Pagan Gods: Of Brotherhood and War

07:29 Asher_Ouellet: "Welcome Tobias, newcomer to these woods..." offers a handshake, "I have heard said that you are related to a great wolf?"
07:30 TobiasK: "I hosted the Wolf Lord of Shadow for six years, He left me with a few abilities that may prove to be useful here."
07:32 Asher_Ouellet: "The wolf lord? You mean Volos, right? I heard so many things about him... "
07:33 TobiasK: "Yes, Volos. When he ... freed ... me, he gifted me with some of his power to keep me safe."
07:34 TobiasK: *in a blur, I appear on the other side of the room*
07:36 Asher_Ouellet: My smile widens slightly as you teleport on the other side, and eyes start to glow and sparkle. "I see... Seems useful enough for me..."
07:38 TobiasK: "not teleportation, wolven speed, fast for human eyes to track. and there's this" *I withdraw a blade from my waistband, slice the point along my forearm, releasing a rivulet of blood. I hold it out as you watch the edges of the wound join, the skin reuniting*
07:42 Asher_Ouellet: I nod, and slowly approach to you as cut your forearm, and watch the blood dripping as your wound heals quickly. My eyes meet with yours when it has fully healed, and their light brightens a little more. "I guess it's safe to assume that you are gifted with all of these powers, right?" I ask with a grin.
07:48 TobiasK: "As far as I can tell, those are the only two. But after The Howl, as the Estonian village collapsed around me, I evaded death and healed my injuries as I rescued the people in the rubble."
07:51 Asher_Ouellet: "It's pretty clear that these two skills are strong enough though... And yes, that famous Estonian Village... It's a miracle that you guys have survived..."
07:53 TobiasK: "As I refine my control over them, I will adopt the surname I left behind long ago - Kane"
07:56 Asher_Ouellet: Smiles "Kane sounds like a good surname..." then looks away with a deep sigh "Surnames are important when it comes to defining your ancestors..."
08:00 Bjarg_the_Demigod: In a far off land, Kane is the highest of gods, of forest and trees and the rut.
08:04 Asher_Ouellet: Sighs as I realize Bjarg has come, takes a step back, and murmurs quietly "Bjarg is a well informed Demigod... I guess you can ask what you are wondering to him..."
08:05 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Without bothering to acknowledge the Archer,
08:05 TobiasK: *my eyes glaze, my voice changes* "Would that have been the British Isles or perhaps Avalon?"
08:06 Bjarg_the_Demigod: " I am not omniscient like my father "
08:07 TobiasK: "I hear that great-grandpa's name Arthur was not a casual choice"
08:07 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "I have heard that the British Isles were involved at one time ... with Kane. Perhaps that is where the name came from.
08:09 Asher_Ouellet: Eyeing Bjarg carefully as eyes' twinkle more, not opening my mouth to say anything, just trying to understand the conversation.
08:10 Bjarg_the_Demigod: *feels the green fire seed churn as he eyes the Archer.
08:12 TobiasK: *thinks* I am glad I did not bring a bow
08:15 Asher_Ouellet: Open my mouth to say something as I feel Bjarg's gaze on me, I close it again, doesn't want to start another argument. "i think I will leave you two both alone..."
08:16 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Actually I think you and Kane would have much to talk about."
08:21 Asher_Ouellet: I look at Tobias just for a second before landing my eyes on Bjarg again, mumble quietly as I take another step, but my eyes sparkle more, beyond my control at the moment. "No no... I will catch Tobias later. You do your thing..." I stagger back a bit more, then turn around slowly.
08:21 COPPER_WOLF: Even from miles away I would recognize that scent. Could it be that they have found there way to these untouched lands? I rush towards the gathering to see if it really is him...
08:23 TobiasK: *looks to the entering wolf, he seems somehow ... familiar*
08:27 COPPER_WOLF: Rushing in with near impossible speed, amber light trailing from the copper tips of my brown fur, I arrive with the momentum digging holes holes in the soil as I come to a stop on my four legged stance. I look to those who already know me first, Bjarg and Asher, then turn my gaze to Tobias... my friend. I look at you with my amber topaz eyes, not sure if you will recognize me in this form. I star at you to see if you do.
08:27 COPPER_WOLF: You are not logged in.
08:31 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The new arrival may be torn between two compelling wolves.
