Fantasy Twilight of the Gods

[JoUhWrites]

Asger​

“Hm?” Asger stretched lazily as he met the gaze of the doe-woman, the delicate skin of his lower stomach which was exposed in the process promptly prickling up into goosebumps as it met with the ship’s unnaturally cold air. He regarded the young woman with blossoming interest - which would be more intense if he hadn’t put her state of being down to perpetual fright - as she continued speaking, soft voice rising into a state of begging. “I hear you, sweetling. However, if you know of… him, you’ll have to admit that it was spot-on.” He grinned wolfishly, aiming the sentence partly to her, partly to the man who had ignored him in the first place (not that he was upset about it. No. Absolutely not.). What he knew of other gods was knowledge collected from the different peoples during the Juten’s travels; that is to say, it was a very patchy collection, acquimilated by listening to people who were actually willing to speak to foreigners about their religion in the first place. “Get down first, though!” His voice crescendoed similarly to the woman’s as the weather quickly worsened, the ship beginning to flop on unruly waves. The small thing had tripped earlier - on dry land - and he worried that she’d fly overboard if she kept standing up on the increasingly slippery deck. That meant someone would have to jump in after her, and Asger was the one standing closest to her (though Sour-face was close as well, Asger strongly doubted the man's chivalry if one of them would fall into the waters). One of his hands whipped out to grab her left upper arm, pulling her down next to him on the now-soaked wooden bench. Better.

When Leif somehow managed to make his way over to them, Asger was of half a mind to scold the younger Juten as well, but held his tongue. Leif knew sailing. If he felt comfortable standing with those huge feet of his, he knew what he was doing.
“Into that, I presume!” He shouted enthusiastically in order for his voice to carry over the wind, sloppily throwing out a thumb in the direction of the vortex they were going towards. They were going into something bad, that was obvious, but weren’t they all aware that that would be the case?
The sword felt heavy against his back, Asger could feel his pulse race against the weight of it. Excitement. Fear. The mixture of primal emotions made his heart pound against his ribcage, and he threw a look at the hooded creature basically slamming his staff up and down by that point. A sharp exhale whistled through his nose. “All right, hope y’all didn’t have a heavy breakfast this morning.”

Interactions: Y'all

 

[Veil Walker]

The wind howled and snarled as the ship was violently thrown back and forth. Bran hurried his way to the tiller, gripping it tight as he heaved the ship where he thought it needed to go. While most had no knowledge of this passage, Bran's people used this as a rite of passage. He tried to remember the twisting route that led a vessel through the Ancient Void. He was unprepared, however, for the sudden impact of a Thing that struck the side of the ship. There was a large groan, as the ancient wood and spells tried to keep the ship in one piece, before the whole thing split in two. Bran grabbed rope, heaving in a desperate effort to keep the ship together, but it was in vain. Every hero there was thrown up, and then down, as the ship tore in half and began to sink. The spirits wailed in voices to terrible to be understood as the Last Ship began to sink back beneath the waves. Bran tried to cling to a large piece of drift, back his dense bones caused him to sink quickly under the waves. The ship gave a great upheaval, one last gasp before all of it was drawn down by some force beneath the surface. Just before it sank, the Hooded Figure dove deep into the waves, and did not resurface.

Cassie, Asger and Xiuhcoatl would wake upon a soft sandy shore. Broken bits of wood the only things marring a beautiful stretch of golden sand. The previous night's storm seemed to have vanished, bright blue sky and a warm sun greet the salt encrusted eyes of the battered adventurers. Turning to the west, the weary heroes would spot a large building of pure white that seemed to shine in the hot sun. A gold dome perched upon it like an ancient crown, glistening brightly. Coming forth from under the stone archway were figures dressed in simple linens, carrying platters of food, and various colored jugs as they made their way quickly down to the beach. Leading the group was a tall woman, carrying cloths and a waterskin, kneeling down before the group.
"Greetings travelers. I am Alemene. You seem tired and worn from your travels. We come to bring you food, drink, and if you require it, aid. We welcome you to our island." So saying this, she wiped the grime from Ager's face, taking care to apply a cool wet cloth around his eyes. As she did so, the other figures approached, laying out food and drink for the soggy companions. None of the figures besides Alemene spoke, but they all smiled with friendly expressions as they offered fruits, vegetables and a variety of meats to the weary travelers. Oddly, there was little uniformity to them, as they appeared to be from various regions and ethnicities.

