Warrior and the Goddess (closed)

[Asa]

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Felana
True first born of Zeus with one thing that none of the other illegitimate offspring had... Hera's approval. She viewed the young woman as an idea of what daughters born of she and Zeus could be. The strength of heart and determined will. Felana dwell in the lands that bordered the lands of her mother in Egypt and her father's chosen people in Greece. Reclusive she was well protected by the nomads that roamed the area as well.

Rumors myths and legends abound surrounding the land she calls home and especially the ruins she lives in. Animals that even Artemis herself has never encountered before protect these lands and all she tells them to protect. She commands the elements wiping out anyone who harms those in her lands and the legends go on and on.

Her mother was a Priestess in the ancient desert lands who had caught many eyes both that of mortal and the Gods. Zeus had honored a favor owed to who no one knows and had protected as best he could an ancient temple from a band of monstrous warriors who were a mix of many races including his own Greek people. Honor-less swine bent on destruction of everything in their path, suddenly a new commander claimed their ranks, Zeus in disguise as he saw to it that in their attack they ended up wiping themselves out as well as those few he could not protect.

Felana sat staring out over the setting sun. The early tribes scattered about the landscape and the sound of cattle grazing and calling out filled the air. The occasional snort of the massive feline by her feet broke the silence around her as she absently stretched her hand down scratching her companion behind the ear.

Father had another of his cryptic visits old friend... some muttering about change and honor and more rambling about the children.

She lovingly referred to her siblings Aries Aphrodite and the others as the children because their petty squabbles reminded her of a small herd of children each trying to get their way and command over the others.

One of the children will no doubt be around in time to ask for help or try to win me over or see if I will help calm Hera or whatever.
​

 

[Master_Kain]

A Quest given

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Aylward was born to no one special, just a couple of poor farmers from a small village. They did not know of any special signs that he was born under as their village had no real spiritual leader. Though as the boy grew and he like many boys wanted to travel and see the world he jumped at the first chance he had to join an army.

He joined the army at the age of 13 when most boys began their training for what they will do in life. There was a small platoon of children that year and so they had been grouped together and trained to hone their skills. It was 2 years before they saw their first conflict and only because they had that 2 years did not every boy die to a man. Many faltered under the pressure and it cost them their lives and the lives of those around them too. Aylward had been a bit lucky. The boys around him had stayed firm they kept their shields up, watched each other's backs, and eventually turtled up until the fight was called off. None of them came home without some kind of wound, and the ones that didn't die several were too injured to keep soldiering. The ones that were still able stayed in the army and got moved around some to fill in positions, 3 more years went by with only minor conflict and no major issues.

Aylwards was now 18 just a day before a battle. Some raiders had come to Greece and decided that the Temple of Zeus would have the best loot. It was a bloody battle as the army tried to defend it but a small group of the raiders had gotten inside, slaughtered several of the priests, and even raped some of the vesper virgins. Aylward's group had been told to retreat from the battle and get inside the temple to do what they could. It was already too late for many people inside and some of the raiders had just taken golden objects and ran. The Temple of Zeus was sacked... A raider died on Aylward's sword just before he stabbed a Priest in the middle of praying to Zeus a crack of lightning struck the temple and the statue moved for a brief moment.

"You mortal, find my firstborn, bring them home and bring justice to my Temple."

This message from Zeus himself had been heard by several in the temple but the statue had looked right at Aylward who had just saved one of his Priests. He was in shock to say the least. The rage in Zeus's voice left no room for error he had to do this but to Hades if he knew where to start to find this firstborn. Some badass warrior no doubt likely as strong as Heracles. No name no destination. Eventually, he spoke to one of the Priest and was told to look in the lands favored by Hera. He was given a boat by the army to drop him off and a pouch of coins to help on his trip but no other assistance would be give. Who is this man Zues has tasked him with finding.

 

[Asa]

A typical fireball and just as she suspected there was Aries.

What do you want little brother?

Her lion and tigers snarling in agreement with her tone. The lion even causing Aries to briefly pause in his tracks.

Dear sister a most unfortunate twist in a much-needed war will be causing father to think a mortal can bring you from your home here to... Help correct the situation.

Aries smiled deep down sharing that she was his sister and would like it better to give her the title of wife.

Let me correct my question then Aries... What did you do this time?

Mortal raiders double-crossing me and going after...fathers main temple in Greece. Insolent mortals. I can see why you avoid them but most of us are not so lucky.

The lion stood shaking out it's mane and gave a great roar till she placed her hand on it's mane.

Easy old friend we will see what happens. We can't abandon them completely they are still family after all.

We will see what happens Aries but you should be the one made to clean up your own mess or select you mortal associates better. Good bye brother.

