The fire appeared to be working. As Kai's flames caught upon the foliage the mountainside was alight with flame. Smoke billowed high into the air darkening the land. Even still the twin lights which spiraled above and the black spiral tower were unphased by it's works.

Then it happened. The fire itself began to change. It's bright red plumes were forming into large maple leaves. Spreading like a ripple in a pond, emanating from the tower, the fires all around were transmuted from heat and light into colorful autumn foliage which grew from the tree tops as the trees themselves continued to grow.

The power of the domain of plants was by no means small. Within it's current radius of half a mile everything subjected to it was infused with the essence of all plants. Even Kai was no exception to this. Already he was changing in some small degree. The scales on his wings were starting to shift into leaves of the same color. The longer he spent in the aura the closer to a plant he'd become.

_
The trembling of the land did not cease either. Great roots erupted through the mountain, winding itself around the twisted spire forming a massive trunk with a hole in the center for the light to emerge through. The people of the mountain who were changed into wood themselves found themselves caught up in the growth, being pulled up into the rising trunk as it continued to expand.

Despite these rapid changes from animal to vegetable was not in itself painful. Shocking and sudden for sure but there was no pain to be had from the change. Overhead those around could see what was once a cardinal was now a flying turnip, it's skin bright red as it flew upon the leaves which sprouted from it's top. With two little spots for eyes now it continued to flee from the quaking mountain like most animals had. Only the few who couldn't escape in time, like this bird, were changed.

The villagers did not suffer themselves either. Even those who were caught up in the trunk of the rising tree were not subject to pain. Despite being caught within the wood they found they were still growing in size themselves, quickly expanding to the size of regular trees and beyond. They could still feel and see, even talk though the only noise they elicited were panicked screams as everything they knew was gone in an instant.

_
In but a minute's time it seemed all the work the two of Drakairos's thirds had done was unmade, the trees growing past the damages and ever higher. The fires had burned away the leaves and singed the branch tips only to turn into large maple leaves which ran a plethora of bright autumn colors. The growth of the trees were not only above the ground but below too as the runs ran deeper and deeper. The winds that tore away lesser trees near the border did little more than ruffle the larger trees which grew not only taller but ever thicker, their roots ever longer and their foliage now orange with tinges of red.

Meanwhile the girl who had been caught by an overgrown root found herself starting to get pulled beneath the earth as the roots thickened and branches out beneath the dirt. Even the sight of her patron deity in the distance could not distract from the terror she felt towards being buried alive like this.

"L-lord Hayim! Help please! I- I'm being dragged below!" She waved frantically hoping to get his attention. Little did she know her skin had turned even more green, leaves covering the lengths of her arms. Her deep brown hair had begun to mat together into thin vines. Small green buds were already sprouting up all over along these lengths of vine-hairs.

Hayim himself would feel the influence of the spire in his own way. Like all transformations imposed upon a deity the first changes were always physical. He would find his little flower body growing larger than it should, becoming more complex and physically potent like the trees and the grass around him. What else would change he would soon find out along with the fire breathing Kai lest they fled the reach of the helical lights's aura.

---

Relevant to - @Duoya@Lmpkio

Ferron
@Stern Algorithm-Gammaton
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ferron stood within his castle and deliberated on how to proceed. He needed to refocus himself after the unexpected encounter with Anu. He believed the encounter was beneficial, however it did not changed his plans. He had inspected the jar for trickery before allowing it into his domain. Once its safety was confirmed, he stored it within the platinum layer of his realm. He decided that only negative outcomes would emerge from disclosing the deal, in part or in full, to the dwarves.

Ferron came to the conclusion that inviting the domain of another god within his colony would cause instability. Instability was not completely undesirable, but the colony could not withstand this. In order to create a solid foundation, he needed to consult with Gammaton.

Gammaton was a tricky god. He was not immediately dangerous like Ragnagedden, however he still posed a threat. In addition, Gammaton was not well-liked among his unstable siblings. He did not wish to entangle himself with a god who he could neither trust, and who could harm him through association. However, he required Gammaton service. Unfortunately, unlike his other siblings, Gammaton was able to bargain.

He would actually have to try to ensure that he obtained the best deal. He could not merely push forward his best offer, as he did not know what Gammaton desires, nor his motivations. Merely by coming to Gammaton, and proposing this deal, he was placing himself in a disadvantageous position.

However, ultimately bringing law to the dwarves in and over itself should align with Gammaton's interest. However, he should know that all services have a price. He needed to shore up his weak bargaining position in order to ensure that the arrangement was beneficial for himself. He could always withdraw before the deal was finalized, however that would delay his plans and merely place him in a weaker position within the second meeting. While he was willing to expend a significant amount of effort in order to ensure that this deal was to proceed smoothly, there was somethings that he wanted to greatly avoid, such as being entangled with the law god's schemes.

He did not believe it was wise to merely lead with his best offer, as he believed it best to leave room to maneuver when dealing with uncertainty. He did not believed that Gammaton would want weapons or armor. He was unsure of Gammaton opinion of the arts were either. And as far as he knew, he did not have a child species that he was cultivating that Ferron could teach metallurgy to.

He must think what Gammaton would want in order to have any success within this venture, however he had little exposure to the god, and even from the muttering that he had acclimated over his many years of existence, his goals seemed to lofty and intangible. It is easy to construct an aqueduct that brings water to a city and alleviates drought. Peace, however, was a much more fickle thing. You could not construct peace, you can only alleviate the symptoms of strife temporarily.

Ferron went to his forge, and crafted a particular item that he thought was potentially valuable and stored it within a simple bag that he carried with himself. The item was a simple, small gold scarab construct. However, its usefulness emerged from its ability to construct identical copies itself. A single one of these scarab could quickly form a swarm if supplied with enough gold, and they were capable of constructing various other objects and had a limited capacity to attack. In addition, he consider particular proposals for less tangible arrangements. The three items he crafted uses were designed to have broad usages. He grabbed his cloak, and summoned Bishop to travel with him to the meeting.

The pair traveled through the soil towards the Braided Jungle. Upon returning to the surface, he had thrown his cloak on, and pulled his hood on. He did like jungles, it was one thing to go without his cloak within a castle where he spent more of his time within a forge, where he was at his most comfortable, however jungles were probably one of the places on Tabrasa were he was his least comfortable.

He stood cautiously outside of the jungle itself, not quite sure of the appropriate manner to approach. However, beyond the potential rudeness of entering the jungle, for the time being he wished to remain on neutral ground. He commanded Bishop to go forward towards the administrative hive, and once it reached the location, it emerged from the earth once again taking a humanoid form before politely tapping against the hive in a non aggressive manner, and the mercury construct begin to create a metallic hum that was rather pleasant in order to announce its presence. Symbols formed on the construct's front and back, clearly creating the following message in divine script, "This is Bishop, divine messenger and scout of Ferron. The Lord of Metal requests formal invitation to enter the realm of Gammaton in order to discuss matters of mutual exchange. Ferron would like to request that Gammaton brings law and order to Ferron's chosen people, and exchange, Ferron would be willing to part with valuable goods and services to Gammaton."

@Rune_Alchemist

Dirka wouldn't listen to Gammaton's whining. She thought it pointless. She listened to Iva and smiled. "A party eh? Sounds goreh! He he, but I'm a little sad you won't check on her with me. I'll come to the festivities, I can never pass up a good party. Now, if you excuse me, I'm got to get home and check on things as well as check on your human. Hetgoli!" and she left.

