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Post by Raven on Jan 28, 2019 20:41:47 GMT -5
Demi followed the crew to the old woman's house. She was surprised by the amount of care that Leonidas provided to his daughter. He had heard much about him in the past... he was a fearless warrior, brutal and cunning. She didn't expect such gentle loving care to emit from him. For a moment she felt proud to be a Spartan, or at least... to have been one. Leonidas was the perfect Spartan man, and clearly a perfect leader...
Demi hustled around as Frey commanded - to get compounds, water, blankets, this that and the other. She was more than happy to help, it was almost like it was her calling... a natural instinct to serve. Demi turned her gaze to Leonidas as spoke to her. Demi's eyes were glued onto his - almost as if he commanded them... she cleared her throat and nodded, her hand placed upon the pole of her scythe. "I will do all that I can....When she wakes - we will fetch you" she bowed her head, watching as he turned to leave.
Demi spent the days dabbing Calliope's forehead, and watching closely. She and Nicholas traded shifts standing guard outside, watching for any movement - waiting for the Gods to come and finish them. Why hadn't they? Were they just pawns in the big scheme of things? How was she still holding onto the Scythe? There was no doubt that they would have known about it. What was their plan, and why did it involve them? These thoughts were running through her mind constantly, so much that the fear kept her awake and she became slightly sleep deprived. Frey had given her some medicine that would help her but even still her worries kept her awake.
Demi turned suddenly as she heard a voice. She opened the door to Calliope's room and then turned to look to Nicholas, who was already headed out the door to get Leonidas. "You are awake" she shifted forward and placed a hand upon her. "You still seem ill..." she whispered and then sighed softly. "Come... you need to eat" she lead her into the kitchen. Frey stood in the kitchen - already cooking. She knew Calliope would wake soon. Demi helped Calliope into a seat, and then poured her a glass of water.
"Do you remember anything?" she questioned softly, eyes watching - Did Calliope remember the fight? Remember that Thanatos told her?
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 29, 2019 0:23:29 GMT -5
Calliope leaned slightly against Demi as she was led into the kitchen. “I don’t feel well at all.” She spoke as she sat into the chair, though she no longer coughed. Her skin was still pale. Food was something that was far from her mind in that moment. Though, her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten. Frey had given her broths while she rested, but other than that...
Calliope looked to Demi with curious eyes as she spoke, she asked if she remembered. She drew her brows together thinking as Frey set a hot tea before her. She lifted the tea into her hands and wrapped her fingers around the hot mug as she let out a weak breath. Her mind searched, her expression dulled slightly as she tried to focus.
“Perhaps you should eat before thinking too hard, child.” Frey spoke as she placed a bowl of hearty mushroom and chicken soup before her. “Eat up, I’ve put select herbs in the mix for you.”
Calliope drew her brows together. Her memory was a fog. She looked to the soup before her and lifted the wooden spoon. Her hand was shaky as she lifted it to her lips and blew. The steam lifted from the food as she closed her eyes. Frey watched the goddess her brows tucked together. “She’s not going to be able to travel well like this...” She muttered. She was hopeful that all of her treatments would have given Calliope more strength. But, it seemed to have only helped slightly. At least she wasn’t bleeding and her cough seemed to be gone, for now. Frey turned and began crunching dried herbs and chopping up other items. She mixed it into a thick paste in a bowl and then she added in what looked like flour, but it was far from that. She rolled the mixture into tiny balls that were almost black in color. “Calliope.” Frey spoke as she set two down on the table. “Eat these, dear.”
Calliope looked to the medicinal balls and gave a nod. “Okay.” She breathed, it was clear that she was even having trouble breathing. Frey had stopped the bleeding, but she was still in a great deal of pain. She popped the ball into her mouth and chewed slowly. Her brows tucked together slightly and her face contorted, it wasn’t something that tasted very good, but she knew that if Frey had given it to her it should help. She finished one and then chewed the other. Calliope closed her eyes as she sat there another long moment. She spooned a bit of soup into her mouth and sipped her tea. She was quiet. More quiet than Frey would have liked.
After a good few minutes Frey took in a breath, “Is it helping at all?” She questioned softly as she searched her eyes.
Calliope gave a gentle nod, the color had returned to her skin slightly, her cheeks had pinked up from the warm soup. “Yes Frey....thank you...” She drew her brows together as she lifted her tea to her lips. She glanced to Demi a moment. “You’re better.” She gave a soft smile, “I’m glad.” She in fact didn’t remember Thanatos...she didn’t remember much at all. “What sickness is this, Frey?” She drew her brows together. “Can it be healed?” She brought her eyes to Frey then.
