Augury: Hate’s Creation

[+Sorana she/her]

On 31.1.2020 at 9:07 AM, AonEne said:

Its smile grew wider. “But regardless of that, you are not merely a merchant’s daughter, Sagitta T’Sora. Nor are you merely a soldier. You are many things; that is a human quality, to be many things, whether the human in question is mortal or immortal. It is not a quality I myself have.” 

A soldier. The words rang true and when she looked at the sword again, she knew that it was hers. And her fathers. He had given it to her, when she had joined the ranks.

"Why are you here, Last?" She asked after a while, tried to place his words about her willing her father to be here and failing. Her father was at the front, fighting, same as her brothers. There were only she, her sister and her mother left and she doubted she could count herself. She was only here to spend a few days home before setting out again, off to a new place. To the far north of their territory this time, farther than she had been so far. They needed reinforcements and so she would go. Sagitta looked at her arms, at her wrists, the skin smooth and without any scars. A fact that would be changed soon.

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I love how half the summary consists of "Sagitta and Price bond"

 

Edited February 1, 2020 by Sorana

[Archer he/him]

After more than a millennium of roaming the continent, the God of Sensation knew his soul better than anyone. He was rarely confused by the signals that his body sent him, which is why three days into their journey, he was growing concerned by the intense pain coming from his stomach region. He attributed his general weariness to the repetitive jostling of the highhorse beneath him. Its saddle was new, and, he winced, the leather needs to be broken in more. Should’ve thought of that when I stole it.

It had taken him a few hours to catch up with the other gods. He had barely spoken a sentence to them since he arrived, hanging back about a hundred meters, lost in thought. Abruptly, his mount stopped and stepped over to the side of the road they were travelling along.

“Haw! Haw, c’mon, Jessic. Get a move on.” He scowled as the animal instead dipped its head and munched on a nearby tuft of grass.

Oh. Watching the highhorse eat reminded him of something. I forgot to eat. Since… it’s been a few days.

His ride nibbled for a minute more before reluctantly heeding his kicks to its side. Tion pushed it faster, quickly drawing close enough to the others to speak with them. “Ho! Did either of you think to bring food? I just realized that I’m hungry.”

The sun beat down on his face, highlighting its paleness. It also gleamed off of the new addition to his belt: a battle tested, but well-cleaned and sharpened, recently stolen rapier. 

[Lunar Blessing she/her]

Sam opens her bag and looks in it. There’s some cloning of metal colliding metal then she takes out a donut and tosses it to him. It’s still warm and fresh as it was when it had been sold to her.

@Archer

[Archer he/him]

With his left hand, Tion snatched the donut out of the air. It lightly burned his fingertips, which surprised him more than it should have. He acknowledged the gift with a nod. "Thank you," he said, stuffing it into his mouth and scarfing it down. Then his paranoia kicked in. 

I didn't manipulate her into doing that. Why would she help me? Does she owe me? Do I owe her now? Is it poisoned? 

Hands shaking, he reached into his trench coat, trying to find a universal antidote. But if she means business, surely she'd have picked an obscure enough drug to beat that. Curses. 

"Good donut. Nice and warm. And is that honey filling on the inside? Really adds to the flavour..." And conveniently masks the taste of any added substances.  

[AonEne he/him]

On 2/1/2020 at 4:51 AM, Sorana said:

"Why are you here, Last?" She asked after a while. 

I love how half the summary consists of "Sagitta and Price bond"  

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Well, you two were like half the first thread  

He named his horse Jessic... 

“I am here because of that result I mentioned,” it said calmly. “I need information that I can’t get myself to achieve this result, and it is information you can retrieve for me. Will you agree to help me with this, Sagitta?” 

[+Sorana she/her]

Just now, AonEne said:

“I am here because of that result I mentioned,” it said calmly. “I need information that I can’t get myself to achieve this result, and it is information you can retrieve for me. Will you agree to help me with this, Sagitta?” 

"That depends." She replied slowly, considered her next words. She still couldn't place him and she didn't know how he was. He had intruded into her home and while she trusted her mother to allow only trusted persons into their house - there was no legitimation to him and to his words at all. "What are you aiming to achieve with it?" She asked and then added something else, something even more important.