When outside she opened a portal, then she felt energy she hasn't felt in a while. She melted some nearby snow and cast a scying spell. She looked throughout the lands of Tabrassa, eventually coming to the sight. Another spire, this one making everything a plant rather than fear. She smacked her face. "Great, just great. More to worry about. Hopefully none of them ask for my help. And I just jinxed myself. DAMN IT!" he went through the portal back home.

---

Dirka soon entered the mind-scape. When she saw what was going on she was a little frightened for the girl. This attack was real. She would have done something real eventually, but not this of all spells. The only way to stop it is to use it's energy against it. The most basic rule of magic, everything requires energy. "Lahzia! The basic rule of magic! It's that all magic requires energy! Use that energy against the spell!" she yelled walking up to her and the mage. The mage looked at his goddess and smiled cheerfully. "She is in her last trial, mistress. I figured the hardest one should be the most dangerous one. Like for all great mages." Dirka boiled, but kept her demeanor calm. "I didn't want you to KILL HER YOU IDIOT! YES MAGES WHO SURVIVE THIS END UP WELL, BUT ONLY THREE HAVE SURVIVED AND I'M CURRENTLY SCREWING ONE OF THEM YOU IMBECILE!" she scolded. Then she realized he just said her secret in front of the prophet of knowledge. The mage gulped. "My lady, did you mean to reveal the fact you're married to a mortal, or was that a fluke?" And the mage made it worst. Dirka stared hatefully at the mage. "Leave. Before you burn." Her eyes literally in flames.
After he left he calmed down and went to Lahzia. She ended the spell with a wave of her hand and held the girl steady. "Are you okay?" She said calmly.

Even with their god sleeping, turmoil raged within Verzak. The Twin Arch-Dragons ruled from the mouth of Ragnagedon’s cave. A testament of their strength. Within the Verzakian Dragons were gathering ever more. Joining the horde that Lira and Thesan called for. The later Arch-Dragon particulary was in a foul mood the last few days. His scars were an eternal reminder that he was bested by the hydra god. In the early days of his existence, several dragons taunted and challenged him. That stopped after the first skull got crushed below his leg. Now very few dared to even snarl at him. In the meantime Lira has ruled as nothing short of a queen. Unchallenged, undenied, her rule was absolute. With the merest command she could whip the dragons in a frenzy.

Deep within the central cave laid Ragnagedon in a restless slumber. Even adrift in his own mind, Ragnagedon never stopped observing the world around him. When a few fires died in a particulary confusing way he knew something was off. Something greater than he thought. With a voiceless command he whipped his dragons into a frenzy and commanded his Arch-Dragons. Outside several vulcanic explosions heralded their leave. Both Arch-Dragons quickly understood what they had to do and took flight. Behind them the others were quick to follow. Flying through the smoke filled air of Verzak, the horde grew fast behind them. Until all of the Verzakian Dragonflight was away. Traveling north-east.

---

They arrived just in time to see Drakairos do its thing and laughed. Through their eyes Ragnagedon witnessed the attempted destruction. But when the fire turned to maple leaves, he let out a roar of laughter. Which echoed through all dragons present. For now he stayed his hand and the dragons obeyed, pulling back towards a safer distance. A mountainside. They were swift to claim the terrain from the natural predators. “Let us see what the three headed thief-god will accomplish.” Thesan said. His eyes ever fixating his nemesis. Lira was focused on other things though. “What’s that tiny thing down there?” She asked. The mere confusion prompted three dragons to fly off the mountain side and go into the dangerous aura to investigate the tiny disturbance.

---

These were different dreams he had. In the past Ragnagedon dreamed of a high gate taunting him and a world aflame. It was a dream made by the barren world Ragnagedon had found himself in. Right after he was born. Now his dreams were different. He saw the night sky above and below a valley filled with tents. A hundred fires were gently burning and burning away Oao’s domain. Behind him though, there was something different. Small, hidden embers and people all around them. Talking in hushed whispers. The sense of serenity Ragnagedon felt quickly vanished as he recognized one person. Fir, the first of his followers. The fire god had seen the man’s fate unfold with every prayer. A faint grin formed on his lips.

---

“Still nothing?” Ghoran had been trying to interrogate his heretic prisoner for the past ten days now but the woman was more stubborn than his own wife. Even when starved for days she never said a word. In fact, she never even lost the defiant fire in her eyes. The sort of gaze that made very clear that she wanted to kill him. “You have to realize it is hopeless.” He continued on. At the very least she did appear to listen. “We outnumber you ten to one. There will never be a fight. Just a slaughter.”

Esif kept her lips sealed. She would never give in. Not even after the torture they subjected her to just because she killed a bear. A supposed holy animal for their god. What idiot god kept a bear as holy animal? Still, she remained faithful to her master and her god.

“At least tell us what sort of mad god you’d worship that makes you burn so much and suffer so much. He must not care for you at all, looking at those scars. They’ve made you ugly.” Ghoran said, pointing at the one just below her eye.

Out of all the scars he could point at, he pointed at the one she had before she followed Fir. The memory of it only made her seethe more. Until she could bear his ignorance no more. “Ragnagedon.” She whispered.

“What’s that?”

“Ragnagedon is my god and he loves me. He has set me free from men like you.”

Ghoran rose up. Those were the first words the woman spoke and they were sneered at him. Still, he knew more and he had to report it. Or he would if the sudden loud scream from outside didn’t distract him. He ran outside to see a tent fully ablaze. Men were fleeing away from it while others with buckets of water ran towards it. “What happened!?” Ghoran yelled but none of the men were from his tribe. He ran towards the great flames when suddenly another tent, right of him, burst into massive flames. “What is happening!?” he repeated.

“Fire! Fire! Ghoran!” he heard screaming from a distance. One of his warrior ran towards him yelling: “Fire!” Out of breathe he collapsed before his chieftain. “My lord! Lord! Fire! Everywhere! They walk amongst the fire! They’re mad!”

Ghoran looked up, just in time to see what his own man was talking about it. Men in masks and covered in mud walked between the burning tents. Throwing torches and leaving hot coals on the ground. Every man, woman or child they encountered they killed and let the blood drip into the flames.

“Attack!” Ghoran yelled as he made a mad dash back towards his own tent ring. His warriors were already picking up their weapons. “Go south! Protect the tents! Kill the masked ones!” His warriors did as commanded, after which Ghoran rushed into his own tent.

Where he coughed Esif cutting her bounds with his bronze sword. For a second they looked each other in the eyes with wide disbelief before Ghoran leapt for the blade and Esif leapt for his neck. She was fast. With one move she could jump almost over him. But he caught her midair and made her fall. Quickly he slashed towards her but she rolled away in time. With both her feet she kicked him away from her and jumped up. The next moment she was running outside. Ghoran was in fast pursuit. Outside tents all around were burning while people screamed. Canvas was painted red with blood. “Kill them all!” Ghoran yelled to every warrior passing him. Having no idea what tribe they were. There were no more tribes in this pandemonium.

He couldn’t find Esif at first. Until she suddenly appeared behind him and threw both of her wrists over his shoulders. She hung from his back as she tried to strangle him with the bounds. While Ghoran was slashing backwards again and again. Eventually her weight and his weakening muscles made him collapse on his knees. Esif reacted quickly and threw her full weight upon his back. Knocking him against the ground. She kept strangling him as she headbutted him again and again. Letting a vicious scream every time she hit him. Ghoran below her tried to fight it. But the dizziness began to take over. When blood began to pool below him, his vision blurred. Then everything went black.

