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In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
Rebirth In Blood




Sat deep within the cool stone of the palace, there lay another bath chamber, this one decadent and lit with hundreds of candles, flickering into dying light. The room was further furnished with a variety of chairs and tables, set into the crooks and crannies of the tall room. In the center of this bath chamber sat an oval pool. It was large and full of water that was covered with the last of the flower petals kept from the Highlands, giving off a very floral scent. The water was warm, heated by hot rocks at the deep center.

Lounging upon the second ledge of the pool, covered with flower petals, was Nalla. She was naked to the world as she was attended to, a rare moment of insecurity by any means but she did not show it. She was accompanied by five servant girls, all of the same build, same hair and similar face structure. All were of a modest age and all of them could be trusted. For these five girls were privileged. They were the ones tasked with the most precious position of being bathing attendants. To wash their Queen and witness her innocence. Handpicked for loyalty and looks or perhaps for the easiness of their minds to be broken. They did their jobs well.

Nalla let out a relaxing sigh. Her flaming hair was being combed by two of them, her body washed by two more on either side of her and her feet and legs were being washed by the last. There was no talking here, for Nalla preferred the silence. It soothed her and so she shut her eyes and let their rhythmic work be felt and in a rare moment, appreciated.

Though she was being washed, her precious tools of rulership sat on a table nearby. Their weight was familiar to her and without them she felt vulnerable, how silly a thought was that? Someone as her, so powerful by herself uncomfortable being without her clothes. Or was it her paranoia?

A frown found itself snaking its way onto her lips. It was true, she was suspicious of everyone and paranoid of traitors and gods having their way with her and her accomplishments. But it only took the mere thought of Neiya to make her calm again. Well perhaps calm wasn't the right word but it would suffice.

Ever since she had mingled with the Goddess, her very being had felt… Stronger, more attuned to the world. It was exhilarating, like a part of Neiya had never left her. Sometimes the world slowed to a halt, and she had an ethereal experience of surrealism. Almost as if she was part of something greater. She would keep it close, for no mortal pleasures could compare. Ah, her Goddess...

If only there was other gods as kind as her mistress. Exodus the avatar, true to her word, had not been seen or heard of since she had left so long ago and her Sylphi no longer seemed to care about worshipping their Genesis or Exodus. In fact, her Sylphi were now hers and the Blood Sylphi were growing well. In a few generations she would have what she wanted.

Tekret had been the one to give her, her crown but not a word had been heard from him since or whatever his cult had been. If they had been in the Highlands then it would seem they would stay there and far out of her authority. Alas, she knew only enemy gods and those who would not see her in a better light to be left. There was no other patronage but Neiya.

Even the Alma, the desert people who knew her to be their master now, had no gods to be spoken of. Or if they did, the language barrier had not yet been broken down. They had only managed to figure out simple things and what they would call their precious slaves, Alma.

Nalla had put them to work already on constructing her new home. One far larger and grander than any that had come before. By sheer accident had a crazy foreman begun racing about a giant temple in the shape of a triangle. Needless to say, though mad, he was let in charge of the project. It would take years to accomplish but what was that to Nalla?

Seeds from the Highlands were being sown to see if any would be viable, they were hunting what life they could find along the river and raiding parties were being sent out to secure more slaves and anything interesting. Things were on the up and up in Nallan but if food cannot be maintained in ample supply, it would perhaps be their downfall.

And it was her supply of fresh blood that concerned her most. Without healthy stocks she would starve and she couldn't have that. For now she would hope for the best.

At the edge of her hearing came whispers, not of voices truly, but sounds that clashed together, melding from yelps of dogs, the croaking of toads, the screeches of river hydra. Words came whispering in quiet unison growing softly from nothing. They came from nowhere and everywhere, from no discernable source and yet omnipresent surrounding and coming to her ears. The words were simple, repeated, growing from quiet nothing to clear but still soft.

Nalla remained still, ears and eyes on alert but she saw nothing.

Her attendants showed no sign of hearing these words spoken thus, "Nalla, daughter of Rado and Alina, Empress of Blood and favored of Neiya, are you prepared for my words..."

They would fade and soon repeat, at first from the quiet cacophony that made them unison it seemed nothing. But as they grew louder they became clear, as though echoing from some far distant place through something other than the air or the ground.

The words came again, and again her attendants showed no sign of hearing, "Nalla, daughter of Rado and Alina, Empress of Blood and favored of Neiya, are you prepared for my words..."

Nalla sat up, motioning for her attendants to cease and they obeyed her without words. She eyed the room again and stopped upon her things, heart racing with thoughts. She took a deep breath and settled upon one thought in particular. Neiya had once said the same, about her parents and she was a god. Had another been listening to her thoughts just now?

“I-I am prepared.” She uttered. The servants gave each other looks, but still, they said nothing.

The words stopped, a long silence held before the cacophony came crashing like a wave.

"Leader born of blood and strife, Nalla of the Thusly-Named-City. Most moral and righteous is your rule with all of your actions undertaken, I have watched with grave interest as your realm expanded and you gave employment to that most moral Wizardess."

"And I have watched the harm done unto you by deities most wicked, such things are not forgotten, nor will they go uncorrected. You have purpose and strength to do much good still, and so I have decided to grant you aid."

“You have?” she breathed. “And to whom do I owe such thanks too?”

"My names are numerous, as are perspectives among Galbar's peoples. You may call me Ekh-Rus, a protector and patron of your Empire. In time all fall into my domain, even as the many other gods squabble over their little patches of power. Announce to your people that you have been blessed when the time is good, and my gifts shall come forth."

“As you wish, Ekh-Rus. Your name shall be added to the few we worship here. But why, why help m- Us? Surely not because we have been wronged by the Sun?”

"Many have been wronged by the Sun, I do not aid them all. I choose to render aid because you are useful, should you prosper and succeed in creating a strong state, you shall have a wide impact of the most moral order. I wish to see this come to pass, I wish it to come sooner rather than later. Few are suitable agents."

"You are useful for making things better, for my goals and ends, for all souls. Enjoy it as best you can and serve well, few get such opportunity."

“Very well, I accept any aid, it is rude not to. But what aid is it you seek to give? I am curious.” She asked, relaxing into the water.

"Do not be so insolent as to presume upon my plans Nalla. I will say for the necessity of your announcement to your people, not to satisfy your curiosity. I will rectify your ill-suited failures to adapt to your new locale, as well as the weaknesses of your own flesh and kin. If you serve well, perhaps a boon will be granted to you and your flesh-kin."

Although there was no feeling of entering Nalla could feel the sudden effect of something having left.

At long last she turned to her servants with a bemused smile and said, “Dress me and let us be done with this.”



Later that night when the land took respite from the harsh sun, Nalla stood before her people again. Much like her appearance after they had arrived, Nalla wore all her regalia from head to toe. She stood over her people, singular and hungry.

She threw out her arms into the air, quieting the crowd that had gathered.

“People of Nallan!” She stated. “We are not alone! Neiya has helped us,” she pointed to the statue of the two of them, “We know that the Goddess of Love’s heart is a sea of devotion for those cast aside, downtrodden and betrayed! She loves me, she loves you… She loves us all! We worship her not because she has saved us, but because we love her in return!”

The crowd gave praises and prayer to her mistress, as all any should do.

“Yet Neiya is not the only one who has seen our plight! A new God has come forth, a protector and patron for we, of this beautiful Kingdom. And this god is known as Ekh-Rus, and we have been blessed! Ekh-Rus gives us the knowledge necessary to live in this place, so that we might thrive and grow stronger then ever before! For we are loved by the Gods! ARE WE NOT?” She put her hands into the air, and dipped her head. Ekh wanted her to speak before her people, what would they do now?

With whirling sound and wind the sky above Nallan seemed to crack open with leaking green flame. Only so slightly did the edges of this fracture open even as the wind roared up above and green flame crackled. This sight stood above the crowds only for the briefest moments that allowed them to glimpse and gaze upwards before something else came forth.

Like a wave it spread over the masses gathered in the city, no sight, nor smell, nor sound announced its presence. Instead the pounding addition of knowledge, each person's head filled with the background information gleaned from generations of desert dwellers. What to eat, what would grow, what to wear. Information drawn of the conditions to survive the desert from the massed dead, previously living souls who begat survivor after survivor after survivor. The knowledge to live in the desert was what flowed over them, although it brought minor headaches to be given so rapidly into their minds, it would bring survival if not flourishing.

However not only did the changes come to the masses alone. The land began to shift to, the river side shifted and rifted, forming into irrigation ditches and canals as would be found in any river based agricultural community. While the infrastructure may have been left behind, for the new river it came forth without the toil of the people to remake it once more.

A booming voice came from the flaming cracks in the sky, an enormous eye darting between them gazing through the breaks to the masses below. The voice came as rush, the calls of birds and the braying of reef horses, sounds of all animals coming together in a tide of sound to make one voice. "Hear my voice loyal devotees of Nalla, for you are blessed on this day by the presence and care of Ekh-Rus! Your fields stand ready and your minds have been prepared to survive the harsh challenge put before you. Do not forget that I stand as your protector through your Queen and Idol Nalla, the chosen of the gods. Know that her flesh and kin be holy and rightfully rule over you and your children for the prosperity and moral order of all times!"

A lesser voice like before swirled around the mind of Nalla herself, "You did well, and shall receive additional blessings, be known that all things come with a price and the toll you pay will be well worth it."

“And pray tell,” Nalla whispered, raising a hand to the masses as they began to celebrate. “What do you wish of me?”

"Soon there will come a time when you and all of your Vampiric Kin will be assaulted by visions of those slain, intense and all at once as a combination of all your cursed kind have known. After this, it will be broken. I will tell you this as after you will assemble those Vampires that you have close to you, I will grant all kin of your flesh and blood a gift, and another for those that serve you as well. You will continue as you have, to be a conqueror and a leader. Rule well and I may come calling again when you have grown to fit your potential more. Do you understand?"

The news made her heart skip a beat. The curse would be lifted? Oh what joy! “As you wish, Ekh-Rus. But I must admit… The curse on vampire-kind has left us… Lacking. There was another one here in my thrall but he died when the Sun moved us. Only I remain.”

"Then I shall accelerate my plans for your kin, in short your kind will be able to do a kind of reproduction, a gradual process of transformation of one extent to be a vampire as well. It may take time for them to fully come into their abilities and they will need shepherding, but I am sure you will not fail me in such a task."

Nalla stared out at the joyous crowd, a wicked smile began to etch itself within her lips. More of her kind… Ruling them all like shepherds over their flock. “Yes... How delicious it will be.” She said whimsidasically.

A pulse came from the rifts slowly closing above, barely visible to the mortal eye, but faint only in means of sight, not power. Nalla could feel a tingling sensation, an uncomfortable shifting in her flesh that remained for some moments before disappearing as quickly as it came. Something similar to all vampires on Galbar felt a change had come to their most strange race. No longer were they unable to produce more of themselves, now a vampire could convert others to their own kind, less a disease in action that may spread. But like a toxin, enough given in a short enough time to reach a tipping point to turn. It would be gradual, and not all would survive the process, but a chance given to have a real impact, and not be scarce and hunted.

It took several moments before Nalla could calm down from her excitement. When she did, she raised her hands and exclaimed. “TONIGHT! WE CELEBRATE IN THE NAME OF EKH-RUS! IN THE NAME OF NEIYA!”

And a celebration was had, as Nalla returned to her palace and a celebration of her own was had.



Many moons later much was beginning to change in Nallan. The knowledge provided by Ekh-Rus was a miracle in its own right, and the irrigation channels provided new access to crops- Which meant food would be plentiful in the months to come. But perhaps the most significant of Ekh-Rus’ gifts was the beauty of vampiric venom. Where once a victim would lose their memories of an attack, more and more feedings inflicted a most sinister poison into the blood streams, turning the blood sour as it took root. When it blossomed, it either killed the fledgling outright, or put them on the path to a fully actualized vampire.

Nalla took on a new role, that of a teacher. For raising a vampire and teaching them her ways was paramount in her society to come. She had a handful of fledglings that had survived on their path to adulthood but soon, they would make more and her mortal stock would produce more of their own and the blood would flow. Though the cruel sun was blinding, it was just beginning to rise upon her kingd- No… Her dominion. Empire.

But another promise was still to be had, for her vampires could not feel the curse as she did if they were to be useful. Everyday she waited for Ekh-Rus to appear without luck. She would not call to him, for such a God was not one to be angered. Thus, Nalla waited.

And there, in the dark room of her throne, surrounded by her faithful vampires, Ekh-Rus came.

There came a coiling searching voice, as though the vibrations of millions of wings, the chirping of birds and the soft nigh inaudible whispers of children came forth as one voice. One the louder to the whole, and one the quieter echoing through Nalla's mind alone. "You have done well to prepare yourselves."

"And you have done well to produce them."

"Are you prepared to accept the precepts fledglings? To gain an opportunity for real purpose and power?"

Nalla watched with anticipation, knowing that such a day might come, for she had distilled in them a primal urge to aspire ever greater but not so great as to supplant her.

One by one they stepped forward, once mere servants that hoped to please her at every turn, man and woman. Including three of her bath chamber attendants. Nalla had picked well, only the most handsome, the most beautiful would be gifted with the chance to become one as she. In that moment their individual names meant nothing, for they were stripped of that right as fledglings. A new name, a new purpose awaited them now. Would they cease it? Or falter?

Nalla could only watch.

It seemed to be almost a flash through those assembled, if only a moment that convulsed between them. Brief, a bolt of the unearthly green and then it was gone.

However internally much had changed, the voice began to speak again, "The flesh of your bodies will not die easily, far more so than even the rest of your vampiric kin, additionally the healing ability has been enhanced. More importantly however are your souls, they are now secured in their devotion and protected from undue influence. These are my gifts to you few devotees of Nalla. I will warn you a storm will come to you, in your minds of victims claimed, the curse will be broken soon, I have acquired the threads so strewn, connecting the realm of the dead with those of the living. I am the master of the realm of the dead, you will be freed of this unjust cruelty."