She knew when she spoke of any of them cleaning up their own messes they would run away.

Such children aren't they Saja.

She looked to the elderly female tiger on the steps behind her as the old tiger snorted almost as if laughing.

 

[Master_Kain]

Aylward had reached the docks of the Desert Lands. He was well versed in their tongue having learned some from other soldiers during his training. The idea that all soldiers are stupid was a falsehood. Most dead soldiers are stupid. The ones that grow old often know a thing or two and they tend to like seeing young soldiers listen to their advice and so Aylward had especially after narrowly surviving his first battle. He would talk with an accent when speaking to these people but at least he knew also what they were saying and was not forced to use a translator.

It didn't take too long to get the idea that the area he was looking for wasn't actually in the Desert Lands themselves, nor in Greece. The location of some ancient ruins was told to him by the locals. As they believed the guardian of those ruins was who he was after. Most warned him to turn home as the ruins are considered off-limits. It would take a week's travel and no less across the desert to get to where they are at. It took most of his coin to get the required gear to survive the desert trip. He didn't have enough for a camel to speed things along but was given pretty simple instructions to follow the coast for three days. Once you see the mouth of the river turn south for another three days. The remains of a destroyed bridge would mark you are near the ruins from there, cross the river and follow the landmarks to the ruins.

"Whoever this man is he had best be worth all this damn trouble."

Aylward started his journey and knew to ration the water and salt he had secured for the trip. While staying near the coast would help with some of the heat as well as staying by the river it would not get rid of how harsh a world this place was. Hunting would be scarce unless you knew where to hunt which he did not.

 

[Asa]

Nomads traveled the land she called home. Children always wanted to play with any cubs or young tigers who would still play. Bringing food to her and meats for grandma as they called the old tigress. Her siblings would tell her that the nomads were worshiping her in their actions. Which usually got them tossed on their backs as she had no use for worshipers just to live in peace away from their petty stress and strife.

One of the tribes back up from the river lands spoke of hearing about someone being sent this way to look for some God or something. She nodded at their information and sighed inwardly.

Damn it Father... Can you and Aries not take care of your own issues.

 

[Master_Kain]

The week of desert travel was not anything Aylward was prepared for. The loose sand was hard to get a footing in as he on the first day tried to climb the sand dunes and back down them. He realized after the first day it was better to just stay in the valleys of the dune as you wore yourself out less and could make better travel time even considering the meandering path.

By the time he reached the broken bridge, he was sunburnt and lips chapped from the sun. He had not bought beeswax to protect his lips as he had not known how harsh it would really get. They were cracked and even split which made eating and drinking a bit painful. His cloak while hot had helped keep the majority of his body from being burnt like his face and neck. He camped at the bridge for an extra day. Taking this time to wait until nightfall when the heat would be less and the water still warm.

His tent was pitched and all but a clean set of clothes were inside of it as he stepped out of his tent and walked to the edge of the river. He put the clean clothes on the riverbank before he walked to the bath. he really needed the bath after traveling the desert and as he was under the impression the ruins would be found before nightfall tomorrow once he started. He knew nothing of the man besides being a son of Zeus. He had hoped that the knowledge of the temple being sacked would be enough to get them to come home.

His hair was lathered and his face partially covered as he heard a noise. He was not used to the sounds of the area so he was unsure what it could be. He sat still for a while listening for it again. he had seen many strange creatures while here but nothing really dangerous like the predators back home. Even at the rive he only saw a few "sticks" floating occassionaly.

 

[Asa]

The tigers never wandered far nor did the lion the guard dogs of the nomads know where to wander if they scented something on the air. Hippos and crocodiles tended to float and roam the rivers at night. She understood the minds of animals. Perhaps a bonus from all of the deities of her mother's blood having animal forms. Her sleep resembled that of someone meditating and ever ready to have a sword in hand before she even made it to her feet if she had to. The old tigress was restless and stalked around her over and over again.

 

[Master_Kain]

Something about the way the log was moving in the water is what finally caught Aylward's attention. He leaped quickly out of the water as something had been stalking him in it. A heart's beat after he leaped a crocodile had lunged after him jaws snapping at the man's bare ass and only barely missing getting a hold of him to drag him in under the water to death-roll.

"What in Hade's was that!"

His clothes were forgotten as he ran from the riverbank and up to his tent. The beast at least didn't seem interested in following but he was taking no chance. He got his sword out from his tent before going back to rinse the soap and gather his clothes.

"What monsters this land has. Hiding in the water!"

