Fantasy Gods Among Men || Detailed Deity Race Against Time Shenanigans

[StoneWolf18]

Gods Among Men

Introduction

Within this modern age, more than a few people have become dependent upon themselves. Not looking to some unseen deity for assistance in their daily lives that they apparently had control of. That doesn't mean that they didn't cease to listen. The seven of them, those that were born with the dawn of time and shaped the universe, still enjoyed sticking their hands into the lives of mortals for either better, or worse.

Yet... after the trillions of years spent within their heavenly realm, their connection to earth was slowly beginning to fade alongside their worshipers. Soon it was rare to find an individual that believed in one of them over the false gods they had created, and if someone did, they were scorned for being insane or belonging to a cult.

They had mixed feelings on this. The majority of them convinced it was simply how the flow of time worked, and sooner or later they would be turned to once more. This was helpful in the beginning, but soon... one of them in particular grew restless.

Lucian, the God of Creation wanted to regain the power he used to have on earth. Feel the power of having his followers do as he pleased and guide them to his ideal life. And so he began to plot and scheme, planning to get everything prepared before presenting his idea to his siblings. A few years past before he finally approached them, pleading for the other six to understand and agree with him as they would only gain from it as he would. But, they saw it as an awful method to manipulate and enslave mankind. As they began to disagree and rid him of his work, the god, now angered, stormed off. Fuming.

A few hours later, he approached them once more. If he couldn't convince them, he would get them out of his way.

And so after a brief fight, he managed to store enough energy and cast all six of them down to earth where they would hopefully remain until he could finish what he had wanted to start.

Information

Yes, this is extremely cliche but, HEY, we all need a little bit of it in our lives. x3

The idea of this roleplay is that the six gods (from a custom pantheon) are going to have to find their way to rid themselves of the human form they are now confined in and get back to their heavenly home before they loose their abilities all together and are forced to live out a human life.

This is a detailed roleplay which will require about three paragraphs per post. That being said,
the roles on the right hand side (or below if you're on mobile/have a smaller monitor) are gained via audition IF you can post below a writing sample that meets the post requirement. And not just ANY sample, no. I want you to give me your best writing from the god/dess you want to play's perspective about the battle with Lucian before being sent to earth. I'm not going to give much more info than this so, have at it! (Note: I encouraging going against the "norm" of personality archtypes, its a favorite of mine.)

Let me know if you have any questions as I'd love to answer them. ^^

Lucian \\ God of Creation

Age: Eldest, Nox’s twin
Gender: Male
Elemental Affinity: Light
Ability Examples: Life creation, matter creation, item creation
Symbol: Dove
Not Available to Be Played

Nox \\ God of Destruction

Age: Eldest, Lucian’s twin
Gender: Male
Elemental Affinity: Dark
Ability Examples: Energy nullification, disintegration, death inducement
Symbol: Raven
Availability: Open

Delta \\ Goddess of Wisdom

Age: Third Eldest
Gender: Female
Elemental Affinity: Water
Ability Examples: Enhanced memory, skrying, diviniation
Symbol: Dolphin
Availability: Taken Grouse

Vis \\ God of Welfare

Age: Youngest
Gender: Male
Elemental Affinity: Earth
Ability Examples: Healing (via plants and animals), shield generation, toxin immunity
Symbol: White Stag
Availability: Taken Collidias Rex

Zephyr \\ God of Change

Age: Four Eldest
Gender: Male
Elemental Affinity: Wind
Ability Examples: Artificial manipulation, biological manipulation, time manipulation
Symbol: Eagle
Availability: Takem Darth Tangent

Eshne \\ Goddess of Strength

Age: Second Eldest
Gender: Female
Elemental Affinity: Fire
Ability Examples: Enhanced physical condition, physical empowerment, combat prowess
Symbol: Fox
Availability: Taken StoneWolf18

Adya \\ Goddess of Spirit

Age: Fifth Eldest
Gender: Female
Elemental Affinity: Energy
Ability Examples: Astral projection, resurrection, possession
Symbol: Suggestions Needed
Availability: Taken GlacialisD

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Coded By || StoneWolf18

 

[Grouse]

Interested! Would the gods know each other, or at the very least, would they recognise each other instantly? How weakened are they?

By the way, maybe Adya's symbol could be a phoenix? Or is it too mythical?

 

[StoneWolf18]

Interested! Would the gods know each other, or at the very least, would they recognise each other instantly? How weakened are they?

