[center][h1]And Now For Something Completely Different[/h1][/center]
[hr]
Scratching his chin in thought, Aethel’s eyes narrowed as he focused on the finer details of his future trials. They had been working on said details for days now, focusing on nothing else as their desire to get it perfect compelled them to ignore the many distractions that would get in the way. It was a hellish experience, but at long last the final details slipped into plac-

[b][i]“Gods and goddesses of the Galbar, you are summoned to the divine palace! Come and seek the truth! Come and seek salvation! Soon, fiends will encircle our world, and so we must fight against them! War has arrived and warriors must answer the calling, lest our home be ravaged by evil. The cycle begins anew, so come to the palace to claim your vigor and your strength!”[/i][/b]

Blinking in surprise at the announcement, Aethel glanced around for a moment in confusion… before looking back at the tablet they had intended to write down the details of the trials with slowly amounting horror. They couldn’t remember what they had just been thinking about. It had been there and now, ‘Poof!’, it was gone.

For the first time in their existence, Aethel yelled out “[color=pink]SON OF A-[/color]” before pushing themselves off the chair they had been wearing a groove into and flipping the table in a rage. 
 
Stamping his hoof against the wooden floor hard enough to crack it several times, they finally called out “[color=pink]If you’re going to invite me to the palace, you can at least open a portal![/color]”

The words compelled a portal into existence before the deity, beckoning them inside. Beyond the threshold was the familiar sight of the interior within the divine palace, specifically the doorway leading into the throne room.

Taking a deep breath, Aethel accepted the offer and stepped through. “[color=pink]Thank you. Now this had better be important because your little announcement just ruined several days worth of time and effort doing something anathema to my nature that I might have to start from the beginning with.[/color]” They spat with clear irritation in their voice as they looked around for Homura.

Through the doorway and in the throne room, a strange sight greeted Aethel: Instead of being seated upon His throne, the Monarch of All lay impaled by a massive sword on the floor, with shifting symbols and swirling patterns staining His entire body - an evident entrapment spell designed to imprison and sap Him of strength. Nearby the Monarch of All awaited the source of the announcement, Homura herself, barely noticeable because of how diminutive she seemed beside the fallen god of creation.

Aethel could also sense that somewhere within the room was Ruina. She was a bit out of sight, but still close enough to hear the conversation, and respond as needed if a fight broke out. An aura of her power lingered around the room, hinting at just how much she had contributed to incapacitating The Monarch of All. Homura set her sight upon Aethel, one eye was the same old burning scarlet while the other unfamiliar eye was an obsidian black without an iris or pupil.

[b][i]“Welcome Aethel, as before I have no intention of harming you.”[/i][/b] She said, still openly wielding her golden spear, as ethereal arms protruded from her back carrying an ornate silver shield and a brazier burning with a fire shaped like a six-winged strange creature. The small red goddess had also claimed many more shards; a frightening number compared to any of the others among the Divine. [b][i]“Unless you are my enemy, of course.”[/i][/b] Homura added, her voice neither friendly nor hostile, ever emotionless as she spoke. She tilted her head as she gazed at Aethel, as if curious whether the current situation changed how this interaction would begin compared to the more cordial nature of their last conversation.

One would have expected any deity freshly arrived to this situation to be all kinds of horrified. Aethel merely looked between Homura and the deposed Monarch with something more akin to minor surprise. “[color=pink]You know, when I first met you dear sister, I had a pretty solid idea that something like this would happen sooner or later. I mean considering that all of us were spawned from the essence of our creator, it was only a matter of time before you started to question just how pure an entity that could create someone like Yesaris could truly be. That being said, I didn’t think we would get to this point for at least a few decades… maybe a century or two.[/color]”

Tilting their own head as they morphed into their natural form, the equine deity offered a playful smirk. “[color=pink]I mean you are rather zealous in your crusade against things you consider wrong with the world… including mortality and enjoying life in general. But to answer your question about if we’re friends or foes… Are you intending to take his throne and enforce how you feel the world should be on everyone else?[/color]”

Homura turned her attention to the empty throne, much too large for her to take and not look completely comical while doing so, then she spoke. [b][i]“No, that is not my intention. I am acting now to protect the Galbar from annihilation… I have no desire to enforce others into adhering to my will - The throne shall remain empty until we achieve an era of peace and our Lord makes amends with His elder brother. Until then, I heed the first commandment of our Lord; I will give meaning to this world.”[/i][/b] Her gaze returned to Aethel, and the blackened one of her eyes visibly altered, becoming fathomless like the void, endless depths that threatened to swallow those that stared too long into its bleakness. [b][i]“Would you have attempted to usurp the throne if I had claimed otherwise?”[/i][/b] She asked softly.

