Faction &nbsp; Cry Havoc (Pantheon of Zaathru)

Chernsemie

Forrest Dinn · Mar 29, 2023

It just so happened that Forrest wasn't all that far away. He had been on his way to see both his parents to discuss the situation of his birth. If he wasn't going to be allowed to protect the family as he was ordered, then why should be be here at all?

He stopped abruptly as he neared the door and his mother called out. But it was the words he heard after that brought a cruel and jubilant smile to his face. He walked into the room and leaned against the door. Pouring into the force he extended his hand outward before speaking. "And here I was worried you'd never let me do what I was born to do." he finished just as two blade hilts flew into his hand shining with newness.

"Everything is still a little new to me mother. Point me in the direction of some armor befitting the God of War"

Ishani Dinn · Mar 29, 2023

Forrest Dinn said:
"And here I was worried you'd never let me do what I was born to do."

“Well, you needn’t have worried,” she said. “This world is full of threats and hostilities.” Gesturing to a door, she opened it to reveal an armory full of various gear. Much of it had been crafted by Arcturus and Rhiannon in the Forge of Mount Pele or Arc’s workshop in the Netherworld, or they were items the two had collected over the years.

“Take your pick,” she said. “Anything you need can be found here. I will wait for you at the Great Gate with an army.”

She was referring to a famous landmark on the edge of her realm, an ancient ruin through which the forests and meadows of Arboria became the desert lands of Amithosia and Mercuitie. They would have to pass through it in order to reach their destination.

Dark armor gleaming, her yellow hair braided beneath her helm, Rhi rode in her chariot beside her Shaal driver. On the other side of the driver was the persistent Dr. Vancil, his tie flapping behind him like a flag in the wind.

She and Forrest (who had a chariot of his own to ride in) stood at the head of an army of Shaal and Zaathri warriors. These soldiers were trained, if not experienced in warfare during past conflicts. They numbered in the tens of thousands—outnumbering the population of the average tribe. Numbers alone wouldn’t win every battle, but it did give them an advantage.

“There they are,” Rhi said, pointing straight ahead to an oasis. The dark shapes of tents clustered around the water, the cloth bearing the patterns and symbols of the nomadic desert tribes.

“They are said to be fierce warriors, but no match for a good plan. Anhur, I leave command of the legions up to you. What strategy will you use to destroy them?”

Forrest Dinn · Mar 30, 2023

Forrest smiled at his mother as she told him he shouldn't have worried. "You mean, as long as your determining the threat, right mother dear?" he heard his words and his face fell slightly. "I'm sorry. That wasn't fair. I believe in still a little off put by father's reactions to the false god. Do we always take people at their word because of their age? It seems counterproductive to me, and dangerous to this family. I think father should worry about his own children before he worries of those that just wander in."

Forrest walks into the armory and smiles wider than he ever had him to this point in his life. Much easier to say when that life had consisted of hours over years. He looked over all of the things that were presented him and his heart filled. "Thank you Mother. I believe I shall come to you when I have an issue, before father. I trust your instincts far more when it comes to things like this." Forrest steps in and begins preparing for battle.

Forrest, clad in midnight black leather armor with blood red trim reports to the gates as he was instructed, after making one small detour. Finding the place with best deposits of metal, having the knowledge of working metal built into his very being he sits crossed legged and closes his eyes. He reaches through the force throughout the very heart of the planet and calls to him metal oreol of the deepest black and forms it into the visage of a terrible and ferocious lion. Taking two blood red rubies he had requested from his mother he sets them into the eye sockets that rest stop the helm and reports to the gates and to his mother.

Riding in the chariot feels unnatural to Forrest but it does get them where they need to be faster. Forrest feels he should lead from a mount at the front of the ranks of the armies behind them, but this is his mother's show and he's happy to oblige her vision. The hunger for battle courses through him as they approach and the excitement is palpable as they stop and his mother gives him command of the troops they have brought. Forrest surveys the tents and the surroundings of the oasis not seeing many mounts and a plan begins to formulate.

He turns to the awaiting troops after thanking his mother for allowing him the opportunity to lead what he was made for. "It would seem our enemy fights on foot. That makes the Zaathri troops out best weapons in this fight. I want half of the Zaathri to move unseen to the hill behind the oasis. You are our coup. When I give the signal I want you to charge from behind the enemy and trample as many as you can to break their ranks. The other half will take position behind me here and charge when I order it. Same thing, a cavalry charge will break the enemies ranks and sew disorder but it needs to be times right. Shall, I want your ranged fighters behind the Zaathri. When they begin to form ranks I will give the signal for your vollies to begin. I want you aiming for their mounts and anyone you see with longer polearm weapons that can cut down the Zaathrinas they charge. Don't aim to kill the mounts. Maim them, we can bring them with us to use later and heal them after the fight, just make it so they can't be ridden or used against us, if these scum flee, I want them doing it on foot where we can overtake them. Form ranks, and the flanking squad, begin movement immediately." He turns back to look at his mother to see if she approves.

Forrest begins to slowly creep forward taking the lead of the army gathered behind him. He turns to his mother. "Now is the time I buy time for our flankers to get into place, and prove to you I'm capable of more than murder. I shall offer an ultimatum before the battle commences. I doubt they will take it, but it gives them the option to put off death, for a time, by surrendering as our sacrifices for a later date." Forrest rides forward a good distance from the army so only his chariot could be plainly seen by the camp below. Lightsabers attached to his belt, and a quiver if gleaming sharpened spears strung to his back he closes his eyes and outstretches his arms as he calls on the force.

Thunder rolls in as the sky begins to darken around them. Lightning strikes hard and fast around the outskirts of the oasis and only there as the blackened clouds contort and form together into the head of a massive lion above where Forrest waits. Crackling lightning forms and spikes making the eyes of the massive shadow. Amplifying his voice with the force he speaks as the clouds formed above him. "I am Anhur, God of War. Your actions have angered the Pantheon and I have come with my legions to bring punishment for such a crime. I give one chance, and one only before I sweep through your encampment and kill every last one of you. Free your slaves, make payment to the gods of your mounts and goods, and surrender yourselves as our prisoners and you shall live to see another sunrise. Don't and I'll free the slaves myself, take your goods and mounts and bathe in your blood as I wipe your kind from existence. Choose now, choose wisely, my patience is already running thin." the speech is concluding with a deafening and terrible war that causes massive winds to sweep into the camp upturning tents and people alike. He made an assumption the Pantheon liked drama, he hoped his mother had enjoyed the show. He waited for her input, or for the decision of the enemies gathering below him.

