[center][h1][color=black][b][u]Zelios[/u][/b][/color][/h1] &[/center] [Center][h2][color=pink]Aethel[/color][/h2][/center] Zelios’s outfit for the day was a dark grey hooded robe, with a pair of black feathered wings at his back. As he roamed the sands of the desert, he had quickly come to discover that dark colours were far from ideal for warding off heat. This would, perhaps, have been bothersome for a mortal, but he was a god, and could stand it easily enough. He had spent most of his time thus far wandering the world. He had meant to do so as soon as he made the Ring, but had instead been tempted by a quick nap and… it seemed he had overslept. He wasn’t sure how long, but much of the world had already been made, and it seemed he had missed out on a great deal. He had begun travelling to see what he had missed, and his travels had brought him here. He was bored. Every now and then he would kick up a cloud of sand and watch it blow away in the wind. This desert had carried a certain charm to it at night, but during the day he did not care much for it. He squinted at the rising sun and frowned with distaste. The sun was no real danger to him either, aside from making him slightly weaker and more uncomfortable, but it would be best if he got a move on. [color=black][b]“Perhaps to somewhere with a bit more shade,”[/b][/color] he mused aloud. [color=black][b] “Or back to the Shadowlands, maybe.”[/b][/color] Somewhere in the distance, to the far left of where Zelio was currently walking and likely only noticeably by the same because of the fact that they were a deity and had much better senses than those of mortals, a portal burst open into reality in a flash of blindingly bright light. The portal itself was only open briefly. Long enough for the six legged equine Aethel to trot out of it, turn around and offer those on the other side a respectful wave with both one of their front hooves and a number of the countless tendrils that seemed to float around their waist. “[color=pink]Thank you kindly.[/color]” was all that was said before the portal was closed… and Aethel turned to look around at where they had requested to be dropped off. There was… determination on their face as they slowly looked over the horizon… and noticed a figure somewhere in the distance that caused them to tilt their head slightly in thought. Zelios leapt a great distance into the air, before using his wings to glide and control his descent. He landed just a few paces away from Aethel, and looked the colourful god up and down. [color=black][b]“Hm, yes. Aethel, was it?”[/b][/color] he asked. [color=black][b]“I do believe we have already met.”[/b][/color] There was a moment where the colorful deity needed to think about where they had encountered the winged, dark god before… before they perked up. “[color=pink]Oh wow. We haven’t seen each other since the world was nothing but water. What brings you all the way out here?[/color]” [color=black][b]“What brings anyone anywhere?”[/b][/color] Zelios asked with a shrug. [color=black][b]“Which I suppose would just be an evasive way of saying there’s no reason for me to be here in particular. I thought I would wander the world, stretch my wings, and take in the sights.”[/b][/color] “[color=pink]A fair enough reason.[/color]” Aethel answered back, before glancing around slightly as they clearly put some thought into something. “[color=pink]I actually came here with a goal in mind… and honestly, I think you might be able to speed up the process a bit.[/color]” Having clearly come to an understanding within themselves, Aethel looked at Zelios with determination. “[color=pink] I actually came here because I wanted this land to be where I develop a new civilised species to add to the world. Well… okay, they would just be a species to start with, but given time they would hopefully build something of themselves.[/color]” There was a brief moment of pause before they quickly added “[color=pink]If you’re wondering why I’m planning to do it here, it’s because the goddess of plants is currently waging a one deity war against at least one civilised species up in the northern parts of the planet… possibly two depending on the efforts of the poor, sweet girl she’s dragged into her crusade... My hope is that since there isn’t a great deal of plant life down here and she’s already got enough people up north to try and kill, she’s not going to bother coming down here for a while.[/color]” [color=black][b]“That sounds like madness,”[/b][/color] Zelios observed. [color=black][b]“Who is this goddess, and why has she resorted to such extremes?”[/color][/b] For their part, the equine just shrugged. “[color=pink]Haven’t actually met the deity in question personally, through I know for a fact that she’s going by the titles of ‘Green Murder’ and ‘Beast Queen’. It seems like she has some sort of grudge against anyone developing into a civilization and trying to become something beyond a nomad tribe, though exactly why this is… no idea.