By the way, maybe Adya's symbol could be a phoenix? Or is it too mythical?

They might not recognize each other but feel a connection of sorts. We would also begin the RP with them all waking up together so they won't be scattered. ^^

And yeah, a bit too mythical. >.<

Can Teh Stenwelf reserve Zephyr for Teh Dergon plz? ;3333

I need a writing sample to make a reservation.

 

[Vali Ulfr]

Can i take Zephyr please?

 

[Collidias Rex]

Righto, I'm intrigued.

Dunno who I'd be keen on playing yet, but I'm intrigued nonetheless. Will write up my audition shortly-ish-maybe. Partial toward Vis at the moment - got some ideas.

Now, by "their perspective on the battle" - you mean, as in a monologue, yes? You don't want their perspective during the fight - but rather, their introspection and contemplation on the events of and leading up to the fight?

 

[StoneWolf18]

Can i take Zephyr please?

the roles on the right hand side (or below if you're on mobile/have a smaller monitor) are gained via audition IF you can post below a writing sample that meets the post requirement. And not just ANY sample, no. I want you to give me your best writing from the god/dess you want to play's perspective about the battle with Lucian before being sent to earth. I'm not going to give much more info than this so, have at it! (Note: I encouraging going against the "norm" of personality archtypes, its a favorite of mine.)

Righto, I'm intrigued.

Dunno who I'd be keen on playing yet, but I'm intrigued nonetheless. Will write up my audition shortly-ish-maybe. Partial toward Vis at the moment - got some ideas.

Now, by "their perspective on the battle" - you mean, as in a monologue, yes? You don't want their perspective during the fight - but rather, their introspection and contemplation on the events of and leading up to the fight?

SOMEONE ACTUALLY READ THE POST.

You can do either that or literally them in the battle with Lucian, but ignoring the other characters. (As if it were a 1v1 type thing, to keep it simple.) ^^

 

[Vali Ulfr]

StoneWolf18 how many sentences per paragraph?

 

[StoneWolf18]

StoneWolf18 how many sentences per paragraph?

Whatever you believe is adaqute. But if I'm given three small paragraphs with no effort, you're most likely not getting the role. ^^

 

[Grouse]

Delta raised the porcelain teacup to her lips, the smell of boiled peppermint and chamomile wafting through her nose. Satisfied with the taste, she waved a hand to dismiss the bowing nymph attending her. The goddess set the teacup down its matching saucer. The liquid swirled within the walls of the china, as if she’d summoned a tiny maelstrom to dance for her. Delta blew into the cup, calming down the violent torrents, until the liquid cleared enough to paint a reflection of another world, of another time.

Staring back at her was a woman nearing the end of middle age, her golden balayage hair styled into a neat layered bob. Her bright, sapphire eyes were clear as the waters surrounding Delta’s tapered gazebo. The woman put a finger to her lips, winking, as if she saw right through what was supposed to be a one-way glimpse into the future. Her presence -- her existence -- irked Delta. No, that wasn’t quite the right word. What was it, then?

Terrified, perhaps. Yes. That was more accurate.

With a rare sense of urgency, the goddess stood up from her seat, a scowl settling on her ever-shifting features. She stepped onto the edge of the pond surrounding the gazebo, the waters bending to her will, twisting upon itself, refusing to break even as her bare feet touched it. Graceful as always, she made her way to the other side of her garden, sauntering towards a nondescript water well.

The goddess nodded at the nymph who trailed her. The ethereal figure responded by spinning the axle, raising a wooden bucket from below. She retrieved the bucket brimming with colourless liquid, and kneeled as she offered it to her mistress.

With her hands, Delta cupped the waters, smelling it, tasting it.

Untainted.

Her vision was neither trickery nor mistake. Now, she supposed, she must find a way to explain it: Why had she been looking at a reflection of herself -- only human, and oh so vulnerable?

Delta retreated into her well-kept gazebo, resigning herself to her fate. She would not fight. Not today. Some battles must be lost in order to win the war.

Patience was always one of her greatest virtues.

Behind her, she heard the sound of footfalls. A mirthless smile crept across her face.

‘Hello, brother mine,’ she said in a sing-song voice, adding a spoonful of sugar to her tea. She did not bother to look back. Opposite her, a matching set of cup and saucer rested on the table. The chair behind them lay empty, but not for long. ‘Would you be so kind as to water my plants while I’m gone?’