"And who are you working for?"

[AonEne he/him]

7 minutes ago, Sorana said:

"That depends." She replied slowly, considered her next words. She still couldn't place him and she didn't know how he was. He had intruded into her home and while she trusted her mother to allow only trusted persons into their house - there was no legitimation to him and to his words at all. "What are you aiming to achieve with it?" She asked and then added something else, something even more important.

"And who are you working for?"

“My aim is to save the world, and I am not working for anyone.” Its words rang with unmistakable truth. 

[+Sorana she/her]

Just now, AonEne said:

“My aim is to save the world, and I am not working for anyone.” Its words rang with unmistakable truth. 

To save the world. He wanted her to help to save the world. Somehow she knew that it was true and she reacher over to her sword, it's weight comforting and calming. She wanted to fight for her country, wanted to protect. It was the reason she had decided to follow her father and brothers.

"What do I need to do?" She asked and looked directly into their eyes.

[AonEne he/him]

On 2/3/2020 at 0:56 AM, Sorana said:

“What do I need to do?" She asked and looked directly into their eyes. 

Quote

The eyes are closed 

It smiled, and again it was as though it had never not been smiling, as though it could only exist one way in the universe at any time - which was in fact true. “Ideally, you will repeat the following. It’s optional, but it would help. 

I, Sagitta T’Sora of Hopearaa of the Twin Concepts of the Creator, give my word to the Concept Last that I will assist it in the gathering of information relating to the deterioration of Hopearaa, amd if required participate in actions to stop or slow this condition. I pledge my Power and my intentions to this cause. 

Then I’ll say something similar, give you instructions, and stop bothering you.” Its tone was nonchalant. 

[+Sorana she/her]

2 minutes ago, AonEne said:

It smiled, and again it was as though it had never not been smiling, as though it could only exist one way in the universe at any time - which was in fact true. “Ideally, you will repeat the following. It’s optional, but it would help. 

I, Sagitta T’Sora of Hopearaa of the Twin Concepts of the Creator, give my word to the Concept Last that I will assist it in the gathering of information relating to the deterioration of Hopearaa, amd if required participate in actions to stop or slow this condition. I pledge my Power and my intentions to this cause. 

Then I’ll say something similar, give you instructions, and stop bothering you.” Its tone was nonchalant. 

Sagitta considered the words, frowning. They gave the person absolute control over her and her actions. They made it impossible for her to do something else but to go on and help his cause. She grimaced, remembered a different oath she had sworn. To protect her country. And the promise to Price to train him. Add something this large and she would be nothing but a ball tossed around, with no will of its own. And yet, she had to protect her country, if not the continent.

"I, Sagitta T’Sora of Hopearaa of the Twin Concepts of the Creator, give my word to the Concept Last that I will assist it in the gathering of information relating to the deterioration of Hopearaa, and if required participate in actions to stop or slow this condition." she started and then added. "I pledge my Power and my intentions to this cause, as long as it does not lead to me breaking previous promises and oaths."

She left her eyes on theirs, suspected that they could see her, would know how she held herself. Only when she had spoken did she realize that she had no idea who this twin concept was supposed to be. They had ten gods, not two. And who was that creator. Feeling cold she was glad she had altered the oath, and yet, how could she have missed this? How could she have overlooked something as obvious as that?

[I think I am here. he/him]

On 31/01/2020 at 10:40 PM, AonEne said:

“Yes, I meant what time are you. I apologize for being unclear,” the figure said, placing its hands on its legs and watching him, eyes still open. “And you may call me First, if you would prefer a name for me.” 

“First,” Price says, the vague corners of his dream seeming to sharpen. Patterns flow through his mind, and he looks down to the plans and sketches of ideas and experiments in his ledger. First is a weird name. And why is that figure there. And when is Price?

“I...” he tries to think. “In the one-thousand-and-twelfth year of the sun. Is that right? I have work to do, experiments... I got promoted recently. Went on a trip. A trip... nomad lands. Has that already happened?” Everything seems so weird and yet it feels natural to just accept it.