Frey lowered her eyes slightly. The questions told her the goddess didn’t remember a lick of anything that happened. “Calliope.” She bit her lip slightly. “The illness has been cast upon you by the Gods.” Her eyes lifted as she looked into her eyes. “It will not kill you, it can’t. Only Thanatos may take your life with his scythe....and...” She glanced to Demi and to her hip where the scythe rest. “Demi disarmed him of it, he cannot kill you...”
“The Gods...” Calliope interrupted. “Ares...” Her voice was frustrated. “What war is he plotting that he must cast such a horrible....” She winced slightly, her voice had raised slightly causing her pain. She held her hand to her chest and shut her eyes taking in a shuddering breath. “Of all the gods Ares is the worst.” She sipped on her tea and leaned back, hugging the tea to her chest. “Why does he cause such pain? Hm? What good does it do?”
Frey gave a gentle smile, the strong feisty Calliope still remained in this wounded shell of a body. “Hm, it would seem you haven’t lost your fight, Calliope.” She spoke as she searched her eyes. “You have been poisoned by one of the gods because you are a goddess. The Goddess of Harmony.” She paused to let Calliope digest this. Calliope only looked to her, her brows drawn together. “That is why you have such gifted healing skills, why the plants flourish, and the livestock is disease free. You grace us with that without even trying my dear. The gods are jealous of you, no doubt. It could very well be Ares whom poisoned you.” She shrugged slightly.
“I’m...” Calliope lowered her eyes as she processed everything.
The door pushed open then as Leonidas walked in, another Spartan walked in behind him, the man wore robes and held a huge leather-bound book in his hands. “Callie...” Leonidas stepped forward. He knelt and looked into her eyes his hand upon her shoulder. “How are you feeling?” He asked softly.
Calliope drew her brows together slightly. “The gods are horrible creatures.” She had a tight jaw. The medicine was beginning to work, her voice was a bit stronger. Her expression wasn’t as full of pain. “If I am a goddess then why am I here?” She questioned, her eyes looking to Frey.
Leonidas took in a breath and lowered his eyes slightly. “Calliope if I knew...I would have protected you.”
“Against a god?” Calliope questioned softly her eyes looked to him. She stood and Leonidas stood. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned against him, her eyes closed.
“I know how you can get to Gaia...how you can get well...” Leonidas glanced to the spartan that held the book.
The man stepped forward and set the book down. “We have arranged for two horses for you, it will be a long journey. You must go north into the mountains of Bavaria...and then into the plains...have you heard of the life tree?” He questioned then as he searched Calliope’s eyes. She gave a gentle nod. She always had her nose in a book, of course she’d heard of it. “That is where you must go.” He opened the book up and flipped several pages bringing up a page that had a beautiful image of a huge tree that was surrounded be roots that outstretched for miles. “It is your only chance, Gaia is said to reside there.”
“No one has ever come back from entering the root system of that tree...” Frey spoke, her voice almost grave.
The man gave a gentle smile and glanced to Calliope. “A goddess and her guardian will.” He took in a breath.
Calliope lifted the book, her eyes glanced over the pages, reading quickly. “I’ll end the war.” She spoke. “I'm going to stop Ares.” She glanced to Demi her expression determined. She then stepped from the room, her strength had returned quite a bit from the medicine that Frey gave her.
Frey stepped forward to Demi a cloth pouch in her hands. “Give her one in the morning, one at night, and if she grows week give her another.” It was a pouch filled with the medicinal balls. “I can only hope this is enough for you to make it to Gaia. If not, Demi...you will have to make sure she makes it safely.” Frey glanced to Leonidas whom was looking to Demi with determined eyes.
Leonidas gave a gentle smile as he looked to her. “I am trusting you with my daughter’s life, Demi.” He spoke in his low voice. He reached to his shoulders then. His red cloth cape. He unclipped the bronze buckle and moved and hung it over her shoulders. “You may not be a Spartan, but...” He paused as he watched her. “You are now, you are the protector of the princess of Sparta, Goddess of Harmony.” He grinned. “You hold the highest nobility among the guards.” He turned then, letting out a breath. “The horses are packed and ready, they are outside.” With that he left with the other Spartan.
