Gods have always existed in Vaerdia. Even before the beginning of history. No one really knows how they came to be. This isn't a story about how the gods created the world or how they helped the world advance, but rather this is the story of how gods live in the World of Vaerdia.
Gods are immortals, even when killed they will eventually find a way to be reborn. Not all gods are acquainted with one another, but all of them can recognize their fellow gods when they meet one, from an invisible sigil in the form of a constellation , that floats near a part of their bodies. That sigil is usually referred to as a Divine Sigil and it's only visible between gods.
Gods usually mind their own business, however they usually pay attention to the world around them. Even though they live at their own pace, when a rumor interests them, they might even go out of their way to verify it. It's a rumor that marks the beginning of this story. The rumor of a new source of power being distributed to gods by no other than one of their kin, Meryta, the Travelling Goddess of Merits, Traders and Bards.
Some gods driven by curiosity, others by a sense of responsibility, others by their own greed, a number of gods started heading out in their search for Meryta and the Fragments of Light that she was distributing and that, marked the beginning of the Era of Gods.
After travelling for a couple of years, Ruelia, one of the deities of the underworld, reached the First City. There being lead by her shadowy minions, the Diamalis, she was lead to a peaceful inn going by the name Sweet Bee Hub, near the edge of the city.
Helvragia, also after the trail of Meryta has been lead to that Inn, after asking for information from the residents of the city. Apparently, a couple days ago, Meryta had arrived to the city and more particularly to that inn.
Helvraiga strolls on into the Sweet Bee, leans against the bara and grins at the bartender "First, give me two ice-cold beers. Then say what you know about one called Meryta."
The barkeep is slightly intimidated by Helvraiga's presence. He quickly goes ahead and fetches two mugs, filling them with beers straight from the barrel. "As cold as it can get, I've had a traveler bring me ice just yesterday"
The barkeep seems a bit confused at Helvraiga's question "Meryta? Well everyone knows Meryta! She is one of the Fortune Goddesses!"
"It must have been five days? or was it four when she came and blessed my establishment with divine music"
Helvraiga smiles even more widely "Why thank you!" drinks a bit of the beer "Truly wonderful. Mmm. That is exactly why I'm here. I know she was here, and I wish to find out where she might be now."
Ruelia calls her shadowy Diamalis to hide beneath her tunic as she enters the Inn. Noticing Helvraiga at the bar, she also approaches the bar and smiles at her in greeting, "We meet again." She turns her attention to the barkeep and places some coin on the table, "A water, and what you know about Ethaniar."
Helvraiga turns to Ruelia as she speaks "Ruelia!" sets her beer down and rushes over to bear hug Ruelia "It has been a while, hasn't it."
The barkeep looks troubled- "Where could she be... I wish I knew- AAAAAAAAaaa!" *The barkeep screams as he notices Ruelia, jumping back and trying to reach for a club he was hiding behind the counter."
Ruelia grumbles at the hug since she isn't really the hugging type, "Ah, I see you're strength hasn't changed a bit." She frowns at the barkeep and sighs, "I thought with you here I wouldn't have to hide. Can you please calm him for me?"
The people in the bar have their attention drawn to the dark-elf looking Ruelia. Those of an adventurous nature are quick to put their hands on their swords and unsheathe their swords. "A monster in the city? How did it get here?" You can hear the unsettled crowd say, as they are getting ready for anything
Helvraiga lets go of Ruelia "Hmm, indeed he was completely fine just a minute ago." turns to the crowd "Monster? Where?"
Ruelia frowns at the crowd and tears begin to swell in her eyes. "M-Monster? I'm just a young girl looking for my friends. Am I really that scary?" She sniffs and wipes her eyes.
From the three adventurers standing closer, one of them points his sword towards Ruelia, as he notices Helvraiga's fangs and cold sweat starts running down his neck
Helvraiga "You? A monster?! Nonsense! You are wonderful, and anyone who says otherwise is clearly an idiot."