Edited February 7, 2020 by Ookla the Maybe-Existent

[AonEne he/him]

On 2/5/2020 at 0:43 AM, Sorana said:

She left her eyes on theirs, suspected that they could see her, would know how she held herself. 

A moderately warm wind began to dash around the edges of the dream room, one continuous current swooping through; particles of dust were kicked up in the sunlight that flashed through the room, abruptly brighter. Last nodded, showing no sign that it cared about her addition. "I - the Concept of Endings, Finality, and that which is Last - of the Twin Concepts of my Creator, give my word to the human Sagitta T'Sora that I will work with her to stop or slow the deterioration of Hopearaa." For the first time in the conversation, its voice faltered slightly before steadying out once more. "I pledge my Conceptual Design to this cause and to her until Hopearaa is either stable or has collapsed. Above all else that I am Concept of." 

The breeze stilled. 

It seemed to have trouble forming the next words for a few moments, but quickly relaxed. "Well, that's done." It made a motion like it was flicking something away unconsciously, wrist twitching, then caught it with the other hand, staring at it. "My apologies, I am...unused to that process. I have never done that before. Not since the beginning of my sentience, that is, and then I was not the one performing the pledge..."

Last looked up at her with the same sudden movement as its smiles had been, with no in-between, contrasting the almost fluid jerk its hand had made. "I am rambling. These oaths are mainly in spirit; promises only. I hope that that is all they will ever have to be." Though its eyes were closed, it raised its head slightly, as if watching her. "Before I explain, do you have any questions? I am not accustomed to speaking with Hopearites." 

8 hours ago, Ookla the Maybe-Existent said:

“In the one-thousand-and-twelfth year of the sun. Is that right? I have work to do, experiments... I got promoted recently. Went on a trip. A trip... nomad lands. Has that already happened?” 

"It is happening now, for you," First said quietly. "Do you recall the last thing that happened to you on that journey, and where you are now?" 

[Archer he/him]

The Monastery of the Pebble. Ten years ago. Summer; early afternoon. 

“I think she is hiding beneath this rock!” Tion declared, grabbing a small boulder with both hands and hefting it upwards. But beneath it lay just a fine layer of gravel, like the rest of the meticulously curated rock garden in the courtyard. He carefully lowered it back in place, conscious of the watchful eyes of Oldolf, a middle aged, but well-built monk, who was preforming some acrobatic stretches in the shade of the nearby pergola. A cool breeze blew through the valley, mostly blocked by the walls of the ring of wooden cabins that made up the commune. The wind carried a soft peel of laughter on it, but the God of Sensation pretended not to notice.

“Oh dear,” he said cheerfully. “Perhaps she’s over here!”

With exaggerated stealth, Tion tip-toed towards the garden’s center-point: an old tree with thin, spindly limbs. He tipped his head back to look up at them, intentionally oblivious to the giggles coming from the opposite side of the trunk.

“She’s not up here!” He peered down at the plant’s roots. “Nor down here. Hmmm!”

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. “FOOOOOUND YOUUUU!” screamed a child’s voice, screeching as she leapt through the air, catching Tion in an airborne tackle from behind, right as he was about to turn around.

The god was knocked flat on his back. His twelve-year-old assailant, dressed in a scaled-down, slightly muddied monk’s uniform, promptly pinned him by the shoulders. Her two blonde pigtails whacked him in the nose. 

“You cheated,” he accused with a grin. He wrestled an arm free and moved his hand up to brush her hair behind her ears. The locks moved back, revealing her-

“Tee? What’s wrong?”

Her voice was clear, but the girl’s face was blurred, like a picture water had been spilled on. As he tried to focus on individual parts, her nose, her lips, her rosy cheeks: they all swam distortedly, refusing to give him a clear image. It was like looking through a clouded window. Even her dark eyes, which he knew the best, as they were carbon copies of her mother’s, a rich chocolatey brown, were impossible to make out.

“Stop it, Tee. Stop doing… that. It’s scary. Stop-”

Tion’s horse bucked, knocking him out of his daydream. He instinctively reached for his rapier, ready for a fight, but a second take showed him nothing was amiss. They were still riding, as they had been for days. They sun was low in the sky, but he guessed they could ride for a few more hours before it got too dark to see.