[/color]” [color=black][b]“Hm. Well, pardon my vulgarity, but I suppose if any god had a proverbial stick up their rear, it makes sense that it would be a deity of plants,”[/b][/color] Zelios quipped. [color=black][b]“Still sounds a tad extreme, though.”[/b][/color] Aethel chuckled softly at the pun, before continuing. “[color=pink]At any rate. I was intending to spend a great deal of time searching this land for a suitable place to morph and enlighten the species I had in mind… build up some power in the process, you know? But… pun intended, but it seems like your presence here is divine providence! I would welcome your input on a good location… and invite you to assist me in my efforts to develop the species in question if you’re so inclined.[/color]” [color=black][b]“From what I have seen in my travels, water is essential. Doubly so, in hot lands such as this. Lakes, and rivers, are what you need. Freshwater, not the salt water of the ocean. Most creatures can’t drink that, which seems something of an oversight, to tell you the truth. I know there are water sources in this land, and I could show you some.”[/b][/color] He paused for a moment. [color=black][b]“Unless you intend to create a species that doesn’t need water at all?”[/b][/color] There was a shake of the head. “[color=pink]The base creature I intend to uplift into a new, sapient form does drink water so that is a factor.[/color]” There was a slight pause… before a sigh escaped them. “[color=pink]I guess I should come clean. My intention is to use the humble rat as the original creature in question, uplifted into a new form to become something more than an animal. Considering they’ll likely burrow into the ground as both a survival tactic to escape the sun and instincts from their original ancestry, water sources both above and below ground would be welcomed.[/color]” Zelios raised his eyebrows. [color=black][/b]“Oh, that is intriguing. An instinctive desire to burrow into the ground to escape the sun is something that I share! Haven’t actually done so, just yet, so I can’t help you in regards to underground water - you or your creations will have to find that on your own. But there is a major river in this land, just to the north of our location.”[/color] Aethel beamed as their front hooves came together in a joyous clop sound as they clapped. “[color=pink]Wonderful! Shall we go for a walk and see it then? While I intend to largely leave them to their own devices, I can show them enough compassion as to try and pick a good place for them to start where they’ll have the best chance of success going forward.[/color]” The God of Darkness offered a nod. [color=black][b]“It’s not far, and it can’t be missed. Let’s go.”[/b][/color] [hr] [hider=Location] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/690233897837264975/919250106899898498/unknown.png[/img] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/690233897837264975/919250214290882640/unknown.png[/img] [/hider] The great river which served as the most prominent feature of the northern half of the desert did in fact exist, and Zelios had led Aethel to it without issue. Grass and plantlife grew along its banks, as it inevitably did wherever fresh water could be found. [color=black][b]“And here it is,”[/b][/color] the God of Darkness said, with little in the way of fanfare. [color=black][b]“I believe it is fed by the mountains to the east, and eventually drains into the sea to the west. Riveting commentary, I know.”[/b][/color] For their part, Aethel’s head followed Zelios’ ‘commentary’ rather seriously, their head turning towards the east and then to the west respectfully… and a smile grew on their face as they nodded. “[color=pink]I think they’ll survive and thrive here rather well.[/color]” before they made a noise of thought before turning to look at the god of darkness. “[color=pink]Out of interest… Before we commit to developing this race, I suspect we should discuss the form we want it to take. While I have my own ideas, you are investing your own power into this project and it would be rather rude of me not to get your input in how you might want things to go.[/color]” [color=black][b]“You know, I haven’t actually made any such commitment,”[/b][/color] Zelios pointed out. [color=black][b]“Although I suppose it has been a long time since I actually created anything. And it would be rather inconvenient if our lord and/or father was upset with me. So, I suppose I might as well offer some assistance. First, and foremost, since it’s your idea, what are you imagining?”[/b][/color] For a moment there was quiet as Aethel considered the question. It was a good one and deserved the effort put into it after all. Turning away from the river and walking towards the more dry and sandy… sand of the desert, a few of their tendrils beckoned Zelios to follow. Stopping where the sand was dry and loose enough to move around easily, the sand seemed to come alive as it lifted up and formed the shape of an ordinary rat. Nothing truly noteworthy or special about it, just an example of a normal rat made out of sand. “[color=pink]As tempting as it is to leave them at this size, I admit they’ll have an easier time surviving in this world if they were somewhat bigger.