Azeal's Story

What does it mean to be? Does it mean to live? But what is life? Can it be measured, weaved and cut like time? Is it corporeal or non corporeal? But if so does it feel? Can it feel emotion? Can it hope and dream? Or does it just simply flow with the currents? It was hard to tell here when up was down and good was bad. Or were they? Do these words even exist here? Everything was beyond comprehension yet simplistic. Does this mean it has no name or are mortals inability to comprehend it mean it was beyond such names? No it did have a name, this place, this form, this existence. Existence? Is this merely a dream, an illusion? Or does it exist?


Does he still exist? Yes but no and yet yes. It was difficult to describe this place much less himself. Even forming a complex thought gave way to more questions, with few answers.
Even a simple name to this place was hard to come by. Name? Name. Did he have a name? He distinctly remembered having one long time ago. Just how long had he been here? Ten years? Twenty? No it was a lot longer, this place made sure he never forget time had passed in great numbers. Not that it was malicious, it just was what it was. But what was it? Not evil or good that was for sure, it had no side. The fact he had escaped death was a testament to the somewhat safety of this place. But it was not completely safe, this place was always flowing with the currents and if one was not strong enough they would be swept away into the currents and would be lost. He knew this as he had fought the currents, retained his identity despite the harsh exposure here and remained. But the currents had become more violent recently, something was stirring deeper, a place where he dared not go lest he finally lose himself. Rumblings in the deep, violent storms and currents, power welling up, gathering.


Something was about to happen.




Calm and tranquil was the world here. This great earth of this countryside that mortals took for granted had seen many things over the course of time. But now as the earth rumbled and shook, it was now to be host to a once in a thousand lifetimes marvel. Cracks formed within the ground as the shaking intensified, the rumblings grew even deeper and deeper as if building up for something terrifying . And then it all stopped, if only for a moment.


BOOM


A violent explosion ripped a fissure deep into the earth. Bright lights beamed out cascading into a rainbow like display of red, blue, green, yellow and more. Winds howled as loud like a typhoon had landed upon the earth, lightning flashed in colors not ever seen before in lightning. The earth shook as if it would tear itself apart like it had so long ago. But with all violences comes the calm. The rumbling faded away, the frequency of lightning flashes regulated to normal and the wind calmed to constant gusts of strong wind. But the lights continued to shine brightly in their rainbow display. Within the fissure was a bright vortex of energy swirling and twisting and changing ever constantly. It source was indeterminable yet it was clear this vortex was ancient. It had was primal, having existed long before what many called the Second Age. But it’s purpose was unclear to mortals and yet there was one who knew why it existed. But now was not the time to question this mystery, now was the time for old life to become, reborn.


From within the fissure a flaming hand rose out and grasped the ground. It was followed by another flaming hand which worked with the other to pull a flaming figure out of the fissure. This thing this, flame elemental pull itself out onto it’s feet and stood for but a moment before it began to stumble, pulling it’s arms close to it’s chest and staggered forward. It’s hands reached up to it’s head to grasp either side as it’s mouth let out cries of pain before finally collapsed onto the ground. Suddenly the world went quiet as the wind and lighting dissipated, leaving only the lights from the fissure to keep company to this flaming figure. As it laid face down on the ground it’s flames burned a strong cyan, never appearing to spread to any of the more flammable material near it. In fact, it did not burn with heat, but with something more internal. Soon the flame faded from cyan and into an emerald green, glowing strongly until it shifted into a royal blue color and then back to emerald green. After a few minutes the flames began to subside as if dying but they were not. The flames receded within the form as parts of flesh and clothing slowly became visible until all that was left behind was a man dressed in extravagant looking clothing. A few seconds later he began to awake from his state of unconsciousness.


His hands grasped the dirt below, digging trenches with his fingers and taking with it a bounty of earth with it. His eyes squinted open as the light assaulted his sense of sight and he raised a hand to shield them. It took a moment but once he was able to see he slowly pushed himself up from his prone position to a kneeling and then crouched position before filling standing.


He looked at the world around him, confused and unsure where he was or even what this place was. It was beautiful, like his home and yet, it was so different. The memory brought another painful one flashing before his eyes and he grasped his head in pain. Destruction, a man descending upon him, friends and family dead, the earth crumbling, homes destroyed, falling, a woman in despair for the death of her children, two men at odds, a bright light, the earth closing and then…..the Essences. Once the pain subsided the man stood slowly and he once again looked around. He slowly turned around several times before looking in one direction. For just a moment, he hesitated and then started walking through the forest in his chosen direction. He did not know how but he knew what he seeked, his purpose, was in the direction he had chosen.


As he left the place from which he had been “born” continued to shine. For miles people felt and saw the effects and gods might have sensed this phenomenon. One or both would no doubt come to see what had happened, but they would be very disappointed. The light from the fissure from which the man emerged slowly began to fade until the vortex within was gone. Leaving nothing behind to give indication as to what had transpired here but a normal fissure. But something had returned to this plane of existence and it was both beautiful and tragic. But would it’s rebirth bring joy and happiness,


Or grief and despair?