It began as a trickle. Nalla felt a new sensation, her hands balled into fists as she saw the last person she murdered- Though Neiya’s gift made them only feel bliss, it was still an overload to feel their memories begin to flood into her mind. Her body went limp as her face and body relaxed into the back of her throne. There were so many, so many she had killed, drained, butchered, murdered- All with Neiya’s love. But had she not been intertwined with Neiya herself and felt that godly bliss? It began to pale in comparison and soon enough she began to feel differently as her memories became ones of panic, horror and shock. She lurched forward, growling as her memories came to a stop upon her first victim, her sister. It played out all over again and she felt her own blade pierce her heart over and over and over and ov-

It ended and Nalla finally breathed. And with a new breath, she began to laugh. No more would they be slaves to their inhibitions. Never again.

She looked upon her fledgling vampires, cold sweat dripping down her forward and knew this was the rebirth of a people.

Her people.



Around the world, a cursed people rejoiced, for their chains had been broken.






In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay

Gibbou


&

Oraelia



A thunder-like sensation greeted Gibbou as she opened her crusted eyes. Her saliva tasted sickly, and there wasn’t enough of it to wet her dry mouth. Even though the night was her element, she could barely see anything around her. She welcomed the darkness, though - sunlight was the last thing she needed now. She dragged her hand down her face, her thumb smudging something sticky at the corner of her mouth. She slowly brought her hand to her nose and gave it a whiff. She groaned.

“... I did it again…” she lamented and rolled over onto her belly to push herself up. Staggering forward and pushing into a wall, she barely stabilised herself to some approximation of upright standing. Unable to handle the taste in her mouth, she snapped her fingers and conjured forth a glass of something akin to what she had had the day before, but altered the taste a little so she wouldn’t, well, do onto the floor what she had done to her shirt. The flavour stung still, but already minutes later, it had begun to dull the aches in her body. She dumped herself in a sofa with a bottle to refill her glass, leaned over to the side to smell the pillows and then recentred herself - stretching herself as tall as possible to avoid the stink. To take her mind off of the chaos that was her dome, she looked down at Galbar below, hoping to catch some sights of the ongoings of mortality.

“Eeeey, the guys in that place took back that thing. Good for them!” she cheered in a voice like single, continuous groan before downing the contents of her glass. As she swallowed, she pondered the situation. ”Actually, why not - let’s celebrate! Drinks for everyone!”



Meanwhile… Down in Fragrance…

“Mommy? What’s that abandoned house?” whispered the small girl while pointing at a small shack in the corner of the marketplace. The mother shook her head slowly and clicked in an upset manner.

“That’s the old flutemaker, sweety. His flutes were just too loud - nobody wanted to buy them.”

Suddenly, there came a flash of lightning, striking the shack in a mighty beam. The mother and child, as well as everyone else in Fragrance, all dove for cover, some screaming, others praying. Then, as soon as the flash had come, it went, and in its place stood a tall, sturdy hut with a large, festive stall out front surrounded by odd-smelling pots. There stood a merchant there, who held aloft two cups that smelled like a punch to the face and said, “Kwut here! Come get yer kwut!”

The mother and child stood there speechless. “By the gods,” whispered the mother and fell to her knees in prayer. The girl stuck her finger in her mouth and looked to the sky.

“Mommy,” she whispered, “what is kwut?”



Gibbou gave her head a scratch. ”Nah, wait, was that it? Oh, pfft…” She slapped her forehead a little too hard. ”Silly Gibby - that’sh the other place! Dumb-dumb… Here ya go - partay!”



That same moment, in Ha-Dûna...

“Little more to the left! No, left, not-- yeah, yeah, there! Now slowly, SLOWLY lower it!” Dûnan glass was of world quality (especially considering they were among the very, very few in the world who actually made glass), and to make window panes for the temples was a task that required the utmost precision. It was bad enough that their workday had been extended long into the night - their groggy hands could barely maneuver the pane properly in the darkness.

Suddenly, a lightning bolt from clear, moonlit sky struck the nearby palisade-in-construction at the edge of the city. The workers dove for cover. When they looked back up, they were shocked to find that It had been replaced by a tall stone wall, on top of which appeared fifty men and women. They were all anywhere from thick to chubby, had massive beards or bushy hair, and all carried pots under their arms. Suddenly one of them shouted, “Want some beer?”

The workers looked at each other in horror, and more and more awoke and came out of their homes to witness the miracle, falling to their knees in prayer. “What in the gods’ names is ‘beer’?” asked the foreman before looking down. “Aaaaw, damn it, lads! You dropped the pane!”



Gibbou snorted to herself. ”Heh, funny… Hey, Orey, I did a thing!”” Raising her glass in the air, she was only met with silence. She waited a second longer for a response. ”Yo, Orey? You here?” Again, the dome was silent as the moon. She shambled to her feet and tripped over various misplaced objects on the floor before she finally made it to the door. Almost forgetting to properly close the inner hatch before opening the outer one, she eventually exited into the vacuum of space, the wine in her glass freezing over instantly. She gave it a frown and looked around with drunken worry.

”Sis? Ya here?” she mumbled and gave her whiskey pop a lick. Searching in a daze, she shambled out of her portal and made her way to her sister’s. Once there, she tripped into the portal and faceplanted into the grass, groaning weakly at the unfairness of the world.

It wasn't long before her sister's voice began to assault her ears, growing louder by the second. "-bbou! Gibbou! I was wondering when you would show up. I'm sorry if I made you worry but It's all wonderful! My realm is secure and you'll never guess who is- Gibbou?" a quick pitter patter of feet and a moment later Oraelia knelt next to Gibbou, shrouding her in darkness as she always did in her realm. Two hands began picking her up around her chest and waist, as Oraelia lifted her up to a sitting position and leaned Gibbou against her. Oraelia's hands began to fix Gibbou’s hair as she began to fawn over her. "Oh Gibbou, are you alright? What happened?"

”My existence…” came a hopeless retort as the corpse-like goddess barely managed to turn her head to the side, one cheek resting heavily on her sister’s bosom. ”I messed up.”

Oraelia began to pour some life into Gibbou as she murmered, "Oh, we've been here before." She placed a kiss on Gibbou's forhead. "What happened that makes you think you messed up Gibbou?"

Gibbou gave a tearful sniff. ”I punched that bitch Neiya in the throat…”

"You… Punched Neiya?" Oraelia said. "How did this happened Gibbou? Are you okay? Are you alright? Did she hurt you?" Oraelia asked with a quickened voice as she began to look at Gibbou all over.

”No, I’m not okay. I’m useless, Orey!” whimpered the blue goddess. ”I only hit her because she let me, and, and, and it wasn’t even in the throat; it was in the stomach! And then I, I lost and went home and had a drink and, and then another and…” She curled up in Oraelia’s lap and droned quietly to herself. ”I need a hug.”

Oraelia obliged, wrapping her arms tight around Gibbou. She then leaned her head on hers and whispered, "Shh, shh. It's okay. You're not useless Gibbou, you stood up to her. That's more then any can say."

”But I loooost!” whined the moon goddess and hiccuped.

"No, you survived and I'll count that as a win in my book." Oraelia cooed. "I'm proud of you either way. I just… I just wish it wasn't so."

Gibbou nuzzled up further against her sister and pouted. ”I just, I just couldn’t accept what she had done to you… I hated her - hate her - but I couldn’t do anything. She’ll just be angry now - angry enough to mess up our stuff, I bet…” She gagged somewhat. ”Ugh, I messed up so bad…”

Oraelia's embrace tightened. She did not respond right away but when she did, it was with a soft voice. "No… I'll go and speak with her. See if we can come to an accord. Before you try and talk me out of it listen Gibbou, I told you a long time ago I would have to confront her eventually. To try and redeem her but I'm not sure if it'll be possible. It's not your fault at all, it's just what she's become. But I have to try, Gibbou. For you, for me, for Lucia and Sanya and every mortal everywhere. She won't attack me, I know this but if it does go bad, I will not hesitate to call for you. "

Gibbou sniffed. ”Uh-huh,” she cooed sadly. After a moment, she looked up at Oraelia with a raised brow. ”Wait, why’re you talking about Lucia? You haven’t mentioned her for millennia. And who’s Sanya?”

"Oh please, it hasn't been that long. Only around… twenty or so years, but we made up. I still feel bad about that though." But she steeled herself and placed a fist into her palm. "Come on, let's get you sobered up the old fashioned way. With a big breakfast!" She eyed Gibbou again. "Hmm, we'll have to clean you up first though. You want to look good for your niece right?" she grinned.

”I don’t want anything to eat…”

Oraelia deflated a little. "Well… You don't have to eat. Mortals do though. If you don't want to see them that's fine. Sanya is Lucia's lover, she's also immortal so they have history together before they ended up together you know. What do you say?"

Gibbou burbled. ”Sure…”

Oraelia gave her a tight squeeze. "Hey, everything will be okay. Would you like me to cure your hangover?"

”You don’t understand, sis… There’s something inside me - deep inside - that cannot be cured.” She stared a thousand yards into nothing, a dark expression on her face. ”But yeah, please do.”

Oraelia began to pour more healing energy into Gibbou. "Oh Gibbou. Overcoming our vices, our pain and our problems makes us stronger for it. You may not see that right now but one day, perhaps you will." she stood, helping Gibbou to her feet. "Now come, let us spend time together as family, so that we might forget our issues for a time."

Gibbou sucked in the deepest breath she had all day and the colour returned to her face. Her body showed remarkable spirit and vitality despite her clothes looking like a mistreated vomit bag. ”Thanks, sis! Before we go, though…” She tucked at her shirt and gave it a reluctant sniff again. ”Uhm.. Where’s your nearest lake?”

Oraelia smiled and took Gibbou's hand. "Come, let me show you."



Freshly cleaned and smelling of morning dew, the dark blue summer dress-dressed moon goddess strolled giddily alongside her sister towards Oraelia’s house, all memory of her utter failure and uselessness as a goddess happily suppressed under many layers of brutally enforced feelings of warmth and joy. She wore her dark glasses to keep the sun out, and her moonlight crown was vastly outshone by the light from all around, making it almost invisible. She stopped in front of the door, turned to her sister and put her hands on her hips. ”So!” she opened, ”where are they?”

”Inside, waiting for me probably. I told them I would be back soon. Come, come.” She cooed, opening the door into the lofty house. They walked through the front doors and down the main corridor until the hallways split, then they went right and not long after they reached a room with a large dining table, full of food and drinks and Lucia, sitting on top of Sanya as they made out.
Oraelia sighed, then knocked on the wall next to her. Lucia froze then looked over at them. ”O-O-Oh you’re back, mom! With… Auntie Gibbou!” Lucia smiled as she got to her feet and walked over to hug Gibbou.

”Woah, hey there!” was all Gibbou managed to say before being tackled by a hug. Not quite knowing what to do, she awkwardly hugged back and patted her on the head. ”Nice to see you, too, uh, squirt!”

Lucia's tattoos squirmed with delight as she let go of Gibbou and looked her up and down. She smiled with a warmth that mirrored her sister's. She then gave another slight squeeze of a hug and went over to her partner. "Gibbou, I'd like you to meet Sanya. She is my love."

Sanya had rocketed up from her seat and spent the time to herself adjusting her loose clothing and straightening out. When Lucia finally turned attention on her, she bowed her upper half stiffly like a soldier on inspection. "It is a great honour to meet you in person, Mother Moon." she managed with practiced but hurried words.

Gibbou eyed her up and down and assumed an equally stiff stance, sticking her arm out like a barb for her to shake. ”N-nice to meet you, too, Sony--Sanya!” She sniffed. ”Sssssssooo… What’s up? Havin’ a party?”

Sanya stared at the hand in brief confusion before straightening out and extending her own hand to meet Gibbou's, and then the other. She grabbed the goddess' hand with both of hers, then knelt to humbly prostrate herself, lifting Gibbou's hand as though it were a sacred relic. Thoroughly enraptured by this awkward ordeal, she left it up to Lucia to answer.

”Ah!” squealed Gibbou before Lucia could even open her mouth and pulled the hand to herself. She stood frozen for a bit, massaging her hand as though it had been burned, before forcing a sheepish giggle. ”Sorry. This feels really, really weird up close.”

"Oh! N..No! I am sorry, Goddess Gibbou. I didn't mean to attack you so." Sanya intoned quickly, looking horrified at the reaction she had caused. "Please forgive my abrasive behavior."

Gibbou closed her eyes and waved her hands. ”Please! Please, don’t, don’t talk to me like that… If you would. You have no idea how weird this is on point blank range. I’m not…” She shifted between the three women. ”I’m not really the kinda goddess you oughta speak like that to… Call me Gibs, Gibby or just, well, Gibbou. No titles or stuff, okay?”

Sanya nodded twice, flustered and uncertain, with a few confused glances towards her partner briefly. "Oh, uhm. Alright. Whatever you wish of me, Gib...s. Gibbou." she intoned briefly, before following it up to avoid the awkward silence. "So… ah, do you live.. on the moon?"

The change of topic immediately brought a fire to Gibbou’s stance, and she gestured a mighty circle with her palm. ”Oh yeah, sure do! It’s pretty cool up there, actually - if ya catch my drift.” She waited just too short with the comedic pause. ”It’s very cold, see. You can come visit, but you’ll need some magic.”

Oraelia clapped her hands and said, "Sit sit, let us talk to our hearts delight now that the… Pleasantaries over! Yeah!" she said, sitting down at the head of the table. Likewise, Lucia grabbed Sanya's hand and guided her back to her seat, whispering words of encouragement and praise as they sat down on the right side of Oraelia.

"Does anyone need anything? A specific food? A drink?" Oraelia asked, looking at them all. Lucia shook her head and grabbed a roll.

”Yeah, I’ll have a strong barley wine, if I could?” said Gibbou and raised her hand.

"That's not a bad idea," Sanya mused, extending an arm around Lucia without thinking. "It's been years since I've had wine."

”Pfft, what you had probably wasn’t wine. More like smelly fruit water or something,” Gibbou mused almost mockingly. ”Here, let’s get you some -real- wine. Make that two cups, sis!”

"Well that wasn't what I…" Oraelia began sheepishly. "I don't even know how to make it, Gibbou." she relented. Lucia just looked happy to be there.

”Oh, I’ll fix it, then,” said the moon goddess and, with the snap of her fingers, conjured forth two cups of a dark brown liquid. She pushed one over to Sanya and lifted her own. ”Cheers for, uh… For the couple!”