All Bran remembered was the crushing black. His lungs squeezed like a vice. Now he stood before a massive seat made of gnarled driftwood and coral. All around, blue lights danced on walls decorated with shells and old fishing nets. Pale figures sat in rough hewn chairs in front of massive wood tables piled high with delicacies from the sea. A massive cauldron sat plopped in the middle of the room, and a very large frost giant poured and handed out mugs which smelled of the most delicious mead. Glancing around him, he noted the forms of Leif, Silas and Rhiannon standing with him in front of the large chair. (Bran couldn't bring himself to think of something so obviously cobbled together as a throne.) Taking a deep breath, he was assaulted with the tang of sea air, stronger than he had ever smelled it in his life. It was as if the room was permeated with the smell, like it had accumulated over generations. Bran's attention flickered back to the front as the giant quickly shambled his way back to what was obviously his seat.
"I greet you, little heroes. For those of you who don't know, I am Aegir. Welcome to my hall." Seeing the panicked look on Bran's face, he gave a booming laugh that seemed to shake the walls.
"No, no. You are not drowned. Lucky for you I was casting my nets there. I scooped you up, and brought you here before that wicked beast could turn you into snacks. Now, I recommend you rest and eat your fill. You will need your strength to travel the paths back."

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

Xiuhcoatl

Parent
Tezcatlipoca, God of providence, the invisible and darkness, Lord of the Night

Location
Stranded

Interaction
Growling and snarling at anyone

Mention
All, none of them with much care

The Gods decided to play a cruel game, not that Xiuhcoatl had expected this to be an easy travel. So far none of this had indicated it being anywhere near pleasant with the biting cold and the cutting winds. Yet, perhaps naively, he had assumed they would be able to stay on this ship, but nothing was less true. Yes, the Gods were cruel. And honestly that was not something he was not used to. The main God he worshipped only coming to him in the darkest of times, after he had watched his village fall to ashes, people being scarificed before his eyes, or getting a worse faith being raped or killed. Around them there were wails of the Death, along with the crashing sounds of waves and the groaning of wood. His nails dug more into the wood, moving down as the other guy was shouting at the female. Yet all of it seemed to be in vain as the ship broke like it was just a dried out little twig and the water swallowed them. Some figthing it, some being no match to the icy waters. Just like the great Jaguar warrior that was splashing and trying to stay afloat and find the surface. But there was no mercy as the low temperatures quickly caught up, along with the weight of his weapons pulling him down into the current.

Xiuhcoatl had tried to fight those powers, but he had no idea what was up or down and he couldn't tell left from right anymore. None of it matter as the current was stronger and he had no idea how to move with the water. Forest grounds and trees were no problem, but water... Oh, so elusive as it was. Cold and destructive now as the male growled lowly, trying to claw at the water though it had no effects. He could not hurt it, he could not fight it. His vision blurry, perhaps from the salt in his eyes, perhaps from the fact he was pulled further and further down, or from the water that was filling his longs. His movements slowed as his arms had gotten heavier and heavier, his muscles thick and useless. His lungs burning for air, but only more of that salt liquid came into them. Yet instead of letting the wave carry him to whatever his destination may be, he kept on fighting. He had never been brought up with the idea to trust into his God to show him the right way or the easy way. Yet even he had to admit defeat against the powerful ocean as he slowly lost his consciousness. Yes, the Gods were cruel and played an unfair game...

