[h3][center][b][color=9e0b0f]Tuku Llantu[/color][/b] & [b]Pride[/b][/center][/h3] The god who walked like the breeze in forests felt himself becoming like a toddler upon first stepping into Keltra. It was just… all so strange. Outside the world was living, always reshaping itself and adapting, even the mightiest of mountains was not an unmoving monolith but something that flowed through the land rising and falling like a wave, one that took eons to move about but still moved nonetheless. Meanwhile, this keep, Keltra it was called, its very core was permanence, and permanence was unnatural, every tile was filled with strength, but also still like a corpse, all buildings felt like it even his own beloved home no matter how much he worked on that, but this one above all was made like it was meant to shield, resist, defy, all the decay that nature and time declared inevitable. There was some effort to embellish the walls and windows as to not make the building just a series of blocky angles and in these details there was clearly an attempt to regain the beauty of nature to this artificial building, it worked, but… was that good? If someone offered a person a drink that was 98% like water, to some it would suffice, however, would lose control of their mind and become overly focused on those last two percents that just aren’t right, making what was normal become disgusting, become uncanny. Tuku could guess how his sister Phenelia would react to this and he understood her feelings, yet, the god of the hunt tried to position himself as a learner, if something felt strange perhaps it was not because it was bad, but because he was ignorant, as a non-perfect being that still had much to learn. So, swallowing all criticisms towards the citadel, the god kept walking forward and exploring its halls in search of his sister Homura, as deft as a lost rabbit, the echoing steps irregular and with little balance, sometimes forcing the god to touch the walls to support themselves before quickly letting go as touching the fine masonry of the walls felt “icky” to the masked god. Thousands upon thousands of humans slept peacefully, scattered throughout the halls and laid upon the floor like collected corpses, but beneath their ashen skin there was still the warmth of life. They breathed in the air through slits where their eyes, noses, and mouths would be, but did not stir even in the presence of the divine. All of them remained entrapped within the realm of dreams, and awaited that which would wake them from their slumber - their pale and featureless forms beckoning an artist to sculpt and paint their bodies. Deeper within the keep, the cackling dance of a great fire could be heard, as well as a lone set of steps. There had been no other sounds in the strange structure, and there were no other sounds that suggested anything alive along the walls or the fields that the walls encircled. The fire was like an isle within the home, the most untamed of the elements felt the same within here as it felt in the wilds, making the feeling of alienation and entrapment of the huntsman ease. With zero sense of decorum the god stepped into the room of this citadel that didn’t belong to them and turned to face the lone figure that walked, the lack of divinity made it clear it was not their sister. [color=9e0b0f]”And who might you be?”[/color] the god asked, the visitor turning to stare at the host. The girl tilted her head as she looked upon the god, and her brows furrowed with annoyance. Her scarlet hair with hints of pink seemed to shimmer, but then her red eyes quivered in apprehensive recognition of what the hunter truly was. She glanced at the sleeping humans arranged around the bright bonfire, to a black orb that rested beside one of them. Slowly she stepped towards it, but kept her eyes locked on the god the entire time. “It’s rude not to introduce yourself, you know. My name is Pride, Keeper of Keltra, Herald of Homura; the Highest Judge of the Monarch, and a faithful servant of the King in Heaven. I mean you no harm, but I ask that you bring no harm to those that sleep here as well. May I ask your name, my lord?” Pride bent to pick up the black orb, and then stood between the humans that slumbered unaware and the enigmatic masked figure. The god kept staring, the mask simply hiding any sort of reaction and in general just making social situations very awkward. [color=9e0b0f]”Tuku Llantu, Warden of the Wilds, deity of the hunt.[/color] the god then advanced upon Pride, the movement sudden and fast, they extended their arms and then sent them down upon the woman… The grasp wasn’t really hard, it was soft, like a gentle hold, the god just holding Pride in place before quickly retreating. [color=9e0b0f]”I saw some of those… things?”[/color] they waved their hands at the direction of the humans. [color=9e0b0f]”Greeting each other like this. So I take this is how people of your goddess greet each other? Nevertheless. Pride, wasn’t it? Or should I call you niece? You are a creation of my sister after all. Tell me, what exactly has your creator been up to? Why are they spreading these peoples across the world?[/color] it all happened so quickly and even the words of the god seemed to come out fast, almost as if the god of the hunt was trying to overwhelm Pride. The small champion blinked in confusion, attempting to comprehend what had just happened, but struggling to make sense of Tuku’s actions and his words. “Eh? I’m sorry, you spoke too fast. Could you not do what you just did, please?” She said, as she seemed to regain some composure, and faintly frowned with meager frustration. She sighed, and shook her head in annoyance. “Why must everything be difficult? I have been instructed by my maker to inform any of the divine that come here that they’re free to have some of the humans. A gift for all of her siblings. She said that any may take up to ninety-thousand, but that Tuku, the Lord of the Hunt may take more.” Pride watched the god with a discerning gaze, uncertain how he would react to her response. [color=9e0b0f]”Well, that is nice of her, I do plan on seeding a whole continent with these things. However…[/color] the god stopped for a moment, pondering, walking around the fire and observing as it flickered, the flames were beautiful as always. [color=9e0b0f]”If these, hmm, humans you called it, were all I wanted, I could very well take my share and be done with it. No. What I desire here more than all is to understand my sister. Homura.