Sanya grasped the cup produced for her without much hesitation, offering the smallest of smiles at the quick toast. "To family," she returned.

"Sanya, let me try some? Please?" Lucia asked.

"Oh, of course," Sanya obliged, and offered her cup to Lucia.

Lucia snatched the cup and drank a mouthful. She then handed the cup back to Sanya, her face frowning. She coughed, "How do you drink that, it doesn't taste good at all." she said, taking a swig of water.

Suspicious of Lucia's reaction to this mysterious new drink, Sanya sniffed the cup briefly and then brought it to her lips. Her expression lingered on a thoughtful frown for a few moments, before she lifted the cup for another sip and an ensuing comment. "I don't know, I rather like it. I thought I'd tasted everything over the years. Barley, you said?"

”The finest grain there is - a soldier’s grain,” boasted the moon goddess as though the flavour had banished all over her anxiousness.

Sanya pressed her lips together in brief thought, humming to herself before taking another taste of the mythical new brew. "I wouldn't mind an amphora of this, if you want to leave some here." she eventually managed, leaning forwards to nod at Gibbou with guarded respect. "That is, if that's alright." Sanya eventually conceded and glanced to both her tattooed partner and Oraelia.

Lucia’s hand found its way to Sanya’s shoulder. She grinned, giving her a small nod. ”Only if I can get something a little more… Fruity? Sweet? Fruity and sweet?” she pouted at Gibbou.

Meanwhile, Oraelia’s lips turned into a frown, followed by a half sigh. ”Alcohol, as we both know,” she eyed Gibbou, ”Will make you lose the wits about you. That said, for special occasions, it is… Fine. And if you like, I suppose you can leave some here.” Oraelia then slouched forward and placed her cheek on her palm. ”Just… Be careful is all I ask.”

Lucia piped up again, ”Of course mom, your house, your rules!”

”C’mon, Orey - she’s a few thousand years old now; I think she can make her own decisions.” She conjured forth a tall, thin-necked pitcher of something smelling of peach.

Lucia smelled the pitcher as Oraelia spoke, ”I know that Gibbou.” She spoke with calmness as she looked at Sanya and Lucia again. ”Enjoy yourselves.” She gave a small, reluctant smile.

Lucia gave her a nod as she poured the contents of the pitcher into a cup. She then took a sip, then another, as her lips curled into a smile. ”Now this is good! Thanks Gibbou! Here, here Sanya, try it!” she said, giving her the cup. The sweeter drink was forced into Sanya's hands, and the warrior briefly lifted it to sniff and taste. A brief grimace later, and she handed it back.

"Wonderful." Sanya offered with deadpan tone, before giving Lucia a smug look. "Tastes like my mouth is melting."

Lucia giggled and with a playful jab in Sanya's side she said, "Doesn't it, darling?" Sanya smirked ever so slightly and clicked her cup against Lucia's in an idle toast.

"It does my heart good to see you both so happy. I know I've said it a thousand times already but it's just so wonderful. A truly refreshing sight." Oraelia fawned. "Oh that does remind me, Gibbou, have you found, uhmm, you know, a partner?"

”Partner in what?” asked Gibbou blankly, conjuring forth a bowl of blueberries and popping one into her mouth.

Oraelia scrunched her nose. "Uh… Nevermind. I was thinking of something else. Anywho, Rhiona has caught me up to date on events I missed while I was away. I'm sorry about everything Gibbou. I blame myself for how the druids have acted and as such we've sent Solus to take away that pesky fertility statue. I'm not sure a tool such as that belongs in mortal hands. And soon enough, Lucia and Sanya will be going back to the Highlands to bring about some sort of peace. A storm is brewing, there are too many pieces in play."

Gibbou shrugged. ”They’re mortals - give them anything and they’ll find six ways to misuse it by the end of the day.” She ate another berry. ”It’s not your fault that they went on a rampage looking for food. They were breeding like crazy, and… And…” She paused and tasted her words, looking as though she found them sour. ”... Actually, what I meant to say was - mortals are dumb and do dumb things. It’s not your fault, most importantly!” Sanya breathed a quiet scoff at that, but hurried to hide her expression behind the cup.

"They are right you know." Lucia said, pouring another cup. "They abused your gifts and got hungry for more. Just like they abused me when I visited." she took a drink.

Oraelia leaned forward at her daughters words. "Lucia, what do you mean they abused you when you visited?"

Lucia sighed. "Well like… They wouldn't give me a moment to myself and disrespected me when they went into my room without my permission to pray. It felt so… Wrong. A violation really." she took a large swig and leaned on Sanya. Oraelia looked at her partner with inquisitive eyes, but Sanya’s own gaze was deep into her cup, a dark frown hinted above the drink.

"Lucia… I'm so-"

Lucia cut her off, "Ish fine. Lesh just talk about something elsh.", she slurred her words, taking another drink.

Oraelia gave a slight frown and turned her head back to Gibbou. "How's the other half of the world fairing?"

”Oh, y’know. It’s quiet, mostly,” she replied curtly and shrugged. ”Nothing interesting happening over there - no, siree. Like, sure, some things are happening, maybe, but most things aren’t.”

"I see." Oraelia twirled her fingers. "It seems the only exciting news we have is that mortals can come to our realms. That seems to be about it."

”Yeah, that’s pretty cool, I guess. Again, though, I don’t think they can visit mine - no air and all that, y’know. Would need some kind of protective gear, wouldn’t you, mortals?” She forced an awkward laugh to support her own failure of a joke.

Lucia gave a vague wave and a nod, taking another drink from the pitcher before leaning into Sanya to steady herself. Sanya reflexively put her arm around her shoulder. Lucia began to giggle. "Yeah! Who neeeeds air anyways?"

”I know, right?” Having found support, Gibbou’s giggle grew genuine.

Gibbou's giggling only made Lucia giggle more. She began to play with Sanya's hair as she took another drink. "And why did you make us so squishy?" As if to empathize her point she pressed a finger into Sanya's cheek. Her voice then went lower, "I like your squishy darlin."

Sanya languished in a flustered surprise, offering a terse chuckle as she glanced nervously at the goddesses present. "I'm not that soft. On the uh, mortal… scale."

"She has abssssh." Lucia said, followed by more giggling.

Oraelia in the meantime looked on with a modest sense of disappointment and horror but did not say anything. Sanya, perhaps to her credit, tried her best to steer conversation back towards something less awkward. "... Guilty. I've spent a lot of centuries fighting. Have to stay in shape."

Gibbou suppressed a burp. ”You know fighting?”

"She's the… the besht fighter you've ever sheeeen!" Lucia exclaimed with mirth, pressing herself more and more into Sanya. The dark-haired warrior breathed a light snicker and ran her hand through strands of Lucia's hair.

"I suppose I know fighting. I was put on the path of violence millennia ago, and it's followed me since. Well, until about two decades ago." she eventually explained.

”Huh. You any good?”

Sanya gave the moon goddess a jaded glance. "As good as I've needed to be. I certainly wasn't getting any assistance from my benefactor."

”Whossat?”

Lucia gripped onto Sanya, "Shhhhhh, we don't talk about heerrr." she said, dipping her head into Sanya's lap, drink sloshing.

Sanya sucked in a breath, smiling down solemnly at Lucia before reaching out to steal away her drink. "The love goddess cursed me to sorrow and anguish." she mused calmly, keeping her eyes on Lucia to keep herself centered.

”Ugh!” groaned Gibbou loudly and threw her hands in the air. ”She -always- does this! Why is she so fuckin’ mean all the time?!” She began to stand up, her balance severely inconvenienced by her alcohol permille. ”I’mma go over there and teach her a lesson!”

All at once, Oraelia stood. "No. You are not. Please sit down Gibbou." she said with a certain sternness unlike her. Gibbou, somewhat taken aback by the shift in tone, sat right back down. With shifty eyes, she mumbled:

”G-gee, sis, I was just jokin’... Chill.”

Oraelia relaxed but did not sit down right away. She held her gaze on Gibbou for a moment or two and when she did sit she put a hand on Gibbou's arm. "I'm sorry Gibbou. I didn't know you were joking." her voice was sheepish.

”Y-yeah… I totally was. I mean, what kind of idiot would pick a fight with that bitch, am I right?” She forced an exaggerated laugh and pointed at herself. ”That’s riiiiiight! This idiot!” Her smile hung on by a thread, her eyes two empty, white voids.

Oraelia tilted her head and glanced at Sanya, giving her a knowing look. Once more Oraelia got up from her chair and embraced Gibbou. ”You are not an idiot, Gibbou. You are my sister and I love you so, so much.” she cooed.

Sanya looked at the two goddesses for a time, shifting forwards to set down both cups of alcohol before leaning back and running her fingers gingerly over Lucia's hair, who had fallen fast asleep. "Anyone who stands against that fiend could never be anything but great in my eyes," she affirmed solemnly. "If it wasn't for Lucia she would have sapped my willpower into oblivion. In the same vein, I wouldn't be who I am if she'd never cursed me. Wouldn't be here."

Gibbou made a quiet raspberry with her tongue, hardly reacting to her sister’s hug. ”I’ve fucked up too many times to be great, kid - if anything, I’ve reached a nice equilib… Equilibree-oom of mediocrity.”

Oraelia pulled away one arm at a time. She said nothing but her eyes gave her away- downcast and sucked of joy.

Sanya shrugged her shoulders idly, watching them yet. "And?" she questioned, willing to let her jaded, calm tone come out with Lucia down for the count. "Life is a constant journey of disappointment and failure. No one is as great as they want to be. At least not among us humans. I doubt I could ever begin to match your grandeur, as a mere mortal. All we can do is try our best, and roll with the punches."

Gibbou sighed. ”Yeah… Maybe… Hey, Sanya - what gave you the will to be a soldier? What was that first spark?”

Sanya shifted her shoulder and flexed a grim expression past her lips. "My tribe and family were hit hard by a rampaging troll. Raiders wiped out what was left. There was nothing in my heart but hate and sorrow, and… she… put me on the path of vengeance. After that, it was all I could be."

Gibbou’s eyes, as though that was even possible, somehow lost a final twinge of life, and she slowly got to her feet. ”I… I need to go.”

"Gibbou?" Oraelia asked, backing up to give her sister space.

She looked back at Sanya, then at Oraelia. ”I need to leave. I… I shouldn’t be here.” She then ran at the door, opened it and escaped into the vast, yellow garden.

"Gibbou…" Oraelia whispered, feeling her leave the realm.

Silence reigned for a time, until Sanya finally mustered the courage to ask; "Did I say something wrong?"

Oraelia turned to Sanya and shook her head but before she could speak, Lucia stirred.

"Thar youuuu are." she cooed, kissing Sanya on the cheek. "Whad I misssh?" she yawned.



Lucia sifted through the contents of the bag, placing and removing the many items she and Sanya had collected over the years. Some were practical, others were not. She just couldn’t make up her mind.

The goodbye had been heartfelt, but after their time staying in her mother’s realm, she could only hope to return and Oraelia knew this. It would not be a goodbye forever. They were connected now, once more. With determination in her eyes, Lucia placed the last of their gear into their sacks and headed out the door.

She took one more look at the place, their home for two decades now. She would miss it, but Oraelia had promised one like it when they departed Galbar again. She could hardly wait! With a giddy smile she sat their bags down and clapped her hands together. The sound of metal rang out. Her mother’s armor was a snug fit and they had grown used to the weight of it. Her hand found its way to the necklaces around her neck. She had to be careful though, for she was powerful now, more than ever before.

A Leaflits flew into her hair, followed by a dozen more. They tickled her all over and as she began to giggle, they flew away in a flock. When they arrived back upon Galbar, Rhiona ushered into the world around them several new creatures that had never existed before. She could see Gens uprooting themselves to bask in the sun and tend to flowers, while the Joyfs were spreading out by the hundreds, off to find those that needed some much needed joy in their lives. A couple had bolted for the two of them when they first stepped through the portal and their mere presence made Lucia feel happy. Sanya was much the same. They would make good companions, but now was not the time for that.

Now was the time for moving on.

”Isn’t that right, Eesis? Nisin?” She cooed over to the basking Leons. Much to her mother’s promise, their transportation was awaiting them. Now, they lounged about waiting for Sanya’s return.

She wasn’t too thrilled about that, the prospect of flying again but Lucia wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. Plus, that meant Sanya would have to hang onto her again and that was just a guilty little pleasure.

Lucia turned to the trees, waiting for her lover. She glanced back at the waiting portal. Another one that waited, for even quicker access to the Highlands. Sanya just needed to get back and they would be on their way. And return she did, breaking through the treeline in silver armor at an idle pace, the sleek black Sorrowsting laid over her shoulder as though it was never missing. Now it seemed different, however. Even from afar the addition of Oraelia's large gem shone and glittered with promise, lending a grandeur to the weapon that had been missing before. She looked ready for war, for better or worse. Sanya moved to join with Lucia and her company without word or delay, though smiled at Lucia when she caught her gaze.

And with that, they mounted Eesis and through the portal they went, into the unknown of war.





In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
That link is expired, here have another! https://discord.gg/wT3URt6
In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
Terrors in the Night




“Have you heard?”

“Have I heard what, Aeliana?”

“Those humans over the hill that way, the men say they are fighting.”

“The ones who wear white?”

“Yeah.”

“Why would they be doing that? Gran always said they were peaceful folk, liked to help those in need.”

Aeliana shrugged, hoisting the basket onto her other shoulder as the two walked along the sandy beach. “Many are prone to war, Cassia. Down at the temple, out near the bridge, over the hills. All directions really.”

“We are too.” Cassia said, looking down at the ground as she carried her basket.

“Well, yeah. But we are protected.” Aeliana said..

There was silence between the two for a time as the sun neared midday. Cassia looked over to her friend and noticed how forlorn her stormy eyes had become. Aeliana was one of the prettiest there ever had been within their tribe, well maybe except for some baby girls, but they were still growing up. To see her sad, felt like a crime.

“Hey, we’ll be okay.” Cassia piped up. “Like you said, we are protected. Who would dare attack us?”

Aeliana turned her face to her, long black hair blowing in the breeze. She gave a small nod. “I worry, Cassia. Humans are so… Aggressive. Cattia and her little companions give testament to that.”

