eachdraidh | [ video

You... Created one?

[ PLEASE DO EXPLAIN, SIR. ]

Um, just - what sort of shrines does it... He? She? Need?

Not on my own, but yeah. That happened.

[ He's still kind of weirded out by it when he stops to think about it - which is exactly why he's not doing that. ]

His name is Kaio, and he's the god of fire and smoke made into form the form of an adorable puppy. So... [ Leo shrugs. ] Light some candles for him, I dunno. He didn't really give me any details. I was going to make some fireproof squeaky toys for an offering, if I can figure out how.

I know runes to stop things burning, if that would help. I could show you?

[ This is, just. He made a God - like the Hart and the Shuck? Or something different? She's not sure and she's not certain Leo knows the answers either. ]

A little enchanting might help as well.

See, I didn't know if those kinds of things still worked or not, with all the fire magic going poof. I know I still can't be burned, but anything else?

[ Yeah, no dice. He's never needed anything like that before, and still doesn't somehow, so he never had reason to check. ]

I could probably do it without any enchantments, but it would take a while to figure out how to create the materials without modern technology. [ The struggle is real. ] But that'll make it so much easier. I was going to stick around the Citadel for a while anyway, so I'll be around whenever you've got time!

It doesn't hurt to try. If there's a new God for it then we could give it a go and see what happens? The worst that happens is the, um, adorable puppy has to get new toys made.

[ She wrinkles her nose, considering, leaning back in her seat to give it a second or two of thought. ]

I can transfigure some things, but I've never tried to turn something into a fireproof material before. It's something we could try together, at least - it might even be fun, a bit of an experiment. [ And, then, she brightens. ] I'm in my rooms more often than not - you could come by one day and we could work on it? If you tell me when I can let the guards know to expect you.

Actually, now that I think about it, it might work. Kaio isn't very strong yet, but as long as I was in the same room with him, I could actually use my own fire again. Once I got too far away, and he left the forge, I couldn't do it anymore. I heard that shard training would help, but I haven't done it yet, so I know it was because of him.

I've only worked with metals before - nothing that would make a good squeaky toy. He liked coal, but it looked more like a dog treat to him, [ he says with a laugh. Kaio's adorable and if only he had a camera, he'd have started the Drabwurld version of puppy videos on Youtube. ] I know what it takes to make something fireproof, though, so I can totally help give it a shot. I'll have to swing by later today or tomorrow, if that's good?

[ And he has matches they can test it with, but... he's still grumpy about needing them so he's just going to casually leave that out. ]

Oh! I know how to use my shard - Lancelot taught me last year. We could experiment with that and see if shards really do help? Then if it does I wouldn't mind teaching you how to do it as well, seeing as I've done it before. Once we've learned if shards help we can figure out how to help Kaio get a little bit stronger.

[ She nods, looking more and more excited by the prospect. She had used her shard in the battle, but having a more productive - less violently productive - reason to use her shard and the power it gave her was more than welcome. ]

I made some toys for my dog and some friends, so we can at least give him something to play with. Once we've sat down and had a talk we can see what fireproof things we can work out and see if the runes actually work... If the fire magic works around him then perhaps the anti-fire runes would work with him as well? That means that they'd be almost tailored for him to use whenever he saw fit. [ And that makes her feel a little bit better.

Determined, now, she nods, beaming. ]

Tomorrow would be perfect. I'll let the guards know and make sure I'm ready.

Really? We should totally test that out, just in case. Anything can help, you know? Just let me know if I can pay you back somehow.

[ He wouldn't expect her to do it for free, of course. Trade's the name of the game, and he'll be happy to make more stuff for Hermione if she asks.

He nods, grinning and practically vibrating with excitement. ] That's exactly what I meant! As far as I know, when we lost fire magic, anything that was enchanted to resist fire lost its effectiveness, too. The dwarves lost some of the best tools because of it. I didn't get a chance to test it before Kaio took off, but I'm thinking it'll work the same way for defending against fire, too, so if that works, we're golden! Just so long as we don't toss them in a fire when he's not around.

[ Game plan, acquired! Man, that's a good feeling. ]

You don't have to pay me back! I like to help. But if you ever have a spare moment and want to play around making another sword...