Above the clouds of the mortal realm, A single bird with feathers as white as the snow was flying overhead. This bird, 'The Song Of The Goddess' a bird that the Goddess Edna had created into the world. A bird who's song could soothe the soul. Soon a violent explosion suddenly startled the bird as it quickly looked around to see what had caused it. In the distance it could see colorful lights and lightning flashing in a myriad of colors. The world seemed to shake as this event took place. Curious at to what could have landed the bird soon began to fly in the direction of possible danger.

Arriving at the site of devastation, all that remained was a fissure. The colorful lights had vanished and any trace of anything was gone. The bird simply flew close to the ground as began to glow. Soon the bird transformed into a woman, with long blue hair, a red and white dress decorated with flowers. She examined the wreckage pondering what could leave such a mess before conjuring a staff from out of the blue as with one gentle tap, the earth seemed to stir alive. New life grew in the fissure, plants and grass began to grow on top of the devastation making it appear that no event took place in this spot. However the woman knew someone or something caused this. "I hope to find whatever did this before Xyr does...we do not need another powerful thing roaming these lands filled with hate." She spoke as she looked around. Following a trail took top priority now. Finding the Primordial God can wait for a moment. Whatever it was must be close, and using the earth to assist her she could feel a presence.

With that the woman began to walk, with the intent to locate whatever had landed here.

Bashemath's main body sat motionless upon the earth underneath Abaranne's tree, leaning as if asleep as her attention was focused elsewhere. She was guarded by her two sacred beasts, Lumina and Tenebre, as well as the strange small whimsical figure she so lovingly refers to as Basalah. Something suddenly stirs, the beasts under her command like a vast nervous network all relaying back triggering various stimuli shaking her from her meditation. Wide eyed now she breathes in sharply, pupils dilated.

"It... it cannot be," she says in a hushed tone, snapping to her feet and snatching up Basalah. "Lights of brilliant colors, a wound in the veil bleeding a power of old, a sudden presence I've not felt before... do you know what this means?"

The small figure simply stares back at her before slowly raising up its arms shaking its head. Bashemath's face slowly blanks and sits Basalah atop Tenebris's head then frantically looks around then freezes and stares outwards in the forest then back at the bewildered creature, her arms drooping.

"Me neither," she admits softly, her tentacles curling up as her mouth curls into a grin. "It is something new... yet familiar perhaps? Whatever it may be, it is so... so very... very interesting! And oh, another? In my humble forest as well? I so love the attention today, not to sound so conceited."

With this she centralizes focus around her, the trees filled with her pets vigilant for even the slightly anomoly.

The forest, once silent during and some time after the event, was now alive with activity that was once silent. The birds chirped their melodious songs with great enthusiasm, deer moved with a relaxed calm, small woodland critters scurried about with an even greater fascination than before. Even the predators normal on the hunt decided to relax in this now humble atmosphere. All of them were at far more ease than normal and it had to do with the man walking through the forest unchallenged with a smile on his lips. Despite everything which had occurred he was enjoying the beautiful world around him. It was not like his home before he was lost in the vortex but it was wonderful none the less. He paused for a moment, his home. His home was gone, years had passed and he had missed so much he should not have seen to begin with. Yet here he was, in a world he knew very little about. But at least was was an amnesiac anymore. His memories were coming back to him, a little at a time but they were coming back. He remembered his home, that he used to enjoy reading and cooking, his friends, mother Abaranne. He chuckled, he was not a son to Abaranne in the technical term but since it was she who gave his kind life he used to call her mother Abaranne. He wondered where she was and if the disaster had not caused too many problems for her. He would have to ask her if he ever found the chance to talk to her but for now he had to find civilization

Resuming his walk he pondered more about himself, he distinctly remembered having a name but it was hard to pull it with how cluttered his mind was right now. Years inside the Great Essences tended to grant one knowledge of subjects most people could only barely understand. As such sorting through the information and dealing with gaps in his memory was hindering him greatly but not cripplingly. His name, his name, Asume? Azule? Azrel? Azeal? Azeal. Yes, that was what people called him, Azeal. That was his name. Azeal smiled, remembering his name was of great importance to him. After it wouldn’t do not to remember it, how would be able to introduce himself. Hello good sir or madam, my name is unknown, pleased to meet you. Azeal chuckled, humor, he remembered being a witty one in more ways than one.

The path he was taking suddenly turned a bit steep as if going up a hill. At times animals and birds would come closer, bolstered by some unseen force to come closer. Some birds would land on him for a free ride and critters and even a bear at one time came closer to sniff and play at his feet. Azeal loved the attention, at one time animals would have fled from him out of instinct. But now they came to him as if he were lure drawing them in or giving them some form of firm resolve to venture closer. He wondered if the Great Essences had done something to him? Well all would be revealed in time, hopefully he wouldn’t be to far from a town. As he reached the top of the hill it turned out there was a quite a drop on the other side, nothing he couldn't slide down. In the distance however he could see some type of city at the edge of the forest. Funny, he didn’t remember any towns having an architectural style like the one in the distance nor being so large. Azeal could ponder that later, right now he needed to get there before sun set least he be out here in the forest when it was most dangerous for him. Without hesitation Azeal stepped forward and took the plunge, sliding down the drop of dirt to the ground below to continue his trek.

