A Decision to Be Made (Open to all the gods)

[.๑whovian๑.]

Bristile
I am an ancient warrior....a god of Time.

The pillars stood, etched against the starred and unearthly sky as a lone figure walked towards them. It was a tall figure, illuminated by a bright moon that seemed only to touch the area around the pillars themselves. The figure walked up to the pillars, into the center of them all. One might say it was a horse, but it was far larger, and more terrifying than any equine that walked the earth. He was tall, about seven feet at the withers, his black coat shining. Immense, leathery black wings sprouted from behind his shoulders, large clawed feet, and a silvery horn in the middle of his forehead. He stopped, looking around. Eight hundred years since they had been a meeting. So, there would be one slightly early, but that was of little importance. He was not usually the one to call meetings, but his methods were quite effective.

There world was not in its right place ever since there had been Cursed horses. Ever since that had happened, there had been unrest. Horses began servicing only themselves, not caring about their families, only how happy they were. The Cursed horses were tormented, cursed to eternal life without feeling, nor any whiff of happiness. The "good" horses were living in a world so beautiful and happy, they did not know what it was like to live anymore. It was unnatural, yet many did not seem to see that part. He looked around him. The pillars had been there for a long time, since his very beginnings.

He took a deep breath, and snorted it out again, preparing himself for what he was going to do. The creature let out a low, rumbling growl that seemed to shake the very ground beneath them. The pillars did not move. There was a momentary silence, and then he threw himself onto his hind legs, and let out a sound that seemed to make the very trees and stone tremble. A roar of such magnitude there was nothing that could be compared to it. It shook through the divine lands, and through the town of ghosts, the swampy devil lands, the mountains, the crumbling cliffs. It was not to be mistaken for thunder, not even an avalanche. The great stone pillars stayed steady, even as the ground shook.

After some time, he stopped. His call rang out still, even after he stopped. He stood, staring around at the pillars, each of which represented a place for each god. He walked over to his. It was old, and weathered looking. It wasn't very tall, but it was strong. He took his place in front of it, as he waited for the other gods to arrive. Who would come? Who would honor his call? He stared out, and swore he could hear horses in the mortal realms. They wondered what had made the sound. He thought he heard the sound of hooves, horses approaching him, ready to start the meeting. he looked around grimly, and his lip curled a little to reveal long canines.
Then he spoke, in a quiet, deadly voice that only he could hear.

"So it begins."

muse; fab
notes; this thread is pretty self explainitory, but I think that they need to talk about this ah...issue with the Cursed. Anyhoo...possibly a war?? maybe? Would be exciting.....

[Deleted]

[glow=red,2,300]

Diablo

[/glow]

The Flames Never Die....

Diablo had been staring absently into the hungry flames that he had created. By piling a bunch of dead leaves and branches, he had made a spark and thus, fire. Learning to control such a power had taken him decades, and he still wasn't sure of it's full extent. But he was patient, a trait only his father could leave behind. He snorted. Where was his father, now?

As he stood there, thinking about all the possabilities, a loud call echoed through the trees. Looking up, he noticed that there was a full moon tonight, and that call....it was the call of a Divine. He raised his head, his red and black horn glinting under the moonlight. With a short squeal, he reared up and jumped forward into a gallop. His speed only increased as he neared the area where the call had come from. As he came closer, he could make out a darker shape in the already dark night, illuminated by the moon.

In a swirl of dust, he skidded to a halt, almost nose-to-nose with the huge brute. His glowing black and red eyes peirced the darkness as he quieted his breathing and stepped back a couple of feet. He had not intended to stop so close. Turning his head, he examined the area around him. The stone pillars rose up against the night sky, touched by the moonlight in certain places. And in those places, they seemed to glow.

He turned his gaze back on the other stag, eyes full of questioning. Unlike many of the other gods, he did not speak first and often observed and interacted later. He was unsure as to why this brute had called out to every god here in Tainted Paradise, but Diablo was very sure that whatever the reason, it had to be extreamly important. Why else would he call out to them?

Muse: Great great GREAT!! hehe
OOC- Eh...not sure if I was supposed to show up...were the gods decided already...? I can delete this post if I have to.

[Velnias]

Kallistei

Owl + Sphinx

It welled in me, bubbling like a hot spring fountain. Foreboding spoke in grave words; it was rare I felt like this. My hip was a mass of shimmer and silver, constantly changing. I was usually stable and passive and heartfelt and mindset. Not now; it was in the air. Pillars of wall-writing seemed to loom over my head; I walked under them, and shadows followed me. I wanted to escape, and I wanted to tear them away. Of course, the Gateway into Everlost, Himmel, The Sky, Heaven, my home...it always felt like this. Everything you felt was magnified and amplified. My vision was blurred and perfect, my emotions throbbed in my chest. It sucked me in like a vortex.

And yet...calm.

With shifty, omniscient eyes I watched the scene change. It shimmered dully and became divinely blinding. I felt that this was the moment, and I embraced it. The animal tearing at my emotions tore into my skin. In my mind's eye I saw claws tear through my hooves. Thick and heavy, my ankles becoming soft and padded. My body was coated in silk fur, and my eyes slitted like a cat's. Then, Sphinx receded and my wings became feathered and brimmed in fluff, silky and rough. The claws became talons and my face became sleek, it still shifted. My body shrank easily, but not dizzily, and I soared easily into flight. My bones, hollow and porous, were lifted over the land as I flew into the light that washed over me, washed away my skin.

The scene was pretty and ancient. The scene around me emerged from the white lights twinkling like stars as they disappeared into the night. I felt gravity relocate itself and I balanced in mid-flight, flapping my wingspan once to orient myself. Just in Time, a roar blew the remaining, dying light away. It bellowed deep in a stallion's throat and it called me near. The stars twinkling in the corners of my vision threw themselves into the sky and lit a clear path towards his beckoning. I noted that the voice was Bristile's, waiting. For me, for the others. Around my the ancient stones of white chalk stood, and they were as real in the sky as they were on the earth.

