|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 18:45:29 GMT -5
@borderline
Here we are!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 18:46:19 GMT -5
here i am my Dude hello !!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 19:40:35 GMT -5
(Hello! Would you like me to begin? :3)
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 19:44:29 GMT -5
yes please !! that would be nice uvu
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 20:01:49 GMT -5
Nero was never one to dilly-dally, and especially not when the tribute he was owed was to come to him. With his warm caramel skin pleasantly contrasted by snow-white hair, falling to his shoulders and feathering around his face, Nero was quite a young god - the only world he had yet born was the world that gave him a tribute every century, something he did not request, but appreciated all the same. He often grew lonely in his own world, and every tribute who stayed with him soon wished to leave. Nero was fond of his pets, and had released them as soon as they wished to be free. The God of Creation hoped that this next tribute was a bit more content in this godly world with him.
Heavy black leather boots landing noiselessly against the diamond floor, clear to witness clouds and the ocean far beneath, Nero waltzed gracefully towards the small temple that mirrored the one below his land. It was made of simple material - wood and stone. Even if he lived in a beautiful silver and diamond castle himself, Nero enjoyed the simplicity of the temple his people built willingly for him. The god paused by the closed doors, knowing that even his own magic could open them until they were ready to be opened. His tribute would appear on the alter inside, hopefully intact, and that was when the door would open for him.
Nero waited patiently, his shocking violet eyes grazing against the simple temple. He wore a pair of leather horse-rising pants and a loose shirt, accenting his lithe, slim form. His flying horse - his pegasus - whinnied above, flying through sunset-colored clouds and beating cream-colored wings powerfully. Landing in the floating stables, she folded her graceful wings and pushed a few rubies around in her feeding bin before delicate picking on up between her teeth and crunching down, snorting and shaking her starlight-made mane as she indulged in the treat before moving onto the gold straw in the larger feeding bin, stomping her silver hooves. Neros eyes snapped away from the flying stables when he heard a low moan, and beheld the doors being opened, his tribute waiting inside, in the dead darkness.
Nero stepped inside and rose a hand - a brightly shining diamond rose from his palm, illuminating the tribute before him. The tribute was facing the back wall, and Nero couldnt help but notice the sugar powder dusting his skin like a tiny, white galaxy. "Behind you," Nero said, his voice strong and welcoming with a faint smile as his heart raced, anticipating his tributes face.
(So sorry that i poofed!! I needed to claim the shower before my sister with Repunzel hair claimed it. )
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 20:18:45 GMT -5
( i understand man (': i can only be grateful that when i wanna shower i can just Shower unless its stupid o'clock )
Stubborn as a bull and content to make his own options, it was not entirely by choice that Ari was here. If anything, it had been because he'd realised that if the only thing going for him was his looks (even he had to be honest; his personality could be foul), then it was best to play on that. Right? He didn't feel such a pity thing as regret, and so he did not regret his decision. Absolutely not. Even now, glancing down at the white powder dusting over his light brown skin, he tried not to think too hard about it. A God was a God. Someone to be respected, he'd always been told. His mother had been quite firm in her upbringing - it was respect of her that he stood here now, mismatched gaze focused solely on the wall in front of him. Full lips were curved downwards, slender brows pulled down and causing a faint crinkle between his eyes. Tousled, somewhat curly hair was brown - hints of red here and there hinting at mixed heritage. He kept his hair short, for he did not enjoy the longer hairstyles that he knew many other men in his town enjoyed. Foolish young Ari, the older men would say, with their braided hair and ponytails, you will not earn respect like that.
Yeah. Something told him that being a tribute was not quite respect of him, but rather of the God. We send beautiful tributes. It is an honour, Ari, to be chosen! It means that we are in agreement that you are a beautiful man.
Somehow, he cared more about the fact that he'd actually agreed to do this rather than what it meant for his future. Did he have one? It was hard to tell. He considered his thoughts for a few more moments before a voice interrupted him, and he turned his head to the side to look at the God from the corner of his blue eye. The other remained somewhat covered in darkness; a green. For the most part, the difference was not hugely noticeable. Eye contact wasn't the first thing someone did with a young man such as Ari. Usually, it was easier to avoid his critical gaze. Strategy was written within his face, within the almost apathetic features. A boy, whom had been raised to be a military general, if anything. That fate was not to be, with the tribute clothing and the galaxy covering the faint freckles that dotted his warm skin. He exhaled slowly through his nose as he turned to completely face the other. No, not the 'other'. The God. Be respectful, he could hear his mother snapping firmly, her calloused hand a firm weight on his shoulder. She was not here. He stood before a God, and it was not at all as he had imagined.