It was the sound of birds that slowly lured back his awareness. His fingers twitching as the sun had dried his skin and wrapped him in that safe blanket of warmth. Had it all just been a nightmare? Some weird vision perhaps? Yet his body felt rather broken, his muscles tired of their battle. It was the sound of people approaching that made him open his eyes, suddenly very aware of the vulnerable state he was in. He jolted up, growling lowly. Or at least he tried to, since only a weird gargling sound came out, followed by coughing up that salt water. Not a dream or vision... He still was able to snarl when one of the strangers came closer to him. Not caring whether it was one of their group or the other group that had approached them. Even though they seemed rather harmless, not even carrying weapons. That however did not mean he would be any less distrusting of them. The sand stung in his arm as he noticed the large gash from being thrown on some rocks, or perhaps from some of the sharp drift wood? He didn't know, nor did he really care how the wound had came to be. "Stay back..." He snarled when one of the woman only stepped closer to offer him something. Fruits. Food. But the male pushed back the hunger that suddenly seemed to be very overwhelming. Who knew what they had done, or what these fruits would do to them...

Xiuhcoatl let out a soft snarl again when someone approached him with something for his arm. He even showed his teeth, acting more like a wild animal that felt threathened, than a human that should be thankful for its survival and the offered help. His eyes flicked from the people closest to him, towards his two companions and the place in the distance. Where were the others? The weak female, the big giant, that in-betweener and the softy? Had that other guy not held onto her? Apparently not. He growled lowly, when someone tried to approach him once more. Did this people not understand the message to leave him alone?! However he was not reaching for his weapon, that these people did not deserve such thing. After all, the woman had welcomed them... So attacking the host was not really the way to go in an unfamiliar place like this. But he really just wanted some space... some time to get his barings again.

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

Rhiannon

Parent
Arawn, King of the Otherworld

Location
Aegirs home?

Interaction
Aegir Veil Walker

Mention
Bran Veil Walker // Leif thorspuddingcup

Outfit
Moss green dress

Her words were heard by the other, as the male now took in account not to speak such name. She glanced towards the other next to him, who was indeed frightening and seemed not to have a gentle bone in his body. So yes, she had to admit that the comparison might not be that far off. She didn't have much time to give a true assessment of the males as the first one requested her to get down. Not just with words, but also with strong warm fingers around her upper arm so she had no choice but to heed his words. Though she had already started to kneel, but now her balance was lost and her body bumped into his.

There was no time to either get embarrassed and flustered over it or to pull away as suddenly the ship bucked underneath them. She let out a little gasp, before keeping her jaws firmly together. Last thing she wanted was to accidentally bite of her tongue. Her hands moving up to cover her ears against the cries of the crewmembers against them. There was nothing worse that the screaming of those who were already dead. It went through skin and bone, bloodcurling and freezing it in her veins. Or was it the water that caused the freezing sensation?

Rhiannon had no idea at what point she had ended up in the water as she had just tried to protect herself against those awful sounds from the Last Ship. But they seemed to be gone now. They also didn't seem to be surrounded by water anymore, though the smell of it lingered around. Her arms moved to hug herself as her dress clung to her body and the skirt caused little puddles of water around her. She slowly looked around the place that seemed to be a fisher's home. Nettings everywhere, sea delicacies on the table and a sweet scent of honey around. The deep laugh made her jump a bit, as if she had not noticed the frost giant in the first place. "Thank you for your care and hospitality, Sir" she spoke, with that same soft voice as always. She gave a little curtsie towards the man that had saved them and now offered them foods and drinks.

Despite the generous offer, she stayed right were she was as she waited for Bran and Leif to move first. Especially the later one at that. He had seemed very nice, even though they had only exchanged two sentences at most. So she trusted him and his judgement, as she knew it was probably not the best to follow her own with her limited knowledge in the world. A place like this... She had never seen it, nor heard of it. Most of all, she did not wish to accidentally offend any one by behaving in the wrong way. There was a twich of familarity around, just a fleeting energy and feeling, not enough to pinpoint. She knew all too well that in other realms caution was of the utmost importance and the smallest of mistakes could have fatal outcomes.