Cassia frowned. “I know, but he prefers humans as his playthings. Let them be aggressive for all we should care, let them think that they have to be possessive. Better for our tribe.”

Aeliana straightened her back and eyed Cassia. “He likes us too.”

Cassia nodded with a solemn regard and silence reigned as they neared the village.

Up the rock and sandy path they went. The village itself was on a rocky outcropping that overlooked the warm waters of the sea. It was growing larger by the year and newer buildings were being constructed towards the interior, where the golden grasses touched the sands.

As the two women neared the crude gates, they titled their heads at the sight of Livia and Sabina standing guard. Usually that was regarded as a male job, but the women of the Litus tribe were no pushovers.

“Cassia, Aeliana! Where have you two been?”

“Collecting clams and seaweed. What’s wrong Sabina?” Aeliana asked, letting her basket down to touch the stone. Cassia followed suit as Sabina spoke, “Oh my, you have been gone all day?”

They nodded.

“All the men have gathered for a moot.” Sabina said.

“What? Why? Moots only happen when the white moon is full, why now?”

“Trespassers were caught early in the morning, fighting amongst themselves on our borders. Those that survived were brought back to be questioned. Not long ago, The Great Daemon demanded it. There are…” Sabina looked off into the distance before looking back at the two. “There is talk of war.”

Aeliana and Cassia glanced at each other. “Those the Venator’s captured, who were they?”

“Who do you think?” Sabina asked with sarcasm in her voice.

“Humans, of course.” Livia chimed in.



The Moot place was a large sea cave on the other side of the village. The ancients had first used it for shelter before more careful, crafted ways became the norm. Now, the Moot had never been abandoned but expanded upon, hewn from the stone into something grander. Chairs had been etched into the walls, rows upon rows, lined with furs for comfort and now most were all occupied.

The men of the Litus tribe were of stern stuff and of quick wit, but the normal faces of mirth and laughter had been replaced by grim expressions as most had their eyes upon the humans down in the sands before them. Broken and bloodied, tied and gagged, there remained five of them. They shook with such fear, like whipped dogs knowing not if they had done wrong, only that they had been struck. But none had struck them except their own. What gave them such desperate looks, was what the men of the Litus tribe had learned to avert their gazes from.

There, sat upon the largest chair, at the front of the Moot, sat the Daemon. Wings splayed apart, body sitting back with a fist upon his cheek, looking impassive as always. His ashen skin and white hair were trademarks of his scarred face. The armor of the damned was his clothing and his weapon, a mace of pain.

The Moot was quiet, for the Litus tribe had learned quickly- speak when spoken too and their world would be right.

"Dessus," He spoke at last, the name of his attendant. The man rose from his seat at once. "Tell me again why these… Cowering wretches exist before me."

Dessus rubbed one of his horns and cleared his throat. "They were found in our borders fighting, the Venators captured these ones alive for further questioning. From what they've said so far, we've gathered they are of two factions, fighting amongst each other over beliefs. A sad affair by any means, your magnificence."

The Daemon let out a low rumble from his throat. "They are far from home, are they not? Why come here to my lands?"

"A good question. Shall we find out?" Dessus said, moving over to the humans. He picked a man with ruddy orange hair and took the gag out. He licked his chapped lips.

"Why did you come here, human? What did you seek to gain?" Dessus questioned.

“W-We came ta gather allies for the war. The Sigeran filth found us along ta way. W-We meant no offense, I swear it. I swear upon ta gods!” he stammered.

“Intriguing. You are one of these... Druids then? The white cloaks? Helpers of the land?” Dessus asked, hands folded behind his back.

The man shook his head. “I was an apprentice under Kaer Lehon. They killed her in ta ambush.”

“A tragedy, to be sure.” Dessus put the gag back into the man’s mouth. He began to protest but one look from the Daemon was enough to silence the attempt. Dessus then walked over to another man, with black hair and a clammy disposition. He undid the gag and the man stretched his jaw.

“Speak then.”

He spat in the direction of the first man. Then spoke in a deep voice, “I’ve nothing to say but this; The Druids and their ilk speak no truths, see only evil they want to see and care naught for anyone but their own piety. They’ll do anything to keep their power. Anything.” The red haired man and another glared at the man.

Dessus stepped before him. “We were under the impression the druids existed as one, what do you and your people call themselves then?”

“Sigerans.” He said with calmness.

“Sigerans… Druids…” Dessus began turning to the Daemon. “You see your magnificence, they are fractured, fighting over religion and control.” He shoved the gag back in the man’s mouth and continued, “It is an alarming situation indeed. To have war on our doorsteps, brought about by these druids, these humans! What’s to say they begin to run out of resources, food, water- They will be forced to search far and wide and take what they want in the name of their gods and survival. Think of our women, defiled by these filthy creatures! It cannot be so!”

At this, the moot erupted into loud whispers and shouts of anger and praise. The humans began to squirm, shouting behind their gags in frustration. Several guards came over to subdue them once again as the men of the Litus Tribe continued in their talks.

It was then that the great Daemon stirred and at once the room quieted as he stood. His face became an expression of malice and he gripped his mace in hand as he descended the steps to the sandy floor.

“There will be no aid here, no salvation for the weary and lost, for humans and their ilk.” He growled, coming to a stop before the red haired man. He could not stop shaking, eyes poised on the mace. “Is this not what you were meant to be? Upon your knees, groveling like wretches and cowards. Weak and slaves.” He rose his mace and with one quick strike, caved the man's head in with a sound akin to fruit being thrown at the ground. Someone wretched and began to choke.

The Daemon looked around the Moot and raises his hands. “They came here seeking salvation, to use you for their own ends. Will we let them take what they want? No! We are Litus! Call the chiefs together, gather our supplies and prepare for war! They came seeking aid but they have only sealed their doom! We will conquer them all, drive them out and keep their lands for ourselves! Never again shall we ever think of helping those weaker than us. Now, too war!”

The room erupted into eager shouts and enthusiastic praise. They were no stranger to war, and thought it would take time, a war they would have.

“Feed these ones to the sea.” The Daemon commanded, and it was so.





In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
@Valor Always open! If interested you can come and chat with us here, https://discord.gg/ZWhHTX
In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
Reunion & Rearmament




It felt like a dream of sorts. The landscape extended in glorious widths in every direction, a marvel of colors as grass and prairies mingled with flowers and plants. It all looked incredibly real - undisturbed and preserved, much like the spot that Lucia and Sanya had found for themselves. Unlike their home, this landscape had an ethereal, primal quality. It was untamed, inviting and peaceful all at the same time. Sanya understood it to be the realm of the Sun Mother, or one of her many havens at the least; why a deity with access to such splendor would ever look down to Galbar puzzled her - perhaps that was why she was distant in the first place. There was no disputing its beauty, however.

Even Lucia, enveloped in the effervescent energy hanging in the air seemed to move and smile with an uplifted, ethereal glow in her tattoos and features. She was like a lithe spirit bounding across the vast painted canvas of green they found themselves in, and Sanya found as much peace watching Lucia react to their new surroundings as she did looking around on her own. Her eyes could not leave Rhiona for long, however. The being was divinely beautiful and imposing in her own way, and knowing she brought them here provoked an uncertainty deep in Sanya that she thought she had put in the past, and in the dirt.

She wouldn't let that stop her now, though. Lucia seemed perfectly at ease with this agent of her divine parent, and that was enough for Sanya to let her guard down and try to focus on the supernatural splendor that surrounded them and threatened to ensorcell them with its peace and tranquil beauty. So the warrior paced, hands resting behind her back. She walked idly, watching both nature and her giddy partner with a growing warmth, and allowed herself a genuine smile.

She found herself at peace, uncertain how long they just explored at a sedate pace. What she did know, was that at some point Lucia pointed out a house on the horizon. Sanya had no mind to question anything in this land aloud, and instead settled an arm around Lucia's waist before moving towards the structure in the distance.

Lucia placed a quick kiss on her cheek and then turned her head to Rhiona, "What's this place Rhiona?"

The avatar smiled. "Why that's your mother's house. It sits empty now but once your mother arrives, I think there will be laughter from it again."

Lucia leaned her head on Sanya's shoulder. "And when is she arriving?" She asked.

"Whenever you want. Simply ask and I will call to her." the avatar replied as they drew nearer to the house.

Lucia grabbed Sanya's hand and squeezed. "Oh… it's up to us. What do you say, Sanya? Ready to meet my mom?" she teased.

Sanya breathed half a chuckle, not quite pleased at being the center of attention for such a choice. She had spoken with the Sun Mother before - and she hadn't exactly had a history of being pleasant to her. On some level, the mark left by another goddess made itself known. She knew she was one sour mood away from a curse, no matter how kind the goddess was. That said, the Sun Mother had always been kind. Who says no to meeting a goddess? "Ah, no getting out of it now…" she replied with a theatrical sigh, returning the squeeze.

Lucia giggled, "Oh it won't be that bad, my love." she turned her head to Rhiona and have her nod. "Please, call for her."

"As you wish, Daughter of the Sun." and Rhiona shut her eyes.

Lucia then turned back to Sanya and gave her a kiss. Sanya glanced towards Rhiona briefly before responding with a peck of her own.



Upon the moon a goddess sat, staring at the statue of her sister. It had been sometime since she had first viewed it so long ago, but now she sat in thought. The quiet had been eerie and strange at first but Oraelia endured it. If Gibbou could visit her realm and be fine, then she could do the same. Now she found it comforting and peaceful.

Her gaze wandered up and to Galbar. It still took her breath away even now. Yet she was afraid. Afraid of what she had done when her wits had left her. She had caused pain and sorrow instead of happiness and joy. She no longer hated herself for what had happened but she couldn't shake the feeling of knowing she should have been better. Gibbou had reassured her that the things she gave the mortals wasn't her fault, but that of her I inabitions, but it still felt bad.

Oh her sister had helped her a great deal. Protector of the body and the soul indeed. They had played many games together and throughout, Oraelia had healed. Some days were worse then others, but a good cry was always nice.

She was finally feeling better but knew it would be sometime before she was… she again. Perhaps she never would be the same but there was hope. Her gaze shifted to her feet and she stood. It was time to bake a pie, one of her new favorite hobbies.

"My lady Oraelia!" Rhiona's voice cut into her head and Oraelia froze in her step. Her voice sounded frantic!

"Rhiona, what's wrong?" she asked back.

"My lady, you must come quick. There's… uh… There bee an accident in your realm! One I can't fix by myself!"

"Oh my! Oh my goodness! Don't worry I'll be there in a second!" Without hesitating she shot off towards her sun, and the gateway that Gibbou had created.

"Gibbou I had to go back to my realm! Rhiona says there's trouble!" she shouted out towards her sister, not waiting for a reply.

She arrived at her sun and within a flash she was through into blue skies and white clouds and and… sky whales?!

She nearly slammed into one but managed to dodge, shouting sorry as she went. So much had changed in her realm, there was so much life now! But she had to focus! Oraelia honed in on her avatar's position and came to a halt before her in another flash.

Rhiona looked much the same and she had… a giant smile plastered on her face.

"Rhiona what's wrong!" she descended, feet touching grass.

Rhiona wordlessly pointed past her and Oraelia tilted her head as she turned around. She froze again, eyes going wide as they fell upon two figures, one of which seemed to be from a dream, yet as real as the day she was born.

"L-L-Lucia?" Oraelia whispered, covering her mouth as the waterworks began.

Lucia took a step forward and nodded as she held back her own tears. "M-Mom…" she breathed.

The air between them was palpable and Oraelia could hardly take it anymore. She ran towards her daughter, arms outstretched and Lucia did the same. It was only a few steps before they embraced. Lucia grabbed her tight, digging her face into her chest as Oraelia wrapped her in a warm hug. They both cried tears of joy and those of relief. She kissed the top of Lucia’s head, not wanting to let go, never wanting to let go again. It was a miracle. How was she even here?

After several moments of this, Oraelia cooed, ”Lucia. My Lucia. Oh I never thought…” She paused, choking up. ”Let me see your lovely face, my daughter.”

Lucia looked up with teary eyes, taking quick breaths as her tattoos’ pulsed with joy. Oraelia caressed her face, moving her long hair away from her eyes. ”Oh Lucia…” She murmured. ”Breath, just breath.” She encouraged with a smile, pulling her in close again.

She could feel Lucia’s body begin to relax as she stroked her head and rubbed her back. Oraelia’s eyes wandered to the other who had been standing next to Lucia. She was still there and as their eyes met, Oraelia felt as if she had seen the beautiful woman before. She reminded her of…

”Lucia, who might this be?” She asked.

Lucia pulled herself away again and turned back to the woman, then to Oraelia with a beaming smile. She rubbed the tears from her eyes and said, ”This is Sanya, mother. You’ve talked to her before and gave her a gift. She is the love of my life.” She turned back to her and held out a hand towards her.

Oraelia blinked. Sanya! Yes, she remembered her and they were… She felt her heart flutter. Oh, they were in love. A deep love, one that grew with each passing day. It brought a happy tear to her eye, knowing that Lucia had been in good hands while she was.. Absent. That would be addressed soon, she could feel it.

The dark-haired warrior stepped forward and offered a stiff but polite bow of her head, doing her best not to look like an embarrassed outsider after Lucia's introduction - and failing. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Sun Mother. I, uh… Please forgive my lack of tribute." she offered quietly, wrapping her hands behind her back.

Lucia shared a look with her and let go of Oraelia. The goddess then stood up with her daughter and walked over to Sanya. "No, the honor is all mine, Sanya. Your tribute is your heart my dear, for without it I would not have gotten to see my Lucia, or you." she said, wrapping Sanya in a warm hug. "Thank you." she said, placing a kiss on her cheek and letting go. Lucia then went to her side and grabbed her hand.

Sanya squeezed Lucia's hand and nodded twice when the goddess stepped away. The normally stoic warrior seemed staggered, offering a self-conscious smile as the two divine women directed attention her way. "Ah, I… Well, Lucia is really the driving force in my life and actions. I act with her wellbeing in mind."

Lucia leaned her head onto Sanya's shoulder. "Oh stop you." She gushed with a very large smile.