As Edna continued to follow the trail of the unknown entity that had landed in this forest, she was actually thinking of calling out. She had no reason to just stalk the man until she found him, of course maybe the being would actually try and quicken his pace if he heard another voice. Maybe if she spoke out he might be willing to wait. However walking through the woods eased her mind, as a Goddess of life she enjoyed nature to its fullest.

As she continued her stroll through the woods, the path would soon go uphill. Hurrying her pace to see if she can find the unknown entity first, she hiked up the hill until she reached the end of the path. A drop at the end of the hill along with a city in the distance. She decided it was best to make herself aware, better to warn him instead of appearing behind him suddenly. "Hello! If there is someone down there please wait a minute please! I would like to talk to you! I mean no harm!" She called out on the cliff before hopping off of it and gently landed on the ground.

It had taken a while but Azeal was nearly out of this forest. Granted he liked it but he was eager to get to somewhere with people so he could figure out what was going on in the few decades years he had been away. Most of all he wanted to know what was going on with him. For some reason he could….feel, for a lack of better words, other beings. He felt the presences of a lot of small like beings, almost like him but, weaker in the way he felt them. Then there were others much bigger in their presences, strong almost like him but not. A lot of them were far, some were near, but they all felt stronger. He wasn’t sure what their intentions were but Azeal didn’t want any trouble. Things had changed since he left this world, for good or bad he wasn’t sure but he wanted to learn a little more before he made any choice decisions. Just as he was but a couple dozen paces away from exiting the forest he heard something behind him "Hello! If there is someone down there please wait a minute please! I would like to talk to you! I mean no harm!"


Azeal paused and turned around, the voice was feminine and upon closer inspection she was one of the presences he felt, one of the strong ones. Now he was conflicted, behind him he could see in the distance the city he was determined to get to. There lied many answers to the questions he had and maybe he could find where his own home was since things were so different. On the other hand while he wasn’t quite ready to deal with these strong like beings this one’s voice sounded, sincere and welcoming. Normally something to be wary of but something in her voice made her words more genuine. Azeal looked back to the city, then the direction the voice called from.Should he press on to the safety of the city or meet this being. Azeal pondered this for a moment before deciding to take a middle approach, let her come to him. If she was hostile he was close to the city where he could seek shelter and if not, maybe she could give him some answers before he went on his way. But how to contact her?


Suddenly his body began to glow a royal blue, he felt a feeling of hope fill him as he began to believe there might be something good to come of this meeting. He was well aware the Great Essences had given him a connection to two spectrums of their essence and how to control them was something he was working out. But for now it appeared one of the essences had instinctively helped him call out to this woman. Knowing she would come Azeal calmly moved to a pair of rocks that would make due for chairs and sat down, crossing his feet under his legs.


Now it was time to wait for his guest to arrive.

As Edna detected no further movement for the unknown entity, she gave a sigh of relief. Looks like whoever it was decided to stop and wait for her. She decided not to keep the unknown entity waiting, that would be poor manners to tell someone to wait only to take a fairly long time to get to them. She was thankful, it seemed that she would be the first to meet this strange entity, she was exited to meet something new.

Edna quickly picked up her pace into a jog, her excitement was a little to high and flowers began to sprout under her feet. She was not keeping her power in the best of control. But it was better than trees sprouting as she walked. Soon she encountered what was waiting for her, a man surrounded with a royal blue glow and he was sitting on a pair of rocks. She wondered, was this some sort of mage? Or was he another diety born from nothingness? No...A mage would not be that powerful enough to cause such a massive phenomenon. So the highest possibility was that he was a new diety.

Regardless Edna smiled at the man and as a sign of respect gave a curtsy in his direction. Once she finished she cleared her throat before speaking. "I would like to first thank you for waiting when I called out. I am pleased to meet you, I am Edna Wytrix, the Goddess of Life and Prosperity. I would like to personally greet you, even though I did not think that a being like you would come down from the skies." She spoke as she took a seat on a flat enough rock. Her exitment was still shown and small patches of flowers grew under her feet.

Azeal didn’t feel inconvenienced by the wait, oh contraire this gave him time to gather his wits about him before his guest arrived. But as she drew closer he felt her much clearer, her…presence, it was larger than originally thought. It was similar in size to his own but different, more full of life. When she arrived Azeal’s eyes widened, not so much at the woman before him who was very beautiful, but more the fact that where she stepped flowers and plants grew. She curtsy to him as a gesture of good manners before speaking "I would like to first thank you for waiting when I called out. I am pleased to meet you, I am Edna Wytrix, the Goddess of Life and Prosperity. I would like to personally greet you, even though I did not think that a being like you would come down from the skies." She spoke as she took a seat on a flat enough rock. Her excitement was obvious as small patches of flowers grew under her feet.

