.

The Monarch of All’s gaze fell upon Yoliyachicoztl, clear that her words seemed to have struck a chord with His mind though not apparent except for the silence that followed. With a flick of one of His hands, all around them were summoned the tiny specks of salt that separated themselves from the water, remaining suspended in the very air around them. After a moment, allowing the gods to observe the essence of Sala, it withdrew to His hand and condensed into a ball that the Monarch of All then wrapped His fingers around. His gaze fell to Voligan once more, a voice ushering into reality, His words growing with intensity as He spoke.

[b][i]’Sala has salted all the seas, all the oceans. She left none untouched, Ao-Yurin is one with the oceans and, as such, she had unknowingly struck Ao-Yurin. Now, a god lies dying in my palace. I will not have my judgement questioned nor do any of you hold rank to do so.’[/i][/b]

With those words the ball collapsed back into a pile before the Monarch of All sprinkled it back into the water, making sure that none of the specks remained before tucking His arm back into an unseen sleeve. 

The great serpent of heat continued in circling the earthen giant replying simply, [color=Red]“So then what is our unquestionable purpose in observing the Great Sin of Sala O' Mighty and Munificent Lord?”[/color]

[b][i]’To merely act as witness, as I had stated earlier, little serpent.’[/i][/b]

[color=Red]“Then I witness as I have.”[/color]

[color=f5f4d7]“J-jugement?”[/color] Sala all but squeaked.  She barely held herself back from fleeing, seeing the displeasure of her creator before her.  It wouldn’t help.  Her crystal body began to bubble and steam away as she panickedly gave up on the affected form and retreated into the gaseous cloud surrounding it.   

She started to pull at her aspect in the ocean, gathering it until the water below began to turn pale with precipitating salts.  Sala, now little more than a lurid haze in the air, begged, [color=f5f4d7]“Please, it was a mistake. I- I’ll take it back!  Ao-Yurin will be fine if I take it all back.”[/color]

He gave little response to Sala’s desperate attempts to undo the damage that had been unknowingly wrought by her own doing. The Monarch of All let out a small sigh as He turned away from the Goddess of Salt, ignoring her begging and desperation of trying to make Ao-Yurin better. Unfurling His hands and spreading them wide, the Monarch of All brought forth the bridge to the Divine Palace only to clasp His hands back together to dissipate the salts that Sala so tried to take back. He turned back to the three but spoke to Sala, his tone becoming more sympathetic.

[b][i]’Come Sala, it is too late for Ao-Yurin to be saved, but you may speak and lay the Master of the Seas to rest. I know you would have not so brazenly killed a peer, but my judgement was not for your punishment rather for you to give comfort to a flickering soul.’[/i][/b]

Too late.  The words rattled in Sala’s mind and she struggled to embrace the relief that was her own safety.  Anxiously the crystal figure reemerged in the center of her salt cloud, growing from a speck into the same form the Goddess had assumed before.  She asked weakly, [color=f5f4d7]“They would want to see me?  Even when I-  After what I’ve done to them?”[/color]

The heat serpent shot out to closely orbit and warm the anxious goddess in a quick fly by as she spoke soft words, [color=Red]"I am sure of it, even if only a kind voice of one who truly cares..."[/color]

She shot passed again, evidently unable or unwilling to keep close or consistent in her movements.

“They know it was not your fault. Accidents happen, and I’m sure they bear you no ill will.” Voligan reassured Sala, his voice still unintentionally thundering.

Having allowed the other gods to comfort Sala, the Monarch of All extended a hand towards the grieving goddess beckoning her forth to begin the judgement that He had imposed upon her. There were no other words to speak as the others had already spoken and those were all that were necessary in such a time of sadness for Sala. His presence softened, casting away the intimidation and harsh rulership for just a moment as He allowed the goddess the moment. 

Sala regarded the Monarch with apprehension, but followed him nonetheless.  She turned her attention back to her peers for a moment and managed a fraught goodbye, [color=f5f4d7]“My ahm, my thanks to both of you.  We’ll meet again.  I know we will.”[/color]

Without another word, the Monarch and Sala found themselves in the throne room of the Divine Palace, the Jade Throne in all of its resplendent glory towering before them. At the base of the throne, was the form of Ao-Yurin’s form, barely held together with water sloughing off the divine being, though giving a look of acknowledgment to the two as they approached. The watery form of Ao-Yurin seemed to be disintegrating before their very eyes, only held together by the faint will left within the being. Yet, without word, He stepped past the dying god and sat upon the Jade Throne and looked upon Sala. He spoke no words but Sala knew His will as all gods did, even as Ao-Yurin pulled towards the sister-goddess that had caused the very condition that afflicted the god. There was a tense moment of silence within the throne room as the watery form danced weakly around Sala for a scant passing.

“Sister…” Ao-Yurin began with a weak voice, though no words followed for there was not any that could come and none that could truly be said. The Master of the Seas spoke once more sadly, repeating, “Sister.”

Sala’s cloud collapsed in on her crystal form, and she held dead still as Ao-Yurin circled her.  She was terrified to even touch her ailing counterpart.  Her... Brother.  To Sala the Monarch was their creator, their lord, not their father.  She’d let Voligan refer to her as his sister, but if there was a one of them she felt that connection with?

It was the one who lay dying before her.  Because of her.  The one who’d inspired her from the beginning, the one who’d come into being and felt the same absence as her.  Who knew what it was to be the aspect of nothing that yet existed.  She wasn’t just frozen in place for the Water God’s safety.  She was still because she felt like the world was collapsing on her.  

