Serek chuckled softly at Jezeleth's much dismayed reply. "I doubt it, though one never knows." The God of Blood considered his previous words, though unintentionally they got what he wanted to not be the only spectating divine. Shrugging to himself, Serek followed through the arch to witness the events unfold first hand.

The Goddess of Eternity arrived in time to see several of her brethren departing through a jasper gate for some challenge or another which intrigued her quite a bit.

"May I join you?" She called out. "I would see what challenge has been issued and to whom."

The Prince of Blossoms also reappears in the lounge, and looks curiously at the assembly of gods.

"Hmmm...yes brothers and sisters, what indeed are you all up to?" he asked.

The portal continued to glow for some time longer. While the other gods had all passed through to attend the spectacle of the challenge and there was no on invite Annastarria and the Prince of Blossoms though, there was no one to say they couldn't enter either.

"I think we should take this as invitations, my brother. Shall we go see what entertainment our siblings seek?" Annastarria asked, giving her brother a smile and holding out her hand for him to take before they walk through the portal.

The Prince nodded, and gentlemanly accepted her offered hand as they walked through the portal together.

"Yes...we've been so absorbed in our own issues, that we're losing track of what our more mischievous brethren are up to. Let us go and pay them a visit."

Typh watched from his silent seat with a distant amusement as the gods travelled to realms unknown through a portal. He'd likely have spoken up if he wasn't so distracted with his own adventures but the moment had passed and in truth he wasn't entirely sure he was the right company for these games.

No he would bid his time and see if there were other opportunities to be had.

Moving from Zelia's contest, Serek walked back until he rejoined others in the Astral Lounge. There was a quiet air around him. Straying from the other divines, Serek pulled himself to the side. Blinking for a few moments, Serek let the weight around him sink in. The crime of defilement hanged like a stench, one that brought immediate disdain from peers. Now he would truly have to be careful. They would weigh him in silent contempt and eerie.

Gazing about, Serek eyed Typh and came to him. Approaching slowly, the God of Blood hoped that his siblings Annastarria and Prince would join him. "Ah the ever enigmatic Lord Typh. I am glad to catch you! I hope your travels and adventures have gone well. I am excited to catch up with you and hear your tales!" Serek held up his excitements in tone despite that he feared the other divine's reaction for a moment.

Serek wanted to discuss something with his other siblings, however there seemed to be a breath of hesitation now. Serek didn't agree to the name of the League, he had swore his oaths and his partaking on the matter. For his siblings to properly interact with the other divines and keep their pantheon healthy, Serek would have to keep distance to ensure they didn't carry the burdens of his sin. However despite further social distancing, Serek yearned to close the ties, "I wish to offer my realm up between us. Of course I shall work to rebuild and expand, bring back the crafts and efforts of my children. However, I see no reason why any of your mortals should not be allowed to Shezmu and Reket with my recent victory over Graug. I would like for my lands to begin being a place where we can come together."

Walking towards the jasper arch-way, Serek brought his talons up and brought visage of Shezmu along its being. "My heart is my home, and I open them to you."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Tue 13 Sept 2022.

The Prince appeared in the lounge, and immediately eyed Serek sternly. However, when they had made their alliance ages past the Prince had done so in good faith and he was hesitant to discard Serek completely. Especially since now, more than ever, the blood good seemed like he needed a sacred presence like the Prince nearby.

If the Blood god would ever be able to atone for his sins, it wouldn't be done by totally alienating him. However, he did deserve the enmity of most gods now and he also deserved for even his own pantheon to hold him to a much higher bar than before.

He walked over to Annastaria, and leaned in to speak to her solemnly.

"I...believe we should continue to associate with Serek. He is a sinner and has made some very poor life choices, but he still is very much part of our little pantheon League and it feels dishonorable to just cast him aside suddenly. At least, without giving him a chance to work toward atonement and self-betterment. Plus, as cranky as the god is and as morally impaired as he is, he has remained loyal to the pantheon and I believe that means something." he said to Anna.

"So if you are in agreement sister, let us go hear him out. But I'd like to make a vow to you and perhaps later with Typh as well: if Serek falls into madness and becomes some heartless war-machine like Graug, or if he keeps Amaranthing and staining his soul even more pitch black, then we need to put him down like a rabid dog. I know this sounds awful, but I think if we are going to continue giving him the camaraderie of our pantheon then in exchange we have to take responsibility for potentially enabling a monster." he continued.

