Scene #1123: Where I Lay

Owner	Pose
Odin	The battle at Phase Rock was a tough one on the Elder Primal. Memories that have been either forgotten or pushed away brought back to the surface. His humanity, for now, strong again-- but it would soon slip away again. Slip away and perhaps all the pain of things he tries to suppress would too, go away. For he rested in the place that was his cage for so long. Always returning here, always returning to the place that his legend ended-- but the story continued to be told. The battle that the great woman named Urth, sealed away the Allagan Primal named Odin along side her mightiest of warrior. For her life she took to seal away the Elder Primal-- and for the warrior, he stood guard.. until his life took came to an end at this very place. For Serori though, she just have to hide that she was Confederate if she spoke to the locals, for they not have the technology here to run face matches or scans. They know of the Confederate though and they know they are allies with the Garleans-- and the Garleans are mostly all enemies of the Eorzean people for the crime, as far has they are concerned, that was committed. Caring not it was because of one man, but that man was Garlean-- and that is all they cared. As here, the scars of Bahamut ran still deep. Trees still tried to recover, life still tried to spring from the burnt ground and though it has become better-- it will take perhaps hundreds of years before the Black Shroud is ever back to what it once was. When she goes to seek for Odin, the locals will tell her where he rests and warn her of the dangers, including that he could wipe her out of existence with his sword. The people-- fear Odin greatly. She also be warned of the woodsin in these woods. How the woods act out against those who carry to much technology, so she would also be warned to leave it behind and pray that the elements will act kindly still upon her for at least trying. The trail to Urth's Font and Gift, was almost covered over by the growth of new life, but it is the gleaming of crystals in the distance that show the way and the fact the clear spring water runs from the very source. New life ever growing so fruitfully around the water's edge itself. Even a drink from the freshly coming stream was almost refreshing to any life. Within the area, the waterfall cascaded down. Crystal plants grew along side the natural foliage. This area showed a hint of the beauty of what the Black Shroud may have once been like and peace, peace is what was found here. It was only the simple matter of where was Odin, for up high, where the waterfall cascaded down from-- that is were the locals say that was the very prison of the Elder Primal...
Serori	To slip unnoticed into foreign territory had always been the most enviable skill of a well-trained saiyan scout. Most warriors couldn't master the finesse necessary to carry out such intrusions, or lacked the patience for caution, preferring to utilize overwhelming force over deftness and grace. Scouts were therefore an uncommon class, and the result of very particular breeding. Though weaker than warriors, and therefore looked down on by saiyan society, scouts served a necessary function -- a function Serori herself had mastered in her childhood. Such skills weren't put to the test very often anymore, but today would prove to be different. The warp gates had been crossed on foot. She'd solicited appropriate clothing from Gaius's people, and traded out her recognizable uniform for something more suitable to the world she'd decided to visit. Tail hidden, her wild hair confined into a twisted braid, and her signature scouter nowhere in sight, she came to the locals as one of their own, not a shred of her Confederate self remaining to trip any suspicions. There, she'd learn what she could about the object of her curiosity before heading out to find him. Entering the crystalline forest, she'd gone so far as to disable her one remaining external communication device -- though there wouldn't be anything she could do about the miniscule transceiver implanted in her body. Aside from that, she carried no technology with her. It's not like she required it for survival, unlike some. The forest itself made for an interesting journey. As Serori prowled through it, she stopped often to look over the plants and anything else which would catch her eye. It's no less than what she did as a scout for her long-gone empire. It's no less than what she does now as a scout for Gohan's Planetary Trade Organization. Observe, search for value, learn -- and remember it all for later assessment. At the base of the waterfall, Serori stops. She cocks her head to the side, peers up at the roaring spray, and considers what's left to be found. Would Odin be dangerous all at once, or less eager for hostility and combat since he's at rest? Serori's eyes narrow. She's prepared for either circumstance. Ascending the waterfall is easy for someone who can fly. She alights at the top, and looks around.
Odin	As Serori walks about in this once sacred place, she may notice a shadow that lurks from high above. Though when she goes to look, she may only see a clip of black leather cape bellowing out over the water's edge for a moment. Of on the side is also what looks like a rocky, grass path that leads up to where the waterfall comes from. A large circle of ground where the pool of water is only ankle deep and the crystal forest surrounds it, reflecting the near still water like a mirror.. and in the center of it all is the massive spire of crystal, parts of it broken-- broken from when Odin broke free from his seal. It is here that Odin stands, in front of the Crystal, aetheric motes drift off his body, but the helm is missing, showing the slightly elf like ears and those glowing eyes. The glowing tattoo along his dark purple face and that lilac colored hair pulled back into a low a pony trail. The armor though over his body still remains and his stance is calm, even if at any moment that could change. No words would be spoke to Serori, not matter how she decided to come up, at least not a first for even she remains below or does arrive to the top. The moment of long silence ends as the Primal at least speaks, "Why have you come to disturb my rest? Is it a battle you seek, non blood of Urth?"