"You would think," he said after a beat, his soft voice matching his lean build and slender face; a voice made for singing, not for issuing commands, he'd been told, "that they would have a tribute face you upon entry, hm? This seems like a minor design flaw."
Keeping his sharp tongue on a leash, he realised, would be a harder task than he had thought. Despite this thought, he did not apologise for his words, but simply stared evenly. Was he supposed to smile? Bow down? Pride would not allow him to do that, even if he were to be a pet. Yes, he could accept the 'pet' part - he had agreed to this (however reluctantly). That did not mean that he would lose his sense of self. Even a God, he decided, would not make him bow easily.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2016 21:14:14 GMT -5
Nero's laugh was a husky sound, pure sensuality - it could send shivers in all the right places, and have a flush over cheeks. "Once would think that, wouldnt they?" He mused, a playful smirk lifting his lips a bit. "But alas, even God make mistakes when they are distracted." Nero waved his caramel hand - fires lit along the walls, torches melting into existence out of nothing. The warm, orange glow put color across Nero's blank hair, his violet eyes darkening. Amusement filtered from his eyes as he strode forwards, walking with the grace of ten thousand felines.
"You will have no need to bow to me, Ari. In all honesty, you would not bow even if there was reason to, hmm?" Nero arched a brow at Ari, lifting a hand to help the young man down from the altar. Nero's hand was warm but calloused - and interesting thought, considering he was a god who could simply wish away any imperfections. As Ari stepped down, Nero placed a hand on the tributes back, who was a full head shorter than Nero himself. "I have seen your sharp tongue many times through the looking glasses, Ari. I can assure you - you have no need to bite your tongue. I find your wit quite amusing." Neros lips twitched again into an amused smirk, cutting the young human an intelligent glance from violet eyes. "Come," He said, ushering the tribute from the temple room. Fires went out, and the doors closed once more behind them.
Ahead of them lay a castle built from silver and diamond - gleaming in reading sunlight, colored rose by the setting sun. The diamond bridge underfoot was narrow, sheer - terrifyingly high. With a flick of a finger, Nero created a silver hand rail on Ari's side of the bridge - it curved into reality from thin air, twisting into a lovely bar of precious metal. Nero kept glancing at Ari, making sure he wasnt too near the edge - the god rather liked this tributes sharp tongue and all-too-appealing looks. Far below them, Nero willed crops to wield three times the amount of food than they normally would harvest.
"You will stay with me in my rooms," Nero said, guiding Ari with a hand on his low back, almost sensually. "You will have everything you need there. You are free to wander the grounds, but not the diamond bridge. It will break if you are not with a god, and you will plummet back into the earth." Nero lead Ari into the diamond fortress - it was furnished with comfortable benches and seat, throw rugs and pillows - all circling a massive fire pit with a flame that never died. However, Nero maneuvered around this, leading Ari up a flight of prism stairs, and then down a hallway. "These are our rooms. Make yourself comfortable - there are clothes in the wardrobes and trunks, and the bath basin will fill with water on your request."
Nero shut the door behind Ari and himself, his eyes flitting to the curve of Ari's neck, where the sugar laid. "But first," A smirk rose to his lips as he never finished the sentance, letting it trail off into air and he gently pinned Ari against a wall, the tributes wrists firmly held down. Nero placed his lips on the base of Ari's neck - the blessed sugar finally tongued Nero's tongue, and it was only then that the tribute was accepted. Nero continued up Ari's neck, stopping at his jaw line before pulling away, violet eyes darkened from satisfied temptations and his lips brushed with the sugar powder. "Now, you're mine," He said, in an almost possessive tone of voice before running his hand over Ari's hair - almost like a caress, like an owner to a pet.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 7:28:25 GMT -5
There wasn't much that Ari could do save for follow. He did not particularly enjoy the casual touches and considered seeing how rude he really could be, but settled for simply accepting it before moving on, gaze flicking forward rather than focusing on Nero. What was he even supposed to do as a tribute? No-one told stories of what happened afterwards, though there was always the gossip that happened. He exhaled slowly through his nose and glanced to the God from the corner of his eye. Amusing? Those who were subjected to his sharp tongue were not often happy nor amused, and so this strange being confused him. He raised a single eyebrow and focused ahead of him again, looking down in an almost absent fashion as they crossed the bridge.