08:32 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Although he has yet to meet Copper.
08:32 TobiasK: *I meet the gaze of @COPPER_WOLF. my mind reaches out to you in a way I never knew I could "I know that I know you, we both bear the Scent of the Wolf"*
08:34 COPPER_WOLF: My mind reaches back with a glint of amber in my eyes. "This is the first time you have seen me like this... You should know who I am, or do I need to make you a drink first?"
08:36 TobiasK: *I grin* "so we have another connection. can your paws make a Redemption Rye Manhattan? I suspect salvation will be less cheap tonight"*
08:37 COPPER_WOLF: "Let us talk normally Tobias, not in the privacy of our own minds."
08:37 COPPER_WOLF: "The ones here, at least immediately here, I consider friends." I nuzzle Asher affectionately.
08:38 Garras: There's a rustling of leaves as a shadow shifts besides the trees, the bear emergent as he claps his paws together. "Well met forest denizens!" The bear smiling a broad toothy grin before clapping a paw to Bjarg's shoulder. "The moon is full and the air is sweet.. Bracing and chill, invigorating."
08:38 TobiasK: "Very well, Wolf. I like these people so far."
08:39 TobiasK: "And the tide is high. Well met, Bear"
08:39 COPPER_WOLF: "There are many you will recognized from the bar Tobias. Such as the Bear Spirit over there."
08:39 Garras: The bear then steps aside and turns, searching for another in the wood, ears flicking as he peers his dark brown oak into the wood."
08:40 minotaur21560: From the same bushes I step out, Dark General, Bear Warrior, my rank shown by the double red cord, and this day also the metal disc harness strapped to my chest. I greet the Lord Maintainer, the Copper Wolf, and also with a bow, the stranger.
08:42 COPPER_WOLF: "I just finished my hunt. The hunger is worse with the full moon just days away. It is good to see my friends again. Greetings General and Bear Warrior."
08:42 Garras: The bear turns to Madison and smiles faintly, his eye gleaming. "But that is the land of men... Here... There is a sacred air.. A mysticism. A different atmosphere and the currents of the air breathe.. The spirit.. Enriching and full."
08:43 minotaur21560: "And as we learned earlier today from another traveler - there is also approaching danger... And it concerns us all."
08:43 COPPER_WOLF: I move over to the Bear Warrior and nuzzle him affectionately. "Yes, the mana in this land is rich, it's almost like a constant high for me."
08:44 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "The Goddess pulls all men in the same direction as she becomes full. And we are all full .. to be enriched in short order."
08:44 COPPER_WOLF: "An approaching danger you say General? Do you know who or what it is?"
08:44 Garras: The bear reaches out with his claws to slowly caress and scratch beneath those attentive ears.
08:45 minotaur21560: The bright gods form the celestial world. It is manifold and infinitely spreading and increasing. And it is said: The dark gods form the earth-world. They are simple and infinitely diminishing and declining. The devil is the earth-world’s lowest lord, the moon-spirit, satellite of the earth, smaller, colder, and more dead than the earth. There is no difference between the might of the celestial gods and those of the earth. The celestial gods magnify, the earth-gods diminish. Measureless is the movement of both.
08:45 TobiasK: "I do feel a stranger in a strange world"
08:46 minotaur21560: But in the land where the traveler originated, there is plague and destruction. I think demons are involved.
08:46 COPPER_WOLF: "It helps if you talk all old timey here, like you are at a Ren Faire I found." I glance to Tobias with a twist of my canine maw.
08:48 minotaur21560: There seems to be a swelling of the ranks - as if the forest calls to itself those who would protect it.
08:48 Garras: The bear looks at the wolf and then at Tobias. "And there is music, for those who know how to listen to it. Reception to resonance is key."
08:49 COPPER_WOLF: "Perhaps as the group grows, it gains notices from those outside. The popularity of it grows as a result the more people talk about our stories. "
08:49 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Ah, but my General is remembering what he was taught when he was a part of the high desert. Here the moon spirit is not dead at all, and certainly the earth here is not dead.
08:49 minotaur21560: Let us hope it remains so, Lord Maintainer - I am anxious that it should do.
08:51 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "If only the General proves to be as good a leader of warriors when the time comes."
