<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 125%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Upper Regions</span></span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"You are here, which means you are displeased."</span><br/><br/>Rolyn was unsurprised; Akryanus was always aware of his movements, just as he was of hers. It certainly helped her cause that he could never leave the Upper Regions.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“You knew where to find me, as usual,” </span>he said as he observed the Hand of the Circle standing off to one side, watching them from the shadows. Although Rolyn never actually spoke of it, he was aware of their relationship. It didn’t bother him, so long as it didn’t get them killed.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“You may rise.” </span><br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFFF">Akryanus pushed upwards from the ground, the feathers that flowed about the armored legs rising up with the movements of the silver Knight. The male voice that she used still rung out clear and unbroken, for the “God” of the Stars was always wary of prying eyes and spying ears. Phyrexus was proof of her doubt of privacy. </span><br/><br/>“The Conclave… It did not go as you expected.”<span style="color: #40FFFF">She stated, though did not inquire as to what had transpired other than this. </span>“Is there anything I can do to help ease your burdens, my Lord?”<span style="color: #40FFFF">She asked with eagerness, the hidden expression of the Goddess detailing a pushing desire to bring some sort of higher spirits to her early caretaker. <br/></span><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Rolyn frowned, considering the offer. It did not surprise him that she wanted to help him; it was in her nature, always thrusting herself into whatever situation needed a voice of reason, or a skillfully wielded spear. But unfortunately, neither would serve him in his current need.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“Nothing has changed. I did not expect Freiya to waver, and the idea of Malinar coming around is laughable- but I had hopes for Lorkhan. I believed that as the situation down below worsened he would come around. No such luck,”</span>he concluded bitterly. The gentle sounds of water reached his ears, coming from a nearby fountain, but it only served to irritate him further. He was in an uncommonly bad mood.<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFFF">Akryanus lowered her horned, metallic head in thought of his words, though it was not without some strength of disappointment.</span>“I do not know how much more must be skewed on the balances before they realize our involvement would be required.”<span style="color: #40FFFF">She spoke more quietly, tilting her vision off to the side while she brought the imposing, wide-bladed weapon that was her spear closer to her body.</span>“Sometimes I truly wonder if the Gods consider Soluunar anymore, or if Immortality has made them careless and bigoted.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFFF">There was a very rare hiss in her speech, identifiable despite the smooth and velvet noble tones of her magic. It was out of her expectations for her kin not being met, though such expectations could at times be excessively high. She did not speak of such to any outside of her trusted peers, knowing the scrutiny such an opinion could bring upon her already alienating kin, but this did not bring transparency and absence of such inner thoughts to the Star God. <br/></span><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“Some still care,”</span>Rolyn answered gently, his own irritation fading upon seeing it mirrored back at him from the young Goddess whom he’d taken under his wing so long ago.<br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“Some still fight for those who pray. We are not forgotten, on Soluunar. And the Mortals are not forgotten here either, despite the few who would stand in the way of intervention.”</span><br/><br/>He looked to his right, studying the shimmering wall nearly a mile away that marked one of the boundaries of the Upper Regions; it was just barely visible, and only those who knew it was there could hope to see it from such a distance. They represented much more than geographical borders, though few understood their full impact.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“I cannot approach Lorkhan- Malinar would take offense.”</span><br/><br/>Thus far the God of Chaos had not leaned on the younger Circle God, but Rolyn knew he would intimidate his way to the deciding vote given the chance. All he had to do was make a move, and Malinar would spring.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“And as it stands now, he already has the mastery. Each day with no decision brings us closer to the end. Each undecided Conclave a small victory for the other side. I grow weary of the politics, truth be told.”</span>He stared at her sharply, his eyes aimed just barely downwards as he only just exceeded her height with his own.<span style="color: #00BFFF"> <br/><br/>“But the Circle exists for a reason. We must trust that the right decision shall be made. We cannot lose faith in our own, Akryanus.”</span><br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFFF">The Goddess bowed her head once more, touching her thick, layered plate-mail of a chest with her closed gauntlet. The pure shimmers of the serene and artistically designed metal had an effect of taking away from the small, almost unnoticeable details that the armor also held; The tips of her gauntlets were slightly clawed, though not for any weaponized effect. </span>“Of course, my Lord. Forgive my words, for I speak out of my own discomfort and not with wisdom.”