Frey smiled to Demi, “That is a great power he just gave you, Demi. Wear his cape with honor, child.” She glanced to the bedroom as Calliope emerged. She had her sword on her hip, her dagger on her left thigh. Her shield was strapped to her back and she held her helmet under her arm. “Calliope.” Frey stepped forward and caught her as she stumbled slightly, her helmet clattered to the floor. “You’re not strong child.” She lifted the shield from her back. “Let your guardian protect you.” She glanced to Demi. “It is what the prophecy tells. She is your protector, Calliope. Allow it to be so.”
Calliope winced slightly. “I...I’m alright.” She spoke as she lifted her helmet. “Just lost my footing.” She assured Frey as she took up her shield. “Ready?” She questioned as she looked to Demi. She stepped outside. Her horse was a beautiful white with black sock and a black mane. She set her helmet over her head and she reached up. Calliope took in a breath before she lifted herself onto the steed. She grit her teeth as she settled herself in the saddle. “Alright.” She nodded. “We’ve a long journey.” She gently kicked the sides of the horse and with that. They were off. The people of Sparta dropped to a knee as Calliope rode passed. The respect that the people had for her was incredible. She bowed her head to them as they came to the edge of town and her horse picked up his pace. Calliope held onto the saddle horn. Several hours later as the sun began to sag in the sky her muscles began to weaken, a cough escaped over her lips and a bit of blood dripped from her mouth. Frey was right in her dosage of the medicine. She would need some soon. Calliope held her side and wheezed slightly. Soon they would come upon a town that they could stay in for the evening.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 3, 2019 16:41:06 GMT -5
Demi reached forward and accepted the pouch of medicine balls. “Okay, one in the morning...one at night...” She glanced to Calliope and then tucked the pouch away. It was then that Leonidas approached her, he had a sort of smile on his face - as if he was planning something...
Demi cleared her throat as he began to speak to her - her eyes following his hands that unclasp his own red cloak and he moved towards her. At that moment her entire body froze for just a second...
“Don’t get your hopes up...” A tall Spartan stood before the young Demi. “The only time you’ll ever hold the Spartan cape is when your little fingers are sewing it back together...” He knelt down then and yanked the red cape from Demi’s fingers, and then he stepped away briefly.
It was not the first time that Demi had worn the Spartan colors, but this time.... It wasn’t because she was the last of the last, this time she earned it, and it was donned onto her by the greatest Spartan in all history. Demi took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “My King” she bowed her head as the cape fell into place. “I will not fail you...” She let out a slow long breath, her eyes looking to the King who nodded and turned to Calliope.
Demi followed the crew outside - eyes peering to the two horses. She turned then as Frey helped Calliope up. “Okay...” She made her way to the horse and climbed onto the she had her sword and shield. She thought about using the Scythe but was worried over the kind of power it had, or what kind of attention it would draw...
As she swung her leg over the horse - her red cape swished into place, its beautiful crimson silken cloth frilling outward with the movement. Her fingers gripped the reigns and she slapped it forward, to catch up with Calliope as she had head forward. It was a relatively quiet journey - though as they came through the crowds - people bowed, and there was chatter among the people.
Demi held her head strong, her hand grasping the reigns, she did not bow - she just watched the people as they rode by. The entire while her gaze would glance to Calliope - watching her. She was worried, as her weakness was evident.
The weakness only grew throughout the day. When night was coming - she peered to Calliope who lulled slightly, and suffered. Demi reached a hand out and steadied Calliope as she rode next to her. “Come on, we are almost to the village” she urged her forward.
Soon enough they came across a small village, a place to stay for the night. Demi leaped from her horse and held her hand outward - helping Calliope down. A stable-boy lead the horses away, and left Demi and Calliope standing. “Here, you need to chew on this” she pulled out a medicine ball and handed it to her.
Two men stepped forward dressed in Spartan armor. “Your highness” they bowed their head. “Come, we have a room in the temple prepared for you” the men lead them forward.
As they came to a medium sized temple - they lead them down a small hallway, where there were many doors on either side. “Here...” A door opened, to a small room - two beds and the necessities. “King Leonidas has sent word, via pigeon, to a huge collection of cities in our path...” He waved to a servant, who brought two plates of food over.
“He has commanded that we personally guard this room... and I will do that. Here, this is what we have to offer m’lady...You should eat, rest.. and if you need anything I will be outside your door” the Spartan bowed his head and then stepped away as the servant set the plates down.
Calliope sat down at the small table that was offset from the room, her hand holding a slice of bread in her finger tips as she nibbled. “Are you okay?” She questioned and glanced to her. “The sickness, I wonder if it was worse for you than it was me? Like they made it just potent enough to make me seek you out?” She pursed her lips and sighed. “The gods are devious tricksters, hm?” She glanced over. “Gaia is more than just a God... she is a Titan, the creators of the Gods.” She shook her head.