[ Well. She smiles, this is all really very exciting and the chance to dip her feet into the Drabwurld religion a little more with a brand new God is more than just a little bit interesting. She's incredibly curious and she shifts, moving out of camera for a moment before she holds up a hippogriff toy. ]

I had this made for my dog? It's a good chew toy... We could duplicate it and try inscribing it with some runes around him, to see what happens. As long as they're just for him to use I don't see what the problem would be. [ A plan, a good plan, is developing, and she's brimming with excitement. ]

You sure? I mean, the dwarves did figure out how to start fires the normal way, so the forges are up and running again... I'll need something to work on eventually. [ And yeah, he's asked about their cog-and-gear magic, but they're starting him off slow with it so far. It won't hurt to have something else going on the side.

He leans in when she holds up the toy, squinting at it through the feed. ] Yeah, okay. That's a good place to start. Problem is, I don't really have a way to track Kaio, so I've got no idea where he went or when he's going to come back. He said he liked Troichean Beinn, but aside from that? [ He shrugs. ] So it might be a while before we can really test it, but it's worth a shot, anyway.

Of course. If you get bored or fancy experimenting then you can consider that payment. All of this is really interesting, though - I don't expect anything. [ She really doesn't. The idea of helping a fire god, of being a part of something here, makes her light up a little as she tries to consider it.

Still, if he can't track Kaio it might be more difficult. ] We can make the toys and you could take them back to Troichean Beinn, then? Maybe we can leave a few at any shrines that get built over the next few months, little offerings for him, and if they get burned up after he's seen, or we know he's there, then we'll know.

I guess I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

[ He nods emphatically. ] I was thinking of something along those lines, yeah. I set up a small thing in Troichean Beinn before heading out here, so maybe he'll like having something to come back to. I don't think he'll mind if the offerings get a little charred if we keep 'em coming. Bordan Gret said they're supposed to help him get stronger, and maybe when he does fire magic will go back to normal.

That sounds lovely.

[ And this sounds like a really good idea. ]

Maybe I can try and organise something to urge people to build some more shrines? There's also room for them around Seelie territory and I'm sure the Natives would enjoy having that magic back as well. I know I miss being able to read by candlelight rather than wandlight. I'll make sure to keep you updated, okay?

That would be awesome! I'd do it myself, but this whole thing with the dwarves means I've got stay holed up in the mountain most of the time. I'll take any help I can get!

[ He doesn't know the man, save for seeing that he's a fellow Shield of the Cothromach. However... ]

How... exactly does someone create a god?

[ It really does seem as though this world plays rather fast and loose with the definition of "gods". ]

[ Asking the important questions, Cullen. Too bad Leo doesn't know the answer. ]

See, it goes like this.

A Shardbearer and a master smith walk into a bar...

Leo, wasn't it?

[Diarmuid remembers him from the meeting at the Cothromach not long ago, and while he often finds himself thinking that nothing anyone says in this place will surprise him anymore, this definitely catches him by surprise.]

I didn't realize gods could be...created...

[But hadn't Alyosha told him just how much power a shard holds? Why not?]

What kind of god, if you don't mind me asking?

That's me. And you're not the only one - I mean, we have creation myths for all of ours back home, but none of them really go like this. [ None that he knows of, anyway. Maybe his father had done it before. Who knows what that guy's been up to for the past few millennia? ] We made him in the forge; it was pretty awesome.

His name's Kaio, the god of Fire of Smoke.

In a forge?

[Diarmuid blinks in surprise. Who knew he could become even more so than he was a moment ago?]

My father was a god and I am pretty sure I don't remember any of our creation stories involving forges...

[Ah, but what the new god rules over really gets Diarmuid's attention and when he next speaks, he does so in a way that suggests he doesn't realize he is speaking out loud.]

A new god of fire... To replace what we lost...

[It's a spark. A glimmering reminder that maybe there is still another path besides those the monarchs push on them.]

What kind of help do you need most? I am a woodworker, so building shrines is something I would have no trouble with, but shrines are not worth much without appropriate offerings.

Yeah, that happened.

[ Don't ask. He doesn't get it either.

That comment makes him smile, though, excited as he could ever be. ] He's awesome! As soon as he was born, I got my power with fire back! I mean, he isn't strong enough to power anyone outside of, like, one room, but it was great while it lasted. That's what the shrines are going to be for, though.

I'll need help building shrines and spreading the word across Glaschu - even just small ones will work, as long as the people who go there believe in him. As for offerings... He liked coal? I'm going to try making him some toys, too - something he can play with while he's still small and figuring this godly thing out. What else would you give a god of fire, anyway? I mean, my dad is one, but he covers more than just the fire thing, so that part doesn't get much focus anymore.