It wasn’t a clean kill and it wasn’t a cheap one eather. Esif finally managed to cut her bounds. Something hot ran off her brow and down her cheek. Still, with stolen bronze blade in hand she began to make her way towards the thick of the chaos. Leaping up in the air and onto a tribesman back before cutting open his back. Then she found Fir. Who looked almost overjoyed when he saw her. “Esif! You’re still alive! Help me kill these curs!” He said as he slapped an enemy with his fire staff and setting him on fire with the liquid in the bowl.

Esif continued doing what she did best. Fighting with the raw savagery of a cat and Fir witnessed it well. Her capture and imprisonment did nothing to temper her apparently. For the first time in a very long time Fir felt proud. No, more, he felt love. Love for a second daughter he could find. But the situation around them was dire at best. Even with all the chaos and the burning and flames, the enemy was still outnumbering them greatly.

---

The god of fire watched his closest follower intensely. The battle wasn’t going well. Not anymore. Chaos was being worn down. There was only so much you could do with the element of surprise. For a human, Fir was remarkably resilient. Yet he was inching closer and closer to his breaking point with every raider slaughtered. Ragnagedon wanted nothing more than to know what this mortal would do once everything became utterly hopeless.

Location:
Cy'Lathak
@Dealdric@Stern Algorithm

---

"Of course, little Gammy." Iva replied with a respectful spin and a bow, snatching up the contract. "As long as it isn't in the next day or two...I shall be more than happy to attend! And don't take it personally. Very soon we shall not let anyone have access to the Library." He continued, grabbing a writing quill from the nearby table as he signed his name in the runes that he normally did. "...just don't interrupt the party in the next day or two, and we shall not have any problems, hee!" Pirouetting once more, Iva began walking as one of his long, thin arms pointed to the portal. "If you want, take one of the Aho'Nohg. They can take you back to the mainland very easily."

leaving Gammaton to his own devices once more, Iva waltzed away with a slow, methodical step. Then something rather odd happened.

He vanished. In a single instance, gone.

---

The pain was beginning to become unbearable. Something else, then? Lazrhia was misunderstanding something here, then. A basic function of all magic? Had she misunderstood? Too many questions. Either way, her feet were starting to become unsteady. A pounding in her head, like something trying to get out of it. That...didn't feel like magic at all.

"Urgh..." Lazhria groaned, holding a hand to her head. She just needed to focus more, was that it? Fine then. More energy. More. The emblem on her hand began glowing more brightly, her mouth dry. When Dirka popped back into existence, Lazhria didn't register. This also meant she didn't hear the comment about her being married to a mortal, and her question of her well being also went ignored.

"..." Lazhria fell to her knees, as though in a trance. If Dirka was concerned, it would be an appropriate reaction, but before she could do anything, her body backwards, convulsing violently.

"Nglui mgahnnn..." Her voice was joined by an otherworldly, ethereal tone. "C'Stell'bsna ee s'uhn!" Swaying lightly, the humans body still stood, and any attempt to move it would be met with resistance. Whatever this was, it clearly wasn't of Dirka's or her followers doing. A fact that would be immediate clear by a crackle of energy, and a Gate opening overhead.

"...hmm?" The form of Iva emerged from it, first his head. He seem mildly surprised, before his faceless visage settled on both Dirka and Lazhira. "...Oh how wonderful!" Before he could say another word, fell face first on top of Dirka. Lazhria kept saying words incomprehensible to the human mind, several more portals opening with Aho'Nohg slipping through them.

"Joyous!" Iva laughed, not bothering to move from his position immediately as Lazhria's body fell backwards. "Ah, she'll be exhausted after that, heh! Joyous! Marvelous! A human opened a gate to a Divine realm!" He giggled madly. "With a little help from me of course, tee-hee, but still!"

@Rune_Alchemist

Dirka was sober of madness for the first time in centuries, and had to protect this girl and her secret. Less who knew the better. The girl was blabbering in a mixture of the Magic language and another, but she couldn't figure the other out. When she opened the gate, she held on to the girl to keep her from falling. Then Iva fell on her. "You imbecile!" She yelped. She got up and brushed herself off. She then grabbed Lazhia before he hit the ground after opening the portals. She looked at Iva with a sense of disgust. "Wonderful?! You about just lost your F***ing prophet! I'm going too punish that magus. BUT YOU need to get it together. Yes, what she did is great, but her state of health is horrid! If you don't mind, I'd like to take her to the Rift so I can heal her. If you do it, you'd cause more harm than good. And don't you worry your pretty brain about it, because she'll be safer with me than any other god. Do you have any objections?"

---

---

Kai continued to scorch the evergreen forests below him, his breath ripping through the trunks, leaves, and vines of all underneath. It would only take a matter of time before there'd be nothing but ash. At least, that's what the singular serpent believed until he saw what happened next...

As the fiery serpent turns around for another sweep of the area, he pauses mid-flight confusingly as he watches what unfolded. What was once a roaring, blazing, forest fire turned into a mass blowing pile of autumn leaves swirling in the chaotic winds. Kai had to blink multiple times just to be sure he was seeing all of this correctly. Once utterly convinced, he issues a blood-curling howl as he descends an utter frenzy.

"WHAAAAAAAAT?!" the fire serpent booms furiously, as he coils around in an utterly confused state, "WHAT TREACHEROUS TRICKERY IS THIS NONSENSE?!"

But he'd soon find that his flames of destruction were not the only things being reduced to brittle leaves. As he continues to ramble about this trickery, he suddenly finds parts of his long serpentine body giving off the same substance. His entire body is slowly becoming a pile of leaves! With a thunderous roar of mortifying rage, he makes a bee-line straight back to his fellow heads to tell them of the situation. Yet as he left, he could vaguely hear the sounds of hefty laughter coming from beyond...

---

Kai wasn't the only head to recognize this disturbance. Just beyond the spire's radius, Dra and Rós were carefully watching everything unfold from a safe distance. While they were barely able to see their missing head, they can very well notice that the fire had changed. And they too were utterly perplexed by this.

"Something's wrong..." Rós growled ominously, "The fire appears to be..."

"Leaves." finishes Dra while looking on, "The fire is morphing into autumn leaves. But how is this possible?"

"No doubt, that the spire must be manipulating them by its lonesome." the ice head answered, "It's been said that even the overwhelming darkness and fear previous spire managed to overwhelm the gleaming radiance of Hyperion's light. What this spire is doing is simply no different."

The leading head cursed to himself.

"Kai was so preoccupied in causing destruction to the environment around, that he didn't stop to destroy that cursed monolith. The damn fool..."

Just then, the two serpents turn to see a screeching Kai appearing from the forest as it sped towards them.

"THIS WRETCHED SPIRE IS CURRRRRRRSED!" the fiery serpent roars anguishly, "IT HAS REDUCED ME AND MY POWERS AS A JOOOOOOOKE! WHY I EVEN PROCEEDED TO TURN INTO MERE LEEEEEAVES! AAAAAAAAAGHHHHH!"

"Calm yourself Kai." Dra interrupted as he attempted to soothe his wrath - an attempt more easily said than done - "We must make another plan of attack. I suggest we~"

As the lightning serpent's eyes drifted beyond Kai's, he saw three flying figures flying down from the mountains. The gleaming serpent squinted his soulless eyes as he attempts to get a better look at them. They couldn't be natives to this cursed land, for they'd otherwise flee. No. They looked to be the ones investigating this place. And at that point is when it finally clicked, once Rós noticed his gaze.