“She is the last remaining Titan who isn’t locked away by the Gods... I am not even sure what to expect. The Life Tree - can you tell me anything about it? I’ve never heard of it...” She paused “I don’t know much, honestly...” She sighed deeply and took another bite. “Leonidas is expecting me to protect you” she chuckled slightly. “I will do my best...” She glanced to Calliope then stood, having finished her meal...
Her steps lead her to the second bed, where she collapsed into the sheets. It was comfortable, as if they knew the Princess as coming long ago - and so they put together the best hospitality they had to muster....
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 3, 2019 19:41:14 GMT -5
Calliope looked to Demi with tired eyes as she felt her hand upon her shoulder. The world around her sounded as though it was submerged beneath the waves of the ocean. Calliope’s brows raised as she focused on Demi to understand her words that were muddled and nearly lost in the white noise of her mind. She gave a nod. “Almost....there....yes...” She spoke as he held her hand to her side, she nearly fell, but Demi’s hand had kept her up. She fought to keep her eyes open. As they came to the village Calliope climbed down from her horse. Her legs trembled as she clutched onto Demi. Her breaths quickened slightly. She took the medicine ball and popped it into her mouth. “This...is unreal...” She whispered as she looked to the soldiers that approached.
Calliope one gave a nod to the man. Fresh blood rest upon her lips as she reached her arm up to wipe it away. She looked to the back of her hand, the bright crimson color and sighed softly. She looked to the temple as they approached it. She stumbled slightly and the soldier caught her, his eyes concerned. Leonidas had mentioned in his letter that his daughter was ill. But, he hadn’t mentioned just how ill she was.
Calliope sat down at the table and lifted a piece of bread to her lips. She wasn’t hungry. But she knew she must eat. She ripped off a tiny piece. Her eyes looked up to Demi as she asked questions and pondered out loud. “I’m not well.” Calliope spoke, her voice weak. She shook her head. “I just need rest is all. The heat of the sun.” She’d blame it on that. But, the sickness that Hades had created was vicious. It was designed to make her feel like death. To make her wish she would die. “The God that crafted this illness...knew you would find me...” She whispered, “I’m certain that it is worse for me, if I am truly a Goddess...” Her eyes met Demi’s then before she spooned soup into her mouth.
“I hope that my father’s advisor is correct...that Gaia can truly help us.” She breathed as she pushed herself up from the table shakily. She unstrapped her sword from her hip and leaned it against the wall next to her bed. Her shield leaned next to it with her helmet upon the floor. She grit her teeth slightly. “We can only hope.” She whispered. Calliope lay upon the bed then and within seconds it seemed she was unconscious. She rolled to her side, a bit of blood dripped from her nose onto the fresh sheets of the bed. Small coughs escaped over her lips as she slept.
She slept so heavily that she didn’t hear when the door was pushed open to the room. It wasn’t until she felt the hand of someone on her shoulder that her eyes opened. “Your highness...” One of the soldiers stood, blood splattered across his body. “You must get up.” His voice was nearly silent, she could barely hear him.
“What’s....” Calliope’s eyes fluttered.
There was a loud bang then. An explosion? Wind gusted into the room. Fire swirled around the soldier that stood before Calliope. He screamed as his flesh bubbled and burned to a crisp. In the doorway stood a man, a spartan like cape upon his shoulders. His body was chiseled perfectly. He stood without weapons. His shield upon his back, his sword sheathed upon his hip. His helmet glistened in the light of the room. He glared to Demi, a sneer pulling back the edges of his mouth. “Prophecies.” He growled as he stepped forward. “Who’s to say you can’t be stopped?” He reached forward and gripped onto Calliope, his hand gripped onto her robe and he lifted her easily, as if he wasn’t even trying.
Calliope tried to move, she tried to fight back. Blood leaked from her nose. She stared into his eyes. This man. He held the same eyes as her. Her head lulled back weakly.
“You’re no god.” He snapped, “No daughter of mine.” His voice was filled with hate.
The sound of armor clanking outside echoed into the temple. Calliope swallowed hard. She took in shuddering breaths. “Who...a-are you...?” She felt her back press against the wall as he held her there. Her eyes gazed into his.