Serori	Odin. The great Primal. Like a magnet attracting iron filaments, he draws Serori's attention the second she crests the waterfall. Only after she takes him in does she think to look to the crystal spire, and the signs of his broken seal. Though curious about it, and why he would stick around his prison after going through so much trouble to escape, she doesn't start voicing questions right away. That'd be rude, right? And besides, he's asked her something already. Serori slants her gaze Odin's way again, and answers in a calm, level tone, her thirst for information restrained as to be almost indetectible. "I don't know. Do you desire to fight me?" The pause in her greeting allows room for her slight smile to appear. As with all her smiles, there is a mischievous angle to it, a slight wickedness not always intended but always there thanks to the sharpness of her features. "I haven't come for anything except to learn about you. If that requires a fight, so be it. If not, then we both might be able to avoid harm for one more day."
Odin	Odin stands there for a bit longer before he then closes his eyes for a moment, he then looks away from her. "My true quarrel is not with those of you whom are not of Urth... but your wars call to me.. even now I can hear the drums beat." he says before he opens his eyes, staring off into the distance for a moment. Odin then looks to her, his sword appears out in thin air, created by that of dark, tendril fog which appears in his very grasp. The very edge of the blade points to her. The blade gleaming with a strange light and the motes over his form dissipate. "Yet you desire to learn about me.. and why would that of someone from outside the Light's land dare to seek me for truths, if not of their concern." "For war reeks on your body. I can smell the stench of the battles you have laid yourself upon." His hand grips the handle for a moment before he sneers and then slams the very blade into a part of an already cleaved aetheric stone. Electrical current of violet lightning streaks up the blade for a moment. "..but fight you.. I do not wish.. I need my strength for what is to come.. or until I can not longer resist the call..." "For many already have my favor.. and they will soon use of it for their own selfish means of endeavors and dreams.. or even for non-selfish.. but few ask for those."
Serori	The slight tightening at the corners of her eyes betrays the passing apprehension she feels at the sight of Odin's sword. Its sudden draw puts a tightness in her gut, too -- an instinctive readiness for conflict she often experiences but seldom acknowledges. After he thrusts the sword into the ground, the feeling doesn't fade right off. It takes him talking again for her nerves to relax. It's not fear that makes her knot up. Saiyans rarely experience fear. What she feels is excitement, a thrill and hunger flashing in her eyes and her smirk -- sensations Odin may be able to understand, but not many others. Serori's smirk widens back up into a smile once he comments on her /stench/. "I'm someone who seeks conflict, yes. I want to conquer worlds, and lay the foundations of an empire for my children to someday inherit. Bloodshed is a required cost for ambitions like mine, but I think you understand that." Serori folds her arms across her chest. "You sound as if you have disdain for those who would use your favor for selfish reasons. Why give your favor at all if you think it will be abused? What do you gain by favoring the undeserving? To that end -- who /is/ deserving, in your eyes?" A few questions all at once, and all rather personal.
Odin	Odin tilts his head faintly to her words. His eyes never losing that unearthly glow. He stands almost like a statue, never breathing, rarely moving. Like a great hunter at rest, waiting to spring for when the chance is given and wasting little energy, so all power would be driven into the attack. "Favors are a form of honor. What one does with that honor is not of my long term concern, just as the servant does not ask the master why-- they only do." Odin then tilts his head the other way. "Just that the thought for the master is there.. what will have my servant do.." Odin then looks out over the Urth's Gift. His eyes watching as a few deer like creatures go frolicking across the stream and then bending down their necks to get a drink of water. He does not take his attention away from the creatures, even as he speaks. "..as for what I believe to be right or to be wrong, does not matter by the end. Those worthy prove themselves to be worthy. All by a show of some strength..be it wisdom or by the blade." Odin then looks at her, "For strength of any kind can shape the world.. and my blade," He then motions to the Obsidian sword within the aetheric crystal. "Can cut the twines of mountains that need to be moved." He then lowers his hand, "..or at one time.. even remove from one from the very threads of fate itself.."