Twirping to the quiet nocturnal creatures flitting about in the treetops, I grazed their tops and passed swiftly by. Soon I saw him, that tall and dark horse, and I swooped nearer him and the ground on which he stood. The pillars rose erect around him. They were easy and quiet, waiting, holding their breath with his. They didn't interrupt. I wished not to yet, either, and so I alighted from the sky and perched atop the tallest one.

I saw another god as well, and his body was farther from me. I did see him though, through my cat-owl eyes. Graceful I glanced over this other, seeing the licking firelight in his eyes. Fire had arrived just moments ago, it seemed, and he waited in his own silent tension. At that second I felt a little grateful to be Love, and to know it. Because the truest love didn't feel fright, or fear. Love didn't know tension or regret or hopelessness. I was comforted in this. My feathered cloak settled in my airy body. I cooed once in owl-speak, and waited for him to listen and hear it. The gods could hear any speak, and it was what acquainted them with the entire earth and its spirits. So my owl body sat, staring at his and around at the lonely night.

OOC: I'm finally catching up--feels good to be posting with Kalli again!

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[Deleted]

Hades

And from that day on, Death wore white...

The God of Death, the Lord of all Deceased Souls, paced around a small clearing in his home that was often referred to as 'hell'. Anyone who called it that was rather wrong, as the place the Dark God vented his frustration was as beautiful as any place in the Divine realms. To him, though, it was hell. Too many souls, to many deaths. Then those Cursed horses. He stopped and shook his head viciously. They were supposed to die, to be dead centuries ago, and yet they lived. It was a cruel punishment, too cruel for they sins if anyone asked the ever polite, ever gentle Death. Dying would've been far worse, epecially as Hades knew exactly where he would put them if they ever came to him.

He would never have any part in the decision, though. That was they way it was. Death stayed out of the decisions of the gods, despite being one of the most powerful. He was forever trapped within his soul filled world, only ever stepping out to collect hundreds of thousands of dead every day. It was his job, his task, his burdan. Perhaps even his curse. Everyday, surrounded by the dreariness of death and the dying. Walking as a mortal, even for a little while, was probably the best thing that had ever happened to him since he was sent to the Underworld as the keeper of souls.

A call, as powerful as time itself and impossible not to be drawn to, interrupted Hades' pacing. His head shot up, his glowing blue eyes flashing with something of annoyance. He was in his immortal form and he really had no wish to travel through the mortal realms in that form. If the mortals saw him they would forever he scared of the night. He shook his head, his forlock flipping over his ivory skull. Shadows draped around him like robes, but they screamed and begged for freedom. The souls of the worst beings, those that were to be punished for everything they did. His cloak, as dark as midnight over his steel gray body. His head, his skull, blending seamlessly into his steely hair. Around him, much like his cloak, his powerful aura swirled around him.

Being the God of Death he had powers that no other god had. One of those was having a gate to the divine realms within his home. He blew into the air and watched the gate open, its depths inky black. He stepped into it and walked out just outside the meeting place of the Gods. With a purposeful and confident stride he walked through the pillars to his weathered, worn but still strangely brilliant pillar. It had stood there since the beginning of time itself, as Death had always been present. He was one of the very first gods, and he would continue on forever.

His black cloak moved gently around him as he surveyed the immortals already present. Kalli, of course, and Bristile, the one who had called them together. There was also an unfamiliar face, a new god, a young one. The Dark Lord's ears pricked with interest as he walked towards the young god. "Welcome." he rumbled as he passed, on his way to greet the God of Time, the god he was probably closest to. The great half horse, half reptilian god stood there, regal and godly.

"You called me," Hades stated. "This must be important for your to summon me from my ever filling realms and away from my work. There are horses dying every minute, and I should be out there collecting them. What is so important that you felt that I must join this meeting?"

---

Notes/Other: Uh...I'm still getting used to him.

[Deleted]

OOC- I'm gonna reply since Hades said something to Diablo and no one else has posted yet...and I'm just bored. XD

IC-

While waiting silently with the huge stag, two other horses had appeared. He supposed they were both Divines...what else could they be? One of them had taken the form of an owl. He glanced up at her, his eyes shining with not only fire, but wisdom. He knew what was going on...even if he was young.

The second Divine to appear had seemed to walk through a gateway. Diablo could only assume that he was Hades...the god of death. So far, Hades was the only god who had the capability to use gates like that. He walked slowly past him, looking at him briefly and muttering a quiet 'welcome'.

Surprised, Diablo only dipped his head and remained silent. He had never expected another god to greet him...much less offer a welcome. As usual, the fire god said nothing. He merely observed the things that were going on around him. Calculating and memorizing things he needed to remember. He wondered absently what was going to happen. His eyes rested on who he had guessed was Hades as he spoke. The stallion was right...there were many things to do, especially for the god of death. Did Hades really have to be here? With a snort, Diablo looked around again...who else would show up?

[Wild@Heart]

Bristile was here, in the land of the council. I could feel his
presence, my skin prickling from the mere presence of the god of
time. His rotten stench filled my nostrils; I had to force myself
to breath. Suddenly the wind died down, the birds stopped singing,
and the whole world grew quiet. It seemed as if even mother nature
knew that something big was going to happen and was now holding
it's breath, anticipating the fight that would come.

The ground beneath my golden hooves began to shake, and was soon
followed by the roar of a monster. If I had doubted the presence
of him before, I was sure of it now. Bristile was here, and he had
something on his mind. His call beckoned me, and all the other gods.
I knew many would hurry, but I did not. Slowly I lifted each leg,
making my way to the tall pillars that protruded from the dirt.

The pillars weren't visible in the vision of a mortal, but I was
now close enough to see everything clearly and hear the words that
were spoken. So It Begins. Bristile's voice rang clear in my ear
canals, and my gaze was drawn upon his frame. He stood tall, over
7 feet and his leathery black wings fanned out from his wide
shoulders. His feet were much like that of dragons, claws visibly
pulsing in the packed dirt. His silver horn stuck out from between
his fiery orbs, and the moonlight retracted off of it. His appearance
was utterly repulsing, yet I wasn't scared in the least.

