Ruin (Open)

[Ares]

At Deedlit's voice, Eöl' turned his head and saw November come this way. His eyes lingering on the man only for a moment before returning to normal. Reassuring Deedlit as best he can as he addressed the stranger that had approached them.

"Can I help you?"

[Xemnas]

"It has been a very long time Ares. We have missed you", November said in Greek toward the disguised god. It took everything he had not to bow down in worship. His golden eyes had noticed the elf girl next to Ares. Had the God saved her from the attack? He would have to play along with his chirade.

"I saw the smoke from my camp. When I came I saw no other survivors except you two., November said to the girl, a golden eye visible through his long black hair and from under his hat that hung over his face.

[Ares]

"Someone around here who knows my name. That's a first."

He replied in Greek before looking back at Deedlit.

"He says hello."

Seeing that November was playing along, Ares smiled when the High Elf wasn't looking at the man, a smile that was quick to fade as he returned to his character.

"We were just on our way to Ignis. Not the ideal place to travel for us but I know a set of caves along the southwest region of the land that's abandoned. We can regroup there to make our next move."

[Elandriel]

It was a terrible sight. Her homeland, the lush forests and beautiful architectures that have stood for many a millennium, has been been wiped out by a powerful force the likes of which she didn't think possible. She had just emerged from her slumber when she came upon this realization. There was no connection, she heard the cries of her dying people, and an emptiness took hold. Then, it was quiet...



What was done could not be undone. The forest can be repaired, but the lives lost in this tragedy couldn't be returned. There will come a day to mourn their passing with the proper ceremonies, but first, it was time to heal the earth.



Elandriel raised her arms, and the elven goddess closed her eyes. From the destruction, life began to emerge. Grass sprouted first, covering everything in a soft blanket of green. Flowers unfurled from buds; water welled up from the earth to reform glistening lakes and silver streams; the song of birds returned; and finally, the trees rapidly emerged.



They reached towards the sky, their branches spread out, and blossoms dotted their trunks.



Essancee had returned.



Elandriel lowered her arms, opened her eyes, and walked through the reborn forest. Her eyes were fixed ahead, towards the other three souls who had wandered in. A gentle glow surrounded the elven goddess, and her lips parted into a friendly smile. She paused and observed them for what felt like an eternity. Her blue eyes surveyed them, and finally, she spoke:

"The land is safe again. It will take time to fully heal from the destruction," she looked to Deedlit; her smile faded when she looked into her eyes. The anguish and despair she felt earlier was still fresh, "Do not worry, Deedlit. We will get our people back, and your help will be needed, if you are willing to assist me in this task." As for the other two, she hadn't met any gods away from the council, so this was an...interesting encounter. What were they doing here?

[Deedlit]

Deedlit listened to the man speak an unfamiliar language to her. As she never ventured far outside of the elf village many languages were unknown to her and she didn't like being kept in the dark. What surprised her though was that the High Elf with her was familiar with the language. She only smiled though when he translated and greeted the stranger, "Hello."

After that something amazing would occur. Her village, her home, would be restored to its former beauty. Deedlit looked around and saw the goddess coming this way. Immediately falling to her knees and bowing in her presence. Looking up to her as she spoke.

"I will, Goddess. I'll do everything I can."

[Elandriel]

Elandriel reached down, gingerly took Deedlit's hand, and helped her to her feet. "The first task I have for you is this: find those who fled the attack, gather them, and prepare them. I fear this is not the last of the horrors that will breach our forest." The goddess' fingers slipped from Deedlit's hands, and she turned her own over. From her soft palms, light began to pulsate, and take form. It quivered, settled, and faded to reveal the goddess' new creation:



"Once they are gathered, blow this horn, and they will be fully armed."

She presented it to Deedlit, but it wouldn't be the last of parting gifts she would be giving to the elf. Another body of light was shifting into something larger.



Levitating next to the bow was a quiver full of arrows.

"This was the very same bow I have used in my life before my ascension. Both quiver and bow have my blessing and will aid you-" The goddess was cut short. Something was approaching the forest. It started with a few footfalls, then many. Then, she sensed it: fear. There was so much of it. It was almost overpowering. What could be causing so many people to run in terror?



The dead. Hordes of them.

There was no time. Elandriel looked to Deedlit, "Find our people. Seek help if you require it. I must stay here and defend our home from another threat. There will be a horse just beyond the trees that will take you away from here safely."

If the other gods present sought to help, she'd be grateful for it, but she wouldn't wait for them to step in. From grassy mounds, vines sprouted. Rows of undead were being swiped away by the now massive plants, and they wouldn't be the last to put distance between them and the survivors. For now this tactic seemed to be working.

[Ares]

Ares looked around to find the burned wasteland had been turned back into its old former glory and the god of this land had returned. Better late than never one would suppose. From what he knew of this place the gods here weren't like the one from Greece. They weren't born gods they were made into ones and Ares knew from experience that no human could handle the power and responsibility that came with godhood. That much were obvious with all the things happening in Jherra in light of Lord Yahweh's failings. He was curious though why the goddess didn't rat him out to Deedlit. Surely she could see right through his act.

"Go on ahead, Deedlit. I will remain to help guard the village."

There were still something to be made in this girl and with war coming a fresh new batch of people to worship the God of War, a true god for once. Just as it should be.

[Deedlit]

"I will not fail you, My Lady."

Deedlit took the horn and the arrow and bowed her head again out of respect. She then felt the same sensation that the goddess then on a smaller scale, of course. Hearing her words and the words of the guard she nodded and then made way for the horse. Climbing up on its back and rolling out of the village hoping that when she returned she still had a home to come back to.

[Elandriel]

"I did not inform Deedlit of who you are for a reason," Elandriel replied to the unstated curiosity, "there was no need for her to know at this point in time. Her journey had to be without complications." The plant life should hold off the swarms long enough for what she had to do next. "If you wish to stay here and help, then you may. There is an important matter I must see to." It was time to summon the gods of Elim to discuss this new threat...

[Ares]

"Oh, I could."

Ares reverted back to his true form in front of the goddess, now that it was just them there was no reason to continue to disguise himself. There was always later when the opportunity presented itself again.

"That is if you don't mind owing the God of War a favor."