 

[JoUhWrites]

Asger
​

The soft, warm arm pressed up against him was in an instance replaced by the vice-like embrace of freezing water. Sitting down had not been any help at all, not when something slammed into the side of the ship and forced it apart, throwing its passengers into the wild waves below. Asger himself remembered wood meeting his lower back with a force that made white hot pain reverate throughout his spine, briefly paralyzing him as he was sent tumbling into the waters. Just before breaking the surface he could feel his bones twisting, feathers breaking through the pores in his skin, and nose hardening as it merged together with his mouth to create a beak. It was too late, his half-hawk shape refusing to carry him out of the thundering sea which quickly knocked him unconscious. Before the darkness fully consumed him, a soft voice ran through Asger’s mind. Pathetic.


Minutes, hours, weeks, years later - it could have been eons, for all Asger knew - bright blue eyes meeting an equally blue sky unmarred by any storm clouds. The sun stung where it caressed his exposed skin, having dried him up sufficiently so that both his messy hair and heavy clothing was plastered to him courtesy of the salt water. It was a disgusting feeling, and Asger let out a deep groan as he sat up and heard his various belongings (and limbs) creak in protest. Other than the glaring sun, a brightness came from the left; light was reflected in a towering building purer than anything the Juten had seen before. Out of it marched a group of people, dressed beautiful and simple and carrying trays. Subconsciously Asger smoothed out his hair, croaking out a “Well. Not the worst place to be shipwrecked.” He hadn’t yet looked around at his comrades - the sound of their labored breathing was enough to confirm that they were alive, and the way his head spun made the thought of turning his head unbearable - but when he did, his mouth became - if possible - even more dry. Only the panther-man and touchy-lady was with him, his Juten comrades and the doe woman completely missing from the pristine sand. An enormous sense of grief filled Asger’s chest, his nostrils flaring as he looked towards the ocean only to find it completely calm and still. They had been taken by Rán, and would never be seen again. If only-

A voice like molten honey put a stop to whatever self-deprecating words had been woven inside his mind, and the young Juten twisted his head only to come face-to-face with a full bodied woman with eyes like the night sky, a woman whose eyes were currently focused on him. “Alemene,” He breathed, eyes fluttering close as she bathed his face with the cool cloth. The rest of the group of people were silent, and Asger thus spared them no second glance as he kept his focus on the tall (tall) woman. Not even kitty’s growls and snarls from behind was enough to turn his gaze away, though somewhere deep in his chest he could feel his pulse quickening at the threatening sounds. “Your presence is a remedy for our souls already."

Asger’s mother had repeatedly asked their clan members to keep an extra eye on him if they ever encountered sirens on the seas, as she was sure that he’d be jumping into the waves even before they started singing. Asger had scoffed at this at the time - he was a flirt, not a fool - but as the woman’s hand caressed him, he realized that if they had ever encountered any sirens he’d surely be at the bottom of the ocean by now.
Still, his mothers warning carried some residue inside of him, and though the water and fruit seemed almost irresistible, he kept his hands firmly still at his sides. If it seemed too good to be true… well, it would not hurt to ask a few more questions. “Where did we end up after the storm took us, dear one, what is this place called?” Perhaps the touchy one - Cassie, with her insistent writing and clever eyes - would know more, if only they found out the name.

Interactions: Kitty DarkiusHeavenstein Cass n Crew Veil Walker

 

[Veil Walker]

Imagine drowning in slow motion. Cassie moved the moment she saw the lightning arcing down towards the ship. It crawled forward slowly as she tried to secure her fellow adventures on the ship. Fast as she was though, even she couldn't outrun the lightning or what followed. She heard the snapping of the ship and looked up just as she was struck hard in the head by part of the yardarm of the ship. At terrifying speed she tumbled off into the water, injuring her wrist as she held out her arm in a futile attempt to brace against the impact. Her mind felt sluggish as she desperately fought to stay about the water, her enchanted sandals blurring as she struggled against the ocean's grip on her. She felt herself sinking, before a large wave swept her up, throwing her upon the shore, and she tumbled down upon the sand in a rough heap as the edges of the world seemed to turn red, slowly swallowing up her vision until she fell back against the sand.