The man chuckled as he gazed to her. “Hm you do have fight within you, child.” He smirked, his grip pressed her harder into the wall, making it hard for her to breathe now. “I am Ares.” He spoke. He glanced to Demi. Somehow, he was holding a sort of shield around him and Calliope. He chuckled, it was almost like glass surrounded them. “You are a pathetic excuse for a god.” He snarled then as he looked back to her. “All I need is Thanatos to take your life.”
Calliope gazed into his eyes. Her hands came up and she gripped onto his forearm. “No.” Her eyes began to glow. “No, this must stop. The war must end.” Her breathing quickened.
Ares growled as he watched light spread up his arm like lava down a mountainside. It reached up toward his head, lighting up beneath his helmet slightly. His eyes began to glow red. “Calliope.” He snarled. “You can not stop the humans from fighting. You can not stop me.”
Calliope’s ears began to ring as her hands began to glow with her power. Ares began to tremble. The glass like shield around them fell. Calliope didn’t release her grip though. “No....I will stop you.” She breathed. Her eyes fluttered as the glowing intensified. The glow began to cover her entire being until she was merely a glowing creature in Ares’ grasp.
Ares snarled as flames licked around them. “The Persians will finish this city off. They will murder everything that breathes.” He growled. “Thanatos will get his scythe back.” He choked slightly. Calliope’s power, even as injured as she was...it overwhelmed him. Light against dark. It was just as she’d pushed Thanatos back. The gods of evil origin stood no match against her. Ares released her and stepped back. “You don’t deserve to be a God. You don’t deserve to be my child.” Flames surrounded him and he disappeared.
Calliope collapsed to her knees on the ground, her back still pressed against the wall. Her eyes fluttered as the light began to dissipate. First it left her body, melting away slowly until only the light in her eyes remained. Her chest heaved as blood leaked from her nose. “D-.....Demi...” She choked out.
A shadow appeared in the doorway. Cloaked in dark robes Thanatos stood, a dark smile upon his lips. “I’ll be taking my scythe back.” He spoke, he held a sword in his hands, a sword that appeared to be made of bone. “And I’ll be taking the soul of the Goddess here.” He snickered, “Just give my scythe back and let me have her soul, it’ll make everyone happy.” He shifted forward, ready to attack.
Calliope shuddered as she moved slightly. “Demi...” She reached out. Her hand gripped onto her leg a moment. Power surged from her body as light crawled along Demi’s skin. “Don’t...let...him...win...” Calliope choked out just before her body fell limp.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 3, 2019 20:48:21 GMT -5
Demi woke in the morning to a huge shake of the earth, a rumbling that seem to last for minutes. She gripped her head as a throbbing pressure over came her - it was like the day she woke to the Persians running over her pass. Their swords stabbing through her men, the men she trained herself. Demi stood but then was suddenly thrown back - a powerful man stormed into the room and easily lifted Calliope. It didn’t take her any time to realize this was a God, but who? He reminded her of a Spartan - which the Spartans were figured off of the God of War, Ares. This was---
Just as she had figured it out he spoke his own name. It was like a thundering of power that shook from his voice and shattered her soul. Demi stood and rushed forward - though her body slammed into some kind of field of power and stopped her. Demi scowled and drew the Scythe. With a flick of the wrist the Scythe expanded and the blade shot forward. She gripped it with both hands and swung it - the blade stuck into the field of power and seemed to get stuck. It pierced through it just barely.
Demi turned her head just slightly to see someone standing in the door way, grinning. Thanatos. Demi let go of the Scythe, which stuck parallel with the floor in the barrier. She stepped back and held a hand out - the Scythe suddenly reappeared in her hand, as she had wished it too. She sucked in a breath and turned her gaze - Calliope’s power over powered Ares... she watched as his body began to glow molten red, and then he retreated.
Thanatos tilted his head and stepped forward, sword in hand. It was then that Calliope had gripped her leg. Demi’s head lulled back, and she sucked in a breath of air. There was an overwhelming power that surged her. She felt her body become stronger, her senses heightened, she became something she never knew was possible. Demi lowered her gaze as she came to once more - she looked forward.
All around here were figures of light. Standing in the middle as Thanatos. These figures - she did not know them. Three Women stood up front, a man with a long beard a sparking lightning bolt in hand, a woman next to him. The more she looked - the more the room seemed to fill.
“And today” A voice rang. “The first Amazon of the prophecies is born, of the will and love of Harmony” It was Zeus - his deep voice welcoming her amongst the gods. Then suddenly the vision of bodies disappeared and Demi stood before Thanatos once more.
Thanatos looked around briefly - he had seen it too. He growled angrily and then he flew forward - “No matter your gifts, you are still no God” he shouted.