I am afraid I am not the one to ask either. My father was a god of love, youth, and poetry. Fire was not his concern.

[Diarmuid's expression grows contemplative for a few moments, his fingers tapping idly against his chin.]

Though, coal would be a good place to start if he likes it. Young versions of anything enjoy toys, so that is a good idea too. What kind of toys are we looking for?

[He can't take care of all of this himself, but he can definitely spread the word about what to bring once he has some shrines built.]

If worse comes to worse, most gods I grew up around loved music and praise. Songs and poems about said god will help spread the word about him too. What else can you tell me about him that might make for a good song?

[It's been a long time since he wrote anything. This would be a great reason to do so...]

Back home, we usually put some of our food in the campfire as offerings. I don't know if they ever got it, though, and it wasn't just for my dad.

[ Though maybe if he starts doing that again, it will help Kaio grow stronger. Who knows? ]

I was thinking about making him some squeaky toys, but he might not be against a rope to chew on or a ball. Nothing wrong with the classics, you know? And Hermione and I were going to see if we can use some anti-fire runes or something on them so they won't get destroyed if he plays with them. I mean - if fire magic turns on around him, anti-fire magic should work the same way, right?

[ In theory. They won't really be able to test that one until he comes around again, though. ]

That's actually a good idea. I'm not that great with music, though - I can dance just fine, but playing or singing are different. [ Leo hums thoughtfully. ] Well, for starters, Kaio's basically a puppy. I don't know how big he's going to get, but he was pretty small when we made him. And he likes hanging out in a forge, because, you know, fire, so he kind of leaves a trail of ashy paw prints wherever he goes.

[ It's super adorable, he won't even lie. ]

We used burned offerings for many of our gods as well and it wasn't just food...

[Diarmuid pauses and chuckles.]

Though, somehow I don't think that liquor is a good offering for one so young.

[He thinks on this a moment and then nods. While he is no expert in magic of any kind, he has enough friends who know magic that he is starting to pick up on a few things.]

It should, though, it depends on the exact way the anti-fire magic is cast, I believe. Some of them never stopped working because they were based on water or ice magic to begin with. I am sure Hermione will know the best way to handle it. She is a very talented young lady and if she can't figure it out, there is always her friend, Remus, who works at the White Citadel. He knows quite a lot about magic too.

[Between them, Diarmuid is positive they can come up with something to protect the little fire god's toys.]

Ashy paw prints...

[He mutters this to himself a moment before continuing.]

You know, gods usually have symbols to represent them and that would be a really cute one for him...

[And might also lead his enemies to underestimate him once he is older and stronger.]

[ Leo snorts. ] Well, you never know with gods. Maybe he'd like it, maybe not. I didn't get a chance to ask.

I think we're going to try a few things to see what works. I can't track him around the Drabwurld, but if any of the things we give up end up a charred pile of ashes, we'll know it failed. [ He shrugs. They can try the ice or water magic methods, too. Thankfully, they've got plenty of options to work with. ] I didn't even think about asking Remus... I know he's good, though, so maybe I'll see if I can find him when I have some down time.

[ He laughs at the suggestion, genuinely pleased. ] Gods, that's - that is really cute. Like, giving-me-cavities cute. I like it. Maybe I'll ask Kaio what he thinks next time I see him around.

I suppose it can't hurt to try. I'm Irish. It's not like I don't have alcohol around. If he decides to burn down my training grounds, then I will know he didn't like it.

[Considering is training grounds are in Caer Glaem and so many people pass through there, he figures that is a good place to put up his first shrine.

His amusement fades a little, though, when he hears the young god is out wandering alone.]

Do you think it is a good idea to let him run free like that? Well...I suppose we don't have much choice if he wants to do it, do we?

[One doesn't control the gods like that. Not even little gods...]

Please do ask him. With all the harshness going on in the world right now, I think something cute like that might be what people are looking for. It is easier to hold onto and grow attached to, plus it's not something that can really be tied to one court or the other.

[And that means more followers and more strength for the little guy.]

I think it's usually wine for the Greek gods, [ Leo says thoughtfully, ] at least when Mr. D isn't grounded. I don't know what they'd prefer to have here. Samhain's usually got a little of everything.

It's not like I can just tell a god to sit and stay like a good dog. I might be fireproof, but somehow I think that wouldn't go over well. [ He shakes his head. ] If I could go with him, I would. But he was gone when I woke up the next day, so there's not much I can do about it now.