Ishani Dinn · Mar 30, 2023

Forrest Dinn said:
"You mean, as long as your determining the threat, right mother dear?"

"For now, yes. Eventually, you will learn to choose your battles."

Forrest seemed to take her side. This didn't surprise Rhi. He'd been outspoken about his desire to kill Theryn during their meeting. Though things had gone poorly, she appreciated his honesty.

Forrest Dinn said:
"I think father should worry about his own children before he worries about those that just wander in."

"That is a lesson he will have to learn the hard way, it seems." She smiled at Forrest. She'd had her misgivings about him when he was first born, but now she saw him very differently. While everyone else had distanced themselves from her, he remained at her side. "I wouldn't totally discount your father's judgment, but he is softer than me. In some ways that is a good thing, but in others it is not. Now, let's get this show on the road..."

Later, when the reached the enemy encampment, she watched proudly as Forrest—or rather, Anhur the God of War—gave orders to the troops. She gave him a nod of approval when he looked to her for confirmation. "I can't wait to see this."

But first, Anhur strode forward and offered the tribe an alternative to death. Rhi observed him, admiring his confidence and bravery. The storm and lightning made for a nice theatrical flair. Everything about it seemed right—and no wonder, since Forrest had been born to wage war.

A few of the tribal Shaal fled the camp in terror, but most stood their ground. One of them stepped forward, his markings denoting him as the tribe's Usul. "We don't know your Pantheon," he declared. "Our god is Kolinahr, the Trickster. He Who Lives Forever On the Edge of Dreams will haunt you every night. You may kill us, but you'll never sleep soundly again!"

He spat on the ground, seized his weapons, and rallied his warriors for battle. Rhi leaned forward, an eager and bloodthirsty grin spreading across her face as she awaited Forrest's signal.

Forrest Dinn · Mar 30, 2023

Forrest nodded considering the wisdom in her words. "That may be so, but I will not allow his poor judgement jeopardize this family. His softness may be needed at times, but if it puts you or one of my siblings in danger I will fight it, even if it means losing my position."

Forrest listened intently as the Usual spoke, the smile on his face growing wider and wider. Even before the man finished speaking Forrest reached back bringing forth one of the spears and threw it at the retreating slavers. It struck home and even before the man or the point of the spear sticking through him hit the ground it turned violently to chase down and impale the next, and the next until all the fleeing warriors were dead, and hanging off the spear. Continuing to guide the spear with the force Forrest brought it to hover just above the Usul's head the dead slavers feet dangling into his line of sight.

"You may not know us, but you shall learn. You're God is dead, struck down by the True Gods. My sleep shall never be disturbed, as I am War. I am Steel. I am the Storm. You've made your choice. See if your dead, false God blesses your survival." The lightsaber hilts hit Forrests hands as his words finish and he ignites them, the deep red glow casting a forbidding shadow over his cruel smile. Through the first Forrest issues one last order. "Shaal Warriors. Make sure your last volley ends before the Zaathri meet the line of enemies. We shall not kill our own. If you don't think your weapons will make it before our charge, do no fire. Any friendly arrows in our soldiers and I will find the one responsible, and I shall make you wish you were dead."

With that he turned to face his mother and nod. Lightning streaked through the darkened clouds hitting the Usul full on at the same time Forrest sounded the charge and led the army into battle, ensuring he was the first to reach the enemy.

Ishani Dinn · Apr 1, 2023

With a chorus of sonorous war cries, the armies clashed. Rhi rode into battle along with them, wielding her sword and her lightsaber, killing ferociously.

The battle was little contest. They had caught the tribesmen on short notice and they were better organized. Soon the slavers fell, slain and devoured. The slaves were freed, grateful to their liberators. Those who surrendered were taken prisoner, to be sacrificed later.

Rhiannon's bloodlust was not quelled. If anything, this victory only served to whet her appetite. "There are other tribes of slavers," she called out to Forrest, a blood-splattered grin spreading across her face. "I say we cut a path through them to the sea."

Forrest Dinn

It had been a blood-soaked few weeks.

Mother and son had swept across the desert, slaughtering any slavers they could find as their armies marched eastward. Uncomfortably close to the city of Mercuitie,

Darien Cordel 's domain, they stopped and made camp.

Terrified Shaal from the slaver tribes had fled to Mercuitie, seeking sanctuary. Many of these refugees were women and children. The Contra-Usul would be faced with a decision on whether to allow these people in. Many citizens of Mercuitie, especially Zaathri, would no doubt rather they were kept out, even if it meant they were left to be unceremoniously slaughtered by Rhiannon and Forrest's legions...

Theryn Hearthfire · Apr 2, 2023

In the weeks since the Trial, Theryn had been mostly silent. He'd say a few words here and there, mostly in the dead of night when it was just he and

Darien Cordel lounging around, often set before the fire once the desert heat turned cold come sundown. More often than now however he drew upon his illusionary prowess, and indeed just the Force in general, to get his point across. Nudging glasses of ice cold water at Darien when he seemed to be overworked, blooming flowers to show affection, and painting images in the air.

He was doing better now, some of that spark had returned to him. Had it not been for his saviour he wondered if he ever would have recovered. Then again, without Darien fighting in his corner he would have likely been killed at that trial anyway. Theryn wouldn't have had the nerve to speak so boldly in response to

Forrest Dinn which would have meant Pharus never pushing his luck with

Ishani Dinn and thus no Force Choke.

Yeah, he was pretty sure he'd be dead. Far, far, far from home. The furthest he could possibly have been. And they would not have known who to send his body to. Would not have known about Mysa, or

Thurion Heavenshield and the rest of his family. No, he'd never have found peace in the afterlife.