[/color]” Aethel started, the tendrils swaying as more sand flew onto the sand rodent, growing its size until it was about three to four feet tall. “[color=pink]The benefit of being able to move around on ones hind legs while having ‘hands’ in order to do things is too great to pass up… but at the same time being a quadruped has its benefits. So how about instead of sacrificing one for the other we select something that offers both as valid options…[/color]” was mused aloud as alterations were made to limbs of the sand rat. The hind legs were extended and strengthened to allow and encourage a bipedal stance… but the original clawed feet remained, including the joints that allowed for four legged movement. The arms were strengthened and extended as well in order to give them the ability to properly reach and move their arms, but the length and strength was not to the same extent as the hind legs. The result was a creature that was standing on its hind feet, but naturally seemed to be hunched over slightly. While this would likely look painful in another humanoid, with the minor alterations required to adjust the rest of the body to the changes in size and limbs so they would work in concert rather than against each other, the result suggested a small humanoid that could scurry on all fours rather naturally but could also stand straight in order to work tools. After a moment, Aethel turned to Zelios as they stated“[color=pink]This seems like a good start at least. Any input you wish to add?[/color]” Zelios took a few moments to ponder this information. They were indeed merits to being able to switch between walking on four limbs and two limbs. But there was far more to a species than that. [color=black][b]“Seems workable enough. I’ve not much to add beyond things that might give them a better affinity for the dark, but rats already have plenty of that. Tell me, though; how long will these creatures live, and how fast shall they reproduce?”[/b][/color] The blank expression on Aethel’s face said it all. They clearly hadn’t thought about those kinds of details up until this point. “[color=pink]...How long do rats normally live?[/color]” was not a question that a divine being creating a sapient race should be asking but… there it was, in all earnesty. [color=black][b]“How long do rats live?”[/b][/color] Zelios asked, somewhat bemused.[color=black][b] “They…”[b][/color] then he stopped. [color=black][b]“I don’t actually know for certain. But… I don’t think it’s very long? A few years, at the most?”[/b][/color] One of Aethel’s tendrils reached up to rub the back of their head… before they just shrugged and answered “[color=pink]Well… it’s not like we can’t just give them a longer period anyway. How’s fifty to eighty years sound to you?[/color]” Zelios considered that. [color=black][b]“Well… I would hope they don’t reproduce at the same speed as their smaller brethren. Else they’d overwhelm the entire planet within a few generations. I doubt the others would approve.”[/b][/color] “[color=pink]Smaller litters perhaps? To make up for the fact that they’re bigger and smarter than their smaller kin and thus have a better chance of survival.[/color]” was offered… even if Aethel didn’t exactly know how many the average rat litter was. [color=black][b]“Might not be enough,”[/b][/color] Zelios said, glossing over the fact that he didn’t know the exact numbers either - though he did know they were quite considerable. [color=black][b]“Longer maturity rates, shorter lifespans. And a point in their life at which they become infertile. My word, this has gotten rather complicated…”[/b][/color] Aethel considered this for a moment… before offering a counter point. “[color=pink]They are rather small compared to some of the animals and creations of our kin… and Tuku’s curse on rat kind will likely transfer over in that most mortals will see them as lowly and dirty creatures, even if they aren’t. But that’s the price we pay in order to make sure that my original blessing carries over as well.[/color]” Zelios squinted in confusion. He had neither known nor been told any of this. [color=black][b]“Curses?”[/b][/color] he asked. [color=black][b]“Blessings? On rats?”[/b][/color] He then paused, clearly about to say more, but not quite sure on the best way to phrase it. Finally, he settled on a simple question. [color=black][b]“May I ask why?”[/b][/color] Aethel seemed amused by the question. They did rather enjoy being a storyteller after all. “[color=pink]Well, it started back when we were making the world. Tuku created the first rats, alongside a bunch of other small creatures back in the Celestial Palace. As I was creating Mana for the world, in order to properly balance things I required mana connected with death, destruction and decay… so I killed one of the first rats to create it. The surviving rat, without her mate, went back to Tuku and requested a solution to the problem… which he offered if she stole something from me.