The calculation of movements was faster than she had ever done before. Her body moved before she could even tell it too. Instinctually. She thrust the Scythe forward and it slammed directly into the chest of Thanatos, a wave of power burst from it and he flew backwards. He hit the wall and then shuffled to his feet.
Their attacks collided back and forth, but not once did Thanatos hit her. She shifted to the side with ease, watching as Thanatos flew forward. The God of Death didn’t normally partake in war, fighting, he had his duty and that was it. Finally Thanatos grew angry and he shifted and held his hand upward.
Demi choked suddenly, her body lifting off the ground. She gripped her own throat, trying to get it to stop.
“Don’t you understand?” Thanatos shouted. “I have a job to do. People are dying, dead, living in their dead poor bodies, I have to send them, I cannot do it without my Scythe” He finally shouted, having to plead for his weapon - this was an embarrassment. He couldn’t even catch her, land a hit, she was too fast.
Demi closed her eyes and then a wave of power shoved him back, breaking his grip. Demi slowly walked forward and held the Scythe forward, offering it to him. “The world has it’s Balance” she whispered “I get it. If you disrupt it again and mettle in our affairs... I will put this entire world into Chaos and keep the damn thing...”
Thanatos looked to her and then he reached forward and took the Scythe. His eyes looked to Calliope for a long moment. Then he looked back to Demi and nodded, with that he vanished into a black smoke...
Demi turned then - her eyes looked to the window. The Persians. Suddenly they vanished... Just images? Sounds and shaking? Did Ares actually control them, or was he just playing games?
Demi kneeled down and lifted Calliope with extreme ease. She pulled her onto her shoulder and then she stepped outside. The sun was high, it was peaceful... Demi sighed deeply and then made her way to her horse where she climbed ontop and set Calliope in front of her and wrapped her arms about her - the horse jolt forward, they weren’t too far from the Tree...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 4, 2019 1:29:54 GMT -5
Calliope was unconscious for a few hours before her eyes finally fluttered open. Her head lifted slowly. She could taste the blood in her mouth. She took in a small breath as her eyes lifted. She could see it. The Life Tree. It was absolutely stunning. The root system pushed out from beneath the tree for at least a mile, covered in fog from the heart of the tree. The tree pushed up toward the heavens, the sun above it seemed to cast light all over the land beneath. “We....made it...” Calliope let out a soft chuckle. She sucked in a breath. “You stopped Thanatos.” She leaned her head back against Demi’s shoulder.
Calliope stared forward to the tree. “I need the medicine.” She spoke as they came to the edge of the roots. The horse was beginning to breathe heavily. She could feel the creature beneath them. It was spooked. No creature dared step within the roots of the tree. The monsters within the roots would tear it to shreds. Even the gods did not dare bother Gaia. No this is how the titan remained alive, how she remained free from imprisonment.
“We could die.” Calliope spoke as she slipped from the back of the horse. She munched on one of the medicinal balls. She coughed slightly and spit up a glob of blood onto the ground. She nearly fell. “This...won’t be easy...” She whispered as she fought to keep her balance. “But, you are my guardian. If the prophecy speaks of this. Then we will survive.” She offered a smile, it was weak but it was sure.
Calliope stared to the fog that swirled around them, as if welcoming them in to their death. A bit of warmth surrounded Calliope then. Swirling around her. She brought her eyes up and glanced behind her. A woman stood, a smile upon her lips. She had fiery red hair and held a fire within her eyes that seemed to burn as she looked to the two. “Calliope.” A smile curved up her lips as she stepped forward. She wore a beautiful red silk robe. “My dear brother has made many mistakes in his life, but agreeing to do Ares bidding.” She shook her head. “A God can not pay another God to kill.” She clicked her tongue. She cupped Calliope’s cheek. “You need a fire lit inside of you, you need strength. There is barely even an ember within your soul right now, Calliope. You’ve given so much to the humans in your short life. You’re the youngest Goddess you know?” She tilted her head slightly. She glanced to Demi. “Hm, and fitting for you to create the first Amazon, she will guide you well Calliope, or should I speak your name as your father gave you? Harmonia.” The woman traced her finger along Calliope’s cheek, flames licked over her skin, but it did not burn her. It gave her an overwhelming warmth, a feeling of strength. “You will need to make this journey to reach Gaia if you are to be cured.”
The woman stepped back a moment as Calliope took in quick breaths. Her eyes were glowing a bright white from the touch of the woman. The Hearth of Olympus. “What...what did you do?” She questioned as her body swarmed with energy.