Cassie struggled to open her eyes as white light radiated from behind her eyelids. Somewhere in the distance, she heard snarling and hissing. She mustered all of her strength as she sat up, hissing in pain as the blazing sun hurt her eyes. Her head was pounding and as she raised a hand to touch the area, she felt a large lump and felt the matted blood and salt that surrounded it. She tried to remember what had happened, vaguely recalling hearing a cold voice whispering something in her ear. She tried to stand, her wobbly legs holding her up for a moment before she crashed back onto the sand, grateful for its softness. In the distance she heard Asger say the name Alemene. Alemene.... Something about that name was familiar to her. She struggled to remember, letting out a cry of pain as her concussed mind sent sharp waves of agony into her skull. She tried to lay back on the beach to rest, but a large man in crimson shook her back awake.
"Don't fall asleep. You might never awaken, little one." She moaned softly as he applied a cool cloth to her head, the waves of pain and nausea easing for a moment.
"That's better. You'll need to see Caiasus, our healer. I'm afraid my own skills are lacking." Helping her up, he let her lean on him, his bulk keeping the slender girl upright.
"If anyone else needs the healer, please follow me. Most of us are not suited to healing. Caiasus will know how to aid you." So saying he lead Cassie into the dome, laying her down on a surprisingly comfortable cot, one of several kept there. Looking around, Cassie noted a small wooden door in the corner, as well as a staircase carved from the same white marble that wrapped around the dome. While she could have sworn she'd seen the top of the dome from the outside, from the inside it kept going up until it was lost in darkness. Cassie groaned as her aching body relaxed, and tried to rest.

She wasn't sure how long she had stopped paying attention, but she heard soft shuffling approaching her and looked up to see a white haird man in a silver and green robe approaching where she lay. Blearily, she tried to focus her eyes, but they too seemed to be rebelling against her. The old man spoke with a surprisingly deep voice, gentle and calm.
"Relax, child. I am Caiasus. You took quite the beating on your way to our island. I'll need to bind those ribs, and apply something to that nasty head wound. Do you hurt anywhere else?" Numbly, Cassie held up her wrist which bore a large bruise. Smiling, Caiasus gently applied a red paste to her ribs and wrist, before binding each tightly with bandages. Turning to her head, he gently applied a blue paste as lightly as he could, though Cassie still winced and hissed in pain at even the slightest pressure. Applying a light compress of leaves and herbs upon the paste, Caiasus frowned as he heard a thump from above, and loud steps scuffling their way down the stairs. Caiasus lightly pressed Cassie back into a laying position, smiling down at her sincerely.
"Just rest, and whatever you hear, know you are welcome here." Turning away from her, Caiasus moved to wait near the edge of the stone steps. After a little while, a tall man stood on the last step, looking between Cassie and Caiasus. He wore a bright blue cloak, though the hood was pushed down. He had golden hair and grey eyes like a stormy sea. Cassie thought he looked younger than even she was, but his eyes spoke to age and wisdom. But the one thing Cassie noticed was that he did not look happy.
"Caiasus. I heard we had.... guests."

 

[thorspuddingcup]

Leif

Fortunatley, Leif was good at swimming. As the ship capsized and tossed him into the freezing waters, he was able to keep his head above the waves until he ran out of strength. It was when that stamina ran out that he ran into problems. The torque could only imbue him with so much strength, and he used it all trying to stay alive. His last memory was sinking below the icey waters as his lungs filled with fluid.

Then, there was the warmth.

Leif awoke coated in salt upon a stone surface he didn't recognize. As he slowly stood, wondering how he could still be alive after such a wreck, a woman appeared before him. It looked as if they were currently inside some sort of regal throne room. But whose throne? And how did they come to be here? Surely there was no throne room on the bottom of the sea? The woman, Alemene, looked as if she was meant to be in the throne room. Beautiful and noble in stature, she gently took care of each of those who found themselves within the room. Washing their faces of salt and tending to any wounds. When she was done, she bid them to follow her. Leif, in a daze, followed her to the table at which the others of the ragtag party were gathered. Before him stood a vast array of foods and drink. His stomach rumbled. Almost dying, or perhaps he was dead, worked up ones appetite. A large man, no a giant, sat at the head of the table. He introduced himself as Aieger, and Leif knew for sure now that he had passed on to the next life. The god assured him they were not dead, but Leif didn't know how else to feel about the situation. He looked over to see Rhiannon looking at him, almost for guidance. Oh gods, why him? He was the least qualified person to give advice in this kind of situation. Asger and Bran were nearby as well, but seemed to be assessing the situation rather than looking for guidance.