His heartbeat stuttered, though only for a moment. Ari was, and he would admit this if asked, completely afraid of heights. There would be no problem in stopping him from crossing this bridge when he wandered the grounds; it was not something he liked. Instead, he focused on the godly presence beside him. The hand on his back was confusing for him - as a rule, the young man did not enjoy being touched without permission, and yet hadn't he given permission simply by agreeing to be a tribute? He didn't know. There wasn't a book on this, it was all far too new for there to be any knowledge. He lightly drummed his knuckles against the soft white silk that covered his body, brushing against the material in absent-minded comfort. It did not help. His family were not poor, but they were military. Silks were a luxury they did not indulge in for it was seen as soft, too gentle. Leather and metals were their style, with their firm postures and sharp builds. Ari did not know which he suited better, and yet again, he found his train of thought dissolving.
Ari's eyes widened fractionally as he was pinned against the wall, and it took a vast majority of his willpower to simply submit. He lowered his gaze to watch Nero's head, eyes narrowed. The possessive tone and the hand in his hair both confused him and caused him some discomfort.
"Yours," he repeated blandly. He didn't know if he wanted a voiced confirmation, but he was starting to realise what was happening. This was not something of a high honour; if anything, he was a pet given to a master. This was an official 'you will not be a commander nor a general' type of thing, where he was shipped off to someone else to be dealt with. It didn't hurt, it didn't surprise him, but he wasn't too amused by the thought. He did not blink nor look away as he studied Nero in an attempt to find more answers - but it was inevitable that he'd find none, and so he gave up. "If only that were specified upon when a tribute is given. We really do need to reorganise how you get your tributes."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 12:20:27 GMT -5
"I did not order tributes," Was all Nero replied with bluntly, turning slightly. His hand slid back down to the young mans back, pushing slightly to encourage Ari to step forwards once more, his hand warm and firm against his back. "I did not order for the temple to be built, nor the sugar dust, nor the worshiping. I created the world to place human away from abusive servitude; it was your kind who decided to honor me with one human every one hundred years. I did nonething in selecting you for my companion." His words were honest, his baritone voice mesmerizing in the echoey room.
He led Ari forwards, through two more doors - one went through a room with another circle of sitting areas, another fire pit with everlasting flames and heat, and the next finally led onto a balcony. Below them on the grounds, lesser gods and goddesses roamed freely. A pair of twins tood directly below them - back to back. The one with starlight for hair was lowering the sun, and the one with burning sun shining from their scalp raised the moon with gentle voices, singing in gods tongue, A small bow threw handfulls of stars into the sky from a basket, her dress flowering around her short legs.
"These Gods and Goddesses are what keep your world alive. They raise the sun and lower the moon, create rain. I simply create the energy they need to do these things." His voice was calm, controlled - he was confident in his realm, confident in his position as god. "But they have tempers, and you have a sharp tongue and a wit not to be challenged. You will be cautious with these beings - they will have no second thoughts about harming you, unless i am with you. Use caution."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 12:34:43 GMT -5
"The human race is a sham and you'd think that organisation would be a priority for trying to appease a God," though his tone was entirely flat, there was something akin to amusement in Ari's eyes. He moved without much of a thought, his gait an effortless one. He blinked and allowed himself to scan the area carefully, finding himself...entranced, almost. It was Nero's voice that caused him to turn his head and raise his eyebrows, reaching up to push some of his own hair out of his face. This movement was done without much thought, his mind clearly somewhere else entirely.
He considered the words for a moment, head tilting downward to examine his hands. If what Nero was saying was true (and he doubted that the God had any reason to lie), then he would not get away with chores or drills or lashings. Caution, however, was a foreign concept to Ari. He was headstrong, ruthless, far too honest for his own good.
"I believe the wisest course of action for me to not be harmed is to smile and nod and not speak at all," he wrinkled his nose a little, "I am uncontrollable. A storm. Well," he pondered for a moment, "now that I think about it, I suppose storms are controlled to a degree. Suddenly, my childhood of being compared to a raging storm seems remarkably tame."
Ari frowned upon realising that he was rambling, but did nothing to correct himself.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 13:00:48 GMT -5
Neros violet gaze rested on Ari as he spoke, his thoughts clear against his expressoin. An amused laugh froze from his chest, escaping his lips with hypnotizing bass. "You can speak your mind, youngling," the god said, his voice thick with amusement as he watched a small child follow his mother shyly, his mother gathering clouds with strong gusts of wind she conjured with simple hand gestures. Nero opened his hand, flawless diamonds tumbling from his palm and dropping to the ground a few paces away from the child, who had a hold on his mothers bag cautiously.