Ruelia looks up at Helvraiga with a smile and frowns back at the adventurers, "Surely you people wouldn't hurt anyone that doesn't pose as a threat would you? This is a place of fun and peace right?" Ruelia sniffs some more and approaches the adventurer with their sword drawn. Her face pouts and tears fall.
Helvraiga grabs her beer again and continues drinking while staring at the adventurers
The adventurers in the inn seem to be slightly pulling back their swords, taking steps back. They appear to be arguing a bit about what you mentioned, eventually some of them sheath their swords and sit back to their tables. "We will be keeping an eye on you. If you pose any threat to anyone, you won't make it out of here alive"
Ruelia smiles, "Oh thank you." She can't wait to make them suffer back in the Underworld. Ruelia smiles back up at Helvraiga, "I think I see a friend. I'll go talk to them." She walks over to the man she noticed in the corner. This act is also disgusting her. She dislikes having to put so much emotion for so long. "Hello sir, You wouldn't happen to know any of my friend would you?"
The barkeep has been keeping his hand on his club as he carefully gets back to his position, giving scared glances at Helvraiga "Ehm.. Where was I?"
The Ruelia makes her way to a mysterious looking man that has been sitting in a corner. Havraiga can notice that this man is bearing a Divine sigil, so he must be one of your kind.
Helvraiga leans against the bar again and finishes her first beer "You were about to tell me where Meryta went after she visited this wondrous establishment."
The man sitting back he was cleaning up himself from some kind of beverage that was spilled on his shirt "Do you have friends in this city or are they all just rocks in some castaway skyland of the rugged peaks?"
The barkeep looks towards Helraiga, this time feeling a bit more indimidated than when she first entered "Well... I can't really be sure. However, I heard that she came from the southwest. If the tales are correct then she will be heading to a different direction afterwards..." the barkeep fills you up with an extra mug of beer
Ruelia takes a seat across from the man. since the adventurers are still watching her she keeps up a smile, "Hehe, I have friends that come from many places. Though most don't linger around for too long. But we could have a lasting friendship don't you think?"
The man settles back on his chair as he has cleaned up the mess from his beverage "Ok... Friend. ~ In that case I do know one of your friends."
Helvraiga starts drinking the second beer and after a couple sips sighs with pleasure "Ahh.. a beverage truly worthy of gods." winks "So. While Meryta was here, what did she sing and speak of?"
Ruelia gasps excitingly, "Oh how wonderful. They go by the name Ethainar."
The barkeep rubs his hands together looking somehow happy "Ah yes! It was a beautiful story. Full of adventure! Though I am not as good of a singer as her I can spoil you the plot."
The shady man in the corner looks a bit surprised "Now that's what I call a coincidence ~ Friend! I had that exact friend of yours in mind!"
Helvraiga stretches her neck a bit "A beautiful story you say? Well do tell." continues drinking
Ruelia clasps her hands together, "Oh is that so? What a lovely coincidence that is! Please friend, can you tell me what you know of them?"
Barkeep: "So while our adventurous goddess Meryta was travelling through the Forest Primeval, she was approached by a mysterious woman, with her eyes covered and her hair ravenous dark but sparkling like the stars of the night sky. The woman asked Meryta to chase her. If Meryta managed to catch her, she would give her a gift. Having no reason to say no, Meryta accepted the challenge and started chasing after the strange Woman"
The Man makes a frowned expression "My friend... Now I feel hurt... do you not recognize me? After all the hardships we have gone together as friends? After all this painful dialogue we had to endure up to this point? Have you really forgotten how I look? It's me? I am Ethainar!" He puts his face under his palms and acts as if he is crying
Ruelia gasps and covers her mouth with her hands, "Oh my, Ethainar it really is you?! I apologize, my mind must have been clouded! Those scary men have really frightened me, I must have lost my mind!" She too buries her face in her hands and acts as if she's crying. "I'm so sorry! I was scared and- and my thinking wasn't right!"
