( video )

[heelies]

[The video feed begins on a close view of a face, revealing a stern set of eyes and a curve of nose but little more. Then the picture shakes as a new perspective is gained. The man who comes into view posesses a princely bearing and wears well the mantle of importance. His voice belongs to one who is accustomed to being listened to.]

I am told that this is the way that men call others to counsel in this land, and so as strange as it seems to me to address those whom I see not, I shall follow the local custom. I am Achilles, son of Peleus — Peleus who rules the fertile plains of Phthia, and who claims for his own worthy father Aeacus, judge of the House of Hades. New as I am to this land, which is farther from my dear native land than even the windy plains of Ilios, I bear many questions, but the first in my heart is this.

What deathless gods watch over the city of Lunatia? I have seen no temples built to honor Zeus who bears the aegis, nor bright-eyed Athena, nor Phoebus Apollo. Where are the priests who aid in the rituals of sacrifice, the seers who interpret the will of the gods in bird-signs? Surely, a city so rich as this, with precious silver trimming its houses, and all manner of riches I have never before seen — surely its people have the benison of the gods. Yet I see no practices that would suggest such reverence. Tell me, therefore, the ways to honor these gods who to me are so mysterious.

Comments

[ciao]

Oh right, this could be a problem when it comes to notes... Tell you what, I'll make an audio recording for you to reference to make this a lot easier on you. It's something similar to the device that we're using right now, although it's simply audio based so it's more convenient to listen to at various points of concentration.

[ it's okay achilles, there is no judgement, you're a product of a different time afterall ]

Oh? For me personally I've been bestowed with Sanguis, for the most part it seems I've been associated with the wolf. It's a troublesome trait at some points, but I think I prefer it over the alternatives.

[ that may have been a bit of an awkward smile before waving his hand ]

Oh no, far from it. I came into existence before my native land did, so I've been around to watch it form and the people grow and progress. I'm more of an embodiment of that land, not quite a deity but not quite human either. My livelihood is dependent entirely upon my citizens and the choices they make.

sorry for the delay!

[courtmagic]

Those gods, I think, took themselves far too seriously. There's a proper place, sure, but is it such an unforgivable sin, especially when done in the gods' name?

[he knows what Achilles means without him even implying.]

At least in this place, the goddesses know that pleasure and joy is equally important to a faithful life, not merely being solemn and upright. It's a nice change from other doctrines.

[mischiefandice]

[Loki mostly seems amused at being called mad, arching his eyebrows at the man on the small device in his hand.]

Is that all there is, Gods and mortals? Can I not be something other?

[He tilts his head to the side slightly at the question. He has been considering that for a while, too, but answers are hard to unearth, on this realm.]

I have not seen proof of goddesses looking down, but the moons show powerful magic, no doubt. Whether it is a curse or a blessing remains to be determined.

[He grows curious.]

May I ask which moon has touched you?

[heelies]

Even the gods cannot rage forever! Although, perhaps the same cannot be said of goddesses, it is said that ox-eyed Hera's love for grudges is equal to her love for her husband. It was with such rage blackening her heart that she tormented glorious Heracles, son of Zeus by a mortal woman's womb — she robbed him of his wits so that he would slay his own wife and babes, and restored him only once the terrible act was done. The bards tell many tales of her unflagging fury for the sons sprung from the passions of her most royal husband.

[heelies]

It does gladden my heart to know that in such a span of time, longer than any man can comprehend, the glory I wrested from the bloody jaws of war has not faded. However, what I desire are tales of this world that I know not so well yet.

no worries!

[heelies]

Surely even a fool can understand why the maiden goddess Athena was offended when before her sacred alter, wave-ruling Poseidon lay with Medusa as is the way between man and woman. So it was that Medusa, once a beautiful maiden herself, was reduced to a hideous monster. If the deathless gods regard themselves too seriously, in your estimation, then it is because they have the power to do that which pleases them.

As such, it is unwise to insult the gods, even those who watch over lands that lie far from here. Yet, we can agree that pleasure and piety make life rich in equal measure.

[heelies]

Again, your generosity does you credit, and this I shall remember. Moreover, the wolf is a strong beast, as near nobility as can be found in the wilds, and that you have received such a blessing speaks well in your favor.

[Because surely this is how it works.]

Yet your words I cannot grasp, just as no man can grasp a ripple that flees across the water. If you are neither mortal nor god, then are you some manner of guardian — as Scamander is to the river that flows across the Dardanian plain and bears his name?

[heelies]

True it is that the earth is not divided between gods and mortals. The Fates oversee all and ensure that each man follows the path he is meant to tread. All manner of monsters and beasts exist in far-flung corners — I have heard of a creature with many mouths who waits upon a sea-cliff for ships to sail by, that she may snatch the rowers from their benches and eat them as a man might eat figs. In my dear native land, Mount Pelion is home to a herd of wild centaurs, drunken louts who stir to violence not for honor but only for sport. Among them, Chiron alone is civilized, he whom I consider a father second to Peleus for all that he taught me. Therefore, you need not be one or the other, but your manner leads me to believe you are, at the very least, no monster or beast.