Oraelia clasped her hands together and watched them. "Oh I'm so happy for you two. Truly. I know I haven't… Been around lately… And for that I'm sorry but I am glad to know you had each other." She rubbed her arm and looked sheepish. "I'm sure you have questions for me, Lucia, Sanya. Please, let us go inside and we can talk. Rhiona, I think I'll be okay. Give us some time?" she asked, turning to the avatar. Rhiona gave a nod and walked off but Oraelia knew she wouldn't go far. She then turned back to Lucia and Sanya and outstretched her hands towards them.

Sanya squeezed Lucia gently around the waist, seeming to keep a very keen eye on the actions of the divine even with her mask of peace. She nodded after confirming with Lucia, and stepped forward to let Oraelia take the lead.

Oraelia nodded her head and walked beside them up the steps. "I'm sure Rhiona has told you this is my home. It's not as special as some of the other God's realms but it is quite homely. A room is already ready for you both because here, anything is quite possible." she waved her hand and the door disappeared, revealing a grand interior, the likes of which had been hidden by the smaller outside features of the building. Large stairs sat directly in the middle of the room, leading up to the next floor. Oraelia smiled at their wide eyes and led them to a room off to the side with furniture Lucia and Sanya probably didn't know could exist.

She motioned to a plush couch and she sat opposite of them on a chair. She watched as they meddled into the soft cushions. Lucia leaned heavily on Sanya, whether for her own comfort or for Sanya, she did not know. What she did know was that it was adorable.

"What is this mom? It's so… soft and comfortable." Lucia gushed.

"Things exist differently here. So easy are thoughts made into reality that anything can be done here. But there are limits on the material plane. Oh but that is what we ca a couch. It is used for sitting. I'm glad you like it, Lucia." she paused. "Are you two hungry or thirsty? We might be here for awhile, it's best to have some snacks don't you think?"

"Oh yes! Sanya, what would you like?" Lucia asked, tattoos pulsing with excitement.

Sanya was rocked out of a daze when her name was spoken, looking up with an almost guilty look on her face; one hand nestled around Lucia and the other inquisitively squeezing the couch and it's curiously comfortable fabrics. "Uh, yes. How about some grilled snake?" she muttered in her best attempt at recovery, glancing to Lucia.

Before Lucia could speak Oraelia stood up and said. "I'll bring some stuff for you to try and a side of grilled snake." she smiled and Lucia nodded, returning her own smile. It felt good to see her so happy.



Lucia watched her mom leave the room and then turned to Sanya with an inquisitive look. She pulled herself closer to Sanya and caressed her cheek. "Are you okay, love?"

Sanya awarded her with a peaceful, thin smile. It'd taken her a long time but she let herself smile these days. Still, she languished under Lucia's watchful gaze, and briefly averted her eyes before raising a hand to place over hers. "This is about you, remember?" she professed modestly, before tilting her head to touch her forehead to Lucia's. A soft sigh later, she steeled herself to speak. "It's… intimidating. Being in the presence of a goddess. Your mother."

Lucia smiled. "You? Intimidated by anything? My oh my." she giggled, then sighed as well, wrapping her arms around Sanya's back. "This just isn't about me my love, for we are together now and your needs are important to me, you know that. I want you to feel comfortable and secure here. But it's okay to feel the way your feeling, I was in your shoes once and it can be intimidating. I just hope you know that my mother would never do anything to hurt us, she's probably the least intimidating of the bunch. And I mean that in a good way." She chuckled.

Sanya placed a hand on Lucia's thigh and squeezed gently, giving her a peaceful look and a minute smile. "I know that, honey," she offered. "It's not her intent that intimidates me… although meeting your mother is certainly scary for other reasons… It's the power. Around her. In here. Everywhere. It's amazing, and imposing."

Lucia's tattoos pulsed, beginning to wrap around Sanya's body as Lucia grinned with closed eyes. "I know, isn't it crazy to think the gods are here, living in their own seats of power and everyone else is just… I don't even know where. It makes me feel so small." she breathed.

Sanya lifted her arm that had gently nestled behind Lucia, wrapping over her shoulders to tug the tattooed woman closer. "If you're small, I must be tiny. Barely of note." she murmured back, and gave her another gentle squeeze. "Do you think all the gods live here?"

Lucia nestled herself into Sanya's warmth and relaxed in her embrace. "Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. Rhiona did say this was Mother's realm and she was with Gibbou so, perhaps they are connected or something?"

Sanya shifted herself, shimmying up against Lucia to hold her closer, and gently massage her where her hands rested. "I always thought Gibbou was on the moon. It made the most sense." she murmured quietly, scoffing to herself in humoured tone. Then a brief moment of hesitation. "Do you think we could even get back home from here, if we tried?"

Lucia's tattoos began to throb as they wound themselves up Sanya's arms. Lucia murmered, "No, probably not but hey," she moves her head to catch Sanya's gaze. "At least we're together." she said, going in for a kiss.

"That's all I n--" Sanya began but was silenced by lips touching her own. She responded with confident yet restrained passion, her hand on her arm and shoulder caressing her glowing skin with slow motion. The warrior leaned into the kiss firmer before her patience appeared to run dry, and her hands began exploring further.



"That was quicker then I suspected, my Lady." Rhiona said, looking out over the prairie. Oraelia laughed then sat down next to her.

"Let's just say they both need to relax a little before I ruin the mood." she said, picking up a blade of grass.

"I don't… Oh, oh my. You truly are kind, my lady."

She shrugged. "I love Lucia and I want her to be happy. There is nothing else to do, besides, they aren't children. They aren't children by any means."

"You are a wonderful mother, Oraelia." Rhiona smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. Her lips turned into a small frown but she nodded anyways and spoke up with a quick voice.

"Tell me about what I've missed, Rhiona."

"Of course my lady. Well let's see. There are many things to say, from druids to wars, Aiviri to iskrill. But I suppose, have you heard about Nallan?"



Oraelia knocked on the door, carrying a platter of food and drinks. A brief pause followed before Sanya's voice called through the door. "Uh, hello. Come in, I mean."

She walked in, saying, "Sorry I took so long, Rhiona needed help with something and I just couldn't find any cups. But I hope I didn't worry you too much!" She looked at Lucia who avoided her gaze, tattoos pulsing with haste as she gripped the couch.

"Oh not at all Mom, we were just… uh… R-Resting our eyes." she stammered.

Sanya quickly ran her hands through her hair, doing her best to look no different than previously. It took her another good few seconds to straighten her clothes as surreptitiously as possible - unfortunately few things escape the notice of the divine. "Ahem. Rhiona is… your servant?" she queried to try and steer the conversation away from Lucia's atrocious excuse.

A table of white stone materialized before the two and Oraelia set the platter of food down. It had an assortment of delicacies and more homely snacks, including a platter of snake. Oraelia sat down across from them again and smiled. "Please, eat. You've been losing energy all day, it's good to have a full belly. As for Rhiona, she is one of my avatars. I suppose you haven't met Solus? He is existent on the material plane as of right now. I created Rhiona to watch over my realm why I got much needed help from Gibbou. I was not well…" she said, watching Lucia take bites as she listened.

Sanya drew a long breath, sat back and relaxed. She extended an arm to rest behind Lucia again, gaze fixed on the goddess. "I apologize for the intrusion. Rhiona suggested our presence would be positive, and," Sanya began, stroking a finger along Lucia's shoulder. "It looked like you both needed a family visit. I fear I've been disrespectful to Rhiona, as I was indignant to you when we first spoke. "

Oraelia rose an eyebrow. "No disrespect was ever perceived by my or her eye, Sanya. You are a welcome presence and like I said before, seeing you with Lucia does make me smile. I… I hope to call you daughter, if you allow it in fact. I understand if you feel otherwise." she said, twirling her thumbs as she looked to Sanya.

Sanya seemed to choke on her own breath, stiffly pausing halfway into reaching for one of the offered goodies. "I.. ah, you honor me deeply, Sun Mother. I would carry your good will with me always… as I have in the past." she offered and fiddled with a necklace, to pull out the mark of Oraelia granted to her decades ago. She cleared her throat and put her hand on Lucia's arm. "Unless it-... bothers you, of course." she murmured to her partner.

Lucia shook her head in swift motion and gave Sanya a big smile. "This is wonderful!" she exclaimed, giving her a big hug.

"Ah, it is good to see that again, dear. You are dutiful in more ways then one." Oraelia smiled. "But please, from now on you can call me by my name if you like. We don't have to be formal around one another." she shifted in the chair, eyeing Lucia for support. The golden hair girl gave her a thumbs up, one that Sanya couldn't see.

"Thank you-... I mean, it's.. I'll try to remember that." Sanya breathed in idle admittance of her own struggle to loosen up under the goddess' vigil. "Lucia makes a case for your radiance at least once a week. It's great to meet you. Truly." she continued unprompted, offering a small smile.

"Likewise, Sanya." she turned to Lucia and tilted her head. "Lucia, you are too kind. I…" she took a deep breath. "Perhaps it's time for me to answer the questions in your minds. Oh that doesn't mean i've been snooping around… er… it mean I could if I wanted but… um… I respect your thoughts I just… okay. Let's just start from the beginning?" she asked flustered.

Lucia settled in next to Sanya, cup in hand as she took a sip. "Relax mom, we know what you are trying to say… Just, go at your own pace and remember, I love you." she said. Sanya nodded crisply and leaned back to shift up beside Lucia properly.

Oraelia nodded. "Okay, my sweets. Close your eyes and listen to my voice. I shall start from the moment I awoke in a strange place, a small goddess before me..." She began, her voice growing stronger as her memories came into view before them. Nothing would be left bare…

And so they saw a small goddess, a child at mind but divine at heart. They could feel how Oraelia felt as she spoke to them of Genesis and Antiquity. The reunion Moon and Sun, the meeting of love and light. They were there, looking in at it, seeing it with their own eyes that were not there. Oraelia showed them everything since she awoke. From the time she helped the mortals, to Lucia's reunion, to Neiya's betrayal.

She shielded them from the brunt of those emotions but flavors were all too familiar but they endured it because Oraelia had endured it and they came to Genesis again and how she helped Oraelia. Then those negative emotions were purged away by Oraelia claiming Love as it should have been. More memories flashed before them of the times she helped Gibbou and created other heroes and gifts for the mortal world.

Then they came to her denial. For years she searched for Genesis until she came to a cold realization, she was gone. The next memories were a haze of joy and sadness. How she gave gifts to any just so she could please them and be happy. And her deepest thought of ending it all. But Oraelia shielded them from its dire influence and they endured it again, coming to a time when Gibbou made her see reason again. But the damage had been done.

The last memory was the profound joy she felt at seeing Lucia again and then she guided them back to the room with the snacks before them.

"And that, my love, is why I was silent for so long. I could not bear the thought of hurting you, or seeing reason by your voice. I'm so sorry Lucia. I've done terrible things in my need for escape." she confessed, wiping away tears. She looked at Lucia to see her doing much the same.

Lucia slowly stood, gently letting go of Sanya's hand and began to walk over to her. "L-Lucia I don't expect you to forgive me so easily… I-" but before she could finish, Lucia embraced her and Oraelia let her tears flow freely.

”Mother.” Lucia gasped. ”There is nothing to be forgiven about. Was I sad? Of course I was, but knowing how much you’ve… You’ve hurt… I… I wish I could have been here sooner.”

Sanya sat silent. Her face was a mixture of shock from the sheer volume of memory and the experience itself, but a kernel of something else lingered in her expression. A deep-seated frown that slowly turned her eyes distant and her frown bitter. Her fingers flexed as her thoughts seemed to call her deep away. It didn't last however - after a while, she refocused on mother and daughter, doing her best to appear in the moment. "You have gone through some terrible things, Su-.. Oraelia. I am sorry."

After several minutes, after Oraelia had calmed down enough, she pulled herself away from Lucia and looked up at her. She took a deep breath and then began, ”I’m so proud of you. You’ve both stood the test of time, struggled, fought and survived to stand here, right before me now. My sweethearts and look at you, you found each other. This… This makes all that I’ve endured worth it.” she sighed, frowning slightly.

”What’s wrong mother?” Lucia asked, settling down to her knees. Oraelia ran her hands through her hair.

”Like seeds my mistakes have bloomed into terrible problems. Upon Galbar there exists a winged man with bands who can heal him, Iskrill with a weapon capable of wiping even the strongest of men to ash and greatest of all, the Highlands suffer from war. It seems the druids went to war with their neighbors of the years, all in the need for more and more land because I gave them a gift that let them- Well you know, you were there after all. Now I learn that split and it’s just so… Horrible. Rhiona has sent Solus to deal with the artifact but I fear a larger conflict is brewing… What am I going to do?” she said, looking off into the distant lands behind the windows.

To this, Lucia gave no reply and instead looked to Sanya with a knowing look. Sanya's expression darkened with determination, and she simply nodded back to her tattooed lover. Lucia flashed her a smile and turned to Oraelia, moving her hand to touch her mother’s face and guiding back to look at her. Oraelia leaned into the hand and kissed her palm. When their eyes met, Lucia spoke, ”Send us. We can right these wrongs, it’s what we’re good at.”

”No, absolutely not, Lucia. You are all I have left, I won’t send you to fix my mistakes!” Oraelia said, her voice full of emotion.

”Mother… Please. I know you are more capable than we are, but we are your daughters, our words carry so much weight and if they won’t listen to us then they will answer to you. Let us help you, please, you don’t have to do this alone. We understand mortals, we know them better than any, please.” she pleaded, with stark determination on her face. Oraelia looked over to Sanya and saw much the same. It broke her heart, it did, but she knew Lucia was right.

She nodded. ”I… I am hesitant… But I know this place, my realm, as much as I want you to stay here forever with me, there is someone I need to speak to first. So okay. You will carry my authority, my will… But first, I don’t want to send you together alone and without anything to aid you. Solus and Rhiona have worked on a solution of sorts for now. Solus is going there soon and when he arrives I will send you too. For now you will enjoy yourselves here with me and train.”

Lucia nodded to Oraelia and then looked back to Sanya. The dark-haired warrior nodded back once more, then seemed briefly struck by an errant thought. It rolled visibly on her features as she considered it, and then exited her lips. "Sorrowsting is still buried."

Lucia tilted her head at Sanya, then she blinked and looked away, back to Oraelia. She gave her a pleading look and Oraelia knew what to do. She stood, letting her hand run through Lucia’s hair as she went over to Sanya. There, she knelt before the warrior and took her hand.