<span style="color: #40FFFF">She apologized wholeheartedly, then straightening out once more with the clinking sounds her figure made. </span><br/><br/>“I do understand the opinion of Lord Malinar and Lady Freiya, as much as it may not fall in line with my own personal beliefs. They most definitely have merit in their concerns, I am sure. Though I will forever side with you in this particular matter, I will have faith in your hopes that whatever decision the Circle does indeed come to, it shall be one that is backed by knowledge and experience far exceeding my own.”<span style="color: #40FFFF">She gave a stern nod at her own words, looking on silently for more direction, or perhaps even a small, insignificant errand that her Lord may send her on that she may feel somewhat useful to him. <br/><br/></span><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">“I… I must think,”</span>he said softly as if to himself, though he knew Akryanus could hear him from where she stood.<span style="color: #00BFFF"> “I suspect you have come here seeking some task, some means of aiding my cause. But there is nothing you can do at this time. There is nothing either of us can do. Except wait, and hope. I just need time to think. I only need to… ”</span>he trailed off, lost in the thoughts whirling his psyche. There had to be a way. He should’ve been well versed in such affairs, yet he felt as if something was blocking him- strangely, it didn’t feel like it was Malinar. He looked at where Phyrexus had been standing to see that he was no longer there. He turned back to Akryanus and smiled.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BFFF">"You are ever restless, Akry- perhaps you should take a moment. Even the soldiers of Linden must rest between battles,"</span>he said with a nod of farewell as he left the garden, his footsteps aimlessly guiding him without conscious thought. He moved past a group of four Demigods attired in dull silver armor, who lowered their heads respectfully as he passed them. He believed they were Gaius', based on their number and attire, but he was too distracted to be sure.<br/><br/>Eventually, his footsteps led him towards the outskirts, a remote area containing nothing but grass and ancient trees where few went, quiet but eternally in the shadow of the small but magnificent city alongside it.<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFFF">Akryanus bowed her horned head at his words, then proceeding to deepen her bow as farewells were made. She did reply quietly as he had turned to leave, though with a more sternness despite the lowered volume. </span>"I am no soldier, my Lord... Twas' given a duty, and there is no rest from it."<span style="color: #40FFFF">She said, but knew her words and opinion would fall on distancing ears. The masculine-appering Knight was not exactly pleased with his lack of assignment.<br/><br/>She turned to hopefully face Phyrexus, but her uncanny humanoid features of her helm instead scanned the empty distance, her secret love having indeed left the premises. She payed no heed to it, her attention being brought up to the skies as she took a moment of thought, the grip on the pole of her spear tightening as she made a light buckle of her knees. <br/><br/>In a near flash of brilliant white, the Goddess was once more gone in the blink of an eye, the signature trailing of a gleaming blade of white slowly fading away being her only indication of the direction she had taken. She was off to  visit her remaining unfallen Demigods, her eldest "children" she could not have.<br/></span><br/><br/>_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_<br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 125%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Soluunar</span></span></span><br/><br/><br/>Barth watched Verana rise, the deer she was about to skin waiting on the ground beside her. The hands of his Lieutenants were seldom idle; such was the norm. "My lord. “How did it go with their king… do they believe they own us now?”<br/><br/>Barth wasn't particularly tall, but he still needed to aim his gaze slightly downward as to observe the younger of the Maidens; she wore a faint smile, but he knew her far too well to be fooled by something so simple as a facial expression. He could clearly see that she was agitated. Come to think of it, he was too.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"They do. And sadly, they are right,"</span>he said as he watched a tall woman approached them, immediately identifiable as Ausan, the other of the Maidens. Her hair made picking her out a simple task, but Barth had grown so accustomed to her he could identify her with nothing more than a glimpse at the corner of his eye. No one else walked like her.<span style="color: #FFFF00">"We may not wish to admit it, but for the sake of our people we need their help. And they know it. Their king sees our value as soldiers, but the others see only our ragged banners and ravaged castles." </span><br/><br/><br/>--------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFBF">Verana kept eye contact with Barth as he explained, the muscles in her jaw tightening even though the conclusion was predicted.</span>“But of course.”