As for your question, I do not yet know. I shall have to wait for the moons to each take her turn in the sky before I know which has blessed me.

[hagrides]

Yes, that sounds like my dear sister. Except I'm not certain she's capable of loving anyone.

[Bitter? Bitter.]

[heelies]

She is your sister, then, this goddess whom you call the Radiance? Even immortals are not free from the strife that spreads among kinsfolk.

[hagrides]

She is, or was. Dream and nightmare were one, long ago.

[Their relationship is not nearly so cordial now. Killing your sibling once will do that.]

[distort]

But we have only just begun, monsieur. [ She smiles. ] You will know quite a bit more here than what you're used to, I am sure.

[thedarkbond]

Oh, that's easier. I've seen and heard of a couple of people turning completely into animals, but it doesn't seem to happen as often as people turning partway. For affecting the mind, Sanguis seems to be the worst because it makes people aggressive and sometimes violent, and people seem more inclined to run off and get themselves hurt during that moon, but people don't end up totally thinking like animals or anything. I think there's tales of the three gods that kind of hint at what kinds of changes their people end up with, but I couldn't tell you them off the top of my head.

[heelies]

Indeed, as shadow cannot be without the light that casts it. Yet it seems best to me that mortal man stays out of matters among the deathless.

[heelies]

Indeed, it is to my dismay that the ways of the war-loving Achaeans are known not in this land. I am made all the more a stranger.

[heelies]

Then I fear you would make a poor bard, stranger. Nevertheless, you have not given me nothing.

[eddas]

I've heard that the gods of Olympus oft take mortals for their bedfellows, but I have never beheld the product of such a union.

[ She's not dismissive, or disgusted at the prospect, as she might have been in centuries past. But it is still a curiosity to her, and it shows rather plainly on her face. Sif is not much given to deception. Shortly, though, she recalls herself. ]

Forgive me. It is my hope that you shall see your son ere long.

[ And a sorrow does pass across her brow, as she says those words. An echo of a greater sorrow she cannot understand, perhaps. She does not know how long they will remain trapped here. But what is time to a goddess? It is not something she has oft had to think about. ]

[hagrides]

And yet how frequently are mortals dragged into divine affairs against their will. Seen as mere collateral damage, if the gods think of them at all.

[He's not fond of many other gods.]

[thedarkbond]

Probably. My memory isn't the best sometimes. [Ren shrugs a bit at that, but at least he's honest(-ish, since he's leaving out that he primarily has a selective memory rather than a bad one).

Though the address of "stranger" has something else occur to him, and he puts a hand to his chest in something of a polite gesture.] Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, didn't I...Suzugamori Ren, but just call me Ren.

[heelies]

I do not fault you for your curiosity, fair goddess. Even among the nations of Achaea it is not so common for a man or woman to claim the parentage of one of the deathless gods. Those of us who bear this blessed privilege are indeed looked upon differently.

[Well, aside from the fact that Zeus has sired like a hundred mortal children. But that is neither here nor there.]

Moreover, I prefer an honest goddess to one who deceives with her silver tongue. I hate like the gates of Hades the man who says one thing while hiding another in his mind.

Your gentle words are a kindness, yet I fear that I shall never meet my son again, and certainly shall I never see him grow to manhood. Such is the fate bestowed upon me, that my glory should come at the price of my homecoming.

[heelies]

Very well, Ren. Then is Suzugamori your father's name?

[Such strange names the people here possess...]

[thedarkbond]

Sort of. It's a family name, so it's passed down from parents to show who's related to who, but we don't usually pass down given names in my time.

[Though Ren is never one to talk about his family much.] Though which order you introduce yourself in depends on what part of the world you come from, too. I'm used to family name before given name, which is why I said it that way, but a lot of other countries use given name, then family name, so that would be Ren Suzugamori in my case.

[mischiefandice]

[The information the man volunteers to share is intriguing, partly because some of it is familiar, correlating with monsters Loki has also encountered or heard about.

His lips twitch up at being called no monster or beast and he seems amused, and perhaps a little threatening too.]

If that is what you wish to believe.

[He's not going to give any more information on what he truly is, but a response just vague enough to be ominous is fitting, he believes.]

You will know soon enough, then. The effect can be startling, as I'm sure you've been told.

[ciao]

Ah, please, think nothing of it! Coming to a world like this is overwhelming to everyone, so I like to be able to offer some assistance in any way possible, because having information always makes these things a little easier.

[ it's not like this concept was foreign to italy, and when rome had made his appearance before it had come up. But it was still something that was somewhat embarrassing, because honestly... him? ]

Honestly, if that were the case... I believe that this sort of blessing was best made for Germany, whereas I tend to be more of an artist.

[ at least he's being honest, but the analogy that the other used—it worked didn't it? ]

That would precisely be the same concept, being a guardian is closest to my existence and responsibilities to my home.

[heelies]

[There perches something in the stranger's countenance that he likes not.]

Those who are deathless like the gods do so often seem to dissemble.