 

[StoneWolf18]

Delta raised the porcelain teacup to her lips, the smell of boiled peppermint and chamomile wafting through her nose. Satisfied with the taste, she waved a hand to dismiss the bowing nymph attending her. The goddess set the teacup down its matching saucer. The liquid swirled within the walls of the china, as if she’d summoned a tiny maelstrom to dance for her. Delta blew into the cup, calming down the violent torrents, until the liquid cleared enough to paint a reflection of another world, of another time.

Staring back at her was a woman nearing the end of middle age, her golden balayage hair styled into a neat layered bob. Her bright, sapphire eyes were clear as the waters surrounding Delta’s tapered gazebo. The woman put a finger to her lips, winking, as if she saw right through what was supposed to be a one-way glimpse into the future. Her presence -- her existence -- irked Delta. No, that wasn’t quite the right word. What was it, then?

Terrified, perhaps. Yes. That was more accurate.

With a rare sense of urgency, the goddess stood up from her seat, a scowl settling on her ever-shifting features. She stepped onto the edge of the pond surrounding the gazebo, the waters bending to her will, twisting upon itself, refusing to break even as her bare feet touched it. Graceful as always, she made her way to the other side of her garden, sauntering towards a nondescript water well.

The goddess nodded at the nymph who trailed her. The ethereal figure responded by spinning the axle, raising a wooden bucket from below. She retrieved the bucket brimming with colourless liquid, and kneeled as she offered it to her mistress.

With her hands, Delta cupped the waters, smelling it, tasting it.

Untainted.

Her vision was neither trickery nor mistake. Now, she supposed, she must find a way to explain it: Why had she been looking at a reflection of herself -- only human, and oh so vulnerable?

Delta retreated into her well-kept gazebo, resigning herself to her fate. She would not fight. Not today. Some battles must be lost in order to win the war.

Patience was always one of her greatest virtues.

Behind her, she heard the sound of footfalls. A mirthless smile crept across her face.

‘Hello, brother mine,’ she said in a sing-song voice, adding a spoonful of sugar to her tea. She did not bother to look back. Opposite her, a matching set of cup and saucer rested on the table. The chair behind them lay empty, but not for long. ‘Would you be so kind as to water my plants while I’m gone?’

Beautiful, welcome!

 

[Grouse]

Beautiful, welcome!

Ayyy thanks for having me! ^^.

 

[Darth Tangent]

A change was coming. A big change. Zephyr stood alone at the edge of his heavenly abode, looking over a large field that had grown to be his backyard over the last few millennia. A beautiful garden lay within the first twenty feet field. Various flowers from the past and present set in perfect rows. The god only bothered tending that much of the vast plain since the space usually changed before too many renovations occurred. There was a time where he would come here with a smile on his face, excited to marvel in the magnificence of change. However, now only a solemn look showed on his face at the sight of the garden as the armor that past acolytes knew him by dawned his body. The sound of howling winds and wind nymphs filled the air. Slowly, his gaze traveled above the garden and to the rest of the field. It was close.

What once was a field of luxurious grass, trees, and happy eagles, was now a wasteland wrecked by the winds of change. Only the garden had yet to be touched by the savage wind. Zephyr estimated roughly ten minutes before the change would commence. For once in the god's life, change petrified him. On instinct, his right arm stuck out forward and was met with an eagle landing on it. The two made eye contact before the eagle spoke. "It definitely has to do with Lucian."

"I may not be Delta, but I'm not stupid. I know it's him. He's doing something in poor taste."
"Do you believe any of you can stop him?"
"Apparently none of us can, says the wind."
"Well, you've done all you can. Why fight him now? You'd think the God of Change would accept-"
"What would you do for love, nymph?" A dead silence fell between the two. After a slow minute, the nymph responded.


"I've done whatever I could in the past, so I'll say that Zephyr. Whatever I can. But going against-"
"He is my brother, Mistral. If I didn't fight for his well-being, I'd spend the rest of my existence in whatever life regretting my decision." As the raging wind consumed the rest of the open field and crept upon the garden, what seemed to be a comet fell from the sky and landed just beyond Zephyr's vision. The time had come. "Regardless of what happens next Mistral, I've grown quite fond of you. You will be missed."

"The feeling is mutual, Zephyr. Till the winds change in your favor." With a flap of its wings, Mistral flew in the opposite direction of his dear friend. The relationship it had with Zephyr was an interesting one. Even with the monotone voice Zephyr used in those last moments, Mistral knew the potency of his emotions. The nymph couldn't help but tear up once the first explosion sounded.