[/color] They turned back to face Pride. [color=9e0b0f]”Is she warlike? Does she like to fight? Does she like to see others fighting? I have to say… her actions seem like a mystery to me. She seems to be so good, but why would she do something… so horrible.[/color] Pride considered the questions, but remained quiet for a time. She struggled to keep pace with Tuku as he circled the monument, the hem of her dress hindering her little legs. “Warlike? Fighting? She doesn’t like such things, I think. She told me not to fight any of the divine that came here too. I don’t understand, what has she done?” Pride asked after answering. The god seemed surprised by the answer, and then nodded. [color=9e0b0f]”Well. This whole concept of gifting them like this, the intentions are good but, hmm, a bit contradictory? If Homura were to tell you Pride, that she will gift you to me, and allow me to command you and re-shape you as I wished, that would be quite horrible to you, despite us both being what I would call good.”[/color] they then looked up to the sky. [color=9e0b0f]”But that is an ethical question, and sincerely, it doesn’t matter. What matters is… Have you ever been in the wilds, my dear niece? Have you ever observed how mortal creatures work? When I observe a group of sparrows resting by the grass, they are so beautiful and calming, then, well, one sparrow stands out, maybe it is a bit sick, maybe it was tinted blue by a fruit that fell on it, do you know what these beautiful little birds who enjoy to idly peck at seeds and grasses do when they see that one? They attack it, bully it, shun it. Its irrational but that is just how the animals are.[/color] [color=9e0b0f]”But now let's imagine, there are two people, one I will call the red god, one I will call the green god. They both have been gifted a pet sparrow each, and they cherish those little birds very much. They want to give them the best of treatments, but of course, being two different people they give each a very different gift. One gains a red scarf to keep him warm, one gain a green cape so that it may hide among the plants. One day these two birds meet, and what do you think happens? Do they each compliment each other’s gift? See the positives of each other? I would love that but that isn’t quite how it works. Why would one need a scarf? The forest is so warm, you don’t need to be warmer than that and that red just stands out, how obnoxious! Why does one need a cloak to hide? Are they too lazy to fly away from trouble, to fight or are they planning something shady? And so, the two blessed birds fight, perhaps one kills the other, these little birds have such fickle lives after all.[/color] [color=9e0b0f]”Then the person returns home, and sees the scene of the murder of their beloved pet, the little animal that despite living for such little time in comparison to them is still so cherished and dear, now gone. In more than righteous fury, the person strikes down the other bird… but that bird was equally loved, equally cherished, and will cause grievance upon the other person. Two grieving persons are two irrational persons, and nothing good can be born from such a thing. And as such the war started by the innocent stupidity of small short lived things moves forward, ascends, to the realm of greater creatures, a war between two good people started by an equally good gift.[/color] The god then nonchalantly coughed. [color=9e0b0f]”Well, that was a lot. Maybe I am a pessimist, but it’s reassuring at least to know such things were never planned ahead. Better foolish than malicious, no?[/color] the god said in such a condescending tone, clearly this was someone who believed they would always be right, that once they assumed something that would be the truth no matter what. “But why’d they kill each other? I’m not the same as my sisters, but we wouldn’t ever want to hurt each other. I was born only yesterday, and I’ve never seen a bird before… I don’t know why animals hurt their kin, but I know I want to protect mine. I never want to see Kindness cry again. I know because I feel it… here.” Pride pointed to the center of her chest, cradling the black orb with her other arm until her strength gave out and she dropped it. “Oops.” With an anxious look towards Tuku, she slowly kneeled to pick it up once more. She looked into its ebon depths, and wondered what Apostate would say if he had heard his brother’s words. She wondered what her maker would say… “You’re a god though, can’t you keep the birds from fighting? Wouldn’t the King in Heaven say something if these birds killed each other? It seems so cruel to me.” She said softly, uncertain whether or not she wanted to continue listening to the god speak with such a captivating voice, uttering such sorrowful words she could only compare it to a haunting melody she knew she could never forget. At that Tuku felt… bad? That was a bit surprising to him since he never had an issue telling people some of his “truths” before, but this felt like he was the bird picking at the smaller sparrow. [color=9e0b0f]”Right… Maybe there things are the ones that will make sense later. I focused a bit too much on Homura here, but you are you, you can’t reply for her.”[/color] they looked about. [color=9e0b0f]”Protecting isn’t easy, won’t ever be, and sometimes protection is not holding close, but letting it go. I am sure you will learn this all as you live and grow.[/color] They clapped their hands and looked at the humans. [color=9e0b0f]”So… how do I haul these humans across a large distance, Pride?”