Barkeep: "Meryta thought that as a goddess, she would manage to catch that woman, but as the tag kept going, every time Meryta was about to capture her, she would in some mysterious way, manage to get away. The chase continued for days and eventually they reached the border of the forest, where the plains meet the rugged peaks and the thick roots of forest primeval come to an end and just about then... the strange woman dropped below the trees
Ethainar: "Hilarious!" he chuckles, before he goes ahead and shouts "Never seen such a dorky goddess in my life before!" His remark break the mood in the Inn once again... as the people that were keeping their attention towards Ruelia can be heard gasping, before silent chatter can be heard coming from all over the inn
The Barkeep stops for a moment, giving a peek towards the table where the shout came from, gasping as his story is disturbed "Excuse me! I will pick this up in a bit." he says as he rushes picking up a tray and decorating it with a bunch of treats and shots.
Helvraiga nods "Of course. Though I admit this is quite a cliffhanger." looks over at the table with Ruelia and Ethainar, then continues drinking
Ruelia sighs and puts a hand on her forehead, "That was not necessary you know."
The barkeep quickly rushes over Ruelia's table placing the tray on a stool next to her as he knees down and makes an apologetic pose "Please excuse my earlier behavior, oh goddess. I hope you this treat and my apology is enough to atone for my mistake"
Ruelia glares at Ethainar before waving away the barkeep, "Your offering is acceptable mortal. You may rise and go about your day with a clear conscience." She sighs again and places her hands on her lap as she speaks to Ethainar, "I guess I should thank you at least for setting me free from that... predicament."
The barkeep smiles and rushes back to the bar in order to continue his story, keeping tabs on Ruelia to make sure she isn't displeased by the service.
Ethainar "You are welcome." he says as he takes a few of your treats for himself "So... my Frienddd~ What have you come to me for?"
Barkeep: "So where was I ? Oh right... So Meryta now chased after that strange woman, going under the trees, into the dark and shady labyrinth of the primeval forest... and before she knew it, Meryta found herself staring at a beautiful light. It was hanging from the ceiling of a long forgotten structure and just then, the woman stood in front of her and let herself get captured. 'This is your gift!' The woman said as she pointed to the Light."
Ruelia gladly returns to her blank expression. She reaches for a single treat provided by the barkeep, since leaving an offering untouched may worry the mortals. "I've been searching for Meryta. I've heard you've had an encounter with her. I'm hoping to learn about her."
Ethainar: "Ah yes Meryta, The jolly, dancing goddess, whose stories have touched the hearts of thousands. I know where she headed if that's what you want to know... but ... I will need a favor first before I give you such valuable information"
Ruelia bites into the treat and gives a nod, "I've also heard you've had a sort of debate. I'd like to know of it too. What favor do you ask of me?"
Barkeep: "So... Meryta accepted that gift, but then asked the woman this 'Why did you let have such a gift? You could have kept it for yourself." but the woman just nodded. Meryta didn't question her any more and started going out, the strange woman showing her the path out of there. Just as Meryta was on her way,the woman gave her answer 'Light is meant to be shared, not kept hidden in the dark for no-one to see it.'
Ethainar: "Indeed, we did have a debate.. Quite the intel you've got there, you can definitely say I am spooked! Are you sure you don't know about what I need already? You aren't stalking me right? Friend?"
Helvraiga has at some point started resting her chin on her hands "An absolutely beautiful tale. Here's your money kind sir." places double the amount the beers cost on the counter "Now excuse me, as I really should be joining my friends."
Helvraiga walks over to the table at which Ethainar and Ruelia are sitting and grabs herself a chair "Sorry for not joining you earlier Friends. That mortals recounting of Merytas tale was rather fascinating. Or to be more precise, the beer was."
Ruelia wipes her hand after finishing the treat, "Rest assured, I try not to pry too much into matters I don't need to know. But no, I don't know what you want." Ruelia looks up to see Helvraiga joining them, "Was it? Do retell it to me later. This is Ethainar, Helvraiga." She waves her hands introducing the two.
Helvraiga "Good meeting you." starts munching on some cookies
Helvraiga probably left the bartender with some sharks teeth or something like that in that case
Ruelia also offers the shots provided to them.