“We’re getting close, right?” he called forward, suddenly craving company. “I think I recognize this area.”

[+Sorana she/her]

On 7.2.2020 at 8:39 PM, AonEne said:

Last looked up at her with the same sudden movement as its smiles had been, with no in-between, contrasting the almost fluid jerk its hand had made. "I am rambling. These oaths are mainly in spirit; promises only. I hope that that is all they will ever have to be." Though its eyes were closed, it raised its head slightly, as if watching her. "Before I explain, do you have any questions? I am not accustomed to speaking with Hopearites." 

Concept of Endings, Finality. Sagitta closed her hand around her blade when she understood that she had ended up in the same position as always. Someone needed a kill and they ended up talking to her. She suppressed a strained laugh and then shook her head.

"Who are you?" She repeated her earlier question and decided to specify it. "How do you relate to the goods?"

Edited February 10, 2020 by Sorana

[AonEne he/him]

57 minutes ago, Sorana said:

"Who are you?" She repeated her earlier question and decided to specify it. "How do you relate to the goods?" 

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The goods  

“Not who,” Last corrected. “What. I am not a person; I am a Concept, in the most literal meaning of the word. I am the end, given the ability to think and act. I am not malevolent, I don’t desire death and destruction - I am the death and destruction. It consists of me, and I of it, for I am it. Many would call me evil, but there is no evil in this because I am beyond morality. That is a matter of intent and choice, neither of which I have. I may speak, as humans do, but I am more closely related to an idea or even an inanimate object.” It interwove its fingers. “As for the gods, in a way I created them.” 

[+Sorana she/her]

7 minutes ago, AonEne said:

“Not who,” Last corrected. “What. I am not a person; I am a Concept, in the most literal meaning of the word. I am the end, given the ability to think and act. I am not malevolent, I don’t desire death and destruction - I am the death and destruction. It consists of me, and I of it, for I am it. Many would call me evil, but there is no evil in this because I am beyond morality. That is a matter of intent and choice, neither of which I have. I may speak, as humans do, but I am more closely related to an idea or even an inanimate object.” It interwove its fingers. “As for the gods, in a way I created them.” 

Death and destruction. So she had been right. It was only about her sword. "I see." Sagitta replied quietly, finally looking away from them. They had created the gods and here she was, bound by oath to the one being that stood for everything she had tried to change. Her fingers moved along the sheath of her sword, touched it gingerly, as if caressing it. Her father had been right. Once you started to destroy, there was no way to stop. She had thought, had hoped that maybe teaching Price would change something, that she could force a crossroads where none had been, but she had been wrong. She was worth nothing but her sword. It wasn't about good or evil, but it obviously wasn't about herself either. It simply was and what she did with it, was totally up to her.

Frowning she stood up, buckled her sword and walked over to the window, recalling the light. It hadn't needed that lightshow to intimidate her, she had never before broken her word and she didn't plan to start breaking it now.

"What do you need me to do?" She asked, still looking outside, not questioning why she saw the road they were travelling on. It just belonged her in a way her parents and her home never had.

[AonEne he/him]

On 2/10/2020 at 1:50 AM, Sorana said:

"What do you need me to do?" She asked, still looking outside, not questioning why she saw the road they were travelling on. It just belonged her in a way her parents and her home never had. 

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Sagitta doesn’t understand and I love it painfully, if that makes any sense at all 

“I would like you to gather information on the state of the world, the gods and their...well-being, and your other companions,” Last informed her, “then relay it to me when I visit you. Is that possible?” The latter was more out of politeness than an actual question; if it wasn’t, then Last would have to find a way around it. 

Edited February 17, 2020 by AonEne

[+Sorana she/her]

1 hour ago, AonEne said:

“I would like you to gather information on the state of the world, the gods amd their...well-being, and your other companions,” Last informed her, “then relay it to me when I visit you. Is that possible?” The latter was more out of politeness than an actual question; if it wasn’t, then Last would have to find a way around it. 

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There was no reason for her to understand.