It was growing into evening when he saw the lights begin to flicker just beyond the rocky hills which surrounded the City of Mercuitie. Darien was in attendance, busy at work, and while Theryn most typically lounged at his side during such he'd slowly been trying to force himself to exist without having to smother the man to do so. He'd been sat within the garden at the top of the Ziggurat, gently stroking Tsun's scaly head, when he saw the signs of camp. Word had spread of the Campaign against Slavers ravaging the desert, but he had never believed that they would come so close.

Plumes of smoke drifted up from camp fires, indicating more clearly where they had set up. Practically kissing the mountain range, near the river they relied upon for trade. His stomach twisted, were they meaning to come here next? He knew that it was led by the Goddess of the Sky and the God of War, two people more than eager to have his head. Would they in turn harm Darien for housing him? Harm the people of this City?

Heart hammering fast, Theryn gently gestured to one of the attendants that Deri insisted wait on him and once the Zaathri had approached he gently offered her the Tejdoru. She was well versed in his care by now, whenever they were roaming (not that they roamed far or frequently) it was she who kept the little beasty safe. Then he rose up to his feet. One of the Shaal stepped forward on instinct, after all Deri tried to make it to where he didn't have to do very much at all for himself, but the man shook his head softly.

He gestured with his fingers that he wished to walk, then did precisely that, moving to the stairs and descending them rapidly. Once he reached his room he scribbled down a note, and passed it to another attendant. It would make its way slowly over to Darien, giving Theryn plenty of time to enact his plan.

Changing into just a simple shendyt that flowed down to his ankles, he soon squirreled his way out of the city and approached the pass. He went no further than that, remaining hidden by the red-rock, but doing so afforded him a much better look at the camp. It was noisy, by now the sky was turning pitch black and the only illumination came from their candles and torches. Inhaling a slow breath, Theryn focused through the Force and weaved a great tapestry into being.

In the center of the camp, a figure silently emerged. He stood, glowing and strong, and turned his glare full circle at each who neared.

"You dare tread so closely to this sacred city?" he asked of them, voice booming. The words themselves likely went uncomprehended, he was speaking in Basic after all, but the tone said it all. The figure began to grow, not to a giant size but big enough that he was a head above the next tallest being. Those who stood behind him gasped in awe at the sight of the mark on his back, the one he'd carried since birth.

The one they believed to have been brought about by a magical spear of solid ice, thrust into his back by a treacherous, jealous brother.

They rang the name Lysius through the camp, and fear enveloped many as he further emphasized his displeasure at their being here. Further images weaved around him, of the army smashed to smithereens, of fire and brimstone falling upon the camp. They might not have understood his words, but they would understand the message.

Darien Cordel · Apr 2, 2023

The wood in the Braziers and Sconses was starting to crack and spit, they would need refuelling soon if this meeting did not wrap up soon. It was meant to be just him, his speakers and small parties of the leading Shaal and Zaathri in the tribe. It had not stayed that way. Now there were delegations from the merchants in the city and traders from the desert villages and nomadic tribes. A din of whistled notes and the harsh native tongues filled up the council chamber. Darien was not behind any form of cover. He hadn't thought to need it if it was to only be the familiar people but now he was crowded by strangers. He longed for Theryn ... it was strange he thought himself accustomed to being alone but since he'd met Theryn he no longer wanted to be alone. certainly not as much anyway. Having Theryn in his back might have emboldened him too.

When the meeting had first started between him and the 4 leading members of the tribe it had been a fairly orderly discussion. Then they had canvased the opinion of some leading merchants and all had spiralled from there. They had made a point at first of consulting him but no longer. Now they just fought amongst themselves mostly city dwellers against outsiders. From what he understood of the fervour much of the city and indeed his own tribe were in favour of barring the gates. This was not the city's war yet, the reaving had not occurred in the lands of Mercurius and the refugees at the gates were from slaver tribes. There was little appetite to assist slavers in the city, even the children. Women were viewed equally to men, both of adult age were culpable for the actions of their tribe. The children, the majority of city folk suggested, were unfortunate collateral in order to avoid becoming embroiled in the affairs of another land. Those who had come from outside were less keen to see the gates sealed shut after all it might be their villages next. Darien did not think any of the tribes who maintained an almost constant presence in the city engaged in slaving but he was sure a number traded with slavers.

This meeting had followed on the heels of another meeting with his captains. The camp so dangerously close to the city was troubling, especially with the rumours circulating that there was enmity amongst the gods. A factional division over the potential god they now housed. The soldiers had spoken carefully of course they did not want to claim that the goddess of the skies and the god of war might attack them outright but they had found other ways to raise concern. Darien had not asked them what they wanted him to do for they would not tell him but he knew he needed to ride out as soon as the refugee issue was solved. Poor Theryn was going to be scared he just knew it. He would need to deal with that issue tactfully. Theryn was probably in a position where he could cope though.

The way he would word his decision to ride out and the means by which he would soften the blow consumed his mind. He had long ago decided what to do with the refugees. The adults were criminals and the children ... children. He would arrest the first and take them to the rampaging gods, the children he would keep in the city for the time being. They were an issue that could be resolved in time.

The arrival of Theryn's note forced him to cut short the arguing of the natives all around him and made the question of telling Theryn moot. Theryn had gone on his own. allowed to walk out of the city by the servants Darien had assigned to tend him. He regretted telling them to obey his every wish now.

"Silence" His voice tore into the mind of every being in the room.

The exertion of speaking into so many minds made him feel very unwell. his eyes were spotty and his head span as he put his face into his hands. He was glad he had not eaten in hours because he felt sick. Silence fell over the room and that continued for the minute it took him to speak his verdict into the minds of his speakers who obediently recounted the words out loud in their native tongues.

"His Holiness the Contra-Usul demands all listen and obey, The people at the gates are suspected of being slavers they are hunted and accursed in the eyes of the gods. To let any adult who has engaged in or profited from the slave trade escape divine justice by hiding behind the wall of this city built by free men would be an affront, a disgrace upon the gods and the Vasmerca Tribe and his holiness will not allow it. All adults detained at the gate will be taken as prisoners and delivered to Their holiness' war camp, and the children will be taken into the city and held in a place of safety until the gods can find suitable places to resettle them ... This is the final decision of the Contra-Usul. Clear his hall!"