[/color] “My maker has three massive machines she calls the colossi that have carried all the humans she has given to the other divine. She said she would return in two days, so tomorrow. Hmm… if you wait, she’ll be back and can deliver them wherever you want, I think... with the colossi” Pride answered, still pondering all that the god had said. She turned her gaze to the bonfire, seeking some small comfort in its warmth and radiance. The small champion could no longer look at Tuku, the motionless mask that concealed the truth of his face had perturbed her, his otherworldly presence and esoteric proclamations were too much, and she wished she was larger, or that her sisters stood by her, but she was alone. [color=9e0b0f]”So you don’t know how to operate these? Hmm. I am a bit short on time… but this is quite important.[/color] the god answered, noticing his presence was becoming more and more toxic but not really being able to do much, not like a wooden mask could show a reassuring face. “I am afraid I don’t know how to awaken my kin. My maker foolishly forgot to mention such. I’m sorry.” Pride turned to look at the wooden feet of the god as she answered. She felt her cheeks become heated with embarrassment, and prayed that the god was looking anywhere else that wasn’t her. The small champion glanced towards the sleeping humans nearby, and recalled the ordeal that was trying to move them closer to the bonfire. Each was almost twice her size, and even heavier than the black orb she carried, it had taken her what felt an eternity to bring them where they lay now. The good stood still for a moment and then sighed, their eyes were too empty to fully show where they were looking unless they sharply moved their head, to some he always seemed to look away, but to others they always stared. [color=9e0b0f]”And how do we make them gain shape and form? The ones I saw around The Galbar weren’t quite as smooth and featureless.”[/color] after throwing this one last question, they started to focus on something in their cape, putting their walking staff to the side and trying to reach for something in his possession. “To be human is to be shaped by the divine. My maker seeded such a thought inside me, and I know that my kin wish to be woken by the gods and goddesses of this world. Try touching them, and see if that stirs them. They won’t wake when I move them.” The small champion suggested, watching the god with curiosity. She lamented how Homura seemed so foolish by not instructing her further on how to provide the visiting divine with their humans, but there was nothing that could be done now. Pride prayed that Tuku would not become wrathful if her kin did not rise and follow him. Tuku pondered, and pondered, looking at two of the man-shaped canvas. [color=9e0b0f]”“You know. I envy you a bit. To have people that care about you, that you can connect with. I wish I could repeat the same as what Homura did.”[/color] this was the slowest the voice of the hunting god had ever been, they touched the humanoid faces, slowly letting his very essence seep into them, they started to mimic the god’s own secret features, tanned skin with dark brown hair, lithe and agile features, but these were humans. They were a pair, older brother and younger sister. In his mind the god called the girl Griph and the boy Suyai. And yet, with all of their perfect shape, their defined features, they did not stir awake, even though Pride could feel how bright their fire burned after the god blessed them with part of his own essence. [color=9e0b0f]”Yes, sometimes, to protect you must be patient. It is not their time yet to wake up. This world is not yet fit to raise children and I don’t want them to be corrupted by divinity. I will be off to my land Pride, I will give them places to rest, and once mortalkind is spread, they will be found, and will grow not knowing who their father is, until the day comes that they are ready to truly hatch into great birds and rise above the land.”[/color] Tuku didn’t know why he explained such a personal plan to a girl he had nothing to do with, but the truth was, despite having bothered her so much, he liked Pride. [color=9e0b0f]”“I will be back in two days to meet Homura, I have something to give her and I still need the other humans.”[/color] the god looked back at Pride. [color=9e0b0f]”Before I take them however, here's something for you.”[/color] they finally removed the hand from behind the cape and gave a weird object to Pride, it was a white sphere with some sort of pattern or blemish on it. [color=9e0b0f]”It isn’t right for a girl to not know what birds are, so here is one, or rather, an egg, that will one day become one. Consider it a gift.[/color] Pride balanced the egg atop her black orb, and held both in her arms with difficulty, but refused to let either fall. “Thank you, my lord. I will await your return and watch over your children until then.” She could not bow, carrying both the egg and orb together, but she could nod her head respectfully towards the god, so she did so. She smiled at him, and despite the trepidation around the deity, she considered him to be kind. [hider=Summary]The Master of the Hunt arrives at Keltra, wandering through the empty halls of its keep. He finds the structure strange and sickening, but seeks out Homura with questions about her intentions. He hears another set of footsteps along with the cackle of fire deeper within the keep. He finds the Eternal Fire, and Pride watching over her sleeping kin, then reveals himself. The god and the champion speak, the latter becoming overwhelmed by words and presence of the former. Tuku asks about Homura and her gifts after introducing himself, and Pride explains what she has been told by her maker. The hunter regales her with a tale about the nature of conflict and good intentions, but Pride becomes sad upon hearing his words, and struggles to understand what is right and wrong. Tuku then changes the subject back to the sleeping humans, and asks how to transport and operate them, but Pride does not know. The god of the hunt proceeds to create two champions; Griph and Suyai, then informs Pride that he will return in two days when Homura has returned from her current delivery. He then gives Pride an egg that he says will hatch into a bird. The champion expresses her gratitude and bids the god farewell, promising to protect his two champions while they slept as well.[/hider] [hider=Vigor] === Tuku Llantu Starting: 6 Vigor Spent: -2 Vigor (2 champions, Griph and Suyai) Final: 4 Vigor Pride gains 2 Spirit.[/hider]