08:51 TobiasK: "I know my place among the beasts, I have been possessed, I have loved, I have conversed, with them. I like this forest, perhaps here I can reach the potential I was gifted"
08:53 minotaur21560: Around us is the forest in brightness and health, its red lips smile and laugh and welcome us. There is also light and shadow and The Defiant and his Son teach us that where there is one there is always both.
08:53 minotaur21560: But our sentries tell us of incursions from the darkness...As if the balance begins to shift or slide.
08:55 Garras: "As much sworn as dedicates to the protection of these manifold woods, I aim to protect that which has given me place and purpose amongst my sacred brothers. There are rich experiences to be had here that exist beyond the realms of recognition and fame. We are our actions and we speak to the hearts and spirits of our brethren. Our aim. To protect. To grow stronger. In ways that beguile beyond spoken praise. We aim to be the best versions of ourselves here. It is my sincerest hope to be maintainer, shaper and maker of these woods. My duty.. Our mission.. To reconnect those who still yet hear the primal call. This rekindling place.. This hearth, my home."
08:56 TobiasK: *my eyes glaze again, then open piercingly blue, like the Wolf Lord's "where does shadow fall when there's only light or darkness?" my eyes clear to brown*
08:57 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "The Bear Warrior is as wise as his brother Fen."
08:55 COPPER_WOLF: I kneels down on my legs next to Asher and nuzzle him once again while we continue our talk. "What do you know of these invaders? Are the of the air, the land, the sea?"
08:59 minotaur21560: We do not yet know enough about the threat, but today i feel convinced we should turn our eyes in the direction of Talam whence came the warrior who visited today
08:59 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Shadow is the spawn of darkness, and it can only fall where there is light."
08:59 Garras: The bear's stature shifts, tall and looming. "There is nature in all things Tobias. It is my hope you will come to know the nature of these interplays and find your own answers with which we too can consider and observe. As my brother spirit Bjarg, speaks, so too I listen."
09:00 Bjarg_the_Demigod: If Shadow invades from Talam, we will be ready."
09:00 COPPER_WOLF: "Talam... isn't that where that other wander came from earlier today?"
09:00 minotaur21560: *speaks low* "I believe its name will be Pain"
09:00 Asher_Ouellet: I finally come back to real world as Copper nuzzles his soft fur against me, and I look at him, then all the other people around in the room, eyes start to glow once again. Not saying anything, trying to understand the topic.
09:02 Garras: The bear looks to Asher and extends a paw. "If you have questions, i only ask that you ask, that i might deliver my truth to yours."
09:04 Asher_Ouellet: I look at the Big Bear as I see his paw in front me, looking at his one remaining eye. "I... Uh... I was in trance, so I didn't feel you guys were coming. I, am not sure what that Talam is?"
09:05 TobiasK: *my eyes glaze again and my voice rumbles, "Shadow, and the creatures from there, are vulnerable to full light or full darkness. They only remain as the interstitial state"*
09:06 minotaur21560: Speaking to Asher... Talam is a land now in trouble - blighted, torn by strife. A warrior came here in search of someone who might provide a cure. But so far that quest has not been fulfilled.
09:06 Garras: He smiles. "In truth.. Even I am unsure. But in patterns, there is truth enough to understand. The rise and fall of virtue and chaos are often interspersed within each others realms. What is important, is that we maintain ourselves. Attentive and ready."
09:06 Garras: He hears the general speak, and is grateful for the new information.
09:07 Apprentice: I approach the forest, noticing how man big beasts are there, men that are new to me
09:07 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Again the Bear Warrior speaks wisely."
09:08 TobiasK: "I return to my earthly realm, bidding my new friends, allies, family fare tidings"
09:08 Asher_Ouellet: I nod to Minotaur's, then Garr's words slowly, and looks at the newcomer who just arrived to the scene as I answer to them. "That sounds like something that Madison or perhaps..." Eyes land on Bjarg again and go on with a quieter tone. "You or your father...can help... "
09:09 Apprentice: I look for Carbonel but not seeing him, I instinctively gravitate towards Minotaur
09:09 Garras: The bear looks to Tobias and considers the thought, scratching his jaw. "In all things, we are between. A forest spirit recognizes the cycle of growth and decay. Let us seek growth over destruction, that our woods become verdant, and resistant to the extremes which shape the beginnings of catastrophe."