You know, that's a good idea. That would make him more approachable and, I guess, easier to accept as a new god? Which means he'd get stronger faster, if it worked. [ Hm. It's something to think about, anyway, and gives him something to work on until he sees the pup again. ] I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Mr. D?

[It takes Diarmuid a moment because he is not as familiar with the Greek Pantheon as others might be, but eventually he does figure out who Leo is referring to.]

Oh! Dionysus. Does he really let you call him that?

[Not that Diarmuid should be surprised if so. It's Dionysus.]

In any event, perhaps mead would be a good choice? This place is much like my own and mead was popular with us. Of course, anything alcoholic is popular with the Irish.

And yes, I agree with that completely. It might seem like a silly symbol, but I think it will work out to his advantage in the end.

Yep, that's him. I have no idea why he goes by Mr. D in camp, but I'm not questioning it.

[ You wouldn't either, if you knew him. ]

Mead... Yeah, that might be a good starting place. That's what the dwarves usually have on hand. I might give it a shot, just to see how he likes it.

Okay, I am totally making that a thing. It's just way too good to pass up. And then wherever people see the paw print, they'll know where his followers are welcome!

Let me know what you find out. I will be glad to spread the word to as many people as I can.

[An excited smile crosses his face.]

Excellent. I carve when I can. I can see about making some tokens and getting some kind of a blessing put on them. Nothing too strong, but something to aid those who wish to help spread the word about him. A thank you until Kaio is strong enough to do blessings of his own.

You'll be the first to know, [ he promises with a bright grin. ]

I think that's a good place to start. I can do some of that while I'm working with the dwarves; they love that enchanting stuff. [ And it's useful, so Leo can see why. He's still learning that alongside this whole clockworks thing they do. ] As long as no one does something bad in his name or whatever, I think he'll be happy with that.

If that becomes an issue, let me know and I will deal with it. I am a knight and it is our duty to see to things like that. I will make things are made right and that the person responsible is dealt with.

[He gives Leo a grateful smile.]

Thank you. It is so hard to contact the dwarves for most of us, that hearing they are helping with this will probably help his reputation grow even more.

If it does, I might just take care of it myself. I just hope it won't get to that.

[ Leo, no. ]

And they like it that way, [ he says with a shrug. ] Don't ask me why. You'd think they'd be able to get more work if they allowed visitors, but power to them, you know? I don't mind being the middle man. And they were just as happy to hear about Kaio as anyone, so they'll probably be happy to help.

[Diarmuid chuckles. He doesn't really know much about how good of a fighter Leo is, but he is glad the new god already has those who are so willing to fight for him.]

We can flip for it. Whoever gets the god's paw side up wins.

[Or, you know, whoever might be easiest able to get to where the trouble is.]

With how badly some of the native peoples have been treated by shardbearers, I can't really blame them for wanting to keep to themselves, but it is good that they will at least talk to a few people. They are very skilled and it would be sad if this place lost that.

You made a god?

[Sorry if she doesn't sound at least a little incredulous, Leo. A lot has happened.]

Look, I didn't believe it either, at first. But Kaio looked like the real deal, and Bordan's convinced it was some kind of miracle. And he did give me back my power over fire, too, so I don't think it's that far off.

Wait, you...you got your fire magic back?

[There's a pause as she bites her lip.]

What kind of shrines does he need?

Not permanently - only while he was around, [ Leo explains. ] Bordan said he'll have to get stronger before it'll work for all of the Drabwurld. But Kaio's still a puppy, so it'll only work if you're close enough to him, like in the same room or something. But it still worked, so that's something!

[ Leo isn't giving up on him yet. ]

I think it's mostly places so that people can give him offerings, do worship and stuff. They'll need good ventilation, since smoke is his other thing and we don't want to kill anybody. But, like, just places where he'll be safe and welcome with some stuff he likes, I guess. [ He's never exactly had to build shrines before, so this is completely new to him. The most they do for the Olympian gods is give them some of their meals and have cabins dedicated to them all. ] A pile of coal would probably make him happy, and we're working on trying to make some toys for him to play with, too.

Well, I can set somethin' up for him in th' fortress, maybe th' courtyard.

[Merida taps her chin, thinking now. The courtyard would be the best place for something that needs...what did he call it?]

I don't know what...ventilation means, but I raised twelve wolfhound pups this past year, he'd be more than welcome if he's actually a puppy. [She nods.] You said his name was Kaio?