"What do you see, Dra?" the ice serpent asked curiously.

There was a short pause before he would respond.

"They've come." the lightning head uttered disgustingly, "Ragnagedon's horde has made their way here."

The ice serpent's face frowned discontently as he assesses the situation.

"How unfortunate." he mutters, "I wouldn't have imagined they've followed us here, have they?"

He'd turn to face both of his heads before looking directly at Kai.

"Return to Zepharios and portal our forces here." Dra strictly orders Kai before turning to his icy brother, "Initiate a cold front to sweep the entire area. We will attempt to kill two condors with one boulder. And at the end of the day, for if we cannot burn this forest, then we will cover it in ice. In the meantime, I will attempt to have lightning strike down upon that spire. It must be destroyed at all costs!"

Kai seemed rather insulted that he, the fiery head and bringer of droughts, was to call to arms their forces of ice. However he, for once, said nothing more than mere grumbling as he quickly flew up into the sky and into a portal to retrieve their armada. As he heads back to the Palace, the two other serpents began to formulate their coming plan, yet staying out of the radius of the ominous spire and the fire dragons. The storm above them began to swirl faster and a chilling air began to rattle through the trees as temperatures plummet. Even the lightning strikes above began to intensify as they searched for the highest point in which to strike. And they're directly set upon the infamous black spire.

---

---

The giant rat would've found itself momentarily set-back by the metal dragon's binding spell, as it screeches in a ravenous fury. Yet it was stronger than it looks as Jimbo's strength slowly began to break through it. But just before it could free itself, he would be bombarded by a torrent of accent to its face, burning away at the left side of its face while screaming in pure agony. While it's gory flesh and bone were revealed to the outside world, it didn't by all means hesitate to stop him. He'd point his massive maw towards the metallic dragon to unleash a beam of vile, toxic, gas, powered by all the known diseases imaginable. While most of the organic-infecting diseases may have been rendered useless to a flying automaton, there was one 'corrosive' material that's notorious for "plaguing" metal...

Rust.

Tetroz's shining iron hide would rapidly weaken as the chemical compounds would begin to make it brown and flaky. Porous mounds would begin to infect his entire body, causing the iron to weaken and even flake off. If the rusting process isn't stopped in time, the dragon will find himself to be nothing but disintegrated scrap iron. And Nerplaguis had nothing to loose. He'd already found a recipe book that has the recipe for rat poison. Quickly he gathers up the required ingredients and began to concoct them in a large cauldron. He has only one shot at this and he needs to finish this quickly...

@Lmpkio(note: I said she took inspiration from metal, not made him of metal. And the small verse when I introduce him was just dramatics.)

Terzotz looked at the gas cloud and smelled all of the things in it. When he smelled rust, he laughed. "Stupid creature, I'm not made of metal, but my hide is as tough as metal! I'm Terzotz the Black, not Terzotz the Iron!" The diseases would be a nuisance till he got back to the mountains or Rift, but oh well. He put a few spells on himself to slow the diseases progress till he got home, then rushed the rat. He hit it head on, gashing it's left flank with his claws. Then, he backed off and prepared to rush it again. "JUST DIE ALREADY!"

---

@Lord Zee
Rescorje had finished it. He had created what his mother had wanted to make for her sister, and succeeded. Although the man he kidnapped died in the progress, and his soul probably joined Anu's ranks, he cared not. The beings now known as the 7 Arch-fiends of Sin were complete. His mother gave him instruction to deliver them to Anu once he was done. So he opened a portal to Anu's castle and brought them and four golems through.

Once on the other side he was in awe of Anu's throne room. Blood and corpses of mortals everywhere. It was grand in his mind, though his mother might have added a few more eerie lights in to make it creepier. Then he called out. "Goddess of Devilry, I beseech the on behalf of mistress Dirka. She has a present for you to improve your strength greatly. She also appologises for the mage that wandered into your desert. She had forgotten to send him a message about the pact you and she made." Then he stood proud and waiting to see if there would be trouble or a civil interaction. Well, as civil as you can get between magic and devilry.

---

---

As sinners grew large and wide in the world of Tabrasa, so too did the unique connection they held with the Goddess of Devilry. She had cursed all of humanity to suffer from their depravity. In many ways, it should have strengthened their bonds, made them averse to such horrors, and allow them to obtain a higher quality of life. But humans, at their core, are fallible and weak of spirit. They fall to such temptations like beasts to a fresh corpse. As long as Anu lived, the curse would never be able to be stopped. It would grow ever on and be a blight in humanities existence for all time.

It came as a pleasant surprise when the ability to enter the ones who were cursed came known to her. It had been in her reflecting period. For five long days she slept in the pools of blood within her throne room, and became enlightened to such powers. At first it had startled Anu, a human's mind was so different from her own and the feeling was completely alien. The first humans she had entered had only left a mess behind as their heads exploded from the mere pressure of a Divine conscious. It had taken her over fifty trials before she stopped killing them outright. Only then had she been able to take control of the human she wanted. Her abilities grew ever on as she practiced.

Then there came a day when she grew bored sitting upon on her throne, and cast out her vision. It took her no time at all to find such a worthy candidate. A man whose mind was so far gone all he could think of was killing. It was easier to control the ones who were broken she had come to learn, then it was those who still held their will about them. It was also the first time she had seen such a large population of humans gathered in one place.

Though the human's body was tied to a stake, she could look around to see several more cursed beside her on either side where she sat, each in various states of sin. In the distance she could see rows and rows of tents, and mountains as a backdrop. This place was intriguing, and the Goddess of Devilry hated it with burning passion. She jumped into a another man's head, wanting freedom of movement, but was unable to physically control the man. She was about to leave him, but felt this one held some sort of authority, and when she peered through his eyes, she saw the strangest sight.

Before him was a woman. Scarred, dirty and with a crazed look of defiance in her eye. She could feel her sin, for it was far greater then most. Perplexed by this interaction, Anu listened to the conversation as it played out, finding it even more enlightening when the woman spoke of Ragnagedon and how she worshiped the God of Destruction. She knew her brother loved no one, least of all a human. How would this woman even know of Ragnagedon? What possessed her to grovel at his feet? Before Anu was able to enter her, the man heard screaming.

What happened next occurred quickly. She learned the man's name, Ghoran and the new threat he faced. It was of little surprise to her when she saw humans killing one another. She could feel their sins, these masked ones. All of whom were ever so close to the breaking point, but somehow hung on with their intense passion. Could Ragnagedon have something to do with this? It made her angry to say the least, for such corrupted souls belonged to suffer in their sin and not serve a mad god.

Ghoran was next fighting the woman from before, but the man was out played by the woman, who bled him and choked him to unconsciousness. He was going to die, and in that moment Anu was able to physically take over his body. Ghoran's body rose with unnatural elegance, his eyes burning with a deep crimson as he began to walk forward as the world around his body burned.

Anu ignored any pleas for help, or the men who asked what Ghoran's command was. They simply looked into his face and their eyes grew wide with fear. Another human would have to lead them, if any at all could do such a thing. It wasn't long before Anu found the woman, and she watched as she and a man slaughtered their kin with impunity. As their situation grew dire, Anu stepped forward in Ghoran's body. If Esif or Fir looked closely enough, they would see his eyes and the wicked smile upon his face.

Anu wasted no time, and with a clap from Ghoran, a very large portal ripped itself into reality behind him. The world fell silent as raiders and masked man alike turned to gaze upon it.