This didn't sit well with him as he had to cross the river tomorrow to continue his journey and there was nothing around here to craft a small vessel in time. His eyes scanned the water now knowing those "sticks" were dangerous beasts he quickly rinsed his hair and the soap off of him before gathering his things and packing up camp completely. He was too antsy after the attack to sleep so he would just continue on. First things first this river and its beasts had to be crossed. Knowing what to look for he was able to find a good time after a bit to start swimming and cross the river without any more surprises. He was soaked and the temperature was colder than the desert heat but as the sun rose and the water baked out of his clothes he felt better. Still leaving early would mean getting to the ruins only a bit before sundown. Having no clue as to what could be out there.

 

[Asa]

At least two bands of nomads lingered between her ruins and the river. Dogs of various mongrel breed bark and snarl when he nears any of the camps. The people were wary but kind at the same time. Questioning why a lone person was this far away from the safety of villages and others.

The tigress lifted her head late in the day and snarled softly. The lion chuffed and stood stalking on the sand before the ruins and the tigers were not interested in letting her off the ruins at all.

I gather there is someone new in our lands?

About that time a young runner from the camps ran up the path side stepping the bloom as if he were not there.

Stranger... Stranger.... Seeking ruins... Seeking a God in the ruins... Father says let live or die?

Let the stranger live my brother has foretold this stranger's arrival.

 

[Master_Kain]

The last group of nomads before the ruins had insisted I rest and eat with them I had no reason to not accept though I was a little leary of any stranger in these parts their dialect was not the same so it was harder to communicate with these nomads but I was able to get the general idea across well enough it seems.

I had noticed the runner leave camp a short while after talking with the Elder of the nomads. I took this as a sign they had at least some contact with the man I was looking for and would either help me find them or hinder me time would tell and I waited.

A few hours had passed and the runner had returned to the camp. They stopped for no one until they found their father the man in charge. Relaying whatever message they were delivering with such haste. I knew not but I hoped it didn't mean I would need to fight these people. After a bit of time and refreshing some of my supplies they let me leave to continue up the path. Warning me to watch for the beasts and to respect the ruins or I would not return.

"I hope they don't have more of those river beasts or something similiar up here."

Eyes scanning all around as he made his way into the start of the ruins.

 

[Asa]

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Once the stranger entered the ruins he was on the hunt. Careful... Guarding... Not aggressive but still ready. He sniffed the air as he growled. This being was not one of the nomads but had been near them and was still allowed here. He was curious who had sent the human as he watched him closely.

 

[Master_Kain]

<I>The sensation of being stalked was creeping up his neck again as he made his way through the ruined city. Finally catching a glimpse of what he believed to be stalking him he had heard of such beasts. A lion they are called though he only heard about them from people who had been to the lands farther south where they roamed the large open lands. He knew that it was a type of cat fierce and powerful. Could easily take two or three men to take one down and if unarmed many many more.

Still, the beast did not come at him but watched so he did the same. Though he did grab his shield and kept it strapped to his arm now. Just in case of a surprise attack. His sword remained in its sheath, and a small dagger on his belt just in case.

"You wouldn't be able to lead me to the guardian here would you?"

He spoke towards the mighty lion though he did not expect any kind of actual response.

 

[Asa]

The lion chuffed and turned padding along the path it had taken. A roar preceded them as it called out. The tigers calmed laying down as she sat on the steps of the ruined temple watching the various paths though looking as if she solely saw the dagger she rolled in her fingers.

 

[Master_Kain]

The lion roared but did nothing else that he noted that could me hey follow me. So instead he continued along the overgrown path that nature was trying to reclaim. An hour later or so he came to the steps that lead up to the ruined temple itself.

You could tell it was once majestic, much like the Temple of Zeus had been before it was sacked. The remaining priests had likely cleaned much of it up by now and repairs would be well on their way but it would not be the same as it was for a very long time if ever.

He had caught himself daydreaming about the attack and shook his head when he caught sight of the woman twirling a dagger on the steps. She did not look like what he thinks of a temple handmaiden, too athletic in build and skill with that dagger to not have at least a little combat experience. Even from this distance, he could see she was a beautiful woman. Unsure of what language she might speak so he tried the local dialects as well as Greek when he called out

"Greetings."

He was a man grown and his body was built solid with firm muscles from soldiering for the last five years. He didn't even realize how much muscle he had actually put on himself. The light armor that the army wears is just a bronze breastplate, shin, and arm guards matched with the shield. Standard gear for a Hospilite, besides the spear he had yet to replace since the battle at the temple. Though he wore none of his armor he was lugging it around in a bag over his shoulder. His face was dark red and chapped from the weather so obviously wasn't from around here.

 

[Asa]

Greetings. Who sends you to seek anything in this forgotten land?

Her eyes slowly move to look at him. The lion walking up and took its place beside her.

 

[Master_Kain]

"I was charged by Zeus himself at the sacking of his great temple to seek out his firstborn. Do you know where I can find this man I am told he stays in these ruins?"