My burning gaze now switched to another, one that I barely knew of.
He was the god of fire, his crimson pools burning with desire. He
seemed out of place here, like he wasn't sure what he should be
doing and he was uncomfortable in the situation. His mere presence
made me want to assault him, yet I knew that I wouldn't because I
should respect his authority.

And then there was Kalli, my dear dear friend. Her spotless white
hide was glowing in the moonlight, speckled pools inspecting the
scene much like my own. She was gorgeous, but she had to be. She
was the goddess of beauty after all. I only let my gaze linger on
her for a few more seconds before tearing it away, settling upon
the next being down the line.

Hades showed up, his ebony hide blending in with the dark of night
while his ivory skull and glowing orbs stood out, making him seen.
His voice entered my pinned harks as he spoke to the newest god.
Welcome, his voice was deep and shook the air as he continued to
move forward, now speaking to Bristile. You Called Me, This Must
Be Important For You To Summon Me From My Ever Filling Realms And
Away From My Work. There Are Horses Dying Every Minute, And I
Should Be Out There Collecting Them. What Is So Important That You
Felt That I Must Join This Meeting? My eyes rolled in my covered
skull. I didn't like Hades much. His job was important and he knew
it, and seemed to think that he was better then everyone else.

I was now close enough to be seen, and I waltzed up to my pillar.
The large white podium was old, it had a crack running down the
side and the paint was flaking off in chips. I stared at if for
a moment, cocking my head to the side before closing my pools and
pressing my horn against the cold slate. The golden bone upon my
forehead began to glow, the light that was emanating from it
gradually growing brighter. And then my pillar instantly became
straighter, the edges of the crack merging together before it
disappeared completely. The paint was now renewed, whiter than
before and now also glowing in the light from the moon. From the
packed soil below long branches of ivy sprouted, spirally wrapping
around my pole before ending in the perfect entanglement, covered
by a single red rose.

I turned around slowly, my gaze first landing upon Bristile, the
giant beast that stood before me as I greeted him. You, Sir, Are
Looking Utterly Repulsing Tonight. My mask was expressionless as
I continued to speak, addressing each resident one by one. My pools
were now settled upon Kalli, my voice softer while I spoke to her.
It's Good To See You Darling, You're Looking Good. You Don't Look
A Day Over 3. A sly smile spread across my lips before slowly
disappearing as I turned to Hades. If You Are So Worried About The
Dead, Then Leave. Obviously You Have Business You Need To Take
Care Of, And It Must Be So Much More Important Than This Meeting.
But It's Okay, You Opinion Isn't Needed Here, Nor Ever For That
Matter. I turned away from him, my death glare now landing upon
the god of fire. I was on a roll tonight, and feeling more vicious
that usual as my attention turned to the newbie. Of course he was
in for it, anyone could see that. You Are Not Comfortable Here,
You Are Afraid Of Rejection. As You Should Be. You Are Not Cut Out
For This And You Mize Well Leave Now. Your Opinion Won't Be
Considered In The Least Because You Have Yet To Prove Yourself
Worthy. I made a point of looking him up and down before centering
my orbs once again on Bristile.

My posture was perfect, ebony tassels gently framing my well
chiseled face as my golden daggers stood solidly upon the fragile
ground. My silver hide glistened in the moonlight, the thick fog
wrapping around my tendons. My lips parted and I spoke once again,
the words forming easily. Now Bristile, I'm Ready To Be Enlightened
By Your Reason For Bringing Us All Here. But I'm Sure You Are
Going To Want To Wait For The Rest Of The Gods And Goddess, So So
Help Me God But If They Don't Hurry Their Sorry Asses, Then Yes,
We Are Going To Begin Without Them. My face still showed no
emotion, and my whipcord now began to violently slash back and
forth, expressing my impatience.

Words; 1,044
Muse; Amazing.
Other; Yeah, she's crabby.

[.๑whovian๑.]

Ember

Fear me....


Who was he to control them? Who was he to call the meeting? The dumb bastard, Ember bared his teeth at the call. Of course, he had to go. What if they discussed something important? The painted stallion grew wings of leather, and propelled himself into the air. He flew, effortlessly over the mortal lands, the lands of the Cursed, and into the divine world. The ground was yellow with dead grass, but there was fear there too. Shapes of horses littered the area, fear in their hearts. Ha. He could make them die, he could make them crumple. Fear could do terrible things. He could make himself an army in the blink of an eye. His father knew that. Nobody would follow him, the dumb bastard.

He was Ember, the Lord of Fear and Hatred. His father was Time, and an arrogant fool as well. Who could master the power of fear? The power of hatred? Nobody. Fear kills everything. Fear can kill love, power, it can make the bravest warrior fall. He was a young god, powerful yes, but young. And the younger he was, the stronger he was.

He transformed into the black and white draft horse as he walked. He caught the scent of his father, the repulsive Lovebird, the new Fire god, who had great potential to help him, the Truthseeker, and the lord of the Dead. He did not look at any of them as he walked in, but made his way to his tall pillar. The stone was grand and beautiful, and dark in color. He turned to face the others before he spoke. "So," he said scathingly. "What useless information does your Lordship have to tell us?" he growled. "What purpose is this? Or are you just flaunting your manly powers over everybody, and just want everyone to come and admire you?"

*************************

Bristile
I am an ancient warrior...a god of Time.

Bristile was staring right at Diablo as he entered, a young, new god who Bristile was curious about. Fire could be dangerous, but he seemed a quiet, interesting young soul. He dipped his head respectfully to the youth, and looked up again as he sensed Love's presence. She was lovely as ever this day, as she always on, and he smiled as she entered the circle, and dipped his head low to her. He had always respected her, as Love was extremely powerful over the mortals. Bristile sensed Death before he showed himself, and looked over at the black stallion with his ivory skull. He respected the god of the dead. His presence was not terrifying, nor was it disgusting. He welcomed the newcomer, and Bristile felt a rush of affection. At Hades words, Bristle's mouth formed a touch of a grimace. "My friend, you are an important part of life, and I would not call you unless it was necessary, you know that." he said gravely.