09:10 minotaur21560: I nod farewell to the newcomer and reach a hand towards the Apprentice. "App, you know the bear, I think, but perhaps not the others here...."
09:10 minotaur21560: I salute Bjarg the Maintainer, formally introducing the Apprentice, another refugee from a troubled land who seeks asylum in these woods.
09:10 Garras: The bear nods as tobias leaves before returning his attention to thse still present.
09:12 Apprentice: I take Minotaurs hand, and stare at Bjarg, sensing his power, and feeling like I should kneel before him
09:12 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Farewell Tobias"
09:12 Apprentice: Fingers trembling on the handle of my axe
09:13 COPPER_WOLF: "I have not met this man before. I take it he is not a threat given his posture."
09:13 Bjarg_the_Demigod: *extend my hand to the Apprentice. "Welcome, I am Bjarg"
09:13 Apprentice: I look at the wolf and flinch, my fingers tightening on the axe
09:14 minotaur21560: *I lean toward App* -- no need to fear him, this one is a friend.
09:14 Apprentice: I let go of Minotaur and take the demigod’s hand “I have heard of you”
09:15 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "I hope the good outweighs the bad"
09:16 Apprentice: I nod seriously
09:16 Apprentice: “It does”
09:16 Garras: "He would be served hearing the truth entire." The bear drawls with a sly fanged grin.
09:16 minotaur21560: Whispers to App "And that one is Asher the bowman... a friend of mine but seems to have some trouble with our lord the maintainer of the Woods"
09:17 Garras: Be better served*
09:17 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "In time my Bear Warrior ... in time."
09:17 Asher_Ouellet: Grins after Garr's comment, still looking at the new guy as Minotaur addresses us. "I mean... was that necessary to mention Minotaur?"
09:18 COPPER_WOLF: I rise up beside Asher. "I am afraid I must take a my leave. Rest assure I will get up to date with the information later. After all, gossip is what I dabble in most at my day job."
09:18 minotaur21560: And this is a good time to collect gossip and sift through it for clues...
09:19 Asher_Ouellet: I pat Copper's furred back gently as he gets up, giving him a smile. "Sorry that I was in trance when you have arrived big wolf... But I will see you soon..."
09:19 COPPER_WOLF: "Oh the sweet sweet gossip that passes through my work. Take care."
09:19 Garras: The bear smiles before placing right palm over his left pec and bowing slightly. "I would say the same of myself Brother Bjarg. Though in the axeman's case, it would be prudent for him to know, given that he is loathe to sheathe his weaponry."
09:19 Apprentice: I breathe more calmly as the wolf leaves. Its words are friendly, but its ferocious appearance shakes me
09:20 COPPER_WOLF: I rush off, amber light trailing from the copper tips of my fur.
09:20 Garras: He looks to the axeman. "And fear is good. In moderation. Pitfalls abound among untethered instinct."
09:20 Apprentice: Yes. The bear is wise
09:21 minotaur21560: The bear is an invaluable ally here.
09:21 Asher_Ouellet: "The bear is pretty wise... Nobody can deny that..."
09:22 Garras: "Fear is ignorance and survival instinct intertwined. Here, i would seek to cull one, and groom the other. Balance in all things."
09:22 Apprentice: Where I am from we slay creatures like bears and wolves
09:23 Apprentice: And men too
09:24 Apprentice: But there is life here
09:25 minotaur21560: I think you will find your place here, App.
09:26 Garras: The bear is silent and listens to the axeman, hearing his truth and nodding. "Perhaps, when you return, some measure of what you find here will linger about you.. Like pollen upon your clothing.. And it is my sincerest hope that some measure of our forest can take root amongst that from which you came. If it is to become your decision to return there."
09:27 Apprentice: I cannot return there.
09:27 Apprentice: And I must away for now, I have my own fires to attend to
09:28 Apprentice: I salute the demigod, give a nod to all those present
09:28 Garras: "Be well. Be strong. Be mindful, manling" the bear intones, his ebonfurred arms folding across his chest.
09:32 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Farewell Apprentice"
09:33 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "And now I too must depart. Good night to all."
09:33 minotaur21560: Good night, Forest Spirit
09:34 Garras: "Good night Brother." The bear murmurs. His paw clasping and gripping the spirits shoulder for a brief but meaningful moment. "We await your return."

Published: 2021-11-17, viewed 38 times.