Azeal tilted his head in confusion, “Goddess?” He asked. A split second later his mind made the connection, “Oh!” He said his face changing to one of realization, “You must be another Rishon made by the creator. Or perhaps the offspring one of the others.” Azeal said. “I’m pleased to meet you Goddess Edna, my name is Azeal. I’m surprised you changed the name of your- wait.” He stopped as he realized what she said and then not giving her an opportunity to respond, “Did you say come from the skies? I can assure you I most certainly did not fall from the sky. What gave you the impression I came from above?” Azeal asked.

Edna put a finger her chin when he mentioned falling from the sky, Azeal who he introduced himself as said he did not fall from the sky. "My apologies, I would like to explain my reasonings for this. What I discovered was a fissure in the earth, before the fissure itself was created I heard an explosion followed a myriad of coloured lights and lightning. I had thought that maybe you had landed but if you say that you did not land I will not push the fact. Also as for the Rishon, I am an offspring. But I would like to say I am pleased to meet you Azeal, I do hope we can get along just fine. And I do hope you can visit my home for some tea sometimes." She spoke with a gentle smile.

Of course with the mentioning of homes, Edna relived something. "Speaking of homes, I do believe you might have your own realm. A space that you are free to decorate to your hearts content. Maybe once you arrived here a new space was born, but I do wonder...what type of God are you? And what do you represent? Perhaps we can solve that if you wish, unless you already know the answer." She asked.

Wrong section, please delete.

Azeal listened to her explanation and found her answers interesting, especially the one about her being an offspring of the Rishon, “Well, that would make it appear that way. I’m afraid I didn’t see these colored lights you speak of as I passed out not long after the Great Essences returned me here.” His eyes opened a bit when she extended an invitation to her home for tea, “I would be honored to visit your home in the future, goddess Edna.”

"Speaking of homes, I do believe you might have your own realm. A space that you are free to decorate to your hearts content. Maybe once you arrived here a new space was born, but I do wonder...what type of God are you? And what do you represent? Perhaps we can solve that if you wish, unless you already know the answer." She asked. At this Azeal stared at her blankly, finally having heard something to stun him into silence. For a moment he said nothing, then he began to chuckle, “I’m glad the gods still have a sense a humor. Me a god? If that is true then Mother Abaranne would certainly be surprised.” He chuckled, “No you are mistaken, I am but a mortal Goddess Edna.” Azeal looked at his hand and turned it a bit, “Different thanks to the Great Essences, but mortal nonetheless.” He said as he goddess and smiled good naturally.

Edna pondered for a quick moment, she was certain the man in front of her was not mortal. "Well, there is a chance you are not a God...But I do know for a fact that no mortal could survive a crash on the planet like you did. Well I don't know any way of finding out who is a God so I will just say you are a very special person. I will drop this matter, so let us talk about a new subject over a nice cup of tea. Feel free to ask me what you want, I will try to answer them." Edna then conjured a sphere with the image of a tea set on it. And just like a bubble when she poked it it popped.

In her hands now was a tray of two cups, and a kettle full of tea. With one hand she picked up the kettle and pured some simple lemon grass tea and motioned for Azeal to take one if he wanted.

Though Bashemath's main body remained behind, her beasts wandered the fields in search of the anomaly. Among them is the small jester-like Basalah riding atop Tenebris still with Lumina sneaking beside them, the former holding onto the great beast's mane like reins on a horse. Basalah is different from all the beasts and avatars under Bashemath's will, for she acted upon her own whims without being told to do so. This is one such case.

They carefully tread past the source of the rupture, only a faint trace of the event still lingers on the earth and in the air, but it is enough for the great beast, Tenebris, to sniff out a trail leading away from the site. Lumina trills a short melody upon sensing it catching their attention. Before the fall of the second age, beasts like Lumina, forged by Abaranne herself, were kept as special pets that form empathetic links with their masters. They were drawn to soothing emotions, and alerted by turbulent ones. The song means she is enamored by this feeling. Whoever, or whatever was here was something, at least, not unpleasant.

With this Tenebris followed the scent trail, creeping around the great trees as directed by Basalah, until finally hearing voices causing them to seize and duck in the shadows. There before them is not only the one they were tracking but also the Goddess of Life, how she got here so fast was beyond their mental faculties. This would not be the end of it, as they soon felt another presence descending from above, shrouded in a power they were familiar with. It felt almost like... Hazarmaveth.

The seeker sent from earlier descends down before Edna and Azeal, making a light landing before reverting to his more humanoid appearance.