Ghoran opened his mouth to speak, but instead of his own voice, the Goddess of Devilry spoke through him. "Little humans, always killing one another. It's the only thing you're good at, after all. Such sin pleases me... but you are far too ineffective." she paused and looked directly at Esif before speaking again, "Ragnagedon does not love you, child. But I do, and I want nothing more then to set you free from your flesh. For when you are all dead, only then shall you be truly free. Here now, a parting gift. Do enjoy." She finished speaking, and through the portal came lesser demons, beings the same height of the smallest man, with bright red flesh and spiked horns. They had long snouts, much like a wolves and their eyes burned with hatred. Only a few wielded bronze swords, and the rest had claws and razor sharp teeth. Then came two blood priests, a special type of demon with a penchant for blood magic. The demons had a suitable host, but were far outnumbered by the humans, yet this did not stop them from beginning to kill their foes indiscriminately.

The portal then died, leaving Anu to watch the bloodshed. Her demons fought with ferocity, and the blood priests chanted in demonic verses, boiling the blood of any who came into contact with them, or worse. Yet the lesser demons still died, though it took grievous wounds to stop them. The blood priests would fall in time soon, for her forces were never truly going to win. Anu simply wanted to see how they fared, what surprises the humans might throw at them, and any weaknesses she could exploit.

Before she could watch any further however, she felt an unwelcome guest enter Osarion. Frustrated at this new unexpected event, she left Ghoran's body to fall, a smile still splayed across his face, as she opened her eyes in Osarion.

---

Her frown deepened to that of grimace at the sight of the human that stood in her throne room. The room grew darker, the very weight of Osarion began to feel crushing with her anger. All teleportation magic and reality ripping portals were now locked in her own realm. Then in an instant she stood before the human, her spear held to his neck and her armor a source of crimson light in the darkness.

Her voice was laced with venom as she spoke down to him, "And pray tell, when did I ever ask Dirka for a present, little human? Does she truly believe I need help to improve my strength? How insulting to believe me so weak to need charity. I'm afraid her apology now falls upon deaf ears, for a human's words are meaningless in this place. If she truly wanted to placate me, she would not have sent a dog to do her dirty work."

There was anger on her face. This creature before her had interrupted something very important. Yet she was not so angry to realize that this was most likely the same human that Elaria had faced. The same one she had said was more then just human. An interesting development.

"Speak magic and you die." Anu stated, "Now tell me, what are you?"

Gammaton

---

@Rune_Alchemist @Leotamer @Dealdric

"Do not worry, the General Assembly will not be for...a long while," Gammaton replied to Iva'Krorh with a hint of dejected defeat. As his honorable sibling vanished, Gammaton headed over to one of Iva's waiting gargoyle creatures. "...as your master instructed..." Gammaton said, letting the creature lift him up unceremoniously by the armpits to carry him back to Simyalaymis, The Braided Jungle.

---

Gammaton had been resting in the Administrative Hive after his last visit to the Library and his rather disappointing run-in with his sister, Lady Dirka. Her contract had remained unsigned, as Gammaton wrestled with what to do with it, and pondered why her refusal had been so adamant and unwavering. He kept trancing in and out of sharing vision with the flies that he and Iva had unleashed. For the most part, they hovered around human settlements, though they were much more widespread in warmer climates. Having a short life-cycle allowed them to breed and spread, breed and spread. But truly, neither he nor Iva had direct control of their movements. He watched and observed the civilizations and races that his siblings had made, feeling a pang of envy. "Is this what it means to be a god? Have I been on the wrong path?" he thought to himself. Somehow, creation for creation's sake did not appeal to Gammaton. Perhaps molding the existing cultures the way Iva did would be more to his liking, but there was something about that he didn't much like either. Besides, the threat of the mortals was too great.

Gammaton rolled over in his silk hammock. "If Dirka does not trust me, then what of the others? What makes me untrustworthy?" Gammaton's introspection was interrupted by a knock at the door of his adobe abode, prompting him to answer. Gammaton looked the silver Bishop up and down, reading the text. Gammaton felt that Lord Ferron was being overly cautious. Though Gammaton's influence had affected the Jungle, he did not formally lay claim to the entirety of it, reserving such formalities for the Administrative Hive alone. Yet this, followed by the offer of 'goods and services' from Ferron made Gammaton think. There was nothing 'physical' or 'material' that he could want from Ferron, no followers to arm, nor structures to repair. Then it hit him. There is no one more dangerous than someone who has nothing to lose. That someone was Gammaton. Having no lands for which he cares to possess, having no personal creations, having no favored mortals, Gammaton was that someone. Gammaton's desires were intangible and esoteric, his weaknesses were therefore out of the reach of others. Other gods could be blackmailed, or have their 'things' threatened, yet Gammaton was free of these things. Perhaps this was why he was not trusted. They were afraid of bargaining with him because he operated on a different currency that they did not fathom. Gammaton would have to shelve this thought for later, and seriously consider creating things to give himself 'vulnerabilities'. After all, with nothing of his to attack, it left only the General Assembly open as the only way to oppose him.

Gammaton quickly pulled out a scroll, writing down an explanation that The Braided Jungle was a free realm for Ferron and the other gods to travel without offense, and that only entry into the Administrative Hive required permission. The note also stated that Gammaton would be happy to receive Ferron as his guest in the Administrative Hive and that all he requests of Ferron was a conversation. Gammaton handed this scroll to the Bishop to carry back to its master, and went back inside the Hive to await Lord Ferron's arrival.

Ferron
@Stern Algorithm-Gammaton
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The quicksilver golem reached its hand-like protrusion towards the scroll, but instead of grabbing it, it was absorbed into the mercurial construct. Bishop began to melt into the ground, carrying the scroll with it as it returned to its master.

After a few moments, Ferron had read the scroll and proceeded towards the administrative hive. He pulled at his dirt cloak, as he not comfortable with the humidity of the jungle. His mercury golem moving slowly behind him. He cautiously approached the doorway to the hive, announcing his presence,"I have arrived, Brother Gammaton."

He then took a single step into the hive, before pausing for a moment. The idea that all he wished for was a conversation was suspicious, however it perhaps was merely because the request was so simple. "What is this matter that you wish to discuss."

@Lord Zee

Rescorje snickered from the statements. Then when she asked what he was, he outright laughed. When he was done, he wiped green tears from his eyes. "Well, no offense me'lady, but it wasn't a charity. Nor does the mistress think you weak. The gift she had planned so you could invade surrounding territories by gaining some powerful entities, using your sin curse as their essence, so they are beings of devilry. The other ingredients to make them only she knows. Two, you have the misconception words are necessary for all magic..." The crystal golem next to him burst into flames and slowly melted. "...When that's just not the case. My goddess couldn't be here because she was dealing with Gammaton's 'thick-headed-ness' as she put it." Then he snapped his fingers and the golem reformed. It felt itself to see if it was actually there and not dreaming. He then walked closer to the goddess.

"And as to what I am, you'd have to find my parents and ask them, for I'm pretty sure I'm the first of my kind, and the secret of my birth is the greatest one of all." He then smiled cheerily. "And whether you accept the apology or not is up to you. My mistress cares not, nor do any of her domain. Fear is not in most of our vocabulary, except when we are fearing experiment failure, but none the less. So I leave you with the mother of magic's gift. Is there a message ou'd like like me to bring her? perhaps telling her the pact is off, or are you going to for once in your existence be forgiving to one of your siblings? And before you attempt to smite me, know I will evaporate when I die, as I've learned anything removed from my body seems to turn to air. So, no magical blood for you." He cruelly smiled in a bow, waiting for her response, which he was expecting to be outrage from the amount of insults and truth he told her. Must keep her secret, and my own. Nothing would be worst than if someone found out.