Nero watched the child with a proud glint in his gaze as the boy plopped on the grass and played with the diamonds, giggling happily. The mother looked up at Nero and waved joyously, smiling broadly in thanks. Newro dipped his head in respect, a signal of equality, even if he was far more powerful. A simple rose made of gold sheets unraveled from nothing in front of the goddess, who chuckled before tucking the magically conjured item into her basked of clouds. "These beings will only harm you if you interfere with their duties - but if you ask politely, a few may teach you some basic magic. You simply need to keep in mind that you are fragile here. Any storm cloud can be ripped apart by wind."
Nero finally turned to fully face Ari, reaching to smooth down his hair once more with a carving hand, like an owner to their pet. "Learn caution, and you will be fine. I will let you to explore where you would like, I will follow from a distance." With his hand back on the humans lower back, once again sparking the concept of sensuality, he led the man back through doors and down a few flights of stairs, finally leading outside. Ari was greeted with curiosity and kindness by a few gods and goddesses, a few shy glances from children who were not yet old enough to remember the last tribute, one hundred years prior.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 14:04:34 GMT -5
Watching the child was strange. It all felt so normal; these were gods and goddesses, and et they were so...domestic? Normal? There was a sense of comfort here, one that he remembered only distantly. He watched as Nero dipped his head, and frowned thoughtfully. It was unlike watching a superior officer and a new recruit, and more like watching equals. Equality was not something that Ari was familiar with, and even he would admit that it threw him off guard.
"Basic magic," he mused lightly. His parents had never really believed that magic helped. If anything, they were helping the new craze, one that shunned magic users. It was something that appealed to him, like he was a rebellious teenager (despite having never had such a phase). When he was called fragile, however, he huffed a quiet laugh; the first show of genuine emotion since he had come here. Ari reached up a hand to cover his mouth lightly and ducked his head. "I have never been called fragile before."
When his hair was smoothed down, he frowned only momentarily. The curls bounced back up softly, and he shook his head slightly.
"Caution is not easily learned," Ari raised both eyebrows, "but I will see what I can do."
Though he did not seem to pay much heed to the gods and goddesses; perhaps a polite tilt of his head or a faint smile to those who were kind, he seemed to be much gentler with the children. A softened gaze in a sharp face, like a brother to siblings. He had always liked children; if their interest was captured, they were good listeners, and even the biggest of lies could be woven into a tale of wonder for them. It was nice, in a way.
"It's like a full community," he hummed softly, more to himself than to Nero.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 14:19:21 GMT -5
Nero faced Ari once more, one brow raised questioningly. "We are a community, but a fair one. No one is above anyone else, everyone's need are met." His last word was barely from his lips when a young child quelled with delight and rushed at Nero, leaping upwards and right into the gods arms. The young girl and shockingly white hair just like Nero, the same violet gaze and carmel skin. Her hair was in twin braids, and she wore a pair of riding pants and a simple shirt meant for the young boys. "Nero!" She giggled, and Nero let a small oof of surprise escape him as he caught her carefully, not letting her drop. "Temma!" Nero growled playfully in the same town, ruffling one hand over her messyily braided hair. The little girl clung to him and looked over at Ari with bright eyes,a. Wide smile showing she lost one of her front teeth.
"Ne-ne, who this?" She asked, looking back up at Nero adoringly. Several passing gods and goddesses chuckled, moving along with the same respect to Ari. Nero shifted the girl so she was supported by one arm and facing the human, her violet eyes wide with curiosity. "Tem, this is Ari. Our people sent him to keep us company. Ari, this is my only daughter, Temmena." At her full name, the young goddess looked up at Nero with wide, happy eyes and another wide grin, tapping on his shoulder and stage-whispering to her father. "Can I touch him? Is he mean?" Nero cocked a brow at the young girl, before setting her down and brushing some hair from her face. "Go on, then."
Tem immediately zipped towards Ari, hugging around his waist snuggling and looking up with a curious gaze, another broad smile. "What's earth like? How old are you? Do you like it here? Can I be your friend?" Her questions were non-stop, rapid-fire - Nero dropped his face in his hand, shaking his head with amusement. "Tem, calm yourself, my child. He has only came today." At his gentle scold, Tem stuck her tongue out at him playfully, but listened and released Ari from the hug, zipping around Nero with break-neck speed. Nero dropped his face back into his hand once more, laughing exasperatedly. "She's the goddess of speed - a poor idea, considering she is still so young. I am sorry, Ari - she is a curious little one."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 14:26:45 GMT -5
Ari blinked slowly, mulling over Nero's words - but he didn't get to think for much longer when the child appeared. He exhaled slowly as he watched her, sharp gaze following her movements with...yes, that was definitely amusement in his gaze, an eyebrow quirked up and lips failing to not move into a smile. Eventually, he settled into what was mostly a neutral expression, save for the slight twitch upwards of his lips.