“I snuffed out the poison for now. It won’t last long, a few hours at best. My brother isn’t very creative with his spells.” She giggled, “Hades never was the creative type. If you ever see the underworld you’ll understand.” She lulled her head to the side slightly. “Hestia.” She spoke. “So you know who to thank when you live.” She turned and walked forward into the fog, disappearing then.
Calliope glanced around. The fog had completely encompassed them now. She drew her brows together as she looked to her hands that trembled slightly. “We need to move quickly then...” She looked to Demi and searched her eyes. “Whatever Hestia did...” She shook her head. She’d read much of the Gods, Hestia hated conflict. This must have been her way of resolving it, allowing Calliope and Demi a chance to make it to Gaia. “So....Hades is the one that poisoned me?” She questioned softly as she started forward into the root system. She ducked beneath the thick mossy roots, or climbed over them. Vines hung down that she slipped around easily. The air was damp as she climbed over a large root. Suddenly Calliope was slammed back, a beast upon her chest. She landed on her back as the creature snarled. Drool dripped down upon her chest. Calliope drew her dagger and slammed it into the side of the skull of the creature before she rolled it to the side.
Growls emerged from the fog. They were surrounded. Calliope glanced to Demi as she sheathed her dagger and drew her sword. She spun and sliced into the neck of one as it lunged at her. Calliope moved swiftly. Thankful for Hestia’s help. She ducked and dodged until she was caught in the side harshly. She felt the creature’s claws dig into her side and then the jaws clamped down upon her ankle. Calliope let out a scream as she tried to kick it off of her. Her sword had landed just far enough away that she couldn’t reach it. She stretched as the beast bit down upon her leg. It was no use.
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Post by Raven on Feb 19, 2019 12:54:51 GMT -5
The ride was quiet from there on, Demi’s hand was wrapped about Calliope’s waist, and she gripped onto Calliope’s tunic to hold her in place, otherwise Demi was just barely tall enough to see over her shoulder, considering that she was several inches shorter...
They trot up a long hill until finally they came to the peak of it, viewing over a clearing of trees, which lead up the largest of them all It was an amazing sight - she had never seen something so tall before. Right in time - Calliope woke.
“It is quite amazing...Just a little further, hang in there” she spoke softly knowing that she was rather close to her, and in that moment even her heels flushed slightly. Demi cleared her throat and they trot forward into the thick of the woods. However, the tree could be seen the entire way, it’s sheer size was breath taking.
Demi leaped from the horse and offered a hand to Calliope, and they came towards one of the huge roots that peaked from the wet earth. Demi pressed a hand upon the thick bark. “I know...” she replied to Calliope’s comment that they might die...Then while her hand placed upon the thick back she could feel something then - almost like the tree had a soul, and was reaching out to her... Demi turned her head then as she heard some one approach.
In an instant Demi had her blade and shield out, facing towards this mysterious woman. Though there was a comforting aura about her, but of course.... that could easily be a trick.. The woman began to speak though — the aura, she was a goddess... It was crazy to suddenly be surrounded by them, it was evident that they were watching. That could be dangerous....
Despite the truth - Demi did not lower her weapon... Though her serious face lightened when Calliope mentioned that she was an Amazon... Demi didn’t say anything, no this as not her moment. She wasn’t a god, she simply served a god, and that alone was a honor.
Though the moment passed - the color came back to Calliope’s face. Demi’s sword lowered, her mouth agape. “Wait - why?” She went to question but this woman, the goddess, she was gone... Demi looked to Calliope and thought for a long second. “Harmony...huh?” She smirked then. “Fits you”
It was as if the tree, or maybe Gaia, was waiting for their interaction to finish - The were swarmed instantly. A test, surely. Demi grit her teeth as a beast - on all four legs and dark thick reptile like skin, tuffs of fur lining its body here and there - lunged forward. Demi shifted back with ease, a swift calculation - She swung her shield, bashing the beasts Jaw completely out of place. Blood splattered and the beast hit the ground, sliding to a halt.
Her eyes looked up and 12 glowing eyes peered back to her, meanwhile Calliope was handling her own too. Demi grit her teeth and rushed forward. Some kind of instinct kicked in, it was beyond her own training.
Demi easily jumped into the air - a foot landing on a beasts head, springing off of him. She twisted in the air as a beast flew through it - both claws pointing right at her. With the twist of her body - her blade cut into the thick of its stomach, pouring its guts over the crowd below her. Easily she landed, boots skidding against the ground - the mud grasping her in place.