”Sanya.” she started, ”When we first met, your presence felt ever so familiar to me and when I atlast met her, did I understand that familiarity, that connection. And for that, now I tell you, sorry. I am sorry for whatever she did to you with her honeyed words and her… Love. She cannot understand that there are two sides and though she thinks she is incapable of understanding the other, she dwells on all the negatives regardless. Love works both ways. There is the bad, and there is the good. One cannot work without the other, but to overcome the bad, is to falter into darkness, or overcome it with bliss.” Oraelia’s voice broke into a hushed whisper. ”But you, Sanya, you’ve done it. To endure her, to live in the negative and overcome it, is to realize that there is a better path, one that you now share with Lucia. Sorrowsting is a part of you, but it does not define who you are. Thus, I give you this.” Oraelia removed her hands from Sanya’s to reveal a jewel the size of her palm, blazing with light. ”Add this to Sorrowsting when you retrieve it and never lose sight of that which you love.”

Sanya looked down at the gem with parted lips, a serene but troubled breath escaping her. She looked up at Oraelia, her eyes raw with the same vulnerability that harkened back to the original wound to her soul two millennia ago. A moment later, she nodded, and brought herself to respond. "...Thank you. I will look forward, for who I've become. For my love."

Oraelia nodded, and Lucia walked over to them. Kissing Sanya on the cheek as she sat down next to her to admire the gem.

Oraelia then waved her hand at the corner of the room and two sets of armor appeared upon stands, one golden and the other finest silver. Upon the regal-looking sets sat the insignia of Oraelia, and around one of them, hung a necklace of swirling beauty.

”This will do, yes. You will train, get used to the feeling of this armor and then… I shall send you back to your home. There… There I think you’ll see some familiar faces, Lucia but for now… Come, let me show your room and this house. For it is ours for a time.” she said.

Lucia smirked. ”Familiar faces?”

Oraelia just grinned.








In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
Jungle Ice




Kia took in the new world around her with a sense of awe. She buried her feet in the sand and felt the fine cool grains in her hands. The air here smelled of salt and so many other things she hardly knew how to describe them. One thing she did know was that it was hot and sticky here and she was forced to shed her thick furs, even the layer under that. Now all she wore was loose cloth over her more sensitive parts, with a large gap between the two. She felt incredibly naked but with it, a strange sense of freedom. Though she was still hesitant, this curious place of green and colors caught her attention more often then not, and she did not dwell on the events that had brought her there.

Instead she made her way further into the trees, stopping and watching plants, animals and any thing else of interest that caught her eye. The world was so alive here and it was amazing. The creatures of Sunlight regarded her almost as curiously as she regarded them but neither tries to reach out to the other. It was only when the sun began to dip, casting the jungle floor into darkness did Kia realize how unprepared she was for the night.

Small winged creatures that buzzed and whined began to nip at her and she was forced to snack them off herself. She was thirsty and hungry and tired but had no shelter and no fire to keep her warm. She was beginning to think the Goddess had left her here as punishment for her crimes and then the sky opened up and a downpour was unleashed and she knew, it was definetly a punishment.

She managed to find a tree with a thick canopy of giant leaves and it was there she huddled in the dark while thunder boomed. She stuck her tongue out and collected the rain, taking deep guzzles, at least she had that going for her. She was completely soaked and her hair was plastered to her face, but at least the small nipping monsters had stopped biting her. It was a restless night.



She awoke with a start in the morning, sitting upright as she surveyed the trees. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Everything was quiet. Not even the drone of the small winged things were sounding. The sun was out, that was good but the air felt heavy and she quickly figured out why. Something bolted at her from the thick brush, a creature that had been in plain sight, she had not seen. She barely had time to react as it pounced her, diving out of the way but Kia screamed as it was able to claw her back, just below her left shoulder.

She stumbled up and into a run but slipped in the mud from the rain and the creature fell upon her. It was on her in seconds, tearing and biting into her arms as she shielded her face. It growled at her with hungry eyes and a blood coated face.

That was her blood.

Her desperation turned to anger and her screams turned into a great yell of frustration. There was a sickening crack as the animal was impaled by an icicle from the ground. Then another and another, lifting it into the air. As its blood ran down the blue ice and onto her face, the creature whined one last time before going silent.

Kia yelled again, feeling her anger boiling over but it did not last this time. Anger gave way to pain and she clawed herself from out under the creature. Every cut in her arms stinging like a thousand knife cuts. She was losing a lot of blood in the process and something wet obscured her left eye. She knew it was blood but whose?

After crawling away from it she felt her arms give out and she collapsed face down into the mud. Her vision began to go blurry, head swimming, screaming in pain. Darkness began to take her. The last thing she remembered was the promised life, a new chance, being cut woefully short. Then again, maybe she… deserved… this...



Something stirred beyond the reaches of her vision. Exhaustion, pain, darkness. So many barriers made it hard to move and think. A jabbing force pushed into her side firmly, stirring her senses out of its deathly haze for just a moment. Voices mumbled in another realm, unreachable and difficult to understand.

"....escaped unpainted? More.."

"...not dead.. ...Oruna might…"

The voices faded into the darkness, her pain radiating out to drown every other sensation again. She drifted out on an ocean of haze and darkness once more, succumbing to unconsciousness.



The cloying humidity burrowed itself down into her throat through nose and mouth alike. Intense warmth hung in the air, pushing against her skin. Bright and unpleasant light broke in through the meager protection her eyelids afforded, shining bright from above. Through brief, distressed glimpses of her surroundings she saw trees, huts and a small wind shelter pushed up around her.

The chief sensation however, was pain. Her entire body hurt. Her arms felt they had been set aflame, her back burned with relentless pressure. Reality came crashing back all at once, and with it just a small amount of will and energy. Then just as swiftly, energy poured out of her like a broken vase, and Kia felt the darkness clamber back in around her.



Another call back from the darkness came with the sensation of wet cloth laid against her forehead. Much of the pain was a distant memory, and almost entirely replaced by the heat of her surroundings. A foul taste grew in her mouth, a strange herbal mixture clinging to the space between tooth and lip. The sound of dripping water preceded a sensation of cold touch, as someone dabbed something wet and soft against her body.

It felt like a strange dream at first as she came too. Questions began to pop into her mind and a feeling of fear welled up inside. Where was she? Who was touching her? Kia opened her eyes slowly, not wanting to let her fear control her. Her eyes had a hard time focusing at first but when they did, she was taken aback by what she saw above her.

A woman with skin dark as wood and black hair loomed above her, with white and yellow patterns drawn all over her face and shoulders in strange and unnerving patterns. A bone sharpened on both sides had been pushed through her skin above her right brow, and then meticulously painted with red stripes. She wrung a small rag free of water, before dipping it in a bowl beside her. Above her was a rudimentary shelter of leaves, tanned hides and wood. Kia felt a hand on her chest, no real force applied but enough to keep her from jolting away.

"Welcome back to the land of living, pale one." She rattled off with quick speed. "You are lucky the Great Hunter is lazy this week, allowing you to walk back from his home."

She opened her mouth but no words sprang forth. The woman was unlike anything she had ever seen before and somehow, she could understand her. The drip of the water stole her attention for a second and she realized just how thirsty she was. It felt as if her mouth was bone dry. “W-Water…” she managed to say in a hoarse voice.

The woman clicked her tongue as though she had just realized at Kia's request, then quickly pushed up and vanished from her side. It gave Kia a brief opportunity to look around, and see the walls of a few clay huts, as well as at least a half dozen people milling about in the distance, each as strange as the woman she had met first. Man or woman didn't matter - they barely wore clothes, and seemed to be covered in extensive patterns in different colors, although a few had simply painted their entire torso with a single color. Yellow and white stood out as the most popular.

Before Kia had any real chance to process her sights in her weakened state, the woman reappeared with a dark cup, and brusquely moved it to Kia's lips. The first sip tasted like water. The second tasted like old socks.

"Fireweed and Jozu Beetle water," the woman explained. "It will ward away the Great Hunter."

She almost gagged, but drank it down regardless, swishing her tongue around her teeth. She eyed the woman inquisitive now. She kept saying Great Hunter, had that been what attacked her? Her memory of that time returned like a cold blow and she remembered its final moments, the look in its eye as it died. In a shaky voice, not so hoarse this time, Kia asked, “W-Who are you?”

The woman eyed Kia in turn, before inspecting the now empty cup. She set it aside and picked the rag back up. "My name is Oruna. I am Ta'zesh, but today I was asked to bring you back from the Great Hunter's lair. Our lifegiver left us for the great city, so I am doing the work of unpainted." She sighed quietly, putting a half-cold rag on Kia's shoulder.

She did not shiver at the cold, for Kia was complexed. None of those words made any sense, whatsoever. Strangely enough, she did not feel panicked at all. More or less, intrigued, curious even. “I know n-nothing of what you speak. W-Where am I?” she questioned.

This seemed to provoke great resignation in the woman - Oruna - who sighed and glanced away at first. Cleaning away at Kia's shoulder without turning her over, she glanced back to her. "You are in Zeshutaru, an ancestral village under the rule of Etana, and tributary of the great Zuanwa. My friends assumed you had escaped from there; I am sorry to say you only traveled a day away before the jungle took interest."

“S-Seshura? Z-Zoonwa?” She mumbled the strange names. She then shook her head. “S-She sent me here… The goddess…”

"The goddess?" queried the woman with a quizzical look. "Do you mean Uraka, Daughter of the Water? Is she your owner?"

“O-Owner?” Kia paled. “N-No. What was her name? R-R-Rhiona! She’s the Goddess."

"Ree-ona?" She returned and furrowed her brow. "That's not any name I've ever heard. Very unorthodox." Oruna professed and wrung out the rag again. "This goddess of yours will pay for you?"

“Pay for me… What do you mean?” Kia asked, suddenly alarmed.

"Well," Oruna began, and Kia felt her hand stroke over what had once been a wound. "None of your few scars are a mark, so you're not a slave. You claim someone brought you here, so you have a ruler. You're either unpainted, or from beyond the trees, and either way you are valuable to us."

Kia furrowed her brow and winced back at Oruna’s touch. “She’s not my ruler, she’s a Goddess! I came from a land far, far away. One of cold and i- I’m valuable?” It was a word she was not entirely familiar with. “What do you mean?”

Oruna chuckled quietly, but retracted her hand all the same. "A pretty face is worth many goods. If you have any skills, even better. Just from your coral-like skin, I'd wager we'd get a barrel of blue, at least. If you do not belong anywhere as you say then you belong to us."

This time, she did panic. “N-n-no! I’m not something you can sell! You don’t own me!” she said with defiance. She then began to squirm, trying to get away from Oruna. She had to leave! The pain that had been so woefully absent now made itself remembered as she stirred too much, and too fast. She winced and let out a huff.

Oruna's hands came down on her body with surprising strength, though seemed to make an effort not to hurt her too much. Her own struggling on the ground was enough to hurt. "Calm down, Coral. I didn't steal you back from the Great Hunter's lair to slit your throat now. Do not make the chieftess brand you for being unruly."

“My name, is Kia!” She groaned again, the pain of her cuts throbbing. With a great amount of reluctance, she did calm down however. If only because the pain was too great to bear. She looked back at Oruna and pouted, “Please, I thank you for saving me, but I don’t want to be sold and enslaved. I-I can be valuable to you. I swear it!” She pleaded.

Oruna paused for a moment, peering down at Kia. Apparently convinced of her calmness, she lifted her hands to let Kia suffer at her own peril. "It's not really up to me, the chieftess will want to do whatever she decides." She lamented. "Unless you mean to pledge to me specifically, I suppose, but I don't really have enough to take care of an unpainted."

“You keep saying that, but what do you mean?” She inquired. “Is it that colors you have on your skin? Who’s the chieftess? Does she live in the Zoonwa?”

Oruna rubbed a finger under her nose, peering at Kia as though she was offended. "There are many positions in our society. I am Ta'zesh, a hunter of the soil. The only ones for you to know are marked and unpainted. One is, well, a slave. The other is to be, hm, how to explain?" She mused and tapped at her lip. "Ah, yes. Owned. As for chieftess Etana, she lives over there in the biggest home." She continued idly, gesturing to a place in the village. "She's not going to like you, I think."

"Oh I see, in a way." Kia sighed. "Why won't she like me?"

Oruna shrugged again, settling back to sit more comfortably. "A simple feeling I have. You have pale skin, hair like gold and eyes like the ocean. With this unique look and your talk of a goddess she will think you are a Za'watem looking to usurp her, or a troublemaker because you ask so many questions. I too suspected you were Za'watem first, but the divine protect their messengers. And you are, you know, not so strong." Oruna concluded with a smile, and reached forward to give Kia's exposed stomach a firm pat.

“Not… Strong?” Kia looked to the floor and seemed to deflate a little. Maybe she wasn’t strong at all. Maybe… She knew one way to show her strength, but would it be the right thing to do? She looked at Oruna again and asked, “When I was found, did they find the body of the Great Hunter as well?”

Kia's question appeared to cause great amusement for the painted woman, who burst into a full laugh. "You cannot kill the Great Hunter. To be caught by him is to walk to your grave." She leant back on her hands, watching Kia with a puzzled smile. "The women who brought you in said nothing to me. Did you see him, Ke-... Kee-ah?"

Kia’s face grew red and she looked away. “But I… I killed… The creature that attacked me… That’s not the Great Hunter?”

"..Ah. No, I think not. You cannot see the Hunter, but his claws are in every heart when they take their last breath." Oruna lectured with a certain amount of warmth contrary to her previous behavior. There was an appraising glint in her gaze. "You are the one who killed the spotted cat? I assumed they had saved you in all ways."

“I’m not as weak as you think…” Kia said with defiance in her voice as she looked at Oruna again. Though, sometimes she did wish she was weak, maybe that way, Rorik would still be alive. Other times, she just couldn’t control herself. “The Goddess who sent me here, knew I could take care of myself, or at least that’s what she thought. But, I guess I disappointed again.”

"Maybe. If your goddess is not here, what difference does it make? The Daughter of the Water is the closest you shall come to the gods here." Oruna pondered with a following shrug. "Besides, if it is as you say, you have done more than most Ta'zesh can manage, on your own. We lose many foolish huntresses to the hungry jungle."