Ventilation's making sure it's not too closed in, so there's a good air flow. We don't want too much smoke gathering in a small space, you know?

[ He nods. ] Yep! He let me pick his name, actually, but he liked it. [ He hums thoughtfully. ] I don't know how long he's going to stay in any one place. He's going to have to keep moving to help get the word out, I think, but when I see him again, I'll definitely give him a heads up.

Ah, I think I get it.

[Not really, but she's trying, and she gives a nod of her own with a small grin.]

It's a good name, an' I'll be sure to add him to my worship. We're just west of Caer Glaem, plenty of open space in th' courtyard to run around in.

You made....a god? How? I mean, that's--that's amazing! And he sounds so cute too! A puppy!

[At least, from what she gathers on the conversations he's having thus far. Puppies~ ♥ Colette is totally giddy with excitement at meeting the adorable fluffy animal. She's always had a love for dogs in particular, after all.]

Yeah, I have no idea how we managed it. We were just working in the forge, using a whole bunch of different materials, and it was like - boom, suddenly fire god!

[ He laughs. It isn't much of an explanation, but that's pretty much all he's got. ]

He is really cute, though - he's really bouncy, too. It's kind of funny to watch.

[ And adorable, gods is he adorable. Leo is kind of enamored with the fire god. ]

Wow! That's incredible! I've never heard of a god being created like that! I mean, I know Lloyd and Dirk have their forge back home in Iselia, but this seems way more than just making swords or crafts like they did.

[But. Aw. Bouncy. That is cute!]

Do you think it would be okay if I visited him? Or...were there any shrines or anything yet for him?

[ He has no idea who Lloyd or Dirk are - friends of hers, probably - but he's just going to keep talking like he has a clue. ]

I mean, most of the time that's what I do, with a little forge magic thrown in, you know? But I've never done anything like this, and Bordan said it was a miracle, so I'll probably never do it again, either.

[ But man, is it awesome to know he helped do it at all! ]

The only one I know of so far is a small thing I set up here in Troichean Beinn. If it were up to me, you'd totally be able to come visit! But last I heard, the dwarves still aren't accepting visitors. I can ask again, but I don't know if they'll change their minds.

You could always set up your own, too! I can't do much when I'm up there, but if Kaio's going to get stronger, we need to spread the word about him and give him offerings and stuff.

I didn't know there was magic with the forges. But if people wanted special, um, enchanted weapons that would explain it, I guess. Still, I know I'd never heard of this happening before. Even if it is just a one off thing, this is amazing! Especially after what happened recently. We're lucky in the timing here.

I could set up my own if they are....private. I don't mind! I just figured I'd do what I could to help.

The dwarves here do a lot of enchanting in their forging, yeah, [ Leo explains with a nod. It's slowly becoming clearer to him that he might have already been using some innate kind of magic even just working in the forges back home, but if he has, it's so subtle that no one's really seemed to notice, even among all his half-siblings. ]

I mean, Kaio's not strong enough to give us back the full scope of fire magic like we had before. Not yet, at least. As soon as I got too far away from him my power went away again, like it had before. So the faster we help him grow, the faster we get the real thing back everywhere.

[ He hums thoughtfully. ] I guess it could be a private thing, if you wanted it to be. I wouldn't think you'd need to worship him publicly for it to help, as long as you're still showing him respect or whatever.

But if everyone makes shrines and leaves offerings, prays to him then that would help. I don't mind trying something smaller, but I figured after....after losing the previous fire god, we should try help at least. Not that I know fire magic myself, but still.

[Colette is still suitably impressed. And already adoring the idea of the pup as it is, let alone picturing it growing, how much more powerful he will eventually be. She'll do anything to help that along.]

You don't have to know fire magic yourself to be affected by losing it, though, [ he says with a shrug. ] It just affects us more. But the stronger Kaio gets, the more he can help everyone in the Drabwurld.

[ He smiles, genuinely pleased with how well this is already going. Leo can't wait to see the little god again - if only to see if their efforts are actually going to help. ]

Thanks! I bet you anything he's going to appreciate anything you do, even if it is something small.

Well I know Genis knows some fire magic, so I'd like to help in case he gets here and needs it. Besides, a lot of others here have been trying to learn or knew some magic back home, right? So even if it doesn't affect everyone as much, this is still important.

[A pause as she considers for a moment.]

I'll definitely help! I'll have to figure some way of making sure he doesn't burn any toys or anything I might offer him though.

[ video | Seelie ]

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