Demi twisted and threw her shield - it flew forward and slammed into a beast. The throw was with amazing strength, enough to slam the beast back. Then without hesitance Demi rushed forward and precisely stabbed forward, her blade cutting into the throat of one beast - she ducked then as one had lunged to claw her face, she reached up just in time to grasp a huge fang in her left hand. She pulled it closer and pushed her blade down the beasts throat, blood pooling swiftly as she sliced through him. Her left hand twisted, pulling the fang from his mouth - instinctually, with great speed, she moved her arm - the fang in hand.
The fang stabbed another beast right in the eye as he had come for her, the fang pierced into his head - bone cracking by sheer force. Demi then held her sword up as another lunged and his teeth just barely grazed her. She caught his attack with her blade, holding him for a moment - her wrist twisted and the blade cut down his neck and shoved into his shoulder, lodging her blade into him.
Demi pressed a boot on his chest as she held him there, and then kicked heavily. The beast hit the ground and tumbled several feet. It was then that Demi turned her gaze - Calliope.
Demi rushed forward and jumped into the air, she twisted her body - giving her arm more momentum, she threw her sword forward. It flew with great speed, like a spear shot by a javelin - the sword stabbed into the beast over Calliope, knocking him completely off her. At the same time another beast lunged forward - his teeth bearing into her shoulder. Demi cried out - but pushed through it.
Her hand gripped his eye, a thumb pushing through it and pulling him off her - another hand gripped the beasts lower jaw. With strength she had never had before - she completely tore his lower jaw from the beast, flesh ripping, bones popping terribly, she threw the jaw onto the ground with rage.
Demi stood for a long moment - her chest heaving, it was as if her body was flowing with intense magic, power, and she had to wait for it to calm down. It controlled her almost....almost.
Demi swiftly moved to Calliope “Are you okay??” She questioned through heavy breaths. “I fear that was the easier trial...” she whispered. Calliope went to get her sword and shield - but suddenly they appeared in her hands. Upon will... “Whoa...” she muttered. Though just as she did - just as the energy of the fight faded, the pain of her wound began to pound. Her shoulder was soaked in her own blood....
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 20, 2019 3:54:34 GMT -5
Calliope squeezed her eyes shut. Was this it? A Goddess finished by some mangy beast? No that couldn’t be it. She could feel her flesh tearing to the sharp razor blade teeth of the beast. Then suddenly it was released. Calliope opened her eyes to see Demi rip the jaw from the beast. Her eyes fluttered slightly as she lay her head back, she grit her teeth as her own pain coursed through her body from the newly acquired wounds from the monster.
Demi’s voice was a distant echo. Her eyes moved to the woman as she helped her up. She watched as the sword and shield appeared in her hands. Calliope held her hand to her side. “That was incredible, Demi.” She spoke as she scooped her sword up and sheathed it. “Let me see your shoulder.” She spoke as she stepped forward. Calliope pulled away the cloth of Demi’s shirt and winced slightly. Blood leaked from the wound freely, it was deep. “Sit.” Calliope stepped over to a root that pushed up from the sandy earth beneath them. She glanced around to the fog, she felt uneasy. As if eyes were watching them. No doubt the gods were watching. Calliope took in a shaken breath as she gripped her hand over the wound. “Deep breaths.” She closed her eyes. Her hands began to glow.
A warm sensation would fill Demi’s body from the magic that Calliope offered. Her healing. It seemed stronger than ever, whatever Hestia had offered her had allowed her magic to truly surface. Calliope stood here for several minutes mending the wound. She took a staggering step, careful of her wounded ankle. “There...” She breathed, the wound was completely healed, the flesh mended together, not even a scar remained.
Calliope gripped her side as she sat down on the root. “If that is the least of our worries, we need to focus.” She grit her teeth, “Even with this strength that Hestia has given to me...I can feel that illness beneath. It is like a blanket has been tossed over me in the raging cold of winter. It will cover me and dull the cold, but in the end the chill of winter will once again envelope me.” Her voice shuddered slightly as she reached down and grazed her bleeding ankle. The flesh was mangled from the creature. She closed her eyes as she healed herself. It took several minutes but the blood slowed and eventually Calliope sat up. Her eyes fluttered. A bit of blood dripped from her nose. Her body wasn’t used to the use of her magic in such full bursts. She shuddered slightly. “What if we make it to Gaia and she can’t heal me?” She asked softly, her skin had paled slightly. Hestia had only given her bought time. Her strength wouldn’t last forever.
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