The assembled natives looked amongst each other and those who knew well the system got up and began to file out. Darien was not a man who changed his mind about such things. It was why the city functioned so well, people got their say but when Darien made a decision he did not vacillate. Some of the outsiders lingered longer, even daring to speak, asking Darien to reconsider. Some even said he owed their tribes support, that the desert tribes, even slavers, were entitled to his protection if they were hunted. All might be true words but he did not owe the slavers at his gate support and he did not owe his subjects answers.

"OUT" he ordered again into the minds of those who remained after a minute. His head split and he gripped his nose. The worry over Theryn was not helping his well-being. All the same, the room cleared eventually and his speakers finally left him with orders to have the leaders of the tribes who had dared speak after he had given his decision summoned to give an account of their representatives' behaviour. The priests and elders could handle that he need not go. The speakers were then to join him with the soldiers at the city gate.

Savouring a breath in the empty hall he sighed then got up and left the room himself.

The servants who had left Theryn to walk out were lucky that he did not know that they had let Theryn do so in such an impractical attire and that he did not take the time to seek them out before journeying to his armoury. Had he known of Theryn's lack of protective attire he would have sought them and had he sought them he would have hurt them. He felt the dark pulling at him.

His captains were there to help him into his armour. Armour he had never actually worn for a proper battle and helped him up onto his chariot. He left the city with two legions and a Zaathri scout group. Another scout group had already gone ahead hours before to set up an outpost and it was to there that Darien and his party rode first dragging their prisoners with them. The scouts were dispatched to scour the area for Theryn. The legions marched with Darien to the war camp.

He expected to find order there or if not order then at least revelry. Instead, he found pandemonium. Soldiers whispering again of Lysius. Others outright prayed and there was no sign of any real chain of command. Through his speakers, he demanded to know what was going on and he was told to see for himself at the central campfire. Finding to his relief that the camp's stockade was still orderly at least he turned over the prisoners and made his way to the centre of the camp. There he was faced with a towering image of Theryn. Where he not worried sick he might have found the spectacle invigorating and the state of Theryn's attire enrapturing but as it stood his concerns outweighed all of that. He only hoped that his scouts found Theryn before anyone else did.

"Take me to their Hollinesses" he demanded into the mind of a soldier who had hidden beside his chariot. He only hoped he could bring parties to terms. his fingers stroked along a pebble Arc had given him before leaving. A means of contacting him in the event of an emergency. Darien hoped it would not come to that but if Rhiannon was on the warpath against him or more likely Theryn it might be needed.

Forrest Dinn · Apr 2, 2023

Forest felt the disturbance in the force before he heard the comotion of his warriors outside his tent. It has been a bloody and turbulent war but his starvation for war was far from satiated. He was scanning a map of the next camp preparing strategy dirty they next battle when it all began.

Forrest strode from his tent to see what it was about and a cruel smile crossed his lips as he saw the visage before him. Reaching out with the force he sent out a command that made it clear there was no option but to obey. "ENOUGH OF THIS!" the command was forceful enough to have the warriors holding their head and looking back to Forrest. He strode forward with zero fear to stand in front of the giant. Thunder rumbled and lightning streaked across the sky as Forrest stared down the visage of the man that was just on trial.

He felt a presence behind him and reached out to his mother through the force. "It would seem the man child has found his courage." he didn't turn from the giant and showed no fear as he stood before it. A wicked and cruel smile befell him before he began to speak.

"Can you here me good boy? For someone who denounced his God hood, you sure as hell seem to be embracing it now. It seems the man child has more than tears to give us. We have not intruded on your little city, why are you here interfering in our business? You have attacked my honor you fool. Now I only see the options to stone for your ignorance. One, bow before me us and apologize for your interference. Two, declare your city as a safe haven for these slavers and let us have a real war. Three, face me in combat, one on one to see who the true God really is. The choice of yours man child. Choose wisely."

Ishani Dinn · Apr 3, 2023

Rhiannon had retired early that night, claiming that she needed to meditate and prepare herself for the battles ahead. In reality she had been growing increasingly tired and weak, and was also feeling a little bit sick, though she kept it all to herself, unwilling to show any signs of weakness to the troops.

It was nausea which kept her awake, laying in her tent, pale and restless and miserable. She had stripped off her armor and instead wrapped herself in a warm blanket. By now she had some inkling as to the cause of her ailments—she recognized the signs, and had even begun to sense the three lives growing within her. While it would have been cause for joy under better circumstances, she felt as anguished and alone as she had while she was pregnant with the twins.

The tent flap lifted as her handmaiden Altrea brought her water. Rhi started to rise, only to sink back against the pillows as she was hit by a wave of frustrating dizziness. Kneeling on her front legs, Altrea took the pitcher and poured the water into the cup before holding it out to her. Her mood fur had turned a soft shade of medium blue—the color of Zaathri compassion, perhaps. Was her devotion because of love? Or did she serve her goddess out of fear? After recent events, Rhi was no longer sure where she stood with her people.

Taking the cup, Rhi made sure to purify the water with a quick application of the Force before taking a sip. She drained it all in seconds, and Altrea dutifully poured her another.

“I could contact him,” Rhi muttered suddenly, feeling the weight of the Chain around her neck. “At any time. No matter where he is, I have the means. But I don’t want to. Isn’t that strange?”

Altrea’s eye stalks glanced up at Rhi, while she kept her other two eyes focused on the cup and pitcher. She said nothing.

“Because if I tell him, he’ll try to stop me from warring against the slavers. He won’t understand that this is something I need to do. Just like he didn’t understand with Pharus.” She sighed. “He worries too much. That’s why he took the children away. He was afraid I would hurt them, because I choked a vicious brat who was a threat to our family. Yet he calls me the paranoid one…”

Thinking of Marcus and Eloise and little Star, Rhi suddenly began to weep. “I should have recognized the true threat,” she sobbed. “It wasn’t an outsider. It was from within my own home. That boy… that false god… He has poisoned us all against each other.”

She felt Altrea’s hand upon her shoulder and raised her tear-streaked face. “Altrea, if your son is here among the slaves in the desert, I vow that I will find him and return him to you,” she said, her voice trembling with vehemence. “All Zaathri mothers will have their children returned to them before I am finished here—”

A sudden commotion outside drew her attention. Drawing the silken blanket around her like a cloak, Rhi swallowed the bile rising in her throat, lifted the tent flap and stepped out. Altrea followed suit, and the rest of the Apsara fell into step behind her, guarding their goddess.