Though he clearly didn't know what to do when he was hugged, Ari did smile down at Tem and listened to her questions. He seemed to ponder over answering, before deciding that yes, he could answer her.
"Earth is a loud place. I'm twenty-three years old. This place seems quite nice, and, yes, you can be my friend - but only if I can be yours," it was a fair deal, he decided. His gaze then flicked over to Nero and he snorted softly at what he was told. Goddess of speed? That seemed to be an interesting choice, certainly.
"Don't be sorry," he shook his head, "I have -- had - a younger sister. She was just as curious, if not more."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 14:55:55 GMT -5
"Tem, please settle down," Nero said, amusement in his violet eyes as he suddenly reached down and swooped his child into his arms once more. She immediately latched around his neck, giggling and blabbering in the gods musical language. Nero shook his head fondly, looking backl over at Ari. "I am sorry you had to leave your family behind. However, as i have said before - I do not choose who comes, or even if they do or do not." He placed the now-calmer child back on the ground besides him, and Tem immediately hugged around her fathers waist before speeding off to join another group of friends.
"She had always wanted to see Earth, but no one can go down unless we are called. Few know of Tem, but of the runners and racers." Nero then placed his hand back on Ari's back, giving him a slight push ahead of himself. "Go explore, I'll keep an eye on nightbreak. Do not explore the diamond bridge, please," And with those last words, Nero brushed his hand over the humans hair once more before walking after his daughter, hands behind his back as he watched her and a few other children run in the gardens, playing a game of tag.
(Hmm... there's not much else to say :/ I'm sorry for the short post. Time skip to night?)
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 14:59:08 GMT -5
( it's chill !! night sounds good - im sorry if my posts r lackluster omg )
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 16:23:34 GMT -5
(No no, of course not! They're lovely. :) I rather like Ari, he sounds just like my twin sister.)
Nero sat at a desk in his rooms, writing in a swirling, abstract font with a reed quill, the jar of black ink open on a small dish. The ink seemed to flow more gracefully from the reed than anything else, and it seemed dull and deep. The paper was practically air - a sheet of diamond so thin, it could barely considered there. The ink seemed to weld into the diamond without issue, and with a final swirl, the diamond somehow scrolled itself. Picking up the precious material casually, Nero tossed it out of the window. A breeze picked up up and whisked it out of sight.
The moon was high - it was nearly eleven at night in human time, and Nero himself felt a bit dreary. He wore a pair of soft pants and nop shirt, showing a toned chest and back with strange tattoo-like markings along his spine. These marking held him as superior god, which is why he often covered them. Humbler than most gods, he would rather be treated as an equal than an authority in his kingdom.
Nero flitted his gaze over to the large bed, where Ari lay. The god of creation stood with one long, fluid movement and walked over to a scrying. Dish. Waving his hand over the silvery liquid, an image of his daughter appeared - she was sound asleep in her bed, a small white stuffed dragon nestled in her peaceful embrace. With a faint smile, Nero vanquished the image and turned towards the bed, making his way silently over.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 17:45:45 GMT -5
The day was one of exploring; and yes, he would admit that he may have upset a couple of gods and goddesses, but for the most part, he managed to (barely) hold back his tongue. Ari was fascinated by the place; it was so...calming. There was none of the frantic pace of his usual life on Earth, nothing of the drills and the firm commands or...anything.
When it came to night, however, he found that he couldn't sleep. Dressed in a plain cotton shirt and pants, he had his eyes closed and went through his thoughts. Phantom pain ghosted over his back, reminding him of what had been and what could be in the future, if he went back. Somehow, the Gods' Realm felt more homely. He had enjoyed talked to the children about Earth, talking about old stories from his childhood.
By instinct or paranoia - one of the two - he obviously detected Nero moving towards the bed. His green eye opened, and he looked over at the God quietly, tilting his head to the side.
