He had to talk himself into the notions of a different set of appeals towards deities – not one of protection, defenses, guards, or shields, but of comfort for the world before them. Before war, it wouldn’t have been given a single trace of thought; not for a creature molded and sculpted within battle, bludgeoned multiple times, and striving to ensure his people were safe, secure.
And after – where they could breathe without apprehension curling down their spines – perhaps these were the moments he could surrender to something without a safeguarding purpose. Deimos just wouldn’t admit it very often.
For their ideas would still have its comforts, its notions, its reasons, and so he permitted the thought to linger, to spread, to gain its wings and flight as they crouched near the shrine. Kneeling, taking the offerings of fruit, acquired from their own greenhouse, and settling the cream along the plate, he winked at Evie, and then began some portion of their speech and request. [say]“Frey, your assistance in ensuring Halo’s safety was successful, and we thank you again.”[/say] A pause settled as he unfurled his breath, and then persisted. [say]“We hope you will be agreeable to aid this world once more.”[/say] And then allowing his fellow Warden to fill in the rest.
Wardenship has made Evie much more attuned to Deimos' mentality than previous years had led her. Seeing the Shields cut down by the banshee handmaidens had made more fanciful, enjoyable changes seem pale in comparison, but the year had been long and full of plenty of time and healing. Now, they are undoubtedly in an era of peace, and Evie is pleased by the proposal they have for Frey.
Peeking her tongue out of the corner of her mouth in response to Deimos' wink, she tucks her grin into the fur of her collar as she bends to place her own offering of a magically-grown daisy crown on the shrine. [say]"We have something a little more fun in mind this time, if you're willing. Something we can use to relax and heal in peace times."[/say] A yet unfamiliar notion to this day, but if their own personal visit to the springs in the Climb was any indication of the benefits of such a phenomena, Halo would love it.
[say]"Fun?"[/say] Something akin to a sigh of relief seems to swell through the Citadel shrine, and when Frey appears, they are already wearing @Evie's dazzling flower crown, reclining back against the gathered offerings from the other gods and plucking up @deimos's plate of fruit and cream to sample it while they talk.
[say]"It is about time that someone did something fun,"[/say] they continue with a wry smile, golden skinned and vibrant as they sink their teeth into a ripe peach.
[say]"Tell me more,"[/say] they invite, even as snowdrops and ivy begin to bloom and curl all around them, reacting to the idea of some enjoyment, some peace, some levity.
His eyes only widened slightly as the deity’s sigh reverberated through the shrine’s threshold, before settling his piercing gaze with an amused crinkle in the corners. There could’ve been some manner of relief in his form too, that others would find it just as appealing, after all the hardships. The past couple of years couldn’t be described as entertaining, save for short snippets where they could push aside the incoming acrimony.
Remaining crouched but raising his head to ensure his respect was extended to the herald, the deep rumble of his tones followed through. And perhaps the hint of a smile remaining, chiseled along normally reticent features. [say]“We would like to place a hot springs within Halo.”[/say]
She admittedly preens a little to see Frey adorned in her painstakingly woven crown, still elated to be in the herald's presence, enchanted by the persisting novelty of it. Evie's eyes dance along the blooming foliage as Deimos announces their plans first, meanwhile straightening and sitting primly on her heels to better see the deity she has devoted to.
Picking up from her partner's thread, she gestures with gloved hands; [say]"We're open to your input for placement so it doesn't disrupt the natural environment, of course. What do you think?"[/say] In contrast to the hinted smile on Deimos' face, Evie's is bright and framed by eager dimples. The future could hold greater plans; healing waters, strange effects or colors, who knew? Halovians were hardy and didn't often long for the luxurious and elevated, but Evie would give it to them regardless.
[say]"Hot springs?"[/say] Frey's laughter is light and airy and approving, the deity placing down the plate of fruits and cream to clasp their hands together. [say]"A wonderful idea. The Fangs may be a good place for it, I ought to think. They may have collapsed upon themselves, but they are still sturdy enough to withstand and protect the hot water."[/say]
Inclining their head to @deimos and @evie, there is no need for any further preamble. They have worked together in Halo for long enough that they can simply jump right into it. And so...
Tasks. There is no time limit. There are currently 10 active Halovians. This means 5 unique characters have to participate. Characters can participate more than once. Deimos and Evie must participate in at least 2 threads each.
1. A thread scouting the Fangs for a suitable place for the hotsprings to be built. During the thread, the participants must shout into the Fangs to hear their voices echo back at them.
2. A thread of 3 Halovians collecting volcanic rock from Apopo in Torchline.
3. A thread of 3 Halovians collecting water from Frey's Breath in the Climb. During the thread, the participants must host a water fight.
4. A thread encountering and capturing at least three lava wyrms. The wyrms must be alive when you return to Frey.
5. A PQ of at least 3 Halovians to build the structure of the hotsprings in the Fangs, using the volcanic rock and the water collected in previous threads.
The laughter, not derisive or dismissive, but approving, ensured the last of his apprehension meandered away from the build of his shoulders. Instead, the crooked edges of the Sword’s smile remained, brow lifting as he listened to the tasks at hand. He might have given a significant look to Evie at the Frey’s Breath portion of the listed necessities, but tucked all the other thoughts back into his mind for later perusals and amusements.
And to have the Fangs of all places – still protected and formidable, even after their collapse…
He gave a steady nod, grateful for the opportunities all over again. [say]“Thank you. We will return once everything is finished.”[/say] With another inclined, slightly juvenile, grin, they could depart, ensuring that Halo was hustling and bustling once more with the upcoming activities.
[FIN <3]
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