Serori	Silence descends between the two. Contemplative, yet heavy, the silence almost seems to crackle, like a storm about to break. Serori's smile fades, and she turns her eyes from Odin to consider the deer, the crystal spire, and the rushing waters. Like Odin, she possesses traits which obviously separate her from humanity. The sharpness of her face is feminine, but also vulpine in a way, and cunning. The gleam in her eyes is too keen. The way she holds herself is confident, but she also seems like she's standing right on the edge of something, like she's always ready to move, to act, to strike. Though no Primal, she embodies a certain ferocity that makes her almost a reduced phantom of Odin's spirit. When she speaks again, she is back to being cautious. "I do not move mountains," Serori murmurs. "I /break/ them. Anything in my path is destroyed or other rendered inconsequential. My kind are more than warriors -- we are, together or singly, a force of destruction. Or so it was." She blinks slowly, then meets Odin's gaze. "We're reduced, now. Most of my kind is dead. Those of us who've survived are at war with each other. No one respects our rightful King, and the one I've become allied to, the one I'm sworn to serve -- he's a half-breed. Powerful, but not a true saiyan." "But, we're not complacent. We have a purpose, and eventually, one way or another, we'll be unified again. We'll become strong again. Is that what you want? To recapture what you've lost? Do you want to 'cut threads' again, Odin? I know /I/ would."
Odin	Odin stands there. Listening to what Serori has to say. His eyes actually dim in light, as his lips nearly part. Her words strike a cord in the Elder Primal who has been trapped for thousands of years. Something about her words hit a cord in his pained heart that misses a time long since gone. For the extinction of rare he knows well and the cries of the people, still echo easily in his ears, even after so long. His words are loss on him before at last his lips come to meet again. He turns away from her, stepping away as his step moves with ghostly silence. His cape barely moving with the motion as he goes to place his finger tips against the hilt of the sword. His reflection within the crystal was distorted. Like a dark beast of tendrils and crude armor. The reflection within the crystal, didn't even show the man that Serori stares at right now, but perhaps-- that was just the design of the crystal itself. To distort the truth. When Odin does speak, his words still hold the power, but soft. Human. "Your desire be true to your ownth heart. That I can sense upon thou lips of the words you speak." His eyes then close gently. "For no beast should be without a home.. and no living soul should be without their own.. to be the last.. to even be few.." Odin does not finish his own words, as he hand slides away. "Your vengeance will carry what you desire. You will cripple those whom stand before you and your kingdom will grow into the power you seek.. but for perhaps a great cost of self.." Odin then turns to face her, "..and you will see it through.. the look in yours eyes says it all. For that look is no stranger to me... but your words also cause me pause.." Odin then tilts his head, "..for it sounds as if you desire to offer me something? For either be true or not, step close and look me in the eyes as you speak. Let me hear the honesty of what you have to say be true." Odin then raises up his head ever so slightly, "Come. Speak."
Serori	Without any obvious hesitation, Serori accepts the invitation to step close. Prowling footsteps bring her to Odin's side, until she is close enough to be in easy reach, but not so close that tipping back her head to meet his gaze is at all uncomfortable. Size is in his favor. Serori's eyes travel up his form, from the hand on his sword to his chest to his face -- his strangely human, gentled face -- and smiles. "I asked about your motivations so I could understand you. If giving you freedom was in my power, I would give it just to see what would happen, but I don't know how to offer you anything. You're a Primal; a deity, to the eyes of some. I'm only mortal, and my gifts are limited. Knocking over a mountain is one thing, but restoring /your/ power...that's something I don't know that I have the means to accomplish. It could be worth the effort." Serori allows her arms to fall back to her sides. One hand rests on her hip, now slightly upturned as her weight shifts from an even distribution to a rightward lean. "You share my loss. I can see that much. You are the last of your kind, aren't you? It's a fate I don't want to share. I would wipe out countless others if it meant bringing back even a single saiyan. I would give a lot more than my self and soul to see my empire restored to its glory." "Why don't you tell me if there is anything I /can/ offer you, Odin? If I'm going to ever ask your favor, I intend to earn it."