Then, he sensed HER. Ah.....the mistress of truth. He looked in her direction, staring into her face as she made herself known. She looked agitated, but Bristile wasn't surprised. She greeted him with an insult, and to add to her irritation, Bristile was content to make his expression impossible to read. He was quite good at that. He looked at her, and said tonelessly. "My dear mare, if anybody does not need to be here, it is you, so respect the others. We are all aware of your naive nature, you do not need to flaunt it." he said baldly. He looked away from her, and was about to start speaking when he heard him.

His head shot up, and his eyes narrowed. So, he felt that he needed to show up, and yell at everybody did he? Bristile glared at the stallion, and decided to ignore the youth. He snorted a little, even as Ember spoke in his deep, scathing voice. When the youth finished, Bristile began. "Thank you," he said. "For honoring my call. The topic of which we will discuss is concerning those beings who have been Cursed for hundreds of years. They cannot die. This, is an atrocity. Nothing is meant to live forever, unless one is divine. My friends, I have called this meeting to discuss the release of the Cursed horses. Of course, I cannot do this alone. We must decide, and soon."

muse; great
notes; just so y'all know, we need some conflicting opinions......

[Velnias]

Wolverine

Hmm. It was beginning, I could feel. Some kind of conference. It was etched all over Time's face that he always seemed to mark with black lines of worry. Now, it was darker still. His horizon was disappearing fast into night, and as I looked on into the distance, I could see down into the mundane lands. Night was falling, all across the earth. The Cursed lands were always amidst that night, but even now the moon seemed to darken their bleak landscape.

Yet not all beauty was gone thus far. From atop my own pillar perch, I saw the brilliant diamonds being thrown up into the sky. They filled its empty darkness and made it whole. Just as this modest, motley crowd needed another thing to make it whole, and here she came. Golden pale hooves glowed as they touched the divine earth. She moved with a fluid step in her stride and a bold arrogance I had since long ago come to justify and admire time and again, even when it seemed some others couldn't. Her face was a marred expression of frustration at one such particular being. Reading the story of her eyes, I could see it. I watched silent for now atop my pillar. She was the goddess of Truth and the truth she did indeed set free on us all, but I knew love and its manipulations. I was practiced in reading faces. She was silently shunning Death, vituperating Fire, and utterly repulsed with Time.

I always thought hate was a funny emotion to feel and its interpretation was more amusing still. Hate, said to be the opposite of Love. Well, that mundane conclusion was wrong entirely and now Truth, as she was doing time and again, had just proved it wrong. No, hate would never truly master love. In the meantime, Bristile greeted me as he would any god. His gaze seemed to rest a little as he concluded I had joined him in the circle. To myself, my tail feathers twitched. Oh, Noxadon, I smiled fondly, you fail to realize I've not yet entered. Time musn't do that, you know...jump to conclusions. Very bad for the cycle... And I sat atop my pillar, waiting. Holding a card of my own. My pillar hadn't been set aglow yet, I hadn't yet joined Time's cause; if anything, I was devoted if only I had a good enough reason.

And I did find a little smile crossing my flecked owl's beak as Alatheia whipped around to face Time. Truth and Time. I'd always considered Truth the most power of the majority of us. Of course, it was all in the way you controlled it, and despite Time's skepticism, the truth really knew how to set herself free. On each of them, she made her opening remarks. She returned to face Bristile. Time had his own words and for a solemn presence as he, something sparked when he spoke back at her.

Time seemed to look around to gain a head count, wanting to feel a little bit of power over the congregation back in his hands, perhaps? I still believed Alatheia had seen it slipping as soon as she entered, and she tenderly gathered it all up. And did she ever know it. I certainly did, and such was the way of the divine; always a quarrel. But such, also was the way of Truth; she could tear everything out in the open and leave it for all to see. No judging for what you were or weren't, no excuses. She never gave them out. And you see, the itch of being the Goddess of Love was that you were compelled to choose passion over hate. I just chose to be passionate for one side, because if there was anything that irked me, it was the misconception that Love had to always remain the die-hard pacifistic middle person. Oh, I was anything but.

My feathers bristled. A tingle resonated in my skin; I pinpointed its origin on the horizon. The vibration would soon begin an odd sensation of tremors, but not yet. For now, it was a dull hum. A hum of power. A hum of something approaching, but it wasn't odd or awkward. I felt comforted by its warm lull. My owl feathers ruffled as I lifted them to the breeze, catching it in my wings' sails. I lifted from atop that high pillar and coasted on that warm air, nearing the ground below my feet. My talons. Then, my paws. Then, my silver hooves reappeared. As I touched the soil I gracefully balanced my body. A ripple passed through me as I grew in size and my brown flecked feathers smoothed again into a silver-white coat. My white feathers spread and blanketed my touch to the ground, not a strand or lock out of array. I had entered the circle; I watched as my own pillar glowed white. Speckled blue-green gems dotted its ridges and faint carvings of animal prints traced into its surface.

A bit of a silent pledge to an ally, I looked Time in the eye resolutely. I went to stand beside Alatheia, ever calm. My hooves floating and my bleached wings melting into my coat. "It's good to see you, darling, you're looking good. You don't look
a day over three," came the firm voice from beside me. I had to agree with Truth...what else could one do? The day Truth spoke wrongly was the day the earth would be lost, I thought, to advertise the versatility of my ever-courteous thoughts. "And you, and you. Like a diamond, dear, pristine. You should speak higher of yourself sometime," I replied, a fluttering smile peeking at my lips.