There was a brief shake of the head. “[color=pink]No. I would have destroyed it myself. After all, once someone claims it via conquest it’s just going to be endless coups and civil war until there’s only one deity left standing.[/color]” Having revealed a little of how their mind worked, one of their tendrils started to brush their poofy mane. “[color=pink]However, I’m so glad you’re doing the [i]honorable[/i] thing and allowing everyone to access the power that is their birthright without question or demand on what they do with it.[/color]”

[b][i]“Indeed, though I shall be more involved in the distribution of said power.”[/i][/b] Homura replied.

“[color=pink]No, you won’t.[/color]” Aethel intercepted quickly, ensuring that Homura didn’t try to change the topic too quickly. “[color=pink]In fact, you should have as little to do with the distribution as possible. I am familiar enough with you and your works that you would naturally start to be tempted to distribute according to your own, rather strict sense of morality. Oh, I know it wouldn’t start that way. You just want to protect Galbar and if Yesaris created another form of lifeform that burrows into people's brains and controls their actions to further his goals… Well, sooner or later you’ll be tempted to step in and tell him that he [i]has[/i] to use his great power to aid Galbar, likely in a certain manner. Considering you’re also the one who toppled the Monarch…[/color]” They let the implications go unsaid.

Homura simply nodded, before she continued. [b][i]“Your concerns are valid, but I shall be involved in the distribution of power. I have incapacitated our Lord and imprisoned Him, but let it be known it was His negligence and His lies that led to Him being toppled from His throne. I have sworn a blood oath with our sister, Ruina, that I shall speak the truth. Let it also be known that all among the Divine will receive an even portion of the power, to do with what they will, regardless of my strict sense of morality. Lastly, Yesaris is our brother, and I must have faith that he would be of aid, even if I say nothing at all.”[/i][/b] With those words, Homura began walking towards Aethel, before suddenly appearing a step away. [b][i]“I wish to ask you another question; what would you do with this power?”[/i][/b]

If Aethel was surprised by the sudden closeness, they didn’t show it. Instead they shrugged at her question. “[color=pink]Pretty much what I’m already doing. Even if I [i]might[/i] be inclined to make Astus be polite and say please before he gets his share. That’s not a matter of morality, that’s just because when I talked to him after giving him a hand with his hiveminded fungal infestation he was kind of a jerk. He’ll still get it with no strings attached, but I’m comfortable enough with myself to know I would insist he ask nicely first just to spite him.[/color]”

“[color=pink]I do have a question for you though. Those extra shards you’ve got… did you go around murdering a bunch of our kin or are you going to actually give those back now that you’ve overthrown the Monarchy?[/color]” He asked somewhat coyly. “[color=pink]Because that buzz of raw power you’re swimming in right now must feel [i]real[/i] nice right now.[/color]”

[b][i]“Those that have had their shards claimed shall have their shards returned, should they ask for such. I will also provide power to all among the Divine, regardless of whether they are polite. I would only ask my questions and regardless of the answers, all shall receive their portion. Does this appease you, Aethel?”[/i][/b] Homura inquired.

Aethel tilted their head slightly… before simply saying “[color=pink]It will… if you promise me that is the complete truth and that is what you will do… with serious consequences on par with divine retribution if you willingly break that promise.[/color]” There was a moment of thought, before an idea came to Aethel as their eyes brightened. “[color=pink]You can grant me enough power to create an enforceable oath with a punishment that can take effect, even with your increased state, correct?[/color]”

[b][i]“If that is what you desire. I promise you the complete truth, and that I shall grant equal power to all deities that come to the palace to receive their portion, this I swear. I am assuming you would ask for additional power to impose this oath upon me, yes?”[/i][/b] Homura asked as she began walking back to her original position.