Location:
Cy'Lathak
@Dealdric

---

"Hmm? Lose my prophet?" Iva laughed, standing up as he gave Dirka poke on the forehead. "Ignorant child. You think I did this without plan or cause? Dirka, darling you give me too little credit! Breaking her mind is exactly what I wanted! And needed!" He waltzed slowly over to the both of them. "Besides...she is not suffering from Magic backlash, no no. This is the Libraries will. Our will. Little La-Zha's will. She knew what she was getting into." He would attempt to forcibly take Lazhria from Dirka.

"Quickly. I must return to the library remake her body while her mind is still malleable." The various Aho'Nohg that had been summoned alongside their creator had regained their senses and were slowly crowding around Dirka and the unconscious Lazhria. While they didn't seem hostile, Dirka would be able to tell this was not a subject Iva was going to budge on if Dirka refused.

@A Lowly Wretch

It was obvious that Kai would not hear Hayim - after all, the god was smaller than most of the bushes by this point, and the blades of grass were coming up to his body. The fire he sprayed burned deep into the wood that encompassed the forest, eliciting a cringing motion from Hayim - who knows how many people would die before he managed to take out the Spire? Hayim abandoned his mission of calling to the dragon god and instead began to race towards the spire.

The sudden heat of the flames was quick to die down, as the fire shifted into the very familiar form of Maple leaves. Hayim, barely realizing this, continued to run deeper into the Spire's aura. Unbeknownst to him, he was leaving behind one of the villagers, who was still hanging onto conscious thought and human features. The rush that had overtaken him was driving him ever forward, forcing him to race towards the spire with constantly increasing speed and vigor. The beating of wings could be heard, and with a turn of his head, Hayim saw the distant figures of Ragnadon's horde, three of his pests.

As if there wasn't enough trouble already with Kai, Hayim turned his movements and rushed into the nearest tree, which had grown to multiple stories tall by this point.

---

Jumping into the realm of Akhuz, Hayim was immediately shocked to see how it had shifted - it still retained it's meadow-style aesthetic, but the small section he had spawned in was overrun with plant matter and trees. The overflow was nowhere near as bad as the real world - hell, it couldn't even be called a forest, but the fact that the spire was now starting to dig its claws into Hayim's realm was concerning, to say the least. After several more hurried steps, Hayim immediately fell over, his leaves tangling slightly as he did so.

His movements were clunky, unresponsive - leaves were intertwining to form stronger limbs, and he was the fastest he had ever been. But Hayim was not used to the movements in the slightest. It was like suddenly gaining the use of extra arms, or a blind man suddenly gaining sight. Hayim propped his larger body on the nearest bush and, sensing the points he could come out of it into the real world, he hobbled to a nearby tree. For one of the first times in his life, Hayim was nearly too big to teleport through it, the trunk nearly being too thin to fit his frame. Of course, with such a small tree, there was no matching vegetation nearby. Sighing as he prepared, Hayim thrust himself forwards, using the newfound strength his body granted him to launch himself near a shrub he could squeeze into.

Sensing vegetation that was very close to the spire, Hayim allowed himself to fall through the shrub, the branches and leaves taking him back within the Spire's range.

---

Sprouting out of the shrub, Hayim found himself very close to the Spire, to the point where he could hobble up to it given a minute or two. He needed to figure out how to work it, what he could do to get rid of the mysterious structure. The earlier one had disappeared while Hayim wasn't watching, and he had no idea which of his siblings committed the act. Simply being as close as he was, Hayim could feel his body grow and shift into strange shapes, leaves sprouting by the second.

If he didn't find a way to take out the spire soon, he'd have to retreat to Akhuz and make his way closer. The fear that normally dominated Hayim's life seemed to be absent at that moment - even the thought of touching the massive obelisk didn't strike him as an impossibility. Hayim rested his rapidly growing petal against the shrub he had come out of - the twisted and elongated face of a baby being seen through its branches.

Maybe his lack of fear was because there was a lot more at stake.

@Rune_Alchemist

Dirka raised her hands in defeat. "Fine, but if that girl is destroyed beyond recognition, I'll wake mom up! And we both know how that'll go." She opened a portal to the Rift and left, grumbling that her sanity returned at the wrong moment.

---

When she returned, she saw the arch-fiends were gone, and so was her son. She sighed and rubbed her temples. "I need a drink. I wonder if I have any Fealvnik left from the festival? She walked to her lab and sat on a solitary stone surrounded by a mana pool on all sides. She sat cross legged and snapped her fingers. A wooden flask carved to look like a dragon appeared and floated to her. She grabbed it and ripped the top of it off.

40 minutes later...

Deruga walked into his wife's lab, reading a tome on poly-morphing, then heard deranged, hiccuping giggles. He looked up, wide eyed, to see a drunk half decent Dirka shooting a bow and arrow at a terrified nixie that hung from the wall. "By father Time's eye, what in the 32 tortures happened to get you this depressed?!" She gave him a sultry look then aimed the bow at him, and before he knew it, an arrow hole was in his robes an inch below you know where. "Come h-*hic*-ere, boy toy~ *hic*." He trembled and looked between her and the hole in his robes. Remind me...Why did I fall for her?

---

---

---

---

Anu listened to the man speak, her anger ever growing to the tipping point. Did Dirka really think this human was capable of meeting with her? That it could talk without respect with one she had made a pact with? There was no formalities here, only insults and ignorance. Why the Muse had chosen him as an envoy was without reason to her, and painted a very poor picture for any future relations.

Then she looked to these 'Arch-Fiends' and found only disgust in their making. They were abominations even in her own eyes, and not ones she would ever have wanted. She also had a suspicious feeling that Dirka had required these test subjects from another God, and such a thing would only complicit herself. Was Dirka being clever, or was she truly just a fool?

As the man finished speaking, his arrogance and pride did not go unnoticed to Anu, who had stood her ground over the man. He smiled cruelly, asking her to forgive her sibling? Her face twisted into rage, for forgiveness was not in her vocabulary and that had been the final straw. His hubris would be his own undoing.

She lifted her hand to strike him down, but stopped. Death was no good for this one, he had even said it himself. She would not be able to use his body in anyway. So dropped her hand, and instead began to smile in her own wicked way. A smile so perverse and cruel it would hve broken the mind of any lesser human.

She spoke with a silvery voice now, hiding her anger, "Smite you? No, that would be far too easy...You deserve a greater punishment for such insolence." So Anu outstretched her hand, and cursed the man before her.

This curse was a cruel one, born from Anu's own anger. She spoke with a cruel laugh, "I curse you, dear human. You shall never again be able to cast magic without it ripping apart your soul, piece by little piece. And when you are nothing but a husk of your former self, you will remember this moment that brought you to that point, forever and ever until you are but dust in the wind. And then, you will reincarnate and have it happen all over again, retaining all memories of the experience. So laugh and smile all you want child, for even without speaking, what good is a magician who cannot use magic?" Anu stated, then a very large portal opened up at the back of the room. Large enough to fit all he had brought with him.