"What do the markings mean?" He asked, for no reason other than to satisfy his need for knowledge.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 19:35:20 GMT -5
Nero was silent for a few moments, slowly walking towards the bed. He hesitated a split second - a gods marking was a personal thing. Finally, he decided to share - Ari was his companion, why should he hesitate? The white-haired god turned his back to the human, to look at the dark red marks. There were six separate shapes. "The bottom mark is for slavery. Once, a long, long time ago, I was human like yourself. Our God of Creation was Sev - cruel, and cold. I was chosen at tribute because I had a talent few did - art and words. I remember next to nothing about my family, my mortal one - but I do remember my sister saying that I could put words that meant nothing together and create an entire universe. Sev took me immediately, and coasted my as a slave - to always write, to entertain him."
The bottom marking had been shivering as he spoke about it, swirling hypnotically before the second started to do the same. "The second mark is a fugitives mark. AFter fifty years of serving Sev, I ran. Of course, he found me mere days later. He marked me as a criminal, and let me go. The third mark is resurrection. I was caught by the guards of a nearby realm, and put to death. Somehow, I awoke in this body, millennia ago, with it on my back. The fourth is fatherhood - when Tem was created, it appeared on my back the first time i held her as a new born babe. The fifth is the rise to godlihood - immortality. The sixth and final is the mark of ultimate power - the ability to create another earth and rule fairly." Nero fell quiet once he finished, laying next to Ari on the bed and propping his head up on an arm. "Not many gods have six marks - as far as I know, I am the only."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 19:45:12 GMT -5
Ari watched the marks with some fascination, watching them swirl as the story was told. When it was finished, however, he moved his gaze up to Nero's face. Both eyes were open, now, narrowed slightly as he considered what to do. He sighed and turned his head to look upwards, one arm over his belly and the other laying flat at his side. His chest rose and fell slowly, and he nodded.
"You didn't have to answer my question, but you did anyway," he commented lightly. "So I'll give you something in return. You said that you were sorry that I left my family behind, but that was not a recent thing. I left my family behind when I was barely a man. My use of past tense with my sister was not because she's on Earth and I'm here; it's because she died, a long time ago. She was not honoured with a proper burial. Her soul is likely not rested. It was partially my fault."
He rolled onto his side and rested his chin on the palm of his hand, shifting his weight until he was comfortable.
"I'm not surprised that you were human. It wasn't something I knew, but I wouldn't have believed you if you had said that you were a God from the beginning," Ari clicked his tongue lightly, "you're interesting."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 20:47:44 GMT -5
Nero was quiet for a moment, listening to Ari speak of his past family. His violet gaze flashed with something along the lines of surprise - this human truly believed one needed a proper purist to be at rest in his world? "Ari, when I created your earth, I was careful of many things. However, the afterlife is what I doted on the most. Your sister is safe and well in the afterlife, whichever path she deserved. On this earth, you needn't a proper burial to rest in peace." He reached out absentmindedly, brushing some hair back from Ari's face tenderly before pulling away once more. He welcomed the subject change however, and allowed himself to breeze along with the conversation.
"Very, very few Gods and Goddesses were always divine. Some married into immortality - a few were created, like Tem, to keep others company. I was married into immortality, wed to a goddess named Bastet. She was the goddess of felines, a beautiful goddess. However, I held no love for her romantically - I simply married her to save her from an everlasting war that she would have perished in. She bore me Tem before we married, and we agreed to end the marriage after she realized that she needed to go back to war. She is alive and well still, married to an old friend happily, and Tem is content here with me." Nero finished his last sentence by turning onto his back, one arm over his torso comfortably. With a wave of his hand, the ceiling became transparent - a gorgeous view of the stars came to life above them, stars that Nero himself helped create.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 20:57:09 GMT -5
"Different beliefs where I come from," though his tone was light, something odd flashed over Ari's face momentarily. He rolled back onto his back and looked up as the view of stars appeared, and his breath caught slightly. This was a fonder memory; he remembered stargazing, in the years before it was decided he'd have to learn how to become a military man. This was good, he decided.
"Immortality sounds like an extremely complicated thing," he wrinkled his nose slightly. "Goddess of felines, though. I once had a kitten named Lune. Well. We thought it was a normal kitten. Turns out he was some sort of wildcat, and he vanished one day."
Ari turned his head to look at Nero and studied the God without much of a thought. It fascinated him to see the difference in bone structure compared to men he was used to - and he couldn't deny that there was something divine about laying next to a God.
