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GubGarAmong the Ashes
Parvus began to grow flustered by his thoughts. He emerged from the Hive, and cast his gaze in all directions. He decided to walk towards the Eye of Desolation, vaguely aware of a divine presence in the region. He feared going mad if he lingered within his domain for to long.
As he approached, he was better able to identify the divine presence, Asceal. He announced his presence ”Hello, Asceal.”
”Parvus?” Asceal asked, even speaking telepathically her voice had nervous edge to it, “What are you doing here?”
”I required some time away from my thoughts, and I had noticed a divine presence in this region. I merely wish to talk, if that is acceptable to you.” he said.
The Goddess’s voice seemed calmer as she replied, ”I see. Yes, yes that’s fine. I’m not far from you, would you like to meet in person?”
He simply replied with,”Yes. Should I go to you?”
“To me?” There was a long pause before Asceal continued, “Yes, that’s fine. I’ll be waiting.”
As Parvus continued towards Asceal, he noticed her energy infused the land. The island itself was scorched, and yet he saw some birds fly by him unscathed. Whenever he approached Asceal, he asked, ”While I have certain topics I believe need to be addressed, I believe it will polite to ask if there is anything you wish to speak of first.”
The Goddess swooped down to met him, her landing kicking up a small cloud of ash which she dispelled by flapping the shimmering wings on her back. She regarded Parvus curiously, “I’d ask if you did this,” she gestured to the island around her, “But it would be a meaningless question. It isn’t your essence in the ash, and I don’t think either of us are fool enough to not recognize whose it is.”
There was a slight pause, ”Yes, you are correct.”. There was another small pause, ”If I may be so bold, may I ask what you intend to do? It may not be my place, but you must understand, we are all bound to the fate of Galbar.”
“I’ll wait,” Asceal sighed, “And then when it happens again, and it will happen again, I’ll try and stop it.” She ran a hand through her hair and grimaced, “Katharsos, Melantha, Orvus, Sartravius, they can’t be allowed to keep doing this, not uncontested. I know I can’t stop them, especially not alone, but what am I if I don’t try? I’ve failed enough already.”
Parvus made note of each god she mentioned, ”Orvus is also a concern for us, nature gods. He has attacked Phystene, and thus I am forced to consider how I should handle him.” he said.
“Phystene told me of his promise,” The Goddess’s voice became serious and her body began to glow brighter, “And I swore to her that I’d be there when he tries again.”
”I believe I can trust you with this. Right now, I would rather avoid divine casualties, as it could have unforeseen consequences. I believe I learned more about the nature of divinity, I could weaken and imprison gods. However, that is more easily stated than done. I would appreciate your assistance if it is ever necessary to do this. ” he stated.
“Imprison Orvus?” Asceal asked, her voice tinged with equal parts hope and skepticism, “You think you can do that? I…” She took a moment to breathe, her glow dimming as she did, “I won’t lie and say I don’t prefer that to the alternative. Yes, I’d help you do it, but only it can be done without endangering another. If Orvus comes to finish what he started and you’re not ready Parvus, I will do whatever I have to to save Phystene. You understand?”
Parvus paused, ”I understand. At this time, I can not say if this is possible. I will need time to understand the nature of our domains.” he said, pausing to grab a broken, charred piece of wood and wrapping it in a bag of silk. A faint green glow engulfed the bag, and he handed it to Asceal, ”I wish to give you this. Be gentle with it.”
Asceal eyed the bag questioningly as she took it. The Goddess opened it slightly and looked at Parvus questioningly once she saw the grubs within, “Little animals?” She asked.
Parvus smirked, ”I guess you could refer to them as tiny animals. However, more precisely they are insects, creatures of domain and my ichor. While they may not appear to be much at the moment, they will be more valuable than precious metal.” he gestured to his clothing, ”There are various insects within that bag, but chief among them are the silkworms which make silk and honeybees which make honey. The other insects serve to nourish plant life. Silk is the material which composes my clothing, and honey is a delicious sweet.” he explained.
“Oh,” Asceal closed the bag and held it more gently. She returned Parvus’s smile, “Thank you. Istais, my island, will be richer for having them.”
With that said the Goddess paused and looked over Parvus’s shoulder at the island around them. Asceal’s expression faded and her eyes flicked to the ground where she kicked a small pile of ash over, “As for your project… I truly hope you succeed Parvus. There’s been more than enough suffering already.”
Parvus nodded, ”I need to look into a continent which has sprouted in between my isles and here, and then I will return to research. I wish you luck in your endeavours as well.” he said, bowing.
Asceal watched him depart before she too took her leave, bag in hand.