"Ah, lady Edna, I had not expected to... it is an honor, Hazarmaveth has spoken of you before but I had never," he stumbles, taking a bow then notices the man who resonated with the power of the Great Essences, and in reaction turned to him. "Is he the one? I had not expected this either, adjusted already for the most part it does seem, I... I am here in representation of master Hazarmaveth, I am but a humble seeker. As a mortal I went by the name of Renwick, I was one of the first to be recruited by lord Hazarmaveth after my mortal life ended during the fall, and yet it took me ages after to adjust."

With this he takes another bow to Azeal and Edna. All the while within a short distance away Lumina is making an approach upon them, despite their tail being tugged upon by Basalah in an effort to stop the creature, a fruitless effort for sure, especially for one so small. Instead Basalah surrenders the struggle and retreats to remain hidden in the shadows along with Tenebris and simply observe.

Azeal raised an eyebrow, “Again, I am most certain I did not fall from the sky. Unless my time with Great Essences distorted my mind I’m quite sure I came out of the ground.” He said. Azeal watched in fascination as she summoned a bubble with a strange set of cups and pot in it and then popped it. The image became real and in her hand was the same set, to which she began pouring the liquid into the cups and offered him some “lemon grass tea” as well as to ask any questions he may have. Azeal nodded and took one of the cups, “Thank you, as for questions I am curious, how many more Rishon are there?” He asked. As he was speaking a black bird flew down and landed near them. Suddenly it began to change, startling Azeal and causing him to lean back as if ready to bolt at a moment's notice. Quickly the bird changed into a more humanoid like being, leaving Azeal to conclude this was some other Rishon or something made by one..

"Ah, lady Edna, I had not expected to... it is an honor, Hazarmaveth has spoken of you before but I had never," he being spoke as he stumbled, taking a bow then notices the Azea. "Is he the one? I had not expected this either, adjusted already for the most part it does seem, I... I am here in representation of master Hazarmaveth, I am but a humble seeker. As a mortal I went by the name of Renwick, I was one of the first to be recruited by lord Hazarmaveth after my mortal life ended during the fall, and yet it took me ages after to adjust." Azeal’s eyes sparked with realization, “ Hazarmaveth? Good to know some things have not changed.” He said. Azeal tilted his head, “ Renwick? I don’t remember but your name is familiar. You say you were recruited by him when your life ended during the fall? Was that the devastation that destroyed the lands?” Azeal felt a pain in his head and he raised a hand to it as he grunted in pain. Images of before he was saved by the vortex flashed before him. Something falling, a man, familiar but he couldn’t tell who he was as he had been fallen into the fissure decades ago. Or was it decades ago? He remembered the other man and woman, Hazarmaveth and….Mother Abaranne, they had been their when the man came and wrought destruction upon their world. The pain faded and he was able to open his eyes once again, he felt something close, by, a determined will getting closer. Stretching out he brushed against it and sensed a small but strong presence. A curious animal no doubt, nothing to be too concerned with. Azeal withdrew his probing, “The man, the one who fell from the sky. He was the cause of this fall you speak wasn’t he?” Azeal asked.

Creep

"Well now you have. I have never seen a fellow with so many bugs before. Do they eat you?"

"Regularly I suppose though it depends on how you look at it." He answered frankly, not really dressing his answer up yet still not giving a particularly informative response.


"W-Well! With that business over with, lets talk while we walk to the forest! I have music to comfort us while we walk!"

The girl who's name was Carissa as he had heard earlier in the conversation with the creepy lady who lurked by the dead body in the alleyway mentioned as they continued along towards the gate.

Aw, how sweet. I wonder what business such a friendly little lady has in the forest He wondered, charmed by her youthful innocence.


"That does sound quite good. I can't say I've ever heard harp music before. Most bards tend to go the route of the voice or the lute. I once saw a fellow play the xylophone once though" He spoke casually as they continued on whatever destination this lot was on. He refrained from mentioning that the xylophone player was in fact a small humanoid lizard creature, a member of a swamp dwelling tribe of similar creatures. They had nasty temperaments and often came to blows with any neighboring species, including farmers not far out from their lands. Case and point: The xylophone was actually just somebody's rib cage repurposed into an instrument.

As they started getting into the fields he was receiving some strange reports of distant lights from some crickets in the area. Something about big bursts of pretty lights, information which wasn't exactly helpful but then again these little fellows were doing their best. Rich descriptions were mostly made by humans, most creatures caring little for relaying information.

As the masked lady got ahead the earth lady made started speeding up to catch up to her. In the distance he could see a fellow or was it a couple fellows? It was really too far to see right now. Could of been both. He waited 'till he got closer to get a better look.

As Azeal took his cup of tea, Edna placed the tray on the ground before taking her cup of tea and took a gentle sip from it. Azeal soon asked how many other Rishon were out there. "Currently if I include my parents and ignore all the Primordial Gods since they are on a different level then us...There are currently 11 Gods. Compared to all the people living on this world that is quite a few number I might add." Edna replied as she spotted a black bird fly down. A moment later the bird began to glow as it transformed into a humanoid shape.