She was greeted by the sight of a giant Theryn towering over the war camp. The terrified troops were thrown into disarray by the illusion, and a furious Forrest had begun shouting at the titan, challenging him to a duel.

Thunder rumbled in the sky. Rhi found the noise aggravating, so she raised her hand and cleared the clouds above them, snuffing out the storm. “I take it you’ve discovered your divine nature at last?” she snapped. Her mood had swung like a pendulum from sorrowful to enraged. “You forget that we too are gods. Your sacred city is not barred to us. And last I checked, it wasn’t your city, Lysius.”

Taking a spear from a nearby soldier, Rhi approached the giant. It was an obvious illusion. Theryn was tall, but he wasn’t that tall. “Anhur is right; we’ve done nothing to you so far,” she said. “But I will admit, we have been acting like pricks.”

She stabbed the point of the spear down into the titan’s foot, using the Force to inflict it upon the real Theryn. It would cause him no actual injury—just a sharp piercing pain that would linger for a while, a bit like stubbing one’s toes.

Just in time to spot Darien riding into the camp. Rhi turned to face him, leaning against the spear as if it were a staff. “Hello, Mercurius,” she greeted him cheerfully. Glancing beyond his chariot, she saw the prisoners being brought in chains. “I see you’ve brought company. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Theryn Hearthfire · Apr 3, 2023

It was only natural that Forrest saw through the goliath for the illusion that it was, after all he was just another Force User just as Theryn was. No matter how much they all tried to play pretend at being Gods, they weren't deep down. None of them were... Though he'd never deny how divine Darien was to him. That was, after all, the reason he had dared to leave the City to confront them. There was no reason for him to believe that the encampment being so close did not mean they were planning on turning their swords toward Mercuitie after all.

When asked if he could hear what Forrest was saying, the boy nodded his head. He did not speak yet, even through illusionary means he was fast feeling taxed, especially given that he'd barely strung two sentences together in weeks, but when the God of War pressed further, giving him three ways to atone for his threats, Theryn chose to raise his voice once more.

"You set your camp too close to the City" he claimed, "No villages lie between here and there. You have already stated clearly, several times, that you would rather see me dead than alive - why would I trust that you hadn't come here to fulfil that wish? I will not let harm come to those within the City."

It wasn't his City, no. He'd never claim it to be. But it was Darien's, and frankly that mattered more to him than it would have if it were his own.

Three options... Bow, bring about war, or one-on-one combat with the God of War. The first would have been easy, but then he'd be right back where he had started. A mewling welp of no use to anyone. The second option would never be one he even considered, in fact the mere suggestion of it was offensive to his ears. The latter?

Well it was no real mystery who would win such a spar, and yet that was precisely why he had to do it. He was a Valkyri, after all, more than that the child of Kings, and Gods before him. His heritage bade him to fight for his honour.

"I feared dying outside of battle, on foreign soil," he said, as he made up his mind, "But I know that dying in battle will see me before my Father in the afterlife..."

Rhiannon had spoken to him too, though there was nothing he could say to her directly that had not already been said. He did not claim the City as his own, after all, and there was no reason to trust them. The spear thrust into his illusionary foot caused his real one to sting as though he'd stubbed his toes on a thousand cacti needles.

"Helvete!" he hissed in his native tongue, the pain of it drawing him back to his corporeal body.

The figure disappeared moments after Darien arrived. Theryn did not see his arrival, though no doubt his towering figure was noticed by Dari.

Back by the mountain pass, Theryn lifted his foot and rubbed at the spot which had felt most affected. Two slow breaths, and then he set off through the valley and out toward the camp. Along the way he took up a sword which had been left by one of the tents, a hand-and-half which he wielded with just his left, and by the time that he arrived at the center of the camp he felt his heart thudding heavily, though his mind was made up.

"God of War" he called out, as he turned the last corner and----

Jävlar he thought internally... Darien was already here. It was almost enough to make him lose his composure, but instead he continued to approach. Flexed his hand around the hilt of the sword in order to adjust it. He tried to avoid Darien's gaze, a small sense of shame or remorse coursing through him at the man having been dragged out this way because of him. Or maybe he'd have come anyway, the camp really was too close for comfort.

"You gave three choices... Kneel, War, or Fight." He lowered himself down to his knees, and inclined his head. "I do not apologize for trying to ensure no harm comes to Mercuitie" he stated first and foremost, "Though the manner in which I chose to do so could have been better thought out."

Just as quickly as he knelt and bowed, Theryn was back on his feet. His expression hardened, jaw clenched, and he brought his borrowed blade up with both hands on the hilt and set himself into a defensive Ochs stance. "I will fight you, my honor demands it."

Even as he said that his mind reached out to brush against Darien's. I'm sorry, Petal he whispered internally. He doubted he'd see the other side of this, for who was he against a man claiming the mantle of God of War? All the same, if he was going to die here it would be on his own terms. My heart is yours, I only wish you'd gotten to hold it longer.

Darien Cordel · Apr 3, 2023

Even

Forrest Dinn had succumbed to the madness of the situation. As Darien came into the camp he heard the echos of Forrest's angry silencing command in the force and the sky began to ring with the drum beat of thunder and lightning flashed across it like it was crockery broken apart by lightning. The prisoners being dragged behind his chariot cowered. He was bringing them into their idea of hell and he wondered if they finally understood the fear they had themselves inflicted on countless others. He held little pity for them after all that they had been party to and he was much too concerned with finding out what had been done with Theryn.

Forrest's initial rant and the threefold proposal had ended before Darien wound his way to the centre of the camp he saw only the waning end of Rhiannon's conversation with Theryn. They had been pricks had they? ... and she had called Theryn by his divine name. Not false god or mundane.

It was also apparent that they did not have Theryn as their prisoner, he was at large somewhere.

Though the noise of anguish Theryn made when the foot of his apparition was stabbed was distressing the pain did not sound too great. Not debilitating agony and in the context of all he had seen not enough to diminish his hope. He felt fresh worry for Theryn of course... frustration at him too but for now, he had to do what he could to settle the water and keep war from blighting his city. Trying his best to put worry for Theryn aside he made his presence known.