Ethainar greets Helvraiga "The City has been dwindling with gods these days... I wonder what might have happened"
Ethainar "So my friend." he turns back to Ruelia "As first part of the favor, I'd like to know your name... For the second part..."
Ethainar "I'd need you to collect a debt from an old pal living in the Clumsy Gorge"
Ruelia nods, "Ruelia. Forgive me, I assumed you knew from those earlier references. What sort of debt and from whom?"
Ethainar: "You see time ago, I borrowed Duarvus a load of iron. Duarvus is a god like us but he has the hobby of forging swords and weapons. So... I gave him some of the iron I had at my disposal and he went ahead spending all day and night in his bridge, forging... He must have forgotten about me... I am sure he won't need more than a friendly nudge"
"If only I wasn't always busy here in the city, I would have been able to go there... but... I hope you understand"
Ruelia thinks, "So, what did he agree to pay you in return? I believe I can have this favor done for you."
Ethainar: "Just what I lend him, one thousand pound of iron"
Ruelia nods. A shadowy figure escapes from her tunic and swiftly moves to fly out of the inn, "Very well, I'll send him a message ahead of time. Now, about the information you promised..."
Ethainar: "I am waiting for my iron.. When it gets here. I shall give you the information"
Ethainar sips some of his beverage
Ruelia keeps her blank expression. "I see, well how about I bring you one thousand pounds of iron myself? I'm sure I can overpower the earth to rise up that much from the core."
Ethainar: "That would do for me~ And if I see Duarvus, I will tell him you paid his debt."
Ruelia nods, "Would you like it here?" She looks up at Helvraiga, "Could you hit me if he says yes? Like, very hard. Preferably with a weapon."
Helvraiga nods with a smile and stands up drawing her axe "Any particular spot?"
Ethainar: "Yes. If you want to be hated and have tales about you being an Evil god, then sure"
Ruelia offers her arm, "Maybe you can cut this off. Hurting me may open a hole to the Underworld, then I can forcefully move iron to the surface here."
Helvraiga "Wanna move outside the city first? I don't particularly care for settlements but it feels a bit odd to go and start wrecking the first one ever built."
Ruelia frowns at Helvraiga, "I take my contracts very seriously and I would prefer not to wait."
Helvraiga shrugs "Very well then." swings the axe at Ruelias hand
At this point, if one was paying attention, he could notice a peculiar motion of Ethainar's fingers, as he uses his power to alter the most recent memories of Helvraiga and Ruelia, into believing that Ruelia was the one insisting on opening up a hole to the underworld right here. However, such a detail went by unnoticed, something which might define the future, or perhaps it won't even matter to anyone...
Kai'Avan, one of the Celestial gods, that has been searching for clues regarding Meryta, also makes his appearance at this point
At this point one might hear a strange sound, one that not all would necessarily recognize. It was a cracking sound not unlike that of breaking glass, but more metallic in nature. Perhaps breaking chains? Either way it was brief, and followed by the appearance of the angelic being with white hair and in fine armor...he floated above the ground briefly before landing gracefully in the presence of the other spirits. He made eyes to all of them with a nod of acknowledgement before speaking. "I have heard of the deity spreading a strange power...and that you may be looking for them as well."
Ruelia winces from the pain of her hand being cut off. With the assistance of pain, she was about to temporarily lose control over the Underworld's power until Kai'Avan appeared before them. She stares at the new entity for a moment before realizing what she was doing. "I-I apologize. I'm not sure what came before me."
Ethainar: "Pheeww.. you just wanted to get some fresh air by chopping your arm... I thought you were dedicated to doing that crazy thing mentioned earlier..." *he takes a look towards the direction of the god that descended to close to them. The humans in the pub are rather surprised, mostly distracted by the god, so they haven't noticed Ruelia's hand was just chopped off ...
Kai'Avan blinks
Kai'Avan:"...I am not sure what I have entered into. But that is besides the point here."