"Yes, of course." She said, still not looking at them. "What information are you interested in? Maybe I have already gathered some that might work." She wondered why they didn't do anything themselves. If they had created the gods, why did they need her. It didn't really make sense and she frowned, placed a hand on the glass of the window, looking outside.

She felt strange, as if she tried to grasp something that was beyond her head, impossible for her to really understand.

[old man moomba he/him]

Reuben peered through his binoculars at the village and fields that stretched around it. The village wasn’t very big, only one road ran through it. Rueben had been following that road for some time, passing close to several even smaller villages. This village, however, was large enough to have an inn, and one with stables. Rueben was hoping he could barter for or steal a horse here. He shook his head in disbelief. Everything was messed up. About a week ago, he’d stumbled into some farmer’s fields with a gray haze around him. He’d been chased off by said farmer, and had been following the road ever since, staying as hidden as he could. He was in some kind of fantasy world, as he’d quickly learned when the angry farmer had suddenly appeared behind him without warning. 

Rueben pulled off his flack vest and backpack, tucking the vest and binoculars inside it and tucking it into a bush with his shotgun. He was pretty certain no one would find it, since it was some ways away from the muddy track. Pulling his shirt over his waistband, where he’d tucked his sidearm, he made his way down to the road and into the village. 

Walking to the stables, Rueben revised his plan. He would definitely be stealing a horse. Casually, he approached the boy watching the stables, moving in close and quickly incapacitating him before he could do anything. He ducked into the stables, walking down the row of horses, finally picking one out and leading it out of its stall. Pausing for a moment, he tried to remember how to saddle a horse. He’d gone riding plenty, but it had been a few years. 

“Need some help?” a voice called out. Rueben glanced to the door and saw a girl standing there. She looked to be a few years younger than him, and was wearing clothes similar to his own; that was to say, modern clothing, not the more traditional attire he’d seen on just about everyone else. 

“Sure... I hope you realize I’m stealing this horse right?” he asked, putting a hand on the knife at his belt. 

“Yup!” she grinned, coming into the stable. She helped him saddle the horse, then led her own horse out of its stable and saddling it. The girl swung deftly into her saddle, glacing down at him. “Well, are you just gonna stand there until someone comes in here?” 

Ruben rolled his eyes, mounting his own horse and expertly guiding it out of the stable. Some things you never forgot, even without practice. The girl followed, spurring her horse to a fast trot out of the village. Ruben glanced around, then set off at a full gallop, heading up the road where he’d left his stuff. She followed him, grinning. Rueben came up beside the bush and leaned over, managing to grab both his bag and the strap of his shotgun, pulling them both up onto his back. 

The girl glanced at him, surprise showing on her face. “So,” Rueben began casually, slowing to a walk next to her, “You got a name?” 

“Call me Luna.” she responded, staring at his bag curiously. “How about you?” 

“I’m Rueben, and I’m not from around here, if you couldn’t tell.” Luna nodded, grinning a little.

[Lunar Blessing she/her]

On 2/9/2020 at 1:29 PM, Archer said:

Tion’s horse bucked, knocking him out of his daydream. He instinctively reached for his rapier, ready for a fight, but a second take showed him nothing was amiss. They were still riding, as they had been for days. They sun was low in the sky, but he guessed they could ride for a few more hours before it got too dark to see.

“We’re getting close, right?” he called forward, suddenly craving company. “I think I recognize this area.”

"I have no idea. If we want to conserve daylight and push on I can freeze it here, not sure how much the horses have left in them though." 

[Archer he/him]

Tion examined his mount. It looked like a horse. "I'm not sure how to you're supposed to tell when they're tiring. This one keeps snorting, but its being doing that since we left. How about we push them another hour, then call it a day if we don't get anywhere."

He pushed his heels into Jessic's flank, spurring them forward, albeit at a slower pace than before. They traveled at a trot for the next few minutes, their shadows growing steadily longer behind them as they rode. Just as Tion was about to pipe up again to suggest they halt for the night, a flickering firelight up the road caught his eye. Intrigued, he steered his horse on another hundred meters, and over to the left side of the road. There, a vibrant purple tent had been pitched. In front of it, tending to a modest cooking fire crouched a sharply dressed man, wearing a formal overcoat and a flamboyant top-hat that was two sizes too large for his head. He leapt to his feet when he saw the gods approaching, and fed another log into the fire, which better illuminated his sparse camp and smiling round face. 