And, of course, the meeting called to order couldn't begin without arrogance being present. Here he came, strolling along. His was the case in which I actually supported pacificism. Endless bickering with his father. For such an audacious colt, his father seemed to lack in boldness whatever his son flaunted in narcissism. But of course, he was the god of Hate and Fear. And with a name like Ember, he called himself to believe he was the mightiest of all. Ah, it didn't matter much. I would be humble for now. But he and I could never be equals, an eternal couple. Flipsides of a coin, any coin and every coin. Wherever there was a struggle, we were both required to be there. Neither could rule while the other was in power, and yet neither of us could live while the other was cursed with oblivion. We would always be forced to exist, and so ours was a true battle. Always alive, forever. In a way, our clashes birthed Time itself. From our fighting emerged the Truth, at every end.

Very complex, sometimes too much so. It gave me migraines.

OOC ~ 1,137 words...I absolutely love Kalli. I see some future plotting with Ember...mebbe with Truth as well?

[Deleted]

Diablo watched silently as each god and godess entered the vacinity. He was a bit uncomfortable...what with him being new and all. His father had never explained the mannerisms of every god here. He knew their powers and abilities, but as for thir personalities...he would have to see for himself.

His eyes were completly black as of now, a telltale sign that he was calm and in control of his temper. He really didn't want to get angry tonight...he had better things to do than lose his cool. The godess of truth had appeared and went to her stone pillar. She touched her horn to it, alighting it and fixing the stone until it was as good as new.

He was impressed, but only slighty. Could not every god fix his own pillar? He shifted and swished his black tail, letting out a quiet sigh of impatience. Meetings took a long time...he hated to be idle with nothing to occupy his mind.

The godess of truth spoke to each of them in turn. When she looked at him, her eyes frowning upon him, he stared back, his eyes bleeding bright crimson at her words. He snorted and shook his mane in agitation. Sure he wasn't completly comfortable...but he belonged here, just like all the others! He snorted angrily and bared his teeth, getting ready to say something in retort to her snideness. The huge brute, Bristile, spoke up. The fire god looked up, surprised that he had defended him. His anger melted away and was replaced once again by the calmness he always wore and liked.

Just because he was the god of fire, didn't mean he would be arrogant about such a petty thing. He didn't look at the godess in triumph, nor did he say a single word. He merely turned his dished head towards Bristile and dipped it once in respect. This meeting was about to get interesting...

[Deleted]

Hades

And from that day on, Death wore white...

Before Time could answer Death's almost complaining question another divine entered the circle. And who else would it be but Truth. The Dark God's ivory skull turned to glare at Alatheia. Death and Truth were no great friends, in fact, they were almost enemies, despite how intertwined they were. It was well known the truth of life was death, and that Death was a truthful god. He never lied or cheated and there had not been one time he had stolen. Every soul that he had collected had always been his, since the body first breathed. That was the way it was, but still the two divine's hated eachother.

Time's grave voice spoke up, snapping Hades out of his out of character anger. "My friend, you are an important part of life, and I would not call you unless it was necessary, you know that." The Lord of Death did know that but he ws still a little peeved that they had called him after excluding him every decision since Ember had decided Death needed to be busy ferrying souls of the Underworld. As for that arrogant young god, there he was, walking into the circle like he owned it. Hades lifted his head in contempt and his blue eyes flashed, showing how much he wished the God of Fear and Hatred was a mortal so one day he could take him to the Underworld. But alas he was not. He was an immortal like everyone else contained within the circle of stone pillars.

"I would watch what you say, young stallion." Hades rumbled at Bristile's bastard of a son. That arrogant stallion was the reason the Dark God was busy at the moment, so busy he hardly had time to attend meetings. Once again a immortal brought out an uncharacteristic emotion in Death. He snorted and thought Now I know why I tend to avoid these meetings. As per usual, he said nothing about his annoyance and contempt at the young god. It would only be turned against him when the God of Fear matured into his full arrogant self. When that time came Hades had decided long ago to be busy on the other side of the earth collecting souls for his ever growing caves.

One onyx ear flicked back as silver hooves touched the stone ground. Hades glanced back with one eye to see the ever radient Love but he made no move to greet the breathtaking mare. He had no place to be talking to goddesses such as Kalli. He belonged with the monsters such as Bristile, the Noxadon, because he fit right in with his bone skull and haunting blue eyes. Even in his mortal form, his day form, he was still out of place among the beauties like his daughter and her mother. Hades closed his eyes at that thought and took an unnecessary breath. He must not think of Neytiri and that interrupting assassin.

At that moment, luckily Bristile chose to tell the assembled immortals why he had called them all to the meeting place. "Thank you," he said. "For honoring my call. The topic of which we will discuss is concerning those beings who have been Cursed for hundreds of years. They cannot die. This, is an atrocity. Nothing is meant to live forever, unless one is divine. My friends, I have called this meeting to discuss the release of the Cursed horses. Of course, I cannot do this alone. We must decide, and soon."

Strange things had happened to the God of death so far that day but the next was perhaps the strangest. With his cloak swirling around him like living shadows he stepped forward, away from his pillar and into the view of all the divines. His ivory skull was held high as his form shifted to that of a steel gray thoroughbred stallion surrounded by a cloak of shadows. He held no semblance to death except for that cloak and the only feature that remained was his glowing sky blue eyes. He was in his truely divine form, not the form the mortals expected to him to take or the bone white stallion he was when he walked during the day in the mortal realms when he was not attending is duties. His clothes of gray were his form among the gods and for once just how handsome he truely was showed.

No longer under the impression of being the terrifying, haunting God of Death Hades tossed his head to the sky and met each of his fellow immortals eyes, one by one. First Bristile, then Ember(although it was more of a glare), after that came Kalli and Alatheia and finally the new one, the God of Fire Diablo. There was solemn wisdom in his gaze as he counted out his kin. So few were here to talk through the subject of the Cursed horses but they were all the most influential. Time, Truth, Love, Fire, Fear and Death. All together in one place. Who was missing? Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and the Sea Goddess. Only two, but they were the two that the convened immortals could have conversed with on these matters. Especially Athena.