"Well...if we have a long journey then I suppose it couldn't hurt to eat a little something." Leif thought aloud. In reality, he was justifying the way he quickly snatched up a hunk of bread and took a hearty bite into it. He had never felt so hungry in his life. The yeasty dough melted in his mouth, and Leif had to stop himself from moaning in pleasure at the taste. Ripping off a chunk that he hadn't bitten out of, he offered it to the girl. "Well, it's not poisoned. Care to share?"

Interactions: DarkiusHeavenstein
Mentions: Asger and Bran​

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

Xiuhcoatl

Parent
Tezcatlipoca, God of providence, the invisible and darkness, Lord of the Night

Location
On a bed under the Dome

Interaction
None, still rather hissy fitty

Mention
Cassie mostly Veil Walker

Space was not granted to him, as the lady among them was trying to stand and slammed back into the sand. Xiuhcoatl hadn't even had the time to warn it for the bad idea, leaving in the middle if he would have. Every person knew that getting up with a very apparent concussion and in such an injured state was not a smart move. He snarled once more when someone tried to help him up, unlike the lady, he was perfectly capable of standing on his own. He kept his hurt arm against his upper body, blood smearing onto the salt and sand covered skin. Asger was already being his talkative self, but Xiuhcoatl noted that he was no fool. Both asking the right questions and not giving into the sweet hospitality right away. "Hey..." The protest low and rather soft as one male dressed in crimson started to lead away Cassie. For a moment the Jaguar warrior was torn, but eventually settled to follow. It was better not to get spread out on these unfamiliar ground. And perhaps the rest of their little group were already inside that little dome. Only the Gods would know.

However that didn't mean that he didn't stop glaring at whatever poor soul came close to him. His gaze fixated on the lady of their group, making sure that these people would indeed help her and not cause more harm. The pastes that were used somehow reminding him of the healers at home, and thus he allowed this Caiasus person to wrap her up. His own wound by now was also dressed with a light compress and some yellowish paste underneath. He took note of the different colors and where the stuff was applied. If Cassie had been in a better shape, she would probably have made a million notes in that little book thing of hers. And while he did not particularly like her, or anyone for that matter, it seemed to be important to her. So he would try to be somewhat helpful. He had no idea where her notes were and he assumed the pages would be soaked either way. Besides his writing would probably be nothing like hers, as it was not a skillset he used particularly often. Yet he tried to make it at least readable as he scribbled down about the pastes and the herbs that he so far had managed to decipher on his own. As well as the different foods and drinks that had been brought to him, which so far he still had refused. As long as the host did not eat and drink with them, he wouldn't touch anything he did not recognize.

Xiuhcoatl tensed when yet another person seemed to be oh so eager to meet up with them. Or not. That voice was low, and carried a tone of annoyance. It pretty much sounded like he felt, which didn't calm him one bit. His fingers let go of the sharp pencil and the notes he wanted to make for the lady of the group quickly forgotten. His fingertips fiddling over the dagger at his hip, carressing the cool obsidian as if it was the skin of his lover. Carefully he took in the new person, while the healer guy told them they were welcome, no matter what they heard. The displeasement of the other person being something he could understand, to suddenly have a bunch of strangers come by unannounced. Wounded strangers even. Yes, he would not like that himself either. And he was used to be met with violence, something this place seemed to be lacking. So, Xiuhcoatl wasn't sure what to prepare for or what to expect, but the grip on his dagger was firmer now. If any harm would be done to the lady, or himself, he would make sure they paid with their blood.