“[color=pink]Under normal circumstances I would happily take you at your word. But considering the amount of personal reward you would gain from subverting your duties and breaking your promises I confess that a safeguard should be put into place.[/color]” Aethel admitted as their tendrils settled down. “[color=pink]I also believe this would be a fair punishment. Homura, if you willingly break your promises in regards to your current position as regent and the duties that conveys, you will instantly be stripped of all divinity and cast onto Galbar to life out a mortal life. Do you agree with this condition?[/color]”

Homura shook her head and glanced back over her shoulder as she spoke.[b][i] “You are terrible at oaths. It is too vague and too easily abused. You must be exact, or I will be free to do what I wish. The previous promise was more poignant, more precise, and therefore more binding. Hmm… I promise to distribute the power of the divine in equal portions to all among the divine that come to the divine palace and request such-”[/i][/b]

“[color=pink]And grant free, unquestionable access to all who request it without hesitation or arrive at the Palace under their own power. As well as informing all deities that access will always be granted if they ask for it.[/color]” Aethel quickly added, eyebrow raised as they gazed at Homura in complete seriousness, clearly showcasing that if they had wanted to rack her across the coals with binding rules, they could have.

[b][i]“In exchange for a verbal or telepathic answer to a single question I ask them. I shall also speak the truth and inform them that they will always receive their portion if they request it in this manner, and that they are free to use the aforementioned power however they wish. Should I fail to uphold this promise, I shall be stripped of my divinity and cast onto the Galbar to live a mortal life. Do you accept my promise?”[/i][/b] Homura inquired, as enough power to enforce the oath poured forth from where the Monarch of All lay stricken, and flowed freely into Aethel.

Aethel nodded their head. “[color=pink]I accept and will hold you to your promise.[/color]” With the words granted, there was a stomp of a hoof on the palace floor… and it was done. Offering a small sigh, the equine did say next “[color=pink]Homura, may I have my divine power now? I believe I have already answered your question.[/color]”

[b][i]“You have and you may.”[/i][/b] Homura proclaimed, and once more, power came from the Monarch of All, gathering above them before merging with Aethel. [b][i]“You also have my gratitude, Aethel.”[/i][/b] She said as she stood where had been standing when Aethel entered the throne room, then offhandedly added. [b][i]“I will also inform you that your branch is yours to do with what you will. I have sent word to Pride that she is to give it to you, should you visit Keltra in the future.”[/i][/b]

“[color=pink]Oh, she can keep it.[/color]” Aethel offered without hesitation. “[color=pink]Personally I never really cared all that much about the branch itself. It was more the fact that our brother stole it from us without even trying to ask. Pride’s a good girl though… but I admit she really should get out of Keltra at some point. Poor girl must be going stir crazy.[/color] There was a brief pause… before they added “[color=pink]The Rattus are currently setting up for a festival at the moment. They’re celebrating the creation of an ocean craft able to carry them to a land that’s not connected to their own, as well as holding trials to decide who will succeed Raethel as the next chosen champion of the Rattus people. How does your daughter feel about rats?[/color]”

[b][i]“I am afraid I would not know. Aside from the curse placed upon rats by Tuku so that their kind would be perceived as revolting by others, I know of no other reason why she would be ill disposed to them. However, considering Keltra is filled with large mute rodents at the moment, perhaps I am wrong and she would become rather irked by the presence of more.”[/i][/b] Homura answered.

…There was a blink as Aethel tilted his head. “[color=pink]Keltra is filled with large, mute rodents?[/color]” This was honestly the most surprised they had sounded this whole conversation.

[b][i]“I am teaching mortals how to become warriors. Humans and maramodas alike. As I have said before, war has arrived. Fiends are coming that hunger for the eradication of existence, an end. Annihilation. We must be ready to fight.”[/i][/b] Homura replied, remaining impassive.

There was a moment of silence… before Aethel simply said “[color=pink]You know what? I don’t know enough about the situation to have an opinion on it and I don’t really care enough to investigate. So I’m just going to get going and leave you too… whatever it is you do when no one else is around. Take care sister.[/color]”

[b][i]“You as well.”[/i][/b] Homura intoned, bidding Aethel farewell.

[hider=Summary]Aethel is figuring out a plan for the future trials of the rattus that will determine who shall succeed Raethel when they are interrupted, hearing Homura’s announcement, and pass through a portal to arrive at the divine palace. Aethel sees the results of Homura’s coup, and converses with her to ascertain how Vigor will be distributed among the divine, along with mentions of morality, the arriving annihilation, etiquette, and recent events on the Galbar. After making Homura agree to a binding oath, and peacefully collecting their Vigor, Aethel takes their leave.[/hider]
[hider=Vigor]Homura bestows 10 Vigor to Aethel to empower the oath that binds her to her promise of providing power to any of the Divine that requests it.

Homura bestows another 10 Vigor to Aethel, for the deity to do with it what they will.

Aethel’s current Vigor: 10[/hider]