Allegedly it was a pleasure to see him. Darien had his doubts but Rhiannon was putting on a good show of cheerfulness he must do the same "My Lady of the skies once again you honour me with a surprise visit ... and joined by our dog of war no less ... " He offered poth a polite nod of greeting before the reference was made to his prisoners and he cut himself off to look at them and then back with a put on a smile "Ah yes ... these people sought to be my guests, I fear they must have confused me for a door mat ... thought that in my keenness for compromise I would compromise my own laws and morals ... I return them to you to face our divine justice, the children are in the city until we find something suitable for them" He paused a moment to dismount "As for my presence which I hope is a pleasure ... I come to talk, I hear tell that you are on a crusade against your enemies and now you are camped upon my doorstep ... after our last meeting you will understand my concern of course..."

He spread his hands in a gesture of peace. He was not here to start a fight but he would finish one if he could. Whether that had to be by bloodshed or as he would prefer agreement reached by words. Before much more could be said he heard Theryn's voice and the thudding of his bare feet on the sand and stone of the desert. He came barreling around the corner armed only with a sword. Darien gazed at him with a mix of that worry and frustration as before but also with some semblance of awe. This was a Theryn more akin to the one he had seen in the gilded cage. Even if he was soon knelt again.

The prince gave little chance for interruption setting out that he had been given three options kneel ... presumably in contrition ... which he did now. Though the contrition was limited only to the means by which he had sought to defend the city. Darien almost scoffed slightly as Theryn stated his idea could have been better thought out. It wasn't cruel more just bemusement fuelled by worry. Then Theryn was declaring that he would fight and speaking into Darien's mind. A private apology and a promise that Darien had his heart.

"I won't let them kill you" he hissed back into Theryns mind "I already told you that Thery"

Then he spoke aloud mostly to Rhiannon "We need to resolve this" he sighed tilting his head at Theryn and Forrest "I fear it is inevitable that they are going to end up swinging swords at one another it seems the only way to get the respect of Anhur but we need to manage it, it helps no one to have one god kill another and they do think Theryn is a god now, no avoiding that ... the rumours of our division are spreading too but we could end them all now if we do this right" He looked down at her given their height difference and had an almost pleading look "Can we talk before this gets out of hand? ... all four of us"

Ishani Dinn Forrest Dinn Theryn Hearthfire

Forrest Dinn · Apr 3, 2023

Forest snarled as he heard the pretender god speak of him being a dog even as he held out his hand calling the swords of the closest warriors to his hand. Lightsabers wouldn't be fair when the nearly naked man held a sword, but Forrest respected the fact that for the first time the little man child showed some fight.

He turned a callous look toward the chariot bound 'god' and laughed. "Funny you would call me the dog when your little rat is threatening the safety of your city. Let's see if he's as good at battle as he is at stupidity."

Forrest paused slightly as he turned back to the man child before him. Something surged through the force hitting him like a hurricane. He spun, eyes wide looking to his mother. He should have noticed it before, but between the blood lust and the disturbance this insolent whip had caused he had missed it. His powers were to new to have been able to siphon through all the mess to see the state his mother was in, being this close, and in a state of protection already the three little blips in the force coming from her flared out for his attention. Powerful little beans they would be.

He turned his attention back to the false God but reached out with the force to connect with his mother. He needed to be careful as after his demand and the subsequent uses he could tire himself before the fight, that didn't matter much as the pup before him was already exhausted and it shouldn't take much to embarrass him to the point of never stepping his Anhurs way again, but his mother was a new snag in the plan. "What exactly are you doing waging a war in your state mother? You are jeopardizing the lives of my siblings with this war, and that I can't allow." his voice softened as he finished the thought however. "You need rest mother, you aren't well. What can I do to help?" damn this protective nature that his father has built in to him. Forrest was birthed by the force and the blood of warriors alone, he should be stepping on these insignificant mongrels and blazing his own path of fear and chaos, but instead his head swam with concern for the woman who helped to create him.

This needed to end. He has had enough of it all, the slavers, the man child, the pretender who thought himself above all others. Damn his father and his wishes and damn his foolishness for allowing this filth to walk out of the temple. As his anger flared so did his domains. Lightning struck the ground between Theryn and he, and the metal of Theryns sword began to warp and liquefy as Forrest marched forward. Lightning crackled through him, sparking from his fingers even as his eyes whitened and sparks shot from his body. He threw the swords away stabbing them into he ground and took his place before the challenger. He struck a stance raising his fists to cover his face. A growl echoed from deep in his chest as he squared up to Theryn. "Time for your first lesson with the God of War manchild. Pray it won't be your last."

Ishani Dinn · Apr 3, 2023

Darien Cordel said:
"My Lady of the skies once again you honour me with a surprise visit... and joined by our dog of war no less... "

“He’s a god, not a dog,” Rhi deadpanned. “But that was cute, reversing the letters.”

She listened to his explanation of the prisoners. As he spoke, a female Shaal in chains began to scream, pleading with Adamanthea for her child’s life. Rhi’s green eyes—now looking slightly yellowish from corruption—flashed from her to Darien. “Don’t speak to me of morals,” she spat. “You have none. You make decisions based on your personal preferences, outlawing what you find distasteful and saving what serves your interests. Just like the rest of us.”

Darien Cordel said:
"As for my presence which I hope is a pleasure... I come to talk, I hear tell that you are on a crusade against your enemies and now you are camped upon my doorstep... after our last meeting you will understand my concern of course..."

“What you’ve heard is true. We’ve gone on a merry crusade against the slavers,” Rhi replied. “Our armies have stopped here in hopes of gathering supplies and opening up trade with your city—and because I was curious to see what you would do with the refugees.”

Approaching the lineup of prisoners, her steps were haunted by the continued pleas of the Shaal mother, now joined by others begging for mercy. Asking where their children were, and what would become of them.

“There is a reason why I asked my soldiers to leave the women and children alive where possible,” Rhi said. Her tone wasn’t angry or irritated, but it was firm and immovable. “The nursing infants will starve to death in your city, and the children will grow up either on your credits or on the streets. I see what you are trying to do, but caring for children is not your area of expertise. Don’t be a fool. Send the mothers back to their children.”