"But with that said...I think we should try to extend our hands out to him for now, and give him the benefit of the doubt. If we don't, then I doubt anyone else will. And before he was a sinner he was a member of our little faction first. It isn't fair for us to alienate him and then expect him to hold to our high standards. If you're in agreement, let us go with him."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Tue 13 Sept 2022.

"I agree, brother. I shall repeat my words to him at the Challenge. I am appalled by what he has done but I have never faced what he had to face in the form of Graug's invasion of his Realm. I'm not sure how I would have reacted in the face of my children's possible extinction and the destruction of my city. He is our brother and I love him as I love you. I will not turn from him now, not after the things we four have seen and done together. What kind of sister would I be if I did that? Come, let us speak with him."

She walked forward to stand before Serek. Her eyes had changed from the swirling starfield to a sullen red but her face was as serene as he had ever seen it.

"What can we do to aid your children, my brother?"

The Prince nodded solemnly at Anna, and walked beside her to Serek.

"Brother of Blood, Serek, we have decided not to turn away from you. Although know that we will be scrutinizing you more than ever. But in exchange, know that our loyalty remains intact." the Prince said to the blood god firmly.

"I offered to help you ages ago with your children and realm, and you got prideful and rebuked me. I say to you this: cast those feelings aside, and I will gladly try and help you once again. I hope that now, ages past the last time we discussed this, that you can finally trust me enough to accept my assistance." he continued.

"Sins aside...I share our sister's sentiment that you have gone through QUITE an ordeal, and I feel for you as our pantheon brother. If it would please you I will help breath life back to your realm and people. You can recover from this. You don't have to feel like you permanently lost everything. Not with us backing you."

Serek regarded Annastarria and Prince as they approached, giving a solemn nod as he listened. It was obvious that the weight of his actions already changed their attitudes and tone. Aware of them already and the ones within himself now, the bleeding divinity sinned. Putting at odds and straights with how to handle, deal, interact, and regard him. Showing any pain from this would only put it on them further now. No, Serek needed to stride forward and reassure them that it is was fine, they were fine, and that he too was okay even when he wasn't. "Loyalty in exchange for scrutiny?"

Listening further to the Prince of Blossoms, Serek cocked his head some as eyes narrowed, "Dear Brother, Prince of Blossoms, your scrutiny is warranted however only pesters me unwantedly. Your offer failed to aid me, instead when I stayed your hand you gazed down at me snobbishly for refuting you. However my heart was closed off to welcoming others so readily and the outside ways we could aid eachother than just my problem. My stewardship over my people came with hardships, but I managed fine. I slept with hundreds then awoke to thousands and silence among all wildlife. I dare thee to return them to their splendor and fill the hole they left. Food and plant life did not ail me of any troubles, but I did not try to see past solving my immediate issue."

"Your scrutiny only stands to question and insult me. If you trust me and I hold your loyalty, I ask you to not compromise that with such pesterings or else everything is just a question of goodwill. But we are too busy delivering answers with arrogance. I apologize for my previous rudeness and I thank you properly now for having extended your hand graciously in the first place" Bowing his head respectfully to the Prince as he exchanged forgiveness and apology. Waving his taloned hands at the subject, Serek's head shook as a sigh dejectedly parted him. "Regardless of the past, my home now stands to ruin guided by both my hand alongside Graug's, still all wildlife remains gone."

Moving on to the matter at hand, Serek continued as he opened his arms to all of his siblings infront of him. "I bid you to not worry. For I aim to carry the weight of sin from all of those who are led astray, to hunt all of those who do not seek retribution, forgiveness, or change. The shield and spear of the world tree and the League. Shezmu and the Guise will aim to be backbone of this. I am more than readily accepting of your aid my dearest siblings. I open Shezmu to you and your children freely!"

Serek turned to the Jasper archway, Shezmu shimmering as a portal within the gem gate. Waving feathers and talons to it, his shroud flapped freely behind, the God of Blood continued, "Currently I search for what happened to my children. However, I have plans to welcome you and your children. I would see us raise our efforts together and see what visions we can craft upon it! "
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Thu 15 Sept 2022.