"Tell your Goddess, our pact is over. Tell your goddess, it is by my own benevolence that you might live a bit longer. And tell my sister, that you brought this upon her. Now, I cast you out of Osarion, you and all magician kind are barred from entry under penalty of death. Farewell."

With a flick of her wrist, the portal began to suck the golems, the archfiends, and the man into it. Try as they might, the pull was to great to fight against. They would end up on an island on the opposite side of the world, far, far from home. The portal then shut, leaving the odd band in silence.

Back in Osarion, Anu sat upon her throne once more and shut her eyes. She sighed out loud, "Such a day... such a day."

Location:
Cy'Lathak

---

"Oh don't worry you're pretty little bosom over it, Dirka." Iva cackled. "Sleep...sleep. She will sleep and be made for the Library. For Us." He picked up Lazhria's unconscious form. This might have been an astral plane. A plane between realms where thoughts and minds were given shape and form - and this was Lazhria's soul, mind. Spirit. Whatever you wanted to call it. It was exactly what he needed. Tearing open a rift back to his library, he quickly began to work.

---

Dim light illuminated the lower levels of the Experiment halls. How deep was he? He didn't care. He was going deep, far, beneath the bowels of his own realm. Where things became lost. Where the mind would tremble, where unconscious thoughts began being formed. He moved swiftly, long, lithe legs carrying him through the tall hallways. He was short on time. Even now, Lazhria's mind was reforming. Becoming solid. Rigid. It was a dangerous process indeed. He had only a small window to work with. Breaking it a second time would have potentially unseen side effects.

While he'd explore those later, for now he needed this to be perfect.

Stepping into a large darkened antechamber, Iva placed her naked body upon an altar. He had prepare this room, just for this purpose ages ago. How long? He couldn't remember. All experiments involving it had been a failure, but he was certain. Very certain this time, it would work. He had changed just one thing in the equation. Just a small, minute change. Something he didn't quite understand before. Humans were funny, like that. If they had nothing to cling too, then their mind was weak and useless. Dirka was right, about that at least.

So he just had to have a human that was entirely dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge - and him. Lazhria didn't know it, but it wasn't Bryyre who had raised her the most over the years. She just forgot because he wanted her too, and now everything was falling into place.

"So beautiful..." He chuckled, reaching for a small needle like creation. "Almost a shame to cut it, but I'll make you far more beautiful..." It was made of wood and stone, hooked up to a hollow rope like structure made of animal hide. A primitive creation designed to introduce fluids into a body. Painful, but effective for now. The god jammed it into Lazhria's arm, turning the lever on a skin full of a silvery white fluid.

Next he reached for a smaller cutting implement. Jagged around the edges. Like a saw. He had fashioned it just for brain removal. Cutting open the skull, removing the brain. First he had to cut out the mind. Careful. The body was still useful.

Squelch

crrrck

The flesh ripped, skull cracking as he cut it open. Ah, he almost wanted to see if he could turn her body into a fountain. Heh. Amusing thought. He'd find another human later. No no. He couldn't do it. They were busy. So busy. Short on time. More macabre noises were made as he set about his work. The fluid would preserve the body, and prepare it for the ensuing mutations. The process took only minutes, and soon it was completed. The brain was prepped. Now onto the other physical. Cut out everything. Make a void. Make it vast and empty, ready to be filled. Make her a living gate. A key. The soon to be only being with access to the library from the outside.

The entire process took nearly an hour. Iva worked tirelessly, without interruption.

---

She was floating, suspended in a sea of darkness. Pain, throbbing in her head. She couldn't feel anything else. Just an odd, endless baleful light diffusing the area. Yet, she had her eyes closed. Weren't they? Or were they open? Both. Possibly. It was difficult to think. Like her head was stuffed full of animal fur. What was happening? She didn't know. The pain slowly, began to subside and with it a calm clarity began forming.

And then the sensation of falling - or rather, being pulled down. Her breath caught, the light growing more and more intense until it physically hurt.

She sat up, a sharp scream leaving her mouth as she was abruptly awoken from whatever dream she had been having. Instinctively, she tried to move, only to fall off the altar and slam into the floor, her body refusing to move.

"Hee! Oh glorious! Wonderful! You're awake. About time. I almost considered you another failure. Onto the pile of bodies you would have went." Iva's voice rang clear and loudly as Lazhria tiredly attempted to sit up. "Oh, no, that would be a waste. Your mind still would have been good. Perhaps a warden of some sort...no matter, you're awake. How do you feel?"

"...can't move...very well."

"Ah, don't worry. You're still acclimating. The process has left your mind and body a bit...disconnected. Severed! Like a head when you cut it with a blade!" He laughed, moving closer. "Aside from that, how do you feel? Clear? Empowered? Smarter? Cleverer?"

"Urgh," Finally managing to push herself to a sitting position, Lazhria looked down at her body. The initial grogginess seemed to be wearing off fast, and the more it did the better she felt. Not just physically or mentally. No, this felt like...as though she was even better than before. "What...happened?"

"A gate! I made you into a gate. And a key. A living gate to the library. You are able to speak, access, and gain anything the library has within or outside of its walls. So long as it exists in this realm, you can acquire it or have knowledge of it. Oh, you may wish to put these on." He handed her a set of cloth robes. Odd, she had never seen the like before, but she didn't pay much mind. "Come come...we have much to discuss about our next move, La-Zha. We have a party to plan...and I think it's about time we return to White Dawn."

Most humans would probably have been absolutely maddened by this. Whatever Iva did to her, she could only feel grateful. She felt amazing.

"...heh," Oddly, she licked her lips, feeling the impossibly sharp teeth that she now possessed. "Now that sounds like a fun idea!" She laughed, and followed after Iva.

Taller and taller the trees did grow. What started as roots at the base of the spire had grown into a massive trunk which was twisted in a spiral which reached high up in the sky. The black spire was no longer visible, having vanished within the great mass of the tree that grew. The entirety of the mountain at this point was gone, having been converted into the trunk that formed the great tree. It's head was quickly sprouting branches which reached out far and wide, grazing the bottoms of the clouds above with their outstretched twigs. Already the surplus of brilliant red and orange leaves which grew upon the great tree's canopy cast their shadow across the lands below. The wider the tree grew the more trees were pulled into it's mass, the great woods below merging into this gargantuan tree's mass as it ballooned outward and upward. The only space this massive tree did not cover was a hole set precisely in the middle where the helical beams were cast forth past the comforting blue of the day lit sky into the yawning infinity.

Meanwhile down on the forest floor where the trees still grew ever larger Hayim could hear the movement of a tree behind him, great orange leaves rustling high above him.

"Wh... Who are you?" Asked a great, rumbling voice which emanated from the wood that loomed over him. The source of the voice was a large face naturally formed into the trunk. The face which once belonged to a man was now stretched and distorted into the natural shapings of tree knots which, despite their wooden nature, flexed and moved like natural muscle. As was clear by it's query this particular fellow either didn't know of Hayim or couldn't recognize the deity now that he, like himself, was changing still.

_
"It matters not... I know not what I've become or how but it's clear your feet are free, unlike mine." The man who was now a tree bent down, lowering a great branch to Hayim's level.

"Whether or not you can fix all this I do not know... Seeing as you haven't ran like those more fortunate than I you clearly have your aims set upon this... fountain of light." Even as the tree man spoke, sluggish though his new form was, The roots from the great tree were started to lift the earth below them. The whole landscape upon which they stood rose to a tilt like that of a hillside and had no appearances of stopping.