 

[Volfy]

Seems pretty interesting. Fancy the idea of giving Nox a crack.

I'll try and get a writing sample up soon.

 

[GlacialisD]

I'd like to try out for Adya. (I was thinking of making her somewhat childish, and rather self-centered, even if she doesn't really realize the last part. If she was conscious of it, she would be mortified though, and aim to rectify it. Think of a teenager moping.)

By the way, as for the symbol? I was thinking of a crescent moon (if it's okay not to have an animal), A panther, (look up the symbolism) or an ouroboros. (snake biting its own tail)

---
After the meeting, Adya had gone right to the wooded area her home was in, which had many of her favourite spots. This one was reserved for when she upset though. She sat with her back against a large tree stood on a cliff, overlooking a crystal clear lake, legs drawn to her chest. As if sensing her mood, her friends came to her side, wanting to comfort her, temporarily taking the form of small fairies, physical only to her touch.

Adya had never been angry at Lucian, even if she didn't always agree with him. Still, she was the one who went along with him most of the time, despite her doubts, because he was the one who had always enabled her, given her a canvas, a medium for her powers to come into play, where before she had been useless, despite having power to equal, or even surpass her siblings.

She had never been angry before, but right now she was incensed, and even feeling betrayed.

Her power was over spirits, over souls. Souls were her creation, her friends, her children. It was her that begged Lucian to create shells for these beings, so that they might interact with the world and eachother, and she lovingly picked a soul for each of these shells, even now, long after she was forgotten. Humans, despite having their physical form created by him, were very much her brainchild, and she was so very proud of them, for all that they had accomplished.

And now Lucian wanted to destroy that, to take away free will. Did he even realize what he was saying? They would become little more than animals, having their souls stripped away from them. 'a Soul' and 'Free Will' were, after all, two sides of the same coin. How could he do that to them, to HER?

This rage soon made way for tears though, which she angrily swiped at. She loved Lucian more than any of her siblings, but this, this was something unforgiveable in her eyes. Giving her the greatest gift of all, only to take it away when it no longer suited him.

An onimous wind was causing the branches of the trees to sway, her friends were getting increasingly agitated by something, and tried to warn her of his coming, of needing to flee. Why, they could not tell her, except that he was planning something. She heeded them not, planning to full-out ignore Lucian, whatever his purpose. She didn't want to see him, she didn't want to think of him, and she most definitely didn't want to hear what he wanted to say.

This would turn out to be the largest mistake she ever made.

 

[That_Irish_Person]

This still open?

 

[Noivian]

Dropping a comment here so I don't lose this. Will try out for Nox perhaps.

 

[Okashi Yuki]

Would like to try out for Nox or Adya~

 

[StoneWolf18]

A change was coming. A big change. Zephyr stood alone at the edge of his heavenly abode, looking over a large field that had grown to be his backyard over the last few millennia. A beautiful garden lay within the first twenty feet field. Various flowers from the past and present set in perfect rows. The god only bothered tending that much of the vast plain since the space usually changed before too many renovations occurred. There was a time where he would come here with a smile on his face, excited to marvel in the magnificence of change. However, now only a solemn look showed on his face at the sight of the garden as the armor that past acolytes knew him by dawned his body. The sound of howling winds and wind nymphs filled the air. Slowly, his gaze traveled above the garden and to the rest of the field. It was close.

What once was a field of luxurious grass, trees, and happy eagles, was now a wasteland wrecked by the winds of change. Only the garden had yet to be touched by the savage wind. Zephyr estimated roughly ten minutes before the change would commence. For once in the god's life, change petrified him. On instinct, his right arm stuck out forward and was met with an eagle landing on it. The two made eye contact before the eagle spoke. "It definitely has to do with Lucian."

"I may not be Delta, but I'm not stupid. I know it's him. He's doing something in poor taste."
"Do you believe any of you can stop him?"
"Apparently none of us can, says the wind."
"Well, you've done all you can. Why fight him now? You'd think the God of Change would accept-"
"What would you do for love, nymph?" A dead silence fell between the two. After a slow minute, the nymph responded.


"I've done whatever I could in the past, so I'll say that Zephyr. Whatever I can. But going against-"
"He is my brother, Mistral. If I didn't fight for his well-being, I'd spend the rest of my existence in whatever life regretting my decision." As the raging wind consumed the rest of the open field and crept upon the garden, what seemed to be a comet fell from the sky and landed just beyond Zephyr's vision. The time had come. "Regardless of what happens next Mistral, I've grown quite fond of you. You will be missed."