Then Death spoke, his words straying from his usual calm tone. "I, for one, agree with Time on this matter. These Cursed horses, these immortals that shouldn't be immortal, are not something that should be walking the mortal or immortal realms. They are stuck, trapped between life and death for sins that yes, they did commit, but a long time ago even in the eyes of us divines."

"True, the wrongs they did were truely terrible and I was busier then I had been for a great many centuries, but time has passed and I hear them crying. Crying for redemption and freedom. They are abominations in the mortal realms, their souls trapped in eternal torment that truly only a god could endure. Their sins are forever in their minds and I can them calling, calling. They know their wrongs and understand they sins and all they want is to be wrapped in the gentle embrace of Death's arms."

"I know I cannot be the only among us who hears their pitiful cries for salvation, so I ask you, fellow immortals, is it right for them to remain Cursed when they no longer carry the evil inside them? Is it right for them to be burdaned with their sins forever, never being able to accept the redemption of death? Or should they be freed into the arms of Life or Death, depending on the path they wish to chose?" Hades spoke with emotion that said more than his words ever could. For Death, the Lord of the Dead, to be so passionate and emotional about a subject it meant that he was truly speaking from his heart and that he knew what was right. This had been a topic he had been waiting to be discussed for a very long time and to be able to share his views upon something he had never been for in the first place sparked up an old fire within him.

"It is our choice, our decision. Will we free them, or will we become the wrongdoers? Will we keep imprisoned souls trapped when they call for our help and our acceptance? Doing that will make us just as bad as them, perhaps worse as it was us that Cursed them in the first place because it was not only the horses we affected when we trapped them within their lands." The great stallion started pacing in agitation, showing how worked up his was. "I remember walking through the Cursed lands back when they used to be free lands for anyone to wander. They were so beautiful that even me, the God of Death, had to comment on the beauty of the place. It was the most beautiful lands in the entire Mortals realms, perhaps even coming close to the beauty of our own Divine lands."

He turned to Kallistei, his blue eyes burning with an unstoppable fire. "Do you recall when we used to take strolls through the Cursed lands?" He said, mostly to her. Then he lifted his head and took a step back, once again addressing all the immortals. "All I can do is remember, though, as I can no longer enter those lands for there is no death and I am not needed. True, I can wander any realm I wish but the Cursed lands are a place I cannot set foot on. It saddens me to think such beauty is broken and decaying under the weight of our curse."

"I had no part in the decision to curse those horses but I will not take this anymore. They will be freed and they will have the redemption they cry for. They never should have been cursed and so it my decision that they will be freed to chose their own path. Whether it be to me or to a new life I do not care, I just want an end to this atrocity." With that Death slipped into his 'night' form and reared, his feathered hooves striking the sky. His cloak swirled tighter around him and his aura expanded, its full power rippling through the meeting area. For a moment, his fore end suspended above the ground, he looked like what he truly was; the oldest and most powerful god in the meeting. His unnatural glowing blue eyes flashed for a moment and the shadowy image of a steel horn flicked between his eyes. Then his hooves hit the ground and he became the steel gray stallion once more.

He met each divine's eyes again and said "That is what I think, and it will be what I always think. So, next time when a decision as momentous as the decision to imprison the Cursed Ones is made, remember to call me to the party. I do have an opinion, remember, and if I wanted to I could bring these realms tumbling to the underworld with no more effort than breathing. I'm not the God of Death for no reason, remember."

---

Words: 1700
Notes/Other: A poor compensation for the speech I originally had planned, but my computer deleted the other one so this is what I had to go with. Oh, and Hades is kidna pissed off at the moment so I would suggest listening to him.

[Wild@Heart]

My Dear Mare, If Anybody Does Not Need To Be Here It Is You, So
Respect The Others. We Are All Aware Of Your Naive Nature, You
Do Not Need To Flaunt it. I opened my mouth to reply, but before
I could a new god entered. I instantly focused my burning
gaze upon him. The shape he took was that of a draft, his hide
sporting both ebony and ivory. He wasn't as stunning as Kalli and
me, but he wasn't bad looking either.

So, What Useless Information Does Your Lordship Have To Tell Us.
His tone was that of haste and irritation as he spoke with gravel
in his vocals. What Purpose Is This? Or Are you Just Flaunting
Your Manly Powers Over Everybody And Just Want Everyone To Come
And Admire You. My eyebrows raised and my upper lip curled as I
listened to his words. None of the other gods would dare speak to
Bristile this way, other then me, but I respected him and the
others too.

Thank You For Honoring My Call. The Topic Of Which We Will
Discuss Is Concerning Those Beings Who Have Been Cursed For Hundreds
Of Years. They Cannot Die, This Is An Atrocity. Nothing Is Meant
To Live Forever, Unless One Is A Divine. My Friends, I Have Called
This Meeting To Discuss The Release Of The Cursed Horses, Of
Course I Cannot Do This Alone. We Must Decide, And Soon.
Bristile's introduction didn't surprise me in the least. I knew he
had met a cursed, and one that he had feelings for too. I knew
this was what had pushed him over the edge, the reason that he
was calling the meeting now and not leaving it up to another. He
wanted her to be saved before it was too late, before she was to
far gone.

I let my smoldering pools jump upon Kalli as her pillar finally
light up, and I watched cautiously as she changed for everyone
else to see. I knew in their eyes she no longer had her speckled
feathers and long talon, she had now put on her spotless ivory
suite and was ready for action. Me, I always saw her this way,
although this was my favorite form of hers. I plastered a welcoming
grin upon my mask as she moved my way, placing her frame right
beside my own. With each breath I took my barrel glided across
hers, our body heat mingling. And You, And You. Like A Diamond,
Dear, Pristine. You Should Speak Higher Of Yourself Sometime.
Her welcome was just as lovely and playful as my own and I craned
my smoky boa around to gently lip at her arched neck. Some might
think this odd, the relationship her and I had, but I found it
perfectly normal. My affectionate displays were merely those of a
great friendship that had lasted the tests of time itself.