Unlike Azeal, Edna remained calm as she watched the bird transform. The man soon introduced hiself as Renwick, a representative of Hazarmaveth. "Pleasure to meet you as well Renwick, and this is indeed the man who either fell from the sky or popped up from the ground. He might have sprouted from a plant at this rate." Edna chuckled a bit as she decided to joke a bit before speaking once again."So, you said Hazarmaveth has spoke about me before? That is quite curious, however I will not pry into his business, he is free to tell his opinion about others to people he chooses." Enda smiled however she would turn to Azeal when he mentioned the man falling from the sky. "At this point, we do not know if you are truly the one who fell from the sky, or popped up from the ground. It would be nice to tell from a simple glance what you are but perhaps the other Dieties can figure it out, most notably Scire or Hazarmaveth. Those two are really smart. They can figure it out unlike me who really enjoys calming people down and gardening." She spoke.

As Carissa began to walk along with the group, Creep soon talked about music and with that she grew a smile and seemed exited. "Yeah! Not many people use harps because its usually an instrument reserved for concerts and the like. Since it usually is big and massive making it a chore just to lug it around. I was lucky as mines was a magical harp which can turn big or small for easy transportation or for smaller crowds. I just like the harp because of the sweet and slow music it can produce." She spoke with renewed vigor.

Of course as they continued to proceed she could actually hear very faint talking up ahead. Maybe a couple was here enjoying a peaceful lunch in the woods! Or maybe it was a pair of bandits! She wondered what was ahead. So instead of trying to continue conversation she decided to stay on the quiet side.

Renwick pauses, the man, the new god, whatever he may be spoke of events from many years ago and so familiarly as well. Lifting his head slowly, he looked to him, to try to discern if he knew this person, however memories of that time were faded like a distant nightmare.

"Y-yes, you speak of the fall of the second age, of the destruction Azriy'el wrought upon our world as if," he stutters. "No, you were there weren't you? The man... Azriy'el... he was banished from this plane by the Creator for his transgressions and presumed murder of Y'wn, and Mother Abaranne..."

He stops, realizing that what he had done was lay down a lot of ill news, especially since the man appears to have a lapse of memory. He suddenly drops to his knee.

"I'm sorry, I-I should n-not have," he stammers. "I-it is not entirely grim! My master and the new gods have made efforts to bring stability back to these lands. Lady Edna herself has played her hand in restoring life to the land. And..."

He lifts his head up, eyes upon the beast approaching, his eyes widening. It was not so much fear as it was surprise, he had not seen such a creature in ages. He watches it as it circles around them, nudges him and lays down in the grass beside the rocks and looks towards Azeal. Renwick was near speechless, watching the beast intensely.

"A... a Hanan beast, how can it be" he asks under his breath, but soon he sees the stains of black fluid under its eyes and stands up startled. Lumina, however, engages in grooming its face. "Wh-why here?"

Azeal felt the color drain from his face, quite literally as his clothing appeared to dim, a reflection as his own hope faded. “Dead? Mother Abaranne is dead?” Azeal asked, his voice hollow at this news. Never in his mind did he ever think she would ever die. To Azeal, Mother Abaranne was and always would be forever. But now here this man was telling him she and Rishon Y’wn were killed by Azriy’el. Azeal was brought out of his thoughts by Renwick apologizing profusely for telling him this, “No no, don’t apologize. It’s for the best I know of this now then prolong the inevitable.” Azeal said, his words correct but none the less carrying the tone of grief welling up within him. “If what you say is true then yes I was there. I don’t recall much from my point of view as I did not have the time to process the event. But yes, I was witness to the devastation.” Azeal said as unbidden memories came to him. "A... a Hanan beast, how can it be" He heard Renwick say. Azeal looked up to see a very familiar creature circles around them, nudge Renwick, lay down in the grass beside the rocks and looks towards Azeal. Renwick was near speechless, watching the beast intensely but then stands up startled. The creature, however, engaged in grooming its face. "Wh-why here?"

The creature Azeal was very familiar with the creature. He once had one as a pet before the events Renwick spoke of. “That would be my doing.” Azeal said. His clothing and face regained some color, not as vibrant as before but just enough a distraction to take his mind off of the information he had been told. He held out his hand, the back turned towards the creature to allow it to sniff his hand, a gesture meant to let the creature know he meant no harm. “The creatures of this forest appear to be drawn to me. I believe they just feel comfortable around me.” He said.

Edna seemed to notice that Azeal and Renwick seemed to know what each other were talking about and decided to remain quiet as the two exchanged words, silently sipping on her tea. However what got her attention was not the words, but the creature that oozed black liquid from its eyes. The sight was...disturbing to say the least. "It appears that that creature seems to be born from the Black Ichor, however it seems that Azeal here does indeed possess some power. Maybe animals seem drawn to you because maybe you can connect with all animals...Its like me, exept flowers and plants are attracted to me more than animals." With that said she looked down at her feet to notice that the small patch of flowers growing under her feet had grown even larger than before. They seemed to be as large as an arm and began to sway by themselves. Enda gently pet them and created a small cloud in her hand which began to rain on them giving them water.