[/color]” “[color=pink]Which she did… but she also took a second item because she was angry with me for killing her mate and putting her in this position in the first place. Tuku wasn’t happy because she lied about it, so he cursed her and her descendants so that everyone would think of rats as lowly, dirty creatures. As for my blessing… when I caught up with her, she was completely honest with me and I deemed it wrong to punish her because one of our kin decided to put her up to it… plus I kind of owed her anyway for sacrificing her mate so, I blessed her and her kind so that they would naturally be able to understand and channel mana to use for their purposes.[/color]” [color=black][b]“All that sounds very dramatic,”[/b][/color] Zelios mused. [color=black][b]“As well as a tad petty, and just a little bit inconsistent.”[/b][/color] Suddenly, the god took on a much deeper and slightly animalistic tone. He had never heard Tuku speak, but it was what he imagined a God of the Hunt would sound like. [color=black][b]“‘Go steal for me. Oh, you lied? I curse you and your entire species.’”[/b][/color] He shook his head. When he next spoke, the mocking tone was gone. [color=black][b]“I suppose I’d be cross if someone lied to me, but an entire species? Bit too far. I’d likely just draw the line at the individual.”[/b][/color] Another pause. [color=black][b]“And maybe everyone they love, if I’m in an exceptionally bad mood.”[/b][/color] Aethel shrugged. “[color=pink]No one has ever accused me of being consistent. I’m personally rather prone to flights of fancy so… I’m not exactly in a position to judge someone else for having strange moralities.[/color]” They actually paused as they smiled and added “[color=pink]Plus the feud with Tuku this started has been rather enjoyable to take part in. We haven’t even met personally and we’re already deep in a prank war that has raged since the world was young. I fully recommend embracing the chaos sometimes and running with it… it can be rather entertaining.[/color]” [color=black][b]“That certainly is something to consider, although I’d rather wait until I meet someone who deserves it. It doesn’t sound like there is any shortage of such gods, however.”[/b][/color] He shrugged. [color=black][b]“Anyway, the rats. I would say… hm. Perhaps have the litter size remain the same, but limit each female to one litter per lifetime?”[/b][/color] Aethel shook his head a little at the suggestion. “[color=pink]One litter per lifetime can go very wrong if there are complications. How about we half the average size of the litter, but they can have several over their lifetime?[/color]” [color=black][b]“Math,”[/b][/color] Zelios breathed. [color=black][b]“Fun,”[/b][/color] he said, with a tone that suggested the opposite. [color=black][b]“What if each litter took a year to carry, then? And they can only begin reproducing after an age of… let’s say a quarter of their maximum lifespan? And stop reproducing at the halfway point?”[/b][/color] He still didn’t know exactly how many rats were in a litter, but it couldn’t be too much, right? And it’s not like this climate was easy to survive in to begin with. Aethel just shrugged and made a small noise of boredom. “[color=pink]Good enough. I mean, I doubt any of our kin put this much thought into this when they were creating a species so…[/color]” Since the matter was now effectively settled as far as Aethel was concerned, he turned back to the sand display briefly. “[color=pink]Might as well get what modifications you want done to the model before we get started.[/color]” [color=black][b]“There’s not much I can think to add at the moment, beyond making it easier for them to navigate the dark - something I believe they were already good at to begin with. Better night vision, perhaps?”[/b][/color] the God of Darkness offered another shrug. [color=black][b]“Either way, let’s get this done.”[/b][/color] Nodding in agreement, the model dropped back into the sand as Aethel stopped giving it any further attention… and turned back towards the more fertile grounds beside the river and its banks. “[color=pink]Let us begin then.[/color]” was all they had to say before they closed their eyes and focused. The first step was, of course, getting the rats there in order to enhance them in the first place. This would not be a difficult task; While some gods might have just teleported or provoked them into making the trip on land, Aethel had a much easier solution. Their horns glowed for a moment as they sent out a signal through the winds and currents of mana… and one by one rats started to appear in front of the pair of gods. Some materialized out of the wind, some borrowed up from the ground where there hadn’t been tunnels before, some even appeared in flashs of flame or stepping out of the river itself, completely dry. The winds of mana offered many paths and passages for those with the gift to see them after all. Soon rats in their thousands had gathered by the riverside, watching the gods with an unnatural stillness as if bewitched by them. [color=black][b]“What next?”