Kia's expression turned dark and distant all at once as her thoughts became muddied by her past. “I'm dangerous. I-I shouldn't even be here. I've killed so many, I need to be alone. If I get angry I lose myself." She seemed to be talking to herself now.

"For my sake you are free to leave. But Zeshutaru village took you in, stole you back to life, used valuable herbs. I think maybe the chieftess will say you belong here. Or at least until sold." Oruna countered matter-of-factly, presumably not that interested in Kia's dark warning. "If you can be useful, maybe you can find a generous owner and avoid being marked."

Kia locked eyes with Oruna. Fine. She would show them just how useful she could be. There was a cracking sound, and from the ground erupted a blue spike of ice whose point stopped a hands length away from the huntress' face. Oruna's eyes went wide, and the cocky huntress winced backwards in surprise, almost falling over her own weight and risking piercing herself on the spike out of sheer confusion.

Kia then brought up a hand and formed a ball of ice in it. She held it out to Oruna. All she needed was a simple affirmation.

“I can be useful.”








In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
Rise & Shine




Lucia awoke slowly to the rising sun, but the warmth on her face was not the only thing she felt. Sanya was pressed against her back and she let out a happy sigh, so content to stay wrapped in her strong arms. She could not help but smile from ear to ear. It had been some time since that first kiss, and many more had followed as they made their way through the highlands and into the prairie. She had forgotten what it felt like to be in love- a true love where everything was reciprocated. Small touches, reassuring words, hugs and more intimate displays.

What was there not to love about life?

Lucia wiggled her way free of Sanya, trying her best to be as gentle and quiet as possible. Once free, she covered Sanya with the blanket and watched her peaceful face for a minute or two. Then Lucia used the embers of last night's fire to start another, and rummaged through her pack for some food. The deer had lasted them a good long time but now it was back to small game. They had been lucky enough to find some prairie birds, ones who used the tall grasses for cover. Now, Lucia prepared one with a split.

As she worked, she looked out over the landscape. They had picked a good spot, one of several rolling hills that made for good vantage. She could see a herd of bison and even a lone elephant drinking at a river. It was peaceful and she loved it, but she also knew this would not be where they would find themselves. Lucia scrunched her nose as she put the bird over the fire. With any luck, the smells would wake Sanya up. She stood up and placed her hands on her hips as she looked out again.

The prairie was a nice place, yes, but Sanya deserved better than grasslands. Lucia was really just swinging it, going due south west. Maybe they would go to the coast? She knew that desert was over there and that other mountain range, plus ocean. Maybe they could find something in between? She shut her eyes, picturing a small home beside a tranquil lake. It would have a beach, a sandy beach with clear blue waters. Good for swimming and fishing and berry bushes would be all around it and the birds would come in the spring and fall and eat and sing. She smiled again and from her lips there came a small poem.

”Oh what beauty there will be,
Taking it all in with quiet glee.
Wrapped in her arms beside the water,
Watching the world become a bit calmer.
It’s what I want and what she requires,
To be at peace for all time, our desire.”


She let out a breath and placed her hands on her cheeks, shuffling in place with childlike excitement. She put a finger in her mouth and bit it to stop herself and she looked back at Sanya. There was a part of her who knew how foolish she had always been, and a part of her that knew it was all alright now. She still kicked herself for not having tried so much sooner, but as the saying goes, time heals all wounds. And even after lifetimes, Sanya was still here, not beside her forever. At least she hoped. There was no one else for her, this she knew. Meghzaal was… She was grateful to him for what he had done for her and she would never forget him but now, now her heart was for Sanya and Sanya alone.

Lucia went back to the fire and turned the bird. If Sanya didn’t wake up soon, she would have to do it. Maybe with a couple of kisses on her cheek? She went and sat down beside her, but let her sleep some more. A cranky Sanya was never too much fun.

Then again…

Lucia brushed some of Sanya’s hair out of her face and then bent over to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. ”Sanya…” Lucia cooed, twirling a finger in her long black hair. ”Oh Saaaanyaaa…” she gushed. ”Will you sleep the morning away?” she smiled.

Sanya groaned quietly as she stirred from her peaceful slumber. "Did we win?..." she murmured just coherently enough to be understandable. When her mind followed her back into reality, she drew a long breath and squinted at the looming Lucia. Tired still, the warrior smiled.



The wooden beam was heavy enough to require a full hand to steady and a shoulder lift to carry, but Sanya was determined to get it in place without help. She swung it around slowly before hefting it up and sliding it into place above the archway to their fledgling home on the lakeside.

After Lucia had confided her dream home to her, Sanya had done all she could to drive the journey forwards to match dream with reality. She'd crested countless hills, talked to hundreds of prairie-folk, and refused to stop when Lucia suggested they settle in a place that wasn't what she'd fantasized about. At times she had felt the sting of Lucia's emotions, but Sanya had settled before. This was something beyond the temporary. It needed to be right.

Her persistence had paid off; they had found a grove on the edge of what could reasonably be called the prairie, within which a majestic lake spread itself beyond and into thicker forests. Clear water and light brown sand combined in a calming display, and life seemed to flourish all around it. It had been like walking into a paradise far from human influence.

Now they had made it theirs, though they'd been careful not to disrupt too much of the surrounding wilds, just enough to build a home that could overlook the lake. Sanya was used to living off of the land, and she doubted Lucia would ever get tired of the splendor of natural beauty. The crusade to find the perfect place had ended, and now they’d celebrate their second anniversary - something Lucia appeared to put great stock in - in the comfort of a home built by their own hands.

Sanya allowed herself a break to rub her hands and inspect her handiwork from outside, a foundation ready to be covered with a roof. Between her strength, endurance, and Lucia’s tattoos that continued to surprise her in new and exciting ways, construction and carpentry had been a lot easier than expected. Of course, it wasn’t Sanya’s first home construction, but beyond a few borrowed techniques for stability it was mostly fresh territory. She was convinced any living space would be adequate so long as they remained together. It had always felt like that, she mused to herself. Lucia had a charisma and warmth that made the outside world less important, a smile that let Sanya forget the memories of fire and war, even if only for a day at a time. The dark-haired warrior drew a long breath and found herself smiling ever so slightly.

Content with her work, Sanya rubbed at her cheek and stalked over towards the lake, where Lucia was hard at work with another important addition to a liveable home - furniture. After their first tour of the space, Sanya had watched her point and talk excitedly about her vision for how the interior would look, and had given Lucia free reign to install whatever she thought they needed. She wished she had the same spritely exuberance towards something like carpentry and living arrangements, but fortunately Lucia had enough positive energy and creative vision for both of them. Sanya paused halfway between the unfinished building and Lucia’s outdoor work space, watching the tattooed woman work with a unique blend of flippancy and dedication. No doubt it took endless mastery to guide her swirling tattoos to obey her into manipulating the world around her, yet it effectively gave her extra hands for tasks like these, which seemed to give her a strange opportunity to both be entirely focused on her work but also barely need to physically strain herself. Sanya watched her for a time, happy to just watch her partner and enjoy the simplicity of their shared existence. She stood dormant for too long, and Lucia caught sight of her with a simple glance towards the house. The dark-haired woman averted her eyes with a flush of embarrassment, before moving up towards Lucia properly, completing her journey.

Her hand slid out to touch gently on Lucia’s back as she stepped up beside her. She had tried to become better at touching; she could see Lucia’s mood rocket up towards the sky when she affirmed her affection. "Just the roof left, now.” she mused calmly, gaze sliding between Lucia and her work.

Lucia finished the last of her work on a chair before she set down her tools and her tattoos slipped back onto her body. She then gave her full attention to Sanya with a smile. ”It looks sooooo good Sanya! Why I could kiss you all over.” She bit her lower lip and moved closer. ”I suppose I can…?” she mused, reaching out and wrapping her arms around Sanya’s waist. Their lips met and for a time, neither the furniture or roof were tended to.



Lucia sat outside, underneath a shade of an oak tree that overlooked the lake. She and Sanya had frequented that spot more times then she could count over the years. It gave such a wonderful view, even now. She smirked, remembering the first time they sat in the shade and an acorn fell, hitting Sanya in the head as they…

A cool breeze rustled her long golden hair, she hadn’t cut in years and now it reached down to her lower back. She pulled her legs in tight and wrapped her arms around them. She wore some soft leathers and furs, but soon enough that would change. The leaves were beginning to turn colors. Into reds, yellows and oranges- which meant fall was fast approaching. It was her second favorite season, just after spring. All the colors of the trees were fantastical and she had written many poems about them.

Why, Sanya always liked those poems. She let out a sigh, looking around the lake to see if she could spot her. It was no use. One thing she had learned living with her, was that if she didn’t want to be found, you wouldn’t find her. But if she did want to be found, well, that was different. A memory of a night flashed in her mind. It was their seventh anniversary together and Sanya made a trail of flower petals that led into a small clearing in the woods. That was a magical night. Or their twelfth anniversary, where Sanya guided her down to the beach and they looked up at the stars. Lucia chuckled, remembering how Sanya had written a poem about her. It was the cutest thing and so, so beautiful. The next year, Lucia had to really think outside the box in what she planned.

That felt like it was days ago, not years though. They had lived happily together for so long and now… Well, fights are common in any relationship, right? They had small ones every now and then, easily resolved and worked through but this time... Lucia had never seen Sanya so, so… like she had been. But Lucia was not the Helgen so many thought her as. She was equally as to blame, if not more so. If she had just been a better listener, not gotten so worked up, perhaps it would have gone differently. Seeing the look of pain flash across Sanya’s face snapped her out of it, but by then Sanya was already out the door.

If she could just look to the future and not the past… Sorrowsting was no longer needed in the life they had built. There were no wars to fight, no people to save, no anger or pain, just happiness and love. Lucia shook her head, it was a selfish request on her part. To ask Sanya to get rid of her past… Why had she even done that? Was it jealousy? Over an object? How silly was that?

She sighed. Now what was said, was said, and it could not be taken back. She was sorry, she just wanted to tell Sanya that and how much she loved her. Perhaps then they could work through it, like they always did…

For a long time it seemed like Sanya had gone for good; the forest was quiet beyond the occasional bird or rustle of leaves and branches. The warrior had gone from calm to hostile in mere moments, from a few innocuous comments. It hadn’t been the first time they had brought up the spear in conversation, but it was the first time Lucia didn’t let Sanya evade the topic. That seemed to have been enough to open a well-spring that had been closed for many years now.

But as twilight fell over the lake and the song of birds had grown quiet, another rustle from the underbrush caught Lucia’s attention. The silhouette was unmistakable - Lucia had burned Sanya’s shape into her memory by now. The warrior wandered slowly back towards the lakehouse, shoulders slouched and head low. In the growing dark it was hard to tell at first, but as the athletic woman made her way towards their home it became increasingly clear to Lucia that Sanya’s hands were empty; the spear now missing.

Lucia quickly collected herself and made her way over to the house once Sanya entered it. She was anything but slow and her tattoo’s pulsed in the darkening light. She reached the door and with little hesitation opened the door and stepped in.

”Sanya?” she called out. ”Sanya I’m sorry okay? I was… I wasn’t thinking! I shouldn’t have been so rash.” she said aloud, knowing full well Sanya could hear her as she walked throughout their house, trying to find her.

She found her stood in the central living space, between the curtained window and the space towards the bedroom. Sanya, who seemed to have been looking around herself, slowly turned to look at Lucia. Her eyes were tinged with a deep and sullen sorrow, as though she had cried a week’s worth in the span of minutes. That wasn’t so remarkable in itself, it was once how Sanya had always looked - a cautious and vulnerable woman who looked eternally displeased. What was remarkable was that that look had vanished over the years, only making itself known now through its sudden return. Sanya drew a long breath as she watched Lucia, then averted her eyes. "...I got rid of it.” she conceded under her breath.

Lucia’s eyes went wide, it felt like she had been struck by some terrible blow and guilt flooded into her. ”N-No…” she gasped. ”Oh Sanya, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you that. I was being selfish!” her fists balled up and she felt anger towards herself. She saw how much she hurt Sanya, she looked so sad and it hurt. She took a few steps forward. ”We can go get it back. I-I promise I won’t say anything about it again.” she stammered.

She could see how her offer resonated through her partner, how gears turned in the sullen warriors’ head considering the words and an almost magnetic pull to accept and go back out to get the weapon. On cue her gaze shifted to peer out through the window towards an indeterminate spot in the forest. Her own fist clenched slowly, and she glanced away from the window. "No-... you are right.” she managed, although it seemed difficult to say. "If we… need it… I will go get it. Until then, it can stay buried with the… the past.” Sanya continued quietly, running a hand through her hair nervously. She glanced at Lucia with another look of hurt, though her words appeared genuine in their embarrassedly sullen manner.

Lucia took a few more steps closer. ”I can’t imagine… What you’re feeling. Our pasts are what make us who we are and I… I made you bury yours because I was jealous of a spear. Sanya…” she breathed her name, fighting back tears of her own. ”Oh Sanya, my love, I’ve made you hurt. I did not… I did not mean to.” She grew closer still.

Sanya produced a stiff shrug, averting her eyes. It was not often she actually cried - though she had once looked as though it was all she ever did - but now it seemed dangerously close to welling up. As Lucia drew closer, the warrior leaned in powerlessly as if expecting Lucia to steady her with her presence. "My past holds naught but pain. I want to-... I want to be here with you.” she confessed quietly.

Lucia all at once rushed forward and wrapped one hand around Sanya’s back and the other behind her head. She pulled her in tightly, tattoos peeling off from her skin and likewise, wrapping around Sanya, connecting them together in gentle warmth. Lucia whispered into her hair, ”I love you.” Sanya remained almost motionless for a while, simply existing in Lucia’s embrace. After nothing had been said for a long time, Sanya shifted her head up slowly, pressing herself forwards needily to search for a kiss, an expectant breath escaping her lips. Her own hands moved to grasp around Lucia. The time for talking was over, for now.