Once Edna finished caring for the living flowers, she turned to face Azeal."Now I am not saying that you are a God, however I have yet to see a person that was not a God draw creatures from all around without doing anything besides sitting down and talking. However after taking the time to think I do belive I know a way to find out if you are indeed a God. Each Diety has a realm, so if we find a 12'th realm with only 11 Dieties to fill them...of course...that only works if a realm is born after the God is born...I don't quite remember, I think my parents might know. They have been here so much longer than I have."

The warrens were Scire's way to get to wherever he aimed to go as there were always things interesting on the way. Pairs of little fluttering moths moved things around the clutter the dreaming flutters saw new patterns while dreaming with his realm. Every so often there were things he might need or divested himself of things he currently did not. Pockets emptied of bits and bobs he'd absently pocketed from tables in Raelenea he had a habit of pocketing writing implements while using them to write on walls. That chalk he'd first gone to the meeting with came from a bit of detritus accumulated onto the outside of the warrens connecting the meeting to his own realm. Tossed into the air Scire caught it with his free hand drawing a map to the disused portions of the warren with it onto a large vellum sheet. All of the twisted space was in Scire's head if he put his mind to it and the white chalk bled dark violet ink with a sharp edge the fine lines a bleeding thought absorbing into the vellum. If there was a newcomer god the newest portions of his Warren would build themselves slowly there by the hands of his moths. It was only prudent to share knowledge of the unknown it so involved. The map shifted and altered the paths of ink drawing inward the page moving about as if they breathed on their own. Scire's servants were humans, places, and things. Not these non learning presenting creatures at the meeting though he didn't mind them.

Some of the moths even came to watch as he worked on the desk little clouds of fluttering understanding. Sometimes they took dollops from drying ink to scratch out ramblings about things in the warren there. A madman's ramblings about swords and things. A painting sacrificed to protect it but not forgotten. The ashes of a faithful servant interred in the walls that now sat on a haggard table in the disused architecture of the fringe-warrens. Dusty and indistinct the fringe-warrens were the newest places of the minds of the driven struck by dust and incompleteness. What looked dry rot and crumble was time running in reverse for the ideas that had not yet grown old enough to exist strongly.

Scire petted the frilly comb-antennae as they denoted doors peeking into the fringe-warren their thread-feet and brushy listeners covered with purple ink. Moths from the fringe warren knew were new holes had been made. Where the newer ideas were taking shape even if they didn't know what went on in those places. Scire himself marked a ore chute lovingly etched from below in Scire's name by a miner that had spent his life underground. It was the closest place to where he was going.

The crowd of pairs of moths looked on after Scire started to roll the map some puffing out as humans woke. Darting between tables dense with apparatus and notes lit just enough to see Scire left through the warrens to get closer to Ertse'gart. Down a hatch here and across the chamber of bells through the traveler's endless hallway. The road along the warren exploded into artistry as he grew closer to the wilds. It inspired many for such things but it was the mechanical drill apparatus and utilitarian piles of sinks and tubes that let him know he'd arrived.

Some distance away Scire broke through a thin layer of dirt that had grown over a hatch with the thin Scree-bang of thick rusty metal. Book thrown through the hole like an anchor into the world Scire climbed up the ladder gauntleted hand now free. The bald fellow's green robes while ostensibly similar were far too garishly bright to not be noticed at distance among brown forest duff.

Renwick was perhaps more surprised how they handled the presence of the black ichor infested creature before them now. What Azeal said, however seemed entirely the case, regardless of being a reanimated creature, it seemed to possess the same traits of the original Hanan beasts, and was taken by his presence. For all he could tell, it was the closest infected thing and was acting alone... perhaps he was overreacting. More pressing, he felt fit to correct at least one impression he gave earlier.

"I should clarify... Mother Abaranne is not dead, not exactly, but her state is not exactly living either," he says, scratching the side of his face nervously. "If it been so simple as death, as awful as that may sound, then Hazarmaveth could have perhaps done something with that, but instead she is... dormant, her body encased in a great tree and this state has persisted for... centuries. This Black Ichor that spreads through the forest came afterwards, oozing from that very tree which we first assumed was but a manifestation of her grief."

He waves his arm to the creature, particularly pointing out its face and the black tears.

"Hanan beasts died upon the great fall, but the Black Ichor has proven that it can... undo such things as death, in a sense," he continues. "The Black Ichor recently assumed a name as well, Bashemath, and had assumed a purpose to create some form of... deathless world. As it stands, she is identified as neither god nor mortal... I'm sorry that you awaken into such a strange time, friend, and things are far different than you may remember, but I admit... I am glad to meet another from my time. May I ask where it was that you lived, what you did?"