In reply to Serek Eztli (msg # 76):

Typh smiled and gave a shallow inclination of his head.

"Welcome back Serek. I hope that your travels have been well. I myself have spent a mortal decade or so travelling the chaotic landscape of the morphic seas."

He then listened to Serek's proposition.

"I have perhaps a few mortals that might be suited to such travels to foreign places but they have been away from their own kind for most of their young lives. I would wish them time to spend among their own people. That said perhaps a stable portal could be established between Aegos and your own world. Assuming we have a reasonable guarantee of safety."

He then held his tongue as he watched the interplay between the three gods that had gone off to the challenge. Seems he was right to have stayed behind afterall. Whatever had passed between them seems to have strained their alliance.

Once more Annastarria reached out a hand to smooth her brother's feathers. Her smile  was genuine as was the affection in her eyes as she spoke. "As I said to you in the amphitheatre, you are my brother and I love you. I have not had to endure what you did with the invasion of your home and the scattering of your children so I can neither condemn nor can I condone what you have done. But I shall aid you and your children as I have sworn to in ages past."

She looked at her gathered siblings - these first three that she had met so many ages ago, together again for the first time in many long centuries. "All of you shall have my aid and if I can provide aid and succour to your Realms and children then I shall do so for oaths we have sworn and I stand by them now as I did then."

She looked at the portal and began to walk forward. "Come, brothers. Let us see how we can aid Serek's Realm and children recover from the invasion it has suffered."

The Prince listened to Serek's reply politely, before responding.

"I understand that at the time I initially offered you aid, that you may have seen my words as condescending or perhaps...an unwanted truth that you did not want to hear. I realize that most people cannot handle the truth, including gods. However...as you were my pantheon brother I felt you needed to hear the truth regardless, rather than turn away from it, and I will admit I was...disappointed in your earlier attitude toward me." he replied, although not meanly. The Prince was simply matter-of-fact.

"However...It pleases me greatly, though, to hear that you have since reconsidered your previous stance! So allow me to explain. First of all...never underestimate the impact of plants and other flora on your eco system. Even if your people are mostly or entirely carnivorous, there is a food cycle in nature and if you had allowed me to aid you previously I had intended to to bolster your ecosystem and allow for an increased reproduction of new animal life, which would have helped offset your issue. But that is not all - I believe there are plants that you and your people have not discovered or that simply do not exist yet in your realm that could potentially aid in issues of hunger and nutrition for the Guise. Like did you know that there are some plants that actually have almost the exact same nutrients as meat and blood?" The Prince asked, seriously and not jokingly.

"I wished to try some of these things with the Guise as well. And finally, I wished to teach you and your people about land management and agricultural techniques, so that you can get more for your buck so to speak and more efficiently steward your realm's resources. Together, I had a program in mind that would help increase the wildlife of your realm, possibly supplement the dietary needs of your people with environmentally sustainable crops that have meat and blood-like nutrients, and then impart wisdom I've developed over ages to allow your people to sustainably do this without you or I helping." he said.

"If you are inviting us to your realm and asking for our help, then I am willing to carry out this program that I initially wanted to use to help you. Doesn't this stir hope in you, Blood brother? Can you see that our pantheon can help you in different ways to get your realm back on track? I was not jesting when I said earlier that not all was as lost as it seemed. I know you were hesitant to accept our aid in previous ages, but let bygones be bygones and let's focus on moving forward, yes?"

Serek listened as he gave subtle nods to Typh. It seemed the elusive god was more preoccupied with affairs within his home. Though he does share the realm with his brother Meidos, which much stir up something for the god. "Thank you my dear Brother Typh! Though my travels have been, stalled sadly. I have not seen or spent time on any sea, it must be a diligent endeavor to keep you as such. I commend your efforts and time upon them. As well, when it comes to your mortals, I can promise that your children would be safe underneath mine. Allow your mortals to spend time at home and rest. If I may, bring any of your injured or sickly. I shall take all of those who are destined for death or retirement an option for them, should they want it."

There was a moment of shock or silence as Serek felt Annastarria's hand cusp down on his feathers. Her voice and eyes were more than reassuring enough as spoke to him. There was a slight pur in Serek's throat. Closing his eyes momentarily, Serek opened them as their gaze softened. "Thank you, dear sister. You hold my love within your heart. I will do everything I must, to not see any other go through such hardships. Especially those that I love, my dear siblings. I will always uphold my oath to you, even if my times are trying."