<span style="color: #40FFBF">She softly muttered, finally averting her attention to the orange glow of a nearby Lebidan fire, her tone carrying clear disappointment. </span>“The word of their king will mean little on the field… let us hope they mature after first contact for their sake. I’d rather not do it myself”<span style="color: #40FFBF">She offered a dry smile, looking back to her prince with a light nod.</span><br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Barth watched as Ausan reached them, releasing a tired sigh that perfectly matched the mood hanging over the entirety of the Linden encampment. "Tell me which one to kill and it shall be done."<br/><br/>Barth grinned in spite of himself. She wasn't entirely serious, but he knew she wouldn't hesitate to begin lopping heads off if he gave the word. Countless battles had hardened her beyond recognition. Both she and Verana were thought of simply as females by their new, reluctant allies, yet within their own army the Maidens were recognized as instruments of death, the bane of any Tutar to cross their path.<br/><br/>He trusted them both with his life, but Ausan was the more familiar of the two, having been in his company for so long. The only time he recalled seeing her bow to him was when she was ducking under the Tutari spear that he'd nearly lost his left ear to. The memory made him finger the lobe, his thumb sliding into the small sliver of no flesh that marked the center of it.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"If we kill everyone who thinks ill of us,"</span>he answered,<span style="color: #FFFF00">"we will find ourselves allied with an army of corpses."</span><br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">The gesture at his ear reminded Ausan of that battle and it brought a mixture of pride and amusement. For days following she continued to suggest he get himself a pair of fancy earrings to wear, after he of coursed pierced the other one. A small smile came to her lips as she shrugged,</span>“We can set them up as meat shields, or use their bodies to reinforce our walls. Not like they would be completely useless as corpses.”<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFBF">The clatter of familiar armor drew Verana’s attention to the approaching Ausan. She exhaled softly, a genuine smile forming on her muddied features as she finally relaxes with the presence of her sister, chuckling softly at the words of the hardened woman. Verana kept her silence as the two spoke, looking between them with a deep respect she gave to no one else. At the jesting remarks, the young maiden’s eyes narrowed with a roguish grin that displayed the mischief she was capable of. <br/><br/>She wanted to quip on the subject but her gaze was once more caught by the faint orange glow. Her smile dwindled to a cold, stoic expression as she replied calmly.</span>“I’d rather we be the one to turn their large asses into corpses.”<span style="color: #40FFBF"> She paused, biting her inner lip before continuing in a lowered tone, arms crossing over her abdomen.</span>“There better be some warriors among those sheep.”<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Barth saw movement at the corner of his eye and turned to see a retinue of Lebis approaching them, their armor gleaming in the early morning sunlight. He recognized two of them as knights almost immediately. They carried themselves a certain way- he knew his Lieutenants would be loth to admit it, but Lebidan's knights seemed like they had the makings of capable soldiers. So long as they were willing to set their egos aside.<br/><br/>The two knights moved ahead of the others; one of them had a curly red beard and a bald head, with a golden bear standing upright on his chest, undoubtedly the crest of his lord, whoever that was. The other had no sigil on his person, but he had a long, braided mustache that captured Barth's attention from the moment he saw it.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00"><span style="font-style: italic">He… thinks that looks good? Gods above!</span> </span>he thought as the two men drew closer. He hoped the man trimmed it before entering battle- there was a reason long hair in general was seldom found in Linden's ranks. His own beard was thick but he made it a point to not let it grow too lengthy.<br/><br/>"Prince Krinwulf," the taller, mustached man said in a surprisingly level tone, "I've been instructed to meet with you and your officers." Barth noticed that he didn't look at either of the Maidens. Perhaps he was having difficulty coming to terms with the presence of females in Linden's army, but ignoring them was preferable to disrespect at least. Speaking of which, several female soldiers walked past at that moment and caught his eye, lowering their heads and slapping their right gauntlets onto their armored chests in the Linden salute before continuing past.<br/><br/>The sound of steel hitting steel made the knights look; mustache-man kept his expression unreadable, but his red-bearded friend did not bother hiding his distaste.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Aye, and here we are,"</span>Barth replied lightly.<span style="color: #FFFF00">"Barth Krinwulf, Ausan Benthey and Verana Snowblade." </span><br/><br/>"I am Jahal Resuran, Lord Knight of House Garth, and this is Lord Knight Borim Garth, also of House Garth." The bearded man grunted as his name was announced, watching Verana with a beady glare. "Would you like to accompany us to our tent?"<br/><br/>Barth grimaced; he was growing weary of meeting with these Lebis in their stuffy tents.