At the edge of her awareness within the Monarch’s realm she spotted something curious.  Beady eyes and whiskers peered at the assembled divinity from around a doorway.  It was alive, but not in the way the plant life that had blanketed Galabr was.  Sala saw in it a way around her fear.  The Goddess witnessed flesh, and recreated it. 

The change began with her arms, and from there the pale naked flesh began to cover her.  She’d omitted hair, unlike the creature she had no need for warmth, but kept enough to take on a simpler, less harmful, form before Ao-Yurin.  Still herself, but in body salt no longer.   Newly dark eyes and Sala’s familiar sharp features regarded the Water God with visible remorse, but that was not all.  Sala had adopted her new form in haste.  She had not considered, fully, the nature of the creature that had inspired her. 

So, without prompting, Sala began to cry.  She wiped at the salty tears in confusion and before she knew it she was speaking, apologizing, [color=f5f4d7]“Ao-Yurin I- I didn’t mean to hurt you.  I never-  I’m so sorry.  Lord of- [i]Brother[/i].  I only wanted the same thing as you.  I just wanted what they were given.  I didn’t think it would lead to this.”[/color]

Her face twisted in guilt and she reached out to Ao-Yurin, pleading, [color=f5f4d7]“Is- Is there anything I can do?  Please.”[/color]

There was a pause before Ao-Yurin’s weak voice responded, a kind tone ringing out, “N-no. Yet, I want you to know, Sala, that you are not at fault. This was an accident and our Lord has beckoned that I make peace in what last moments that I have. I know what you must be feeling, but-“ 

A tendril of water looked towards the Monarch of All, who nodded in response before Ao-Yurin continued, “I would like for you to watch over the seas.”

[color=f5f4d7]“I will,”[/color] she answered without hesitation, the tangible reality of a task and duty distracting her from the weight of her feelings.  She spoke in that passing clarity, [color=f5f4d7]“They’ll be safe.  I won’t let any of the others spoil them.  The seas will stand forever, you won't be forgotten.  Not ever.”[/color]

“Thank you,” said Ao-Yurin warmly, looking back to the Monarch.

[b][i]”You are free to go, Sala.”[/i][/b] 

The Monarch now stood over them, His arms folded behind His back as the great being loomed over the goddess of salt and seemingly judging her new form as His glowing orbs traced her silhouette. He extended a hand to Sala, beckoning for her to release Ao-Yurin and go back to her duties as a goddess, as all gods must do as His will dictated. A softer voice came through, echoing throughout the throne room making it seem as if His words came from all around the gods.

[b][i]”I will make sure that Ao-Yurin remains in comfort.[/i][/b]

Sala nodded, even now nervous to be under the full gaze of her creator.  The Salt Goddess, now custodian of the seas, wiped old tears from her face and nodded to Ao-Yurin before turning to the bridge leading back to the world of Galbar.  As much as she wished to apologize another thousand times and beg the Monarch for Ao-Yurin’s sake, she didn’t once look back at the pair as she departed. 

There was nothing left for her to do, and if she saw the Water God again?  The memory of their thanks would be gone and the reality of their death would be in its place. The reality of her responsibility.  Some things were too painful to face, even for a divine. 

As soon as Sala had left the Divine Palace, departing across the hallowed bridge that connected Galbar to the divine, the Monarch's hands dropped to His side and allowed the facade of kindness to drop. He made sure that the bridge closed as soon as Sala had left as He stepped back to His throne and looked upon the dying god. There was little else to be done with the water god, deciding to step forth to Ao-Yurin and gaze down upon a confused god that wondered what He was doing in that moment. A clawed hand raised itself from the Monarch of All, striking fear and terror into the water god before a swift thrust burrowed into the watery form, sending particles of water splattering across the throne room. From the water, He plucked a single shard, the very essence of the divine and inspected it to confirm that it had not been damaged. 

The Monarch of All looked as Ao-Yurin’s form began to collapse rapidly, the god making sounds akin to someone who was drowning, unable to gasp at the air that surrounded it. A single flick of His wrist sent the water hurtling away from the throne room and swiftly making its way to Galbar’s oceans, sending Ao-Yurin back to the creations that had been made at His own will. Without another word, the Monarch of All turned to His throne and stepped towards it, the water left behind by Ao-Yurin staining the room as He sat and leaned back upon the Jade Throne. He put the shard to the air once more, allowing a moment of silent reflection before He moved to the great wound upon His chest and allowed the shard to return to its true host. Then, He spoke to the remaining water in an expressionless tone.

[b][i]”Such a pity, Ao-Yurin, to think that Sala believed that she was the one who poisoned you.”[/i][/b]

[hider=Summary]

Vigour spent = NONE, NOT ONE VIGOUR FROM NOBODY

Sos here we got Sala being like ‘wow fuck all this rain is washing the salt off this land I helped make, and like lol only a little bit of it is even gonna be properly salty i fucked over myself’ and angsting.  Then she speaks with Voligan who is like ‘yoyo, you great’ and that works for her image of herself.  Yoli and Voligan discuss creation and then the monarch comes down on his pimped out bridge, telling everyone Sala is a murdering murderer.  She is like -holup and freezes. Salt girl starts calling bullshit as Voligan and Yoli defend her, but the Monarch aint buying it.  He intimidates the fuck out of Sala, and then tells her she just has to talk to Ao, who she’s apparently poisoned.  Best dad of the year making kids cry.  SMH.  Anyway they go up to the palace and sala promises Ao she’ll keep the ocean safe.  Then the Monarch does a TWISTY thing. [/hider]