"Yoo hoo!" he called out, his voice high pitched, but amiable. Whenever he spoke, his hat slipped down over his eyes, so he had to use one hand to push it back up. "My friends, come share a seat at my fire! Rest your weary mounts a spell."

Amused, Tion stepped off the trail to join him. "Stay here, girl," he said, slipping out of his saddle. He stumbled as his legs readjusted, but he was able to make his way closer to the man. 

"Wonderful! Today is my lucky day again. Join us, you two, don't be afraid!" cheered the man, shaking Tion's hand enthusiastically. "Tobias the Traveller, at your service."

"Sensei Tion. We thank you for your hospitality." 

"Think nothing of it! It's rare I get the chance to entertain friends this late at night. In fact, I had just closed up for the day. But I still have my toys close at hand." He reached into his tent and retrieved a small, collapsible side table. He propped it up, then also grabbed three cups: smooth, semi-spheres of polished white opal. He set them up in a line on the table. "Who wants to play a game?"

[AonEne he/him]

On 2/10/2020 at 4:42 AM, Sorana said:

"Yes, of course." She said, still not looking at them. "What information are you interested in? Maybe I have already gathered some that might work." 

It leaned forward slightly. “Do the gods seem sane, to you? Have they used their Power in front of you? And - what is the state of the wars?” 

[AonEne he/him]

On 2/7/2020 at 0:39 PM, AonEne said:

"It is happening now, for you," First said quietly. "Do you recall the last thing that happened to you on that journey, and where you are now?" 

@Ookla the Maybe-Existent

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Every time I go to tag you, your Ookla name bamboozles me. Mind if I ask why you still have it?

(Edit: My apologies for the double post; however, it's been several days, so it's probably okay.)

 

Edited February 24, 2020 by AonEne

[+Sorana she/her]

On 17.2.2020 at 9:46 AM, AonEne said:

It leaned forward slightly. “Do the gods seem sane, to you? Have they used their Power in front of you? And - what is the state of the wars?” 

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sorry...missed that one.

Sagitta paused and then sighed. "The ones I met, some yes, but Tion no." She suppressed a shudder when she recalled the behaviour of the man, god. "Or maybe he's simply a strange person." She added quickly, suddenly unsure if she was the right one to judge whether a god was sane or not. The were gods and she was a soldier. Putting the matter aside she focused on the question. That one was a little easier. "And yes, they used their powers. One of them influenced our memories and they-" she paused, unsure how to phrase what happened.

"One moment we were in the wilds between cities and the one next miles away in a city. Me, Price, Zura and the gods that is."

Looking down at her hands she sighed before continuing to speak. "The wars are bad, just as they have been the last couple of years."

[Archer he/him]

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Both of Tion's personalities are very sane. It's everyone else that's crazy. Sanity is just unwavering adherence to a personal code, right? Right. 

On the Road. Evening. 

Tion accidentally nodded.

“It’s a very simple game,” Tobias the Trickster began, placing his hands on two of the cups. “Under one of these is a coin.”

He tipped it up to reveal a small, silver piece. “I mix the cups up, just scramble around, then you tell me, where the coin can be found!” His hands spun about swiftly, pushing the cups around the table, twisting them around each other in a frankly beautiful display of dexterity. When he was finished, he nodded at Tion, who pointed to the center one. Tobias lifted it in the air, revealing the coin.

“My, my, got it on the first try! And to the victor goes the spoils.” Before the god could protest, Tobias slid the coin off the table into his palm, then flicked it over to Tion. “Finders-keepers! Them’s the rules. Just as if you’d failed to find it, you’d have owed me a coin.”

He re-set the stack, this time with a gold coin under the center cup. “Now that we’ve warmed up, it’s your turn, yous. Ready? Here we go!” His fingers blurred this time, twisting the cups around and around each other, occasionally spinning them like tops for added flourish. After a minute, they came to a rest, and he looked up at his audience expectantly.