Rey froze as the sudden gust of wind brought a scent to her nose and the leaves of the trees rustled as the branches swayed in the breeze, this was enough to snap her attention above her. What she saw astounded her, the winds assuming the shape of a winged man no, a god. Her eyes widened, for such as her who had, in her mind, lived such a lowly life from a lowly breed, to be suddenly greeted by one from up high was staggering.

A gift for me, she thought as the God of the Skies and Battle spoke to her, and soon presenting perhaps the most well crafted armor she had ever beheld, and by the sound of it, was such an elaborate process. Most of the armor she had seen before, to be honest, was from other beastkin that was little more than leather and scraps of metal, but she felt this god's craft would be difficult to contend.

"Thank you, you... honorrr a lowly one as I with... such handiwork unrrivaled," she responds with a bow, taking the armor into her arms, being certain to be as courteous as possible as to not be rude, despite her doubts of her own worthiness. She is, after all, fully aware that she is still but a beastkin, a race known as cutthroats at worst and thieves at best. She looks in shock at the gear, raising her head to be sure she was actually holding it as it is, indeed, light. Not only light now that she gives it a more thorough study, it is more than well crafted, but well crafted specific to her. Bashfulness aside, she takes another deep bow. "You honorr me greatly."

Both Edna and Renwick explained this Black Icor to him and it’s connection to the Hanan before him and how they were all extinct due to the events of the caused by Azriy’el. It saddened him to hear how the Hana and many more might have become extinct. "It appears that that creature seems to be born from the Black Ichor, however it seems that Azeal here does indeed possess some power. Maybe animals seem drawn to you because maybe you can connect with all animals...Its like me, except flowers and plants are attracted to me more than animals."

Azeal smiled, though it was clear he was not as happy as he was before, “I noticed, beautiful and gifted.” Azeal complemented. When she mentioned testing to see if he was a god or not he chuckled and shook his head, “Ok, I’ll humor you. I still think you're mistaken as I’m sure I’m just a mortal with...unique, abilities.” Azeal said. Seeing no hostility in the Hanan beast or fear, Azeal raised his hand and tried to give it a friendly pet when Renwick spoke, "I should clarify... Mother Abaranne is not dead, not exactly, but her state is not exactly living either," he says, scratching the side of his face nervously. Azeal’s head snapped up, “Really?” He asked. With that a spark of hope had been lit and spread rapidly as his body regained its color, though not as radiant as before but it was close. "If it been so simple as death, as awful as that may sound, then Hazarmaveth could have perhaps done something with that, but instead she is... dormant, her body encased in a great tree and this state has persisted for... centuries. This Black Ichor that spreads through the forest came afterwards, oozing from that very tree which we first assumed was but a manifestation of her grief." Those words brought back the full color within Azeal as his own hope had once again been restored. He let out a sigh of relief, “Thank the Essences,” Azeal said.

Renwick explained how the Black Icor worked, it’s connection to Mother Abaranne and the form it had take in the form of Bashemath. Azeal bowed his head in thought then raised it, “I may be not know this world very well but the Great Essences did bestow much insight into subjects most don’t know. I do have a theory I will explore. Though I would like to meet this Bashemath and see the tree Mother Abaranne lays dormant in.” Azeal said. His thoughts turned to this Bashemath, could she be connected to MOther Abaranne on a deeper level than they knew? “I'm sorry that you awaken into such a strange time, friend, and things are far different than you may remember, but I admit... I am glad to meet another from my time. May I ask where it was that you lived, what you did?" Renwick asked. Azeal looked up and thought back, “My memory is a bit distorted from being with the Great Essences for so long. But I feel like I lived somewhere near here.” He said looking around, “It’s much different than when I lived here but it feels like my old home is nearby.” Azeal said looking around as if looking for something, “As for what I used to do, I remember I was a cook. I had a few hobbies, but the only one I can remember was reading at the moment.” Azeal finally took a sip of the tea Edna gave him and nodded, “Good, very good tea Goddess Edna. By the way, how long has it been since these events you speak of happened? Being with the Great essences distorted my sense of time. How long have I been gone? Thirty years? Forty?” Azeal asked as he went to sip more tea.

Edna smiled before chuckling at the compliment that Azeal gave her. A compliment? Its been a while since someone said that to her, not the other Gods but her parents have said this to her. It was quite different to hear it from a new person. "Humble and charming I see. You are truly a well mannered soul, thank you for the compliment." She then took a sip from her tea before looking back at her feet.

The ground under her was now flourishing with life. The flowers seemed happy for the water and they began to sway with the wind while taking in sunlight. She reached down to pluck a few of the normal white blossoms that had grown and began to weave them together.

While she began to weave the flowers together, she listened as Renwick continued to talk about history. About how Mother Abaranne and the Black Ichor were connected. He then told him about Bashemath. Eventually Azeal commented about her tea and said it was good. "I almost forgot, before I met you I was planning on finding Bashemath. You see, a fellow diety known as Xyr who is the God of horror and tragedy seems to have upset her. I was hoping to find her and calm her down and talk to her. Of course that was until that sudden event and you appeared. Also, I am thankful you enjoy the tea."