"Am I allowed to make a request?" He murmured after a few moments, "it's a simple one."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 21:23:37 GMT -5
"Ari," Nero began, letting his violet eyes shut momentarily to see if he still had the stars memorized against his eyelids, "you are free to speak your mind with me. I am slow to anger," His words fell from his lips like liquid, his almond-shaped eyes opening once more. The violet irises reflected the brilliant stars above, tracing long-forgotten constellations he spent years making by hand. Feeling the mortals gaze on him, he glanced over at Ari through the corners of his eyes without turning his head more than an inch.
After a glance, Nero returned his eyes to the constellations above.With a twist of his hand, Nero willed a star shower - and it came. Several tiny, unnoticed stars broke rank, streaking across the sky with hypnotic twinkles and lights. At the shower thinned out, Nero turned onto his side to face Ari, propping his head back up with one arm and the other reaching out to trail his fingertip over the inside of Ari's wrist gently, absentmindedly.
"Speak your mind - I am listening."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 21:33:52 GMT -5
In this lighting, it was more apparent that his green eye was darker while his blue was much paler - something not noticed in average lighting. Ari gave what could've been an amused sound, lowering his gaze to watch Nero's fingertip on the inside of his wrist. It was not unpleasant, he decided, and so he relaxed into the bed and half-closed his eyes.
"I have angered even-tempered people before," he huffed, "but I will take that into mind."
For a moment, he let the silence linger as he tried to consider how to word his request. It was not, he believed, something that was beyond doing; it was just how he went about phrasing it.
"I don't mind this," he gestured to the casual touch of Nero's fingertip, "but I'd like to have a say in other actions. Closer actions. Kissing - like you did earlier. Hm," he closed his eyes and bit his lip lightly, "I'd like to be able to say yes or no when you do that. To have a small amount of control over what happens to me."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 21:53:44 GMT -5
"Surely, you were told that the priests blesed the sugar dust?" The words formed from Neros lips with slight surprise, the tracing of the humans wrist stopping for a moment. It continued, innocent and affectionate, as Nero explained. "Sugar dust is blessed - well, more of cursed - by the temple priest. It makes it very, very difficult to keep a straight thought process, and for what I did earlier, I apologize. You have a say in whatever happens, I will not force anything more than this onto you," The god swore, applying a split second of slight added pressure onto the humans wrist as emphasis.
The gods violet eyes watching his own hand trace along the veins of the inside of Ari's wrist, thoughtful and content in this position. Ari had proven himself to be a well-balanced companion. He wasn't overly submissive, which bored Nero, nor was he a total imbecile. He had a wit, which Nero found great amusement in, and just now, Ari had proved himself to be a fair soul. Thick black lashes fluttered back up, violet eyes meeting Ari's once more.
"Get some sleep, Ari," He finally said, his voice surprisingly gentle as he removed his hand from the mortals wrist. "I'll keep to this side, so I won't cling onto you in my sleep. However," A playful grin tipped the gods lips upwards just a touch, "If you happen to come near, keep in mind that even Gods can't control the actions in their sleep."
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 22:00:23 GMT -5
( whoops ive overstayed so im gonna sleep so heres my last post !! i will return tomorrow after work / possibly in-between work if i take my laptop in )
"I was told nothing," Ari told Nero firmly, though his brows furrowed slightly. Was it blessed/cursed to become addictive so that Nero would keep going back for tributes? He wasn't quite sure. It wasn't as if the subject of their Gods came up often, and military barracks were often far from a priest's temple. His few orders had been to behave, but he'd broken those, it seemed. The pressure on his wrist comforted him to a degree, and he smiled. Small, and not taunting nor smug as others during the day had been, but a quiet, calm one. Contentment was in his posture.
He gave a light snort at the God's words but settled down again, hair falling over his face just slightly as he lowered his head and allowed himself to close his eyes.
"Don't worry, my body has trained instincts to lash out at whatever touches me without warning when I'm asleep. It might take some time for that habit to go, so I hope you don't mind being shoved out of bed from time to time," his tone was teasing, but sleepy - he was already dozing off, and within moments, he was asleep. His body still seemed to remain tense as he slept, though his face smoothed out considerably, making him look more vulnerable than he truly was.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2016 22:18:41 GMT -5
(No worries! Good night, sleep well!)
Nero snorted softly at those words, laying down on his side so he faced away from Ari. "Good night," he said, before his violet eyes shut and he channeled himself into sleep.
~~~~
The next morning came quickly, and Nero was alert and awake far before the sun rose. His white hair damp from a bath, wearing a pair of leather riding pants and a loose shirt, he was once more at his desk, scribing into a sheet of thin diamond. It curled into itself before flying away once more, probably a request for Tem to meet him later that day or a question for some other deity. He worked in perfect silence, the only sound being the birds outside singing with impossibly lovely tunes and the breeze brushing through trees.