Helvraiga checks to see if there's any sort of blood on the axe
Kai'Avan:"I don't suppose we are going to look for the god in question rather than severing extremities for horseplay?" He smiles cheekily.
Kai'Avan looks to Ethainar, and grimaces.
Ruelia looks at Ethainar puzzled before looking up at Kai'Avan, "Greetings Kai'Avan. We were just asking Ethainar here where Meryta may be. We were just discussing a deal a little while ago."
Kai'Avan:"I would caution not to trust this one." He says to Ruellia, indicating to Ethainar.
Ethainar: Folds his hands together, as he stands up getting ready to leave "I think I have changed my mind"
Kai'Avan:"This is for the good of all of us, you know. It would behoove you not to be a coward, here."
Ethainar: "I have no interest of sharing my intel with you, not for 1000 pounds of iron. Not even for 1000 pounds of gold."
Ruelia ignores Ethainar. Kai'Avan's earlier statement has caught her attention, "You mentioned this 'God in question.' Do you know where this Meryta is?"
Kai'Avan:"Of course, I have certainly the effort to spare, and if you are thinking of hogging such valuable information I can ensure your head ends up in the same circumstances as dear Ruelia's hand here."
Ethainar: "Are you planing on... holding my head hostage for the information I possess?" he chuckles
Kai'Avan:"Not particularly; I couldn't bear looking at your face for that long."
"But severing limbs tends to be painful for the subject, and I supposed you might be averse to such."
Helvraiga licks her lips and goes to grab another beer
Ruelia offers another shot from the table.
Helvraiga takes the alcohol Ruelia hands her instead then
Ruelia takes a treat from the table.
Kai'Avan:"I do know she was here recently, but there are a lot of decoys...and I think this one was likely in on it."
"Figures, as he cares about himself and little else."
Ethainar ignores Kai'avan's provocation as he begins walking out of the inn.
Ethainar: "Such harsh words, did you come here to bully me?"
Ruelia stares at Kai'Avan, "So, you don't know where she is?"
Ethainar: "I know which way she went."
Kai'Avan:"Nope, I am just on a short fuse right now, as there is danger afoot after all."
Ethainar: "You are the only one that cares about some danger. Everyhing just slides perfectly in this city" *he says while standing next to the door of the inn, putting his hand on the handle and getting ready to open it.
Helvraiga goes outside to get some air, and be in position to stop Ethainar should he want to leave
Kai'Avan grits his teeth.
Kai'Avan:"Not like I would trust a bit of information from him anyway..." He mutters.
Ruelia turns her attention back to Ethainar, "Well, if not for the iron. What will get you to share this information?"
Ruelia speaks up more, "I did fulfil half of your request after all. You should share some knowledge of what you know."
Ethainar opens the door and tries to walk away, he pauses a bit at Ruelia's request "In that case. I can share Meryta's destination to you."
Ruelia listens intently
Helvraiga also visibly listens
Ethainar: He turns towards Kai'avan "Is that going to suffice? It would be a great favor if you just had a lovely trip to the northern edge of the Frozen Wasteland"
Kai'Avan:"That's generally the information I was looking for, yes."
Ethainar: "Spectacular" *he says as he paces away from the inn.
The three of you are left there, the crowds are mostly gossiping about you while minding their own business.
Ruelia immediately stands up and glances between Kai'Avan and Helvraiga, "You're both searching for Meryta as well? Shall we journey to the Frozen Wasteland together?"
Kai'Avan:"I am...I suppose it can't hurt to group up."
Helvraiga "Even if I wasn't searching for her I'd be coming with. Life's been somewhat boring lately and you're sure to know of some souls that need harvesting at the very least."
Ruelia eyes some of the adventures, "Hmm, I can think of a few now, but perhaps we'll find some more along the way." Ruelia makes a move to the exit of the inn.
Helvraiga leans her axe across her shoulder and follows Ruelia
1) Ruelia picks up her cut arm and puts it back on.
2)Ruelia forgets her arm in the inn, it's later on found and a cult forms, with this arm as the holy artifact of their saint.