Odin	Odin stares down at the young woman before him. Taking in the alien and yet similar features. Those eyes gaze over her for only a short moment before his finger tips slide away from the hilt of his sword. Though there was an none required inhale with an exhale, apparently due to her proximity. It was even with that slight breath do the crystal leaves move, almost chime. The area around him almost bending to his will in that quiet moment. Her words heard. The courage. The honesty. All judged in that moment. Once she finishes he bows his head ever so gently, as to say in silence that her words about the last may be true. For such things do not need to be spoken, for if there is others-- he does not know where they hide, but given his own history-- he was removed from them with his own fall. "What has been given to me, can not be stripped. Created for war, was I. To battle the very gods, that I had become. Yet the price, has played its toll.. and its toll of time. For what I seek, you can not give me with ease. For though I know Urth has left into the aether, her ken still stands. I seek their blood, blood forged by betrayal." Odin then looks to his former prison, "..for her words still haunt me.. her ghost refusing to not torment me. Just as I can not ignore my calling," He then looks at Serori once more, "Just as you can not ignore it either. I see it in your eyes.." Odin then swiftly with a single motion, reaches for his sword once more, the blade pulled free with simple ease and then he brings it down, where if she moves he could harm her, but if she stands her ground. The blade halts only a few inches from her face. The gentle glow of the blade gleaming. A soft hum can be heard from it, even with the chime of the leaves. "I seek for that which has robbed me. Her blood must run. Give that to me," His sword then goes to move away slowly. "..and you will gain far more than perhaps simple favor.." "Because that is what I seek." His voice runs cold. "Vengeance for that which has robbed me of all that I was, am, and shall be." He then turns the hilt of the blade around, for the hilt to face her. "..but understand a war is soon to come.. for that of once of Allagan Descent on white wings will ride once more.. and his master too seeks his own vengeance.. and that vengeance will reach far beyond the heart of the Light. For he cares not of blood kin.. but only that of true resolve." "And whilst I may be able to aid against he and his.. I can not do so, so long as my strength continues to be robbed. For while I seek no servants, he has many..."
Serori	The gentle glow gleams inside the depthless black forming Serori's hard stare. Less than an inch above them, the sharp edge of Odin's steel still quivers, having only just come to a sudden stop. The sharpness is enough to split her in half; she wonders if she could have stopped it, or if it, like Gohan's sword, would be too strong for her to manage alone. It's not the only thought to cross her mind. In a flash, she assesses the quality of Odin's weapon, the power wreathing its blade, and the strength behind it. An instinctive cunning and determination is illuminated by the light her eyes have captured -- a dangerous sort of ambition. The kind of ambition that's carried her to what power she grasps already. The kind that will carry her to more. "Vengeance...?" Serori sounds the word out slowly, as if each syllable is being weighed. As Odin takes his sword away and spins it to offer the hilt, she stops considering the strength of his body, and starts to think ahead to what it might cost to bring him what he wants. Lifting her right hand, she stretches her fingers toward the sword's hilt, stopping just shy of making any contact. Like heat radiating from fire, she can feel the weapon's power. Her eyelids lower partway, and she bends her head slightly forward. Her lips purse around a thoughtful sound, low and soft. "And who exactly should be the first to feel it? You're making enemies for me, and I need names so I can decide if the risk is worthwhile."
Odin	Odin holds the blade steady. He does not move, once more like a state among the crystal and natural flora and the mirror pool of water that slowly runs off the edge of the mountain side. "Those whom are kin to the woman named Urth. They are those whom sleep here in the Black Shroud and some have moved to other lands within this world's domain." "I know whom they are, by my senses that guide.. and I can grant you that sight.. so you may see them as well.. That way only her kin shall be slayed and none of the other Light's children. For I dare not wish to harm the Light, even if other darker powers whom lurk in the shadows wish it so." Odin says, his voice calm, but a hint of concern there when he speaks of the shadows. "Shalt you take the offer, child of to be queen? Shalt you do for me, as I shalt do for you in return?" Odin asks, his hand holds the blade lightly. For the blade he offers is powerful, a weapon that could cut through several plains of existence in one controlled sweep. A weapon not forged by steel or any alloy, but that if the very life force of the planet, Odin's own soul, and powers unexplained. A weapon designed to kill the very beings that he has become.
Serori	Laying her fingers against the hilt steals the caution from Serori's gaze. In its place, her greed is fully enflamed -- her hunger woken by the possibilities this reckless pact might pay out. She isn't just /ambitious/, Odin will realize; no, she has the drive to /take/ what she wants, to fight anyone who would keep her vision from being realized, and to do whatever is required to achieve success. If she lives to become everything she dreams of being, 'Queen' may be the least of her titles. "Yes." Simply put. Serori lifts her gaze from the sword to once again meet Odin's, and she smiles for him as her hand wraps around the sword's hilt. "I'll get you your revenge. And if for some reason I fail, neither of us will lose anything in the attempt, I can promise that much. I'm not going to die for you, Odin." "But I will kill for you."