Continuing with the Prince of Blossoms, Serek listened and studied his brother. There was much to be said, but Serek held his tongue. "Prince, I can be stand-off ish. Certainly against certain criticisms, especially when you do not know the whole of the truth and circumstances surrounding the matter. An outside view on the situation can always be easier though, is it not? It was my fault to act out on knowledge unknown to you yet and withhold it. However I plan to share that and more with you today."

Serek smiled from beak to beak as the Prince spoke of his plans and asked his question in serious repose, "Yes well, not to disappoint you my brother. However Shezmu is home to many supple plants filled with an ichor like substance of blood or fleshy like that of meat. Those typically tend to bite back or have curious defenses. If you can stimulate my wild life to raise from the dead or come into existence. I more than welcome the thought and plan, plants and their bounty has been seen as a sign of hard times previously to my people. Though it has long became their only other source of food when out in my realm. With your aid we can reign in the cultivation of those we can use for food and others in crafts or mixtures."

Serek shook his head though some before any departures, there was a slight glint in his eye. Each of them stood infront and offered more than enough. Acts full of heart and loyalty within their blood. There was an enthusiasm in his voice, "I believe that you all might be misunderstanding this some. Hope is of course not lost especially with your help, my children have been found, and of course I seek to rebuild! However it is not just that and simple aid to which I end this offer and plee." Shaking his taloned finger several times, Serek continued, "Shezmu is open to you and your children to live in not just momentarily for aid. Allow this to be the first testimony of our pantheon coming together! To craft and share among each other, fill out the gaps that the others leave. The idea of stable portals definitely comes to mind, as well even a proper Tea House, and schools in different fields." Serek genuinely seemed keen to this idea. It was bound to happen eventually. The unity opened portals across the realms already, he saw no need now to deny his siblings. "I warn you now, there are going to be a few things I'll need to impart to you for consideration of this, all that are imperative to be understood for this endeavor to work. However, those details can wait until you see for yourselves. There you may decide as you wish."

The Prince nodded at Serek.

"It is my hope that you are more open with me in the future as well. While I may criticize sometimes, it is only because I care. I am the Prince of Blossoms. It is my imperative and my nature to critique, judge, and assess that which lies before me and determine how it can best blossom, and if it even SHOULD blossom." he said. "So please be understanding and patient if I ever irk your sensibilities. For normally I never critique without just cause. And in your case, I also have good plans in store for you." he added, before turning to Typh.

"My wayward pantheon brother! I would like to make some time soon to spend with you as well, for it has been too long since we engaged for more than passing moments. But you are not forgotten and are always well-regarded by us, brother." he said, turning back to Serek.

"I have some ideas about those plants, actually. But with my techniques, they can be more tamed and domesticated over successive generations. We can breed for desired traits in plants that would be more fit for the guise to consume agriculturally while selecting against negative ones like excessive venoms, thorns, snapping elements, and so on. I also would like to try introducing something called lima and kidney beans to your realm as well and see how the Guise take to them. These plants have meat-like nutrition while being great for the soil quality." he said.

"As for animals...as long as even just a bit are left I can utilize agricultural and other principles to help facilitate breeding and population growth of these critters. You will have to be VERY struct with the Guise though on not poaching them - like strict to the point of maiming punishments or worse if they don't take the hint - as it will an age or two to fully realize results but we could slowly repopulate your realm with its native fauna once again. Including utilizing some captured animals and such from nights of the hunt that we work on domesticating and breeding as well." he said.

"Then let us venture forth to meet your children and see Shezmu for the first time as I have long looked forward to the day when we can see more of our respective Realms. I shall do what I may to assist you in your rebuilding and recovery and healing of your children. I may well dispatch some of my own here to assist, should you deem it to be so, brother."

She gave him a reassuring smile; her eyes shading to a warm gold as she looked upon him.

"Whenever you are ready."

Serek placed a taloned hand upon the Prince's shoulder momentarily as he nodded in good faith. "I do not imagine that I can escape your natures. Only that I can accept and work with them, dear brother, just as you do my own. I have my own reservations as I am sure everyone does, but I'll be more forthcoming that I promise."