Just then the real Theryn came running into the camp, carrying a stolen sword and wearing nothing more than a silken kilt. Rhi did a double-take, more amused by his appearance than annoyed. “How’s your foot?” she asked.

Forrest Dinn said:
"What exactly are you doing waging a war in your state mother? You are jeopardizing the lives of my siblings with this war, and that I can't allow."

<I didn’t know I was pregnant when we began this campaign,> Rhi replied telepathically. She didn't feel a particular need for secrecy, but perhaps they were better safe than sorry. <We’ve come this far, might as well finish the job. Don’t worry, I won't be on the front lines.> She planned to stay behind the scenes, managing the campaign but not fighting in battles anymore. They would reach the sea within another week or so; then she would happily return home (and hopefully Arcturus and the rest of their children would also be home by then).

Darien asked for a resolution. Theryn accepted Forrest’s challenge, but Forrest lost his temper. Lightning struck the ground and Theryn’s stolen sword began to warp and melt, rendering it unusable.

"Forrest Isander Dinn!" Rhi exclaimed, using his full name. "I stopped your storm for a reason, so enough with the thunder and lightning! Go ahead and duel against Theryn, but do it outside the camp, please. The natives are growing restless.”

Theryn Hearthfire · Apr 4, 2023

Rhiannon's was the first voice he heard, as she snidely made reference to his foot. "Quite fine, Lady of the Sky" he quipped, as though he hadn't a care in the world, managing to catch his breath rather quickly. In his mind, Darien reaffirmed that he wasn't going to let them kill him, but he had gotten quite a good feel for Anhur and something told him that if he could land a killing blow without making it obvious it was intentional he would.

I'm sorry for causing trouble.

Then he was risen, sword gripped, and lightning flashed down to strike the ground between he and Forrest. All at once his blade began to liquify until all that remained was the handle and just a slither of the tang.

"Storms don't scare me, Anhur," Theryn boldly claimed, as he tipped up his chin and brought his hands up in defense of his face, "I was born in Midvinter's worst storm, stood within more than I can count."

No, he did not fear thunder, or lightning, nor being struck.

Before they could do anything, Rhiannon ordered them out of the camp. He faltered for half a second, gaze turning toward Darien. I'll be fine, Petal, I promise he tried to assure him, though frankly being so far from Darien always took its toll on him. Still he'd been intent on coming here while Darien was back in the City, so what did it matter? He could still do this while the others talked.

Gesturing for Forrest to go ahead, he followed out into the wider desert, away from the tents, then inclined his head into a bow. He raised his guard once more, shook out his legs one at a time, then stared across at the man who more or less was a match for him height wise. Theryn wasn't the tallest of Valkyri, but then he was half Umbaran and his mother was tiny.

He'd been taught to stay on the defensive until an opening was made, a lot of his combat training had come from his sister, a Jedi, after all. So he kept up his guard and waited for Forrest to try to land the first blow.

Darien Cordel · Apr 4, 2023

Could one be good at stupidity? Perhaps Forrest would know, who was he to say? But a humble pretender god whose city they camped in the shadow of.

"Threatening the safety of my city you say? You are the one with an army on my doorstep... Are you stating an intention to lay siege to my lands God of War in response to Lysius' presence in my lands? To defy your father and threaten harm to me and my ward?" That seemed a bold step for a man who could be unmade as quickly as his creator had made him. Darien knew little of Sith alchemy but he knew that what had been done could be undone by the creator who had first perverted the natural order.

If Forrest wanted war with him he would give the creature of metal and magic a war worthy of the name. Mercuitie had the supplies to last out a long siege and he had ruled in the region longer than any other god. Plenty in his city and beyond would rally to his defence if he denounced Forrest as a false god and the Rhiannon before them merely a trick of his ... after all when had the goddess started to look so corrupted?

It seemed his quip had insulted Rhiannon as well as Forrest. He certainly had not meant to do that though it was perhaps inevitable. Could the god of war not also be a dog? he was certainly dog-like in his snarling aggression.

"We have let him slip My lady and now we follow where he leads" Just like a dog of war.

He gave no response to the way Rhiannon turned on him for mentioning his morals ... by stating in a long-winded way that he had Morals. What were they if not value judgements that he acted upon? Most galling of course was that the moral judgement in question was one she shared. She seemed erratic in her behaviour. More so than she had before the 'trial'. He was concerned she seemed capable of anything at the moment and her mood turned on a pin. He contemplated whether he ought to grab Theryn and retreat back to the city to call Arc and wait for the storm to pass.

That seemed cowardly though and underhand. Theryn deserved the chance to fight his own battle.

They were here for supplies and trade they claimed ... had anyone told Forrest?

"I welcome trade and have supplies to last a long time ... but ... your son threatens harm to my city and I fear he does not seek to trade anything but his pride for the stability of the planet" It was hard not to waver as he lingered by his chariot. He had told Arc though, if the Dinns wanted war he would give it to them he had nowhere else to go. They would probably win the battle with him but he would do all in his power to make it a pyrrhic victory. Their pantheon in tatters, the city a salted wreck, the people resentful of them and their children surrounded by danger. It was not what he wished but Forrest seemed to hunger for war at any cost with anyone.

Theryn complicated things but perhaps Arc could get him away ... if not well he was stuck too so they had no choice but to fight until they were victorious ... or destroyed.

There was a ruckus behind him as the Shaal prisoners raised their voices in a pleading chorus. He did not need the force to know they were begging for what they could not have from his willing hand. Their children.

"The prisoners before you are yours, do as you will with them but they will not enter my city, Slavers who are mothers are slavers just the same ... I will deal with the children there are many who would be mothers, I would see them made so with the babies of these creatures ... but if you would insist I return the children to the Slavers then they can share the fate of their mothers" Darien would not be dictated to or called a fool by a woman playing games with lives. He could not help but see a sinister motive behind her sending the refugees to him. Like she sought to give him an impossible situation. Well, he could be ruthless too. The slavers could move on or they could wither and die at his gates.

He could weather the storm she blew his way. He had taken in the children to honour the Dinn rule about not harming children intentionally but if he was ordered to reunite slaver and child who was he to refuse?