"The feeling is mutual, Zephyr. Till the winds change in your favor." With a flap of its wings, Mistral flew in the opposite direction of his dear friend. The relationship it had with Zephyr was an interesting one. Even with the monotone voice Zephyr used in those last moments, Mistral knew the potency of his emotions. The nymph couldn't help but tear up once the first explosion sounded.

Lovely, welcome aboard! :3

 

[Vali Ulfr]

A change was coming. A big change. Zephyr stood alone at the edge of his heavenly abode, looking over a large field that had grown to be his backyard over the last few millennia. A beautiful garden lay within the first twenty feet field. Various flowers from the past and present set in perfect rows. The god only bothered tending that much of the vast plain since the space usually changed before too many renovations occurred. There was a time where he would come here with a smile on his face, excited to marvel in the magnificence of change. However, now only a solemn look showed on his face at the sight of the garden as the armor that past acolytes knew him by dawned his body. The sound of howling winds and wind nymphs filled the air. Slowly, his gaze traveled above the garden and to the rest of the field. It was close.

What once was a field of luxurious grass, trees, and happy eagles, was now a wasteland wrecked by the winds of change. Only the garden had yet to be touched by the savage wind. Zephyr estimated roughly ten minutes before the change would commence. For once in the god's life, change petrified him. On instinct, his right arm stuck out forward and was met with an eagle landing on it. The two made eye contact before the eagle spoke. "It definitely has to do with Lucian."

"I may not be Delta, but I'm not stupid. I know it's him. He's doing something in poor taste."
"Do you believe any of you can stop him?"
"Apparently none of us can, says the wind."
"Well, you've done all you can. Why fight him now? You'd think the God of Change would accept-"
"What would you do for love, nymph?" A dead silence fell between the two. After a slow minute, the nymph responded.


"I've done whatever I could in the past, so I'll say that Zephyr. Whatever I can. But going against-"
"He is my brother, Mistral. If I didn't fight for his well-being, I'd spend the rest of my existence in whatever life regretting my decision." As the raging wind consumed the rest of the open field and crept upon the garden, what seemed to be a comet fell from the sky and landed just beyond Zephyr's vision. The time had come. "Regardless of what happens next Mistral, I've grown quite fond of you. You will be missed."

"The feeling is mutual, Zephyr. Till the winds change in your favor." With a flap of its wings, Mistral flew in the opposite direction of his dear friend. The relationship it had with Zephyr was an interesting one. Even with the monotone voice Zephyr used in those last moments, Mistral knew the potency of his emotions. The nymph couldn't help but tear up once the first explosion sounded.

*realizes all his work has gone down the drain*

 

[StoneWolf18]

I'd like to try out for Adya. (I was thinking of making her somewhat childish, and rather self-centered, even if she doesn't really realize the last part. If she was conscious of it, she would be mortified though, and aim to rectify it. Think of a teenager moping.)

By the way, as for the symbol? I was thinking of a crescent moon (if it's okay not to have an animal), A panther, (look up the symbolism) or an ouroboros. (snake biting its own tail)

---
After the meeting, Adya had gone right to the wooded area her home was in, which had many of her favourite spots. This one was reserved for when she upset though. She sat with her back against a large tree stood on a cliff, overlooking a crystal clear lake, legs drawn to her chest. As if sensing her mood, her friends came to her side, wanting to comfort her, temporarily taking the form of small fairies, physical only to her touch.

Adya had never been angry at Lucian, even if she didn't always agree with him. Still, she was the one who went along with him most of the time, despite her doubts, because he was the one who had always enabled her, given her a canvas, a medium for her powers to come into play, where before she had been useless, despite having power to equal, or even surpass her siblings.

She had never been angry before, but right now she was incensed, and even feeling betrayed.

Her power was over spirits, over souls. Souls were her creation, her friends, her children. It was her that begged Lucian to create shells for these beings, so that they might interact with the world and eachother, and she lovingly picked a soul for each of these shells, even now, long after she was forgotten. Humans, despite having their physical form created by him, were very much her brainchild, and she was so very proud of them, for all that they had accomplished.