Nero stood from his chair, waving a hand towards the bed where Ari still slept peacefully. Nero's violet eyes softened - the man was lovely, and he seemed much more gentle when alseep. Nero glanced away and waved his hand - a few dishes folded from nothing, food lining up along the surfaces before a cloth covering it all, resting on the nightstand for whenever Ari awoke. Nero stepped into another room, peering into the scrying dish to check on the preparations for daybreak.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2016 8:12:02 GMT -5
( i am alive )
The night brought nightmares, but that was not a foreign thing for Ari. He did not toss nor did he turn, but remained eerily still - it had taken years to teach his body to react how he wanted to, and it was a calming thought to know that his brain was not a simple thing to figure out, even when he was asleep.
When morning came, he woke - but kept his eyes closed and instead took a moment to remind himself of where he was. Eventually, he sorted his thoughts and flicked open his eyes, exhaling as he looked upwards. It was not a surprise that Nero was not next to him; his internal bodyclock told him that he had slept far too much, and the faint ache at the base of his neck told him that he'd definitely stayed in the same position all night. With a small yawn, he sat up and stretched his arms in front of him.
He blinked slowly at the food on the nightstand, narrowing his eyes. Yes, it came to his attention that he had not eaten for some time - but he had not expected to have food waiting. It was strange. He remembered the days of cooking for those closer to him, of laughing when he burnt himself on the fire and of seeing which spices would taste better. That was nice. Spice-collecting. He had always spent a good portion of his money on spices and food.
However, his stomach did not particularly want something heavy, and so he picked up an apple lightly and stood up from the bed. His gaze swept around the room in an attempt to figure out where Nero had gone, but, seeing that he was not there, he set the apple down again and decided to change his clothes. As he moved, he checked on old scars, ensuring that they were not stiff. Once he was dressed in something more alike his attire at home (slim leather pants and a loose cotton shirt; casual wear, not his "normal" attire), he picked up his apple again and bit into it. The sound of birds singing comforted him, so he listened for a few moments before he decided to seek out Nero.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2016 9:27:12 GMT -5
"I warned you of trouble, Nerre. I have told you the old gods will seek back their power from you." Neros voice came faintly from the other room, his tone completely different than it was the day before. It was full of power, authority, a hint of irritation. The god reflected in the mirror before him was young, seemingly no older than twenty in human years. The other gods jaw was clenched, along with his fists, practically fuming. "Your ability will be revoked," Nero finally stated, his voice cold and sharp. The young gods anger shattered with disbelief. "Nero! Tha-"
The young god silenced himself as Nero held up a commanding hand. "It is not personal, Nerre. It is for the good of the people below. You care not of the humans, care not that infant boys are being struck with sickness. Your duty was to protect infant boys from such diseases, and you have failed. Your immortality will remain, but you are no longer a deity of the male youth." Nerres eyes bulged, his jaw hung open as the power drained from his being, unnaturally blue eyes fading back to dim brown. Nero held a glass orb in his hand, swirling power tumbling inside. "You are now a messenger for the gods. Fetch me Ren - he will replace your duties. Go." With a wave of his hand, Nero wiped away the image of a stuttering Nerre. The mirror now blank, the white haired god set the orb carefully onto a stand, resting on a table. He didnt seem to notice Ari enter the room as he leaned over a diamond sheet, scratching out one line of swirling script with a quiet sigh.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2016 9:44:15 GMT -5
When he entered the room, Ari had settled to lean against the doorway, having finished his apple entirely before entering. He blinked and licked his lower lip absently, trying to process what he'd just heard/witnessed. That had been a God being demoted, right? It was so alike a military dismissal, in a way, but he found that it was kinder, almost. The immortal kept his immortality but was not a deity; it sounded like the immortal would be fine. His mind cast back to consider the sickness that Nero spoke of - surely not one akin to the one that had wiped out a nearby village? Children had died in their hundreds, and Ari's town was lucky to not suffer as badly.
"Your work seems stressful," he mused after a moment or two of silence, tilting his head to examine the room with a curious gaze. "Do you have a lot to do today?"
His voice was rough from sleep, but smoothed out as he spoke more. He reached up to brush some of his hair back, slender fingers pulling through tangles as he did so. With footsteps as quiet as a mouse's, he padded over (albeit very slowly) to Nero, pausing every so often in case he wasn't allowed here.
|
|