"I can get you to the top where the tree opens up for the lights... I must implore you, if it is within your ability... Please disentangle my tribe from the tree... Many rest upon the tree's face but I fear some may have been pulled inside of it... If they remain I fear they may never see the light of day nor the escape of death."

It awaited his response, ready to help bring this wayward being into the heart of the tree with it's newly gained branches of great length.

_
Meanwhile well further behind him the girl whom was now sinking below the dirt could only look on in helpless despair. Had her patron deity really failed to hear her or did he simply not acknowledge her plight? Forsaken by the one she called to in her most dire hour she hung her head low under the great weight of her sorrow as her upper torso was now submerged in the dirt. Strangely enough the dirt below felt strangely smooth and perhaps a tad slimy. She knew not what to make of it for the most dominating thoughts currently occupying her mind were both the terrors of being buried alive combined with the inevitability of it all.

Even as her neck sank into the loamy earth she breathed in deep despite the weight of the earth on her chest knowing that this would be the last time she would know the invigorating joy of having air fill her lungs. As the earth closed in over her face she shut her eyes tightly before disappearing below.

In her bravery she prepared to face the greatest fear of all: the certainty of one's own impending demise. Or so she thought...

---

Meanwhile down in the dwarven colony...

---

Deep within the home of the dwarves they could feel a deep tremor throughout the earth. What started as distant tremors had grown into a constant rumbling which shook the mountain itself. Much like thunder the sound was heralding the arrival of it's cause: Roots.

The roots that arrived were simply the tips of far greater branches that ran below. Even still they wormed they way through the worked earthen walls of their homes, poking up from the floors and reaching out through the walls. This was definitely cause for much disturbance amidst their community. For as far as the roots reached however they reached even deeper, growing down further and further towards the core as the great tree rose higher and higher.

How did they react? Well...

---

Relevant to - @Duoya@Leotamer@Lmpkio@Legion02

Naswaru The Relentless.

Naswaru walked through the moon lite field of his children’s biome. He did enjoy walking amongst them and having company akin to that of humans. They were respectful and greeted him with a slight bow. The children always greeting him with a smile. They were not afraid of him and had grown strong within the short time they had been here.

Ultimately they were created for a purpose. A purpose they would soon serve. The humans who were wiped out in the forests and plains needed to be replaced so that his creations could be kept in check. Having guardians of the forest also guaranteed that his creations and beasts would always have somewhere to live and wouldn’t be forced into smaller and smaller places due to humans potential.

These villagers were going about their normal day and their normal chores. The god's presence didn't disturb them. He had shown them many things and was pleased how they grew. He taught them how to talk to the other animals, how to craft rudimentary tools from stone and wood, some techniques on how to harvest and grow some plants as well as how to hunt and process the beasts of the land.

These teachings would prove very valuable for them he was sure. They even picked up how to build simple shelters and villages as well as how to keep them hidden from view. They were after all meant to be ghost's in the wilderness, at times guiding humans and animals alike. Natural herders. The huntsman was well aware that humans had barely begun to farm animals and beasts but perhaps they could learn something from his children.

The time was drawing near while he walked into the largest tent in the village. Inside warriors sparred with basic wooden weapons while the chief looked on. They all seemed to stop for a moment looking at their god. He only motioned for the chief to step forward and talk with him. The others soon continued their fighting or looking on.

The chief was a proud Voctain, a strong sturdy body held the box shaped head, face, and long horns of an ox. Thick fur draped over him, and he wore leather armor fitted to him and made from the beasts of their other worldly home. “Chieftain Okra the time for your people is drawing near. Rally them together, pick up your camp, and meet me at the gate when you are all ready to move. The forest will look like this place when we get there but it will be daylight.” The gods tone was monotone and to the point.

Okra gave an acknowledging huff and returned to his people to give them the good news. Naswaru left them, walking towards the gate that led out of his realm and into the forest beyond. He did watch from a distance as the wooden structures and tents came down with haste. His children have grown restless he knew they could sense that their time was coming.

In only a few hours the group had broken their camp and gathered their things on rudimentary sleds and in clay and reed pots. The caravan was rather large but the chieftain assured the god that they were ready and all was accounted for. With that the portal sparked open and those present began to move through with Naswaru and Okra at the front of the movement.

The portal opened up near the border of deciduous forests with rolling hills and the steep hills of pine forests, somewhere in-between where the fear spire rose from the ground and the rift. The human populations in this area were sparse thanks to raiders but a seldom few who remained seemed to roam from the rift carrying with them the magic of his sister Dirka. This reminded the god that he would have to talk to his sister and see what she would trade for nature magic he could teach his people.

He saw their first reaction to it, the light, it was nearly blinding. He was well aware that it would take them some time to grow accustomed to it and shake off the dazed feeling. As such, he took precautions in the form of several packs of ridge backs to guard the fledgling society. The Voctain although hesitant, used the knowledge they had been taught to attempt to befriend some of the creatures. Although it was a rough start, some ridge backs didn't seem to mind these new creatures while most kept their distance. A slow start but a start.

The forest air was cold and crisp but fresh, the air carried many scents and smells. These nearly animal people caught on to this. They eventually began wandering out to get a feel for their surroundings. “Okra” Naswaru called out to the squinting chieftain, “Find a suitable place to establish your people, I will be checking in on you from time to see how you are doing. The ridge back will stay here for a year to help protect this place before moving on. That is all.” the Stoic god stood tall among them, Okra bowed in acknowledgment before returning to his people.

Naswaru quickly took flight after this, heading west. He now had errands to run after all, he would have to visit his brothers and sisters to see what they would trade for their services. Dirka first as she is closest, he will seek her out for her magic. Then to Ferron, so that they may learn of metal and know how to protect themselves better from both beast and man. Lastly make a stop to talk to Iva'Krorh and give him the sacrifices and knowledge she would seek sooner or later from them and of them. Other errands will come in due time.

Were mentioned - @Rune_Alchemist@Dealdric@Leotamer

Resorje and the others ended up in the Teeth of madness, at the entrance of the labyrinth. He coughed from having the air knocked out of him, then got up. He then used some more of the Divine energy he was given to open a portal, since it wouldn't make the curse activate. "Great, now I'm only useful to turn spells off and open gates. Just great." He and the others walked through into the Rift, outside his mother's forbidden colossus. He sent the Golems to take the Arch-fiends to the Lab space they were made in and then he sat down in thought. He had lost one of the things that made him him, all because he wanted to show his aunt a lesson, even at his mother's expense. He had expected her to have a tantrum, but rather, she was petty and took away his magic by making it even more dangerous to use it. Like it wasn't dangerous enough already. His mother was going to have a field day with his punishment.

---

Dirka woke up, and the hangover hit her hard. She got up off a terrified Deruga, who had vomit on his shoulder and a lot of scratches and holes in his robes. They looked at each other, she looked away embrassed and he simply sighed and dropped his head. "You need to learn control when it comes to high spirits." She got up with a huff and inspected herself. All she wore was a tore under robe, grime on her legs and arms, and the rest of her clothes were scattered on the floor. She snapped her fingers and a towel came to her. She grabbed her clothes and headed to the garden awkwardly. "I need to be cleaned. Im sure you have things to do, so...um...shew!" She said sheepishly.
Deruga laid there for a moment, simply stunned. His wife had just spent the last hour before falling asleep chasing him and attacking him, and she get's up half a Day on Earth, a whole 36 hours in the Rift, and doesn't even say a thing about it.
That'd be something she'd tease him about, but now he was surprised. And worried.