Lucia woke with a start, eyes opening as light flooded her senses. She could hear birds outside chirping and she sat up, feeling strange. Perhaps a little sad, the same sadness she had felt for a while now. She buried the feeling, as she always tried to do, before turning to Sanya, who was still sleeping next to her. She watched her for a time, one of her favorite hobbies, it was calming in a way. She looked so peaceful when she slept, free of emotions that haunted her within reality, though they hadn’t had to deal with that for a long time. Lucia frowned however, and hoped that Sanya wasn’t feeling what she was, she hated knowing that she could cause her misery. She shook her head before stroking Sanya’s face with her small soft fingers. She then gave Sanya a small peck on her forehead.

A small smile crossed Lucia’s lips but it faded as she got up and got changed. She reassured herself, today was a new day, and spring had arrived for the twenty-sixth season. It was hard to believe they had lived in their peaceful solitude for so long but they were thriving. Each year something new was added to the house. Another room or storage areas and outside another building was being erected, this one a barn of sorts. A lifestyle of living off the land was fine for a while, but she had wanted to mix it up and perhaps grow a few plants, maybe raise some animals too. It took some convincing on her part, but Sanya came around.

Lucia came to their fire pit and began to get a fire going. She rummaged around in their cabinets and tables, cleaning a bit as the fire got warmer. Lucia then went to the larder and found the smoked venison. It was good as it was, but warm food was always better, plus with some greens, even tastier. They’d have to go hunting soon for some more meat though, as their stocks were getting lower. It really was a good thing spring had arrived.

She looked out the kitchen window, to the greening lands and the blue lake. It was a time of color, of happiness, of warm breezes and the blossoming of more life. Lucia sighed, she should have felt so happy, everything was going well, things were good, Sanya was her rock and their love deepend still every day but there was just one thing that she felt was missing. Something made her sad, and brought about her inner turmoil.

Lucia paused and felt a well of emotion spring up inside her. She couldn’t stop the tears from coming, and she put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from being too loud. It was so sudden, like a dam had burst. She knew then, at the mere mention of life and what it evoked. Whose name it evoked. It came with crystal clarity and she realized why she felt the way she did.

She missed her mom.

Her mother, who she had not heard from in years. It was silly, hadn’t she been silent for two thousand years? But now, after she knew she was back… What had happened? Shouldn’t she be angry? Then why did she feel so sad? Why didn’t she just call out to her? Was she afraid? Why was she like this?

Not able to bear it any longer, she called out to the one person who had been there for her. Her source of comfort over the years. ”S-Sanya!” she cried, coming to a rest on the floor as she gripped her head, tears blurring her vision. It was selfish, she knew. She knew her pain caused Sanya pain, but Sanya relieved that pain, helping them both in the end.

Sanya was up and at her side at record speeds, one hand settling on her back and the other beginning to rub Lucia’s arm. Whatever pain reflected onto her lover seemed to only spur her understanding, as she kneeled down to embrace Lucia. "What’s the matter?” she asked with a soft voice still fighting off the immobilizing drug of sleep, though Lucia knew she could tell different types of sadness apart. She had said as much.

Lucia gripped tightly to Sanya, burying her face into her chest as she found her comfort. After a moment of collecting herself, Lucia began to speak. ”I don’t know, Sanya. I’ve been so sad and today, it all burst out. I think I… I miss my mother. She’s been so quiet for years now and I don’t know if it’s my fault or hers. I’m afraid to ask.”

Sanya let her find comfort in her presence, letting silence rule for a while. Her arms wrapped around Lucia properly, sweeping her up in a whole-hearted and compassionate embrace, one hand gently stroking over hair and back alike. "We can call for her together? Divine or not, she’ll have things to answer for.”

Lucia’s tears stopped flowing and she sniffed, letting the sensation of Sanya’s hands lull her to a happy place. She really had found the perfect person all those years ago. She wanted it to last but knew if her problem wasn’t addressed, they would get nowhere. She peeled her head back and kissed Sanya’s lips for a second, then looked in her eyes. ”Okay. J-Just don’t be too mean.” she said with a playful smirk.

She took a deep breath. Then she prayed to Oraelia.

She heard nothing for several moments, even looking to Sanya for any sort of acknowledgement but the warrior began to shake her head. That was until a presence entered their minds, one of warmth but… It did not feel the same.

A voice cried out, ”Aha! There you are! Oh it’s been so hard to find you two. Neither of you pray too much and when you do I’m always having to deal with other problem childs. One of the disadvantages of being an avatar I suppose but hey, I am oh so glad to finally meet you Lucia, Sanya. I of course know pretty much all about you, as I have all of My Ladies’ memories. But oh, where are my manners, I am Rhiona, caretaker of the Goddess’ realm and I have been waiting for you!” Rhiona finished excitedly.

Lucia was taken aback, and had no idea what to say.

Sanya looked less surprised and more frustrated, a rare look for her these days save when the fish wasn’t biting. "Fair day to you, Rhiona,” she began, speaking out into the house with a curt and stiff tone. "We were expecting the Sun Mother. Is she too important for her daughter?”

Rhiona’s voice lost its luster as she spoke again. ”The Sun Mother is not well and has gone to stay with her sister, Lady Gibbou, within her realm. She tasked me with guarding her realm and answering prayers. I cannot say why she hasn’t reached out to Lucia but I can speculate that it has to do with her not wishing to worry her daughter about her wellbeing. But I was hoping you could help with that. The both of you.”

Lucia’s eyes went wide. ”Mother is not well? What happened? Is she alright?” she asked, gripping Sanya’s hand tighter. Sanya squeezed her hand back in an emphatic response, watching Lucia rather than a fixed point above them.

”She lost someone close and spiraled down a path that was… Difficult to deal with alone. Without Gibbou arriving and snapping her out of it, she would still be aloof. She is physically fine and on the path to recovery but, I think we can help her along a bit further.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow at Sanya. ”What do you mean?” she asked Rhiona.

”Why, I mean a visit of course! She can’t go to you, but you can come here. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Lucia’s jaw dropped. ”W-What?”

Sanya seemed to be equally stumped at that; rarely did her eyes widen, but this was one of those times. "We can-... go to the land of the divine?” she queried, eyes ablaze with new consideration. "What-.. What would that entail?”

”Well from my knowledge, it has never been attempted before, at least by Oraelia. Shouldn’t be too hard though, just a portal, then a strange sensation and then, you’re here in her realm. What do you say?” Rhiona asked.

Lucia could hardly believe what she was hearing and once again turned to Sanya with pleading eyes. ”Sounds like an adventure.” Sanya managed to look somewhere between shocked and intrigued, eyes aglow with all the implications this new information carried with it. She simply nodded, giving Lucia the go-ahead to gather her courage with another squeeze of her hand.

”We accept.” Lucia said.

”Excellent!” Rhiona cooed.

Next to them, reality pulsed and a tear opened up to reveal a golden portal. Fresh air blew across them, carrying sweet floral scents. The portal stabilised a bit and they could make out a silhouette on the other side surrounded by flowers.

A voice came through it. ”Come home.”

Lucia stood up, her hand still holding tight to Sanya’s. ”Shall we?” she asked.

Sanya stared at the portal with visibly mixed feelings at first, but glanced away from the ripple in reality to focus on her partner instead. With Lucia’s confidence returned enough for Sanya’s contentment, the warrior offered a small smile. "I suppose the fish will be spared my cursing today.” she proffered wryly, and then nodded firmly.

The two stepped through the portal, with a little hesitation and the strangest feeling came over them. The world felt small, then large, then time seemed to grow longer before shrinking. Lucia held tight to Sanya’s hand, and with what felt like a lifetime, ended up being seconds, it was over.

Lucia collapsed into something soft and she opened her eyes to a great light. It took her several seconds before they focused and when they did, she searched for Sanya. She found her located directly beneath her, having cushioned Lucia’s fall back onto solid ground. She didn’t seem all that torn up about it, however, offering another small smile when their eyes met, as much as the warrior ever permitted herself or seemed capable of to smile. "After you.” she murmured quietly.

Lucia gave her a quick peck, then stood, pulling Sanya up with her. She looked around and it took her breath away. The land was pristine, teeming with flowers and thick with life she had never even seen before. Giant bees lumbered around in the air, birds flew in the sky with tail feathers so long, they looked like rainbows and up above them… in the clouds there flew vast creatures of light.

”W-Where are we?” Lucia managed to say.

Sanya stepped in close, running a hand around Lucia’s waist. Her gaze was on the horizon, trying to take in the world around her. "It doesn’t look like anything I’ve ever seen,” she professed quietly.

”You are in your mother’s realm, The Garden Under the Sun. Welcome, Lucia and Sanya. To paradise.” Rhiona’s voice spoke from behind them and Lucia turned around to view her.

Oh she was so tall.








In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
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In Divinus: The God RP, Mk. IV → 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
The Blood Reign II




Nalla leaned back on her throne, sitting idly like a cat might. She could not help but think of her exchange with Aurielle. The Sorceress had left days ago, maybe weeks, it mattered little to her, the passing of time. Yet it meant she dwelt on her own dark thoughts far longer than any might have the need for. She just couldn’t stop thinking about her. Like a flame, refusing to be snuffed out, it burned still on. Had her attempt to use Aurielle backfire on her? She had given results, yes, but at what cost?

Villages burned, people led like lambs to the slaughter, whispers of darker dealings, power and hunger… She had, perhaps, cultivated a monster within her kingdom and one that would continue to grow ever stronger. She let out a small sigh and reluctantly sat up at the sounds of approaching footsteps. They were just behind the door, which would open any moment. Except… It did not.

She cocked her head and let out a low hiss. There was blood in the air, she could smell its sweet aroma. She stood up and when she did, the doors erupted inwards and a group of ragged looking men, some wearing robes, some brandishing bows and arrows came through her door with war cries. Through the massive doors she could see her own guards rushing to her aid. How did these men get in here so easily?

“FOR BUL’GADIN! FOR TEPERIA!” They shouted, racing towards her with murderous intent. She would have to think on it another time. She grimaced as the first man, a rather lanky looking fellow who wielded a copper blade, swung at her. Nalla dodged with her uncanny speed, and brought her fist down, smashing the man’s arm. She then used her other hand to grab him by the shoulder and fling him across the room. He hit the wall hard and did not get up. An arrow whizzed past her head and another blade came down. This time she grabbed the blade by slapping her hands together, and then yanked it out of the man’s hand. Nalla smiled as she used the hilt to beat him over the head. He crumpled and his heartbeat became faint. Another arrow grazed her cheek and in a fit of rage she through the sword at the archer. It hit him sideways across his face but he fell regardless. She'd have to practice throwing weapons.

Having watched her so easily dispatch the two at the front, the four men that were behind them hesitated as they neared her. Across the room guards and the attackers died alike as a melee erupted in her throne room. Two then charged at her, followed by a third behind them. Nalla easily dodged their attacks with her speed, and used their weapons against them in quick succession.

The one who wielded a dagger ended up stabbing his friend in the throat, while the man who wielded a sword found it impaled in the back of the man with the dagger. He screamed, writhing in pain. Nalla then held the swordsman around his waist. He flailed trying to break free as the other two died with gurgling breath and fading moans.

Nalla then whispered in the swordman's ear ever so tenderly with the love of the Goddess. His face relaxed into a lull smile and Nalla bit into his throat. She took a deep drink of his aged blood, holding him tightly as lovers might, savoring every mouthful. When she was finished however, there was a sickening crack as she broke his neck. His body fell to the floor and Nalla turned to the fourth man, arms opened, crimson liquid flowing down the corners of her mouth and coating her chin.

He who had not attacked looked at her with horror on his bearded face. He saw a wild look in her eye, a visage of not a queen, but of a monster. That was what she was, was she not?

His resolve failed him and he tried to run but Nalla intercepted his path and once again whispered Neiya's love into his ears. She was not gentle this time and sank her teeth into his flesh with fervor. He was died within minutes and when his body left her grasp Nalla turned upon those that remained. Several guards now cornered two men and a woman who wore… Nalla's eyes widened.

She was a druid!

"Kill them! Kill them now!" She screamed, running over within seconds. Her men renewed their attack but the Druid was healed the two that defended her and Nalla cursed, not able to reach them. She began to speak in the ancient language as she pushed aside her guards with ease but the druid woman cried out,

"ORAELIA SAVE US!" There was a moment of silence and then a spear struck one of the defending men and the other was cut down with a sword. The druid became to plead for help but Nalla would have none of it.

"Be QUIET!" She commanded and the druid, plus all of her men and even the ones who were dying fell silent.

"Beat her, break her bones, make her suffer!" Nalla hissed as she pointed at the druid. She knew the gods were real. She did and she could not have-

As her men went to grab the druid, a light erupted around her and sent Nalla reeling back into shadows. From across the room her men became dazed and the druid walked forth from them, healing the dying men. A voice flooded into her mind, one so bright she felt as if she would erupt into ash.

"Nalla, touched by Neiya, by Tekret and by… Interesting." The voice was a woman's- No, a goddess! "What secrets might you have?" The goddess mused and Nalla felt a splitting headache all at once. She screamed. It was as if the very light was tearing apart her mind, sifting through her thoughts as memories flashed before her vision. Several of her memories the goddess lingered on, like Exodus and Aurielle, before she moved on.

When it was over, Nalla writhed on the cool stone, unable to lose consciousness. Unable to even open her eyes. That voice then returned. "Such a life you've made for yourself, built upon the backs and blood of innocents. I can see why Solus is so weary of vampires. Your mind is an ocean of hate and lust and I will no longer let you continue this way. The highlands suffer enough. They do not need you or your blight to persist. Goodbye Nalla and may you learn from this punishment."

Nalla let out a painful breath and grabbed her head. She opened her eyes to see the druid and some of her companions, gone. Then the earth trembled and the ground shook and a thousand voices began to scream out. There was a taste of something floral on the air for a brief moment, a flash of darkness and then silence.

A moment passed, it felt like a lifetime. Two moments passed, an eternity in the dark and upon the third moment the world returned in a chorus of rumblings, screams and quakes. The floral scent was gone and Nalla lay on the stone, flipping onto her back. She felt sick to her stomach.

It was there she lay for a time, catching her breath. When she felt steady enough, she stood up and stumbled to a wall. She used the walls to support her way out of the throne room and to her balcony. The light was blinding at first when she opened the doors but the shade was still there and she waited until her eyes focused.

When they did, she felt her heart drop. Nallan was surrounded by a sea of red.








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