[/b][/color] Zelios asked, not seeming the least bit unnerved by this. Somewhat pleased with the results of the summons, Aethel turned to Zelios as several of their tendrils intertwined together, a grin forming on the equine’s face. “[color=pink]Simple really. We alter and enlighten them. Shall we?[/color]” Offering one of their hooves to Zelios, Aethel started to build up power in order to enact the transformation… but was clearly waiting for the god of darkness to join their power before fully committing to it. Zelios extended a hand to one of the hooves. No doubt this made for a rather unusual sight - the two of them a stark contrast to one another in every possible way, standing before a sea of rats. The God of Darkness then focused his power. After his years of inactivity, his reserves were quite vast… but he only offered a small portion to the mana god. He had plans of his own, and he wasn’t that invested in this species to begin with; it would not be wise to squander too much of his potential here. [hr] The first thought that went through their head as the blackness faded and their eyes opened was a simple ‘What?’ Confusion quickly followed as thinking in a context beyond basic survival was a brand new experience and they didn’t exactly know what to do with it right away but… after a time they finally opened their eyes. They were… bigger than the furry memories in their mind suggested. Their body felt different as well… not in a bad way, just different. Even as the wind blew against their skin and the warmth of the light in the heavens soaked into their fur, the first to awaken pushed themselves up onto their hind legs and looked around and the rest of their slumbering people. Glancing down to see their genitals, they blinked slightly as the concept of ‘they’ turned into ‘he’. He was still somewhat confused by these new developments but… at the same time a feeling bubbled up to the surface that they had never felt before. He couldn’t describe it but… it felt like despite the increase in size that the world had suddenly grown larger and more full of opportunities that weren’t there before. All he needed to do was reach out and seize it. [color=black][b]“Hello?”[/b][/color] A voice, and a snapping sound, could be heard nearby. A figure with smooth skin and black wings stood before him. [color=black][b]“Can you hear me? Can you understand me?”[/b][/color] Turning towards the sound with a flick of their ear, he blinked slightly as he gazed up at the tall, dark figure with wings… and the more colorful, smaller figure with poofy hair and tail standing beside them. As the questions were asked, he blinked slightly… before nodding his head and saying for the first time “[color=Brown]Hello?”[/color]” The smaller figure grinned. “[color=pink]Hello to you as well. How are you feeling?[/color]” There was a slight blink at the change of energy between the tone of the two figures, but he took a deep breath as he answered the rather complicated question with “[color=brown]Different… stronger…was in murkiness before but now can see clearly. Who are you?[/color]” [color=black][b]“My name is Zelios, and this is Aethel,”[/b][/color] the black-haired and black-winged figure said. [color=black][b]“We created you.”[/b][/color] ‘Aethel’ was about to nod their head in agreement, paused for a moment as if they were going to say something, considered the matter for a moment… and then nodded all the same to Zelios’ statement. For his part, he looked up at his creators with wide eyes, remembering them as the clearest of the murkiest memories before the darkness and awakening. “[color=brown]T-Thank you. But… What is my name?[/color]” The expression that came across ‘Aethel’s face was new and unknown to him, but the look in their eyes was familiar: Panic. The currently nameless one watched as the smaller of their creators reached up to take Zelios’ hand and muttered a quick “[color=pink]Please excuse us one moment…[/color]” before pulling them away in order to have a quick chat with them outside of their hearing range. [color=black][b]“I take it you didn’t think this far ahead either?”[/b][/color] Zelios asked with an amused smirk. Aethel shook their head. “[color=pink] I was planning to let them figure it out for themselves… I didn’t think I would actually have to name them![/color]” There was a brief discussion between the two deities… before they returned to the waiting, unnamed former rat who had been waiting rather patiently. “[color=pink]After some discussion, we have decided to name you-[/color]” Although the unfortunate truth was: no such decision had been made. Indeed, both gods had hoped they would think of something in the time it took them to walk back to the waiting rat, and would say the first thing that came to mind. Zelios looked expectantly at Aethel, stunned at how long they were taking, but equally embarrassed by the fact that he hadn’t come up with anything either. In the end, after the ensuing pause had become too awkward for god or mortal to bear, he decided to just blurt something out. [color=black][b]“Raethal.”