Listening then to Annastarria, Serek seemed to continue to unravel his own thorns at her genuine care. He did not dismiss his brother's, yet Serek was still softening up to his more prudent nature. With feathers shifting and fluffing more happily as blood slicked down them, Serek gave a bright smile. Speaking a bit seriously there was a gentle undertone despite the words, "The feeling is mutual, I long await to still explore other realms respectively. Though my children have far been removed from the cycle of life for some time, this event was one that was harsh on them. As I have dearly spoiled my children despite their own hardships. They now wear the marks of strife and time passed upon their beings. There are far fewer now than the ages past and they have witnessed it all. We no longer hold a city to present as our testimont against time. In its place now is a scar of war."

When the Prince of Blossoms turned back to him again with the plans of agriculture Serek rubbed his bottom beak lightly. "We can breed wanted traits separately? Still we could use the benefits of their evolved defenses elsewhere. Venoms especially are useful among the hunts. The other defenses grown from Shezmu could help aid in the Guise's own protection from future enemies. The food and their nutritions would be a vital element to play among my people now. Cultivation and gathering was not a strong suit I feared. Even more sad, there remains no trace of any wildlife aside from the Night of the Hunts, a now imperative trial for Guise to prove themselves worthy of flesh and blood. One that will forever replace the once mighty and meek beasts of Shezmu."

Serek looked to all of his siblings again as he spoke to them in a more enthusiastic way, "I wish for Shezmu to be a place for all our souls to enjoy and work together in. Any aid is grandly welcomed as it patches our open wounds and helps to rebuild the bones to hold for our future bodies." Serek looked down for a second solemnly then released a soft breath as he gazed back up at his siblings. "It may be forward, but I would emplore any of your mortal children that you are willing to allow be brought. Even if only momentarily. I especially will take in those who are injured, sickly, retired, or destined for death. I would breath into them a second life from within my heart."

Walking towards the portal, Serek concluded. "The day has come, with it exploration and the deepening of bonds. I now await to greet you all fair welcome within Shezmu."

The Prince nodded. He was pleased that Serek was finally, after literally ages, beginning to see the true merits of the Prince's plans and realize he wasn't just spouting hot air. And he was even beginning to take some ownership of it when he suggested breeding poisonous plants and such, which the Prince found pleasing. The food circle began, more or less anyway, with plants and it was from this truth that the Prince knew he could aid his pantheon in their own realms.

"Yes I agree we should take an excursion and check things out, and a survey and assessment of the realm needs to be done to assess the aftermath of your war with Graug too." the Prince said.

"Annastarria? Shall we head out to Serek's realm?"

"I am ready and have been looking forward to this for some time. A closer relationship with my siblings and their children has always been something to look forward to and now that it is here, I am most pleased."

She stood by the portal and waited to follow Serek in. As his home it was only proper that he step forward first.

The portal opened at Serek's will and invited Annastarria and the Prince of Blossoms to access the home realm of the god of blood.

You may now transition to the Shezmu realm.

Serek gazed for a few moments at Typh as he brought back some awareness to the Astral Lounge, "Brother, I have something I wish to share with you. Beyond just my home realm, for when you are ready."

If Meidos accompanied Typh, Serek would greet him with full respect and regard. Extending both offers to the younger god of (mis?)fortune.

Serek's reappearance in the Astral Lounge took Typh by surprise but he nodded agreeably.

"Of course Serek."

He turned to his younger brother Medios.

"Medios I am going to create another instance in Serek's world. I imagine we will spend a great deal of time discussing political matters which are likely to bore you. I will return shortly."

With that he turned to Serek and nodded for him to proceed.

Serek bowed his head and waved his winged arm to guide Typh, "You need not dispel your attentions here. I only ask for a partial of it. I need not steal you away from your brother."

Serek gave then Meidos a passing glance and a respectful nod of his beak. "Apologies, Lord Medios, that I do not hold entertainments to provoke excitement for you. We shall see what lays in the future. Though, if I might suggest. The Ambrosia here is a curiousity you must try."

Going from there, Serek opened the way to his realm again. Wanting to bring Typh along to the current happenings inside of Shezmu and the Myopic Fields of Death.