I had just unhinged my jaw and took my attention away from Kalli,
preparing to start a lengthy speech when Hades stepped forward,
transforming into a charcoal thoroughbred. His coat was impeccable,
much like that of all the other divines, and his frame was
muscular. He looked at each of us, and I met his pitied gaze with
one of understanding. Then he began to speak, his lecture lengthy
but good at the same time. He spoke of how it wasn't fair to
punish the cursed for so long or at all for that matter, and how
he could hear each and every one of them crying out for help. He
spoke of how we were the ones harming the world, and how the lands
all used to be beautiful. His words were filled with emotion,
that of sorrow and pity. I actually felt for him just now, as
his words moved me in a way none others had.

And then he looked at Kalli, an emotion I had never seen upon his
mask before as he spoke of the times he spent walking with her,
through the lands of the cursed. As his gaze was upon her I felt
as if I needed to protect her from the god of death. But I settled
as he continued on.

When he finally finished he reared, his feathers dancing upon
the large daggers that he used to strike at the air. That Is What
I Think, And It Will Be What I Always Think. So Next Time When A
Decision As Momentous As The Decision To Imprison The Cursed Ones
Is Made, Remember To Call Me To The Party. I Do Have An Opinion
Remember, And If I Wanted To I Could Bring These Realms Tumbling
To The Underworld With No More Effort Then Breathing. I'm Not The
God Of Death For No Reason, Remember.

I turned my gaze upon him first, my pools alight with frustration.
It was obvious that he was angry about his opinion not being
listened to, but he had no right to threaten us and I would make
sure that he knew this. My cave opened up and I let the harsh
words flow, venom lashing at his hide. You Are Acting Like A
Spoiled Child. You Don't Get Your Way So You Threaten Us, Is That
It. If You Were Going To Destroy The Lands You Would Have Done It
All Ready, But You Can't. Your Nothing But A Mere Pussy Cat, One
That Wouldn't Hurt A Fly. I pierced him with the last of my
glare before turning back to the meeting and voicing my opinion
upon the cursed, my voice ringing out strong and echoing off of
the ancient pillars.

Not All Horses Become Cursed When They Do Wrong. We Only Punish
Those Who Have Committed The Worst Crimes, And Continue To Do So
After Being Warned. Occasionally We Make Mistakes, But Everyone
Does. Is It Not Better To Have One Innocent Pay The Price Then
Have Hundreds Of Guilty Get Off Scotch Free To Go Do It Some More.

Now everyone knew where I stood upon the subject, and I wanted to
hear what all the others had to say before I continued upon my
rant. So I paused, waiting for the others to fill the silence that
I had left open for them.

Words; 1,051
Muse; Mediocre.
Other; Okay, since these characters should know Aletheia pretty
well here are some little things about her that I think are important.
1. She likes to be called Ava
2. She has frequent mood swings and can go from loving you one
minute to hating you the next.
And, that's all.

[Deleted]

The words of Hades rang true. Why curse so many? What was the point? They weren't going to die, and only Divines should have such a power of immortality. I nodded my elegant head as he spoke, agreeing with his words. So much he said was true and wise. I just hoped the others would pay attention.

Then, Alatheia spoke up. She was against what Hades had said. Her words condriticted all that he had told them. Her opinion was the very opposite. I snorted in aggrivation as she taunted him about how he'd said he could take down the earth to the underworld. He hadn't exactly threatened them...he just said that it was possible for him to do it.

When she finished her little speech, I decided to speak up. It was now or never...I stepped forward a bit, letting the moon shine it's light upon my flaming coat. My eyes burned red along the edges, a sign of my irritation. "What Hades said is very true." I said aloud for all to hear. I looked around as I spoke, my eyes landing on Alatheia. "Ava's words, however, also have a truth and meaning to them." I shook my mane and let my gaze wander again.

"These cursed horses are being punished for a reason, yet the innocent are somehow becoming entangled in the punishment. In my opinion...we set the cursed free. But there is the problem with containing the ones who do wrong." I looked at Bristile, the fire in my eyes evident. "I say we find another method of punishment for the wrong-doers and help the innocent."

I was sure I had spoken much, and hoped that they actually payed attention. If we were able to find some way of punishing the horses that do wrong, and protecting those innocent, then the world would be more peaceful...and I was sure that the respect we all wanted would grow firm under a new way of stopping wrong-doers.

Words: I believe over 110
Muse: Eh...

[.๑whovian๑.]

Bristile

Bristile felt his eyes narrow as he glared at Alatheia. He had a shrewd idea of why she thought he wanted to let the Cursed go free. He nodded at Hades, glad to know he was willing to speak up, and was glad that Diablo seemed to be on his side as well. He wasn't entirely sure what Kallistei was thinking, or who exactly she was siding with, and it unnerved him to the core. It almost seemed that she was going to opt for the Cursed to stay that way. Of course, Ember was completely predictable, but they misunderstood his intentions. There were cursed horses that liked being cursed. They liked living forever, they liked being powerful. Ember did not want to free them, he wanted to unhinge them. As he watched his son, he felt incredibly bitter towards himself, and then his mind briefly drifted to Nakoma. He felt his skin prickle and his expression became hard. He would have to refuse her.

He looked at the others for a moment. "Do you not understand?" he said. "What is happening in the lands of the good, and the peaceful?" he said quietly. "They have nothing to fear. They sit and breed and are lazy, and have nothing to talk about. They have become mere instinct, dumb beasts. Of course, not all are like this, but you cannot deny what you see!" He looked to Hades. "There are many who have seen their follys, they cry for redemption as good Hades has pointed out! They-"

"Just because you've found yourself a girlfriend doesn't mean we should just honor your stupid need!," snarled Ember. Bristile's eyes flashed, but he remained cool. "I do not wish for my needs to be fulfilled. I have only once ever fulfilled my needs, and I will NEVER, do it again," he said softly. His tone was deadly and fierce as he stared at Ember. Yes, he had fulfilled his needs once, and the brute in front of him was the result. Ember stared at him defiantly. "If you wish to set them free," Ember continued. "Then let them roam, but keep their punishment. Let their bodies rot, let them see the free horses, but they will remain cursed."