He never realized that Zeus, nor the Priest in the temple had specified that the firstborn was a man or a woman he had only assumed he was looking for a man since he was sent after a powerful warrior to right the wrongs against Zeus.

Noticing how the Lion casually comes up to you and how you act like this is perfectly normal. So I don't worry for your safety but I still keep an eye on the beast as I have no clue if it will strike at me as I approach a few steps closer.

 

[Asa]

The tigers move around pacing till the old female snorts and they sit.

Arrogant to assume you seek a man isn't it? Has he become so feeble to not be able to exact his own revenge, not his very son Aries or Hercules too weak to wipe out such mortal cowardice?

She studied him now carefully after his assumption.

 

[Master_Kain]

"What do you mean? Is Zeus's firstborn not a man? I had never heard of him having daughters"

His words trailed off in thought. You have made him check his assumptions and now he was trying to figure out if that changed anything or not which he quickly comes to the conclusion it doesn't.

"Then are you her?"

He was unsure of what to expect as the only information he was truly given was that you are Zeus's firstborn. Nothing else about you, not what gifts you might have or as to why it had to be you. He had been too stunned when the giant statue of Zeus had begun to move and looked at him. Lightning had covered its eyes as it moved and spoke. He was but a mortal man not used to such mystical events to happen around him let alone to him.

 

[Asa]

Then you know not of his daughters with Hera? My sisters will be most insulted. I am not of Hera but a dalliance. Who sent you to find me and why?

She stood up and walked closer.

 

[Master_Kain]

"Well of course I know of the Goddesses, but I meant of him having daughters with a mortal woman."

As you rose and stepped closer it was hard not to take in your beauty, and I was becoming very thankful for the cloak I wore to protect me from the blistering sun as my leather pants were starting to become very tight as I got a better look at you.

As you rose and moved I noted that your movements showed you were no stranger to combat or being in danger. One might even say you are a living embodiment of that ideal. You could probably even tell that while I tried not to I was also undressing you with my eyes.

"As I told you Zues sent me, but I serve in the army of King Elis. It was through them that I got passage here if that is what you are asking."

 

[Asa]

Father sent you. A mortal... Instead of making his children clean up their messes and smite his enemies himself have a mortal seek to win me over to the cause.

She laughed a little shaking her head.

What say you... Should the daughter who has never found reason to involve herself in their petty affairs and squabbles be won over b such tricks and gifts?

Yes I say gift because I am sure Hers has even told him I need worshipers/followers whatever like the others.

 

[Master_Kain]

"It would seem you know far more than I about your family affairs. As to why they sent me I have no clue. At this point, I would have to assume cause you would not listen to anything any of them asked of you as for why I don't know. I am sure that Zeus does have the power to smite and destroy those that did this. I would then have to ask why should he? While it is an affront to him as it was his temple we are still mortals. Mortals or even part mortals should deal with mortal affairs should we not? If all we do is cry to the Gods and Goddesses for everything we do nothing ourselves and earn nothing from them! I was tasked with this duty but not told I would get anything for it. I am not here to earn some prize or favor with the gods either.

I was there at the temple! I saw what these raiders had done even fought a few and killed them. Yet the crimes they committed against the temple go unpunished by most of them. Of the 10 vesper virgins, temple maidens spiritual wives to your father, 2 remained untouched. The other eight were ravaged by these barbarians and a few were even taken as slaves. I know of only one Priest that survived which was the one I saved just before they tried to cut his head off at the feet of your father's statue while the Priest prayed for help."

I sighed heavily as I looked at you.

"People need symbols of hope. The gods can not be those symbols. Men and Women who take up arms and defend our people are those symbols."

 

[Asa]

Of course, father sends a soldier.

If humans must take care of everything on their own then what point and use are the Gods?

Ahe enjoyed this. As the lion slept at her feet.

Very well find whatever you need in the ruins and rest we will leave tomorrow.

 

[Master_Kain]

You seem to at least agree to come though it seems reluctant at best. You are not thrilled I get that but I might even say annoyed. Nodding to you as you tell me to find what supplies I need and be ready to leave in the morning. I walked up closer to you and paused.

"So what is your name? I am Aylward."

I would think at least exchanging names would make this trip a little easier but we shall see.

 

[Asa]

The lion stood when he moved closer as did the tigers save for the old one at the top of the steps. Her hand going to his mane seemed to steady them all.

Felana. He is Maku. He will be going with us. The others may follow for a time but will always return here.

She studied him for a moment.

Father and Hera have sought in their own ways to make me accept my place on Olympus so if this ever feels like trick or trap...

With that she turned leaving the clear threat in the air with the tigers roars as they wandered off too leaving just the old.tigress and him there on the steps.