<span style="color: #FFFF00">"I'd prefer the open air, if it's all the same to you." </span><br/><br/>Resuran nodded calmly but Garth snorted, eyeing Barth appraisingly. "Do our tents fail to meet your standards? Or is it something else? I promise, we will not harm you or your…" he glanced at Ausan and Verana with a smug smile, and Barth prayed for the man's sake that he didn't call them his girlfriends. "Your friends."<br/><br/>Barth exhaled softly, somewhat relieved.<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">All of these pretty knights with their pretty armor were getting on the very last nerve of Ausan and that nerve was already frayed to the point of being nonexistent. At least one of them had a measure of respect, the other; his anus almost ached for her boot to be shoved so far up it his tongue would be used to polish the leather. </span><br/><br/>“You see, m’lords,”<span style="color: #FF0000">the title said with little respect and quite a bit of disgust. </span>“I fear there will hardly be enough room in your tents for all your armor cleaning tools and of course the ego of Lord Borim. Which I am sure is the reason why his hair is no longer on his head, must have fallen out to make room for that hot air in his head,”<span style="color: #FF0000">she smiled and it was what one would figure a cat did to a mouse just before they swallowed it whole.</span>“Besides, it is more for your safety that we remain out here. That way if you decide to insult my prince or my people, there will be plenty of witnesses when I cut out your tongue and make it lick the shit from my boot.”<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #40FFBF">Verana was surprised to see the calm demeanor and almost respectful tone Resuran held. Her expression didn't shift as she was was labled 'friend' though she felt an all too familiar warmth in her chest. It wasn't until she caught Garth's stare did the smaller redhead lift her chin, head tilting lightly to the right in her equally judgemental stare. Pale features remained expressionless, though her bright eyes looked as if they could set the man ablaze.<br/><br/>Her brow slowly rose up, finding Ausan's words heavily amusing though her dead stare with the bald man remained focused. She had nothing to say her eyes speaking mouthfuls. She had hoped he would try to make a move in the night or on the field, any excuse she could find to shove that shiny armor into a few orifices.<br/></span><br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Ausan's threat hung over them, as a very ugly look became visible on Lord Garth's face. He drew himself up, although his height was far from impressive. His beard bristled with fury as he glared at Ausan.<br/><br/>"Is that right? Insults will be the least of your concerns, Wench, if you continue to flap your gums. I have half a mind to-"<br/><br/>Resuran put a hand on his comrade's shoulder and, looking very serious, whispered something into his ear. Reluctantly, he fell silent, though the stocky knight continued to glower at the Maidens. Verana hadn't spoken, but she was staring daggers at the man, her eyes carrying enough heat to scorch him. Barth decided what they needed was some distraction- then he remembered that they were supposed to be discussing battle strategy.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Lord Resuran,"</span>he said loudly in an attempt to cut through the tension and remind everyone of why they were meeting with the knights in the first place,<span style="color: #FFFF00">"are we waiting on anyone else?" </span><br/><br/>Resuran nodded, looking grateful for the change in subject. "Yes. There are more coming, some from another of our camps and more from the city. They should be close, now. I believe some have already arrived," he added as he glanced to the edges of the camp, squinting as he tried to pick out those they waited on.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"From the city?" </span><br/><br/>"Aye, the king summoned a large detachment of troops to bolster the guard protecting your people as they relocate."<br/><br/>Barth grunted; a long line of Linden wives, elderly and young children was slowly making its way from their ruined nation to the one that still stood, the one that still had walls to protect them. It was good that they'd receive more of a guard- Linden's army was already spread thin enough as it was.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF00">"Your king works quickly. The alliance was only just now set in stone." </span><br/><br/>"King Sahir knew that joining forces was an inevitability. He made the necessary arrangements days ago," Resuran replied. Barth nodded, and began scanning the camp for signs of the other knights. He wondered what other arrangements the Lebi king could have made, unbeknownst to him, before abruptly deciding it didn't matter.<br/><br/>His people had to come first, regardless of his misgivings.<br/><br/><br/>_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_<br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 125%; line-height: 116%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Upper Regions</span></span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">“Naiya, Goddess of Fire, she who taught men to temper the steel and change the world to suit them; hear my prayer.”<br/></span></span><br/>Naiya Flamecloak sat very still, her emerald eyes closed as the throaty, raspy voice of the woman spoke to her from a world away. Her hands, as still as the rest of her, rested on his thighs, her palms pressed firmly against the green silk of her clothes.