Ember had confirmed it. Bristile's whole body tensed a moment, his eyes flashed, and there was a deep, baritone growl that rumbled in the depths of his throat for a moment. "An easy thing to say for an inexperienced youth," he said. He turned away from his son, regaining his temper, and looked around at the other gods.

"My friends," he said simply. "You should all know this: The world was never right when there was no evil. There is no threat anymore, and the world has become less beautiful because there is nothing worth fighting for anymore. The love we feel for others is only in relatives and is only for breeding purposes. Nobody knows what it is like to fear anymore, nobody knows what it is like to fight for something that matters because there is nothing threatening to take away what it is they truly love." he said simply. He looked around at each god in turn, and noticed Ember looked rather livid. He ignored this.

"There are some horses that deserve punishment," he said. "But don't we all know that there will always be somebody who will rise up and defeat them? Isn't death, their greatest fear, the ultimate punishment? The Cursed horses do not need us in order to be punished. Their actions, their words and their thoughts are their greatest punishment." He stopped speaking, and allowed himself to shrink to the chestnut stallion. He looked at his son, and to Truth, Love, Death, and Fire all in turn. The burning eyes fell on Truth, and he glared. "No, they do not get off "scotch free'. Life isn't fair, and we all should know that the bad guy doesn't always lose." His voice was still powerful, blunt, and low. He knew what he believed in, and he knew that he would defend that belief if it cost him his divine position, and by extension, his life.

********

Ember


"Oh, so daddy knows best then?" he hissed. He looked around at the other gods a moment, and then decided to hammer Diablo. "Why do you follow this fool? He thinks only of himself, only of his own cause, he does not care for the living," he snarled quietly. He walked right up to the young god, and his eyes flashed scarlet. "He is an old man," Ember continued ruthlessly. "An old man, lost in time, with nothing to to but stir up trouble for us normal folks. He enjoys watching the horses struggle and suffer." then he turned and marched up to Hades. He glared at him in the face. "And you," he spat. "You have plenty of souls, don't go whining again, be useful." he started walking around, looking at all of them in turn. "These horses were cursed for a reason, and they should remain that way. If you feel like setting them free, then why not chose the middle ground? Must it all end in bitter argument and war?" he asked. His voice had softened as he stared at the horse he hated above all others.

"I don't know about you, but I think this meeting is a waste of time," Ember said sullenly. "So let's just hurry up and decide or something. But I believe that the middle ground is the safest." he said with a smirk. He looked away from Bristile and walked over to greet Truth, and he stood beside her. He would always stand beside her. "Nutter isn't he?" he said with a smirk. However, he was surprised to see that Bristile was smiling. His expression did not change, he merely stared at his father from Alatheia's side. "But you should know, boy-" Ember flinched. He hated being called that. "That the middle ground is not the safest. For we all should know that choosing the middle ground of indifference can gather a mighty punishment." Ember was genuinely confused now. Bristile took a step towards him. "From what I have learned, the Vestibule of Hell is reserved for just those sorts of souls. You will run, fleeing, chasing a banner that you can never catch, while being stung by a swarm of hornets, and the worms will wait on the ground to eat your blood and pus!" the last words came out as a snarl, and Ember's lip curled.

"But Gods can't die," he said ruefully. "So that doesn't mean too much." He didn't know what he said, but something happened to Bristile. He stiffened, and for some reason, he thought he saw something like triumph flash across his face, but then it was gone, and Ember was certain that he had imagined it.

words; i do not know. more than 100 O.O
muse; incredible
notes; fun fun fun! Mazz, i was using that from Dante's Inferno, i hope you don't mind, I just thought it was fitting. this should get super intense. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/font]

[.๑whovian๑.]

boom! done! so the italics (i forgot to add this) in blue is Ember talking, bold in blue is Bristile

italics in black is Bristile and bold in black is Ember.

They're having a conversation but I wanted to switch back and fourth between perspectives.

[Deleted]

Everything that the giant brute, Bristle, spoke of made sense. If there was no evil or bad in the world, then what was the purpose of living? When you fight, you have to have a reason. And when you found that reason, then you fought all the harder and became strong. His father himself had taught him that, and now...Bristile uttered those very words.

Diablo nodded his head in agreement. Would the others see his idea? Understand what he meant? Another voice spoke up and Diablo snorted in annoyment. Of course. Leave it to the snobby son to object and be a total opposite of his father.

He watched, his irritation growing as Ember spoke rudely to his father. Then, when he had grown tired of perstering his sire, he turned on Diablo. With his harks pinned, Diablo glared back at the rude youth. He snorted as Ember whirled on Hades, getting in his face. His anger increased when he saw that Embar didn't speak directly to any of the other Divines. He had singled out Diablo and Hades.

Fire sparked to life as Embar completed his little rant. Diablo stomped a hoof on the ground as the flames rose up around him, his eyes bleeding red. He was angry...furious...but he kept his voice calm and steady, speaking through clenched teeth. "Who are you to single out us? Me; the youngest of the ones here...but I am older than you and have had more experience. And Hades; possibly the only one here who understands anything about the Cursed and about life. Death is intertwined with life, so I have no doubt he knows the most."

He let out an irritated snort and tossed his head, his red and black horn catching the light of the moon and glinting. "And to speak to your father with such disrespect...it's shameful. Even the nastiest of evil have a respect for the ones who brought them into the world!" his voice became a bit louder, but he reigned his temper back in. The fire died down a little and glowed around his hooves.

"Bristile and Hades are in the right. The world knows nothing of what it means to fight for something important. If you have something to fight for...even if you are evil...then you will be strong. And..." he raised his head and looked directly into Ember's eyes. There was only one more thing to say. "Those who stand for nothing...fall for anything."

OOC- Sorry to reply so fast, but Diablo was spoken to first, I'm bored, and I won't be on for like...3 days.