[/b][/color] “[color=pink]Norvegicus[/color]” Aethel said at exactly the same moment… before proving that if nothing else, they could at least improvise on the spot when required. “[color=pink]Raethel Norvegicus, the first of the Rattus.[/color]” That part was admittingly debatable, but they were the first to awaken and that deserved something. Reaching out to place a hand on Raethel’s shoulder, Aethel offered a smile as they poured a little extra something into their new creation. “[color=pink]We have entrusted you to be the one to lead your people forward. We trust you’ll be up to the task Raethel.[/color]” Raethel for their part looked amazed… blinking in surprise as they felt something infused and strengthened their very being… before turning to look at Zelios to see if they had anything to say. [color=black][b]“Wield your power responsibly,”[/b][/color] the God of Darkness intoned seriously. [color=black][b]“Do not abuse it. First you may be, and power you may hold, but never forget that a leader must give as well as take. And that a leader who fails to serve the interests of those who follow him may find that he no longer has a following. Remember this lesson well.”[/b][/color] Raethel listened to the words of one of his creators with wide eyes and his full attention… before respectfully bowing his head. “[color=brown]I will… I will remember what you have said.[/color]” [color=black][b]“Good,”[/b][/color] Zelios nodded. [color=black][b]“Now, I shall give you your first task as leader. When the rest of the Rattus awaken you must… help them name themselves. If they cannot think of a name for themselves, then you shall come up with one for them until they do.”[/b][/color] There was a squeak of… excitement? As Raethel turned to look back at the rest of their still slumbering fellows… before he nodded his head as they looked back at their creators. “[color=brown]It will be done. I promise.[/color]” Aethel for their part reached out to playfully run their hand along Raethel’s head, causing the rat’s eyes to widen… before leaning into the pats. “[color=pink]We look forward to seeing what you and the Rattus become in time, Raethel.[/color]” [color=black][b]“Indeed,”[/b][/color] Zelios nodded, adding a bit of extra self-importance to his voice. [color=black][b]“And now I must leave, for there are matters I must tend to elsewhere.”[/b][/color] He turned back to Aethel. [color=black][b]“Unless there is anything else?”[/b][/color] Aethel for their part shook their head. “[color=pink]I might stay around a little longer to make sure that they know the basics of survival. Give them a good head start… but that shouldn’t take all that long. Thank you for your assistance Zelios.[/color]” Aethel even offered a respectful bow to show their thanks. Zelios responded with a bow of his own. [color=black][b]“Think nothing of it. Though I may request your aid in the future should I require any assistance with a project of my own.”[/b][/color] “[color=pink]Of course. Until we meet again.[/color]” Aethel offered… before turning their full attention to Raethel and the rest of the Rattus. “[color=pink]Now then… I think we should start with what is and isn’t safe for you to eat.[/color]” [hider=Summary] Zelios is just wandering the Land of Deserts and Hidden Rivers because he wants to see the world when Aethel steps out of a portal after speaking with the Monarch (to be shown in a later post). After catching up a little, Aethel ropes Zelios into assisting them with a project that has been on their mind for a while now: Creating a sapient race by uplifting rat kind. Zelios leads Aethel to a river they passed by up north… where the two gods discuss biology and math while they’re designing the new species because it turns out that neither of them actually know that much about rat biology. The new race is created! And the first of their kind awakens to speak with their creators… and asks for his name. Considering that Aethel hadn’t thought this far ahead, they and Zelios go into a huddle to discuss things before deciding to wing it, officially naming the first of the Rattus people ‘Raethel Norvegicus’ whom Aethel promotes to champion and leader of the Rattus people for being the first of his kind to awaken. Zelios decides to give two commandments: 1. Don't be a dick. 2. Come up with your own goddamn names. Zelios then wanders off to do his own thing, parting with Aethel on good terms as the latter decides to hang around long enough to teach the Rattus how to survive as a species going forward. [/hider] [hider=Vigor Summary] [u]Zelios[/u] [b]Start:[/b] 22 -2 Vigor toward the creation of the Rattus. [b]End:[/b] 20 [u]Aethel[/u] [b]Start:[/b]4 -3 Vigor towards the creation of the Rattus -1 Vigor to create Rattus Champion (Raethel Norvegicus) [b]End:[/b]0 [/hider] [hider=Spirit] Raethel Norvegicus [b]Start:[/b]0 +1 for first post. +1 For being apart of a medium length post (Counted from the moment they came into existence.) Quest given: Help the Rattus name themselves. Quest giver: Zelios. [b]End:[/b] 2 Spirit [/hider]