And now Lucian wanted to destroy that, to take away free will. Did he even realize what he was saying? They would become little more than animals, having their souls stripped away from them. 'a Soul' and 'Free Will' were, after all, two sides of the same coin. How could he do that to them, to HER?

This rage soon made way for tears though, which she angrily swiped at. She loved Lucian more than any of her siblings, but this, this was something unforgiveable in her eyes. Giving her the greatest gift of all, only to take it away when it no longer suited him.

An onimous wind was causing the branches of the trees to sway, her friends were getting increasingly agitated by something, and tried to warn her of his coming, of needing to flee. Why, they could not tell her, except that he was planning something. She heeded them not, planning to full-out ignore Lucian, whatever his purpose. She didn't want to see him, she didn't want to think of him, and she most definitely didn't want to hear what he wanted to say.

This would turn out to be the largest mistake she ever made.

Interesting... well Okashi Yuki is still feee to try out for Adya or Nox as I'm not sure how I feel about this just yet.

This still open?

Yup, just drop the writing sample for whichever you want to audition for~ ^^

Dropping a comment here so I don't lose this. Will try out for Nox perhaps.

Would like to try out for Nox or Adya~

Seems pretty interesting. Fancy the idea of giving Nox a crack.

I'll try and get a writing sample up soon.

Ooo, three for Nox. This'll be interesting. ^^

 

[Vali Ulfr]

StoneWolf18 for Adya how about a tree? like the world tree from norse mythology?
or maybe a wolf

 

[StoneWolf18]

*realizes all his work has gone down the drain*

Sorry hun. They beat you to it.

StoneWolf18 for Adya how about a tree? like the world tree from norse mythology?
or maybe a wolf

I dunno how a wolf would connect to energy or spirits. And I would prefer it be an animal.

 

[GlacialisD]

Interesting... well Okashi Yuki is still feee to try out for Adya or Nox as I'm not sure how I feel about this just yet.

May I ask what you are not sure about? Is it the fact that I assumed too much freedom -I was not sure about the 'worldbuilding' -for lack of a better word-, but adding something to the roleplay is something that's so ingrained in my rp at this point, that I figured that without it, it just wouldn't feel like I did my best, and... and... well... *flails*-

 

[StoneWolf18]

May I ask what you are not sure about? Is it the fact that I assumed too much freedom -I was not sure about the 'worldbuilding' -for lack of a better word-, but adding something to the roleplay is something that's so ingrained in my rp at this point, that I figured that without it, it just wouldn't feel like I did my best, and... and... well... *flails*-

Huh? Everything was fine just I wanna see how the other person perceives the character.

 

[Volfy]

Nox gently handled the small piece of wood clasped between his fingers. A steady scraping, the soft murmur of the wind and occasional bird call were the only sounds within the woods. Shavings of pale white wood scattered the ground around the tree stump he was sat upon, more falling to the earth with the constant motion of his hand. The knife it held cut in shallow, precise moves, slowly forming a nondescript animal, its four legs starting to take form as he whittled away.

The sound of wings fluttering above caused Nox to stop, his eyes gazing up. Amongst the tall pines surrounding him, several ravens rested, all mute. They were not what drew his attention though. Perched on a branch, looking down at him was a dove, as pale as the wood held in his hand.

For several seconds it sat and watched Nox, observing him as he did it. Then without warning it took flight, soaring above the god and through the trees behind him. He turned, following its path. But it was gone. Instead, a familiar figure stood where it had headed, some distance away from Nox.

The quiet sounds of the forest died, leaving an unnatural stillness.

“Do you recall what you once said to me?” Nox asked, straightening up from his seat and staring at his twin.“You said, ‘We are opposites. But, like the rain and the sun. Day and night. Winter and summer. We give the other purpose’." he fixed his brother with a stare. One of hurt, anger and even fear. "What has changed?"

Nox spoke calmly, but the ravens above had begun to move, leaving their positions and swooping down. They circled wide around Nox, flying through the trees and sending harsh cries into the air. The grass beneath his feet started to wither and the carving he still held in his hand began to crumble. The wood softened and broke apart, being reduced to the fineness of sand in Nox’s tightening grip.

A growl sounded somewhere in the back of his throat as the figure advanced towards him. The ravens packed in closer to Nox, their screeches growing louder as more and more of the earth around the god decayed. Grass rotting as it turned black, flowers wilting and disintegrating into nothing. The noise of the birds grew, a deafening sound of feathers and cawing which continued, even as the figure raised his hand towards Nox in a first and final gesture.