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">“The people of Linden are broken and scared. This maiden would pray to you and hear your wisdom.” <br/></span></span><br/>Naiya's bright red hair was draped over her face as she leaned forward, touching her eyelids but she ignored it, listening intently as she was. This was a voice she had heard many times before, one that seemed to grow harder and colder with each listening. It was the voice of a person who had been shaped by the world around her, becoming something that was both gnarled and resilient.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">“Many I have slain in the name of my people and in the name of you, My Goddess. Their blood spilled to honor you, to praise you and show my faith in you. Naiya, this maiden wish only for you to save her people, to save her prince from the war that is to come, spare their lives from the cold grasp of death and instead take her own instead. For her life is without meaning save for protecting those she loves.” <br/></span></span><br/>Finally the Elder Goddess of Fire opened her eyes and pushed her hair from eyes that were only slightly moist; there was nothing in the prayer that differed much from the last, except perhaps a weariness that went beyond words or flesh. She shook herself, rising to her feet from the small chair, feeling someone's eyes on her before she could even straighten up.<br/><br/>"My dear Naiya. Listening to the Skyhand's flock, then?"<br/><br/>She blinked, feeling momentary agitation as the God of Chaos moved closer, smiling down at her.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"The Mortals don't only pray to Rune, Malinar. You know this." </span><br/><br/>Malinar shrugged, the gleaming chain mail he always wore beneath his black robes becoming visible as the rough outer fabric shifted for a moment. "It is not my concern who prays to whom."<br/><br/>She closed the gap between them, peering up into his dark brown eyes.<span style="color: #FF4000">"So long as we leave them to their fate?" </span><br/><br/>The smile faded from his lips, and he placed a large hand gently on her shoulder. "You know my stance, Naiya. And you have agreed with me in the past."<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"I have," </span>she replied,<span style="color: #FF4000">"of course I have. And I still do." </span><br/><br/>She lent her power to the flames that shaped weapons, to the fires that lit the camps and the torches of those who stood against the Tutar, those that looked to her for aid, namely the females of Linden- but what Rolyn Skyhand spoke of was a different thing entirely. A force of Gods on Soluunar- such a thing had not been seen in many thousands of years, and Malinar was right to oppose it.<br/><br/>He grunted, the grin returning as he drew her close and kissed her. She kissed him back greedily, but then she heard the voice of the Maiden echoing through her mind alongside a wave of guilt and she pulled away. He saw her face and frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it?"<br/><br/>She shook her head, looking past his large frame to the world outside of the home they shared, watching as shapes moved back and forth.<span style="color: #FF4000">"The Conclave… how did it go?" <br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Does a part of me actually</span> want <span style="font-style: italic">Rolyn to gain the upper hand? What is happening to me?</span> </span><br/><br/>Malinar shrugged, a satisfied look appearing across his visage as he reflected on what had undoubtedly been another victorious day for him. "It did not go at all. Which is precisely what I wanted."<br/><br/>To some Malinar would seem like the representation of evil itself, fighting to leave the Mortals to their fate as he was. His standing in Rolyn Skyhand's way was the talk of the Upper Regions, with many whispering amongst themselves about his motives for such behavior. They seldom spoke in such a fashion around her, but she was not deaf to their chatter.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000"><span style="font-style: italic">Of course, he</span> is <span style="font-style: italic">the God of Destruction, but it goes far beyond that. Malinar believes in balance, and in letting things run their natural course. Nature itself is Chaos. </span><br/></span><br/>"But enough about the Circle. I-"<br/><br/>He broke off, as Naiya watched Phyrexus approaching from outside, his usual hooded robe on over the plate mail he always wore. The Elder God of Shadows stopped in the doorway, removing his mask respectfully as the Circle God observed him.<br/><br/>"My Lord."<br/><br/>"Good, you have come. Wait outside for me."<br/><br/>Phyrexus bowed low and turned on his heel; when they were alone again, Malinar looked to Naiya, his expression unreadable. "I shall return shortly."<br/><br/>Naiya bit back the questions before she could ask them- she always knew when Malinar was in a talkative mood, and now wasn't one of those times. He looked very serious.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF4000">"Of course."</span><br/><br/>He gave her a brief smile and followed in the other man's wake, his back straight as an arrow as always. She watched him disappear from view, his broad shoulders and heavy frame radiating the kind of power people would kill to possess. And he was in fact much stronger even than that, she knew.<br/><br/>She heard another voice, another female's, calling her name from a world away and she winced. Her guilt would not abate anytime soon, it seemed.