His focus turned to Thery as he plunged headlong down a path to battle. He was sorry for causing trouble "We can discuss it once we are home but you are a free man you can do as you please" Dari replied into the man's mind, already Theryn was ploughing ahead to duel the god of war. Relief came after a moment of panic after the pair were rendered unarmed. A fist fight then.

A fistfight was to take place away from prying eyes ... sort of , if the natives didn't bother to follow but not after they had talked. It seemed Rhiannon had no wish to take him up on his request to come to terms and properly coordinate a fight. No, the natives were simply to get the spectacle of two people who were meant to be gods punching each other.

Hardly the look of divinity but they were not his people. Let them see their gods reduced if Rhiannon wished it.

"If they are to fight now I will watch them if you do wish to talk we can later" he said to Rhiannon before following after Theryn.

"Play to your strengths ... make him waste his energy" Darien advised into Theryn's mind.

Ishani Dinn · Apr 6, 2023

Darien Cordel said:
"I welcome trade and have supplies to last a long time... but... your son threatens harm to my city and I fear he does not seek to trade anything but his pride for the stability of the planet."

"Yeah." Rhi's eyebrows rose. "Maybe you should stop insulting him if you don't want him to raze your city to the ground and kill your friend. You have to play nice to get nice."

She was content to let Forrest and Theryn hash things out between them. As for Mercuitie and the slaves, well... "If you have enough mothers, be my guest. It doesn't sound realistic to me, but I suppose I'll have to take your word for it that you can provide for them all."

Turning to the prisoners, she addressed them plainly. "For your sins, you are condemned to death. But your children are innocent. Rejoice, for they will live under the protection of the God of Prosperity."

Not all were satisfied with this outcome, as evidenced by the continued wailing and pleading which pierced the night. But Rhi ignored them, already focused on the duel between her son and the would-be Autumn God.

Forrest Dinn · Apr 18, 2023

Forrest allowed a small smirk to rise at the corner of his lips. "It would seem, while allowing your little pet to his own devices and not knowing the happeninga in your city, that it was your pet that advised of the cities retaliation against our army oh great leader." Forrest allowed all the sarcasm and ire he could muster into his tone as he spoke. "As for our seeming issue with the prisoners, why not allow the woman AND children into our care. Their mothers can care for them and stop this pitiful lament and they can be cared for and decided on by the Goddess that rightfully adheres to that domain. We came here with good intentions and it was a representative of YOUR city that threatened us with an act of aggression, not the other way around. Maybe you should check the entire picture before making your snide comments. It's your dog that has put ys in this position, not the other way around."

Forrest took a deep calming breath as his mother scolded him. Using his full name caught him off guard, he hadn't even known he had a middle name until it was spoken. Good information to have even at an inopportune time. Once calmed he looked up glaring at the false God standing before feigning bravery and confidence. Forrest smiled evilly, he was beginning to earn a speck of respect for the manchild, he would have to see if it continued. He walked past him adhering to his mother's request and as they got out of the camp watched as he redied himself. Forrest stretched his arms wide as he stared at the man. The force flowed to his command and his armor and clothing began to peel off of him and gather in a pile behind him. When he was down to just his own underwear, matching the appearance of the ignorant welp before him he redied himself for the fight. "Wouldn't want you to go around saying you lost because I had the advantage of armor and protection, no, when I finish this, it will be said we were on a completely even playing field."

Forrest moved closer cautiously seeing if he would try an attack to see if Forrest could be caught off guard. Forrest was the god of war, if anything was pushed into him through his creation it was fighting. He intended to waste no movement or expend no extra energy than he needed to. He knew that the man would look for an opening, Forrest didn't intend to allow even an inch for that to happen. This boy needed to be taught a lesson, and Forrest intended on being a hard teacher.

When the boy didn't move to attack Forrest smiled. Maybe he was taking this more seriously than he had anticipated. He knew he had to already be exhausted from the exertion of the giant he made to try and scare him. Forrest moved closer and feigned a left jab toward his face when the boy moved to block it Forrest corrected his stance and slammed out with his foot tramping down hard on the foot his mother had attacked previously even as his foot came down with the force of a stone his right hand shot out delivering a crushing blow to the man's ribs. He spun and readied for a counter with a sinister smile.

Theryn Hearthfire · Apr 25, 2023

In Theryn's defense, Forrest did seem the sort to raze a city in order to get what he wanted... And he had made it pretty damn clear that he wanted Theryn dead. He had only wanted to scare them off, it was not a formal declaration of intent because, quite frankly, Rin did not even remotely have the authority to do such, nor the desire. It wasn't as though he was a fighter, after all.

He remained quiet though, now that Darien was here.

Speaking of Dari, he at least spoke of their return home. Is that what the City had become for him? Did the man still wish for him to be there, even now? Rin fast realized that he was unintentionally sabotaging himself, and the mere thought of it left him frowning. It is your City, I should not act for it.

No, Theryn knew he had overstepped, knew that he had been foolish, and he half expected to lose Darien's support and protection because of it.

These were the thoughts locked in his mind as he and Forrest headed out beyond the encampment.

The God of War was soon stripped down until he was wearing just as little as Rin, and then the pair stood momentarily in a stalemate of sorts, neither one making the first move. Wait for an opening... Block, deflect, redirect...

"I know that I'm going to lose" he stated plainly when Forrest made his quip concerning an even playing field. That wasn't the point of this and they knew it. Forrest wanted to put him in his place, and Rin? Well, he had to prove he was more than they believed. Even if it led to a pummeling.

The initial feign came and Theryn carefully pulled his head back like a wave against the shore, his raised hands remaining where they were in defense of his lower face. He noticed the shift in his opponent a moment too late and felt his foot crushed under Forrest's as a result. Rin gritted his teeth and shifted his torso away from the incoming jab.

From there the fight progressed. True to form Theryn focused heavily on the defensive, parrying and countering where appropriate and landing hits of his own only where he felt he could. Hit after hit was taken at the God of War's mercy, until Theryn's body was bruised. His right cheek was inflamed and swollen, lower lip busted up, and his left eye wasn't cooperating the way he'd like it to.

He kept going for as long as he could though, even as his blocks became ever so slightly sloppy with fatigue.